As children get older it can get difficult to decide what to buy them especially as many children want electronic games or screen devices. But there are so many options that are screen free and I have done the hard work for you.

Practical gifts like hats, sunglasses, lunch boxes, drink bottles, activity sets and items that can be used outside are often winners as they will last for years, won’t be another toy that gets tossed to the side and the quality product that you purchase from my store will last for ages.

Gift Idea 1- Babiator Sunglasses- $34.95

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/babiator-sunglasses/

These come in sizes 0-2 years and 3-5 years and come with a 1 year replacement warranty. If you LOSE it or break it then they replace for free (just pay postage). What an amazing deal as so many kids throw them out of prams or twist them. We have two designs to choose from- Navigators and Aviators and they come in Black, Pink and Blue.

Gift Idea 2- Yumbox lunchbox- from $26.95 

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/yumbox-lunch-boxes/

The Yumbox lunch boxes comes in a variety of sizes ranging from the mini snack (perfect for 1-3 year olds and then can be used for food for recess), then the Original (6 sections) Panino (4 sections) and then the Tapas (which is a great lunch box for adults or older children).

Each season they release new colours and designs and I am loving the colours we have in stock at the moment. They are easy for young children to open by themselves at childcare, kindy or school. They are LEAKPROOF so you can put in fruit or yoghurt and it won’t leak in the bag or on to other food. Easy to clean too as the tray comes out.

Gift Idea 3- Bedhead Hats- from $30.95

 https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/bedhead-hats/

My kids use these hats and they actually outgrow them before they get wrecked. They last so long and don’t faded or go out of shape. They have hats for every day use plus some swimming hats. We have hats in size 3 months up to 13 years! I have customers comment each year about the quality of the hats and how soft they are to wear. Plus the chin strap is handy to keep hats on.

Gift Idea Four- RePlay items from $3.00 

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/re-play/

RePlay have created strong, reusable food products that are made from recycled milk bottles so they actually help the environment. We have the gorgeous plates, trays, flat plates, bowls, tumblers (cups), sippy cups and utensils in stock. They come in a rainbow of colours and make great birthday or Christmas gifts. You can choose individual colours or make a set with the plate, cup, bowl and utensils. Perfect for babies who like to throw their plates… and for going out and about to dinner or to the beach or park.

Gift Idea Five- No Nasties Play Make Up and Nail Polish from $12.95 

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/no-nasties-play-make-up/

No Nasties Make Up was developed by an Australian mum who was trying to look for natural make up for her daughter and couldn’t find any safe options so she decided to start making some and the business grew from there. The make up kits come with lip balm,  2eye shadows, blush, sponge and some brushes to help apply. There is also natural nail polish in pink or purple. I have used this with myself and daughter and it is great. The nail polish lasts for quite a while and then it can be peeled off.

Gift Idea Six- BBox Insulated Drink Bottles- $29.95 

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/bbox-products/

Bbox make gorgeous sippy cups for younger children, but when they outgrow them parents aren’t sure what bottle would suit next. I love the insulated drink bottle from Bbox and my son has been using it since he was 12 months old. Easy to use- push the button and the lid comes up, nice size straw to drink from, handle which makes carrying easy for little fingers and plastic base so when it is thrown it doesn’t break or make a loud noise. They also have replacement straws to purchase from our website if the straw gets dirty or broken. It can hold warm liquid and also helps to keep liquid cold during the warmer months. Available in 4 colours.

Gift Idea Seven- Kiddi Kutter Knives- $14.95 

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product/kiddi-kutter-childrens-knife-2/

Do you have a little one that wants to help in the kitchen, but are too young for a sharp knife. Then this is the best invention for little hands. It is a knife that can cut fruit and vegetables, but won’t cut little fingers. The child can run their finger over the knife and the end and it isn’t sharp due to the way the knife is shaped. For tougher foods like carrots, then a sawing action is used to cut. My kids have had these since about 2.5 years old and they have loved being able to help and now they use them to cut their own food at tea time. Available in a range of colours.

Gift Idea Eight- Tiger Tribe- WaterSlide and Water Works- $30 each

 https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/tiger-tribe/

Bath toys are a great way to keep kids entertained and these two sets are lots of fun. The waterslide can be used in a bath or shower by sticking the parts to the tiles. It can be used with water and the balls or just water. My kids have had so much fun with this bath toy and like to race each other with the balls to see who can get down first. My 1 year old loves it too, but I just let him pour water from a bottle down rather than use the balls as they are small. The waterworks is a fun toy for kids to practise turning valves on and off. Fill the top of the bottle head up and then the water goes through different pipes and comes out in the sprinkler section or at the base.

Gift Idea Nine- Tiger Tribe- Activity Sets from $20

 https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/tiger-tribe/

These activity sets are amazing to use when  you are out and about in a cafe, car, plane or even just at home on a warm day. They come with all the textas, pencils, paper, stickers etc to entertain for hours. One of my favourites is the Stain glass set that has 36 designs to colour in and comes with lots of textas to use. They look fantastic when you stick them on the window. My daughter and I have had a great time colouring them in. Another set that is great is the Beat the Clock set. It has over 30 different activities to do and comes with a stopwatch so you can time yourself doing the activites. Great to use over the long school holidays when the kids are getting bored. The Outdoor Nature set looks great and is one that I will be giving my kids this Christmas. It has ideas to get them out in nature and doing things like naughts and crosses using rocks and leaves or mapping the trail of an ant.  Plus there are lots of colouring in sets that stickers, textas and colouring in paper that comes in a hard cover set so it is easy to travel with. I leave a few sets in the car when we are travelling and then can get them out when we go for coffee etc.

Gift Idea Ten- Fashion Designer Pencil Case and Handbag from $20

 https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/tiger-tribe/

Kids will love colouring in their own pictures that are supplied with the pencil case and handbag and then can get an adult to iron on the pictures. The sets come with instuctions on how to iron them on and the kids can choose what colours and where to place them. Then when they go out they will have a place to store their items in the handbag or their pencils and textas in their pencil case. Great gift idea.

Thank you for reading our gift guide. We would love your support in sharing this guide and even better if you can purchase from our small business. We love providing quality items in our store and love to review them so you can get a better understanding on how they work. Feel free to message us with any other questions. www.frombabytokids.com.au

Sara xxx

One month until Christmas and I need to get organised… I think most parents are starting to think that so I have come up with a few gift ideas that might make the buying gifts process easier. These are gifts that I stock because I have used them with my own family so I know how much fun they bring and the quality they are made of.

Gift One- Tiger Tribe Waterslide- $30

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product/tiger-tribe-waterslide-marble-run/

My children have loved their bath time even more lately since I set this waterslide up for them. It comes with lots of connectable pieces that are cute in colour, 2 spinning wheels and 4 little round balls. It took a little to set up and ensure the balls and water flowed, but once it was set up it was great fun. It has two sides that the kids can put the balls down so my kids race the balls to see who will win.

You can use it with just the balls or with water. It has great suction bits to stick to the wall and it would work really well in the shower too. Even my 1 year old loves to watch the balls go down. I prefer not to give him the balls as they are quite small, but he can still play with it by pouring water down. This is great for his fine motor skills.

Gift Two- Stained Glass Set- $25

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product/tiger-tribe-stained-glass-set-sunbeam-dreams/

This is one of my favourite colouring in set. My daughter has this set and we have had so much fun colouring in together. The textas that come with the set make the colours nice and bright on the page and then it can be stuck on the window for extra effect. The set has 36 different designs to colour in, lots of textas to choose from and it comes in a hard cover box that is easy to store and use. We leave ours in our car and use it when we are out and about like at cricket training or out for coffee. Perfect way to keep little ones entertained.

Gift Three- Magic Water Painting- $15

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product-category/tiger-tribe/

If you are looking for a gift for a 1 year old, then this is a fun activity they can use which is mess free. The set comes with a water container with paintbrush head and 4 different paintings. They are white to start with and then the child uses the paintbrush that is filled with water to ‘paint’. They use strokes to uncover the picture underneath. But best of all is that it is reusable. It soon dries and then can be used again and again. This is again one of my favourites and it is useful for long drives, out to tea or on warm days. There are 6 different designs to choose from- Things that go, A day at the Palace. Dinosaurs, Safari Adventures, Fairy Garden and Oceans.

Gift Four- Beat the Clock- $25

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product/tiger-tribe-beat-the-clock-stopwatch-activity-set/

School holidays can be long and the kids get bored. This is when this set comes in handy. It has 36 different games and activities to do like timing how long you can keep a balloon in the air, how quickly they can get undressed, how may times they can throw a paper ball into a bin. Great things for older kids to do especially when it is too hot to go outside.

Gift Five- Magnificent World of ABC Animals- $40

https://frombabytokids.com.au/product/tiger-tribe-magnificent-world-of-abc-animals/

This is on my gift list this year to give to my children. I am excited to play with it too. It comes with lots of letters and pictures of animals and cards with the animals name. The kids can then try to spell the word, match the animals or make new words depending on their age and literacy levels. It is a gift that will suit all 3 of my children.

10 ways to connect with your child

Our lives have become so busy that we are often doing many jobs at the same time whilst trying to cook, clean and be with the family. I know that I often feel like I don’t get jobs done as I am doing too many things at the same time and never get the time to finish them. Plus there is the parents ‘guilt’ that comes because you want to be doing fun things with the children, but other things need to be done. I have asked Julie from Julie’s Tutoring to write about some ideas on how to be with your family and connect with your children. Relationships from an early age is so important and will build the trust with your child so that when it comes to the teenage years they know they can rely on you. So read the article, then put the phone away and have fun doing family time.

1. Family meal time. No screens (including the TV), just conversation and sharing a meal. Implement this as often as you can.
2. Age appropriate physical activity. Walk the dog together, go to the playground, play one-on-one basketball, go for a walk, play classic catch…
3. Rituals. Rituals are incredibly important for families. Keep it simple and to something that works for you with minimal extra effort. A favourite ritual in my house is Pancake Sunday.
4. Shared activities. Conversations are far easier when you are both engaged in an activity. If you want to have a tricky conversation, have it side by side (go for a walk, do the dishes) rather than face to face (across the dinner table). Allow your child to avoid eye contact. Trust me, it works.
5. Ask them what they would like to do, then join in with it (without any distractions ie – your phone).
6. Create something together (cooking, gardening, craft, a playlist for the school drop off or an upcoming road trip).
7. Physical connection. Hug, cuddle, kiss, shake hands, high fives, fist bumps, thumb wars, brush hair, tousle hair, tickle. Keep it age appropriate and to what is comfortable for you both.
8. Extended family gatherings. Catch up with your cousins, aunties, grandparents. Research shows children who are connected to their extended family are more resilient. And resilience is one of the most important traits your child needs to enjoy life and maintain mental health.
9. Connect with your community. Another key to resilient kids is connection to community. So attend a local event, join a club (sports or otherwise), have the neighbours over for a barbecue. Do something to interact with the people who share your town or region.
10. Nature based activity. Head to one of the national parks and go for a walk, have a fish, go for a swim. Explore the natural world together. Having a connection with nature is vital for wellbeing.

Julie is based in Port Lincoln and offers tutoring services to children who are needing that little bit of extra help. Contact Julie via her Facebook page www.facebook.com/juliestutoringportlincoln

You may be thinking what a strange title, but for many babies and children this is a reality for them as they are sleeping in polyester sleeping bags each night. As I continue researching to find quality products for my baby and children’s store From Baby to Kids (www.frombabytokids.com.au) I am horrified to learn that polyester is made from coal and petroleum and is actually a plastic. Polyester is made from the same plastic that the PET bottles that hold water and other food products in.

Natural fibres like cotton and bamboo are fibres that breathe rather than synthetic fibres like polyester that hold the heat in. When a child is wearing a sleeping bag or is covered with a blanket made of polar fleece or polyester, it actually makes them overheat and sweat which is a risk for SIDS. Their little bodies then become sweaty and this then cools their body down as the moisture sits on the skin.

Babies and children who experience allergies and skin conditions like eczema can become worse when they overheat. One option to alleviate overheating and to encourage self regulation is to sleep in natural fibres like cotton and bamboo and even better when it is organic. I personally recommend and sell ErgoPouch sleeping bags and sleepsuits. They have been certified by the eczema association.

When a baby or children can self regulate their temperature, they sleep better. This is what all parents want and this is one way to help achieve it. Our sleeping bags and sleepsuits are available on our website https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/ergopouch/ or can be viewed in our store at 34 Lincoln Highway, Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Sleeping bags, swaddles and bedding often have a TOG rating which describes how warm a particular sleeping bag is and is based on the British unit of measurement called Thermal Overall Grade.

As a mum to two young children, I have found sleeping bags so valuable and gave me a piece of mind to know that during their sleeps they were covered, warm and safe. Both my children were wrigglers who would move from one end of the cot to the other so it was impossible to keep a blanket on them and also potentially dangerous. By using these sleeping bags, it meant I didn’t have to continue getting up in the middle of the night to re-tuck them in. I have used Purebaby and ErgoPouch sleeping bags with both my children as I found it really important that they slept in material that was organically grown, but that would also breathe well so they didn’t overhead and sweat like the polyester versions do.

Sleeping bags can have a rating from 0.2 TOG to 3.5 TOG with the lightest being used in our summer through to the warmest being used in our winter. Typically the winter sleeping bags have a rating of 2.5-3.5 tog and making a choice depends on a number factors like what heating you use in your house, what type of pyjamas your child wears, what your house is made of and whether the afternoon sun hits their windows. It also depends on what your child is like as some babies/ children are hot little bodies and will overheat if you put too much on them and other children need to be layered up to keep warm.

I have found using the ErgoPouch temperature guide that comes free with their sleeping bag helpful to use when working out what to dress your child in eg if your child’s room is 16C and they are wearing a 3.5 tog sleeping bag, then they could wear a long sleeve singlet and warm pyjamas plus their sleeping bag to stay warm.

How to choose a sleeping bag for the different seasons

Winter- choose a 2.5 tog -3.5 tog which is suitable for bedrooms with a temperature of 15-23C.

Autumn and Spring, a 1.0 tog sleeping bag is more suitable when the bedroom is 21-24C

Summer is normally a 0.3-1.0 tog sleeping bag which suits bedrooms with a temperature of 21-27C.

(All of this depends on where you live and what type of air conditioning/ heating)

At From Baby to Kids, we stock a variety of ErgoPouch sleeping bags with sleeves and some without sleeves and we have 2.5 tog and 3.5 tog options. We also have Purebaby long sleeve sleeping bags and they are rated with 3.0 tog.

Visit our website to see the amazing variety of sleeping bags for all seasons- https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/sleep/

Two weeks before school starts is a good time to start practising some of the things the children will have to do by themselves like going to the toilet, putting their jumper on or off, tying shoelaces, opening their lunch box and choosing what they should eat at the right time, asking a teacher a question or help and learning how to sit on the floor with their legs crossed etc.

Now is the time to start getting your child ready and practising something that they will need to do at school by themselves. First thing this week to practise is opening the lunch box by themselves and learning how to put it in and out of their bag. The teacher will be able to help, but with often 20+ children it can take a while to get around the class.
Also talk to your child about what they should eat at fruit time, recess and lunch time. Often they will eat everything at recess and have nothing for lunch.
Some children also feel they need to eat everything in their lunch box and as a result have no time to play at lunch. Explain what you would like them to eat and then let them finish it off after school because all kids are ALWAYS hungry then.

Children will need to learn where the toilets are at school and will have to go to them unassisted. This means they need to feel confident about pulling their uniform/clothes down s…o they can use the toilet. Often new uniforms have zips, buttons or stockings etc that children haven’t had to use by themselves before. A good idea is for the children to wear the uniform at home and try to go to the toilet by themselves. That way you can watch them and can keep practising if they are having trouble.
Always pack a second pair of clothes in their bag so they can change their clothes if they get wet or they can tell a teacher and often the front office people will have spare clothes they can borrow.
You and the teachers will need to explain what the pictures outside the toilet mean so that they can tell what one is the girls and what one is the boys toilet.

I have been fortunate to have been invited by different websites and magazines to write some back to school articles that contain hints and tips for starting school and to ensure the school transition goes smoothly. There are also ideas on what to pack for a healthy lunch and how to improve their fine motor skills.

http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/back-school-tips-parents-prep-students-teacher-persective/

http://www.familydealfriday.com.au/healthy-food-ideas-for-school-children/

http://www.globalkidsoz.com.au/helping_new_esl_students.php

http://www.familycapers.com.au/fine-motor-skills-improving-their-effectiveness/

It is your baby’s first Christmas and you are so excited to celebrate it with them, but you don’t know what to get them. At this age, they often don’t need much, but at the same time they keep growing so you are always buying clothes, nappies and then trying them with new foods. I found with my own kids at this age that they loved the boxes and the wrapping paper and watching the Christmas lights on the Christmas tree.

Here are some ideas on what to get a newborn – 12 month old baby for Christmas. They may not use it right now, but it will come in handy in a few months when they reach the next developmental stage.

1. Wrapping paper

2. Boxes- big, small, colourful, cardboard. They will love them.

3. Musical instruments- We stock two types of maracas that little hands can hold on to and they come in a variety of designs. https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/wooden-toys-and-puzzles/baby-maraca-rattle/ and https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/wooden-toys-and-puzzles/mini-maraca/

4. Babies and little children love to hold on to things and move things around. These little rocking bead animals can rock when you push it and the beads can be moved around which helps to build on their fine motor skills. https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/wooden-toys-and-puzzles/wooden-rocking-animal-beads-wooden-toy-kaper-kidz/

5. Pram liners are a nice way to brighten up a pram and also help protect it. Bambella Designs pram liners come with a built in waterproof layer and handle straps are included for free. https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/bambella-designs/

6. Sleeping bags- Often babies start transitioning from swaddling to a sleeping bag after 3-5 months. Sleeping bags are a great present to give as they will use it every day and every night. Organic cotton ones breathe better than the polyester ones and we stock two options- Purebaby and ErgoPouch.  https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/sleep/

7. Playmat / Cot quilt- Buster Boo have handmade these beautiful cot quilts that are made with the softest cotton. They are reversible and machine washable. Check out their range at https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/buster-boo/

8.  Teether are a nice soft option for babies who are getting their teeth. Some teether contain nasty chemicals in their plastic like BPA which is why I have chosen a natural product made out of rubber called Natural Rubber. https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/organic-and-natural-products/natural-rubber-teether/

9. Stainless drink bottle- When a baby gets to about 6 months, they are encouraged to drink water and choosing a stainless steel bottle is a better alternative than a plastic bottle. H2o onya bottles are made tough and can withstand a lot of throwing on to the floor etc. They come with a sippy lid which can also be changed to a teat using the avent lids. https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/eat-and-drink/

10. Finally a baby needs love for Christmas and lots of cuddles. Christmas is often a time when families get to spend extra time with each other so enjoy it because time really does go quick and it will be another Christmas soon enough.

Merry Christmas and I hope you find these ideas useful.

Sara

Breastfeeding tips

Ask for help, especially in hospital. It is so much easier trying to master breastfeeding in hospital as you can ask the midwives at anytime of the day. However you need to feel comfortable with the midwife otherwise you won’t relax and your baby will sense that. Keep pressing the button until a midwife that you like responds.The first time with my son I had to ask for so much help as he wouldn’t latch on properly and it was weird at first having someone help me and focus on my breast, but I was so happy I kept asking as I still had difficulties at home, but had the confidence to keep persevering.

Second time around with my daughter I was also having trouble and the midwife who was helping me made me feel SO uncomfortable. She marched in, grabbed my boob, grabbed my daughters head and shoved them together. I was uncomfortable, she was screaming and no breastfeeding was happening. Because I was confident I could do it by myself, I said to her ‘thanks, but I’ll keep trying”.

Believe in yourself and your baby. It probably took me 6 months until I felt comfortable with breastfeeding .

I found I was so confused with what the midwives said, the Child Nurse, books and family members all said. Listen to your baby and they will let you know when they want to be fed. If your baby sleeps lots, then you may have to ensure they are getting enough feeds. (My kids never slept that long so didn’t have that problem.)

Read the books, listen to the advice and then make YOUR own mind up about how and when you want to feed your baby. Some babies love to be fed on demand, some are happy with routine and some just go with the flow of what the parent wants to do.My first child had a relaxed ‘routine’ which I loved and he loved as he never had to cry for food as he was fed before he got to that stage. My second child didn’t want a routine and wanted to be fed more often so she was fed every 2-3 hours.

As long as your baby is happy, having lots of wet nappies then you are doing a great job!

Product Review – August 2013

Date of review: 20th August 2013

Product reviewed: Itzy Ritzy Capsule Cover

Name of advertiser: From Baby to Kids

Packaging:

The capsule cover arrived quickly in a parcel post bag. It had its own packaging within the parcel which can be used to store and keep the cover clean.

Instructions:

The labelling is very clear. It has the washing instructions both symbolised and written and explains simply how to put the cover over the capsule.

Suitable for:

The capsule cover is suitable for use over most standard capsules. The colours are nice and bright and I think suitable for use with both boys and girls. From Baby to Kids also have several more designs to choose from.

Quality of materials:

The capsule covers are made from 100% cotton and are of a very nice quality.

Value for money:

The RRP of $44.95 for the capsule cover is very good value for money. I have not been able to find any other specific capsule covers that are similar to this. It is nice and bright and will definitely be used for my daughter.

Would you recommend this product and business to others?

I would definitely recommend this product to family and friends. It is bright and colourful and is much easier than throwing a blanket over the top of the capsule and trying to secure it with pegs on a windy day. The peek-a-boo pocket makes it very easy to check on bubs without having to disturb their sleep.

Overall:

The cover fit perfectly over my capsule but it also fit over our pram with the carry hole to the front. It means when my daughter drops her dummy I can simply reach in to retrieve it instead of having to lift the shade cover and then re-adjust it. We did get caught in the rain but the colours did not run and when it was washed, it maintained its shape and colour. I have received many comments from my mothers group who have also thought it is a great idea!

 Order your Itzy Ritzy cover here https://frombabytokids.com.au/products-page-2/itzy-ritzy/

CapsuleCover review- FFD