Sun Safety tips for your Little Ones!

Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Below are The Skin Cancer Foundation's recommendations.

Infants
0-6 months: Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. Their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen.

• Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV window film,
• Take walks early in the morning before 10 AM or after 4 PM and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.
• Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby's face, neck, and ears.

Babies
6-12 months: It's now safe to use sunscreen on babies.

• All the protection methods explained above still apply, however now sunscreen use should be incorporated.
• Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby's hands.
• Most importantly, sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

Toddlers/Pre-School Age

• Make sure your child seeks the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM. Check the outdoor area where your child plays to make sure there is adequate shade.
• Make sure toddlers are covered. Long-sleeved, unbleached cotton clothing is cool and comfortable, while also highly protective. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) listing on the label offers extra security. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with a UPF of 30 or higher. 
• Don't forget hats and sunglasses. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects face, neck, and ears.Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who won't sit still. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher.

Tips courtesy of Skin Cancer Foundation

Backyard Safety Tips for a Safe & Happy Labor Day!

Many families enjoy spending time in their backyards, especially while celebrating Labor Day. But the backyard poses an entirely new set of problems and concerns. It doesn’t matter whether you like to have family cook outs or simply sit outside and look at the stars.

 

Here is a list of tips to keep your little ones safe in the backyard. 1. Watch your baby at all times. Bugs, rocks, dirt, grass, etc. could all prove to be hazards. Attentive parenting is always the best safety tool. 2. Bug spray. If you live in a climate where mosquitoes, ticks, etc are a problem then you will want something to protect your baby. The best products are Deet free and come in gentle formulas. 3. Water. Always have plenty of fresh water and snacks. 4. Sunscreen. Anytime your baby is outdoors they should be protected with an SPF of at least 50. 5. Keep your baby contained. If you have a large yard, you may want to invest in playyard. It will keep baby in one area, and give you a much smaller area to baby proof. Pay special attention once your child starts standing, as they will eventually be able to climb out. 6. Be mindful of plants and insects. Babies love to put things in their mouth, and many items outdoors are poisonous. Make sure to research anything you plant in the garden, as well as anything that pops up in the wild. If you do find something poisonous, uproot it immediately or kill it with a weed killer. 7. Be prepared for stings. Bees, wasps, yellow jackets etc, are all real threats to your baby. If your child gets stung (assuming that they aren’t allergic) you can administer a cold compress and some antihistamines. 8. Grilling. Always keep the baby away from the grill and open flame.  Tips courtesy of Babyproofingdirectory.com

Little Ones that get Left Behind

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Tips for easing the transition when older sibling go back to school.

Play school. Set up your own classroom and play school teaching simple lessons. 

Explain the changes. Prepare your little ones with a “story” about how school days will be a little different — but still fun and happy — once the older ones head off.

Create a “secret” leave-behind. Make a special card together with them to remind your older child how much their younger brother or sister loves them, and tuck it into your older child’s lunch bag or backpack. It will actually be a special treat for your toddler as well!

Do something special on the first day. After your older child heads to school, try to do something special with the younger one. Try a café for lunch ,visit a museum or organize a playdate. Whatever you do, make it special and enjoy each other’s company.

Practice the art of distraction. If all else fails, try your best to divert their attention away from missing his or her older siblings. Bake cookies together, put together a puzzle, go for a walk. Or just snuggle and take a nap together.

It’s hard for young children to know what to expect when one sibling goes to school. It certainly is an adjustment, no doubt. But, like anything else the changes will morph into a decidedly  familiar and comfortable new routine. Then before you know it, it’ll be time for summer vacation once again!

Some tips courtesy of Parenting Magazine on-line.

5 ways alleviate back to school anxiety

Back to school can be difficult for kids and parents. Here are five way to help alleviate back to school anxiety. 

1) Go shopping together - Even if you already have the items on hand, make a special trip to the store to pick up one or two things -- and make it a fun excursion for both of you.

2) Get the sleep schedule on track - Gradually get them back on schedule, moving up their bedtime by 15-30 minutes every few days. This way, when their first day of school rolls around, their internal body clocks will already be adjusted.

3) Create a special goodbye ritual - Whether it's a silly handshake or a simple call-and-response phrase like, "See ya later alligator/After a while crocodile," find something unique to do as you say your goodbyes.

4) Keep it short but sweet - Give them one last hug, take a deep breath, trust the teachers and walk away.

5) Celebrate at pick-up - At the end of the school day, make sure you are not late, tell them how proud you are and ask what's on the tap for tomorrow so you can keep the enthusiasm going.

Tips courtesy of Parenting Magazine on-line

Calico Critters Fun Day!

Calico Critters Party Aug 18, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.  Come meet Mrs. Fisher Cat, WIN 15-25% Off Calico Critter purchases, Enjoy our Tea Party, Face Paintng & More!

Visit www.kstoy.com/events