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Outings Your Toddler Will Love!

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Outings Your Toddler Will Love!

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Aug 21 2018
Every day with your toddler feels like an adventure. The way their eyes light up when they see something for the first time, the way they laugh when they find the most mundane thing funny, and the way they touch, smell, and taste everything that comes across their path. And let’s face it, as parents, we really can’t get enough of watching them grow up — just so long as they do it slowly. If you’re looking for a few places to take your toddler to brighten their day and expand their world, check out these five outings your toddler will love! The Beach Kids just love exploring the beach. That’s because there’s so much to see, feel, and do. Bring your little one here, and you’ll spend all day watching them enjoy playing with the pails and shovels, squishing the sand between their hands and toes, and splashing their feet in the cool water. Just make sure you put sunscreen on all their exposed parts, a hat on their head, and keep them hydrated throughout the day. Zoos & Aquariums You’ll get a kick out of seeing your little one’s eyes light up when they step into the zoo or aquarium. Everything is brand new to them here — all the different animals and fish and their unique habits, and also the smells and sounds. It’s a world of wonder for your toddler. Be sure to bring a stroller on your adventure, as they’ll likely need a place to rest every few stops. The Local Park Childhood is all about playing in the park. And your toddler will create wonderful memories playing on the jungle gym and in the sandboxes, especially if there are other kids there too. Playing at the park can also help them to develop their gross motor skills, physical strength and also their problem solving and communication skills. Kiddie Pools The kiddie pool is an excellent place to take your toddler. Most children are highly fascinated with the features of water — it’s unique colour, temperature, movement, and fluidity are all very captivating to them. Also, don’t be afraid to get in there with them and show them how to splash, blow bubbles, and push around the fun and colourful water toys to add to their experience. Children’s Museums & Libraries While there are many all-ages museums and libraries that your children will love as well, taking them to children-specific venues is sure to bring smiles to their faces. Children’s libraries and museums are full of activities, books, and things to do that are meant to entertain and engage your children specifically. If you like to see your children marvel at new ideas and learn new things, look no further! Sing-alongs Children love to sing, whether they’re at home on the couch singing along with their favourite TV show or singing along with you in the car. But did you know that you can likely find children’s sing-along events in your community? These are an excellent way for your children to have fun and meet new friends! When it comes to finding outings your toddler will love, sometimes the most ordinary places for us are what delight them the most. Don’t be afraid to take them around and show them the world!
Why Your Baby Deserves High-Quality Clothing

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Why Your Baby Deserves High-Quality Clothing

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Jul 09 2018
When it comes to buying your baby clothing, sleepwear, and everything in between, it can be difficult to know what to choose. Babies are delicate and have very sensitive skin during their early years of development. The type of clothing and fabrics you buy for your little one is really important for keeping them cozy, comfortable and safe. Using the right materials can make all the difference when it comes to your baby getting restful, sound sleep, and of course, letting you enjoy your restful nights, too. Here’s more on why it’s necessary to remember that your baby deserves high-quality clothing only. Doesn’t Irritate Sensitive Skin As mentioned, babies have very sensitive skin in comparison to us adults. So any harsh or irritating fabrics like wool can make them uncomfortable, itchy, and even cause rashes or skin conditions to flare up like eczema. That’s why it’s always necessary to pay attention to the types of fabrics that you’re selecting when shopping for baby gear. Try to avoid common irritants like tags placed along the necklines which can be itchy, or metal buttons which can cause allergic reactions. It’s More Convenient Another common reason why your baby deserves high-quality clothing is the convenience factor. Quality clothing designs usually take into account the type of functionality that’s necessary for making your life a little easier as a parent. For example, footed, easy-zip pajamas made with grip pads on the bottom are designed to get your little one in and out of their PJs in a synch, while giving that extra safe grip on their feet to prevent any slipping. Parents usually have to change their baby’s clothing several times throughout the day, so having those extra fasteners and easy, thoughtful designs can make a world of difference when your baby is fussing. It Helps Them Sleep Better Cotton is one of the most common fabrics that’s used for baby clothing thanks to its breathability. Since babies are unable to regulate temperature, having some lightweight materials that encourage good airflow is crucial. Cotton is always a great choice for this reason — it won’t irritate or stifle your little one while they sleep. Here at baby deedee, we’re parents too. We understand the type of fabrics and designs that are necessary to help keep your baby cozy while making your life easier too. That’s why all of our products, from our pajamas to our sleeping bags, are made with soft, high-quality cotton or fleece to keep your baby fuss-free and comfortable. Browse through our online store to find what you need to keep your little one swaddled in the best quality for their sensitive skin.
5 Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers

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5 Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Jul 09 2018
When the sun is shining and the weather is pleasant and warm, the options are endless for throwing a special summertime birthday party for your little one. But sometimes, too many options can make it difficult to figure out exactly what to do. To help make your child’s day extra special, here are five summer birthday party ideas for toddlers to give you some inspiring ideas. Bubble Theme Birthday Party You can easily make your child’s day extra fun with something you know they’ll love — bubbles! They’re easy, affordable, and guaranteed to put a smile on your little one’s face. This is the perfect way to keep your toddler and all of the other kids who are attending entertained for hours. You can set up a bubble station, create bubble-themed drinks for both the kids and adults, and watch them giggle and have fun! Popsicle Stick Themed Food There’s no better time to indulge in something sweet, cool, and refreshing! Popsicles/skewers are such a simple, easy, and versatile item to serve up and get creative with. Here you can get creative and add slices of watermelon or other fruit to popsicle sticks, along with cake pops, and a variety of different sauces and toppings that everyone can dip and sprinkle on to their sweet treats. Just make sure you don’t use pointy sticks, and only use foods that you know the children can eat! Beach Balls and Lawn Sprinklers Looking for a way to beat the heat during that summer birthday party? You can keep your kid and all of their friends entertained and cool by setting up the lawn sprinkler and adding in a few beach balls to toss around. You could also take this idea a bit further with some other beach-related ideas like a kiddie pool, water guns, beach umbrellas, lawn chairs, and refreshing items to serve for everyone to enjoy while lounging in the sun. BBQ Picnic Of course, what’s a summer birthday party without some form of BBQ? Fire up the grill and serve what kids love most — hot dogs and hamburgers! You can serve these as the main, alongside some of those popsicle-theme items, or different flavoured ice cream that the kids will all love. You can easily throw your little one a special summertime birthday party by simply adding in the things that they love and enjoy, like bubbles, food on popsicles, a kiddie pool, or some fun running through the sprinklers. It doesn’t take much! Get inspired with these easy ideas that’ll let both the kids and adults have a great time.
7-tips-when-looking-for-a-sitter

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7 Tips When Looking for a Sitter

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Jun 20 2018
Choosing a sitter can be quite a daunting and nerve-wracking task – in reality, you are hiring a stranger to take care of your baby. So when it comes to hiring a sitter for your child, you should be picky. That’s why you need to take a little more extra time and care when finding the right person. To ensure you find the best fit for you and your family, check out these seven tactics. Use Personal Recommendations The best place to start is by asking friends, family, and coworkers which sitters they’ve used and would recommend. This should at least give you a couple of names to work with. But you shouldn’t feel pressured to hire someone just because your best friend recommended them, that doesn’t mean they will be right for your family. Check Sitter Agencies You should also consider doing a little online work to scope out a few other potentials using a sitter website like sittercity.com., care.com or local facebook babysitting groups. You can easily browse through the online profiles and find a sitter that meets the specific requirements you have. Many agencies also do background checks and provide information on their relative experience, which can help you save time on the scouting process. Ask For References When it comes to your child’s safety due diligence is crucial. We recommend asking for a list of references and giving each a call. And don’t feel bad about asking lots of questions - the more you know about the potential candidate, the better. Any parent you are calling will understand that. Look For Qualifications You wouldn’t hire an inexperienced daycare provider to take care of your child so why would you hire an under-qualified babysitter? Certifications like First Aid training and experience working with children in the past can demonstrate that they take their job seriously and are prepared for anything that might arise. While every babysitter, of course, needs to land their first gig at some point, it’s up to you whether or not you choose to hire someone inexperienced. Watch How They Interact The interview is the only time you get to analyze the sitter in person. So try not to spend the entire session asking questions. Allow the sitter to interact directly with your child during this time. This will give you the time you need to see if you like the way they talk, play, and respond to your little one before you hire them. Try Them Out A test run can really weed out the bad sitters from the good ones. Give each potential candidate a short babysitting session. Call them over to take care of your child for a few hours and then come back earlier. If you come home early and see a scene that you shouldn’t see (like the sitter playing on their phone absentmindedly), they probably aren't serious about the job. Show up unannounced This is a great way to see what is really going on, particularly if you have a baby who cannot tell you what is happening while you are away. Definitely stop by the playground or home when you know your child is there to see how your sitter is interacting with your baby. Trust your instincts We all have instincts that we sometimes ignore in favour of more rational arguments. When it comes to the most precious people in your life, go with your gut. Even if a sitter has a perfect resume and references, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Child sleeping in bed

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How Screen Time Affects Sleep Quality

by Bold Support on Jul 24 2017
In this day and age, it’s hard not to take advantage of the many benefits of technology. When it comes to settling the kids or keeping them busy so that you can relax and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself, those devices that grab their attention in an instant seem like a blessing. But too much screen time is not without drawbacks, especially as we begin to rely on it more excessively. In fact, sleep specialists are starting to see a noticeable connection between increased screen time – whether it’s the computer, iPad, smartphone, or TV – and poor quality of sleep. To learn more about how screen time affects sleep quality for your children, read on. Excessive Use of Electronics Ask any parent these days and they’ll tell you that some form of electronic device is an important part of their parenting arsenal. These devices have become so helpful in calming the kids and keeping them distracted that they’ve become almost too much of a crutch. The use of technology and screen time has become so widespread that studies are showing how this increased exposure to screens is impacting the quality of sleep for both adults and children. Studies have shown in particular that excessive screen time leads to shortened sleep duration and a delay in the timing of sleep.  With the almost addictive nature of electronic use, it’s cutting into the duration available to get that full amount of rest we all need. Bright Lights Stimulate Brain & Disrupt Circadian Rhythm In addition, there are more severe impacts than merely cutting into bedtime. The constant long exposure to bright light emitted from the screen suppresses the release of melatonin, which is largely responsible for maintaining our circadian sleep rhythm. This in combination with the content being viewed stimulates the brain enough to release adrenaline. Once this hormone is activated, it makes it hard to get to sleep. If you keep electronic devices in your child’s bedroom, these can also disrupt sleep. It’s not unusual for an iPad screen to turn on with no prompting in the middle of the night, or for a smartphone to buzz with an alert. This interruption can cause your child to wake up and struggle to fall back to sleep. Limit Screen Time to Improve Sleep Understandably, screen time before bed has the biggest noticeable impact on the quality of your children’s sleep. Sleep needs to remain as a priority and establishing healthy habits early is essential. This is why Department of Health guidelines recommend creating limits for children under 13 years of age to two hours of screen time per day and children under 5 with less than one hour per day, avoiding usage at least three hours before bedtime. Also keep screens out of the bedroom to prevent unwanted interruptions or distractions throughout the night. With the widespread use and growing dependence on electronic devices, problems associated with excessive screen time are only bound to get worse. But by creating limitations for your children now, they can hopefully develop better habits that don’t allow technology to take precedence over their wellbeing and quality of sleep.
Baby surrounded by food

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Fun Summer Snack Ideas for Babies

by Bold Support on Jul 17 2017
Summer is finally here and that means you’ve got plenty of quality family time to spend with the kids. Whether it’s road trips or family outings at the park, you always need to have some snacks on hand to satisfy your little one. And with so many fruits and veggies that are ripe and in season, there are many healthy snacks that you can whip up for your baby in no time. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few fun summer snacks for babies that you can try out this season.   PUREES Making a puree out of fresh fruit and veggies is one of the easiest snacks you can make for your baby. And best of all, it takes little time and effort. Kiwi Apple Zucchini Puree In a blender, combined two cored apples, three kiwis (leave the skin on to enjoy triple fiber), and three zucchini. The sweet flavor of the kiwi hides the taste of zucchini, so even the pickiest eater will lap this up. This puree is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and dietary fiber. Recipe Source: Simply Whisked Blueberry Apple Spinach Puree Combine two chopped apples, one cup of organic blueberries, and ¼ cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least ten minutes to soften the fruit and meld the flavors. Remove from heat, add a handful of fresh spinach, and blend until smooth. The extra healthy twist on apple sauce is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Recipe Source: Baby Foodie Soft Banana Toast This recipe is perfect as a snack or breakfast that’s a soft finger food and will get them into trying slightly different textures. Keep in mind that this snack is meant to be very soft, so don’t expect it to be firm like actual toast. What you need: 1 piece of bread, sliced into “fingers” 1 ripe banana 60 ml of milk Dash of cinnamon What to do: Mash or blend banana, milk and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth. Then heat a pan over medium heat. Dip the bread into the banana mixture and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on each side. Let them cool before serving. Recipe Source: One Handed Cooks   PUREE POPCICLES Nothing captures summer quite like a cool, refreshing popsicle. You can get really creative with different flavors and ingredients to satiate your teething baby. Carrot Mango & Raspberry Pops You’ll need two cooked carrots, the flesh of one ripe mango, and a handful of raspberries. You can adjust the amounts depending on taste preference. The carrots work well to balance out the sweet tartness of the fruit. Just blend together, pour into your popsicle tray and freeze. Recipe Source: Miedema Produce Watermelon Pops Watermelon is one of the best snacks to serve to your infant in the summer time. And beyond slicing it, you can throw some in a blender and freeze as well to have some cool pops to serve on those hot and humid summer days. The summer months are perfect for taking advantage of those fresh flavors while keeping your baby happy and cool. If you’re looing for ideas, try out these easy summer snacks that your baby will love during the summer time.
Tips for Babyproofing Your Home

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Tips for Babyproofing Your Home

by Dominique de Bourgknecht on Jul 03 2017
Preparing your home for your new bundle of joy is a time filled with excitement. Decorating the nursery, selecting your stroller and cute new outfits are usually on everyone’s mind...
Sleep Training Your Baby – Without the Tears!

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Sleep Training Your Baby – Without the Tears!

by Bold Support on Jun 26 2017
Cry it out? No-cry sleep training? Baby deedee founder and mother of three offers a personal approach to what worked for her.
Happy baby eating food in a high chair

Baby deedee Blog

Baby’s First Foods

by Bold Support on May 29 2017
Being a first-time mom can be challenging, especially when it comes to figuring out what to feed your baby and when to start them on solids. There are many signs to look for to indicate if your baby is ready to eat, and there are lots of great food options that are safe and nutritious for them. That’s why we’ve put together this quick information sheet to help you out with starting your baby on the right foods first. When to first introduce solids Experts believe that the best time to introduce your baby to solid foods is in the first four to six months. The timing will depend on a few different factors with their overall development, including if your baby has the coordination to chew and swallow, if they’ve mastered tongue movement, and can hold their head up on their own. Another tell-tale sign is if they have started to show interest in your foods and have reached out to try and grab items during your meals. The best starter foods You will want to start with mashed and soft foods. Small amounts of mashed cooked meats, beans, tender cooked vegetables, cut up bananas, grated cheeses, cooked egg, mushy cereal, and soft deboned fish are excellent starter foods. The goal is to introduce iron-rich foods into their diet that are easy for them to self-feed. Also, don’t be afraid to introduce flavorful foods into their diet, it will help them to accept different types of foods further down the road. The foods to avoid Avoid any foods that are hard, long, and sticky. Things like peanut butter, honey, popcorn, whole nuts, long uncooked vegetables, and full-sized hot dogs are bad to start with. These foods can become an easy choking hazard. Introduce allergenic foods Contrary to what you believe, introducing peanuts and other typical allergenic foods may help to prevent a risk of developing these allergies further on. Of course, if you notice any hives, breathing issues, or rashes, make sure to take your baby to the hospital right away. Gagging is normal Gagging is actually a natural reflex for your baby. It teaches them how to move food around in their mouth and how to not choke on the food. Begin a daily schedule Start scheduling feeding times at the same time every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. This will help your baby learn to eat at specific times of the day, which will be easier for you as they age.   It’s going to be messy It will take time for your baby to master eating so it’s going to be pretty messy for the first while. Plus, they will make all kinds of funny faces as they experience new tastes and textures. This is all completely normal and is all part of the parenting fun. Parenthood can be scary at times, but it’s also exciting - especially when it comes to feeding your baby for the first few times. And starting them on solids may take a little time to master but it will ensure proper development for your baby. Follow these tips and you will be able to start off on the right foot!
Coping with Children’s Separation Anxiety: Tips From a Fellow Parent

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Coping with Children’s Separation Anxiety: Tips From a Fellow Parent

by Bold Support on May 04 2017
Separation anxiety can occur at many stages throughout your child’s early years when your child is adjusting to spending time away from you...
Fresh Spring Baby Shower Theme Ideas: Our Top Picks

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Fresh Spring Baby Shower Theme Ideas: Our Top Picks

by Bold Support on Apr 06 2017
A new baby means lots of exciting things are coming your way. One of which is the baby shower! 
Strategies for Dealing with a Public Toddler Meltdown

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Strategies for Dealing with a Public Toddler Meltdown

by Brock Murray on Feb 07 2017
We’ve all seen the public toddler meltdown, sympathizing with the tired parents trying to calm their children as they are crying their hearts out in the middle of Aisle 4.
Breastfeeding Tips: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

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Breastfeeding Tips: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

by Brock Murray on Jan 31 2017
Breastfeeding your child can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. However, it can also be frustrating for parents if your newborn is being fussy and having trouble latching.
Sleep Tips for Tired Parents

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Sleep Tips for Tired Parents

by Bold Support on Jan 18 2017
Sleep is not always the easiest thing for babies. Some babies have a very difficult time falling asleep while others are happy falling asleep in their crib from day one.
Fun Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

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Fun Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

by Brock Murray on Dec 19 2016
The holiday season is finally upon us! As children grow, they become more aware of the holiday season and everything that comes along with it.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Baby and Toddlers

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Baby and Toddlers

by Bold Support on Dec 08 2016
Buying presents for babies and toddlers can be such a fun experience – there are so many options and the joy that you see on that little one’s face as they open their gifts makes everything worth it.
Sleeping Tips for Baby: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

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Sleeping Tips for Baby: Experiences from a Fellow Mom

by Bold Support on Dec 01 2016
Bedtime can be both an exciting and dreaded time for parents with babies and young children. While the prospect of bedtime means that parents will finally have at least a few hours of quiet time...
How to Prepare Your Babysitter for a Night Out

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How to Prepare Your Babysitter for a Night Out

by Brock Murray on Nov 24 2016
A night out on the town sounds extremely exciting for the homebound parents of a small baby. However, a night out also means that someone else will be watching your baby. 
Easy Learning Games and Activities for Your Baby

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Easy Learning Games and Activities for Your Baby

by Brock Murray on Nov 17 2016
Whether your baby is halfway through their first year, or entering their toddler years, simple games and activities are the best way to have some fun while learning, too.
Safe Sleep Positions for Infants

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Safe Sleep Positions for Infants

by Brock Murray on Nov 03 2016
When you tuck your baby down, it’s natural to worry and check in to ensure that everything is okay – especially during those first months. After all, worry is an inevitable part of the parenting equation.