Tag Archives: toddlers

KEEPING IT PIN-TASTIC WITH LITTLE ONES

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It’s a fine line –  bulking out your home with toys that keep the little ones thriving without completely destroying that minimalist, Scandi styled space. We’ve pulled together our top three places to buy brilliantly inspired yet beautiful toys for little ones – meaning your house is still perfectly Instagrammable and you have a happy camper in the mix!

 

Hape

The selection of wooden toys from Hape are a firm Frost favourite. Retro in appearance but advanced in stimulation for little ones, you get the best of both for a modest price. Our personal favourites are the gorgeous pound and tap bench, the rotating music box and most of all… the SOLAR SYSTEM JIGSAW. A jigsaw of beautiful colours that will, when done right, look like a purpose built mosaic in your living room. Check out the Hape site for more details.

       

After Noah

This family run business is cuteness to the core. Packed with traditional looking toys, its box of ABC building blocks and wooden jungle animals will help with your little one’s learning AND your house still looking like a Pinterest board – winner!

 

Mulberry Bush

Dancing alligators, Mr Mushroom hammer pegs and Bernie’s Ride On Bus are three of our favourites from Mulberry Bush. The site features tonnes of brands which are playing in this space and is dedicated to retro looking wooden toy which are BEAUTIFULLY crafted.

Organix Goodies Christmas Selection Box

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Organix Goodies Christmas Selection Box

A selection box for the Christmas stocking has always been a must in our house. It never matters what else is in there, there just has to be that bulky box of chocolate from Santa. I forget how many Christmas mornings have gone by with chocolate for breakfast – and if you can’t have an indulgent Christmas morning what’s the fun?

But what about the toddlers in your life? You don’t want to fill them full of sugar and neither do you want them to miss out on all the fun. That’s why the Organix Goodies is the perfect stocking filler.

Organix’s ‘no junk’ promise of always organic and nothing unnecessary in their products makes this a perfect treat.

Inside the cheerful box you’ll find five Organix products especially tailored to the little one in your life Organic mini gingerbread men biscuits, apple and strawberry fruit shapes, alphabet biscuits, apple and raspberry soft oaty bars and apple and orange soft oaty bars

Organix Goodies Christmas selection box

Organix Goodies Christmas Selection Box

Suitable for 12+ months

RRP: £2.99 and available from www.boots.com

 

New Book Explores Early Language Development

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Early Language Development, babies, toddlerCommunication and speech in the early years is important and this great book gives plenty of tips and information on how to get the most from children. It has great information from recent studies and experts. Perfect for parents, teachers, or anyone else who works with young children. We highly recommend this book. 

New Pre-school Learning Alliance publication Early Language Development explores research techniques into communication development in very young babies, and even the developing foetus.

Language development represents a massive leap in learning over a relatively short period of time; from no discernible language at birth to functional verbal conversations by the age of three.

Researchers have plotted the course of children’s communication development from birth to adulthood so that we have a clear idea of what typical development looks like, however we still know little about how babies take their first steps towards language learning, and how the brain begins to adapt from what seems like a ‘blank slate’ at birth to an organ capable of processing the complexities of spoken language.

In recent times, research techniques have been developed which allow us new and sometimes surprising insights into communication development in very young babies, and even the developing foetus. This book uses these findings to provide what is perhaps a less familiar perspective on language development, and to reflect on how new research findings can inform how we support language learning.

Early Language Development considers babies’ first steps in language learning and explores the music of language, which includes the use of pitch, rhythm and intonation, on their journey to access the structure and meaning of the languages they are exposed to.

Interaction with adults and other babies is looked at as they move from adult initiated exchanges to their own attempts to begin a ‘conversation’. It will support parents to develop an understanding of some of the complexities of learning language and to use this knowledge to reflect on and identify ways in which babies’ and toddlers’ language development can best be supported within early years settings. The impact of high exposure of screen-based technology on language development is also scrutinised, with guidance on what action practitioners can take to minimise any detrimental effects.

Michael Freeston, quality improvement director, Pre-school Learning Alliance, said, ‘Communication and language is one of the most important aspects of learning; in its own right and also as a foundation for children to develop in all other areas.’

FURTHER INFORMATION

Early Language Development (Price for Alliance members: £11.55; Price for non-members: £16.50)

How to order:

W: www.pre-school.org.uk/shop

T: 0300 330 0996

E: shop@pre-school.org.uk

 

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

  • The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England. A registered educational charity, it also provides high-quality affordable childcare and education to support children and families in areas of deprivation throughout the country.
  • The Alliance represents 14,000 member settings and supports them to deliver care and learning to more than 800,000 families every year. We deliver family learning projects, offer information and advice, produce specialist publications, run acclaimed training and accreditation schemes and campaign to influence early years policy and practice.

Frost Loves Tiny Trolls of Norway | Perfect For Christmas

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tiny-trolls tinytrollsofnorwayreview tiny-trolls-of-norway tinytrolls

Tiny Trolls of Norway immediately caught my eye. The outfits were so cute, but they also looked functional. The right outdoor clothes are important for children, it is a must that they are dry and warm. My expectations were not dashed when the cute onesie and hat arrived at Frost HQ. I could tell immediately that they were well made and warm. When I put them on my son not only did he look super cute- but I could tell he liked them too. In fact, the hat is the only hat he has ever worn which he has never tried to pull off. High praise indeed. People also commented on his outfit a lot. Always a good sign. We are huge fans of Tiny Trolls of Norway.

 

Tiny Trolls of Norway create functional and attractive outdoor wear for children aged 1-8. All items are made to the highest specifications and feature beautiful detail. The Tiny Trolls of Norway range is created with children and parents in mind. Clothes can be washed again and again without losing any quality, and rainsuits are 100% waterproof. From beautifully subtle pastel colours to the vivid Get Urban fuschia and turquoise, there is an outfit here for every child. Parents will love the durability and practical designs while kids will just adore the colours and cute embroidered troll logos. Ideal as a Christmas Gift, and essential for every child’s winter wardrobe – these are clothes kids really want to wear.

So Rad Boutique Interview | Fashion

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So Rad Boutique has developed a line of eco hip, luxury clothing for babies and toddlers. After the birth of her son, founder Jasmine Bashaj combined her background in digital illustration and a successful line of greeting cards into an affordable clothing line for babies and toddlers using luxury bamboo fabrics. Frost interviewed Jasmine to find out more. collage_fin_web

Tell us about your brand

So Rad makes bebe & toddler apparel the is eco friendly, modern and affordable. Bamboo and
organic cotton fabrics, made in Canada – from start to finish. Not your average kind of stuff
either! Creative, functional and simple designs by a Mummy.

Catering to the layette newbie crowd, the crawlers & walkers and now for the little big kids with
sizes up to 6X.

How did you get it started?

I was inspired by my own kids. There are so many choices out there for Mummy and Daddy to
choose from and I wanted to narrow it down. I took elements I liked from different pieces and
put them together to make 1 piece. I started because I thought other Mum’s could also benefit
from my creations. I talked to other clothing manufacturers – small guys, talked to people in the
industry, suppliers. Emailed all over the world to compare products, prices. Weighed all of my
options and decided to get everything made in Canada.

When did your interest in fashion start?

I was interested in fashion when I was 12 – I used to design dress’:) I never thought I would end up
actually designing clothes! At the time, it was more of an artistic outlet. I went on to study illustration
and by trade, I am currently a digital illustrator, still doing freelance on the side.

Why children’s clothes?

Well, I’ve got kids and when you have kids, the world revolves around them. I’ve never really thought
about “why kids” it was just a given.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere! Real life, nature, art, abstracts, urban, childhood memories, the mixed-tape generation,
geometry, patterns – should I go on?

Tell us about bamboo fabric.

I love love love this grass. So soft like silk when made into fabric, feeds Pandas and can be as solid as
steel when used for building materials. As a fabric, it’s amazing AND with benefits too! It’s naturally
organic, It grows like weeds – just try & kill it! My bamboo is actually certified organic.

It replaces full forrest canopies in about 3 years! It’s antibacterial, it’s hypoallergenic. It’s also naturally
moisture wicking. Great for cloth diaper inserts. It also gets softer as you wash it!
A little advice on bamboo fabric – you should avoid buying 100% bamboo for a couple reasons; Bamboo
is an interesting material – you could wash it once and it will stretch lengthwise and shrink widthwise.
You could wash it again and it could stretch widthwise and shrink lengthwise. You can hang it on a
hanger for a week and the arms could grown to the floor – very weird. Also, it is so silky, it could get
holes and rip at the seams. It’s weak on it’s own – it needs to be mixed with something, anything else
just to keep it’s “flexibility” in check. My fabric is 70% Bamboo, 30% Organic cotton.

What makes it better than other fabric?

Definitely for all that was mentioned above. What other fabric do you know can offer all of those
properties?

Any advice for people trying to start their own business?

I would say do your homework – research your industry, educate yourself.
Find more then 1 resource
Talk to lots of people who do the same as you – follow them on twitter, see what they’re saying.
Remember, these things take time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t make a billion dollars in
a year.:)
Last but not least, be open to change and learning, this never stops.

What’s next for you?
More designs!.. Oh, and I’ve having baby #3 early May!:)

 

KIDS DON’T JUST SAY THE FUNNIEST THINGS…THEY EAT THEM TOO

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Toddlers’ eating habits cost UK families millions of pounds in damages a year, but what is the real cost to their health?

A SURVEY RELEASED today reveals that the nation’s toddlers regularly have mouths full of mum’s jewellery and chew on family essentials like car keys and cameras – with the average toddler costing mum and dad £60 in damages during their first three years[1], equating to a shocking nationwide loss of over £14.5 million a year[2].

Cow & Gate Growing Up Milk, who commissioned the survey to highlight the hard to get nutrients required to support toddler growth and development, found 21 per cent of parents’ bundles of joy caused more damage in the home than the family pet1! With 86 per cent of children spending up to 30 minutes per day1 chewing or sucking on household items like remote controls, which came top of the carnage list of items most commonly damaged1.

In light of additional research reporting that the typical UK toddler is more likely to have eaten a burger than broccoli[3], the new poll shows that a supper of crayons, keys and toys is commonplace for our little ones.

Released to coincide with Cow & Gate’s new TV advert, the survey also reveals that inquisitive taste buds are not limited to the household, with creepy crawlies also appearing on this unusual menu of toddler fare, with a quarter of children chowing down on between five and fifteen insects, worms and slugs in their first five years1. It’s not just the celebrities participating in Bushtucker Trials it seems!

Whilst “mouthing” is not to be discouraged, Doctor Leanne Olivier, nutritionist and spokesperson for Cow & Gate, comments: “It’s common for little ones to put weird and wacky things in their mouths, from cushions to remote controls, but they won’t find the essential nutrients they need to support their amazing growth there! A healthy balanced diet including just two beakers of Growing Up Milk[4] each day is a simple way to provide little ones with the hard to get nutrition that they need.”

Dr Richard Woolfson, child psychologist for Growing Up Milk, adds: “The results of this survey confirm that “mouthing” is very common amongst toddlers. It’s simply another form of exploration and discovery. Mouthing lets curious and inquisitive toddlers learn about the object’s texture, resistance, taste and structure. That’s why you need to watch closely – your toddler will happily mouth anything they get their hands on, big or small, safe or hazardous.”

Toddler Tasting Tactics – Some bitesize facts:

· The top ten items that toddlers most commonly put in their mouths are: toys (17%), crayons and pencils (16%), remote control (13%), keys (11%), camera, phone and iPod (10%), soft toys (9%), plastic plates and bowls (6%), items of clothing (5%), security blanket (4%) and jewellery (3%)1

· Over a quarter (28%) of toddlers have eaten more than five insects, worms and slugs in their first five years1

· 30 per cent of toddlers mark their territory and display the first signs of ownership by sucking on their beloved security blankets, soft toys and toys1

· More than half of parents (57%) say that their toddler has damaged something in the home as a result of “mouthing” 1

· 7 per cent of frustrated parents state that their toddler frequently causes damage in the home, causing destruction more than four times a month1

 

BRITISH TODDLERS AT RISK OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH VITAMIN D THIS WINTER

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SHORTER WINTER days mean Britain’s toddlers risk not getting enough vitamin D, a vitamin needed for the growth and development of their bones, it is warned today by growingupmilkinfo.com.

A new survey reveals nearly eight out of 10 parents are not aware of toddlers’ specific nutritional needs and 74 per cent of British toddlers do not receive the vitamin supplements recommended by the UK Departments of Health for under-fives[1],[2]. Specifically, 9 out of 10 toddlers are failing to meet their recommended daily vitamin D reference nutrient intake3.

As the clocks go back and sunlight hours fall by up to half it becomes harder to get ‘The Sunshine Vitamin’ from sunlight alone. British children’s vitamin D-poor diets3 combined with low uptake of supplementation and a lack of knowledge amongst parents about their specific nutritional needs, mean toddlers could be missing out.

The research from growingupmilkinfo.com points towards the risk being highest in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield, where vitamin supplement uptake is lowest[1], as is exposure to vitamin D-producing UVB sunlight. Toddlers of African-Caribbean and South Asian heritage are also at increased risk, as their skins’ increased melanin level means they are less able to produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight4.

Shorter winter days

Vitamin D is made by the body on exposure to sunlight. In British wintertime, the number of daily sunshine hours drops by as much as half in some areas, especially in the north of the country, and the angle of the sun changes making it much more difficult for the body to make vitamin D.

Lack of knowledge for parents

Nearly eight out of 10 British parents are unaware that toddlers have specific nutritional needs and over half (54 per cent) say they never, rarely or occasionally consider a toddler’s specific nutritional requirements[1].

Nearly three-quarters of mums say they don’t give their toddler the vitamin supplements recommended by the UK Departments of Health. The Departments of Health recommend that ALL toddlers receive a daily supplement of vitamins A, C and D2.

Poor dietary uptake

The best source of vitamin D comes from UV light exposure. However in countries like the UK, where sunlight is limited, it is essential that toddlers also eat vitamin D rich foods. However, it can be hard to get toddlers to eat vitamin D rich foods – for example Government statistics show that the average consumption of oily fish is well below the recommendation5.

Simple steps parents can take to ensure toddlers are meeting their vitamin D needs include:

· Exposure to the summer (April-Oct) sun (without sunscreen) for 10 minutes a few times a week is enough for most people to produce vitamin D and store it for winter. However, some groups may not be able to get enough vitamin D exposure in this way. These groups include young children, those living north of Birmingham in the UK (due to the angle of the sun) and those of African-Caribbean and South Asian origin

· Take a daily children’s supplement of vitamins A, C and D

· Giving 2 x 150ml beakers of Growing Up Milk daily as part of a healthy balanced diet provides more than half a toddler’s daily recommended nutrient intake of vitamin D

· Include sources of vitamin D in the diet. Good sources include: fortified margarines and breakfast cereals, egg yolks, liver and oily fish

A Promising Taste for Adventure

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Despite reporting the fussy and faddy eating you might expect from toddlers, the Toddler ‘Census’ commissioned by growingupmilkinfo.com, a website for parents seeking information about toddler nutrition, revealed today’s toddlers have some adventurous tastes. 30% of toddlers had tried olives, 30% had tried smoked salmon and over one in ten had tried sushi! Plus, 17% had tried granola and 5% had tried lobster!

Whilst some of these foods might be too high in salt for toddlers to eat everyday, an adventurous palate and wide range of tastes is to be encouraged says child nutritionist Amanda Ursell, who adds: “Even ‘everyday’ staple foods can take ten or more tries before toddlers will accept eating them.”

The ‘Census’ gives some fresh perspective on “the state of the toddler nation’s plates”, with eight out of ten parents questioned unaware that toddlers require different nutritional supplements to support this extraordinary period of growth and development. Six out of ten mums surveyed for the study said they were unaware of the UK Departments of Health recommendation that toddlers should receive a daily supplement containing vitamins A, C and D and responses showed 74% of toddlers are not given these extra vitamins

Visit growingupmilkinfo.com for more information and Q&A with experts, and to see a sweet animation of this period of extraordinary growth visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx7gUu1-FX4