Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Great Project for Nap Time

You just had a nice morning with your preschooler. You had a nice breakfast together, read a book and played a few games of Candy Land. Now it is nap time, and suddenly your little angel has dropped the halo and begun throwing a fit. Does this sound familiar? There’s a simple way to avoid such a catastrophe, allow your child to make their own preschool nap mat. When a child makes it themselves it becomes something special for them that they can be proud. This is not the same thing just go to bed, they going to their special place for some time.


Toddler nap mats are a wonderful invention. They make the transition from play time to nap time quick and easy. Some preschool nap mats come with their own pillow and blanket built in so all you have to do is unfold it, and your child is ready to let sweet dreams carry them away.

The first thing you do is buy the materials for your preschool nap mats. Take your child with you to a hobby store. Let them pick out the colors and fabric they want to use. Ask them if they want their pillow and blanket attached or not. Once you have your fabric you’ll need a large piece of foam to act as a base for your toddler nap mat. The foam should be about 1 inch thick to ensure comfort. To find the right size to make the mat measure your child,add a few inches on each side to allow your child room to move. Then you will need to have to stuff pillows. Determine whether your child likes the feel of loose fibers or down. If your child prefers the feel of down you will need down proof ticking to line the inside of your toddler nap mat so that the feathers don’t work their way out. Get enough stuffing to fill the pillow, the blanket and form a 1 inch layer over the foam. Make sure your child is not allergic to down. If they sneeze while being near down it’s best to go with loose fibers, otherwise they will sneeze all through nap time and might even break out.

Make sure you give your child to do as much as you feel comfortable with to let them do. They need to feel as though it’s their preschool nap mats, and that they made it themselves Play with different ideas attached straps to keep the mat rolled when not in use and add a zipper on the side so you can remove the foam padding before each wash. Listen to the ideas or preferences of the child may have. It is their toddler nap mat after all. After you are finished you will have a wonderful new mat that your child will love sleeping on and you can kiss the bad old days of the nap tantrum goodbye. When finished, you will have a wonderful new carpet that your child loves to sleep and and you can kiss the bad old days of the nap tantrum goodbye.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Right Kind of Third Wheel



One thing about children that everyone remembers is riding their tricycle. This is the first vehicle to be controlled by yourself. The feeling of riding around at top speed is irreplaceable, and it makes you feel like you're one step closer to growth.

Kids tricycles did not start out for children. It was invented in 1680 by Stephan Farffler who was unable to walk. He was a watch maker and used his talents to create a tricycle that operated with a hand crank so that he could transport himself anywhere he needed to go. Later the design was changed to allow people to propel the tricycle with their feet. Tricycles were used by people that were not comfortable riding a bicycle. Since balance is something that must be learned, tricycles were used more and more by children as a stepping stone to learning how to ride a bicycle.

When picking out a school tricycle for your child there are several things to take into account. First you have to decide whether metal or plastic school tricycle are most suitable for the child. A metal kids tricycle is sturdier and less likely to tip over but will rust over time or if it gets wet. A plastic kids tricycle is cheaper than a metal one and will not rust but they are more likely to tip over.

Then you must decide if you will push your child, or if you let them ride the school tricycle itself. Some school tricycles come with a bar attached to the back that allows the parent to push their child. If you think your child may need a little practice and comfort before they can travel by themselves, then get a tricycle for children with a push bar is a good idea.

The next step is to find the right sized school tricycles for your children. A child of 2 should start off with a 10 inch wheel. If your child has long legs or is big for their age then a 12 inch wheel would probably be more comfortable for them. If you are unsure of what size fits your child, then an adjustable school tricycle would be much better. It will also allow your child more play time before they grow too big to ride it.

Now the only thing left is to pick a color. If your child has a favorite color then you can buy them school tricycles in that color, if not then pick a color or pattern that matches a lot of other things your child owns. Once you've chosen an appropriate color get a matching helmet, elbow pads and knee pads, and your child is ready to ride.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Wooden Rocking Horses - A Child's Dream Come True


Do you remember the time when you were young and begging for mom and dad to buy you that wooden rocking horse in the store window? There are a lot of parents who are familiar with this kind of scenario and love remembering those precious childhood moments.

The wooden rocking horse is considered to be one of the most popular and classic toys for children. Back in the old days, horses were very popular because they were commonly used on carriages and in jousting practices during the middle ages. They were a part of everyday life- an essential in everyday living. In the early 17th century, hobby wood crafters handcrafted wooden rocking horses that act like a rocking chair which became what we now think of as a staple for childhood play.

Today, these playful toys continue to fascinate many children with their features that are simple and at the same time mesmerizing. These toys are what almost every kid wants to have as part of their collection. Toy manufacturers try to come up with new ideas to make these rocking toys more contemporary yet conventional at the same time. Wooden rocking horses have evolved from a simple piece of wood carving to a variety of stylish and colorful designs that kids love to ride and play with.

Kids wooden rocking horses stimulate a child’s imagination and bring them back to the days when horses were the main source of transportation. Even little girls love playing with these rocking horses, especially if it comes in colorful designs with detailed carvings. Some parents may even prefer it custom-made, with cushioned seats and a back rest to make their children more comfortable while playing.

Wooden rocking horses are perfect presents for children on their birthdays and Christmas. They come in different sizes suitable for kids at any age. They are also safe and durable. You can be sure that it will last for a very long time! Some people even pass their old wooden rocking horses to their own children as a keepsake of their very own childhood.

If you are looking for a toy that will surely last a lifetime, wooden rocking horses are your best choice. It remains a classic and unique kind of toy that never gets old and will probably be enjoyed by more kids for future generations to come.