Play Time: Art with a Baby?

I love arts and crafts. They were always my favourite activities when I was younger (play dough, painting, paper crafts, you name it) and I continue to do crafts as an adult. So, I was impatient to start sharing this love with my daughter. Until recently, I took it for granted that babies can't make art, right? They're so little, they don't have the fine motor skills, they don't understand the concept of creation, etc. I didn't want to accept it, though, so I did some research and brainstormed some ideas for introducing art earlier than I had originally planned. Babies can be creative, you just have to make some small adjustments and treat it like a sensory experience as well as an artistic one. Here are some ways for you to get creative with a baby 6-18 months:

Sensory Collage

Babies love novelty and, lucky for us as caregivers, most things are still new to them! This activity is a great way to introduce your child to new textures, colours, and sensations. It is a great work-in-process art piece to re-visit on rainy days or whenever you're looking for something to do.

You'll Need:

* Contact paper 

(I've used clear and used it on a window, but you can use one that is white and put it low on any wall in your home.)

* Art supplies of different textures. Like foam, felt, feathers, fun fur, cloth, burlap, etc.

(These items can be inexpensive to pick up. The Dollar Store is a good place to start. I also went to the clearance section of Micheal's and got large sheets of textured scrapbook paper and pieces of felt all for under .80 cents a sheet.)

Cut the textured sheets into smaller squares and put them all into a bowl. Tape the contact paper to the window or wall, at a height your child can reach, with the tacky side facing out. Sit down with your child and the bowl and start to place the pieces into your child's hand and onto the "canvas." Discuss the look and feel of each piece as your child holds it. Is it scratchy? Soft? Rough? Pink? Don't forget to mention the sticky feeling of the contact paper. After you place a few pieces up, allow your child to add (or remove) as s/he likes. This is his or her art to create and creative activities with babies are more about the process than the end result.

Remember, you'll have to sit with your child as s/he does this activity as babies are going to try to put things into their mouths. Plus, you want to discuss the experience. We have left our art up on the window and we go back to it a couple of times a week since spring is so wet! You can add new items to the bowl as you come across them.

No Mess Painting

Painting in the traditional sense is obviously not suited for babies. They can't hold paint brushes in their little hands, and finger painting clashes with the inevitability of them putting theirs hands in their mouths. Babies can make little masterpieces, however, if you get creative. By creating a barrier between the paint and the baby, you allow him or her to feel the paint, move it around, experience the colours, and notice the action/reaction - all without any mess.

You'll Need:

* Ziploc™ bag 

(Doesn't need to be name brand, but you'll want a seal you can trust and a bag that can withstand a baby.)

* Paint

(Any brand/colours. I used Crayola Washable Kids Paint.)

* Paper 

(Card stock is preferable, because it's stronger.)

Put a few large globs of paint onto a sheet of card stock and then carefully (so as not to smudge them before baby gets at it) place it into the bag. Limit yourself to 2-3 colours per picture, lest you get a big brown blob-by mess every time. This activity is best done with baby on his or her belly, so they can move freely and easily. You'll have to place the little hands onto the bag at first, but they'll probably catch on pretty quickly as the paint feels really cool beneath fingers. The art is done when baby loses interest. Remember to take it out of the bag to dry.

It bears repeating that these activities are for doing with your baby. The bag creates a barrier between the messy paint and the baby, but you should obviously never leave a child alone with a bag and not to mention possible tears to the bag (read: paint spills!) from sharp little nails and teeth.

Edible Finger Paints

If you want to take it up a notch, and you're not afraid of a little mess, try edible finger paints. Baby gets an even more tactile painting experience, but there still isn't any worry about fingers in mouths. This is for a baby who has already started to eat solids. Hey, you might actually want to encourage baby to lick his or her fingers since they are healthy veggies and it took some effort to make!

You'll Need:

* Colourful food purées 

(Only foods that your baby has already tried. If you want a broader colour palate, wait until baby is older. )

* Rice cereal 

(Any brand. Again - use what your baby already eats.)

* Paper

(Card stock is preferable, because it's stronger.)

Make two or three vegetable or fruit purées (or use your favourite pre-packaged brand) and mix with rice cereal. You'll want a smooth texture with no bumps (like paint). Choose a surface where your child can get messy - this could mean outside, or on easily mopped tile, or as my friend prepared, on an old pair of sheets. Tape the paper down so that baby doesn't send it flying once the paint comes out.  Then, hand baby the "paint" and encourage exploration. My baby didn't need prodding - she immediately dumped both containers out and smushed them around - but other babies may need more encouragement. This is a finished product that you'll want to photograph for posterity, but not post on the fridge because it'll go bad.

Baby’s Own Health – Childproofing

I have to be honest – when it comes to baby proofing my house, I am months behind. I am less of a “lets bubble wrap everything” and more of a “oh, so now that’s a problem” kind of mom. I'm diligent with supervision, I have those plastic plug protector doodads, but otherwise, I'm flying by the seat of my pants, my lucky boy. I'm sure the internet is full of lists of products to buy and items to get rid of, but that’s not always realistic. You can very quickly drop a boat load of cash on a protective item, only to have your daughter injure herself with her own spill-proof sippy cup. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider (or not) when it comes to safeguarding your space.

Major falls are a major problem:

Whether you use baby gates or some other method, preventing large falls is essential. I’m not talking about the standard toddler misjudging the distance to the walker type falls. I mean stairs and other big drops. Making sure junior doesn’t tumble to the basement chasing the cat, or decide to climb the bookshelf while you make coffee. You can’t always secure them somewhere like a crib or playpen and expect them to be entertained. Playtime is a lot less stressful when access to other rooms and floors is limited.

If they can grab it, it goes in their mouths:

Common sense maybe, but it’s not that simple. I locked up my chemicals, and removed small objects (like batteries and nail files) from my coffee table. What I didn't anticipate he’d be interested in was; computer cables, couch fluff, cat food, my cell phone… the list goes on and on. I actually lay on my belly in the living room one day and imagined the number of items that he could (read: would) put in his face if he had the chance. It was a little frightening. Do your best to separate your room in two horizontally. If you need an item in that room, and you don’t want your baby to use as a teether, it should probably be locked up or on the upper half. It doesn't hurt to know a little infant CPR either. Any skill you can have to save your child's life, no matter where you are, is a good one.

Heat and water can kill in seconds:

No matter how relaxed I am about minor falls and other random baby klutziness, the two places I never mess around are the bathroom and the kitchen. If you are cooking, and also need to attend to your son or daughter, be sure to secure them in a high chair or playpen at a safe distance. Also, remember to prepare everything for bath time before your child is in the tub. Walking away for a towel or a ducky, even just for a moment is a serious, serious risk.

Small accidents are going to happen, and you can't protect you child from every knee scuffed at the park, or from playing with other children, frankly. Buy some fun bandages, take a deep breath, and move on. In your home, however, you want to be able to relax a little. That might mean a more practical coffee table, and putting away your shoes. It just shouldn't mean living in a bouncy castle until they go off to college.

What and When - Spring Cleaning (With FREE Printable!)

Download the free WIYDB? Spring Cleaning Check List!

With kids at home, cleaning and organizing is often something that gets put to the bottom of the priority list. When we talked about having realistic expectations before, we told you this was a good thing! Enjoying the company of your child, or getting through a rough day, is enough work to occupy your time. That said, after being shut up indoors with poor weather, colds, and other seasonal setbacks, it’s time to throw open the shutters and take in some of the sun! If your view is marred with streaky windows or your house smells less than lemon fresh, here are a few ways to squeak in the housework that will make the most of that spring time weather.

What: Windows and window treatments

When: Take one Saturday and get it all done.

· Take down all of your curtains and check for signs of wear. If they are in good condition, most can be washed in your machine on the gentle cycle, then rehung to dry. If they are old and worn, it might be time to pick up some new panels.

· Dust your blinds, curtain rods, and window frames. Run a damp cloth or a pre-moistened cleaning sheet (like Lysol or Clorox wipe) around the frame and in the slider for patio doors. Look at the weather stripping for cracking and peeling. This cheap fix can save a bundle on your energy costs. 

· Clean your glass with a fresh scented glass product (like Windex) or a home-made alternative like a combo of vinegar and water. This is the time to do inside and out (if you can). For houses, this might involve borrowing a ladder, or using a garden hose. For apartments, you might be able to open the frame, or use a cloth on a stick to get between the glass and the screen. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

What: Dust, dust and more dust

When: Take an hour or two in an evening.

· If you have a furnace, this is the time to change your filter. Check the size ahead and buy a multi-pack. This not only saves money, but keeps spares on hand for regular maintenance.

· Using a cloth and an all-purpose product (like Pledge Multi-Surface), do a good once over of all your solid furnishings like TV stands, bookshelves, and dressers. Take the opportunity to de-clutter. I like to bring a laundry basket with me so that I can cart out of place items to their proper home as I move from move to room.

· If you’re ambitious (and I know you are) consider going one step further. Run a duster over ceiling fans, light fixtures, and any baseboards/ moldings you have. Even if you do this only once a year, the results are worth it. The amount of dust you remove will actually make an impact in air quality.

What: Soft surfaces and furniture

When: A little at a time, over a week.

· Strip beds and flip or rotate mattresses. If they are a little older, consider adding a couple of drops of essential oils (like lavender or mint) to a box of baking soda and sprinkling over the surface. Leave the powder for a couple of hours then vacuum thoroughly. You’ll both feel and smell the difference.

· Remove cushions and give sofas and chairs a good vacuum as well. If you can wash the covers, that’s fantastic, but be sure before you try. Discoloration and shrinking can happen. You might want a fabric refresher like Febreeze or Lysol to remove odors and allergens.

· Pillows, bedding, and stuffed animals that can be washed, probably should. They take up a lot of room in machines, so allow patience (and extra dryer money if applicable). Don’t overdo the detergent – this will only add to the amount of time and energy it takes to rinse, plus you don’t want any residue.

This is some in-depth cleaning, and it’s not for every day. The impact of these will be pretty immediate and you’ll be impressed at how a couple of hours can really change how your space feels, not to mention smells! You’ll be so proud; you’ll want to host guests or have a barbecue! But what you should do is read a book, and take a nap. That’s what I plan on doing! Don’t forget to check out our handy printable for your cleaning check list! Plan and conquer! In moderation of course.

Did I forget something? Do you have a spring cleaning tip or trick? Tell us on Facebook!

Weekend Mommy Musing: Lessons from my First Year

My son was born two weeks before Mother’s Day last year, so technically, this year is my second. In the glow and the exhaustion of having recently given birth, I’m not sure I actually felt like a mommy yet. I was proud, and tired, and a little bit scared, and all those things are still true, but I was mostly quite unaware of what motherhood actually entailed. If I knew as a kid what I know now, only one year into this journey, I would have tried even harder on those pictures and breakfasts for my own mom. 

I've learned that motherhood makes you silly, and it’s amazingly freeing. Coming from a family of bold personalities and loud voices, I've never really been shy, but I had considered myself fairly serious. I worked hard at a heavy degree, I take my career very seriously, and my finances are a tight ship. Having a baby allows you to sing in public. To make funny faces, art projects, and coordinated dances. You get colourful toys and tableware. Your space is more cluttered and random. It’s a breath of fresh air that I didn't know that I needed. 

I've learned that I can withstand a huge amount of grossness and not freak out or vomit. Before Elliott, I was a lot more private. I'm not one to throw up, or talk about my digestive practices. I was beyond mortified if I ever broke wind in front of my husband or family. Well, pregnancy fixed my comfort level with gas. Man, was that awful. And poop? Well, we could write a whole blog series about it now. The stories I have and situations I've been in, I never could have imagined. From your own post-partum (not fun), to the myriad of varieties that come from a child? I mean, it’s practically a table topic in my house. 

I've learned that mommies are all part of a sorority, and it’s a pretty awesome club. I’ve made friends with some truly amazing women, who come in to motherhood from all different ways, at all different ages. Some craft, some hike, some make their own food. Some just try to survive the day while coping with colic, or depression, or anxiety. What we all have in common though, is that love and that pure intention. That desire to do things right, as best as possible, to make the brightest future for our children. 

As you think about what it means to you to be a mom, marvel at your own mother, or both, remember that intention. Let’s try to better understand where our actions come from. It’s easy to make a decision in the moment, and then doubt it. To regret an opportunity lost, or a mistake made. Women do that a lot. When I think back on this year, I want to remember the laughter, the colours, the cuddles, and that smile - the smile that tells me that I made him happy. There’s no better feeling in the whole world, and for that, I am so grateful.

5 Mother's Day Ideas for Kids Under 5

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

If you've got little ones at home and you're looking for some ideas for showing mom how much she means this Mother's Day - look no further. We've put together a list of five fun ways to celebrate mom this year with children under five years old. Whether you want to be sentimental or silly, take the time to let mom know that she's appreciated today (and every day!).

Footprint Heart

You hear it often: children grow so fast. But, it's never so true as when you watch your own little babies go up to the next clothing size, or reach that next milestone. I know I'm always celebrating something new at the same time as mourning the loss of an adorable reaction or outfit I loved. Preserve a little bit of your child's current size with a footprint heart. It's easy to do for every age from 0-5 and can even become a tradition if you make a new one each year. Add a cute play on words or a poem** and mom will cherish it forever. If your child can write letters, have him or her write the "Mom" and/or "I love you."

Breakfast in Bed

It's a classic for a reason. You absolutely can't go wrong with breakfast in bed for mother's day. Obviously, an adult has to take the reigns on this one, but there are many ways to include a child in preparing this special meal. Your toddler or preschooler will take great pride in being able to say they helped make the meal, not just stood beside mama as it was delivered. They can put the toast on the plate, fold the napkin, sprinkle the berries on top of waffles or pancakes, spoon out the sour cream for huevos rancheros - get creative and find a way for everyone to take part.

Coupons

Sit down with your toddler or preschooler and brainstorm ways that they could make mommy smile. Write down the actions on slips of paper and give it to mom as a coupon book. Keep them age appropriate - a 2 year old won't make good on a promise to go to sleep without a fuss or to eat all their vegetables for a week. Stick to things like "one big bear hug" or "sing a funny song" or "share my peanut butter sandwich." Have the child decorate the coupons with crayons and watch them proudly present it to mama.

Treasure Hunt

For the mommy that likes a little adventure in her life, why not create a treasure hunt? Go through the house and let your toddler or preschooler pick out three special hiding spots for gifts for mom. These can be home made gifts (drawings, pasta jewellery, etc) or purchased presents - whatever things you've created and picked out. You can draw a little map of the house and let the child draw a big, red X in the rooms that have the present or make it into a scavenger hunt with hints at all the stops. Don't be surprised if your child wants to take mom directly to all the hiding spots, it'll be fun either way!

Spa Day

Sometimes, what mom really wants and needs most is a nice break. So, before giving her the day off to relax, read, sleep, or catch up on reality TV, why not give her a mini spa morning. A preschooler or toddler could give a relaxing hand massage, sing soft songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle," and drop the bath bombs into the water of a warm bath. Why not mix up a nice homemade oatmeal mask (like this one) why'll you're at it? Children will love pouring in and mixing the ingredients, and then slopping the good-for-you mixture onto mommy's face!

**Examples of messages:

"I love you from your head down to your toes."

"There's no tiptoeing around it, I love you."

"With these feet I'll walk and run,
explore the world and have some fun.
Wherever I go, whatever I do,
these feet will bring me home to you."

Media Reflection: YouTube Lullabies

I'm very aware of how much screen time I expose my son to. We don’t watch any children’s programming or much television at all during the day. We have mostly books and “imagination toys,” rather than things that require batteries. We love to go for walks and to have conversations about our surroundings. 

That said, there is time and a place for some of the modern conveniences we have at our fingertips. One day, struggling to put my son to sleep during a rough teething period, I decided to cuddle him and listen to a little music. I pulled up YouTube on my smart phone, and to my surprise, there are literally hundreds of animated shorts and dedicated playlists for soothing your little one. Some are quite dynamic, with graphics better suited to a desktop screensaver. Others are repetitive and obnoxious, with singing child choruses or loud animal accompaniment. Since you want to lull your little one, but not torture yourself, here are two of my favourite night time videos:

This sweet video features an adorable sleeping newborn. At first you think you’re looking at a still image, until the baby’s sleeping face breaks into a little smile! Babies love other babies and my son smiled back, amazed at what he was watching. The music is soft and sweet – perfect for a lullaby. It does feel a little repetitive, but not bothersome. It is a just a light backdrop for a nice snuggle.

This video also features simple, music-box style lullabies with a soothing graphic. The dark colours and night sky theme are relaxing as you seem to glide above the clouds towards the moon. The image is interesting enough to zone into without demanding anything in terms of focus. Even without the visual, you could use the music to set the tone for a good night read.

As with any media for kids, it’s best to view it with your child. This not only ensures the quality of the material in terms of content, but also allows you to mention the shapes and colours you see, or sounds you hear, improving the educational value. It’s also important to involve your child’s other senses. Try using classical music or nature sounds for variety. Soft music and calm images are key. You can cue sleep with scent and touch by massaging your baby’s skin with a mild lotion before or during the lullaby.

What's In Your Diaper Bag? - What's Your Diaper Bag Style?

We feature a lot of different mothers on this blog so we've seen a variety of examples of how to pack a diaper bag. Some people advocate packing everything but the kitchen sink knowing for them it's better to be safe than sorry, while others leave with the bare minimum, confident that with some creativity and luck it'll all work out. Neither mama is right or wrong, what's important is finding what makes sense for you and your baby (based on where you're going, what you'll be doing, how old your baby is, etc.). With that said, we thought it would be fun this week to delve deep into your mommy psyches and figure out what your go-to diaper bag style really is. Answer the questions and then scroll down to see how you best prepare to venture out into the world with baby in tow.

What's In Your Diaper Bag? - The Quiz!

1. Your family is at the mall shopping on a Sunday when your baby has an extremely explosive poop. What do you do?

a) Send your partner to the store to buy a replacement outfit, while you head towards the family wash room. Oh, maybe a detour to the drug store...forgot to restock the wipes!

b) Head to the change station and clean it up pronto. The outfit in the diaper bag might be a little bit out of season, but it'll do the job until you get home. You can always wrap the spare receiving blanket around baby's legs.

c) No problem! After you clean everything up with your 82-count wipe pack and dispose of the diaper in a powder scented baggy, you change your baby into one of the perfectly coordinated spare outfits in your diaper bag. Then you wash your hands in the sink before using your personal hand sanitizer and lotion set.

__   __   __   __   __   __   __   __

2. You're at morning story time when one of the other mommies invites you back to her place for an impromptu coffee and play date. Based on the current state of your diaper bag:

a) You'd have to politely decline. You ran out of the house with exactly one diaper, one receiving blanket, one pacifier, and a handful of wipes. Just what you'd need for the story time.

b) You can go, but only for a short visit. You have everything you may need but not in multiples, so nothing that might go beyond a few changes and a feeding.

c) You and baby could stay for dinner and sleep over, too. You have diapers of different absorbencies, a variety of solid foods, and plenty of distraction toys. 

__   __   __   __   __   __   __   __

3. You're sitting enjoying a much deserved coffee at the café after a nice walk, when baby spits up. You:

a) Grab some napkins from the counter.

b) Grab the receiving blanket from your bag, although you forgot to switch it out from last time you used it.

c) Grab a fresh receiving blanket, some wet wipes, and a crisp, clean replacement bib from your bag.

__   __   __   __   __   __   __   __

4. If you asked someone to grab something from your diaper bag for you, how easy would it be for them?

a) What diaper bag? I just grab the essentials and jet.

b) If they look past the bottle that's still in there from yesterday, and my own stuff (wallet, keys etc.),  there's a 70/30 chance they'll find it.

c) Extremely easy. I have multiples of everything and they're organized by categories. 

__   __   __   __   __   __   __   __

5. Which quote best resonates with you?

a) "He who would travel happily must travel light." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

b) "I enjoy the preparatory elements of travel - packing my bags and choosing my outfits - but my favourite part is getting there." -Dominic Monaghan

c) "Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory." Miguel de Cervantes

__   __   __   __   __   __   __   __

Mostly A's - Grab and Go.

You don't worry too much about preparing for every unknown. There are stores if you run out of something and baby will be fine in a stained shirt for a few hours. You just grab the absolute essentials and you're ready to go. You're laid back yet efficient.



Mostly B's - The Right Stuff.

You aim to pack smart, and based on the occasion. You feel like there is no use carrying the whole nursery with you every time you go out, but you feel better if you're prepared for a few common occurrences. Your diaper bag may even be an unconventional backpack or satchel, stocked but still lightweight.

Mostly C's - Ready for Anything.

When you leave the house, you leave prepared - for absolutely anything. You have a diaper bag with all the bells and whistles, and every pocket is full to burst. You don't mind the extra weight, though, if it relieves you of some worry. You're the mom who always comes to the rescue at baby group with exactly the right item.

Now that you know your diaper bag style, share it with other mothers! Did you know it's as easy as 1-2-3 to submit a diaper profile?

1- Go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z3ZZNYY and fill out the survey

2 - Send a picture of the contents of your diaper bag (and maybe your adorable baby!) to info.wiydb@gmail.com

3 - See yourself on our blog and let all your friends know what you're really packing!

Mommy Mental Health: Preserving versus Hoarding

Kids grow so fast. You hear it time and time again, but it is so true. In just over a year I have accumulated so much clothing, toys, paperwork, etc. that I can hardly believe it. While I feel sentimental towards certain things and I have always been a bit of a pack-rat, practicality dictates that I'm going to have to purge at least some things to make room for more. For my own sake as well as yours, here are some tips for preserving memories without over accumulating. 

Documents

From the hospital release forms to art projects at day care, I have quite a bit of loose paper hanging around my son’s room. Some is important, some is special, and some is utterly useless.

· Any public service announcements from the hospital, expired or inapplicable coupons, and other non-essential paperwork, just pitch it. You won’t need it.

· Important pieces (like birth records, social insurance files, etc) can be scanned for safe keeping, and stored somewhere safe (read: not the nursery).

· If your child produces a lot of crafts, you can scan their handy work as well, making it easier to preserve in case some is lost, damaged, or frankly tossed because you’re going to get 18 years of “art.”

Toys

From black and white sensory objects, to large entertainment centres – the first year of toys is enough to fill a 3 bedroom home (trust me).

· Throw away things that are worn out, torn, or discoloured. Especially items that have been attached to a stroller or car seat.

· If you are not done having children, put away some of the younger baby things to reduce clutter. You might consider a small tote that you can label for safe storage in the garage or basement.

· Larger pieces should have a limit or your children will still interact with things they've outgrown. Out of sight, out of mind. If you have the storage space, you can consider disassembling so they take up less room.

Clothes

This is the hardest part for me. Baby outfits are incredibly cute, and getting rid of a set that looked especially sweet, or holds a good memory is difficult.

· Be proactive and take photos of your child in your favourite outfits so you’re more likely to be able to part with the physical item. Preserve only the very most important items (like the home from the hospital outfit or religious pieces).

· If you’re saving clothes for your next child, remember that you will still receive gifts and want to buy for that baby, too. Limit yourself to a few pieces of each size (a few onesies, a few pajamas, etc). Storing them in a vacuum saver-bag will reduce the space and protect the fabric.

· Hand down and donate anything you’re not attached to as soon as it’s outgrown, as well as seasonal pieces such as snow suits. Even if you have more, there is no guarantee they will be the same size in the same season. 

A few final words… 

Sentimentality is different to everyone and there will be objects that you’re going to have to make a call on, probably in a case by case manner. Things like hand knit objects, items handed down from your own childhood (or your partner's), and gifted tokens (like coin sets or ornaments). There are also those fleeting memories to account for that are easier to lose than keep. Favourite songs, first foods, and midnight cuddles don’t fit in drawers or on shelves. Never feel shy about taking lots of photos or lots of notes in a baby book or journal. These moments are the ones you’ll appreciate more than stuff down the road.