Let’s get talking! Every baby learns at their own pace, but there’s plenty you can do to encourage your little bundle of joy’s first words. Because when it comes to baby language development, the more talking, reading, and singing you and baby do together, the better. So the next time you and your little one have some downtime or need something new to do, try one of these easy games that offer simple ways to encourage those precious first words through play.
But first, a few things to remember about baby speech development. Although most babies start to talk around that one-year mark, they spend lots of time learning how to speak in their first year. They notice how parents, siblings, and others respond when they make a sound—whether it’s a cry, a coo, or a squeal of delight—and learn from it. They start to babble. They point and gesture. They mimic conversation in the most irresistible way. Before you know it, they’ll be talking up a storm. Until then, pull out these baby language development games that are even fun for you, too.
Make your own puppet (like this adorable fox pictured above), find one at the store, or just slip a sock over your hand. Any way you do it, you can engage your child’s imagination and language skills by creating new characters with different voices. Your baby will be babbling or talking back to your hand in no time. It’s one of the easiest baby language development ideas out there.
2. Mimicry
Go ahead and say “mom mom mom mom” to your little one every day, several times a day if you like! Jackie’s baby at I Heart Arts and Crafts sure thinks it’s funny, and you might, too. Mimic what your baby says to get them in the mood. Even cooing back to the tiniest baby works that part of their brain.
3. Ring Ring
Why not give baby a call and see what they have to say? Babies love pretend telephone calls, and they all involve some important vocabulary: Hello and goodbye, mama, dada, nana, etc. They also get to talk just for the fun of talking. Some kids who are less enthusiastic about talking seem to be encouraged when they get to play with a toy phone that looks just like yours.
4. Tickle My Feet
Help support baby language development when you connect with their toes (and delight them at the same time) with a few rounds of This Little Piggie. Repeat as many times as you both can stand it, as repetition is crucial for babies to learn and understand language. Be gentle on the littlest babies to avoid overstimulation, but older babies may need a tickle tackle when you’re done.
Introduce vocabulary with discovery baskets. They don’t have to be anything fancy – the container and objects can all be things you have around the house. Choose objects based on color, different foods, different textures, shiny things, things that have a smell – whatever you choose, take out each object and talk about it, and let baby play with the objects however they would like.
Research shows that infants are born understanding a bit more about numbers and arithmetic than you might think, and wow, do they love counting. Count three objects or claps with a steady rhythm, “One two three! One two three!” Repeat a few times, and then start counting to five. Create your own counting rhymes about your family or their favorite toys.
7. Big and Little
Help your little one learn the difference between “big” and “little” by giving baby two similar objects of differing size, like a big ball and a small ball. Say “This is the big ball; this is the small ball.” Talk to your little one about what you’re doing as you roll the balls, and ask baby to hand you the big ball or small ball.
8. Baby Jigsaw Peekaboo
Make your own jigsaw puzzle, and baby will be delighted by pictures of other babies, or of the faces of people they know and love. Talk about the puzzle, while you’re putting it together, repeating the names of those pictured. As they grow older, they’ll be able to use the puzzle to practice other skills, such as hand-eye coordination and pincer grasp.
9. I Know My Name
Observe your baby’s reactions to her name. Poke your head in his room and say his name, and then see what happens when you say another name. Insert her name in silly songs, and emphasize it in general conversations. If she reacts to her name, reinforce it. “Shannon likes eating yogurt. Yes, Shannon! We were talking about you!”
10. Talk, Sing, Read: Repeat
The more language they’re exposed to, the better. Narrate everything you do, and everywhere you go. People in the grocery store understand – they’re probably looking at how cute your babe is, anyway, not at you chattering away. Sing every day, even if you can’t carry a tune. Read books every day, even if baby can’t hold their head up. All these interactions are the building blocks of language and literacy.
There’s no shortage of baby carriers out there. But what if you want to, y’know, be comfortable while using one? Ah, there’s the catch. Parents can be discouraged from babywearing thanks to baby carrier bad press like getting too hot, back pain, inconvenience, not to mention the safety issues that can come from improperly wearing certain carriers. All of that can make it sound all sound pretty daunting and unappealing. But not to worry! The right baby carrier makes all the difference. And the best baby carriers are life-changing!
Finding the best baby carrier that keeps you and your precious cargo comfy and cool can be a chore, but we’ve done the work for you! We’re sure we’ve found the perfect baby carrier for you on this list. We’ve found carriers in all different styles and fabrics, as well as a wide-range of age-appropriateness. So buckle up and get ready for Babywearing 101.
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini
BabyBjörn
BabyBjörn is one of the most trusted names in baby carriers, and this almost-5-star-rated Baby Carrier Mini proves why. Designed for 0-12 months and 7-24lbs, it's easy to put on and take off, it's soft, snug, and simple to use. It offers the perfect amount of support for your little one and is super comfy for you!
Reduce infant crying, increase connection, and enjoy hands-free wearing in our buttery-soft and breathable Solly Wrap. Even weight distribution makes the Solly Baby Wrap so comfortable for both baby and the wearer, year round. Available in multiple colors and prints! 8-25 lbs
The Aerloom Carrier is designed with comfort in mind. The seamless knit technology, FormaKnit, is lightweight, and the Aerloom is ergonomic in all carrying modes for baby, and offers curved straps and lumbar support for you. Ages 0-3 years, 7-35 lbs.
The Ergobaby Embrace Carrier is simple and cozy for your newborn. There are no complicated wraps or buckles, keeps you both cool and dry, and easily rolls up to slip into your diaper bag! 0-12 months, 7-25 lbs.
If you're ready to rock the hip carry, we've got the carrier for you. The Tushbaby Hip Seat offers four carrying positions in one! The Tushbaby is like having an extra arm to support your little and frees you up for moving without the strain a traditional hip carry can cause. 0-36 months, 8-35 lbs.
The 360 is the next step after your little outgrows their wrap or newborn carrier. This one is great for older babies, and provides extra lumbar support for you to keep you comfy as your baby grows! 4-36 months, 12-45 lbs.
Chicco's Smartsupport Backpack is ideal for carrying growing kiddos. Including a 5-point harness, adjustable canopy for shade, and a padded backrest, the SmartSupport also makes sure you stay comfy while wearing it. The lightweight aluminum frame combined with padded shoulder straps and extra ventilation make this a great go-to carrier! 6 months and up, up to 40 lbs.
Designed with NICU experts, the ComfyHug Hybrid ensures a safe and comfortable newborn carrier option! Its hardware-free structure is made to keep your baby cozy and secure, and it's adjustable for everyone to wear easily. Newborn and up, 5-20 lbs.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Got a paper plate? If so, you can easily make this fun instrument
Give your kids a crash course in music appreciation, and fill an afternoon with creative fun by helping them make a DIY tambourine. Scroll down to find out what you’ll need (a few supplies and lots of imagination!) to make this paper plate tambourine, and your baby Beethovens will be hosting their own jam sessions in no time. Feeling crafty? Check out these other homemade instruments that actually work.
What You’ll Need to Make a DIY Tambourine
1. Stiff paper plates (we used Chinet lunch plates)
2. Curling ribbon— any color
3. Silver jingle bells
4. Marker pens
5. Stickers
6. Scissors
7. Fishing line
8. Hot glue gun (parental supervision required)
9. Hole punch
Design the Paper Plate Tambourine
Let your kids design their own tambourine using markers and stickers. Each plate will be a side of the instrument.
Assemble the DIY Tambourine
Step One
Measure and punch along the edge of the two paper plates. One spot at a time, use a pen to line up the location of the holes on each side of the tambourine.
Step Two
Using the fishing line, thread two jingle bells through each hole. Continue until every punched hole has two bells strung tightly.
Step Three
Curl strips of ribbon with the scissors and then using just a dab of hot glue, insert and secure the strips to the bottom of the tambourine.
Play the Tambourine
They’ll love the impromptu jam session that occurs right after the project is complete!
If they can brush their teeth, they can also get out the door on time (We promise!)
School mornings can be a busy and sometimes stressful time when your kids are little. But as they get older, there’s a whole bunch of things they can be doing on their own to help out! Not only does it make your morning run a little smoother, but it also helps kids develop necessary life skills, gain confidence and become well-rounded, competent adults. Here’s our list that’ll help you set morning chores for kids—one they can definitely handle on their own each school day by the time they’re 10.
1. Get out of bed on their own. When they’re babies, going in to get your kids out of the crib and up for the day is a sweet moment. But if you’re still going in and waking up your kid long after the wee baby stage, you may want to pass that task over to them. They can—and should be able to—get themselves up for school independently. Every day. And if they’re late? It’s not your fault, mom.
2. Get dressed. This sounds pretty obvious, but getting dressed with zero micromanaging from you is key. It may be tempting to check and see if your kids remembered to put on underwear, or if their shirts and pants match, but this is another skill they can totally master on their own. Besides—letting them express themselves with their wardrobe is fun!
3. Make their breakfast. Again, it sounds like an easy morning chore. But encouraging your little scholars to make healthy choices and take control of their breakfast from a young age is the best way to help them eat well—plus it frees up your morning!
4. Make their own lunch—or at least help. Younger ones (like kindergarten-aged kids) may need some help with this. But for the most part, getting your kid involved in choosing and making their own lunch means they’ll likely eat the entire thing! It’s also a great opportunity to teach them about balanced diets.
5. Tidy up their own mess. So they’ve made breakfast and packed their lunch, and now there are dishes everywhere! Kids need to know they need to tidy up after themselves as well. This morning chore is great for helping them develop important life skills.
6. Pack their school bag. Kids will sometimes tell their teachers “Oh, my mom forgot to pack <insert various items here> in my backpack today.” And teachers generally respond with “Did your mom forget it? Or did you?” Gotcha, kid! If they need to remember something, they need to put it in their bag themselves.
7. Keep track of their library books/homework, etc. If it’s library day and suddenly your kid’s book is missing, it’s not your job to find it. They’re definitely old enough by now to keep track of all their own things—including where they left their homework.
8. Decide what outerwear they’ll need that day. Arguments over appropriate footwear and outerwear for all types of temperatures are never fun. Let your kids decide if they need that spare pair of mittens in the winter. One cold, wet, miserable day without them, and they’ll likely make good decisions!
9. Brush their teeth. Despite needing a billion and one reminders when they’re little, as they get older, kids should really be able to remember to brush their teeth—and do it properly—before each school day.
10. Get out the door on time. Getting out the door seems to be one of the toughest tasks when the kids are really young. But as they get older, this is another task they should be able to handle themselves. It’s really all about raising our kids to be competent adults one day—and that means that they’re going to have to arrive at places on time.
›Whether you’re threatening to turn the car around or telling the kids not to kick the ball in the house for the hundredth time, motherhood means saying things you never thought you would. When we’re not dreading sounding like our own moms, some of the things we end up saying on a daily basis are actually pretty funny. We asked our readers and editors to share their daily mantras, and here’s what they had to say.
We Sound Like Our Moms
"Because I'm the mom, that's why!" –Tami R.
"Because I said so." –Kari S.
"I'll give you something to cry about." –Debbie H.
"Wait 'til your father gets home." –Tracey L.
"Watch your mouth young lady (man) or I’ll get the soap." –Linda M.
"When you pay the bills then you can....(insert whatever they want)..." –Julie J.
Clothing Not Optional
iStock
"You need to wear underwear when people come over to the house!" –Kristen H.
"What happened to your pants?” or “where did your pants go?” –Keiko Z.
"Please put some pants on!" –Sara S.
"Why are you always naked!?!" –Laura L.
Because Kids Are Gross
iStock
"How do those boogers taste?" –Gabby C.
"Do not lick mommie!" –Teri P.
"Who peed on the seat?!" –Kristi F.
"No, I don't want to wipe your butt for you." –Amber G.
"Use toilet paper! It's not optional!" –Bonnie C.
“Where are you planning to put that booger?” –Chinae G.
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No one wants to see their baby stuffy, sick and suffering. Pediatricians say adding moisture to the air is one of the best ways to relieve cough, congestion and sore throats—especially for little ones who can’t take most medications. As a bonus for parents, humidifiers can keep your skin hydrated and plump so you won’t look as tired as you feel. Read on for some of the best and most innovative options available. Pop one in your nursery and your own bedroom.
The Air Innovations Ultrasonic Coolmist is full of features that make it a great choice for busy parents. To start, it has a ceramic filter, meaning you never need to worry about not being able to use your humidifier because you forgot to order new ones. This humidifier can run for 96 hours so you won't find yourself having to refill the tank every night before bedtime. It's also super-quiet so even light sleepers can run this machine through the night. Plus, it has a remote control, an aromatherapy chamber and an adjustable nozzle so you can direct mist exactly where it's needed. The Coolmist looks sleek and is effective in rooms up to 600 square feet so it can easily be used outside the nursery as well.
Dyson is known for cutting-edge technology, and the Purifier Humidify+Cool is no exception. This smart humidifier can be put on auto or you can use manual settings to optimize the moisture in your room. If the humidifier senses it's not working at peak performance, it will use LED lights to let you know it's time to make adjustments. This machine does double-duty by acting as an air purifier complete with a HEPA filter. The Dyson is big and comes with a hefty price tag, but it will get the job done and should last for years.
Canopy is made to fit into busy lifestyles. To start, it uses a no-mist system so it does not get the floor wet, and it's mold-resistant. Best of all, most pieces can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. This humidifier has a wide opening, making it very easy to fill, so it's one of the simplest humidifiers to use. It's also small so it can go anywhere and fit in with any décor. For parents who like to diffuse scents into their child's room, an aroma kit comes in the package along with a tiny tray that parents can place on top of the humidifier. (Do your research and talk to your pediatrician about which essential oils are safe to diffuse around children and pets.) Canopy also goes the extra mile to keep you and your little one healthy: Water is purified by an LED light before being released into the air, and the included filter helps purify the air.
Sometimes small and simple is sufficient. If you don't have room for a bigger humidifier, need something you can travel with or only occasionally need to moisture to the air, the tiny Nanosteamer from Pure Daily Care may be the perfect choice. This compact powerhouse will fit anywhere but kicks out a lot of steam. When not being used as a humidifier, the Nanosteamer can be used to give yourself an at-home facial, so you'll get more bang for your buck out of this one.
The Hubble Connected Mist ($50) is more than just a humidifier. It's a 5-in-1 machine that also has an aroma diffuser, a bluetooth speaker, a nightlight and a digital clock. The Hubble glows in just about any color in the rainbow, meaning it can help give your baby's nursery a custom look any time of day or night. Since this little machine can do so much, it really helps cut down on clutter. The Hubble doesn't use a filter, so that's one less thing to worry about. The entire top lifts off for easy cleaning between uses. As with any diffuser, do your research and talk to your pediatrician about which essential oils are safe to diffuse around children and pets.
The year’s almost over—what was your favorite part? Have your kids ask themselves that question and others with this easy DIY time capsule. Of course, while building a time capsule makes a fun New Year’s Eve craft project, it can be done any time of year. Give your kids the gift of nostalgia! Read on for the simple instructions.
What you’ll need:
Two 16 oz plastic soda bottles
Box cutter or craft knife (XActo knife)
Scissors
Labels
Clear packing tape
Paper, pens, paint, ticket stubs, knickknacks, etc. to help fill your time capsule with memories
Step One: Cut your “capsule”
Remove the labels from two clear plastic soda bottles. Then, using a box cutter or X-ACTO knife, (parents!) cut the bottles where the flat side meets the sloped top as shown.
Step Two: Cut notches in one of the bottles
Use scissors to cut four notches in the rim of ONE of the bottles. This will make it easier to squeeze one bottle into into the other to make the capsule shape.
Step Three: Now, freeze time!
Now that the capsule is prepped, it’s time to find ways to fill it. Talk to your kids about their favorite moments from the year — then see if you can find small items or photos to represent those moments. Some recommendations: Have your little memory-makers put their handprints on paper; it’s a fun way for them to see how they (and their hands) grow from year to year. Also: A simple questionnaire is a must for recording your kids’ current faves. Not sure what questions to ask? Try this easy printable from Uncommon Designs Online.
You could also have your kids write a letter to their future selves, give advice to their future selves, or make a hypothesis as to what their future selves will be doing in exactly one year (or whenever you’ve decided to open your time capsule). Have fun with it!
.
Step Four: Gather all your materials
Make sure you’ll have enough space to fit all your year-end goodies into your capsule. Our capsule included: Handprints of all three kids; a 2016 questionnaire; four pages of thumbnail-sized photos of our year; some Pokemon cards and figures; and two self portraits.
Step Five: Pack it up!
Roll up your papers and photos and slide it into one end of the capsule. Insert any small items in the middle. Then, close the capsule by sliding the two bottles together (the notched side should squeeze right into the other side). Seal your capsule with clear packing tape.
Step Six: Label and decorate
Label your time capsule with the year and the appropriate instructions as to when the capsule can be opened.
Step Seven: Hide (or bury) it somewhere until next year
Want to bury your time capsule? Go for it! As long as your capsule is completely sealed, it should last underground for a year or two without a problem. Not up for digging, or don’t have the proper yard for burying? Place your time capsule high on a shelf or drawer, out of reach of prying hands. Open it next year… in five years… whenever you’re ready for some instant nostalgia.
Whether decked out with the latest technology or small enough to travel with, there are more options than ever for this must-have baby gear. Read on for eight of the best baby swings out there, from brands you love like Graco, Nuna, 4moms, Fisher-Price and more.
The Simple Sway has all the features of a classic baby swing. The side-to-side sway has six speeds and the vibration features two speeds, so you can customize your baby’s movement experience. Engage your little one’s eyes and ears with a hanging mobile and a choice of 15 sounds and songs. It can run on battery or plug in for your convenience.
For the latest in high-tech baby gear, the Munchkin swing uses Bluetooth to stream baby’s favorite playlist from your phone to the swing’s speaker system. Or you can play preloaded ambient sounds and classical music to soothe your newborn. The swaying motion mimics the natural motion of parents. It can all be controlled by the sleek digital touch display or by remote. The lightweight design makes it easily to move around, and it breaks down for quick storage.
This Ingenuity Comfort swing offers both portability and affordability with all the features you need. It has eight melodies, three nature sounds, and a removable hanging toy. The reclining seat adjusts to two positions. The six-speed swinging action features TrueSpeed Technology that keeps the swinging speed consistent as baby grows. It runs on batteries and folds up compactly so it's great for travel.
With the classic head-to-toe rocking or the soothing side-to-side motion, this swing has an option sure to please baby. The mobile is motorized and includes a dome mirror. The seat pad and plush insert are machine-washable, so you don’t have to worry about messes. It includes foldable legs for storage and traveling and has plug-in or battery power to make it a versatile baby product.
The Nuna is a motor-free swing that grows with your child from newborn to toddler. A gentle nudge will set the swing silently swaying for up to two minutes. The three-point harness can be removed to turn the baby swing into a comfy toddler seat. The fabric insert is certified organic and free of harmful substances. The chair can lock into place for use in feeding or playtime.
The WhisperQuiet technology on this swing makes for a quiet ride, unless you want to play one of six tunes. The toys that hang from the removable toy bar are detachable for takeaway play, and the seat includes tags for extra play and soothing. The lightweight design allows for easy folding, storage and transport. The swing adapts to baby’s changing weight, so the six speeds never feel too slow or fast.
The futuristic design of the mamaRoo4 seat will fit in with any modern baby’s lifestyle. The five unique rocking and bouncing motions comfort little ones just like parents do. Listen to the built-in sounds or connect to any MP3 devices for baby’s musical favorites. The three fabric options—a soft plush, smooth polyester, or breathable fabric—are all machine-washable.
Similar to sitting in a nursery glider with you, the motion of this swing is a smooth ride for baby. In addition to different gliding speeds, there is a two-speed vibration mode. A timer makes sure the glider is on only when you want it to be, and it can be plugged in or run on batteries. Music and an overhead toy bar all help keep little ones entertained.
With lots of great high chairs on the market, you’ll want to focus on the features that are most important to you, like: ease of cleaning, price, ability to grow with the child, foldability & storage, small footprint for tight spaces, and whether it works for close-in-age siblings. Below are our top picks for high chairs and the reasons why we love them.
Oribel Cocoon Z High Chair | Lounger
Oribel
For more than meals A high chair you can use even for newborns? This innovative chair gives babies a cozy spot to recline and adjusts to five different heights, so you can have access to your child from the couch up to the kitchen island. Teflon gliders make it easy to move without damaging floors (they can be locked for safety). Toss the pop-out tray in the dishwasher, and remove the seat pad when it needs a scrubbing. Comes in four colors, including this sunny yellow.
Swivels all the way around There's a 360-degree swivel on this sleek high chair to make it easier to feed and interact with your little one. We love the easy-to-clean, wipeable surfaces and that the tray and tray insert are removable and dishwasher-safe. At only 16 pounds, it's easy to move this modern beauty around your home as needed, for meals, art projects and more. No tools required, so you'll put it together quickly.
Converts to a kitchen helper Your child can use this clever high chair from 3 months to 3 years, after which you can convert it to a toddler step stool so older kids can help out in the kitchen. The step stool accommodates up to 200 pounds, so some parents can also use it to reach high shelves. The modern high chair has beechwood accents and an adjustable seat with three reclining options for infant feeding. The removable seat cover wipes clean and is machine-washable, and the removable tray has a dishwasher-safe insert. It folds up for storage and even has a back hook for holding bibs.
Comfortable & convertible Oxo is known for kitchen utensils and containers that blend excellent functionality with sleek design, and the company's high chair is no different. The chair's height and depth are adjustable to grow with your child, and the seat, back and cushions are contoured for comfort and better posture. It's designed for children from 6 months to 5 years and comes in 12 colors, including neutrals and brights.
The clever constructions means it converts easily, without tools, from a high chair to kids chair. We appreciate the focus on safety and comfort, as well as the stylish color combinations.
Add more fun into mealtimes Kids who aren't excited about mealtimes, or high chairs, might love this welcoming option from Infantino. The cute fox is cushioned with foam padding for comfort and is easy to wipe clean, as is the removable meal tray. You'll get extended use from this chair, since it functions as a high chair, space saver, booster chair and toddler seat. The front wheels make it easy to maneuver around your eating area.
One-handed height adjustment with easy assembly in less than 3 minutes European brand CYBEX is all about sleek design and intelligent functionality for the modern family, and their LEMO high chair typifies this. With just four screws, the LEMO high chair is incredibly easy to assemble even for the least handy amongst us (raises hand here). Combine that with one-handed adjustment of the height and depth, and this chair is a winner for parents looking for a product that will grow with your child and is uber easy to use.
The chair features anti-tilt wheels to reduce tipping over, and boasts 4-in-1 seating and matching attachments so you can use from birth up until adulthood. Scoot it right up to the table or use the convenient tray. Choose from olive green, black or white.
Smart construction that grows with your child The Tripp Trapp is a perennial mom favorite for good reason: This stylish high chair holds a baby safely and adjusts easily to a child and adult chair (up to 242 pounds), and it tucks in comfortably at your dining table. The seat and footrest offer numerous heights to adjust to your growing child, and the chair frame and cushions come in a variety of colors and patterns to match any decor.
The focus on design is matched only by the attention to child safety. The beech wood chair and newborn and child accessories are well-made and sturdy. Also, included plastic gliders attach to the back legs of the chair for increased backward stability, a big plus with squirmy toddlers.
Multifunctional & amazing accessories This Italian-made high chair boasts a number of key features: Five reclining seat positions, including a full recline for young babies, and nine height positions that accommodate a growing child and any table height. Castor wheels mean easy movement around your home, and they lock automatically for safety. A compact fold makes it suitable for small spaces, and a mesh storage net on the seat back keeps bibs, wipes and toys in reach. Add a padded baby cushion or booster cushion or an attachable mobile for baby's comfort and entertainment.
Compact & convenient Basics done right. The Nook requires no assembly, has a tray that swings open so you can easily get your child in or out, and features a one-handed supercompact fold for storage. The leatherette seat cover wipes clean without harsh chemicals and comes in five cool colors: turquoise, charcoal, black, coral and red.
Modern masterpiece This eco-friendly, ultra-modern chair gives you lots of options. It converts from a baby seat to a toddler seat to an adult chair in seconds, and the restraint can be adjusted from a 5-point to a 3-point harness. You can also choose a color combo to suit your style or home: It comes in a mahogony and lighter wood frame, with a seat back and cushion in blueberry, cream white, olive, pearl black or raspberry. The included tray cover can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.
Amazing value & portability The Antilop’s low-key style works with any decor, and you can take off the chair’s legs for travel, visits to friends' houses and restaurant meals. The price can't be beat, and the polypropylene seat and tray are a cinch to clean. You'll be tempted to buy a second one to keep at grandma's house. Pro tip: Trick out your Antilop with Yeah Baby Goods' accessories, which are specifically designed to fit this high chair. Add their soft cushion, comfy footrest, silicone placemat or leg wraps (vinyl strips that change the color of the chair's legs.
Magnets = less mess The tray on this ingenious high chair attaches with magnets so you can lift it off to clean and replace it easily. Those magnets also come in handy with 4moms magnetic bowls and plates—baby can’t knock them off! There’s also a removable foam insert, three height positions and two tray positions for your child's dining comfort.
Great for siblings This three-in-one chair cleverly converts from a high chair to booster seat to a toddler chair. Its unique design means you can put baby in the booster while an older sibling sits in the toddler chair.
The seat pad and straps wipe clean and can be tossed in the washing machine, and the tray and tray insert are dishwasher safe. The tray locks in tight in four positions to adjust to your growing child.
Compact fold & easily movable With five reclining positions, an adjustable footrest and eight height levels to work with any table, the Foodoo offers continued comfort as your child grows. Its rubber wheels mean you can move it around your home easily, and the compact standing fold is key for storage.
Great for growing families The Blossom easily converts from an infant high chair to a traditional high chair, infant booster seat, toddler booster seat and youth chair. It not only grows with your child, it can also accommodate two siblings using different stages of the chair at the same time. There are six height options and three recline positions, and sturdy wheels mean it moves easily around your home. Locking rear casters prevent it from moving when you don’t want it to. The tray is removable with one hand and features a dishwasher-safe insert for even more convenience.
For more than mealtimes When stacked, this is a full-size high chair, perfect for meals at your table. Split it apart and you have a low-to-the-ground chair where baby's feet touch the ground. Remove the tray and your child has a comfy chair, then add the table for independent playtime and snacks.
The budget-friendly high chair is recommended for use from 4 months to 5 years, so you'll get lots of use out of this versatile chair.
Great for restaurants & travel This compact chair straps to a kitchen chair or restaurant chair and features two height positions and three recline positions. It's all about convenience with a dishwasher-safe tray, machine-washable seat and a spot to hang bibs and toys on.
We love that it boasts the features of a traditional high chair but is more portable and easier to store. And that it grows from a reclining seat for newborns to a booster seat for toddlers.
Value & versatility This 2-in-1 high chair converts to a booster seat and features three reclining seat positions. The seat pad is machine-washable and the tray can be removed with one hand.
Best of all, when it's time to convert the high chair to a booster seat, the legs store within the footrest to keep all parts together, so they're easy to find when it's time to sell, donate or use the chair with a new baby.
With the new school year in full swing, now is the time to take your child to the eye doctor for an annual comprehensive eye exam. There’s nothing worse than your child not being able to learn from the classroom whiteboard or enjoy sports activities because they can’t see clearly. Odds are, your child’s routine has changed quite a bit over the past year. You may have found your family spending more time on digital devices and reading along with less time outdoors.
Studies have found that lifestyle factors such as these may have an impact on the development of myopia, whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision.¹⁻³ In addition, children often don’t know their eyesight isn’t 20/20 because it’s all that they know, so it’s up to you to take your child to the eye doctor to find out.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a very common eye condition. On average, 42% of children age 5 to 19 have myopia.⁵ Your family history also plays a role in whether your child will develop myopia; the odds of a child developing this eye condition is increased by three times with one parent having myopia, and the odds of a child developing myopia is six times as likely if both parents have myopia. 6,7
What are the treatments for myopia?
When children are diagnosed with myopia, glasses are a common next step. While glasses will help a child with myopia see the whiteboard more clearly, they’re not able to impact the long-term progression of their myopia. As myopia worsens, the child’s glasses prescription will get higher. If left untreated, myopia can lead to sight-threatening conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.⁸ Fortunately, now there is FDA-approved* MiSight® 1 day myopia control soft contact lenses to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†4 Read on to see how MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses work, and if this product may be a fit for your age-appropriate child!
How Does MiSight® 1 day Work?
MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses feature ActivControl® Technology which utilizes an innovative concentric ring design to correct blurred distance vision while slowing the elongation of the eyeball. Children should wear the lenses for a minimum of 10 hours a day, 6 days a week for best results and should continue using the contact lenses until their eyes stop growing and the prescription stabilizes as directed by their eye care professional.⁴
You’re probably wondering whether contact lenses are right for your child. Your eye doctor will show you and your child how to care for the lenses and insert and remove them safely. Though you may not think your child will be able to use contact lenses, we can assure you that children learn how to insert contact lenses fairly quickly, with 85 percent of them finding it easy to insert after just one month!⁹
Hear Addy’s Story
Addy, an eight and a half year old who was diagnosed with myopia when she was in kindergarten, began controlling her myopia using MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses. Addy’s mom has myopia, and Addy’s myopia had progressed quickly. Putting in the contact lenses took her a little while to learn, but with a little practice, she got the hang of it and now wears her contacts almost every day to slow her myopia.⁴
“It was such an easy option,” says Addy’s mom, “and the contacts give her more freedom so she doesn’t have to deal with glasses. I love everything about it!”
Learn more about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses by speaking to a certified Brilliant Futures™ eye care professional in your area. Click here to find a doctor.
Indications and Important Safety Information
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities.Adverseevents: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
References:
1.Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43.
2.Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in ClinicalPractice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016;39(2):106-16
3.Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
4.Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8): 556-567.
5.Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL 3rd. Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(12):1632-1639. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.303
6.Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.
7.Mutti DO, Mitchell GL, Moeschberger ML, Jones LA, Zadnik K. Parental myopia, near work, school achievement, and children’s refractive error. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(12):3633-3640. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.0412.
8.Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.06.004.
9.Sulley A et al, Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation.
