Raising a child is no easy task. Children of different ages have
specific requirements and learning needs. For instance, our
previous article on ‘Spend, Save, Give, Loan and Invest describes how teaching your children about financial literacy is
valuable no matter their age. However, older children might have a
better mental handle on budgeting compared to those who are younger.
While navigating the transition phase from baby to toddler can be a huge
leap for some parents, investing in a few key items will help ensure
that they stay safe and happy as they grow up.
With so many types of car seats available on the market, it can be
difficult to narrow down the selection process. NCT’s
guide to choosing a car seat for toddlers explains how trying
different types in your vehicle will help you make the right decision.
You should also take into account your toddler’s current height, weight,
and growth rate when making your decision. To make things easier for
you, making sure that it has an isofix connector will help make
installing it in your car smoother process. Many modern cars have an
isofix connector hidden in the cracks between your car seats. Practising
how to install the seat and take it down will also help reduce any
crankiness (for both parent and child) during journeys.
If you have more than one toddler, a tandem pushchair can be the
solution you need when you’re traveling or going for a walk outside. The
selection of a double
pushchairs listed on iCandy shows how contemporary tandem
models are slim like a single-buggy and considerably more manoeuvrable
than side-by-side pushchairs. They can be adjusted to let your toddlers
sit in front of one another and play, keeping everyone happy. Depending
on your needs, you can even convert it from a double pram to a single
one. However, it is important to note that double prams tend to suffer
from more wear and tear compared to single prams, so investing in a
high-quality pushchair will be more worth it in the long run.
When it comes to encouraging the growth of creativity, there’s no such
thing as starting too young. If you’re stuck at home, investing in some
art supplies can keep you and your children busy on a rainy day. Hobbycraft’s
variety of craft kits includes the ‘Decorate Your Own Canvas
Tent’, which is a fun way to pass the afternoon. You can customise a
tiny tent with paint, felt cutouts, fun fabrics, and more.
Alternatively, you can also do it yourself and use a discarded bed sheet
to create a makeshift tent. It’s also worth noting that the benefits of
making art are limitless. It improves motor skills, boosts self-esteem,
and impacts visual processing and memory.
These days, electronic gadgets are pretty commonplace as learning tools
and communication gadgets. Made
for Mum’s list of travel essentials includes the Fire HD 8”
Kids Edition Tablet, which can keep toddlers engrossed on a lengthy
journey. You can download educational apps, videos, games, and more from
well-loved brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Sesame Street. Most
importantly, it comes with the ability to set time constraints, because
limiting screen time is essential for the developing mind. As a bonus,
it also has an incredibly long battery life that lasts for up to ten
hours and comes with a protective kid-proof case.
When it comes down to it, investing in a few quality essentials can help
your children grow and learn. Hopefully, this list will help get
started on your research and choose items that can stand the test of
time and add value to your child’s future.