First week of school behind us
So starts another school year. It always brings back memories of those first days of school for my two children. Each were very different from each other. My daughter has always been a very independent child, so leaving her parents and bunnies at home wasn't a big challenge. She just turned and walked away from us at kindergarten, lol....
My son, however, wasn't that confident. Leaving his comfort blankets at home and mom were more of a challenge for him. I'm sure more than a few children out there last week struggled like my son did 7 years ago.
Things to make the transition easier:
-Do not move the blanket from where they left it in the morning before school. I can guarantee that your child knows exactly where that blanket was left and probably been anticipating the reunion all day. It can be a little upsetting to come home and find out you've washed blankie or shifted it away while making the bed. It's best to let your child tuck their object away for the day, and leave it be for them
-Allow them some quiet time when they get home with their object. Some children may now have missed their blankets at all, others that was all they could think about as time drew to an end at school. Be considerate and let them take it at their pace. They may race home to make sure it's still there, or not be very concerned about it
In time, they'll become more comfort with being away from home and their blanket. Don't feel you have to rush it, let your child take it at their own pace, rather than cold turkey. That could cause a lot of stress for both of you.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Travelling with your child and their security objects
Summer time brings on the family road trips. And as with all trips, you stand the risk of leaving a loved one behind on excursions. There's nothing worse than heading out on the highway and suddenly in a panic-stricken cry your child announces their lovey is missing...
Now it's the parents' time to panic and run through all the places it could've fallen off, been left behind, dropped out of the car, etc... Here's a few helpful tips to avoid this situation so everyone arrives back home safe and sound.
* Make sure you have somewhere to put that baby security blanket while you're on the move. It's really best for the blanket to stay in a diaper bag or suitcase while you travel but if your child needs to cuddle it on the go, be sure to have a way to attach it to a stroller or car seat. Our Travel ear, for example, can be used with little plastic linking toys to make sure the blanket hangs onto the stroller when dropped out of little hands.
* Have a checklist for yourself and your child if they're old enough for departing hotel rooms. Top of the list is making sure that lovey is safely stowed away before checkout. Double check and re-check before departing that there's nothing left behind.
* Plan for the unexpected. You should have a spare by now which should also be packed safely. Do not bring it out unless the unthinkable has happened. Last thing you want to do is be searching for two blankets. It's strictly to be your back up plan should the original go astray. And this blanket should be broken in, as mentioned in previous article. A brand new one that smells nothing like the old one will not be a comfort
* In and out of the car double check around the perimeter. When packing up the car, or stopping for breaks, things can very easily just slip right out without noticing. Once everyone is safely seated, take a walk around the car, checking even underneath, that nothing has escaped.
You can only do your best to prevent losing the security item. Should it happen, just do your best to reassure your child while backtracking, if possible. Give them the spare lovey for comfort and hopefully you'll be able to figure out where you may have lost the original. Hotels, restaurants, stores, etc are very understanding about these losses, as are most people who find them and turn them in. Check everywhere you were and more than likely you will recover the item
Now it's the parents' time to panic and run through all the places it could've fallen off, been left behind, dropped out of the car, etc... Here's a few helpful tips to avoid this situation so everyone arrives back home safe and sound.
* Make sure you have somewhere to put that baby security blanket while you're on the move. It's really best for the blanket to stay in a diaper bag or suitcase while you travel but if your child needs to cuddle it on the go, be sure to have a way to attach it to a stroller or car seat. Our Travel ear, for example, can be used with little plastic linking toys to make sure the blanket hangs onto the stroller when dropped out of little hands.
* Have a checklist for yourself and your child if they're old enough for departing hotel rooms. Top of the list is making sure that lovey is safely stowed away before checkout. Double check and re-check before departing that there's nothing left behind.
* Plan for the unexpected. You should have a spare by now which should also be packed safely. Do not bring it out unless the unthinkable has happened. Last thing you want to do is be searching for two blankets. It's strictly to be your back up plan should the original go astray. And this blanket should be broken in, as mentioned in previous article. A brand new one that smells nothing like the old one will not be a comfort
* In and out of the car double check around the perimeter. When packing up the car, or stopping for breaks, things can very easily just slip right out without noticing. Once everyone is safely seated, take a walk around the car, checking even underneath, that nothing has escaped.
You can only do your best to prevent losing the security item. Should it happen, just do your best to reassure your child while backtracking, if possible. Give them the spare lovey for comfort and hopefully you'll be able to figure out where you may have lost the original. Hotels, restaurants, stores, etc are very understanding about these losses, as are most people who find them and turn them in. Check everywhere you were and more than likely you will recover the item
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sorry for the little break, kids home from school and all that :).... back to some advice...
Tips for Wash Day
* Wash your blankie in a separate pillow case. This will help cut down on the wear and tear to the flannel and satin. Let your child pick the pillow case, and assure them that just like their car seat, this is to keep their blankie safe and sound in the washing journey.
* Have a timer ready for them to watch the cycles. It sounds strange, I know, but children don't grasp time like we do. As my son says, "It's taking forever" -- and he means it. Having a timer lets them see how the cycles are progressing without asking you every five minutes when it will be done.
* Despite it all, be prepared that they will still be anxious through this washing process. My son dreaded wash day, no matter what we did. These little steps are to try and ease their worries. It's a hard thing for them, handing away their item of comfort into your care, and hoping it'll come back. So be gentle and understanding, and everyone will survive wash day without too many tears (mom or child)!
So your child has attached themselves to a baby lovey ...Now what? Well, here comes a whole new set of challenges. You need to remember that this object, which to you is a simple piece of material, is now something your child sees as a best friend. You will need to learn to respect that and to treat that blankie with the same care that your child does.
Your largest challenge will be wash day. That best buddy of a blanket has been trailing around after your child, and it's sure to have picked up quite a few things along the way. As a parent, it's now your responsibility to get that thing cleaned without harming it. Believe me, there will be nothing more devastating to a child than handing over that blanket and having it not returned. Their trust is being in you to bring their friend back safe and sound.
Wash day is a horrible thing for a child and his or her prized possession. Sending it off into the basement, into a dark, wet washer and noisy, tumbling dryer usually sends a child into tears. Having been there every week, if not more often depending on where the blanket has been dragged, it can be a very long ordeal for both parent and child.
Here are some tips for making wash day less stressful for everyone:
Tips for Wash Day
* Always have a spare blanket for wash day. By spare, I don't mean a new one stashed away in a package in case of emergency. You should have a baby blanket ready that has been loved, even just a little, rather than a brand new one. A new one won't comfort them nearly as much as one that at the very least has some scent to it that your child can find soothing. Even if it's only been broken in by you sleeping with it a night or two. But make sure that the wash day blanket is put away afterwards, or you'll end up with two best friends and no spares.
* Wash your blankie in a separate pillow case. This will help cut down on the wear and tear to the flannel and satin. Let your child pick the pillow case, and assure them that just like their car seat, this is to keep their blankie safe and sound in the washing journey.
* Have a timer ready for them to watch the cycles. It sounds strange, I know, but children don't grasp time like we do. As my son says, "It's taking forever" -- and he means it. Having a timer lets them see how the cycles are progressing without asking you every five minutes when it will be done.
* Help your child understand and be part of the washing experience. Again, sounds silly to you perhaps, but your child will feel a lot better knowing exactly what is happening to their best friend. Explain how, just like they do, the blankie needs to have a bath. Let them put it into the pillow case, tie it up, and allow them to put the case into the washer. When they're old enough, let them help put the soap in or move the blanket to the dryer. Once they see how safe their blanket is in each step, it will reassure their separation anxieties a bit.
* Despite it all, be prepared that they will still be anxious through this washing process. My son dreaded wash day, no matter what we did. These little steps are to try and ease their worries. It's a hard thing for them, handing away their item of comfort into your care, and hoping it'll come back. So be gentle and understanding, and everyone will survive wash day without too many tears (mom or child)!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
What does a baby security blanket mean to your child?
You may remember back to your childhood a certain item that brought you comfort in your tiny world. Security items like a baby security blanket make a child feel as though they have something from home with them throughout their adventures in that big world of ours. Try and see the world around them from their perspective, how large and overwhelming it can be.
Baby security blankets stimulate your child's senses to create that comfort zone, wherever they are. Their sense of smell is drawn to the fabric, especially satin. It retains a comforting scent that they recognize as a 'home' smell. We have always recommended to new moms trying to help their child bond with their new blankets to try sleeping with the blanket for a night or two. The satin will pick up your unique scent and your child will find assurance in that.
Baby security blankets stimulate your child's senses to create that comfort zone, wherever they are. Their sense of smell is drawn to the fabric, especially satin. It retains a comforting scent that they recognize as a 'home' smell. We have always recommended to new moms trying to help their child bond with their new blankets to try sleeping with the blanket for a night or two. The satin will pick up your unique scent and your child will find assurance in that.
Visually a security blanket should be bright and fun but not too busy to over-stimulate. There are all kinds of patterned flannel out there to find one that your child will find pleasing. Textures of the fabrics will catch your child's sens of touch. Satin is silky smooth while flannel is soft and fluffy. Add some embroidery and those little bumps will be a new sensation, not to mention help them learn their name.
If you choose a sensory blanket like our ribbon crinkle blanket, the noise will be sure to catch their tiny ears' attention Being able to make their blankets crackle noisily can thrill a child to no end.
There is so much more to those pieces of fabric that your child drags around everywhere they go. Be sure to respect their property and understand how deeply attached children can be to their prized possession.
There is so much more to those pieces of fabric that your child drags around everywhere they go. Be sure to respect their property and understand how deeply attached children can be to their prized possession.
Monday, June 18, 2012
What makes our Buddy Blankies special?
Our baby blankets are all handmade, created when you place your order. All embroidery is done before construction so there are no rough edges to the blanket created by the backside of the stitching. You have the confidence to know that when you order, your child's blanket hasn't been sitting in a warehouse somewhere overseas.
Our newest Buddy, our Ribbon Crinkle blanket, is a fun addition to the Buddy Blankies family. Patterned flannel and cuddle satin with satin ribbons sewn all the way around. Approximately 14" square, you can choose to add a crinkle blanket for extra stimulation. From adding it to just a corner to the entire blanket, the crinkle material is completely machine-washable and dryer-safe.
The bright, colourful ribbons will catch your child's attention. The ribbons are in strips, not loops, so no little fingers will get caught in them. Our Buddy bunny ears and travel ear come standard but you can certainly request the knotted ears should your child be teething.
Embroidery can be added to this blanket to make it more special. You can add your child's name and/or birth date to one corner to personalize it. Be sure to visit our page and check out all the patterns available for the fun blankie!
Our newest Buddy, our Ribbon Crinkle blanket, is a fun addition to the Buddy Blankies family. Patterned flannel and cuddle satin with satin ribbons sewn all the way around. Approximately 14" square, you can choose to add a crinkle blanket for extra stimulation. From adding it to just a corner to the entire blanket, the crinkle material is completely machine-washable and dryer-safe.
The bright, colourful ribbons will catch your child's attention. The ribbons are in strips, not loops, so no little fingers will get caught in them. Our Buddy bunny ears and travel ear come standard but you can certainly request the knotted ears should your child be teething.
Embroidery can be added to this blanket to make it more special. You can add your child's name and/or birth date to one corner to personalize it. Be sure to visit our page and check out all the patterns available for the fun blankie!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Looking for a keepsake baby blanket?
Our website offers a variety of unique handmade baby blankets to meet your child's special needs. Please be sure to visit and check out each of our styles. Every Buddy is SomeBuddy's!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Ever worry about your child never letting go of their baby security blanket?
Well, you hear lots of parents making that comment-"They won't be taking it to university with them" and yes, that's probably true. But did you know that quite a few adults still have their loveys or security items from their childhood? Over the years, I have even made up blankets for college students before they head away from home -sometimes for fun, sometimes to replace the one they've packed away
Owning a security item is normal and absolutely nothing wrong with it. While your child may seem like they won't ever leave the house without it, you can start to wean them away from their items slowly and without too much anxiety to you both. Start with baby steps - do not just set a rule and remove the object. This applies especially before starting school. That's a whole new can of worms and that is not the time to take away the one thing they cling to for unconditional support. You'll only end up upsetting your child and making them clutch that item even more.
Understanding is the key to making the transition to leaving that baby blanket at home. Realize that their attachment to it is a very strong tie and respect that. Go slowly - have them put their item in their room for small amounts of time during the day. Don't start off by taking it away at night - the night time ritual of sleeping with it will probably be the last thing to tackle, and in my opinion, not as important as the daily release.
Get them involved in doing things to distract them from the idea that their blanket is not right there. Should they start to get upset before the allotted time out of the object, take them to their room (if possible) and show them it's safe, taking a nap, etc. However, try to not let them touch or play with it - you'll just be backtracking. Be firm but again, be understanding.
It may take weeks to have them adjust to leaving the house without their companion, or it may be a quick adjustment. Do not rush it - let your child set the pace, however, be firm in your goals. There is nothing wrong with starting school and still having that security there at home waiting for them. Remember from their point of view what a huge world is out there, and that tiny piece of mind waiting for them is very important.
Owning a security item is normal and absolutely nothing wrong with it. While your child may seem like they won't ever leave the house without it, you can start to wean them away from their items slowly and without too much anxiety to you both. Start with baby steps - do not just set a rule and remove the object. This applies especially before starting school. That's a whole new can of worms and that is not the time to take away the one thing they cling to for unconditional support. You'll only end up upsetting your child and making them clutch that item even more.
Understanding is the key to making the transition to leaving that baby blanket at home. Realize that their attachment to it is a very strong tie and respect that. Go slowly - have them put their item in their room for small amounts of time during the day. Don't start off by taking it away at night - the night time ritual of sleeping with it will probably be the last thing to tackle, and in my opinion, not as important as the daily release.
Get them involved in doing things to distract them from the idea that their blanket is not right there. Should they start to get upset before the allotted time out of the object, take them to their room (if possible) and show them it's safe, taking a nap, etc. However, try to not let them touch or play with it - you'll just be backtracking. Be firm but again, be understanding.
It may take weeks to have them adjust to leaving the house without their companion, or it may be a quick adjustment. Do not rush it - let your child set the pace, however, be firm in your goals. There is nothing wrong with starting school and still having that security there at home waiting for them. Remember from their point of view what a huge world is out there, and that tiny piece of mind waiting for them is very important.
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