3 Kids and Us

How to Handle the Most Common Kid Sensitivities

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Watching your child grow and develop is one of the most wondrous things a person can experience. Children are extremely resilient during the early developmental phases, yet vulnerable at the same time. Parents have to watch out for a number of sensitivities that don’t cause older kids trouble but commonly affect youngsters.

Below is an overview of some of those sensitivities and what you can do to relieve them.

Skin Sensitivities

Compared to our sun-beaten skin, babies and children have very sensitive epidermis. They can experience a number of skin sensitivities, even if they don’t have an allergy.

Some of the most common skin sensitivities include:

Eczema – Eczema is extremely common among children. Estimates show that around 10% of kids worldwide have it. The condition, which can develop in infancy, can cause the skin to be dry, itchy and easily irritated to the point a rash forms.

Contact Dermatitis – A number of irritants can affect a young child’s sensitive skin. Even tight clothing that rubs against the skin can cause problems. When they do come across irritants it can cause contact dermatitis. Some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis include dye chemicals, nickel, mouthwash and toothpaste ingredients, poison ivy and cosmetics.

Heat Rash – Little kids seem to run hot, which can show up in the form of a heat rash.

Dryness and Chapping – A child’s skin may look smooth and soft, but it can easily dry out. And it’s not just from the wind and cold. When kids wash their hand a lot or frequently lick their lips it can dry out the skin.

Hives – Most cases of hives can be chalked up to virus sensitivity. Even a small stomach bug can cause red, bumpy hives in young children.

The clothing you buy can make a difference. If a child suffers from contact dermatitis or dry skin, clothing items like seamless socks for kids, pants without tight waistbands and clothing without tags are often recommended.

Moisturizers that contain soothing ingredients like oatmeal are also recommended for a number of skin sensitivities. Of course, keeping your kid’s skin hydrated will help prevent dryness and chapping.

Sun Sensitivity

In addition to irritants, allergens and the environment, the sun can also affect children more so than adults. They haven’t had time to build up a tough exterior to ward off burns, but that isn’t the only problem created by the sun.

Photosensitivity can also be an issue. The term photosensitivity is a blanket term for a number of sun allergies. Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop photosensitivity, although some types of sun allergies can be inherited. The most common types of sun allergies include:

  • Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)
  • Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE)
  • Solar urticarial (occurs most often in young women and girls)
  • Photoallergic eruption (occurs due to chemical reaction after a topical cream or fragrance is applied to the skin)

The symptoms of sun allergies are similar, usually resulting in a red, itchy rash. If solar urticarial is the problem your child may develop hives.

The easiest way to prevent sun allergies is to limit exposure. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep your kid inside 24/7. Make sure they wear loose, lightweight clothing that covers the skin and avoid times when the sun is strongest. It’s also important to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher.

Food Sensitivities

Getting kids to try new foods can be a challenge, but you may also have to contend with a sensitive digestive tract. A number of foods can cause adverse reactions in kids. The good news is many children outgrow food allergies as they get older.

Some of the most common food allergies among children include:

  • Nuts
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Seafood
  • Strawberries

Many of the food allergies above can cause skin reactions. If you don’t want to find out about a food allergy the hard way, there are several skin tests that your pediatrician or an allergist can perform to discover sensitivities.

Anytime you buy prepared meals or go out to eat it’s near impossible to know what all is in the food you and your children consume. If you’re concerned about food allergies and sensitivity, the best thing you can do is prepare food at home as much as possible. You can even make homemade baby food as soon as you begin to wean your child.

Persistent problems that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments deserve more attention. If your baby, toddler or child has a strong reaction to irritants, allergens, the sun or food schedule an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as you can.

Top Reasons Baby May Not Be Sleeping Through the Night

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Has getting your baby to sleep or having your baby sleep through the night become an issue? Though it can take a while for an infant to sleep a full 6-8 hours at night, there are other underlying factors that could be contributing to their inability to fall asleep or stay asleep very long. The truth is, your baby’s issues with sleep may have a lot of similarities to your own. Poor sleeping conditions can impede on someone’s ability to get good rest, no matter what age they are.

Too Much Light

Have you ever tried to take a nap during the day? While you may have been able to fall asleep at some point, getting there was likely a lot more challenging than it would be if it were nighttime, or you were in a dark room. When putting your baby to sleep, check to see how many lights are on at the time. Too many lights can keep the baby up longer than you’d like. If you want the baby to take a nap or get a good night’s rest, turn off all the lights and even consider solutions like darkening curtains to block natural light from getting in the room.

A Bad Mattress

When your mattress is in bad shape, your body feels the impact shortly thereafter. Tossing and turning, back aches, neck pains, and more can result from the wrong type of mattress or an old one. The same can be said for your baby’s crib mattress. If you have a used mattress or one that is cheap or poor quality, you may need to invest in a new baby mattress. As you shop, look for quality materials, good support, and great reviews.

Room Temperature

When you’re too hot or too cold, getting to sleep is a struggle. You toss and turn half the night trying to get to a comfortable temperature. If your baby’s room temperature is cold or really hot you will need to make some adjustments so they can get to sleep at night. You can try things like moving the baby crib from the window, installing a ceiling fan to keep it cool, or investing in a heater to increase the temperature in the baby’s room.

Noise

As you get older, you kind of learn how to fall asleep in any environment. It’s a lot easier to go to sleep in a quiet space than it is one that’s noisy. When it’s time for baby to go to sleep, try taking them into their room and ensuring that their surroundings are quiet. If you have younger children, try to get them to wind down when you’re putting the baby to sleep so that they’re not disturbed. When you put the baby in the crib, turn off the television and even close the door so that they are not awakened by sounds from the house.

Sleepwear

When dressing your infant for bedtime, often, less is more. Just as you would probably have a hard time going to sleep in something with a lot of lace, snaps, or buttons, the same is true for your baby. You also don’t want to overdress them because this can increase their body temperature, making it difficult for them to get to sleep. Dress your baby in light, minimal clothing to get a good night’s rest.

Routine

Your infant needs a sleep routine to get to sleep each night. There needs to be a clear indication of when you’re winding down, when their last feeding is, and when it’s time to go to sleep. Poor routines that might include playing with the baby, making lots of noise, or being out and about can confuse the baby and throw off their sleep pattern. Try to get some consistency by feeding, bathing, and winding down at the same time each day.

Clearly, the same things that keep you from getting the sleep you deserve also keep your baby from getting a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, since your baby can’t voice these things for you, it will be up to you to figure out which of these factors is playing a role in your baby’s inability to get to sleep and stay asleep each night. With time and a few changes, your baby should eventually give you a good window of opportunity to get some much needed rest yourself.

Tips for Keeping Kids of All Ages Safe Both In and Out of the Home

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Wouldn’t it be nice if you could place your child in a plastic bubble that would protect them from every danger or threat until they’re an adult? Unfortunately, keeping your kids safe is not that easy, and when you have multiples of varying ages, it gets even harder. From electrical outlets and exposed staircases to social media use and home invasions, there are a lot of things that are unsafe for your children both inside and outside of the home. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the risks and keep your kids safe at all times.

Keeping Kids Safe in the Home

It’s a common assumption that the home is one of the safest places to be. Though it is safer than most, there are safety aspects that need to be considered.

Babyproofing – For those who have infants, one of the first courses of action to safeguard the home is to babyproof the house. This is the process of going around the entire home and locking, blocking, and securing things that could cause harm to a curious baby on the go. This includes locking medicine and kitchen cabinets, covering outlets, and installing gates at the top of staircases to prevent baby from falling.

Home security – Home security systems are a must to keep your home safe. While most might look at them as nothing more than alarms when burglaries happen, home security systems such as ADT monitoring are ideal for parents of children who spend time at home alone. With smart features like cameras and smartphone access, parents can observe teenagers and any company they might have in the home to ensure they’re safe and sound.

Pool Safety – For families who have a pool in the backyard, certain measures must be taken to ensure the kids have fun while being safe. Teaching pool rules such as no running and diving along with installing security features like a safety gate to ensure kids don’t try to enter the pool without your permission are all ways to make sure they’re safe and sound.

Internet Safety – Technology is not only for adults. Children use the internet all the time unaware of the many dangers that lurk there. Talk with your children about the use of internet. Discuss the importance of not disclosing personal information, not accessing inappropriate sites, and set rules as to when internet usage is allowed. Other measures include setting parental controls on devices and monitoring your child’s usage for any red flags.

Keeping Kids Safe Outside of the Home

The world around us is a lot more dangerous than the home. Here are some ways to keep your kids safe outside the home.

Stranger Danger – It’s extremely important to teach your children about strangers and steering clear of them. Give your children safety rules such as staying with an adult they know, sticking to a buddy system, not accepting gifts or bribes, and to know when and how to call for help.

Peer Pressure – When your child becomes a teenager peer pressure will become a huge part of their lives as they try to fit in with their friends. It is important to have a talk with your teen about being pressured into doing things they know are wrong. Try to encourage them to hang with likeminded friends and also set rules and curfews.

Travel Safety – Traveling with kids can be fun but it can also height security risks. Before a trip talk with your kids about being safe. Discuss things like staying close to mom and dad and where to turn if they get lost. Investing in ID bracelets or cards as well as installing location apps on your older children’s phones will also help in the event of an emergency.

There is a lot in this world to protect your children from. While you may not be able to shield them from everything that happens in their life, you can set the foundation that will minimize their chances of being injured or harmed in any way. Talk with your children frequently about the importance of being safe in an age appropriate way. Set firm rules and consequences as well as put some of the safeguards discussed above into place and you should have a much easier time sleeping at night knowing they’re all safe.

Ways to keep up with new toy releases without breaking the bank

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It can be difficult to stay ahead of trends in children’s toys, which can seem like they’re there just to pick holes in your parenting. Do you hand over big money every time a new toy comes out and risk getting trapped in a cycle of big payments and new crazes that you can’t afford, or do you make your child go without and risk them missing out on something that all their friends have.

This list hopes to show you some creative ways to get the best of both worlds and avoid that feeling of dread when a new advert comes on TV for the next must-have. Chances are that other parents feel the same way, so hopefully there are some tips on this list you can put into practice.

Test the waters

Toy Library – Try a toy library near you where there are toys for all ages that you can spend time with at the library, or borrow for a set time rather than buying. You might even want to use the toy library to let the kids try out the toys they’ve been wanting before deciding whether to make the commitment to buy it. If you’re going there to try out a specific toy, you may want to call ahead to check they have it before making the journey down there. If they don’t have it, why not try out some other toys there that might be even better!

Friends – If they regularly play with a toy at a friend’s house, do they really need to have their own? See if they can borrow the toy for a while, but make sure they understand that it needs to be returned in the same condition it was given to them. If their friend is reluctant to lend it, try inviting the friend over and ask them to bring the toy.

Arrange toy swaps

Host a swap night –  If you’re friendly with a good number of parents, try getting together to trade toys that your children no longer use. An ideal scenario would be to have a group of parents with children of a range of ages, so the older toys can be passed to the next oldest and the baby toys given to parents with newborns etc.

Share the cost of toy-buying – If you’re particularly close with another family with children, like cousins or close family friends, try setting up a swapping system where new toys are shared amongst the families. You can alternate which family buys the toy and make the swaps every time the families meet, or you might see each other so regularly that physical swapping isn’t necessary.

Buy second hand

Hold on a little while – Try waiting until the toy has been out for a while, and you might be able to grab a pre-owned one for a cheaper price on eBay. Many sellers will keep the original box, so it’ll feel like new when you receive it. Make sure you check its condition before you make the purchase so you’re not buying something that’s broken or damaged  – especially if your kids are likely to be upset by any signals that it’s secondhand. If it’s a large item, couriers like Shiply can deliver these for you – but remember to factor delivery prices into your budget so you don’t end up paying more than what it costs in your local shop.

Disneyland Paris The Destination Where Dreams Come True And Adventures Come To Life

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A Magical Kingdom that leaves many of its visitors happy and screaming its praises, Disneyland is a place for all to enjoy. The most visited and one of the most loved resorts in Europe, it’s held a special place in many people’s hearts. This location has provided 25 years of wonder and fantasy for people of all ages and has fulfilled many childhood dreams. It’s a living and breathing fairytale, a world where cinema and television come to life. From Mickey Mouse to Lilo and Stitch, Elsa from Frozen to Alice in Wonderland, you can find all your classic Disney characters in this magical land. Modern and technologically advance attractions and rides, ranging from fast to slow, are also dotted across this pleasure filled paradise, as well as extravagant lights a kaleidoscope of colours and sky kissing fountains. Let yours and your children’s imaginations be exhilarated, get your Disneyland Paris tickets in advance.

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Frontierland

Go on a wild ride around a rocky mountain with its imposing yet intricate structure and feel faster than lightning. Big Thunder Mountain, situated in Frontierland is one of the treasures that Disneyland Paris has to offer. Experience the mysteriously yet fearfully fantastic feeling of the goldminers of the 1850s. From dark caves to ghostly green lagoons this enchanting experience will leave you screaming for more. Permit the Phantom Manor to let you into its dark secrets and let your hair down in Pocahontas Indian Village, these attractions and much more can also be seen in the borders of Frontierland.

Adventureland

In Adventure Isle become a treasure hunter and allow Skull Rock Spyglass Hill to reveal its many secrets and stories. Suspension bridges, narrow pathways and spooky caves where danger lurks, all mark the land of this attraction. Decipher the mind boggling smugglers with your thorough map and be rewarded by all this land has to offer, or spectate the hanging lanterns and be illuminated with a deeper interest in this place. Adventure Isle is one of many amusements in Adventureland.

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Fantasyland

Fantasyland hosts one of the most enchanting sites in all of Disneyland, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth. This is the place where Cheshire cat sized smiles are worn and the impossible is believed. Venture into the rabbit’s hole and become one with this enchanting story. This comprises of a maze where you’ll be confronted with the queen of hearts and pop up card soldiers. There’s a satisfying reward at the end with a view of the whole of Fantasyland from Beauty Castle.

Discoveryland

You can zoom or cruise along in the futuristic cars on offer for riding in Autopia. Journey around the picturesque sites and be left feeling like a boy racer or a inquisitive traveller as you take in your surroundings. Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is also allocated in Discoveryland and gives a greater exposure of this character from the Toy Story Classic to the point where it’ll leave you saying “you got a friend in me.” Come face to face with Zurg, Buzz Lightyear’s archenemy, as you fire your missiles. Let the infra-red lasers illuminate your inner hero as you fight to save the day. Hop into the cannon and take an exhilarating ride into space where you can have a first-hand experience of what life would be like for Buzz.

There’s plenty more you can get up to when it comes to Disneyland antics.You can enjoy the Halloween experience, where bewitching surprises and mysterious marvels come alive. It’ll leave you spooked but suspicious. Plenty of live shows occur each year to keep you captivated and entertain. You can venture into the Walt Disney Studio park and get a clear view of the evolution and history of this organisation. Get a hole in one on the Disneyland golf course or just grab a bite to eat, there’s plenty to keep you occupied as well as astounded in Disneyland Paris.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!