Category: Parenting

Being a new parent can be an exciting time; however, it also comes with a whole new set of responsibilities. You are now responsible for another life in this world. From putting child-safe covers on outlets to installing safety netting on windows and balconies, the world with a small child is full of dangers you may have never noticed.

But what about your vehicle? Did you consider that you will need to childproof each vehicle to ensure your children’s safety while on the open road? And what does childproofing a vehicle even look like?

This article will discuss ways to childproof your vehicle to ensure a safe ride for you and the entire family.

Use the Right Car Seat for Your Child

Not only should children under the age of 13 sit in the back seat at all times, but you should also ensure that they are securely fastened in the appropriate car seat, depending on their age, height, and weight.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• From birth until ages 2 to 4: When your child is a baby, you should use a rear-facing car seat, which should be placed in the middle seat of the back seat. The middle seat is the safest position for a car seat. Children should be placed in rear-facing car seats with a harness until they reach the car seat’s maximum height or weight limit.

• Until 5 or 6 years old: Once your child has outgrown their first car seat, they should be securely fastened into a seat that’s now forward-facing. The seat should come with a harness, and you can use this car seat until your child reaches the maximum height or weight limit of the seat.

• Until 9 to 12 years old: After they have outgrown the front-facing car seat, they are ready for a booster seat. Your child should be securely fastened into a booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly. Proper seat belt fit typically occurs when children are between 9 to 12, depending on their size.

Activate Child Locks

Imagine taking your child on their first camping trip to get them off their screens and into the wilderness, and they suddenly open the door as you are cruising down the freeway at 70 miles per hour. This is an incredibly dangerous and scary scenario that can easily be prevented by making sure the child locks on your back passenger doors are activated.

Activating the child locks in your vehicle is easy. Simply open both rear passenger doors and find the metal toggle switches that turn the child locks on and off and flip them on.

Lock Windows

Arriving at your destination does not have to be the only goal of traveling. It’s an incredible way your kids to learn about the joy of the journey. It’s time spent together, fun playing games, and experiencing beautiful scenery along the way; however, do it safely. Always keep the passenger windows locked. Most vehicles have a window lock button on the window control panel on the driver’s side front door.

Ensure the window lock button is pushed in to prevent your child from opening the windows on their own and hanging their head or limbs out the window. Also, keeping the windows closed can help prevent rocks or other debris from flying into the car and striking your child.

Secure Unused Seat Belts

Unsecured seat belts could pose a strangulation hazard to your child if left unbuckled. Before starting the car, you should secure all unused seatbelts by buckling in the belt, slowly pulling the shoulder strap out, and slowly releasing it until you hear a clicking sound. The clicking sound means that the retractor is in the locked position and will remain tight enough that your child will be unable to pull on the belt.

Secure All Items in Your Vehicle

Any item not secured in your vehicle could become a dangerous projectile in the event of a car crash. Sports equipment, toys, tools, and essentially anything heavy or hard could potentially become dangerous if you are in an accident, hit a speed bump, or take a corner too fast. Protect your child by putting all heavy and hard items in the trunk of your car or the back of your truck, van, or SUV or by ensuring that the items are properly secured.

Conduct Regular Car Safety Checks

It’s crucial to check the safety of your car at regular intervals, especially if you’re often traveling with children. Your tires are what keep your car on the road, so proper tire maintenance is essential. Check tire pressure regularly and ensure tires have enough tread for better control.

Also, don’t forget the brakes. These should be checked every six months to ensure the brake pads aren’t worn out.

Other Tips for Kid’s Car Safety

Young Children Need To Sit in the Back

Most states and provinces in the US and Canada have laws barring children under the age of 13 from riding in the front seat of a vehicle. Even if it is not technically illegal, it is still highly recommended that children 12 and under ride in the back since airbag deployments can kill young children in the event of an accident.

Another thing to consider, even if your child is 13 or older, is that if they are smaller than average in size, you may consider keeping them on the back seat until they get a little bigger.

Never Eat in the Car

It may be tempting to eat in the car, especially on longer road trips. However, eating in the car is not only a distraction for the driver, but it is also a choking hazard for a young child. If you need to eat while traveling a longer distance, either stop at a restaurant and eat inside or park the car until everyone has finished eating. This will also help beat the boredom kids may feel on a long trip.

Never Leave the Keys in the Vehicle

Kids are curious beings, and you would be surprised how observant they can be and how much they learn by watching you. For this reason, you should never leave your keys in the vehicle. Leaving keys in your car unattended is a recipe for disaster. A child may be able to access the car keys, start the engine, disengage the parking brake, and even put the car into gear.

Never Leave Children Unattended in a Vehicle

Finally, never leave your child unattended in or around vehicles. Even if left alone for a short while, a child could be in danger of dehydration, heat stroke, overheating, injury, hypothermia, abduction, and even death.

In the summer months, even with a window cracked, temperatures in a vehicle can easily reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. A child can easily die if their core temperature reaches 107 degrees. Also, a child’s body temperature can rise five times faster than the average adult’s. Heat stroke is the number one cause of non-crash-related deaths in kids under 15.

Aside from heat stroke, dehydration, and overheating, an unsupervised child in a vehicle is more likely to injure themselves. Additionally, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is extending a welcome invitation for abduction. For these reasons, you should never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for one minute.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

In a world where life seems to move at the speed of light, being a parent can sometimes feel like running a marathon while juggling flaming torches. With demanding careers, packed schedules, and the constant demands of modern life, finding the time and energy to provide the best care for our children can feel like an overwhelming challenge.

However, with some strategies and mindset shifts, navigating these challenges and providing the best care for your children is possible. For some help, we’ll reveal ingenious hacks to empower you to become the superhero parent you were always meant to be.

So, let’s dive in and discover the practical tips that will revolutionise your life as a busy yet extraordinary parent.

Harnessing the Power of Strollers

Strollers can be a game-changer for busy parents, offering convenience and mobility while ensuring the comfort of your child. They provide a practical solution for parents who are constantly on the move.

Consider the child’s age, lifestyle, and specific needs when choosing a stroller. From lightweight umbrella strollers for quick errands to versatile jogging strollers for active parents, a wide range of options are available.

Consider strollers with storage compartments or attachable organisers to keep essential items easily accessible. Additionally, consider investing in strollers with adjustable handles for ergonomic comfort and features like sunshades, cup holders, and trays for added convenience.

By harnessing the power of strollers, busy parents can navigate their daily routines efficiently while keeping their little ones comfortable and secure.

Utilising Technology to Stay Connected

In today’s digital age, technology can be a valuable ally for busy parents who want to stay connected and organised on the go. Numerous digital resources and apps are specifically designed to assist parents in managing their daily tasks and responsibilities.

Explore the wide range of parenting apps available that offer features such as tracking feeding and sleep schedules, setting reminders for necessary appointments or tasks, and providing access to valuable parenting resources and advice.

Additionally, utilise communication tools like video calls or messaging apps to stay connected with family members, especially if they live far away. These technologies can help bridge the distance and allow relatives or close friends to be part of your child’s life even when you’re on the go.

However, balancing screen time and face-to-face interaction with your child is essential. Remember that technology should complement, not replace, the personal connections and bonding moments with your little one.

Efficient Planning and Organization

Busy parents need adequate planning and organisation strategies to navigate their daily responsibilities while on the move. They must create a flexible schedule and routine that balances work, personal commitments, and quality family time.

Use scheduling apps and set reminders to help you keep track of appointments, deadlines, and important events.

Moreover, busy parents can optimise their time in the kitchen through meal planning and preparation. The key here is to plan meals ahead of time, creating a weekly or monthly menu that accounts for nutritional balance and variety.

Batch cooking and meal prepping can save significant time and effort. Parents can quickly assemble healthy meals on busy days by cooking larger quantities and freezing portions, minimising stress and ensuring their children are well-nourished.

Building a Support Network

Parenting can be challenging, especially for busy parents constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. Building a support network is essential for maintaining your sanity and getting help.

Start by reaching out to family and friends who can offer assistance with childcare or simply lend a listening ear. Consider joining local parenting groups or online communities to connect with other parents facing similar challenges. See if there are drop-in daycare available in your area.

These platforms provide a valuable space for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and finding solidarity. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, and be willing to reciprocate when others in your support network require assistance.

By nurturing a solid support network, you’ll have a reliable source of guidance, understanding, and encouragement throughout your parenting journey.

Self-Care for Busy Parents

Amid the busyness of parenting, busy parents must prioritise self-care. Taking care of one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being benefits the parent and enhances their ability to care for their children. Here are some self-care tips for busy parents:

• The first step is to recognize the significance of self-care. Self-care isn’t selfish but essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
• Find moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Busy parents can identify pockets of time throughout the day, such as during a child’s nap or while waiting for an appointment, to engage in activities that promote relaxation. It could include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or reading a book.
• Carve out time for your interests and hobbies. Whether exploring a new passion or participating in a fitness class, dedicating time to personal pursuits contributes to happiness and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Parenting on the move requires a willingness to embrace the challenges of a busy lifestyle. Busy parents can navigate demanding schedules while providing their children a loving and nurturing environment by implementing practical tips and customising them to suit individual needs.

Pregnancy can be exciting yet often overwhelming for any expectant mother. Unfortunately, it is also full of uncertainty and worry — from deciphering changing hormones to finding the prenatal care you need for an optimal health experience. If this is your first time being pregnant or you have been through it, navigating the unknowns of pregnancy health can be tricky.

The challenges you’ll face are both physical and mental. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to provide mothers-to-be with knowledge and resources so they are better prepared to support their unique successes throughout their pregnancies.

1. Get the Right Care – Choosing the Right OB/GYN for Your Needs

As a woman, your OB/GYN is one of the most important healthcare providers you will ever have. Whether you’re seeking routine care or have a specific medical concern, having a provider who understands your needs and makes you feel comfortable is essential. Choosing the right OB/GYN can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Take the time to research and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician. When you find a reputable obstetrician who aligns with your values and needs, you’ll feel more confident in your healthcare decisions and receive the quality care you deserve. So schedule that appointment and take the first step in getting the right care for your unique health needs.

2. Eat Healthy – a Guide to Prenatal Nutrition

Eating healthy isn’t just important for you but also for your growing baby. Proper prenatal nutrition can help ensure that your baby develops properly and can even reduce your risk of pregnancy complications. So what does a healthy pregnancy diet look like? Focus on getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

You’ll also want to ensure you get enough iron, calcium, and folic acid. It’s best to avoid processed foods and too much sugar or caffeine. And remember to stay hydrated. It may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little planning and guidance, you can give your baby the best possible start with healthy prenatal nutrition.

3. Get Moving – Exercise Tips for Moms-to-Be

As a pregnant woman, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. But it’s important to maintain an active lifestyle throughout your pregnancy as it can help reduce stress and improve overall physical fitness. Of course, each body is unique, so it’s best to talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are generally safe for pregnant women. Exercise can also help relieve some common discomforts of pregnancy, like lower back pain and nausea. So be sure to get moving and get those endorphins flowing.

4. Prepare Your Mind and Body – Mental Health Strategies for Expectant Mothers

It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or anxious at times during this transition, but there are ways that you can take care of your mental health. First, don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. Family and friends can provide emotional support, while healthcare professionals can help assess your mental health and give you the resources you need.

Additionally, it is important to make time for yourself — make time to meditate, clear your mind, and relax your body.  Take a break from work or household responsibilities and engage in activities that bring you joy. Finally, discuss your worries with those close to you or join a support group. Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy is as important as physical health, so don’t be afraid to take the time you need.

5. Know Your Rights – Your Reproductive and Legal Rights During Pregnancy

Every woman can make informed decisions about her reproductive health and care. It is important to familiarize yourself with your rights and protections under federal law to ensure they are respected throughout your pregnancy. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, for example, prohibits employers from discriminating against pregnant women in hiring, pay, or other terms of employment.

In addition, the Affordable Care Act ensures that women have access to comprehensive health insurance coverage during pregnancy. Your local Planned Parenthood or state Department of public health can provide more information about your rights and how to protect them.

6. Find Support Networks – Connecting With Other Pregnant Women

Connecting with other pregnant women in your area can offer many benefits, from sharing your concerns with others who can relate to receiving practical advice and forming friendships that can last beyond pregnancy. A support network can also provide a sense of community, which can be particularly valuable if those closest to you live far away or have different experiences. So, whether through prenatal yoga classes, parent groups, or online forums, don’t hesitate to seek out and connect with other pregnant women in your area.

Pregnancy is an incredible and life-changing experience but it can also be daunting. With the right knowledge, resources, and support network, you can confidently feel empowered and prepared to navigate your unique journey. And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy health – so always trust your instincts and make the best decisions for you and your baby.

Relocating your entire family  can be a challenge, moreso if you are looking to continue your child’s education during your cross-country move. However, it is possible to do so with the right determination and planning. Here are some tips to help you prepare your child for their mobile learning experience, while keeping the trip enjoyable along the way.

Get Your Kids Ready For The Move

Before you pack the kids in the car and bring them to a new home in a different state, you’ll want to mentally prepare them to see new people and transition to a new school. It’s important to sit your child down and explain the changes that will be happening and answer any questions they may have. If they have friends in town, and con-during-a-cross-country-move/ming back is realistic in the future, then explain to them that this isn’t a permanent goodbye and that they’ll see them again. However, they’ll also be able to make new friends at their new school.

It will also help to tell them that since they’ll be continuing their education during the trip, they won’t fall behind when they get to the new school. A lot of kids fear being an outsider, and this fact may help them to feel better.

Once you have discussed why you are relocating with your children and what to expect, there are a variety of steps you can take to make moving with kids easier.  First of all, you want to plan the best route to ensure that you can get to your new house in a timely manner but also ensure your kids have time to study. Plan for convenient stops at hotels and make your reservations ahead of time so you know a room will be available when you arrive and you don’t need to go through an extensive check-in process.

You can further eliminate the stress of car problems during your trip by bringing your vehicle in for a check-up before you depart. Have the mechanic give your car a complete inspection and request that they check the fluids and brakes and rotate the tires if necessary. Also, pack an emergency kit with first aid supplies and extra snacks in case of an emergency.

Keeping The Kids Connected

One of the benefits of continuing education on the road is that you can use travel as a learning tool. Use the destinations you come across during your trip as lessons. If your child is learning about nature or sustainability, stop at a national park and provide hands-on lessons. If they’re currently learning about the ocean and sea animals in school, then bring them to an aquarium so they can see the fish in person.

Although it’s ideal to learn in a dedicated space to help kids focus during online learning,  advancing technologies have also made it so your child can read online books and watch instructional videos from the backseat of the car. You no longer need to be directly wired to get on the internet. Most phones these days have a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot function that provides instant internet almost anywhere. If your child is using a tablet for their online learning, they simply connect to that network and are good to go.

Many modern vehicles also have car Wi-Fi built into them, which is like your mobile hotspot, only bigger. If you’re enrolled in the service, you simply sign in and connect your devices. Most cars with this functionality have a secure enough line to hook up multiple devices.

If you or your child uses Wi-Fi in hotels or restaurants, they must follow the same internet safety tips as at home. Enable privacy settings that prevent unnecessary data sharing, never reveal your passwords to others, and don’t use any Wi-Fi connection in a public place unless you have verified with management that it’s the correct network.

Having an Enjoyable Trip

Depending on how far you’re moving, your family could be in the car for days or weeks, so emphasizing comfort is key if you want to survive the ride.

While your kids may be preoccupied with their studies a lot of the time, they will inevitably take breaks. After a while, they may become rambunctious. To prevent over-excitement and keep the noise level under control, bring along plenty of fun activities, like activity books, markers, and stickers, and plan for some road trip games. There are plenty of easy and free games to play, including I-spy and a license plate game where you compete to see who spots the most plates from the most states.

It’s also important to keep your kids hydrated and full with healthy snacks that you should pack in advance so you don’t have to stop a lot and spend money on expensive roadside food. Try to pack plenty of brain foods that will help your kids get through their studies. Greek yogurt is great because it provides plenty of proteins that produce healthy brain cells. Nuts and seeds are also packed with protein. Plus, they have vitamins and minerals that help to keep your kids satisfied and their moods in check.

Finally, if your kids are taking a lot of classes that involve watching videos or listening to audio-based lessons,  then you’ll also want to pack suitable headphones so they can listen to their lessons without bothering you or their siblings. Make sure to charge them during your stops so they don’t run out of juice when you need them most.

A cross-country move can be tough on everyone in the family, especially youngsters still in school. You just need a good plan and the support of a moving company. Help your child stay on top of their studies while moving on to the next exciting chapter of life.

Here an infographic that breaks it all down for you:
Things-to-Consider-When-Relocating-Your-Family