How to select Toddler and Children car seats?

Children car seats

• Toddler Group 1 is suitable for toddlers 9 months to 4 years old, weighing 9-18 kg and 80-105 cm tall.
• Whenever possible, use i-Size toddler seats, as they can be used in a rear-facing position for a longer time.
• Always opt for ISOFIX seats, as they are easier to install.
• If the car seat is attached with the use of the seat belt, make sure it is placed properly. Most toddler car seats are color coded, indicating where the safety belt should be placed.
• Place toddler car seats on the vehicle’s back seats. In case you sit your child in the front passenger seat, be advised to deactivate the front airbag.
• When the child’s shoulders reach 2 cm above the upmost shoulder strap openings, switch to a bigger car seat (group 2/3) is recommended.
• i-Size makes travel safer for children, as it provides higher protection from side impacts, and keeps children facing backwards until they are 15 months old; a safer position in the event of a collision.

Children car seats

• Child Group 2/3 is suitable for children 3.5-12 years old, weighing 15-36 kg and 100-135 cm tall.
• Make sure the car seat headrest is set at the lowest position after switch from toddler to child car seat. For best car seat safety, the use of a comfortable booster seat with a back and a headrest is recommended; not a booster-cushion.
• Use the upper diagonal and lower hip belt at all times. Pull the belt tight after locking the buckle.
• If possible, install the car seat with ISOFIX. This provides better stability while driving, particularly when the seat is empty.

 

Chicken gyros

Ingredients

Cooked chicken breast (leftovers)
small garlic clove -crushed
½ tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
10 cm piece cucumber, grated, excess juice squeezed out
2 tbsp chopped mint, plus a few leaves to serve
2 wholemeal pitta breads
2 tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Cut the chicken into small pieces.  Heat a non-stick frying pan and cook the chicken add garlic, oregano and some pepper. Meanwhile, make tzatziki mix the yogurt, cucumber and mint.

Cut the tops from the pittas along their longest side and stuff with the chicken, tomato, pepper and tzatziki.  If taking to the office for lunch, pack the tzatziki in a separate pot and add just before eating to prevent the pitta going soggy before lunchtime.

Pasta salad

Ingredients
25g pasta bows
2 cooked crispy bacon rashers, broken into pieces
15g spinach, chopped
6 cherry tomatoes, halved
½ tbsp creme fraiche
¼ tsp wholegrain mustard

Directions
The night before, cook the pasta following and run under cold water to cool quickly. Mix in the bacon, tomatoes, spinach, mustard and cream, and season with a little salt. You can add what ever you want like nuts. Spoon into an airtight container and keep overnight in the fridge.

Chicken roll-ups

Ingredients

1 wrap or tortilla

 

1-2 tbsp houmous

3 fat slices cooked chicken breast (Leafovers)

¼ avocado, taken out of its skin

3 cherry tomatoes

cheddar,  grated to make about 1 tbsp

Directions

Put a wrap on a board or plate. Spread the houmous onto the middle of it using a spoon or butter knife.

Tear up the chicken in a line to the middle of the wrap. Chop the avocado and put it next to the chicken.

Squish the tomatoes onto the wrap by squeezing them and tearing them in half.  Sprinkle on some cheese.

Roll up the wrap and press it down firmly.

First Grader Reading tips & tricks

I found an article how to help my first grader girl to read. Games are an easy way to help her. A good way is to play word games and board games. One more way is to help the child fix her own reading errors, make her helpful questions to find the correct answer. It’s important to encourage her write a bit each day like the shopping list “milk…” or write important date on his/her calendar. It’s very important to talk to your child’s teacher very often.

source: PBSparents

 

 

 

 

 

Drinking bottle that we use

Top drinking bottles that we use for our kids.

alfi isoBottle

The best of all they have 10 year warranty. They last long time. The water stay cold for long time.  They have many kids friendly designs. Its very easy to clean this bottle. My kids love them.  View for alfi isoBottles at eBay

sigg

They have many kids friendly designs. My kids love them. You can get several parts like caps and other parts.

  

Thermos

Made by from BPA free its impact resistant and dishwasher safe Eastman Tritan copolyester. The lid can open with one-handed with push button. Ii has flip up carrying loop. The grip is with ergonomically design.

Why are there so many names for the same thing Pushchairs & Prams?

Well, conversely to what you might think, they are not exactly the same.

• A pram is designed for new-borns and younger babies, usually having them lying down. It’s sturdy and generally can’t be folded flat.
• A pushchair is suitable both for new-borns and for when your baby is a bit older and can sit up, and they are relatively robust, compared to a stroller. The seat can face towards or away from the parent, and is able to fully lie down. They usually come with useful features like carry cots (included) and swivel wheels, and they are travel-friendly, as they often fold flat, in order to fit into a car boot. Their price is usually higher, and they are heavy and bulky. You should also consider that, although they are better for younger children, not all pushchairs are suitable for new-borns, as some types and models don’t come with a flat backrest. So, price aside, when browsing for a pushchair, make sure the backrest is adjustable and able to lie completely flat if you are buying for a new-born. For the outdoors lovers, there are also all-terrain pushchairs, ideally suited for adventure, as their chunky wheels (usually three) and good suspension system, ensure a smooth ride across any terrain. Downside is, their larger size might not fit into your car boot, depending on your vehicle. So be sure to measure well prior to purchasing one.
• A stroller is suitable for toddlers and young children; it’s not as sturdy as a pushchair, but rather lightweight and collapsible, ideal for travel.
• A buggy is a word referring to either a pushchair or a stroller, and opinions can vary, depending on who you ask.
• Travel systems is a set consisting of a pushchair chassis, complete with a carrycot and car seat, thus covering all your baby’s travel needs. Upside is, the attachable carrycot or car seat can be used while your baby is still very young. As useful as this might sound, your baby will outgrow this type of pushchair before you know it.

 

Our favourite Baby Websites

BabyCenter

BabyCenter is the #1 pregnancy and parenting digital destination, BabyCenter reaches more than 45 million parents a month from every corner of the globe through its 11 owned and operated properties in 9 different languages.

Today’s Parent

Today’s Parent has been the most trusted source of parenting information since 1984. It informs, inspires and builds a sense of community. They help parents celebrate the happy chaos that comes with having a family and remind them that they are not alone. If you have children from birth to ages 9+, you’ll get insightful information for all ages and stages on discipline, health, behaviour, education, plus easy and nutritious recipes and so much more.

Parenting

The digital answer to Parenting magazine, Parenting.com allows for a more hands-on approach to pregnancy, babies, toddlers, and children.

Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)

Directions

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Source: allrecipes

Hoisin wrap

Ingredients

200g cooked turkey or chicken (leftovers), cut into strips

2 flour tortillas

4 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 cucumber, deseeded and shredded

4 spring onions, trimmed and finely shredded

 

Directions

Heat a non-stick frying pan mix the chicken with half of the hoisin sauce. Warm the tortillas under the grill or according to pack instructions. Spread the tortillas with the rest of the hoisin sauce, and then use to wrap up the turkey or chicken with the cucumber and onions.