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Playground Dangers: 8 Pieces of Playground Equipment That Could Seriously Injure Your Child

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Playgrounds are meant to be fun and safe spaces for kids to explore and burn off energy. But not all equipment on the playground is as safe as it seems. Every year, thousands of children are treated for injuries related to swings, slides, monkey bars, and more. While supervision is key, knowing which equipment poses the highest risks can help you prevent accidents. Some older or poorly maintained equipment can become even more dangerous over time. Here’s a list of eight playground features that could put your child at risk.

1. Monkey Bars

Monkey bars may look fun, but they’re a top source of playground-related injuries. Kids often fall from high distances while swinging or skipping bars. These falls can lead to broken arms, concussions, or even spinal injuries. Children under five are especially vulnerable due to their limited upper body strength. Wet or rusted bars can increase the risk of slipping. Even strong climbers are at risk if other children bump into them mid-swing.

2. Swings

Swings may seem harmless, but they’re one of the most injury-prone pieces of equipment. Kids can be hit by a moving swing if they walk too close. Falls from high swings can result in sprains, fractures, or worse. Improper seat design or chains that pinch skin also present hazards. Double swings, where two children ride together, can increase the chance of collisions. Always check the surrounding area to ensure it’s clear before letting your child use a swing.

3. Metal Slides

Metal slides can become scorching hot in the summer sun, causing serious burns. Even when not hot, slides still pose risks due to high speed and poor landing zones. Younger children often slide down too fast or tumble forward at the bottom. Clothing can catch on the edges or joints of older slides, increasing the chance of injury. Slides that are too tall or steep are particularly dangerous for toddlers. Look for slides with smooth transitions, guardrails, and shaded placement.

4. See-Saws (Teeter Totters)

See-saws can be fun, but they require careful coordination between children. A sudden dismount by one child can send the other crashing to the ground. Pinched fingers and tailbone injuries are common if children don’t hold on properly. Poor design or uneven weight between kids can throw off balance. Older wooden see-saws may have splinters or loose bolts. Younger children may not have the strength or awareness to use them safely.

5. Merry-Go-Rounds

Merry-go-rounds are among the most dangerous equipment due to their spinning motion and potential for ejection. Kids can fall off while it’s spinning or be dragged underneath if they lose grip. Rapid spinning by older children can overwhelm younger kids. Loose clothing or shoelaces can also get caught in the moving parts. The speed and momentum can cause serious head and limb injuries. If there’s no proper handhold or braking mechanism, the risk increases significantly.

6. Climbing Nets and Rope Structures

Climbing nets might appear safe due to their flexible nature, but they come with hidden dangers. Kids can easily slip through wide gaps and become tangled in ropes. Falls from high rope towers can lead to fractures or head trauma. Over time, ropes may fray, snap, or become loose if not properly maintained. Children’s feet can also get caught, causing twisted ankles or worse. Supervision is essential, especially for younger kids on tall or complicated rope structures.

7. Spring Riders

Spring riders look cute and harmless, but can be deceptive. These ride-on toys often have strong recoil that can throw smaller kids off. Older models with exposed springs can pinch fingers or catch clothing. If the base becomes unstable, the rider can tip over completely. Children sometimes attempt to stand or jump on them, increasing the danger. Injuries from falls or improper use are common with this equipment.

8. Tire Swings

Tire swings can spin and swing in unpredictable ways, increasing the risk of collision. They often hang low, creating a tripping hazard when not in use. Kids can hit support poles or other children while swinging. Rainwater inside the tire can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The surface of the tire can also become slippery or brittle over time. Falls and impact injuries are frequent with tire swings, especially on hard surfaces.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Playgrounds are a vital part of childhood, but they aren’t risk-free. Knowing which equipment poses the greatest danger helps you make smarter decisions for your child. Regularly inspect playgrounds for worn-out structures, sharp edges, or unsafe surfaces. Encourage safe play, set age-appropriate boundaries, and always supervise. The safest playground is one where fun and caution go hand in hand. A little awareness today can prevent a serious injury tomorrow.

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7 Ways to Teach Kids to Trust Their Instincts About Safety

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Cute pupils lying on grass smiling on elementary school campus
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Teaching children how to recognize danger and trust their instincts is one of the most important lessons parents can give. While rules and guidelines help, kids need more than just instructions—they need confidence in their ability to sense when something feels wrong. Here are seven effective ways to help children build trust in their instincts and make safer decisions.

1. Teach Them to Recognize “That Feeling”

Everyone has an internal warning system—an uneasy gut feeling when something isn’t right. Help kids understand that if they feel uncomfortable, nervous, or scared in a situation, their instincts may be telling them something important. Encourage them to listen to that feeling rather than ignore it.

2. Use Role-Playing Scenarios

Children learn best through experience, so role-playing different situations can help them practice safety decision-making. Go through scenarios like a stranger asking for help, someone pressuring them to break a rule, or feeling uneasy in a certain place. By practicing responses, kids gain confidence in handling real-life situations.

3. Teach Them to Say No Without Guilt

Many kids are taught to be polite, but safety should come before manners. Reinforce the idea that it’s okay to say no, walk away, or speak up when they feel unsafe. Whether it’s rejecting unwanted physical contact or refusing to enter an unfamiliar car, kids need to know they never have to comply just to avoid being rude.

4. Encourage Open Conversations About Fear

Children should feel safe discussing their fears and uncertainties with trusted adults. Normalize conversations about things that made them uncomfortable, whether it was a situation at school, a strange interaction, or a moment where they doubted themselves. The more open they are, the more guidance they can receive.

5. Help Them Identify Safe People

Kids need to know which adults they can turn to when they feel unsafe. Teach them how to recognize trusted individuals, such as teachers, police officers, store employees, or family members, in moments of uncertainty. Reinforcing the idea of seeking help makes it easier for children to act in stressful situations.

6. Teach Them to Be Aware of Their Surroundings

Group of friends hang out after school, laughing and watching funny video on smartphone while walking through the park.
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Awareness is a powerful safety tool. Encourage kids to pay attention to where they are, who is around them, and what situations feel off. Whether walking home, playing outside, or navigating public spaces, developing observational skills helps them recognize risks early.

7. Reinforce That They Should Never Ignore Their Gut Feeling

No matter what the circumstances are, children should trust their instincts over what others say. Even if someone insists there is no danger, they should always listen to their inner sense of unease. Remind them that they are allowed to remove themselves from situations—even if others think they are overreacting.

Safety Isn’t Just Rules, It’s Intuition

Safety isn’t just about rules—it’s about intuition, confidence, and preparedness. By teaching kids to trust their instincts, recognize danger, and speak up when something feels wrong, parents empower them to protect themselves in any situation.

What strategies have helped your child learn to trust their instincts? Share your insights in the comments—your experience could help another parent strengthen their child’s safety awareness.

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12 Reasons Why Motorcycles Are More Dangerous Than You Thought

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Motorcycles have long been symbols of freedom and rebellion, capturing the imaginations of thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. However, the allure of the open road comes with significant risks. Here are twelve reasons motorcycles are more dangerous than you might have thought.

1. Limited Protection in Accidents

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When you’re on a motorcycle, there’s no metal frame, seatbelt, or airbag to protect you in the event of a collision. Riders are exposed to the elements and any potential impact, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries. Unlike cars with crumple zones to absorb impact, motorcycles offer minimal protection. This lack of protection can lead to more serious injuries or fatalities, even in low-speed accidents.

2. Reduced Visibility to Other Drivers

motorcycles on a busy road

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Motorcycles are smaller and less noticeable than cars, making them more likely to be overlooked by other drivers. This reduced visibility is especially dangerous at intersections, where many accidents occur. Drivers often fail to check their blind spots thoroughly or misjudge the distance and speed of an oncoming motorcycle. These oversights can lead to catastrophic collisions, putting riders at significant risk.

3. Less Stability and Control

unstable motorcycle

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Two wheels offer less stability than four, especially when navigating through bad weather or rough terrain. Motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards like potholes, gravel, and oil spills, which can easily cause a loss of control. Additionally, factors such as wind gusts and uneven road surfaces can have a more pronounced effect on motorcycles, making them harder to handle safely compared to cars.

4. Higher Risk of Severe Injuries

motorcycle accident

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The types of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often more severe due to the lack of protective barriers. Common injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. The recovery process for these injuries can be long and painful, with some resulting in permanent disabilities. Protective gear can help but can’t eliminate the risk of serious harm.

5. Increased Likelihood of Ejection

ejected from motorcycle

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In a crash, motorcyclists are at a high risk of being ejected from their bikes. Ejection often leads to secondary impacts with the ground or other objects, exacerbating injuries. This is different from car accidents, where seatbelts and airbags keep occupants within the vehicle, reducing the risk of being thrown from the car. The force of ejection can lead to multiple injuries, each with its own complications.

6. Vulnerability to Weather Conditions

motorcycles in the rain

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Weather conditions pose a significant threat to motorcyclists. Rain reduces tire traction, fog limits visibility, and wind can push a motorcycle off course. Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no protection from the elements, making rides uncomfortable and dangerous. Riders must be more vigilant and adjust their riding style to cope with adverse weather, increasing the cognitive load and risk of errors.

7. Fatigue and Discomfort

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Long rides on a motorcycle can lead to significant fatigue and discomfort, affecting a rider’s concentration and reaction time. The physical demands of balancing, steering, and maintaining posture can wear riders down faster than when driving a car. Fatigue increases the likelihood of mistakes, which can be deadly on a motorcycle. Regular breaks are essential, but they can’t always mitigate the cumulative effects of long-distance riding.

8. Inadequate Training and Experience

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Many motorcyclists lack the proper training and experience needed to handle their bikes safely. Unlike cars, motorcycles require a unique set of skills that aren’t always intuitive. Novice riders may not be prepared for the nuances of motorcycle control, such as counter-steering and emergency braking. This lack of experience can lead to poor decision-making in critical moments, increasing the risk of accidents.

9. Limited Road Space

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Motorcycles occupy less road space, which can be both advantageous and dangerous. While this allows riders to navigate through traffic more efficiently, it also puts them at risk of being squeezed out by larger vehicles. Lane splitting, while sometimes legal, can be hazardous if other drivers aren’t paying attention. The reduced road presence means motorcyclists often must make split-second decisions to avoid collisions.

10. Speed and Acceleration Temptations

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Motorcycles can accelerate quickly and reach high speeds, tempting riders to push their limits. This behavior significantly increases the risk of accidents, as higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase stopping distances. The thrill of speed can overshadow safety considerations, leading to reckless riding habits. Law enforcement often struggles to monitor and control speeding motorcycles, adding to the danger.

11. Lack of Safety Features

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Modern cars come equipped with numerous safety features, such as ABS, traction control, and advanced driver-assistance systems. While some motorcycles have begun incorporating similar technologies, they are generally less sophisticated and widespread. The absence of these safety features means that motorcyclists rely heavily on their skills and judgment, which can fail in high-pressure situations.

12. Higher Mortality Rates

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Statistics consistently show that motorcyclists face higher mortality rates compared to car occupants. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. This stark reality highlights the inherent dangers of motorcycle riding and underscores the importance of safety precautions and awareness.

It’s Crucial To Know The Risks

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Motorcycles offer a thrilling and liberating experience, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the significant risks involved. By understanding these dangers, riders can take steps to protect themselves and make informed decisions about their riding habits. Whether you’re a seasoned motorcyclist or considering taking up riding, safety should always be your top priority.

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Cheap Ways to Childproof a Condominium

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Childproof a Condominium

When baby starts crawling and walking, you may feel like you don’t have enough eyes to keep track of him. Babies this age love getting into cabinets and putting things into their mouths. They love to explore. While these traits are good for babies’ growing knowledge, it can also put them in danger, sometimes mortal danger. However, there are cheap ways to childproof a condominium that will help keep your baby safe and help you maintain some control over his environment.

Cheap Ways to Childproof a Condominium

If you’re trying to save money or be frugal when childproofing, you’ll be happy to know you can start with the free fixes first.

Free Ways to Childproof

Consider Baby Safety Before You Buy

Childproof a Condominium

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

If you even remotely are considering having a child when you are condo shopping, the best thing you can do is find a child-friendly condo layout. That means finding a condo that doesn’t have a large balcony that over looks the living space. (Trying to childproof an upstairs railing can be a nightmare!) Likewise, open concept plans may be more difficult to childproof because you can use doorways to separate off areas.

Rearrange Your Cupboards

Once your child starts becoming more mobile, it’s time to rearrange your cupboards. In the lower cabinets, put things like pots and pans. If baby gets into these items, no harm done. You’ll want to move any glass containers or lids to higher shelves.

Put Up Dangerous Items

Many people keep cleaning chemicals under their kitchen sink. A better place for these might be in a higher cupboard so you don’t risk your child getting into them and accidentally getting poisoned. Automatic lighters and other potentially dangerous items should all be put up. Out of sight, out of mind.

Keep Furniture Away from Windows

The next free thing you can do is keep furniture away from high windows. If your child’s bedroom is on the second floor or higher, be sure to keep the bed and dresser away from the window. This step makes it harder for your child to inadvertently fall from the window since she has nothing to climb.

Tie Up Window Blind Cords

Window blind cords create a real danger for young children. In a study by The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, researchers “found that over 26 years emergency departments treated almost 17,000 children for strangulation from window covering cords.  Of those cases, 271 children died” (Today.com).

Sure, you can buy expensive cord binders, but check out Pinterest for a way to make a free cord binder. All you need is a light piece of plastic that you probably were going to throw in recycling anyway and a pair of scissors. This idea is ingenious!

Bath Seat

Don’t feel the need to buy a special bath seat for when your little one takes a bath. Instead, place your child in a laundry basket in the tub when giving her a bath. She can stay seated in a smaller area, so there is less chance of slipping or falling.

Low-Cost Options

After you exhaust the free options, there are several low-cost ways to childproof your condo.

Tennis Balls on Sharp Corners

Little ones can often lose their balance when just learning to walk, so cut the side of a tennis ball and stick it on the sharp corners of tables and other items like the hearth of the fireplace.

Elastic on Handles

To keep cabinets with handles closed, put rubber bands around the handles. Double twist to make sure the doors stay securely closed.

If you have cabinets without handles, either install handles or you can buy inner door latches. These run about $1 a piece.

Plastic Container Around Power Cords

If you have a power strip you want to babyproof, you can take a cheap plastic tub, put the power strip inside, and cut a hole on the side for the cords. See full instructions and image on Pinterest.

Hairband Around the Toilet Paper Roll

Childproof a Condominium

Remember the fun age when toddlers delight in unrolling ALL the toilet paper on the roll? End that habit with a rubber band around the toilet paper roll.

Band-aids over Electrical Outlets

If it will be a few days before you can get to the store, you can cover electrical outlets with band-aids. However, your baby will likely figure this one out quickly, so eventually you’ll want to buy electrical outlet plug covers. These are very affordable at only $6 per 24 pack.

Door Knob Covers

There may be some rooms and closets that you just don’t want your child to get into unattended. For those rooms, consider door knob covers. These are easy for parents to use, but little ones usually can’t figure them out until at least the preschool years.

DIY Baby Gate

If there is a doorway you want to keep baby from going through, you can create a DIY baby gate. You’ll need two tension rods and fabric. True, you’ll have to invest some money into this project, but the overall cost is much cheaper than metal, store-bought baby gates. Plus, these are softer.

Air Vent Protection

If you have air vents on the floor, your child may be unable to resist dropping items down the slats. Prevent this by putting fabric tulle under or over the air vent. Air can still flow through unobstructed, but your child will no longer be able to put things through the cracks.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the cheap ways to childproof a condominium. While you won’t have to spend a fortune childproofing, you will likely need to buy some supplies. There are free childproofing fixes, but you’ll also probably have to buy some of the low-cost supplies to truly keep your child safe. But don’t worry, in a few years, childproofing will be a distant memory as your child gains more independence and learns what’s safe and what isn’t.

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Is It Worth Buying Expensive Car Seats

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Is It Worth Buying Expensive Car Seats?

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Buying Expensive Car Seats

As a new parent, you’ll likely feel pressured to buy many things.  After all, loving parents want the best for their children and should be willing to pay for that, right?  While there are areas where you won’t want to go the cheapest route, there are other areas where you can save money.  One area where you don’t need to spend the most money is when buying car seats.  Buying expensive car seats isn’t necessary for your child’s safety, but there are other standards you’ll want to consider.

What to Consider Instead of Buying Expensive Car Seats

Rather than just looking at the price of the car seat when deciding which one to buy, you should instead consider several other factors.

Installation

The most important factor in protecting your child in case of a crash is installing the car seat properly.  Yet, many, many parents unknowingly install the car seat improperly.

If you live in the United States, you can go to any local fire station, and the fire fighter will check to make sure the car seat is properly installed.  If it’s not, the fire fighter can help you install it properly.

Safety

Before making your purchase, consider the safety record of the car seat you want to buy.  An excellent place to look is Consumer Report’s Car Seat ratings.  You’ll find that buying an expensive car seat isn’t necessary.  There are many cheaper car seats that offer your child all the safety he needs.

Length of Use

Some of the cheapest car seats have lower weight and height restrictions, which means you’ll need to buy the next size up more quickly.  Sometimes, buying a mid-price range car seat is actually more affordable than the cheapest brand because you’ll be able to use it longer.

What to Avoid When Buying Car Seats

Buying Expensive Car Seats

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash

Even if money is tight, please avoid buying used car seats.  Some people don’t know this, but car seats actually have an expiration date.  That date is typically six to ten years after the seats are manufactured.  Why an expiration on car seats?  The general idea is that the plastic and seat belts can degrade after years of exposure to the sun and heat.  Also, safety standards are constantly changing, so new car seats may offer your child more protection than used seats you buy from someone else.

In addition, if you buy a used car seat, you have no way to know if that car seat survived a car crash.  If it did survive a crash, there may be small cracks in the plastic that you do not know about, which can make the seat less safe for your child should you be involved in an accident.

Final Thoughts

Car seats are necessary, but can be pricey.  However, don’t feel pressured into buying expensive car seats.  Instead, consider the car seat’s safety record and make sure to install the seat properly.  Finally, choosing seats that have higher weight and height limits may save you the most money over the time your child will need car seats.

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Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone?

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Though we put it off as long as we felt we could, this summer, we decided to get our child a cell phone for his birthday.  We had specific requirements for a cell phone.  Namely, we didn’t want it to have internet access, yet we wanted it to look like the phones his friends use.  We did a lot of research before we finally bought a phone from Gabb Wireless.

Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone for Kids?

Features of a Gabb Wireless Cell Phone

While a Gabb Wireless cell phone doesn’t have all the features a typical cell phone has, it does have several important ones:

  • A 5” display,
  • 2 MP front and 5 MP rear camera,
  • 5 mm Earphone Port for headphones,
  • Battery that lasts up to three days,
  • 2GB RAM/16GB ROM,
  • Coverage on a nationwide 4G LTE network, and
  • 12 essential apps including phone, messaging, contacts, camera, video, gallery, calendar, calculator, clock, voice recorder, FM radio, and file manager.

In addition, Gabb Wireless doesn’t require a long-term contract.  You pay month by month (billed on the 15th of the month with payment on the 17th), and you can cancel at any time.

You can go to the Gabb Wireless website to see if coverage is available in your area.

Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone?

Honestly, the answer depends on what you’re looking for.  However, there are several reasons why Gabb Wireless is a good first cell phone for our child.

Unlimited Text and Calling

We use Ting for our own cell phone service, so we were pretty sure we didn’t want to add him to our plan.  (With Ting you pay as you use, so you pay for each individual call and text, which we didn’t want to do with a teen.)

Our teen isn’t particularly chatty, but he uses his new Gabb Wireless cell phone a lot.  He is working on a political campaign, and part of his work is calling registered voters for about six to eight hours a week.  That translates to A LOT of cell phone calls.  We’re so glad he has unlimited calling!

He also likes to text his friends, so he uses that feature frequently.

No Internet Access

We specifically wanted a phone that didn’t have internet access and all of the trouble that could potentially go with the internet such as viewing inappropriate content, spending too much time playing games or using social media, or just fueling a cell phone addiction, which is so easy to do.

We wanted our teen to have a cell phone, but we didn’t want to give him too much device that he wouldn’t handle responsibly.  In a few years, he can upgrade to a regular smart phone.

Appearance

If you’ve spent any time looking for cell phones that don’t have internet access, you know that many of them look like relics from 15 years ago.  We really appreciated that the Gabb Wireless cell phone looks like any other regular smart phone.  That was an important feature for our teen.

Low Cost

Our child is forgetful and not the most gentle with his possessions, so we wanted a phone that was reasonably priced.  We bought the cell phone from Gabb Wireless for $69 on sale.  (Sometimes they have sales where the price of the phone goes as low as $49!)

Gabb Wireless has their own network, so we pay approximately $24 a month for the service, but as I mentioned, there is unlimited text and calling.  So, the total outlay between buying the phone and paying for service for a year is $357 ($69 for the phone and $288 for a year of coverage).

Basic Apps

Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone for Kids?

Photo by Lance Anderson on Unsplash

The phone does have basic apps and features that our teen enjoys.  He listens to music on his phone when he takes walks, and he uses the alarm feature frequently.

Downsides to the Gabb Wireless as a Good First Cell Phone

If you’re a parent who wants a simpler phone for your kids that keeps away many of the dangers of a traditional smart phone, Gabb Wireless may be a good first cell phone for you.  However, there are definitely some drawbacks to this phone.

No Ability to Track

The majority of smartphones give you the ability to track your child.  You can quickly check and see exactly where they are.  This gives parents reassurance that children are where they’re supposed to be when they say they are.  In the unlikely chance that your child gets kidnapped (or if he simply gets lost), the tracking feature can also help the police find him.

Unfortunately, Gabb Wireless does not have this ability.  For some parents, that alone is a reason to not buy this phone.  I do hope that this is something Gabb Wireless is able to remedy in the future.

Can’t Send or Receive Images

While a Gabb Wireless phone does have a camera, you can’t use the camera to send photos in your texts.  Texts can only send text messages.

I completely understand why Gabb Wireless did this, but still, sometimes this feature can be annoying.  Within the first week of getting his phone, my son was chatting with his aunt who sent over some pictures of her dogs, but my son did not receive the images.  He was a bit embarrassed to tell her that his new phone doesn’t let him view images.

No Way to Monitor Texts

Since there is no Internet on this phone, there is no way to install monitoring software to monitor your child’s texts.  This seems to be a flaw in an otherwise extremely safe phone.  I would hope in future models that Gabb Wireless could address this issue.

Final Thoughts

For our family, Gabb Wireless is a good first cell phone.  It looks like other smart phones with more capabilities, and it offers basic features that are necessary for younger children.  Yet, it takes away one of the greatest sources of addiction as well as mischief—the Internet.

There are some drawbacks to this phone, but overall, Gabb Wireless is the best “safe” cell phone we found on the market.

Owlet Smart Sock 2 Review: Is the Owlet Worth It?

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is the owlet worth itBringing home your baby from the hospital is a joyous occasion, but it’s also scary, especially for first-time parents. You may be even more scared if your child has health issues. For this reason, many parents turn to baby monitors for help. The Owlet Smart Sock 2 is the most unique type of baby monitor on the market. Created by Kurt Workman, Zack Bomsta, and Jordan Monroe, the Smart Sock is getting rave reviews after just a few years on the market. Is the Owlet worth it? Here’s what you should know.

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5 Quality Baby Items That Are Worth the Investment

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If you want to know what quality baby items are worth the money, I definitely recommend this list!In 2014, my husband and I had two in two years. We also lived on less than $2,000 per month. Having a lot of baby things simply wasn’t an option during that season of life. However, we did save up for a number of quality baby items, and I’m glad we did.

We may not have had new living room furniture or all new kitchen appliances, but if there was something costly that got its money’s worth for our kids, then it was money well spent.

5 Quality Baby Items Worth the Investment

Hear me out. One thing we did not do is go into debt to purchase these items. Nor did we dip into our emergency fund. Either option would have been so much easier. Instead, we opened a checking account with no minimum balance required and labeled it our “Baby” account.

Each month, we’d budget an allotted amount into the account. Having it separate from our primary checking helped protect that money from being mishandled.

We saved up, used coupons, used gift cards, or we said no to the purchase.

There are so many different brands of these products, but here are the ones we chose and that I recommend.

1. Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper

We kept our babies in this Rock N’ Play throughout their entire newborn stage. It was so nice to have them right next to our bed at night, elevated so they could probably breathe when congested. Another perk was how lightweight the product was. After I had an unexpected c-section with my second child, I had a major weight restriction during the first several weeks. The Rock N’ Play was easy to fold and transfer from room to room.

2. Medela Advanced Breast Pump

I made the choice before my first child was born to breastfeed. I was still employed at my banking job during that time, so have a reliable and efficient breast pump was crucial. Since that time, the government has made it much easier to obtain breast pumps for free or to receive reimbursement on a purchase. Definitely look into that. If you can’t get one (a QUALITY one) for free, then I highly recommend this product. It hasn’t given me any problems and I was able to breastfeed both of my children for at least 12 months.

3. Aden + Anaias Swaddle Blankets

The features I love most about these swaddling blankets is that they’re sheer which reduces the risk of suffocation, and they’re large enough to do a full swaddle on a baby throughout the first six months to a year. My 2-year-old son still chooses his Aden and Anaias blankets to sleep with over any other bedding.

4. Braun Ear Thermometer

If you’re up at 2:30 AM with a screaming, feverish baby, you need a reliable thermometer that will tell you exactly what’s going on, every time. I tried the cheap route at first, using a knock-off thermometer under the baby’s armpit (try getting a fussy baby to keep his arm down long enough to get a consistent reading). Finally, I realized it wasn’t worth the risk of misdiagnosing. High fevers can spike at any time. I’ve caught each of them in time with my Braun ear thermometer.

5. Wooden Toys

What I love about wooden toys is that they’re made well. My parents grew up in the era of wooden or metal toys. I was raised throughout the dawn of plastic. To see the difference in toys like Melissa & Doug and many others is very refreshing. I head straight to that aisle every time I buy a gift for a baby shower or child’s birthday party.

What quality baby items are you grateful you purchased? Share in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links.

Image Credit: Gaelle Marcel (UnSplash)

Skateboarding for Kids: Safety Tips for Parents

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skateboarding for kidsSome parents dread the day that their little boy or girl asks for a skateboard or leaves the house in their older sibling’s BMX. There are some sports that some – or many – parents aren’t so keen to encourage, but whether our little monkeys decide to be a ballet dancer or a parkour runner, we have to be supportive in every way we can.

Skateboarding has become extremely popular in the last few decades, so it would be no surprise for our little ones to show an interest even from a young age. Off-shoot sports such as longboarding and mountain-boarding are also growing in popularity. So if your son or daughter decides that they want to give an extreme sport a go, and you’re fully supportive of it, here are some safety tips to make sure they stay as safe as possible.

Safety Gear Should be Mandatory

It should always be mandatory for kids to wear safety gear when they are taking part in sports such as skateboarding or mountain biking. This should be encouraged from the beginning, with serious discussions about the consequences that they could experience if they were not to follow safety rules. Safety gear should include a helmet, safety pads (elbows, knees and wrists), the right skateboard shoes and mouth guards for beginners. Padded jackets are also available if you worry about your child falling over. 

Take Part in Skateboarding Too

The best way to encourage safety in sport is to get involved too and show your little ones how it’s done. Show them that you take an interest in what they love to do by taking part and you can learn the sport together. You can  also lead by example and show them the importance of wearing safety gear.

Buy from Trusted Brands

If you are shopping around for skateboards and safety gear, make sure you research the different brands out there. Price isn’t everything but some of the better brands have been around for many years, and are trusted by many extreme sports stars. Brands such as Santa Cruz, Sk8 Mafia, Enuff, Bullet, Baker Skateboards, Element, Flip, Plan B, Real Skateboards, and Heroin Skateboards are all available from reputable retailers such as Skatehut.

Know Where Your Child Is Riding

This is extremely important. If your child is old enough to go riding with his friends, it’s not always easy to keep a track of exactly where he or she is at all times. Research the skate parks and bike trails in your local area and make sure you check out each of these spots before you allow your teenager to ride there. Don’t be afraid to set rules about where he/she can go and always tell your child to keep their skateboarding within designated skate parks. To locate the nearest skate parks anywhere in the world, use this locator from Thrasher Magazine.