Tag: infants

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Parenting

First-Time Parents? 7 Basic Steps to Prepare for the Baby’s Arrival

** First-Time Parents? 7 Basic Steps to Prepare for the Baby’s Arrival is a guest post written by Katie Pierce, content writer. **

Having a new baby may be a wonderful experience, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. As first-time parents, the last thing you want to do is neglect a crucial step or anything fundamental that might make labor and the first few days at home more difficult.

Here are seven things to do before your baby arrives to help you prepare and enjoy those magical moments with your newborn.

First-Time Parents
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Prepare all essential baby gear.

Before your baby comes home, there are certain items you should purchase, assemble, and test to make sure they work and you understand how to use them. Make sure you have essential pieces of baby gear, such as diapers, baby wipes, newborn clothing, and nursing bras and pads if you plan to breastfeed, or baby bottles and formula if you intend to bottle-feed.

Prepare a secure sleeping area for your baby, and don’t forget to install a car seat—the hospital will not allow you to leave without one! 

However, don’t feel obligated to have every baby product imaginable on hand. Some things, like nursery furniture, an easy-to-clean play kit, and a high chair, can wait. Talk with other parents to know which items they found most useful, and don’t worry about the rest.

Choose a doctor for your baby.

You may want to start looking for a pediatrician for your baby midway through your pregnancy. That may seem to be too soon, but you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to choose the right doctor for your family. The doctor you choose will come to know your family well and provide you with medical guidance throughout your child’s growth.

The first two years are crucial in your baby’s development, and you’ll be visiting your doctor at least ten times for well-baby checkups. Expect unplanned visits because of a fever, the common cold, or skin concerns, too.

You should also check if the doctor accepts new patients and your health insurance. Contact your health insurance provider to learn how to add your baby to your policy, and find out which local providers are covered. Make sure you understand how your insurance plan works, including pregnancy care and childbirth benefits.

Create a birth plan.

Long before your baby arrives, you’ll want to prepare by having a solid plan in place about whom to call, where to go, and when to leave.

Your healthcare provider should give you clear instructions on what to do when you go into labor, including when to go to the hospital—or when to contact the midwife if you want to give birth at home. Decide who will accompany you, and prepare for contingencies.

Know the best routes to the hospital, pack your hospital bags, and have them in your car or near the front door so you are ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Stock up on household essentials.

When you’re caring for your new baby on little sleep, the last thing you need is to run out of toilet paper. Stock up on toilet paper, backup baby formula, medicine, frozen meals, pantry staples, safe cleaning supplies, and personal care products before the baby arrives.

Bulk buying won’t just help you avoid sleep-deprived trips to the store or frazzled online orders in the middle of the night, but it’s also a cost-effective way to shop. More importantly, it’s a great way to practice sustainability. One of the most eco-friendly benefits of buying bulk is that it reduces the amount of product packaging that ends up in landfills.

Take childbirth and newborn care classes.

Many aspects of parenting come naturally, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t conduct some research and educate yourself about the baby’s arrival. A childbirth class can teach you all you need to know about labor and delivery so you can face the big day with confidence. Newborn care classes cover everything from breastfeeding and bathing to swaddling and infant CPR. 

You can also read up or enroll in an online course for expectant parents. There are many excellent parenting books and some really good options for online classes. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Preparing for your baby’s arrival is more than just crossing items off a list. It’s also important to take time for yourself—alone and with your partner. No doubt you’ll be completely devoted to your baby. But you’ll also miss your alone time or those peaceful moments with your partner. So, take advantage of the time before the baby arrives to do the activities you enjoy.

Some first-time parents take vacations before the birth of their child. If you have the financial resources, time, and energy for this type of getaway, go for it! Just make sure to plan your trip during a stage of your pregnancy when it is safe to travel.

If you can’t take a full-on vacation, weekend staycations in your hometown or simply planning some downtime at home are excellent ways to take time for yourself and with your partner.

Enjoy your new bundle of joy!

Finally, don’t get too caught up in all the advice for first-time parents available. There are no guidelines for being a perfect parent and no prizes for winners either. The best prize is already in your arms—your new baby. 

So, above anything else, take the time to enjoy your little one. They don’t stay tiny forever, and you’ll find time flying faster than you ever imagined.

Don’t worry if you’re still feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to begin preparing for a new baby—you’re not alone! Check out our blog for more parenting tips and hacks as you begin your parenting journey.

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For the Home Home Parenting

4 of the Best Reasons You Should Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

Before my oldest was born, everyone told me I wouldn’t need a changing table. People said I’d never use it, and I’d change his diaper wherever I was in the house. Because of this, I didn’t plan to get one. I needed a dresser, though, and my cousin told me she knew someone giving one away for free. The dresser was perfect for the theme of my son’s nursery, and it had a changing table on top. Since the changing table was already there, I bought a changing pad and a cover for it, and it ended up being the best decision for my baby’s nursery.

The changing table quickly became a place of high use. I took Sylas there for every diaper change because it was easier than having diapers and wipes lying around the house. Plus, if I needed to change his clothes, they were all right there.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Changing Table For Your Baby's Nursery

Why You Should Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

You Can Focus On Your Baby More

The best part about the changing table was all of the other time we spent there. After bathtime, I’d lay my son down, lotion him up, get him dressed, and do anything else we needed to do. I found that using the changing table helped me focus on him more. I took my time getting him ready, enjoying the baby scents and the time spent caring for my perfect little man.

We’d spend time playing together as he lay there looking up at me. I’d tickle him, talk to him, point out some of the things around his nursery. He’d smile, coo, giggle, and look around, taking in his nursery. It was also one of my favorite places to take pictures of him because I could always get him to smile.

While you can get by without a changing table, these memories were some of my favorite ones from when my son was a baby. I loved that time because it gave me a chance to have no distractions as I cared for him. He could lay out comfortably while I got him ready and talked to him. Plus, we had everything we needed within reach, from diapers and wipes to lotion, fingernail clippers, and other necessities.

You Don’t Have to Bend Over or Sit on the Floor

When you have a newborn, you’ll change diapers at least every two hours. Constantly bending over or sitting on the floor to change the diaper can take a toll on your back. Even if you aren’t worried about back pain, it’s still easier to do things efficiently when they are at your height.

You Can Use it For Storage

Babies require many products for their care, and you don’t want them all over the house. When diapers, wipes, lotions, creams, and other products get strewn around, it’s hard to use them during diaper changes. You’ll have to keep stopping to find the next thing you need, leaving your baby waiting.

If you have a changing table, you can keep all baby care items in one place. Some changing tables are attached to dressers, while others have shelving underneath. Determine which items you need to store and choose your changing table based on your needs.

Changing Tables Tie the Nursery Together

Sometimes your baby’s nursery needs a little something more to pull it all together. You can often find a changing table that matches your baby’s crib and other furniture. Some cribs come with a changing table attached, helping save space and help with functionality.

Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

If you don’t have a changing table or don’t know if you need one, consider the little moments when making your decisions. Not everyone uses them, but they can be an opportunity for bonding with your new baby.

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Adulting Health How To Life Parenting

Why Your Choice Of Maternity Hospital Matters: 4 Questions to Ask

Maternity Hospital

Where you give birth to your child might seem inconsequential compared to bringing the baby into the world safely. However, your choice of maternity hospital can play a much bigger role in that than you might initially think. There are things to consider when deciding which hospital is going to play a role in your birth plan.

Maternity Hospital
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4 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Maternity Hospital

1. How close is it to your home, and how will you get there?

The first and most important part of this choice is to think about the physical location of the hospital itself. In the majority of cases, the closer the hospital is, the better.

However, it might be quicker to get to a hospital further away if the closest one is in a highly-trafficked city. Plan your route to the hospital with tools like My Route Online if you want to know how long it will take to get there.

2. Is it equipped for the kind of birth you want?

There is plenty of equipment and options to help make your birth experience more comfortable. For instance, different hospitals will have different kinds of mats, beanbags, and birthing chairs.

You should consider whether or not you want options like water birth, as well. You will need to ensure in advance that the hospital is equipped with birthing pools. Plus, it is essential to find out how likely they are to be available when you need them.

3. Is it focused on maternity?

Simply put, some hospitals put a lot more care and attention into the maternity ward. Most might be safe, but only some are dedicated to helping mothers feel comfortable and catered to. This might include allowing you to bring things from home and allowing your partner to stay with you.

There are stores like the Florist Dandenong Hospital, which allow people to buy fresh flowers for you when they visit. Call the hospital to see what they do to make mothers feel more comfortable.

4. How is care given to your baby?

After giving birth, all you want to do is take your new arrival home and ensure they’re safe and comfortable. However, you will be in the hospital for at least two days. So, make sure the hospital provides the kind of post-natal care that you’re looking for.

You should get an idea of whether babies are kept with their mothers or if there is a separate nursery. Similarly, does the hospital provide special care on-site, if needed, or will you have to travel to a different location?

Maternity Hospital

Why Your Choice Of Maternity Hospital Matters

Not every hospital is the same when it comes to choosing a place to give birth. The tips above make that more than clear and can help you come to your decision. Make sure you ask these questions when choosing a maternity hospital that will work for you.

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Health How To Learning Parenting

3 Important Things You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Skin

Your Baby's Skin, Your Baby, Caring for your baby, caring for your baby's skin, how to take care of baby skin, how to take care of my baby's skin, what i need to know about my baby's skin

Typically, babies are known for having very smooth and soft skin. Many adult skincare products will advertise themselves as providing results to make your skin as soft as a baby’s, but that doesn’t mean it should be used on your baby’s skin.

There are some fundamental differences between your skin and your baby’s skin. It is essential that you know the differences to ensure that you’re looking after your newborn and taking care of their skin properly. 

Your Baby's Skin, Your Baby, Caring for your baby, caring for your baby's skin, how to take care of baby skin, how to take care of my baby's skin, what i need to know about my baby's skin
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Things You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Skin

1. Baby Skin is Thinner

A newborn baby’s skin is significantly thinner than that of an adult. This is because the skin starts developing while they’re in the womb, but it doesn’t stop until around a year after birth. So, for that first year, your child has very thin skin, meaning their skin barrier is greatly reduced.

It is believed that their skin barrier is 30% thinner than that of an adult. This means that their skin is extremely sensitive and you have to be very delicate when treating it with anything. A lot of the best organic baby lotions are specifically designed for a baby’s thin skin. The natural and organic ingredients aren’t too abrasive, meaning they’re perfect for applying to such a thin skin barrier. 

2. Baby Skin is Drier

As you are probably aware, there’s an abundance of products on the market to treat dry skin for babies. You’ll see all sorts of lotions and moisturizers for sale, and there’s a reason for this. Baby skin is significantly drier than adult skin.

Their drier skin is due to switching from the womb to the real world. In the womb, the baby is surrounded by fluids and moisture at all times. When they are born, they suddenly have to adapt to a much drier climate.

Their skin absorbs water much faster than adults and loses it even quicker. You also will notice a lack of natural moisturizers in a baby’s skin, further contributing to excessive dryness. So, be sure you always have some lotions or creams on hand to tackle the dry skin problem and avoid issues like eczema. 

3. Baby Skin Loses Heat Quicker

This is actually a consequence of the first point. Due to the thinness of a baby’s skin, it contains fewer lipids, which means the skin doesn’t retain heat as well as an adult’s. As a result, this is one of the reasons that babies struggle to stay warm and can become cold very quickly.

You’ll see so many parents bundling their baby up in clothes and blankets, and for a good reason! Babies have a tougher time regulating their body temperature, and part of this is down to their skin. So, do what you can to keep your baby warm at all times, preventing serious problems like hypothermia.

Protecting Your Baby’s Skin

It’s so important that you know these facts about your baby’s skin. From here, you can make decisions that will target the problems and keep your baby healthy and comfortable. As they get older, their skin develops and becomes more ‘normal’, so you won’t have to worry about this forever.

What are some of your tips for protecting your baby’s skin? Leave a comment and let me know!

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For the Home How To Life Parenting

How You Can Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

If you have a new baby on the way, you need to make your home perfect for a new arrival. First things first: congratulations!!

There are things you can do to ensure you bring them into the best possible home. Plus, you can ensure that the rest of you can operate happily in the home while taking on the huge responsibilities.

Well, fortunately, it is easier to do than you may think. Most of it will quickly become a habit if you just practice them a few times.

home perfect for a new arrival
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Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

Create The Perfect Nursery and Consider Other Spaces

This goes without saying, but you’re going to want to ensure that your baby’s nursery has everything it needs and has enough space. Babies may be tiny, but they have lots of stuff and require a ton of space. Plus, they’re going to grow quickly and accumulate more toys and possessions.

If you’re looking for home additions, then you could do something with a spare room you might have. Your baby might need an extra playroom if you currently have no space anywhere else, for example. We didn’t do home additions, but we are constantly feeling like we don’t have enough space.

Unfortunately, my husband and I didn’t plan ahead and now that we have five kids in the house, I am seriously regretting it. Don’t let that happen to you, because now I am eager to move into a new space with more room. Whatever you do, make sure you consider the space you will truly need for a child.

Keep The Home Neat And Tidy  

The job you’re going to have is going to be difficult enough, so you’re going to need to ensure that your home is in good condition. You want to give yourself every advantage as you head into parenthood (even if it’s for the second or third time).

If you start ahead of time, then you’re going to be in a much better position to take care of your child. Likewise, if you have a messy home that needs to be cleared out, then you’re going to have extra work while worrying about and taking care of the baby. Make things easier for yourself and get this gritty job out of the way.

Make Sure Everything Is Safe 

This is another point that goes without saying, but you’ll need to make sure that you’ve checked every corner and analyzed every single situation around the entire house. You never know what issues a small child can run into, so you need to double and triple check. Sharp edges, loose items, wires, electrical products, and so many other areas need to be looked at.

Go through your entire house and make a list ahead of time. This isn’t something you will want to do once the baby is already home. There are many safety products on the market that will make things easier. These things include:

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Prepare For Visitors

For the first few weeks and months, you’re going to receive lots of visits from friends and family. They’re going to be interested in what your life is like now with the small child in your home, and they’re going to want to wish you all the best.

So, with that being said, it’s best to make your living room a little welcoming at the very least. Prepare for lots of people and make a little extra space.

If you’re always prepared for someone to stop by, you won’t be so anxious about it. Prevent every bit of stress that you can so you can fully enjoy your new baby. 

Shop For Food

A lot of these have been obvious tips, but with the overwhelming event of giving birth and welcoming a human into the world, it’s easy to forget some fundamental tasks. You’re going to need to do a big food shop and tailor your grocery shopping around the child’s life for a while.

The way you operated before is no longer. Frequent visits to the grocery store may not be an option anymore, and you probably won’t want to take your baby out for a while anyway. Make sure you get more than enough, just in case.

Focus on shopping for meat that you can freeze, canned goods, and non-perishable items. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and delicious dinner.

Make Your Home Perfect For A New Arrival

Having a new baby is such an exciting experience, and making your home perfect for a new arrival will make it even better. Don’t cause unnecessary stress for yourself after the baby is home. Use these tips to plan ahead and make the transition easier for everyone.

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Life Parenting

Top Things To Do After Giving Birth

what to do after giving birth, postpartum tips, tips for after birth, newborn, new mom

No matter how prepared you are, giving birth will take a lot out of you. Even after giving birth a couple of times, nothing will prepare you for the moments you get home with your little one and the emotions that follow.

You’ll feel drained and tired, but also want to spend as much time with your baby as you can. That said, remember it’s ok to rest. You do need to look after yourself and help with your recovery. Below are four things to think about after birthing your beautiful baby. 

what to do after giving birth, postpartum tips, tips for after birth, newborn, new mom
Image from Pexels

What to do After Giving Birth

Make Time to Rest

Giving birth is extremely exciting, and you’ll want to spend as much time as you can with your newborn. After all, you have been carrying them for nine-months! But it is also important that you rest and give yourself some you time to recover.

Giving birth is a big deal and takes so much energy. You will feel tired after giving birth and in the days after, so make sure you are resting so you don’t make yourself sick.

Do Your Exercises

After giving birth, you will be advised to do some Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. It is important you do these because after birth the muscle is weaker and needs to strengthen up again. You can download a pelvic floor app that will take you through multiple exercises that you can do at home.

Make Sure You Eat Enough 

Skipping meals isn’t recommended after giving birth. After giving birth, you will feel drained and tired, meaning you may be tempted not to eat much in the coming days.

It is important you eat, however, to help with your recovery and provide adequate nutrition and energy to get you through the days and nights that follow. Keep in mind, you will already be lacking energy with a baby waking you up at night, so getting energy from food is essential.

Ask For Help 

Don’t do it all on your own. It is so important to ask for help. It’s normal not to be ok after giving birth. Remember that it takes a lot out of your body and can make you feel weak until you are rested up.

Make sure you lean on your partner, friends, or family to help. They can all help with preparing dinner or picking your other children up from school. I bet they love being around and seeing the newborn, as well, and won’t mind giving you some much-needed rest. 

what to do after giving birth, postpartum tips, tips for after birth, newborn, new mom

These are only four of the things you should do after giving birth, but there are many other recommendations out there. Although you may feel stressed, it’s good to remember that this is an exciting time. Take care of yourself so that you can be at your best for your baby.

Are you due to give birth for the first time? How are you feeling about your pregnancy? Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

For those who have already given birth, what are some tips you would give new moms? Leave a comment and let me know! 🙂

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Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

How Do Musical Instruments Relate To School Performance?

musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning
musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning

By introducing children to the world of music using toy musical instruments, you are opening the door to endless possibilities. You are giving them a great basis for the future and an excellent chance to excel in various areas. This is because the process of learning to play music enhances many other areas of their development.

As stated, learning to play a musical instrument can create various knock-on effects. This means it offers benefits to many individuals, and the best time to start is at a young age. You can find lesson plans (check out https://studentreasures.com/teachers-lounge/lesson-plans/kindergarten/) that you can use at home to blend music and education effectively. For example, use one of the brainstorming sessions as part of your music lesson. 

musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning

But, why musical instruments?

Improves Math Skills

Learning to play music is very similar to mathematics. The rhythm of the music is based on time being divided into various fractions. Many researchers have found that those children who play toy musical instruments are better at solving mathematical problems. So, it is not surprising that children who have been introduced to music are better at mathematics. This can help them in accounting and business-related areas, as well.

Develops Memorization Skills and Promotes Concentration

Moreover, learning to play different tunes requires memorization skills. A child will enhance their ability to memorize things easily and this will prove especially beneficial during tests and exams.

A child will be able to intake information just as easily as they can memorize a melody. Learning different tunes also requires concentration, so the child will also develop a deeper level of concentration.

Improves Self-Esteem

Another beneficial factor is that toy musical instruments can increase a child’s self-belief, confidence, and self-esteem. These elements are essential for children, especially in this day and age.

Many individuals fail to excel in life because they fear that they could fail and do not believe in themselves. When children learn to play a musical instrument, they realize what they are capable of achieving. They also experience the intense happiness they feel when they achieve it. This will encourage them to take the same attitude towards different areas in their life. 

Improves Creativity and Musical Ability

Of course, learning to play a musical instrument will directly improve their creativity skills and their musical ability. They will develop their own musical tastes and may even take a particular liking to the subject.

You may find you have the next Mozart or Chopin on your hands and your child may excel in the area of music. If you had never introduced them to toy musical instruments, then this may have never been the case. 

Why wouldn’t you want to give your child an extra outlet and an extra avenue for future success?

Whether they take to the world of music or not you will definitely see benefits in other aspects of their life. Overall the advantages are there for all to see. Musical instruments provide endless amounts of fun to people of all ages and the benefits are too good to ignore.

musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning
Categories
Adulting How To Learning Life Parenting

New Baby Incoming? Make The Transition Easy With These Top Tips

New Baby, Baby, Incoming Baby, Great ready for baby, prepare for baby, new mom, new dad, new parent, transition, parenting tips

It’s been a hard year for a lot of people. Job losses are abundant and people are still worried about coronavirus and its effects on millions of people around the globe. If you’re bringing a baby into the world at the moment you might be worried and have reason to be.

However, you can transition to life as a parent just like you would have before. These tips can help you get started and help shift your perspective to one of wanting to be ready and to tackle any issues which come up. Winter might be around the corner, and the baby may be on the way, but there’s always time to set your life up for parental success.

Plan The Events Stuff Now

This is the stuff you do to celebrate your baby coming into the world. This could be planning a little party a couple of weeks after having the baby. Maybe it’s looking at professional newborn photography to immortalize the moment.

Whatever you choose to do, plan it in now so that you can fully focus on the baby when the time comes. Planning events like this is never easy when you’ve got kids to look after. Think ahead and make it easier on yourself.

If you don’t think you’ve got time you might be able to ask friends and family for help, maybe they can arrange things if you’re a bit too busy to do it.

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Plan The Hospital Route

Planning the hospital route is a must, especially if you’re getting yourself to the hospital. Of course, you (hopefully) won’t be driving, but whoever is needs to be able to get you there quickly and know the way.

Go on a couple of dry runs and see how long it takes. Knowing how long it takes is important and should factor into your planning. You should also get a go-bag ready, full of what you’ll need at the hospital.

Little things like this take away some stress from what will always be an incredibly stressful day. You should also get a backup. Your partner might be away, busy, or even unwell.

If this is the case, you’ll need someone else to help you out. Always use an ambulance as a last resort because they can cost a lot of money, and they’re pretty much a waste when they could be doing something else.


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Scrub The House

You need to ensure the house is clean. Now, it probably is, but when a newborn is concerned it’s always best to be sure.

Disinfect everything. Your baby won’t have the same immune system that you do. Their immune system is weaker as they haven’t had the time to let it develop yet.

When you also factor in coronavirus it makes sense to have a deeper clean than usual. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect the car.

Your baby will be traveling home in the car, so make sure that the car is just as clean as the house. The immune system develops quite quickly but it always pays to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to things like this.

New Baby, Baby, Incoming Baby, Great ready for baby, prepare for baby, new mom, new dad, new parent, transition, parenting tips
Categories
Craft crafts Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Fall Crafts for Kids – Handprint Leaves

fall craft for kids, easy fall craft, handprint craft for kids, fall handprint craft, cute craft for kids

You guys, fall is RIGHT around the corner. Can you believe it? That means it’s time to get started on our fall crafts for kids!

I love so many things about fall. Bonfires, the smell of October, crisp fall air, and the falling leaves in bright colors are just a few of my favorite things. My all-time favorite part, however, is making memories with my kids.

Fall is the perfect time for family traditions and fun. Doing crafts is something we do for each season or holiday, so of course, there will be fall-inspired crafts.

This handprint leaves craft is one I first did years ago. I loved it so much I started doing it every year. I love seeing how much the kids’ hands have grown each year, and I can update their scrapbooks with the handprint leaves.

How to Make Handprint Leaves With Kids

This is a super simple craft that you can do with kids of every age. The required materials are minimal, and there isn’t much mess involved.

fall craft for kids, easy fall craft, handprint craft for kids, fall handprint craft, cute craft for kids

Required Materials:

Directions:

  1. Begin with a blank piece of white paper.
  2. Using a clean paintbrush, paint the child’s hand orange.
  3. Quickly and firmly place the child’s hand flat onto the white paper.
  4. Carefully lift their hand, being careful not to smear the handprint leaf.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the red paint and yellow paint.
  6. Allow the paint to dry.
  7. Using a thin paintbrush and brown paint (or a brown marker) draw the stem lines onto the leaves.

What Do You Think?!

Tell me what you think of this easy fall craft! Which fall crafts do you plan to do with your kiddos?

Share pictures of your fall crafts for kids in the comments! Feel free to drop a link to your fall craft blog posts in the comments, too! I’d love to see them!

Check out other fall crafts and activities by clicking the following links:

Simple Fall Handprint Crafts for Kids

Easy Fall Sensory Bin With Dyed Rice

Foil Printed Fall Art For Kids

Fall Bucket List – Free Printable 

Other Important Fall Tasks

While we’re on the topic of kids and fall, I want to remind you to label all of your child’s coats, jackets, snow pants, and anything else they might lose. I’ve spent too much time and money looking for or replacing these items, so I label them each year. If you want a label that will last, I urge you to visit dutchlabelshop.com. They offer custom labels that you can sew onto your child’s clothing and outdoor gear. You can even choose a label with your child’s photo.

fall craft for kids, easy fall craft, handprint craft for kids, fall handprint craft, cute craft for kids
Categories
crafts Decor Gifts Holiday Winter

Easy DIY Snowman Christmas Tree Ornament for Kids Are Great for Gifting

Snowman ornament, DIY snowman, DIY ornament, Christmas, DIY Christmas, DIY Kids Christmas Ornament, Kids Christmas Craft, Gifts for Kids to Give, DIY Snowman Handprint Ornament

There is nothing more special than a homemade Christmas tree ornament, especially when the ornaments are made by kids. A few years ago, my dad said that he wanted Christmas tree ornaments made by all of his grandkids, so these are the ones the kids made for him! The DIY snowman handprint ornament was a hit because not only did Papa love his handmade gifts, the kids also loved making them!

Snowman ornament, DIY snowman, DIY ornament, Christmas, DIY Christmas, DIY Kids Christmas Ornament, Kids Christmas Craft, Gifts for Kids to Give, DIY Snowman Handprint Ornament

How to Make a DIY Snowman Handprint Ornament

Materials:

Snowman ornament, DIY snowman, DIY ornament, Christmas, DIY Christmas, DIY Kids Christmas Ornament, Kids Christmas Craft, Gifts for Kids to Give, DIY Snowman Handprint Ornament

Directions:

For the jar lids, I used lids of spaghetti and Alfredo sauce jars and painted them red with acrylic paint. I had to do several coats of red paint to cover up the words on the lids completely because I didn’t want to see anything through the paint.

Once the lids were completely covered and dried, I used white paint on the kids’ hands to make the snowmen. I painted their fingers (3 fingers for Sylas and Peyton, 4 fingers for Josie and Liam) to create the snowmen. I also painted the top of their palm to make a snowy hill underneath the snowmen.

Peyton’s hands were too big for this (he was 10-years-old), so I had him do the top half of his fingers and use a paintbrush to create the snowy hill. Once the white paint dried completely, I added the scarves with green paint, hats, eyes, buttons, and mouths with a black sharpie and the noses with orange paint. Peyton did his own, but I did this part for the babies.

Once everything is dried and ready to go, you will spray one coat of clear spray paint over the front and back of the ornament. This ensures that the paint doesn’t flake off.

Finally, you will use a hot glue gun to glue the string or ribbon in a loop at the top of the ornament. Make sure you put the glue on the back so that it is hidden from sight.

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Final Thoughts On DIY Snowman Handprint Ornaments

I love the finished product SO MUCH that I wanted to keep them for myself. My dad loved them, and the kids really enjoyed making them and giving them as a gift.

I’d love to see the Christmas crafts you’ve done or are planning to do with your kiddos this season!! Please share them in the comments. 🙂