Amazon Baby Babble's Blog

Pretty much every parent has experienced--or in the case of new or soon to be parents, will experience--the frustration resulting from what appears to be their child not listening to them. Of course, while true that children sometimes do not listen to their parents, research recently released from University of Colorado at Boulder claims that there may be something else going on inside your child. In a nutshell that she/he may be "storing information away for later."

This sounds like an overly intentional action on the part of a toddler, and literally taken probably is, but the crux of the argument sounds right on. Basically, this hinges on moving aside two prevalent views of how young children interact with the world: as living entirely in the present, or like little adults, planning their actions just on a smaller scale. The research seems to indicate in many cases that neither of these may be the case. Lacking the context of an adult, it supposes that when a young child does something that you told them not to or seems to not have listened, it may not be because they are disobeying you, but more likely that they do not have the context yet to connect the present, to a possible future. That is,

"Heather. Put that extra sweater in your backpack. It will be cold on the drive home tonight"...followed eventually by, "Oh Honey! Where is your extra sweater? I told you to bring it with you. Can't you feel how cold it is?"

Was Heather not listening, or does she not have enough understanding yet of the concept of the future to plan for it in the present? Research indicates that toddlers in situations like these may call back the past only when they need it, and so instead of struggling to get them to think ahead to where they have no experience, maybe a better approach is to get them to think back to that long cold ride in the car. Interesting stuff. Check out the video below featuring a member of the CU research team:

--Tom Milnes

Every new parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, babysitter, older sister or brother, etc. has experienced the 3-5 second rule, the time during which a toddler decides whether a minor tumble, bump on the head, or surprise is worthy of a short, but heart-felt crying fit. Although these happen all the time and encouraging a reaction, especially the dreaded ëfake cryí is not a good idea, tear-worthy boo-boos are a definite reality. Because of this, parents keen on engaging their children as a means of getting them through situations and phases might want to take a look at the Me4kidz MediBuddy First Aid Kit.

Designed not only to help children to become more comfortable with the general idea of first-aid and the reality that they may need it from time to time when they scrape a knee, bump their head or are stung by a bee, it will also help tap into their curiosity about why things are done when people are hurt and instill an overall sense of compassion towards others in need.

Kits contain:

(15) 3/4 ì X 3î Red, Blue & Yellow Crayon Bandages
(1) 3î Knee & Elbow Bandage
(1) Sting Relief Pad
(4) 2î X 2î Gauze Pads (2 Two Packs)
(3) 5î X 8î Antiseptic Wipes (sting free)
(1) Burn Relief Cream
(2) Antibiotic Ointments
(12) Kid Friendly Fun Stickers
(1) Carry Anywhere Case.

The kits are compact with rounded edges, suitable for stashing in the car, purses, luggage and strollers; come in a variety of fun colors; the outers are made with 100% recyclable plastic and are not gender-specific; the kit is made in America; and its contents are entirely latex and lead free. Every parent should be prepared with a first-aid kit for their child. The only problem with the MediBuddy is that it may be such a hit with kids that it could end up in demand to hold other things. Most parents could probably live with that.

--Tom Milnes

We're excited here in the Baby Store to join in celebration of Earth Day. We've been busy trying to find just the right person to help us kick off the celebration of all things green for baby and are thrilled to have found that perfect someone in Soliel Moon Frye, co-owner of The Little Seed, a baby boutique that specializes in eco-friendly and green items for mom's and babies. We asked her to talk a little bit about what the idea of green means to her and her partner and how it affected their decision to start a green boutique. Without further ado:

          Hello everyone,

I am so excited about Amazon launching their new Green Baby section. It is truly incredible. I am so proud to be a part of it and that our store The Little Seed has found a wonderful home here. Some of our friends at Amazon asked what being an eco-mom means for me, so I thought it would be fun to share my story.

When my partner Paige and I had our babies, we felt like our eyes were open for the very first time. I had always cared for our planet. My mom taught us at an early age to try and do our part to help the world, but having children really brought it home for me on a whole new level. I had so many questions and didn't know where to turn. So I started doing my own research. Both my partner and I searched the globe trying to find non-toxic toys for our children. We knew that if we were feeling this way there must be millions of other families feeling just like us. So we began the journey of The Little Seed.

For me being an "eco mom" is all about trying to create a healthy balance in our lives. We all want what is best for our little ones and I find myself constantly inspired by my children to help create change. I do things like drive a hybrid and recycle, but I also try to make eco super fun for my kids. We take empty shoe boxes and decorate them turning them into special jewelery boxes, old plastic bottles become animals, and milk jugs turn into beautiful vases. Our trash becomes treasure.


I am not the perfect green mom, there are days that my oldest indulges in the joys of candy and I do pull out toys from time to time that are probably not the most eco. Especially when they are having a melt down and want something with a lot of sounds and colors. For me its just about balance, living the best life that we can everyday. Helping to make small changes in our lives that help the planet because after all "a little eco goes a long way"

 
--Soleil