Quarantine hasn’t been easy on any of us – but for those with little kids, it can be a special kind of (insert child-friendly place noun). Here are a few common kid-related quarantine problems and some superhero finds that have come to save the day.
QUARANTINE PROB: THE ADORABLE BUT OVER-EAGER GREETER
You’ve been cooped up all week and need some fresh air. But as soon as you step outside, your toddler spots their favorite playdate mate just down the sidewalk and makes a break for it. Those little hands can be so hard to keep hold of, especially if you let your guard down. Enter Perry Mackin’s Toddler Harness Backpack. Available in bright hues or shimmery gold, it’s one of the sleekest kiddie packs I’ve ever seen, and I won’t beat around the bush on the real benefit: it’s got a leash. What could be more handy in our current state of affairs? You’ll keep your little one safely reined in and properly socially distanced, while still giving them a bit of freedom to roam on their own. After this is all over, it’ll make a stylish addition to their school bag rotation.
Find the Toddler Harness Backpack at perrymackin.com, $28
Have an older child? Check out 2-packs of kids’ masks for ages 5-10 by Onezie, made from upcycled fabric with proceeds donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. www.onzie.com
QUARANTINE PROB: MAMA AIN’T GOT TIME FOR MESSES
You’re currently a parent, employee, chef, teacher, and on-demand entertainer. We need to minimize the maid part, am I right? Keep a lid on liquid messes with Chicco’s Insulated Flip-Top Straw Cups. I’ve gone through a ton of similar cups in the past couple of years and have been frustrated with the design of the straw and valve parts—why do they make it so hard to clean and reassemble?! Chicco’s cups have helped save my sanity with their design—straws easily pop back in after cleaning (dishwasher safe, hallelujah!) and the top has a slide button that retracts the straw to keep it debris-free. It’s double-walled to keep drinks cooler longer and free of PVC, BPA, and latex. My little guy is chillin tidy, dry, and hydrated.
Find Chicco Insulated Flip-Top Straw Cups in 2-packs at Amazon, Target, or www.chiccousa.com, $8.99
QUARANTINE PROB: THEY’RE BORED, BORED, BORED
These board books may be the perfect solution for bored but hungry mini minds. Releasing this June from Happy Fox Books, this nature-inspired series explores the inner worlds of anthills, beehives, and trees. Each book features engaging shaped pages with see-through cutouts and colorful illustrations. The book isn’t story-based, but rather helps kids discover how hives or anthills operate in a series of short, informative blurbs. I was concerned the text might be too advanced for my three-year-old, but he was so drawn in by the pages that he listened contentedly through each book then asked to read them again. (I may be underestimating my little Einstein.) The shaped pages are also fun enough that he can occupy himself with the book when I’m not available to read. Also, the publisher has kindly provided some fun puzzles and coloring pages you can download for free at https://foxchapelpublishing.com/news/kids-resource/
Happy Fox Books Board Books available in June—preorder now on Amazon, $9.99 each
QUARANTINE PROB: LITTLE BODIES, BIG GERMS
Have you ever scrubbed your little one so much? If you haven’t already made the switch, now’s a great time to pick an ultra-nourishing shampoo and body wash for bathtime. I’ve long loved and trusted the SheaMoisture brand, so trust their baby line too—check out the Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Wash & Shampoo. It’s crafted with a moisturizing blend of organic shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil with a dose of skin-calming chamomile. Other notable additions are soothing aloe and an array of botanical extracts from rose, calendula, myrrh, frankincense, and more. Note: the fragrance is from an essential oil blend, in case your child is extra sensitive.
Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Wash & Shampoo available at Target, Walmart, and www.sheamoisture.com, $10.99
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