Parenting Archives - Mama Natural

Koala Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code!

Genevieve Howland — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:43:43 +0000

In today’s world of overstimulating gadgets with flashing lights and loud chimes finding well-made, engaging toddler toys is hard.

But what if I told you that you don’t have to search high and low?

I recently discovered a monthly subscription service that delivers enriching toys and activities right to your door. And their Koala Crate is next-level stuff for toddlers.

Let’s break it all down, including:

What Koala Crate is
How to get a special 40% off promo code
My honest review of the subscription service
Plus, important information and cost and shipping

What Is KiwiCo?

KiwiCo (formerly known as Kiwi Crate) is a monthly subscription service made just for kids. Subscribers get a monthly box (aka a crate) full of everything they need to complete a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) projects, crafts, and activities related to one central theme.

These boxes are specifically designed for different age groups, including:

Koala Crate: Ages 2-4
Kiwi Crate: Ages 5-8
Atlas Crate: Ages 6-11
Doodle Crate: Ages 14+
Tinker Crate: Ages 9-16+
Eureka Crate: Ages 14-104

What Is a Koala Crate?

Koala Crates are specially-made boxes delivered monthly for children aged 2-4. Each delivery includes a hands-on activity for innovative and thought-provoking play, along with an activity guide and DIY craft ideas for parents.

Koala Crates are designed by the experts, guaranteeing your little one will receive age-appropriate and intellectually-stimulating toys. It’s the perfect thing to keep little hands and minds busy, while promoting bonding and learning.

Koala Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Koala Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $11.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

Note: This Koala Crate promo code is valid for all crates, except the new Panda Crate. There’s no obligation beyond the first box. If you don’t want to continue, you just have to adjust your account before it renews at the regular price.

My Honest Koala Crate Review

Finding unique toys is always my goal. I want toys that give kiddos a task that’ll actually keep them engaged and teach them something throughout the process. The Koala Box certainly delivered!

The project: Ocean Games

In this project, toddlers build a mini ocean, then roll up their sleeves and practice fishing (without the mess!).

The Set-Up: “Fill” the Ocean with Fish

Each crate contains a small, round mat that serves as the ocean and a variety of multi-colored felt fish and other sea animals. Let your little one flex their fine-motor skills by placing the felt fish on the mat. Kids love setting up their own design, and you can up the difficulty by asking your child to sort them by type or color if you’d like.

The Task: Fishing

Once the crafted critters are in place, little ones can fish them out using the provided rod. Don’t worry: there are no hooks— just a sticky end piece that grabs the felt. The fishing line is short too, so no casting or reeling will leave you ducking for cover. Your child simply hovers over the fish they’d like and dips the rod down far enough for the suspended end “hook” to catch the felt.

It’s a great combination of fun and learning, and uses a variety of skills in a hands-on activity. The act of catching a fish is exciting and watching your little one beam with pride is priceless.

How it goes down

Kids can fish freely, though challenging them to catch a certain color or animal will keep them guessing.

The time spent completing a round of fishing varies by a child’s age and the way the activity is played. Those closer to age two may take a little longer than a quick and nimble four-year-old, for instance. Overall, the activity doesn’t take too long, and children are engaged the entire time—no matter which way you play.

What I Love About Koala Crate

The fishing activity is a great way to bring the outdoors inside and is age-appropriate in terms of design and expectations. Toddlers are such little balls of energy, and this activity harnessed that in a positive, fun way. I recommend the Koala Crate because:

It builds skills: This specific activity was perfect for building on hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
It’s engaging: Kids love accomplishing things, and each “hooked” fish is a reward. This keeps your child focused on each catch.
Difficulty can vary: Parents can mix in other skills during play, such as color and animal identification, counting, and more. This keeps the game fun and extends its lifespan in your toy chest.
It’s designed by experts: Each crate is designed specifically for a set age group by child development professionals. Toddlers are rapidly learning the world around them, and each crate reflects this.
It’s tested by kids: Every single Koala Crate is tested by real kids to ensure projects are fun and age-appropriate. And this was evident based on the fact that my son really did want to dive right into this project, then had a blast seeing it through.

How Much Is a Koala Crate Subscription?

The price of Koala Crates depends on how many months you sign up for. The longer you commit to receiving the subscription box, the less expensive it is each month.

If you want the least expensive 12-month option (a savings of $155.40 over the course of the year), you have to commit to paying more upfront—about $200. The good news? The most flexible option, a month-to-month subscription, isn’t too much more expensive, at $19.95 each month.

Though the 12-month Koala Crate subscription is a greater investment in the long run, some people prefer this option, because it breaks up payments. It also provides the flexibility to cancel Koala Crate whenever you’d like.

What is a Deluxe Koala Crate?

A Deluxe Koala Crate is the same as a regular Koala Crate, but also includes a book specifically curated to go with each month’s theme. This add-on comes with a slight upcharge of $9.95 per order.

How Long Does KiwiCo Koala Crate Shipping Take?

If you live in the U.S., your first Koala Crate will ship in 2-3 business days. Once shipped, your Koala Crate will arrive within 5-7 days.

Subsequent crates ship once monthly. You can review your ship date on KiwiCo’s website in the “my account” section.

Koala Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Koala Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $11.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

How About You?

Have you tried a Koala Crate? Let me know all about it in comments below!

The post Koala Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code! appeared first on Mama Natural.

Temper Tantrum: 10 Gentle Ways to Diffuse the Situation Without Aggravation

Genevieve Howland — Tue, 05 May 2020 19:07:52 +0000

You’re at the grocery store buying dinner and your toddler spots the ice cream section. The next thing you know your child is flailing and screaming on the floor of aisle 10 because he can’t have ice cream for dinner. The terrible twos have hit hard and toddler temper tantrums are coming full force. What’s a mama to do?

In this article, we’ll answer all of your most burning questions about temper tantrums—namely how to cope.

First, Be Sure the Basics Are Met

Good nutrition

Ever heard of being hangry? Ya know, anger because you’re hungry. There’s a reason that “I’m sorry for what I said when I was hungry” is a thing. Even adults who haven’t been eating healthy get very grumpy. Kids have the same struggle—and then some, since they haven’t developed the same coping skills as adults.

Make sure your offering balanced meals and snacks. Avoid simple carbs and sugars that cause temporary spikes, then crashes. And do your best to serve meals and snacks at regular intervals. Long stretches between meals is a recipe for disaster—toddlers burn through food faster than adults do.

Adequate Sleep

Life happens, but keeping a regular sleep schedule is just as important (if not more so!) as the nutrients your child is taking in. Toddlers do best with a mid-afternoon nap. Get out early in the morning, get them running, jumping, skipping… anything to burn energy. Generally, this is enough to help them crash for a nap right after lunch due to fatigue.

Some toddlers will resist an afternoon nap, but it is so important for children under the age of four to get as much sleep as possible throughout the day and night. If your child is struggling to wind down, try to encourage them to rest quietly in their crib or toddler bed. They can lay there and flip through books or listen to lullabies. And, if they skip the nap, make sure they go to bed a bit earlier, around 6-6:30 p.m.

How to Effectively Deal With Temper Tantrums

Stay calm

The best way to deal with someone else’s eruptive emotions is to not join in yourself. You know, the whole “two wrongs don’t make a right” thing.

This can be really hard, but staying calm is the best way to get through a tantrum without making the situation worse. Count to 10 to help interrupt your fight or flight response. And, if it’s safe to do so, sometimes walking away to collect yourself can help, too. Whatever you need to do to regroup and enter the situation more calmly will be a huge help.

Connect by getting eye-to-eye

Connecting with your child at a time when they may feel very alone with their scary emotions can help them relax. They also learn that you are on their team and are ready to help them navigate whatever comes their way.

Get close to your child by sitting on the floor with them, and ideally, making eye contact. This helps your child feel safe and supported. As adults, we often do this for our friends and family members. Have you ever had a friend simply sit in silence next to you while you cried? If so, then you know how supported and safe this type of behavior can make you feel.

Try “time-ins”

Create a cozy area somewhere safe—the child’s room or in the family room, for example—that she can go when she gets upset or needs to cool down. You can even dedicate a small pillow to the cause. Let you child squeeze or punch the pillow to let off some steam. It’s also a good idea to have lots of comfort tools in this space—dolls, stuffed animals, snacks, etc. If you are in a store or outside the home, bring your child to a safe place like the car or a waiting room.

Sit with your child and allow them to express themselves to you without judgment. Once they have calmed down and feel heard, you can reiterate your expectations.

Show compassion—but don’t try to fix

It’s really tempting to give in to what your child wants or to find a distraction for a child that is having a tantrum. But that doesn’t teach them how to deal with disappointment. Fixing your child’s problems will only cause more situations where you need to “fix” something. Instead, use compassion and empathy to help your child learn to deal with complex emotions.

Try working through their feelings by repeating what you hear them say. For example, “You really wanted to have ice cream today. Ice cream tastes so good! But we can’t have ice cream today and that makes you feel really mad!” Why? Kids begin to relax as they recognize that you understand how they are feeling.

Teach child breathing techniques

Kids have temper tantrums, because they are struggling with big emotions. Help them learn how to use calm down techniques. This is a great way to support your child in learning to self regulate. Have your child count to 10 if they know how to. Or, have them take a deep breath and let it out slowly. You can even make it a song. Daniel Tiger says “When you’re feeling mad and you want to roar, take a deep breath and count to FOUR.”

Give choices

Temper tantrums are sometimes a reaction to feeling small. Kids often don’t have much say in what they do each day, and that can cause them to feel powerless. Offering choices throughout the day can help reduce tantrums. But offering a choice during a tantrum can help, too. Consider this: “You really want ice cream, but we need to pick a healthy snack. Would you like apple slices or carrot sticks?”

Avoid tantrum triggers

Most kids have tantrum triggers like being tired, hungry, or bored. Try to hone in on what triggers your child, so you can avoid these situations, thus reducing the number of tantrums your child has.

If you know your child tends to meltdown when your errands go longer than an hour, avoid keeping him out that long.
If he can’t handle missing a nap, avoid being out of the house during nap time.

Plan ahead

If you absolutely can’t avoid tantrum triggers, plan ahead to minimize or ease tantrums. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go in case you need to spend 10 minutes waiting for your toddler to stop thrashing around on the floor. This also helps you stay calm. Bring snacks, favorite toys, or a favorite blanket to offer some comfort or entertainment.

Include heavy work activities into play time

Heavy work activities are activities that require lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy items. This work helps kids (and adults) activate the proprioceptive system. Proprioception is a process that helps us become aware of our bodies and how they can be moved in space. It’s often thought of as another sense similar to sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

When kids are throwing a temper tantrum, thrashing their bodies around and throwing things, they are seeking this stimulation. Make sure there are lots of opportunities for heavy work in your daily lives to help reduce your child’s instinct to do it during a temper tantrum.

Here are some ideas:

Pushing a friend on the swings
Carrying groceries
Carrying a heavy toy
Pulling a sled (filled with people or heavy objects)
Hanging upside-down on monkey bars
Doing household chores
Raking leaves

Incorporate some of these into your daily routine, or offer one of these activities when you sense a tantrum coming on.

Why Do Temper Tantrums Happen?

While these strategies surely help, it’s nearly impossible to avoid temper tantrums altogether. When you’re truly exasperated, understanding why temper tantrums happen can really help you effectively solve them and keep your cool.

Here are the main reasons temper tantrums occur, according to Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parents, Happy Kids:

Not enough sleep or healthy food: As mentioned above, this is the number one trigger for tantrums. Kids who are overtired or hungry are already struggling, so almost any disappointment can set them off.
Lacking connection: When kids feel disconnected from their caregivers, they are more likely to act out. Kids (and adults!) need to feel loved and accepted. After a long day at school or daycare, many kids crave mom or dad’s attention. Unfortunately, this often coincides with evening routines where mom and dad are running errands, making dinner, cleaning up, etc.
Feeling powerless: As mentioned, kids don’t often have much say in what they do each day. But we all want to feel in control of our lives. Lack of control or ability to make decisions in their lives can cause tantrums.
Having “too big” emotions: Sometimes a tantrum is simply an emotion that a child is struggling with. No one likes to feel negative emotions, but we all need to learn to deal with them. Tantrums can be a representation of this journey and an opportunity for learning.

Will The Tantrums Ever End?

Sometimes it can feel like your child is being so irrational it can’t possibly be normal. The good news (that might also feel like bad news): Most of the time, tantrums are a normal part of toddler-hood.

As your child gets older, can communicate better, and has more self-awareness and self-control, you should see tantrums begin to improve and decrease in frequency.

If your child is violent towards themselves or others, can’t communicate at a level appropriate for their age, or exhibiting behavior that’s getting worse, check in with your pediatrician.

Otherwise this stage is completely normal. And it’s also a really good thing if you think about it: It means your child is processing emotions, learning, and growing. It also means that he trusts you enough to be completely vulnerable.

I always try to remember: He’s not trying to give me a hard time—he’s having a hard time. I find that thinking about my kids’ tantrums as a cry for help, instead of “bad behavior,” can help me stay calm and support them through their emotions. Hang in there mama, you’re doing great!

The post Temper Tantrum: 10 Gentle Ways to Diffuse the Situation Without Aggravation appeared first on Mama Natural.

Parents-to-Be Classes: 5 Reasons Every Parent Should Take One

Genevieve Howland — Tue, 05 May 2020 14:27:22 +0000

On this page…

What is a parenting class?
Who should take a parents-to-be class?
Where to take newborn classes?
What about parenting classes near me?
What moms in our community say about parenting classes?
Which is the best baby care class?
When should I start taking baby care classes?

You’re entering your third trimester, and you’re dreaming of those hazy newborn days filled with peaceful snuggles and cozy nursing sessions.

Unfortunately, the immediate postpartum period often looks more like this:

You’re totally drained.
Your bottom is sore.
You’re supposed to be prepping your sitz bath, but baby is crying.
And now your breasts feel engorged.
The laundry is piling up and you haven’t a clue what to make for dinner.
Aaaand now you’re crying.

We’ve all been there, mama!

While there’s no telling what the first few weeks with baby will bring, one thing is for sure: You can prepare yourself with parents-to-be classes.

In this post, we’ll cover the five reasons every parent should take a parenting class, and answer all of your most burning questions.

First Thing’s First: What IS a Parenting Class?

Baby care classes go by many names: parenting class, parents-to-be classes, new parent classes, newborn classes… the list goes on.

Regardless of what you actually call your baby care class, the goal of the class is the same: to prepare you and your partner for taking care of a newborn.

Why Everyone (Yep, Even Second-Time Parents) Should Take a Parents-to-Be Class

You already took a birthing class… do you really need to take a baby care class?

You betcha. Here’s why.

1. Learn how to parent a newborn calmly and confidently

Perhaps one of the most advantageous benefits of a newborn care class, you’ll learn to parent a newborn with confidence. This is especially important if you’re expecting your first baby, or it’s been a few years since you last had a newborn in the house.

Knowledge is the first step to doing anything—especially parenting—with confidence.

When you’re confident in your abilities, you’re more likely to be calm, too. And guess what? Baby picks up on your energy. So a calmer, happier parent equals a calmer, happier baby.

2. Gain the knowledge you need to thrive in the fourth trimester (and beyond)

Parenting a newborn is as much about you as it is your baby. A good baby care class acknowledges the fact that, yes, you are parenting a newborn, but you’re doing so while you’re in the fourth trimester.

You need time to recover and heal during this period as well.

A baby care class can provide valuable information—like how to comfortably nurse a newborn when you have a C-section scar to deal with—so you can thrive during this transition.

3. Discover practical tips and insights from experts in baby care

A baby care class doesn’t just explain how much a baby needs to eat or sleep, it also provides useful tips. I like to call these the “how-tos”: how to bathe a slippery, tiny newborn baby, how to swaddle a newborn so the baby’s arms stay perfectly snug, or how to dress a baby for all types of weather.

You’ll learn practical tips for all facets of taking care of a baby including:

Eating
Sleeping
Diapering (“Is this poop normal?” is a totally common—and completely normal—question!)
Safety, including baby proofing, car seat safety, and feeding safety
First aid for a baby, including an overview on CPR
Baby ailments, including what to do if you think your baby is constipated
How to play with a newborn
Essential baby gear and how to use it

4. Connect with a dynamic tribe of new mothers just like you

Taking a parenting class can help you meet a dynamic tribe of new mamas. This is true for in-person and online classes.

In today’s digital world, we’re often isolated from one another. Sometimes it feels like the whole “it takes a village” concept is just non-existent. But we don’t have to feel isolated, and we don’t have to let the digital world disconnect us. We can use the online world to connect with a whole tribe of new mamas.

Is there anything as satisfying as finding a fellow mama who completely gets what you’re going through? Sometimes a “me too” moment can turn acquaintances into fast friends.

5. And—bonus—you might even get more sleep!

Studies show that learning baby care principles can promote better sleep for babies and children. And, seriously, what new parent doesn’t want a little (or a lot!) more sleep?!

Where to Take Newborn Classes

If you’re asking “Where can I find a newborn class near me,” the answer is simple: right in your own home.

Online!

Of course, you can find newborn classes in your city—many hospitals and birthing centers offer them, but who can resist the benefits of taking a newborn class right from the comfort (and convenience!) of your own home?

There are many benefits to taking online parenting classes because they’re:

Flexible: If you’re taking in-person classes, you’ll have to attend the class on the instructor’s schedule. If you can’t attend the class at that time, you simply miss the class. Online classes are more flexible, so you can take the class when it’s most convenient for you.
Individualized: If you’re not formula-feeding, you don’t need to waste time sitting in a class while the instructor talks about formula-feeding. Online classes are more flexible in that you can skip parts that don’t apply to you, which saves you time in the long run.
More time-efficient: With online classes, you don’t have to sit through others’ questions. You get to focus on what you want to learn.
Long-lasting: Imagine your baby is struggling with constipation, and you know your instructor said something about remedies, but you just can’t remember what they were. With in-person courses, it’s nearly impossible to go back and get those answers. Not the case with online classes! Online courses enable you to revisit the course at a later date so you can get the tips you need when you need them.
Inclusive for grandparents or caregivers: Is a grandparent or other relative going to help out with baby? You can take an online course together—no extra cost associated!
Easy to access: Most online courses allow for access to instructors and support after the course. So even though you won’t be face-to-face, you’ll still have plenty of support.

What About Parenting Classes Near Me?

While we really recommend online classes, there are some topics—like infant CPR classes—that are better suited for an in-person class. In fact, if you want to earn full certification for CPR, you have to attend an in-person course.

You can find parenting classes near you through:

Google
Your local hospital or birth center
A recommendation from you midwife or doula
Your local community center

If you’re unsure, talk to your OBGYN or midwife.

Many healthcare systems (including hospitals and birth centers) offer birthing classes and newborn basics classes. Some are free parenting classes, while others have fees.

Keep in mind that free classes are more likely to be short and extremely basic. If you’re looking for a fully comprehensive and in-depth course, expect to pay for the course. Investing in a parenting class can give you peace of mind for the next several months.

What Moms in Our Community Say About Parenting Classes

We polled the moms in our community to see what they thought about parents-to-be classes; here are some of their responses.

“My husband learned a lot—and didn’t feel like I was ‘telling’ him. It was great for first time parents.”
“The course I took had lots of good info, but it was too short!”
“I liked it for the knowledge and bonding with partner, especially for a first time mom.”
“I liked that it gave some ‘what to expect’ and ‘what to watch out for,’ so that I had an idea of what is normal and what isn’t.”
“I liked learning newborn patterns and what it was like to care for a newborn. What’s normal, what’s not, etc. It was very helpful, though I did forget a lot before the baby was born. I think I would have liked to have digital resources to refer back to once the baby was born.”
“As a FTM it made me feel more confident.”
“I liked the breastfeeding and basic baby care info you’re too embarrassed to ask people about.”
“I was 1,400 miles from my family so I appreciated having support and getting some questions answered.”

So What’s the Best Baby Care Class?

Ready to try an online parenting class? We may be a little biased, but we believe the best baby class is our Mama Natural Baby Care Course.

The Mama Natural Baby Care Course is a 9-year-in-the-making, pediatrician-approved baby care course.

The comprehensive baby care class consists of 13 sections that cover everything you’ll need to know to take care of your baby, from diapering, to feeding, to spotting common newborn ailments. You’ll learn from top professionals experienced with natural baby care, including:

A holistic, board-certified, Stanford-educated pediatrician to give you tips on what to feed your baby.
A board-certified lactation consultant to help you master breastfeeding.
And a firefighter/CPR instructor to make you feel confident and prepared for worst-case scenarios.

Mama Natural Baby Care Course parents-to-be class image with logo

The Mama Natural Baby Care Course gives you:

Training from a board-certified pediatrician, a board-certified lactation consultant, and a fire-fighter/CPR instructor
Step-by-step videos so you can follow along as you learn to breastfeed, swaddle, etc.
Access to private forums moderated by a certified postpartum doula
A 30-day money-back guarantee
24/7/365 access to all the material

I’m Ready: When Should I Start Taking Baby Care Classes?

There’s no time like the present! Ideally, enroll in your class while you’re still pregnant. If you take your parenting class during your third trimester, the information will be fresh in your mind.

How About You?

Have you taken parent-to-be classes? We’d love to hear your experience!

The post Parents-to-Be Classes: 5 Reasons Every Parent Should Take One appeared first on Mama Natural.

Best Gingerbread House Ideas (With Health-ish Candy Suggestions!)

Genevieve Howland — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:51:32 +0000

I’m a former sugar addict. So for me to host a gingerbread house party is like a recovering alcoholic hosting a wine tasting. But, after much urging from my daughter Paloma, I went ahead and threw a gingerbread house decorating party with about a dozen kids.

In this article, I’ll show you how to host one yourself—without going crazy or funneling too much sugar into your young ones.

Making Your Own Gingerbread House

I have to recommend against the kits that you need to assemble yourself. In my experience, they’re a mess. And they require a structural engineer to stabilize them. AND they take an hour or two to dry and set before you can begin decorating them. But if you have a smaller party (or just your family) and feel inspired, go for it!

Here’s a classic recipe for your gingerbread house. Or, you can try this gluten free recipe as an option. Or, I love this oat flour, gluten free graham cracker recipe, which would work well. You can use these to construct your walls, floor, and roof. You’ll need to roll out the dough, form it into big rectangle pieces, and bake. (Here’s a guide with dimensions for your house.)

To hold your house pieces together, you’ll want to whip up a batch of royal icing, which is a combination of egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar. (You can find a recipe here.)

The Best Gingerbread Kit

Because I was buying supplies for a dozen kids, I went with pre-made house kits.

I recommend the pre-assembled kits versus the ones you have to glue together the pieces of the house yourself. Be sure to double check the box description, as it can be confusing!
Buy them at a store like Michaels, Walmart, Target, etc. The reviews on Amazon are terrible, because they usually break during shipping.

My local Whole Foods had eight houses available, so I grabbed those and then bought a few extra at Michael’s.

We also decorated gingerbread men cookies, which was fun.

Decorating Logistics

Now for the fun part: decorating the houses!

Many gingerbread house kits come with special icing that hold or “glue” the candy decorations nicely. They usually also come with a piping tip, so you can make fun flourishes.

Since my Whole Foods houses didn’t come with frosting, I had to make my own. I normally would have made royal icing (see recipe above), but I would have had to purchase pounds and pounds of sugar to make enough. Since that wasn’t happening, I looked into store-bought options.

I ended up using Wilton decorating icing in “stiff” consistency, which worked well to hold the candy decorations.

You can plop this stuff into a reusable piping bag and use this popular tip—it gives you a beautiful and fancy look. If you are having a large party, aim to have one bag per 1-2 houses.

Traditional “royal icing” dries quickly and dries hard. This means you have to ice only a portion of the house (say one side of the roof) and decorate before moving onto another section.

I found the Wilton decorating icing listed above wasn’t prone to drying, so I didn’t have to be so diligent. In fact, next time, I think I would get a few helpers and ice all of the houses right before arrival. This way the kids only have to decorate versus wait for helpers to ice portions of the house.

I also didn’t put this Wilton icing into a piping bag, but instead smoothed it onto the house using a special knife. It still looked nice, but was much, much easier!

Now for the candy…

You can make your gingerbread houses as “healthy” or not healthy as you’d like. I went with about 50 percent healthier candy and 50 percent traditional candy, because I wanted to use iconic things like gumdrops.

Here are some natural candies that work well…

UNREAL Chocolate Variety Pack

These are a great M & M substitute and the pretty colors are made from natural sources.

— Check it Out —

UNREAL Chocolate Variety Pack

Organic Hard Candies

No gingerbread house is complete without some peppermint.

— Check it Out —

Peppermint Drops

YumEarth Organic Mini Candy Canes

And these are cute mini candy canes.

— Check it Out —

YumEarth Organic Mini Candy Canes

Surf Sweets Organic Watermelon Rings

I love these bright red candy rings that use low carb sugars.

— Check it Out —

Surf Sweets Organic Watermelon Rings

Tree Hugger Fruit Bubble Gum

We used this bubble gum that came in pretty colors.

— Check it Out —

Tree Hugger Fruit Bubble Gum

Organic Jelly Beans

Some good old fashioned jelly beans add a lot of fun.

— Check it Out —

Organic Jelly Beans

Natural licorice

This natural licorice works great for lining your house.

— Check it Out —

Red Vines Simple

Sun Tropics Original Rolled Coconut Wafers

These natural cookie rolls look great on the roof.

— Check it Out —

Sun Tropics Original Rolled Coconut Wafers - Best Gingerbread House Ideas

Non-GMO and Gluten Free Pretzels

Gluten-free, whole grain pretzels, which work great as house siding.

— Check it Out —

Non-GMO and Gluten Free Pretzels

Gluten Free Ginger Snaps

Mini gluten-free gingersnaps for ~~snacking~~ decorating.

— Check it Out —

Gluten Free Ginger Snaps

Muffin tins made great candy holders

Our event was super fun!

Here are some of our kids’ creations.

four gingerbread houses

Finished Gingerbread Houses

The post Best Gingerbread House Ideas (With Health-ish Candy Suggestions!) appeared first on Mama Natural.

Brain Harmony: Why I Love This Learning Program So Much

Genevieve Howland — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 18:58:36 +0000

When my son was entering third grade, he was testing at a second grade level. My tiger mama instincts kicked in—was my son behind? Why? We had to do something… but what??

Our Montessori “UnSchooling” Experiment

We sent Griffin to a small Montessori school from preschool through second grade. We loved the focus on creativity, leadership, self-initiation, and interdependence.

However, in retrospect, the school was also pretty loose and free and didn’t conduct regular “check points” to ensure kids were on track. The school style was probably better suited for more studious types. Please don’t get me wrong: I absolutely love the philosophy of Montessori! When done right, it is such an incredible way for students to learn. But, I found that the schools (and their protocols) tend to vary from place to place.

The truth is Griffin wasn’t learning the “bread and butter” of reading and writing that he needed to thrive in a learning environment. Because reading was self-directed, Griffin didn’t get the accountability that his social self needed to learn. His writing practice was also minimal, which became a problem when he transferred to a more traditional school. (Interesting to note: He was testing above grade for science and math, so go figure!)

Griffin in second grade on “crazy hair day.”

During his second grade, I realized that something was wrong. When I would read with him, I noticed he wasn’t progressing in his skills. We got him into tutoring right away. This seemed to help but I wondered if there was more I could do for him…

Enter Brain Harmony.

Several friends, who were in a similar situation, recommended Brain Harmony to help Griffin.

Brain Harmony is a learning program that can help children (and adults!) with any type of learning difficulty right from home.

They specialize in difficulties like:

sensory processing disorder,
executive function disorder,
attention and regulation concerns,
and behavior problems.
autism spectrum disorder,
concussion syndrome,
depression,
PTSD,
stroke,
brain injury recovery,
and other types of neurological disfunction

This learning program came highly recommended by other mamas in our community, so we decided to give it a go.

Get a free Brain Harmony consultation!

Want to check out Brain Harmony without committing just yet?

How Brain Harmony Helped Us

When we signed our son up for Brain Harmony, they recommended the following occupational therapy protocols and tools for him:

The Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-day intervention program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. During these five days, students listen for one hour a day. It’s designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity, plus enhance social engagement and resilience.

Through this protocol, the educators work to calm the student’s nerves to improve communication and enhance learning. It’s a great way to “break the ice” and leads to improvement in gross motor, fine motor, eye contact, engagement, and speech. It can also help reduce of ticks, stutters, and any auditory sensitivities.

Both Paloma and I did the Safe and Sound Protocol, too, because it can be beneficial for just about anyone. That’s why I love Brain Harmony… it’s super gentle, yet super effective. It also won’t “harm” you if it isn’t needed.

iLs Focus System

Next, we moved onto the Focus System. This listening program helps to retrain the parts of the brain involved in learning, communication, and movement. The program, which includes more than 240 (!) hours of therapy, is designed and altered to suit each student’s specific needs. There are various listening modules that focus on things like attention, motor skills, reading, concentration, etc.

He listened 30 minutes a day for several months and that’s when we started seeing his learning skyrocket!

Another option: Alpha Stim Device

Though our son didn’t use this, Brain Harmony offers another interesting protocol called Alpha Stim Device. This is more of a physical therapy that relies on cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES).

The device delivers a natural level of microcurrent, via small clips worn on your earlobes, through the brain to stimulate and modulate specific groups of nerve cells. The microcurrent is so tiny and so gentle that most people don’t even feel it.

It’s meant to relieve anxiety, improve mood, and promote better sleep (both in quality and duration). Treatments take just 20 minutes and can be done in the privacy of your own home.

So… Did Brain Harmony Work for Us?

Perfect score on spelling test—makes a mama’s heart proud!

Hands down, yes!

Griffin doubled his state achievement test score in just three months. His teacher said she doesn’t see this kind of growth over the course of 12 months, let alone three. He also won “Most Improved” in his class this year.

It’s important to note that we took a multi-prong approach with Griffin. We used Brain Harmony, but we also hired a tutor and spent a lot of extra time doing homework together. The tutor said that Griffin didn’t have a learning disability, but that he had a lack of exposure to the foundations of reading and writing. I believe Brain Harmony helped Griffin “leap the lake” and get caught up fast. He is now at grade level (even a little ahead), and I’m so incredibly grateful!

And it was surprisingly tolerated

And what’s really surprising? I won’t say Griffin loved all of this, but it was surprisingly tolerated. We didn’t have to bribe or force him into it—he just kind of did it. We’d put on his headphones and he’d work on LEGOs or even ride his bike. It was pretty easy to fit into our day.

There were added benefits, too

Brain Harmony didn’t just help Griffin with his studies, it also helped with his behavior. Before we started this program, I noticed some slight behavioral issues, namely some attitude. Looking back, I believe this was a result of insecurity. He knew he was falling behind and was acting out because of it. Today, my son is much more secure and proud of his accomplishments—something that has largely solved those behavioral issues.

Things are so much easier now!

After winning “most improved award!”

When we first would sit down to read, write or study spelling words, it was a painful experience. It was a struggle for Griffin and he resisted it like the plague. Now, he can easily sit down and get his work done. While homework still isn’t his favorite thing to do, he can do it without the struggle. He recently brought how a 100% on his spelling test, which is HUGE considering he used to get about half of the words right.

How Much Does Brain Harmony Cost?

Brain Harmony is definitely a financial commitment, but for us it was worth it. We saw so much fast progress—both cognitively and emotionally.

The cost varies for each student, based on specific protocols and duration, but here’s a general look at the costs:

The Safe and Sound Protocol

The cost of the SSP is $395 and includes a self-administered pre-test, post-test, and phone/video conference support with an occupational therapist.

iLs Focus System

The cost of the iLs focus system is $260 a month. You lease it on a month-to-month basis. If you choose to lease it for 10 months, it is yours to own and keep at the end of the 10 months.

Alpha Stim Device

Brain Harmony offers the device for $150 per month. You may return the device at any time, but if you choose to lease it for 7 months, it is yours to own.

Get a free Brain Harmony consultation!

Want to check out Brain Harmony without committing just yet?

The Bottom Line on Brain Harmony

Though definitely a commitment in both time and money, Brain Harmony is an excellent tool for children who need help with learning. It’s been so rewarding to see Griffin really come into his own this year and have such personal successes!

The post Brain Harmony: Why I Love This Learning Program So Much appeared first on Mama Natural.

Doodle Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code!

Genevieve Howland — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:44:35 +0000

Picture it: It’s a rainy Saturday, there’s nothing to do, and you’re trapped inside with your tween. You’re not about to let them wither away on the sofa watching YouTube videos, but you aren’t quite sure what to do with them.

We’ve all been there, but I’ve got it covered: the KiwiCo Doodle Crate.

Sounds pretty great, right? Read on to find out:

What Doodle Crate is
How to get a special 40% off promo code
My honest review of the subscription service
Plus, important information and cost and shipping

What Is KiwiCo?

KiwiCo (originally called Kiwi Crate) is a monthly subscription service made for kids. Each month, subscribers get a box (also known as a crate) full of everything they need to complete a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) projects, crafts, and activities related to one central theme.

These boxes are specifically designed for different age groups, including:

Koala Crate: Ages 2-4
Kiwi Crate: Ages 5-8
Atlas Crate: Ages 6-11
Doodle Crate: Ages 14+
Tinker Crate: Ages 9-16+
Eureka Crate: Ages 14-104

So What Is a Doodle Crate?

Doodle Crates provide interesting and engaging activities for kids aged 9 to 16 in a package delivered monthly. These aren’t run-of-the-mill tasks they’ve done a hundred times—they’re fresh picks that keep kids thinking. Every month is different, teaching recipients new skills and techniques along the way.

Each box provides a challenge and inspires creativity. From candle-making to painting, Doodlers are in for a treat!

Doodle Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Doodle Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $11.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

Note: This Doodle Crate promo code is valid for all crates, except the new Panda Crate. There’s no obligation beyond the first box. If you don’t want to continue, you just have to adjust your account before it renews at the regular price.

My Honest Doodle Crate Review, Plus What the Kids Say

While they are art-focused, Doodle Crates are fun for all kids. Doodlers will build and tinker, giving them something to work towards. The end product is something to display and be proud of.

I love activities that are constructive with my kids’ time, and the Doodle Crate makes the most of having fun. They aren’t just playing—they’re learning new life skills!

A look inside the Wooden Clock Doodle Crate

Tweens and teens are all about doing their own thing as their independence grows. What better way to let them express this than to have them design and build their own accent piece? The wooden clock kit does just that, encouraging kids to let their creativity soar. Doodlers pick the color and shape to create a clock that speaks to their unique style.

The process

Doodle Crates aren’t your everyday art project. They have grit to them—kids get up close and personal with wood, glue, and bolts. It isn’t just art—it’s building, too. Doodlers are challenged to piece together the clock from start to finish, learning about mechanics as they work.

The finished product

Kids love seeing the fruits of their labor. This project takes a bit of elbow grease and time, and the end product is something for your doodler to be proud of. The included mounting hardware allows them to hang it for the world to see. This is a step above the typical refrigerator artwork, creating a lasting reminder of their accomplishment.

What I Love About the Doodle Crate

The wooden clock crate, in particular, unleashes a child’s imagination. On the surface, building a clock might not seem like buckets of fun, but kids love designing their own from start to finish. They serve as the architect and builder, allowing them to remain in control throughout the process.

Here’s what else I like about this crate:

It nurtures creativity: Creativity and imagination go hand in hand. The Doodle Crate allows both to run wild in children, inspiring them to think boldly and differently.
Encourages leadership and responsibility: By taking ownership of a project, kids develop and blossom their leadership skills. This extends to responsibility, as doodlers are in charge of a build that includes glue and paint— materials that are more mature than simple kiddo kits.
It teaches techniques and skills: Every box features a new hands-on skill from woodworking to painting. Artistry is a healthy, creative outlet, allowing little ones to unwind and unplug.
It’s designed by the experts: Not having to worry about safe and age-appropriate materials is a major bonus in my book. Every Doodle Crate is put together by child development experts.

How Much Is a Doodle Crate?

Kiwi Crate Review: How Much Do Kiwi Crates Cost?

As is customary with most subscription-based services, the price of Doodle Crates is dependent on how many months you sign up for. The longer you commit to receiving the subscription box, the less expensive it is each month.

That means: If you want the least expensive 12-month option (a savings of $155.40 over the course of the year), you have to commit to paying about $200 upfront. The good news? The most flexible option, which is a month-to-month subscription, isn’t too much more expensive. It costs just $19.95 each month.

So while it is a greater investment in the long run, some people prefer this option, since it breaks up payments. It also provides the flexibility to cancel Doodle Crate whenever you’d like.

Doodle Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Doodle Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $11.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

What is a Deluxe Doodle Crate?

A Deluxe Doodle Crate is the same as a regular Doodle Crate, but also includes a book specifically curated to go with each month’s theme. This add-on comes with a slight upcharge of $9.95 per order.

How Long Does KiwiCo Doodle Crate Shipping Take?

When you order your first box, KiwiCo typically sends your Doodle Crate within 2 to 3 business days of purchase. Once it ships, your Tinker Crate will typically arrive within 5-7 days.

Going forward, you’ll get a new box every month for the duration of your subscription. If you’re unsure when your next box will ship out, you can check your order status on the “My Account” page of the KiwiCo website.

How About You?

Have you joined the ranks of the Doodlers? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Doodle Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code! appeared first on Mama Natural.

Atlas Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code!

Genevieve Howland — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:44:09 +0000

Why does it seem like every toy ever created for elementary-age kids involves a screen or needs the internet?! Ugh.

What happened to good old-fashioned fun? You know, the kind that made kids think and move?

Well, guess what? It’s still out there. It’s called the Atlas Crate.

Let’s unpack it all, including:

What an Atlas Crate is
How to get a special 40% off promo code
My honest review of the subscription service
Plus, important information and cost and shipping

What Is KiwiCo?

These boxes are specifically designed for different age groups, including:

Koala Crate: Ages 2-4
Kiwi Crate: Ages 5-8
Atlas Crate: Ages 6-11
Doodle Crate: Ages 14+
Tinker Crate: Ages 9-16+
Eureka Crate: Ages 14-104

What Is an Atlas Crate?

Atlas Crates are monthly deliveries of thought-provoking and fun activities for children aged 6 to 11. Included projects are hands-on and unique, testing children’s minds as they engage.

Every crate features globally-inspired activities, teaching children about different cultures through fun, informative play. Collectible cards and stickers come with each, too, allowing kids to commemorate their around-the-world education.

Atlas Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Atlas Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $11.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

Note: This Atlas Crate promo code is valid for all crates, except the new Panda Crate. There’s no obligation beyond the first box. If you don’t want to continue, you just have to adjust your account before it renews at the regular price.

My Honest Atlas Crate Review

With so many time-suck toys and activities out there, finding something worthwhile is a challenge. Many of us want to limit our child’s screen time in this age of instant-gratification, but don’t want to rob them of fun.

The Atlas Box is an excellent solution, delivering projects to your door that keep kids’ minds engaged while they play. They’re age-appropriate and enjoyable, teaching kids about the world around them through games and projects.

The Peru Atlas Crate, an Overview

In this Atlas Crate, kids get to explore Central America without leaving the house. Whether they’re testing their alpaca-making skills or weaving a blanket, children use their hands and imagination to experience the wonders of Peru. This box is packed with things to do, and will keep kids busy with a variety of tasks.

Playing with the crate

Crafty kids will love this box, as it’s ripe with opportunities to explore their talents. It contains supplies to make an alpaca, an indigenous camelid species to Peru. Children learn about life in the Andes mountains by weaving a hat and small blanket for their new furry friend. They also learn about Peru’s Nazca Line art by making their own.

DIY projects also include a Peruvian instrument called the antara flute and a tasty quinoa con leche, a milk pudding similar to rice pudding.

Aside from keeping their minds and hands busy with crafts, kids can enjoy a game called sapo. Similar to popular carnival games, the objective is to throw get small coins into a toy frog’s open mouth. This requires focus, but is a great way to unwind and have fun.

What I Love About the Atlas Crate

This box has so many things to do. As children age, they tend to plow through activities, but this box really holds their attention. They can bounce between tasks if they choose, switching things up while they learn.

I give this box ★★★★★, because:

It inspires imagination: It’s a great, big world out there, and kids should know about it! This box, in particular, contained several art projects that foster creativity and teach children about life in other lands. It might just inspire some wanderlust, too!
It builds skills: Most toys and activities today don’t challenge kids to tap into what they do and don’t know while having fun. Children aren’t just weaving with this box, they’re learning a skill.
It inspires pride: Any time a child makes something, it’s an accomplishment. By making all these fun tasks, kids see the end result of their hard work and have something to be proud of.
Variable difficulty: Some things in this box were harder than others. Sports-minded kids may thrive at sapo, while creative kiddos will excel in weaving. By having a variety of activities, kids are forced to step out of their comfort zone and learn.
Experts designed it: I loved not having to worry about receiving a product that isn’t age- or skill-appropriate. Each item is well-suited for the age range and provided fun that wasn’t too easy or too hard.

How Much Are Atlas Crates?

The price of Atlas Crates depends on how many months you sign up for. The longer you commit to receiving the subscription box, the less expensive it is each month.

If you want the least expensive 12-month option (a savings of $155.40 over the course of the year), you have to commit to paying more when you sign up—about $200. The good news? The most flexible option, a month-to-month subscription, isn’t too much more expensive. It costs $19.95 each month.

Though the 12-month Atlas Crate subscription is a larger investment, some people prefer this, since it breaks up payments. It also provides the flexibility to cancel Atlas Crate whenever you’d like.

Atlas Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Atlas Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $11.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

How Long Does Atlas Crate Shipping Take?

Your first Atlas Crate will ship in 2-3 business days after purchase and arrive within 5-7 days after shipping if you live in the U.S. Your next crate will ship automatically the next month.

You can review your expected ship date on KiwiCo’s website.

How About You?

Have you tried an Atlas Crate? What’d you think? Let me in the comments below!

The post Atlas Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code! appeared first on Mama Natural.

Panda Crate Review: A Parent’s Honest Thoughts

Genevieve Howland — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:43:04 +0000

Playing with a newborn is kinda hard, amiright?! Don’t get me wrong—there are go-tos, like pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo, and this little piggy. But so many parents—myself included—freeze a little beyond that.

We wonder: What’s the best way to connect? Am I connecting enough?!

That’s why I was so excited to discover a little thing to help with this dilemma. It’s called Panda Crate, from KiwiCo.

What Is KiwiCo?

KiwiCo is a subscription-based company formerly called Kiwi Crate. The monthly subscription service is made specifically for kids. Each month, subscribers get a crate (aka a box) that contains everything needed to complete a single STEM project related to a centralized there.

These boxes are specifically designed for different age groups, including:

Panda Crate: Ages 0-2
Koala Crate: Ages 2-4
Kiwi Crate: Ages 5-8
Atlas Crate: Ages 6-11
Doodle Crate: Ages 14+
Tinker Crate: Ages 9-16+
Eureka Crate: Ages 14-104

What is a Panda Crate?

Panda Crates are the KiwiCo crates for children ages 0-24 months.

The Panda Crate is a bit different from the other KiwiCo crates, like the Kiwi Crate and the Tinker Crate. Here’s what you can expect:

Multiple toys rather than one project: The Panda Crate includes a variety of age- and developmentally-appropriate products, as well as a magazine and activity cards to help parents learn about their child’s unique developmental stage and foster deeper learning.
Less frequent deliveries: Instead of shipping monthly, the Panda Crate includes two months’ worth of products and ships every other month.

Buy the Panda Crate

You can subscribe to Panda Crate for as little as $15.50/month — and shipping is free.

My Honest Panda Crate Review

Unboxing the Panda Crate

My first Panda Crate came with six toys for baby: five different activities, plus a book.

We dumped the whole thing out to let our daughter, Faith, explore. It was a really fun and delightful sensory experience for her.

But, next time, I think I’d opt to unbox myself and take one toy out at a time. This is actually something I recommend for all kids’ toys. It’s the paradox of choice—when kids have too many choices, none of them seem all that great. But if you grab one thing and cycle through it, kids have no choice but to explore. Generally, this is a very positive experience for them—and it’s a great way to capture their attention.

And with six different activities in the Panda Crate, you essentially have one toy for each day of the week!

Playing with the Panda Crate

Faith had so much fun interacting with every item in the Panda Crate. It really hit the mark developmentally. And—bonus—Papa Natural and I were delighted to find a puzzle in the box. We had just been talking about getting Faith a nice wooden puzzle to play with.

The parental resources that comes in the crate are pretty fantastic, too. As I mentioned above, playing with a newborn has its own set of challenges.

The parental resources (essentially large-format flash cards) that come in each Panda Crate really guide you through each toy and provide recommendations for how to use the toy to interact with your child.

These cards also provide information about why each toy is so great for this specific stage of baby’s development—it’s truly fascinating stuff!

Beyond the crate

There’s also a really neat little “beyond the crate” section that helps extend the usable lifespan of each item in the crate by teaching you how to use it in other ways. For example, it shows you how you can use the stacking cups in fun, baby-appropriate sensory activities to learn about volume. It’s a great way to keep building on all the skills each toy helps teach baby.

What I love About Panda Crate

Overall, the Panda Crate was probably my favorite of all the crates. It was so great for Faith, but it was also so great for Papa Natural and me—we had so much fun watching Faith explore and learn, but we also enjoyed playing with her on a deeper level.

Here’s what else I liked:

It’s stimulating: Faith was delighted to explore a variety of new toys. I really saw her light up!
It teaches important skills: There’s a sensory element to discovering new toys, but I love that all of the included toys are specifically chosen, because they teach valuable skills. Through the toys in the box, I witnessed Faith extending her motor skills, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. She also got to explore the concept of cause and effect and build upon her (soon-to-be) exploding vocabulary.
It’s expertly curated: These boxes are designed by former educators and child development professionals, then reviewed by an advisory board that includes educational, developmental psychology, art, and science professionals. This process ensures the crates and the items in them are developmentally appropriate for each age group.
It’s tested by real parents and their babies: Every single Panda Crate is tested with babies and parents to ensure they’re age-appropriate and engaging.

Buy the Panda Crate

You can subscribe to Panda Crate for as little as $15.50/month — and shipping is free.

How Much Do Panda Crates Cost?

Panda Crate Review: How Much Do Panda Crates Cost?

Like other subscription boxes, the price of Panda Crate varies slightly depending on how many months you sign up for. The longer you commit to receiving the subscription box, the less expensive it is each month.

The most flexible option is to pay month-to-month — $39.90 every two months (or $19.95 per month). With this option you can cancel at any time.
If you’re ready to commit, you bring that per-box price down to just $31, or $15.50 per month. But you you need to pay $372 upfront for 24-months of Panda Crate.

For some, the big commitment is worth the savings of $262.80 over the course of the year. But for others, they prefer to pay more and break up the payments. The bi-monthly option also provides the flexibility to cancel whenever you’d like.

Either way, the value is good and it’s much easier than shopping blindly in the store.

And how much $ would you normally spend on baby toys over two years?

Panda Crate Review Video

Check out this video to get a sense of what comes in each box.

How Long Does Panda Crate Shipping Take?

When you order your first box, KiwiCo typically sends your box within 2 to 3 business days of purchase. Once it ships, your Panda Crate will typically arrive within 5-7 days.

Going forward, you’ll get a new Panda Crate every other month for the duration of your subscription. If you’re unsure when your next shipment will arrive, you can check the status of your order on the “My Account” page of KiwiCo’s website.

Want to give Panda Crate as a baby gift?

You can opt to send the Panda Crate right away—or you can set it up, so that the first crate ships the month of the baby’s due date (or the month of your choosing). You can even choose to send the first Panda Crate to your own address, so you can gift it at a baby shower. Any remaining crates in the subscription you chose (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months) will ship according to the baby’s age.

How About You?

Have you tried Panda Crate? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Panda Crate Review: A Parent’s Honest Thoughts appeared first on Mama Natural.

Eureka Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code!

Genevieve Howland — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 05:21:25 +0000

Do you have a whiz-kid? You know, a tinkerer? A newbie Newton? A teen Tesla?

Keeping these kiddos busy can be a challenge, especially with their minds going a mile a minute. Not many activities today are geared towards them, which complicates things further. After all, not every kid wants to sit around playing video games.

Did you know you can get activities delivered monthly made just for Einstein’s-in-the-making? I’m talking hands-on projects that keep kids busy and learning.

KiwiCo comes to the rescue again with their Eureka Crate. Whether they’re learning about electricity with a DIY lamp kit or exploring the mechanics of a pencil sharpener, the Eureka Crate makes sure little learners have fun while tinkering to their heart’s content.

What Is KiwiCo?

These boxes are specifically designed for different age groups, including:

Koala Crate: Ages 2-4
Kiwi Crate: Ages 5-8
Atlas Crate: Ages 6-11
Doodle Crate: Ages 14+
Tinker Crate: Ages 9-16+
Eureka Crate: Ages 14-104

What Is a Eureka Crate?

Eureka Crates are monthly shipments of age-appropriate projects for teens aged 14 and up. Each box is designed by educators to be both fun and informative, guiding users through a hands-on task. Every month is something new, teaching teens fun facts and skills as they work on their latest project.

While these might sound like work, your kids will go wild building and learning. How do I know? Each kit is vigorously tested by real teenagers (you know, the ones not afraid to roll their eyes), ensuring that every month brings something exciting.

Eureka Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Eureka Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $17.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

Note: This Eureka Crate promo code is valid for all crates, except the new Panda Crate. There’s no obligation beyond the first box. If you don’t want to continue, you just have to adjust your account before it renews at the regular price.

Is the Eureka Crate Worth It?

As a proponent of lifelong learning, the Eureka Crate is worth its weight in gold to me. Meshing fun with facts helps information sink in, and for kids who love working with their hands, these crates are unmatched. The activities aren’t just build and forget – these are build and learn. The boxes make a point to educate tinkerers on the task at hand, incorporating information about the subject while teaching them how to craft a functioning object they can see in action.

Eureka Crates aren’t tasks teens can blow through, keeping them occupied as they problem-solve and innovate. Each box is a little different, with some focusing on creative tasks while others are purely mechanical. For parents looking to step up their teen’s activities, the Eureka Crate is perfect.

A Look at the Wooden Ukulele Crate

Playing an instrument stirs creativity, but how cool would it be to build one too? Well, the Wooden Ukulele Crate allows your teen to make their very own functioning 4-string ukulele. As tinkerers work, they’ll learn about sound waves and the history of these hip Hawaiian instruments. As if that’s not cool enough, they’ll also learn to play their new instrument!

Complex Yet Engaging

Building a ukulele isn’t as easy as it sounds, and teens have to work their way through the process. There are multiple steps and materials to work with, and Eureka users get a brain workout during the process that includes stringing and tuning their new instrument. The end product is well worth the effort and rewards them with an instrument they can play.

While the work is complex, it’s fun! It isn’t a one-dimensional process and each step layers on more learning and hands-on experience. It’s a mashup of woodworking, music, and mechanics, utilizing all corners of their growing brain.

A Lasting Memory

Making your own instrument is a memorable experience, and teens will have a lasting trophy for their hard work. And seriously, what’s cooler than something you can play too? I especially love that learning doesn’t stop there. Kids can keep studying their new instrument, and it might just spark an interest in more musical adventures.

What Do I Think About the Eureka Crate?

I’m all for adventure and learning, and the Eureka Crate offers heaps of both. Users are encouraged to think, unlike many activities today that do the thinking for them. Learning the mechanics of each project shows them how things work behind the scenes, and tinkering can teach them how to fix things later on.

What I like most about the Eureka Crate:

It encourages kids to think: Eureka Crates don’t shy away from complex problems or crafts. Users are tasked with stepping outside the box to accomplish tasks. With the ukulele box, kids go from arts and crafts to engineering to music, utilizing their entire mental toolbox as they work.
It keeps hands (and minds) moving: There’s never a dull moment with the Eureka Crate. Every activity is hands-on, and users don’t have a chance to get bored as they move through the steps.
It inspires creativity: Even if a Eureka Crate isn’t as artistic at a glance as the ukulele kit, each inspires the mind as kids work. Tinkering naturally triggers creativity and wonder, and you never know what idea they’ll cook up as a result.
It teaches mechanics as kids work: Being mechanically-inclined is a priceless skill. As users work, they’ll learn how items function, and as a result, understand how to identify problems.
It’s designed by the experts: They might seem tricky, but Eureka Crates are designed by certified educators that know how to keep teen brains ticking.

What Age Are Eureka Crates For?

Eureka Crates are made for teens aged 14 and above. Tasks are multi-stepped and complex, with each weaving in facts as your child works. Educators specifically designed them for this age demographic, creating activities that keep kids’ attention. It’s a difficult task to accomplish, but they did it!

How Much Does Eureka Crate Cost?

Kiwi Co Eureka Crate review and promo code-pricing

A Eureka Crate subscription comes in several packages, including:

Monthly: Pay $19.95 monthly for shipments
3-month subscription: Order 3 shipments upfront for $19.95 each.
6-month subscription: Order 6 shipments for $18.50 each
Yearly: Purchase 12 shipments upfront for $16.95 each.

Purchasing the yearly option saves money over time, but it’s a chunk of change to fork over at once, we get it.

Keep in mind that all subscriptions renew automatically, though monthly plans can be canceled at any time. Multi-month packages may be canceled once the prepaid period ends.

U.S. customers, including those in Hawaii and Alaska, enjoy free shipping.

International customers will be charged shipping fees starting at $4.95 per month. Duties and taxes due at import are the responsibility of international buyers.

Eureka Crate Promo Code 2024

With my special Eureka Crate promo code, you can get your first box for just $17.97—including shipping and handling! That’s a 40% savings.

Eureka Crate Shipping Basics

Eureka Crates ship 2-3 business days after purchase for U.S. customers. U.S. transit times are between 5 and 7 days. International shipping times vary by location.

Future crates ship automatically the next month. Customers can review anticipated ship dates via their account on KiwiCo’s website.

Have You Had a Eureka Moment?

What about you? Have you tried the Eureka Crate? Comment and let me know!

The post Eureka Crate Review From Both Kids & Parents + Promo Code! appeared first on Mama Natural.

SIDS Prevention: Is It Possible?

Genevieve Howland — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:25:20 +0000

From taming thrush to interpreting strange baby breathing habits, infancy is no doubt filled with some interesting situations. But it’s the thought of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) that can leave a new parent sweating bullets.

It’s a nerve-wracking topic—and every parent’s worst nightmare—but one that’s surrounded by so many questions. In this post, we’ll break it all down to help you feel informed and empowered. Here, you’ll find out:

On this page…

What SIDS is
How common Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is
What’s the Difference Between SIDS and SUID?
What causes SIDS
And, most importantly, how to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

What Is SIDS?

SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, is the unexplained death of a healthy baby less than one year old. (According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, 90 percent of those deaths occurred before a baby had turned six months.)

SIDS is sometimes also referred to as cot death, because it generally occurs while a baby is sleeping.

How Common is SIDS?

Sudden infant death infant is the leading cause of death in babies under the age of one. (source)

Although that sounds really alarming, it’s not exactly common.

Each year there are about four million babies born in the U.S. (source)
In 2017, about 1,400 babies died of SIDS in the U.S. (source)
That means there’s just a .00035 percent chance your baby will be affected.

What’s the Difference Between SIDS and SUID?

SUID (or Sudden Unexplained Infant Death) is an overarching term that refers to any sudden infant death. In the U.S., approximately 3,600 babies die from SUID each year. (source)

In addition to SIDS, the term SUID includes:

Accidental suffocation deaths
Sudden natural deaths (cardiac, neurological, or metabolic)
Deaths that could not be attributed to either SIDS or SUIDS
And even homicides

What Causes SIDS?

Naturally, when we read about something scary, we have one question: What causes it?

We want to know what causes SIDS so we can do everything in our power to avoid it.

The bad news: Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get a definitive answer for the cause of SIDS, though scientists believe the following could be contributing factors:

Some theories

While we don’t know a definitive answer to “what causes SIDS”, there are some things that can increase susceptibility:

Brain abnormality

One of the biggest areas of research focuses on brain development. The hippocampus is an area in your brain that regulates breathing, as well as heart rate. Research suggests that nearly 40 percent of babies who died of SIDS also had some degree of abnormality in this area of the brain. (source)

Recent upper respiratory infection

Because there appears to be a correlation between recent illness and SIDS, researchers are studying the role of infections—both viral and bacterial—in infants affected by sudden infant death syndrome.

Interestingly, this research on infections also coincides with safe sleep guidelines (putting baby to sleep on his/her back). Researchers say sleeping on your belly can increase the temperature of the airway, which creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. (source)

If baby is congested, don’t panic. The researchers who published this study say SIDS is very likely caused by multiple triggers.

Low birth weight

Low birth weight or premature babies tend to have more breathing difficulties, because both the lungs and brain may not be fully developed.

Although NICU teams are well-equipped to handle preemie babies, it doesn’t stop researchers from exploring what happens to newborns after they go home. Interestingly, scientists believe caffeine therapy may be a viable way to reduce unusual breathing episodes and thus reduce the risk of SIDS. In one study, premature babies who underwent caffeine treatments had reduced hypoxia, or pauses in breathing in which the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. (source)

Note: This does not mean mom should drink more caffeine. In fact, studies link heavy caffeine use (more than 400 mg per day) to an increased risk in SIDs. (source)

Secondhand smoke

A baby is at greater risk of SIDS if the mother smokes while pregnant and/or if the baby is exposed to secondhand smoke. Why? Researchers speculate smoke increases the risk of respiratory infection and interferes with proper breathing patterns. (source)

Environmental factors

When babies sleep in a room that is just 10 degrees Fahrenheit above room temperature, the risk of SIDS increases by 8.6 percent. (source) In fact, SIDS deaths are highest in the winter months when heat is commonly running in homes. Researchers don’t know exactly why warmer temperatures increase the risk for SIDS, but hypothesize that warm temps affect baby’s ability to rouse. (Read on for more information about creating a safe sleep environment for baby.)

The Best Way to Help Prevent SIDS: Create a Safe Sleeping Environment

Phew, so we’ve just covered a lot heavy material here, and before it’s gets too gloomy, let’s focus on the positives.

Doctors and researchers continue to research this topic and make strides in coming closer and closer to an answer every day. In fact, the SIDS rate has decreased by more than 40 percent since 1992. (source)

In order to prevent SIDS to the best of your ability, creating a safe sleeping environment is essential. Here’s how:

1. Share a room

The AAP recommends sharing a bedroom, but not the same sleeping surface, until baby turns one—or for at least six months. They say room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent. (source)

2. Use a flat, firm surface

Your baby should sleep on a firm, flat surface. This means the soft couch is off limits—even for daytime naps. Baby should never sleep unsupervised in a rock and play or a car seat, either—the angle of these chairs can constrict airways.

3. Keep the area clutter-free

Keep the crib free from anything but a secure-fighting sheet. Your baby should sleep far away from cords, pillows, stuffed animals, loose blankets, and crib bumpers. It’s also important to ensure there’s nothing nearby that could fall on baby—make sure any shelves or decor above the crib are nice and secure and out of reach.

4. Monitor the temperature

As mentioned above, a warm nursery can interfere with your baby’s ability to rouse. Your baby should sleep in a room with a temperature of approximately 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You’d be surprised how cool this is! Make it easy on yourself, and invest in a small thermostat to keep in the room.

5. Don’t overdress baby

To prevent baby from overheating, dress baby in the same way you are dressed for sleep. For example, a onesie and a swaddle or sleep sack if you sleep with a nightshirt and blanket.

6. Swaddle safely

Swaddling can calm a fussy baby and promote longer periods of sleep, but according to a study from 2016, swaddling can increase a baby’s risk of SIDS. How so? It reduces a baby’s ability to rouse and wake up during a cardiac event, such as low blood pressure. (source) To keep your baby safe, follow the guidelines for swaddling and stop swaddling once your baby hits three months, or can roll over.

7. Put baby to bed on his/her back

Not only does sleeping on the back help reduce accidental suffocation, it also helps to keep your baby’s airway free. In fact, putting baby to bed on his/her back is so crucial that experts attribute this alone to the huge decline in SIDS in recent years.

8. Use a pacifier

Though many natural mamas avoid this particular baby accessory, a pacifier can help reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS. (source) In fact, pacifiers even reduce the risk of SIDS for babies with several risk factors. (source)

9. Run a fan in room

Whether you have a ceiling fan or a tabletop fan, running a fan throughout the night can reduce the risk of SIDS by 72 percent. (source) This is because it helps to keep air circulating and reduces the risk of overheating.

10. Get a new mattress

A study from Scotland found that SIDS risk increased when babies slept on used mattresses. (This includes hand-me-downs from siblings, as well as mattresses from other homes.) Researchers speculate this is because used mattresses harbor can harbor more toxic bacteria that breed as a result of overuse.

These findings support a New Zealand doctor’s widely contested claims that wrapping mattresses help reduce toxic gases from leaching out of the fabric, thus helping to prevent SIDS. But it’s important to note that there is still much research to be done on this subject—these are only theories. (source)

Not sure if you need a new mattress for your baby? If you do, look for a breathable, eco-friendly mattress that allows air to flow freely through the mattress. The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is 100% breathable, which allows air to flow freely the fabric. This breathability reduces the risk of suffocation as well as CO2 rebreathing, even if your little one starts to roll over in the middle of the night. Another perk? This is completely washable and Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it has the lowest VOC emissions possible.

If you’re looking for a mattress for you as well, check out this post.

Another Surprising Way to Help Prevent SIDS: Breastfeeding

In addition to creating a safe sleep environment, you can further protect your baby by breastfeeding. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by about 50 percent. (source) Even better, breastfeeding past the age of six months bumps that stat up to 64 percent.

Breastfeeding helps prevent SIDS by addressing the biggest risk factors associated with it, including:

Breastfeeding reduces risks of infections
Breast milk digests quicker than formula, and as a result breastfed babies wake up more often
Breast milk helps promote healthy brain development

How to Reduce the Risk of SIDS If You Cosleep

As noted above, the AAP specifically recommends room-sharing as opposed to cosleeping. But many natural parents credit cosleeping with many benefits and choose to cosleep anyway, employing a range of precautions to keep baby safe.

If you cosleep, never:

Take any substance that alters your own ability to arouse, including medications that make you drowsy, sleeping pills, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
Sleep on a couch or soft surface—these surfaces increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
Use pillows or loose blankets by your baby—these items can cover baby’s head or wrap around their body, leading to suffocation.
Leave space between the wall and the bed—baby can slide into this space and get stuck. (Tip: Many cosleeping parents place their mattress directly on the floor when co-sleeping.)
Let siblings or pets sleep next baby—siblings and pets may unintentionally roll onto and squish your baby.

Bottom line: Cosleeping can be safe, but the key is to make sure that your sleeping environment is safe and designed with baby’s safety in mind.

Do Breathing Monitors Reduce the Risk of SIDS?

In recent years, wearable baby monitors that keep track of baby’s breathing patterns, like the Owlet, have exploded in popularity. But can they actually help prevent SIDS?

Unfortunately, epidemiological studies show that these devices have no effect on the incidence of SIDS in healthy infants. (source)

In fact, even the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against using all wearable monitors. Why? They have high incidences of false alerts. Plus, there is some concern that these devices may give off harmful EMFs—especially since there is no space between baby and the monitor.

Remember…

Though it is certainly scary and requires special consideration, SIDS is not common. Take a deep breath, mama! By practicing safe sleep, you can do a lot to help prevent a terrible tragedy.

The post SIDS Prevention: Is It Possible? appeared first on Mama Natural.