Events Category
Kolcraft Remembers America’s Heroes
Kolcraft joins our nation in remembering and honoring the victims and heroes of 9-11.
September Is Baby Safety Month
September is Baby Safety Month and while safety of our children is a 24/7 job, we think it’s important that there is a special month dedicated to it. JPMA initiated Baby Safety Month to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use and selection of juvenile products. If you have been putting off taking care of those “little” safety items around the house, now is the time to take care of them.
Important things to check:
- Is your car seat properly installed? Has it been a while since you have checked to make sure it is still as secure as it should be?
- Is your baby gear in proper working condition? If not, check to see if it is under warranty and call the manufacturer or if it is not under warranty and is not safe, be sure to get a new product. Your baby’s safety is worth it!
- Are your smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors working?
- Do your children know what to do if there is a fire?
- Are your child’s toys broken or falling apart? If so, they need to be fixed or discarded.
- Are hazardous materials and cleaning supplies out of your children’s reach?
- Does an adult in your home know CPR for children and infants?
Check out the Safe Kids USA site for great ideas on how to keep your children safe.
Happy Labor Day!
Whether you are excited that summer is coming to a close or wishing you had 3 more months of summer, we hope that this Labor Day is time of rest and enjoyment with your family.
Happy Labor Day!
Kolcraft and JPMA Celebrate Baby Safety Month
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) annually sponsors September as Baby Safety Month. Kolcraft is a proud founding member of JPMA and all of our products comply with the JPMA requirements for testing. JPMA wants all parents to be confident the juvenile products they purchase are designed and built with baby safety in mind.
Kolcraft will celebrate Baby Safety Month by continuing to provide tips, resources, and information to parents. Also, Kolcraft is a sponsor at the Babies R Us “Great Trade-In” event to help parents get the updated and safest products that they need.
Do you have any tips as a parent to help promote Baby Safety Month?
Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas
Birthday parties can be a lot of fun and inexpensive! Here are some of our ideas for a fun party that is easier on your wallet.
- The Pseudo Sleepover: A sleepover can be a big task for any mom and dad. Kolcraft’s friend Sharon suggests the pseudo sleepover. This birthday party includes all of the sleepover essentials: guests wear their pajamas, watch a movie, eat pizza, and play games. Depending on your child’s age, end the party at 10:30. All of the kids will have a great night’s sleep after a night of fun. Best of all, they’ll enjoy their own beds.
- Alternatives in accessories: Visiting a party store can put a strain?) on anyone’s budget. Try and think of alternatives to your decorations, party favors, and activities. If you were throwing a Hawaiian themed luau you can use black garbage bags to create everyone’s grass skirt. The drawstrings offer a way to tie the bag around your party guests and you can cut the ends into the skirt. You also can buy paper bags for your guests to decorate and create their own party favor bag. It adds an activity to your party and personalizes the experience for the kids.
August Is Breastfeeding Awareness Month
August is breastfeeding awareness month. The Department of Health & Human Services wants to empower women to commit to breastfeeding because of the many benefits it provides to baby and mom.
A few benefits to baby:
- Breastfeed babies have fewer and shorter episodes of illness.
- It is the most natural and nutritious way to encourage your baby’s optimal development.
- The superior nutrition provided by breastmilk benefits your baby’s IQ.
- Breastfeeding increases the effectiveness of immunizations, increasing the protection against polio, tentanus and diptheria vaccines.
- The action of sucking at the breast enhances development of baby’s oral muscles, facial bones and aids in optimal dental development.
A few benefits to mom:
- Breastfeeding in postpartum moms increases the rate of weight loss.
- Increased levels of oxytocin stimulate postpartum uterine contractions, minimizing blood loss & helping rapid uterine toning.
- Breastfeeding gives mom a unique sense of closeness with her baby.
Questions on breastfeeding? We love the following sites to help answer any breastfeeding questions:
While breastfeeding is best for mom and baby, not all moms can do it for a variety of reasons. It is important to always support a mom on her journey & not to judge her if she has decided not to breastfeed.
What breastfeeding tips do you have to share?
Happy 4th of July!
As we celebrate our country’s freedom, Kolcraft sends wishes from our family to yours that your holiday is filled with family fun, joy and celebrations that make lasting memories.
Happy 4th of July!
4th of July Activities and Recipes for Kids of All Ages
Whether your child is a toddler or a tween, the 4th of July can be a time of family, fun and festivities. We rounded up some of our favorite picnic and party recipes, activities and crafts to make your 4th of July celebration fun for your whole family.
4th of July recipes:
- Pack a healthy, easy snack the kids will love at a picnic or BBQ. These Nut Butter-flys are sure to be a a crowd pleaser.
- Everyone will feel patriotic with this yummy fruit flag cake recipe!
- Veggies never tasted so good and healthy as they do with this grilled corn with Chilpotle-lime butter - mmmmm.
4th of July crafts & activities:
- Why wait for nightfall to see fireworks when you can make your own confetti launcher?
- Sometimes little ones can’t stay up to watch the fireworks, but you can have your own firework fun by having a picnic then going inside, closing the shades & giving the kids glow sticks to celebrate their own fireworks show.
- Patriotic Pinwheels can spruce up any 4th of July celebration!
What will you be doing to celebrate the 4th of July?
Having Fun on World Oceans Day!
Today is World Oceans Day when aquariums, zoos and other family-friendly places celebrate our oceans. Our oceans cover 72% of Mother Earth so it’s pretty important that we care for them. You can teach your children how to care for our oceans and have lots of fun!
Check out these fun World Oceans Day Activities!
- Plymouth, MA is hosting a Seabird & Whale Tales wildlife cruise
- Olympia, WA is showing Oceans at the Sea Cinema Film Festival
- Santa Monica, CA and NYC are hosting beach cleanups
- Sarasota, FL is hosting a family festival celebrating the oceans at Mote Aquarium
- Watertown, SD is having a Dr. Seuss themed oceans program
If you can’t make it out, grab a book about fish or the oceans and share it with your child or do a fun fish themed activity or craft.
Your local aquarium, libraries, and zoos also have activities to celebrate World Oceans Day. Google World Oceans Day for events near you so you can join the fun!
Happy Memorial Day
We hope you are enjoying the long weekend whether that includes a day at the beach, a parade, or more, we hope you enjoy the time with your family.
Today we also are thinking of all of those who have given their lives for our freedom. Have a safe and happy holiday.
