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Made for Play
Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.
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Buying Guide: Toddler Beds
Move over, crib. Twin-sized bed, wait your turn. Toddler bed? It’s your time to shine. If your little snoozer is looking kind of crammed in their crib or has learned the art of escape, it’s time to make the switch. Our checklist will help you pick a toddler bed that lasts, looks great, and helps your kiddo get a great night’s sleep! Size A toddler bed should help your little one safely explore their newfound independence and feel secure as they transition out of their crib. A bed frame that’s low to the ground keeps even the youngest toddlers safe as they climb in and out of bed. While some cribs can transition into toddler beds, they tend to be higher off the ground than regular toddler beds. Investing in a lower toddler bed might be worth it, especially if your child is under two years of age when they switch. Railings Toddlers are notoriously wiggly sleepers and don’t always have the spatial awareness to keep themselves from falling out of bed. Look for railings that’ll keep your little one safely in bed through the night. For most toddlers, a short partial railing near the headboard does the trick. If you’ve got an extra-wiggly sleeper, you may want to look for rails that come farther down the bed. Mattress size Before you make your pick, make sure that your new toddler bed is compatible with your current crib mattress! Bonus tip: don’t forget to flip the crib mattress to the toddler side if you haven’t already. It’s softer than the extra-firm infant side. Construction Sure, a toddler bed only has to last a few years, but it has to survive the toddler years. Whatever your toddler dishes out, you need a bed that can take it and still keeps them safe night after night. This probably isn’t the time to order from an unknown company on Amazon – especially if you plan to pass the bed down to younger siblings. A brand’s overall reputation and parent reviews are great ways to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Design Never underestimate the power of a cool racecar bed. Whatever your little one is into from princesses to firetrucks, choosing a fun, themed bed can make them more excited about their “big kid” bed. Of course, simple classic designs have their advantages too. They probably look more similar to their crib, which might be comforting for your kiddo. They’re classy and cute, and they’re usually gender-neutral enough to work for any kid’s room. Whatever you’re looking for, KidKraft’s line of toddler beds is time-tested, affordable, and pretty adorable if we say so ourselves. From clean and modern to whimsical and fun, we’ve got a bed that’s perfect for your toddler.
Dreamy Nights, Peaceful Sleep: Crafting the Perfect Toddler Bedtime Routine
Bedtime with your toddler doesn’t have to be a struggle – no, really. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your toddler to sleep, a bedtime routine that’s consistent and customized for you and your littles can make a world of difference. Here are our tips to help your toddler fall asleep and enjoy every step along the way… well, almost every step. Choose activities you both enjoy You always hear that bedtime should be calming for your little one. But it’s just as important that you enjoy the bedtime routine too. If you find it taxing and stressful, your toddler is sure to pick up on your energy. If you genuinely enjoy it, they’ll feel your calm and happiness instead.Are you so tired of reading Goodnight, Moon every night? Swap it out for something fresh. Is it always a fight to get your little one into PJs? Try meditating before bedtime so you can stay calm even if they’re on the verge of a tantrum. Still can’t get into it? Try keeping a gratitude journal for a couple of weeks to help you focus on all there is to love about this time. Whatever you have to do, do it. You deserve to love this time too! Time it right to cut down on toddler bedtime struggles Consistent bedtimes are game-changers for toddler sleep. Your child will be less resistant to bedtime when they know what to expect each evening and when to expect it. Plus, you’ll help regulate their circadian rhythms, so they’ll naturally begin to feel tired around bedtime each evening. Consistency helps them enjoy their bedtime routine more and get better sleep –– which is a win for everyone.Most experts recommend a bedtime between 7-8:30 pm for toddlers. This lines up with their natural wake time to give them the recommended 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep. You can find the bedtime sweet spot for your kiddo by observing their behavior before bedtime and upon waking up in the morning. Overtired kids often get extra hyper, cranky, clumsy, and sleepy before bed and may wake up too early; these guys could benefit from an earlier bedtime. Signs that bedtime is too early include not being sleepy at all during bedtime, fighting sleep for more than thirty minutes after being tucked in, and rising too early. Try moving bedtime in 15 minute increments until you find the right fit. Do the not-so-fun parts first Even with perfect timing and a perfectly zen parent, there are bound to be a few aspects of bedtime your kiddo isn’t so crazy about. Brushing teeth, changing diapers, washing hair, and drying off (BRRRR!) are all common culprits. As much as you can, try to do the activities your child doesn’t love first and then cozy up for the fun parts! Common toddler bedtime routine activities Pick, choose, and change the order until you find the perfect routine for your toddler! Pre-bedtime milk or snack Asking for a snack before bed isn’t always a stalling tactic. Toddlers have tiny tummies, and many nutritionists recommend offering a cup of milk, a healthy snack, or a nursing session before bed to keep them full through the night. Teeth brushing It’s a must, but most toddlers don’t love it. To make it a little more fun, try new toothpaste flavors, give them a second toothbrush to hold, let them have a turn to brush, or even let them brush your teeth. If you can, enlist a second person for distractions like patty cake or silly faces. Bath time Fun fact: warm baths cause our core body temperature to drop, which is a circadian signal for sleep. Baths are a calming activity for many kids, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone. If your toddler dislikes baths or seems to get too energetic, don’t feel pressure to include them in your bedtime routine. Lotion and/ or massage The transition from bath to PJs can be tough. A calming massage with a favorite scent can be a great way to recenter. Quiet Play A few minutes of quiet play with blocks, puzzles, or similar toys are especially helpful for kids who tend to get hyper after baths! Toddler bedtime stories We think every toddler can benefit from a few bedtime stories each night. It’s relaxing, fun, predictable, and great for bonding – all the elements of a good bedtime routine activity. Plus, it’s one way to make sure you always work reading into your day. Songs, prayers, snuggles, etc. Before you lay them down in their crib or toddler bed, wind down with one last sweet song, kiss, snuggle, prayer… you get the idea. Younger toddlers will benefit from the signal that it’s almost time to say goodnight!Goodnight and sleep tight! We hope these tips help you create a blissful bedtime routine for your toddler and enjoy peaceful nights together!
Bring the Fun Home: 8 Exciting Virtual Playdate Ideas for Kids
Remember just a few years ago when virtual playdates were the only playdates happening? Thankfully we’re back to safely playing in person, but virtual playdates still come in handy! Maybe you want to keep your child connected to long-distance family or friends. Or maybe they just miss their local school friends so much over summer break that they can’t wait for the next in-person playdate! Whatever the reason, we’ve got creative ideas to keep the kiddos connected. These 8 virtual playdate ideas are the next best thing to in-person play! Kahoot Quizzes Kahoot is a virtual quiz game that’s a longtime favorite of teachers pretty much everywhere. Find a few fun quizzes based on the kids’ age and interests or make your own! They can play in real-time and compete against each other for the highest score (or just have fun answering questions together). Zoom or Facetime as you play for an extra sense of connection. Art & Tell Set up a video call as the kid’s paint, color, or craft. If parents can coordinate beforehand, you can have the kids work on the same craft at the same time. Try setting everything up on an art easel so the kids can see each other’s progress in real time. They can chat, show off their creations, and get a little creative inspiration from each other’s artwork! Scavenger Hunt Together with the parents of your kiddo’s playmate, create a list of items the kids can hunt for in their homes. Work through the list on a video call with their pal. They’ll love racing around the house to beat their friends back to the computer or phone and showing off their finds! Work Up a Sweat Youtube is full of fun dancing and exercise videos for kids. Set up a picture-and-picture configuration or use multiple devices so that the kids can see the video and each other at the same time. The sillier the dance moves the better! Dress Up & Pretend Have the kids pick out some favorite dress up costumes and let them interact with each other “in character.” Depending on their choice of characters, they can pretend that they’re princesses from different kingdoms using magic mirrors to communicate or firefighters calling each other to coordinate a rescue. Whatever they choose, help them find a way to make the devices and the distance a part of the story! Restaurant Deliveries Play kitchens are a great spot to rest the laptop or phone and to coordinate some joint play! You can try to offer fun ideas to incorporate both the play kitchens and the physical distance. For example, they can pretend that they’re ordering food from a restaurant for delivery. One kiddo cooks and the food is “delivered” to the other house – bonus points if you can use similar pretend food items at both houses! Try Caribu Caribu is THE app for video calls with kids. It has plenty of stories, games, and activities that kids and adults can do together, so video calls feel a little more like playtime and a little less like, well… a video call. It’s free for 60 days, but if social distancing is a long-term thing for you and your kids, investing in an account may be worth it! Parallel Play You know how young toddlers don’t really play with each other so much as next to each other most of the time? That’s called parallel play, and no matter how old your child is, it’s a great approach for virtual playdates. Have kids play with similar types of toys during the video call and let them do their thing. Constructive play toys like blocks, activity table with board, and train sets are perfect for this! They can peek at each other’s creations for inspiration and talk about what they’ve made. So fire up FaceTime and get ready for some fun! Explore our collection of toys and games that make for a perfect virtual playdate.
Affordable Playroom Organization Ideas
It’s easy to get Instagram envy from those posts of beautiful, perfectly organized playrooms, but we’ll let you in on two secrets. 1) Those playrooms definitely get messy too. 2) You don’t have to spend a lot to get your kids’ playroom more organized. Try out some of these tips to clear that clutter on the cheap. From the free to the thrifty to the smart buys, here are seven affordable ways to upgrade your playroom organization! Toys that Double as Storage Whether it’s the cabinets in the play kitchen or the baby doll’s crib, make sure to utilize the storage already available in your kids’ toys. Now, we’re not saying the crib should house all your craft supplies, but it’s the perfect spot for baby and her accessories! Furniture that Does Double Duty If you’re investing in some kid-sized furniture for your playroom, make sure it’s working double duty as a storage solution too. Shopping for a table and chair set? Look for one with built-in storage. Want to create a cozy reading nook? Get a seat that can double as book storage. The inverse is also true –– if you’re buying a toy box, go for one that also functions as a bench or a reading nook. You’ll save money and leave more space for “the floor is lava.” Priorities, right? Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers If your playroom has a closet, make use of the back of the door with a hanging shoe organizer. You add almost any small toy, but we especially love it for dolls and their accessories. (Because we all know Barbie has a bad habit of losing her shoes, and her hair gets wild when she’s stuffed into a toy box.) Small Toy Bin Units Don’t get us wrong, we love toy boxes. But small, open toy bin units make a world of difference in keeping the playroom clean. You can separate and organize toys by category, and kids can see what they want without digging through a million other toys first. Removable bins make clean up easier too! With units starting at under $50, these little lifesavers fit into almost any budget. Toy Caddies We’re pretty sure it’s a law of nature that every kid has a favorite set of toys that get carried and scattered all around the house. We can’t tame that tendency (and wouldn’t want to anyway!), but toy caddies with handles can make the transporting a little less messy. Plus, when the kids are done playing, these caddies look tidy and cute anywhere in the playroom. Ribbons for Kids’ Artwork Some thick ribbons, thumbtacks, and clothespins are all you need for a cute and organized display or your little artist's latest masterpieces. Laundry Bags for Puzzle Pieces We don’t know who thought of it first, but using mesh laundry bags to store puzzle pieces is a game-changer. They’re more durable than clear plastic bags, and since they’re still see-through, the kids can find the puzzle they want without dumping the contents of every bag. For more affordable playroom organization ideas, shop all of our cute and kid-friendly storage solutions! Lastly, if you want to shop for kids’ furniture by age, check out our collections for 3-to-5 year olds and 5-to-7 year olds!
Kids Room Organization Ideas: How to Organize Kids Rooms
We firmly believe that a little mess in a kiddo’s room is a sign of a day well spent. But the transition from “a little mess” to “total toy tornado” happens fast. If you’re struggling to keep up with the chaos, we’ve got ideas to tame the most common mess makers in kids’ rooms: clothes, toys, books, and the bed. Clothes The “Too Small” Box Convincing a tiny human to put on pants is hard enough. Having to change them again because those pants were too small is downright grueling. Keep that frustration to a minimum by adding a “Too Small” box to your kiddos closet. When they’ve grown out of something, toss it in the box so it doesn't make its way back into their dresser. When the box is full, it’s time to donate the clothes or pack them away for the next kid! Dresser Dividers Is it just us, or do kids’ clothes come unfolded way too easily? Adding dresser dividers or baskets to their drawers helps you divide shirts, pants, leggings, etc. so you can and the kids can find what you need...even if nothing is folded. Toys Small, open toy bins Big toy chests can be great for large toys and toys that are out of the rotation. But keeping all your little one’s favorite toys (especially the smaller ones) in a large toy box? That’s just asking for a throw-ALL-the-toys-on-the-floor-style mess as your kiddo searches for the one they want. Small, open bins let them see and get exactly what they want without digging through the other toys. No guarantees that they still won’t end up on the floor sometimes, but they’ll be much easier to find and put away! Toy Caddies We’re all about toy rotations for keeping kids’ rooms and playrooms neat and organized. Our secret weapon for super easy toy rotations? Toy caddies with handles! They make swapping out activities fast and easy and look way cuter than plastic bags and bins. Even if rotations aren't’ your thing, caddies are a great way for kids to transport their favorite toys and projects around the house without losing all those little pieces. Books Raising a reader means keeping tons of books around. Unfortunately, as their library grows, so does the challenge of keeping all those books off the floor and in good condition. We think investing in a good book storage solution is well worth it –– it shows your kiddos that books are important and keeps their room from becoming a paperback obstacle course. Whether you go for a traditional bookshelf, a forward-facing sling, or a multi-purpose shelf, just try to keep it kid-sized so they can find and put away books independently. If a bookshelf isn’t in your budget at the moment, try the rotation method. Keep a few books out in a basket, and store the rest out of reach in a box or bin. Switch them out every week or so until you find a shelf that fits your budget. Bed A perfectly imperfect bed-making routine A neatly made bed gives any bedroom an instant facelift, but we think a kinda sloppy, imperfectly made bed is even better. Why’s that? Because it means your kiddo did it themselves instead of you. Bless. Teach and empower your child to make their bed themselves (or with minimal help), and try to work it into your morning routine. To make it fun, let go of perfection and let them take the lead. A kinda crumpled blanket? It’s fine. A bed decorated with 18 stuffed animals? Just go with it. It will still look better than a totally unmade bed, and the important thing here is building habits that stick. For more on toy rotations and organization, check out our full post on Toy Storage Ideas for Keeping Playtime Mess Free!
Best Developmental Toys for Kids
When it comes to toys, simple is usually best. Classic, open-ended toys that encourage building, movement, and pretend play are the time-tested winners when it comes to developing motor skills, growing imaginations, and – most importantly – having fun! Our list of developmental toys covers everyone from babies to big kids and is filled with kid-tested playtime favorites. Best Developmental Toys for Infants & Toddlers Shape Sorters The best developmental toys for babies turn those adorable chubby hands into fine-motor machines! Babies are also all about toys that display cause and effect and help them explore spatial reasoning skills (i.e. how things fit inside of other things). Shape sorters check all of the boxes! The shapes are perfect for the littlest littles who are just learning how to grasp objects of various sizes and shapes. As they get a bit older, they’ll love dumping the shapes out of the box and putting them back in through the large opening. And as they reach toddlerhood, they’ll actually play with it for its main purpose – sorting shapes into the matching holes. Themed shaped sorters like the Noah’s Ark Shape Sorter also work well for pretend play, meaning they’ll stay a playtime favorite into the preschool years. Push Toys Push toys like the Push Along Play Cart help those early walkers get their sea legs! Unlike baby walkers, which have actually been associated with delayed walking and dangerous accidents, push toys like wagons and carts let toddlers develop strength, balance, and coordination. Best Developmental Toys for 3 & 4 Year Olds Play Kitchens Pretend play helps your kiddo develop problem-solving skills, social skills, emotional regulation, and creativity. A play kitchen – and all of those adorable pretend dishes and foods – are a fantastic way to encourage dramatic role-play, an important type of pretend play. Kids develop independence and real-life skills as they pretend to do what adults do. Even tasks that seem mundane to us, like frying eggs for breakfast, are exciting to our littles when they get a chance to do (or pretend to do) them on their own. Play kitchens are also fun props for imaginative play and world-building, and your mini-chef will use theirs for everything from playing house to cooking up magic potions. Toy Train Sets Truthfully, a toy train set can be successfully introduced a bit earlier or even years later, but four-year-olds are right in the sweet spot. They’ve developed the fine motor skills necessary to build tracks on their own, but they’ll still be challenged by planning and assembling complex tracks. This type of constructive play –a fancy term for “building stuff”– is associated with better math skills even much later in life. Our Top Train Set Picks for Kids guide can help you find a train set that lines up with your child’s skill level and interests. Wooden Blocks Good ol’ fashion blocks are one of the most highly praised toys for developmental benefits. In fact, how many blocks a child can stack is used as one measure of their developmental milestones. Stacking blocks challenges their fine motor skills, and making more complex structures helps develop their spatial reasoning and creativity. Best Developmental Toys for 5 & 6 Year Olds Dollhouses All those benefits of pretend play we talked about? Dollhouses provide them too, and they’re particularly awesome in the areas of emotional and social development. If you’ve ever really listened to a five-year-old play with a dollhouse, you know what we mean. Those dolls have some pretty dramatic adventures and conflicts, all powered by the kids’ amazing imaginations. As they play the parts of multiple dolls, they’re learning how to see from others’ perspectives and slowly but surely gaining empathy. Inventing and acting out social conflicts preps them for the real thing and helps them learn to regulate their own big feelings. Building Bricks Your five year old can still benefit from constructive play, but they probably no longer find wooden blocks challenging enough. Plastic building bricks on the other hand? The perfect toy to create all those cool things they’re dreaming up. They’re ideal for creating more complex structures and objects they can pretend with like a garage for their toy trucks or a pretend cell phone. At their age, the possibilities are really endless – we don’t call them “clever creators” for nothing! Outdoor Play Sets Swing sets build gross motor skills, strength, endurance, and perhaps most importantly, encourage kids to get outside and be active! This is especially important for school-age kids who may sit a lot throughout the school day and are more prone to sedentary behavior than ever-wiggly toddlers. Want more ideas for brain-boosting play for your little ones? Be sure to check out our complete toy guides for three, four, five, and six-year-olds!
When to Transition from a Toddler Bed to a Twin Bed
Wait, wasn’t it just yesterday that you were lowering the crib mattress for the first time? And now your little snoozer is suddenly big enough for their own twin size bed...or are they? We can’t slow down time for you (if only), but we can help you figure out if your kiddo is outgrowing their toddler bed and ready for the next step. Before we talk about when to transition, let’s understand the difference between a toddler and twin size beds: What is the Difference Between a Toddler Bed and A Twin Bed? We see some confusion on whether a toddler bed is the same as a twin size bed… especially if that twin bed happens to be racecar-shaped or princess-themed. But the difference between toddler and twin beds is simply size. A twin bed uses a twin-sized mattress, measuring about 38” x 75”. A toddler bed uses a standard crib mattress, measuring about 28” x 52”. Most parents who use a toddler bed simply reuse the mattress they had in their crib. Many crib mattresses come with an infant side that’s extra firm and a toddler side that’s a bit softer. Even this softer toddler side is still quite firm, and as kids get older, they might prefer a softer, cozier twin size bed. Here are some signs that your kiddo is ready for the switch: They’re approaching the weight limit for their toddler bed That 50 lb weight limit seemed so far away when your child was just a squishy little newborn that it’s tough to believe they’re already so big. But if you have a preschooler now, they might be close to outgrowing their toddler bed’s safety limits. Be sure to check the safety guidelines of your toddler bed and make the switch before they reach the upper weight limit, which usually ranges from 35-50 lbs. If you’ve lost the manual you can usually find the information easily on the manufacturer’s website. They always want to get in bed with you While there are tons of reasons kids like to sneak into mom and dad’s bed at night, one may be that they simply find your bed more comfortable than the super-firm mattress of their toddler bed. Getting them their own big kid bed may not solve all their sleep issues, but it just might make them more comfy-cozy and excited about sleeping in their own bed. They seem uncomfortable If you’re hearing thuds and thumps throughout the night, your not-so-little one may be hitting the rails of their toddler bed as they try to get comfortable. If they can’t stretch out with plenty of room to spare, or if they mention that their bed is too hard, it’s probably time to level up to a kids’ twin size bed. They’re about to be a big brother or sister! One of the biggest motivators for making the switch is an impending new addition to the family. If you need to turn that toddler bed back into a crib for the new baby, it’s the perfect time to transition your older child into their own big-kid twin bed. Even if they have a standalone toddler bed that didn’t start as a crib, pregnancy is still a great time to make the switch. By the time their new best friend arrives, they’ll already be adjusted to the change of their new bed. You’re moving or redecorating Whether it’s a big move or just a redecorating project, many parents prefer to take care of all the new adjustments at once by starting their kiddo off in the new environment with their new bed. Of course, follow your own instincts about your kiddo here. If you think they might be extra sensitive and resistant to change at this time, it’s okay to wait a little longer too! They express interest in a “big kid bed” Sometimes, your kids will let you know exactly when they feel ready to trade their toddler bed for a twin, especially if they have older siblings who have big kid beds of their own. To pique their interest, try reading a few books about the transition to a “big bed.” Big Enough for a Bed (Sesame Street) and Liz Fletcher’s A Big Kid Bed Is Coming are some parent favorites. Although they do show the characters starting out in cribs, they work well for transitioning from a toddler bed too as most of the focus is on the new, exciting big bed. Ultimately, no one knows your child better than you do. If you think it’s time for a twin bed, then it’s probably time. To help your child get excited about the switch, check out our selection of kids’ twin size beds together. You’ll find classic, durable styles that look great in princess rooms, superhero rooms, and everything in between. Sweet dreams, big kid!
Buying Guide: Kids Kitchen Playset
Buying a kitchen playset can feel a little like a Goldilocks story. You’re searching for the one that’s just right – the design to make you and your little chef happy, the quality to last through the years, and all the features to enable fun, immersive pretend play. To help you find your perfect play kitchen fast, we’ve laid out all the factors you’ll want to consider before making the big purchase! Size & Counter Height First, be sure to measure the space you plan to put your new play kitchen – eyeballing it is not the way to go here! Even if space is tight, smaller play kitchens can squeeze into little spaces and are ideal for toddlers. As far as finding the right size play kitchen for your child, it’s tough to go wrong – even bigger kids will still enjoy playing with smaller play kitchen sets, and the littlest little will grow into larger kitchens. But if you’re looking for that perfect fit, go for a play kitchen with countertops that are about the height of their hips. Materials Most kid’s kitchen playsets are made of either wood or plastic. Plastic play kitchens often come in at a lower price point, but often at the cost of quality. Wooden children’s play kitchens tend to last longer, look more realistic to your kids, and (real talk) look better in your home. Color and Design Speaking of looking better in your home… there’s no reason you have to settle for a bright plastic eyesore in the middle of your playroom. Our selection of wooden play kitchens come in just about every style and color you could hope for means you can pick the perfect play kitchen to vibe with your home’s aesthetic. Your Child’s Interests Another thing you’ll want to match? Your kiddo’s interests and preferences! Maybe you want a gender-neutral design so your little guy doesn’t think of play kitchens as a “girl’s” toy. Maybe you’re looking to recreate your child’s favorite parts about the real kitchen like using the ice machine or looking through the window above the sink. Whatever the case, only you know the features that will make a play kitchen the perfect fit for your little chef. If you’re buying the play kitchen as a gift for someone else, be sure to ask their parents what special touches they would love to have! Accessories Most play kitchens come with at least a few accessories like pots, pans, dishes and play food. While those cute little fake cupcakes are something to consider, they shouldn’t make or break your decision. You can always add additional play kitchen accessories later. Extra Features Of course, the best thing about play kitchens is that they encourage good old-fashioned pretend play, but a few extra features like working light and sounds can make that imaginative play even more immersive. Beeping microwaves, working ice machines, and stovetop sound effects can add realism to your kids’ kitchen playset and make it even more engaging, though some parents prefer noiseless kitchen playsets (hey, we get it). From large corner kitchens to tiny toddler kitchens, from pretty pinks to calming neutrals, our line of kids play kitchens has something for every little sous chef out there. Explore our selection for 2-to-4 year olds and 3-to-5 year olds now. Or, browse our full collection of wood play kitchens to find the one that checks off your wishlist!