This is a journey… a long one perhaps, from one stage to the next, but a journey with maybe no definite destination.
The purpose of the journey keeps evolving, keeps changing. We keep moving, we keep changing, and so do our paths and routes. But we keep asking and seeking, and we call it our happiness. But do we really get happy when we conquer what we once aspired and dreamt of?
Maybe not… Because what we aspired for-is now ours!! But what has changed? We have changed, so have our aspirations and so has our meaning of happiness!
Mums, I feel you and I know one of the biggest challenges in the toddlerhood journey is to keep our little ones busy and engaged. We all do want to squeeze some time out for ourselves or perhaps, even just experience the joy of seeing them, sit down and do an activity. Not that I have mastered this act, but here are a few items and websites which are doing some interesting work and have few useful toys and activity kits to offer. These recommendations essentially should be applicable for toddlers but your supervision/discretion is a must as there is definitely nothing on earth that is a hit with all. Also, books are an important aspect too so I shall do a separate post on good books.
Let’s get started: 1. The Childrens Lab- Well, if you have memories of playing with dirty dough in childhood, be prepared for a surprise because they’ve made the entire experience hygienic, safe, less messy and overall lots of fun. My baby absolutely loves playing with it and it makes for a great sensory activity. Also, what seemed interesting are their sensory bins which I shall try sometime in the near future.
I ordered their- Pastel Playdough which has been claimed to be taste safe and non-toxic and its ingredients include all purpose flour, table salt, vegetable oil, cream of tartar, food safe colours and essence. They smell so delicious with all the fruity scents. This buy is good for ages 1 to 6 years. It comes in jars of varying sizes such as 50 gms, 100 gms and 200 gms. Website: https://thechildrenslab.in/
2. We Toy Toy- If you want to get excited and challenge yourself while engaging your kids then head to this website offering several learning toys. The brand makes use of sustainable practices and both my purchases were made of wood. Overall, the brand gives a modern twist to some age old themes and toys.
I ordered their- Wooden Geometric Blocks Stacker which is excellent for independent play as the child would enjoy stacking different shapes in different colours. Then, I also purchased their Wooden Geometric Shapes Puzzle which though a little difficult is an excellent means to teach shapes and colours and makes for an activity which can be done together. I purchased both of these for around a thousand rupees so I definitely will recommend them. Website: https://wetoytoy.com/
3. Lattooland- The brand is overflowing with sensory toys and kits and would definitely confuse you for the right reasons as choosing a few items will be tough. I will be honest that my order is in transit so I can’t give a review but I shall tell you what I ordered and why. I also must add that the brand is very well priced.
I ordered their- Patterned Wooden Rolling Pin simply to enhance her play dough time and make it more interesting. Then I also got their Paint and Play Vehicle Set as I felt something like this she hasn’t done before and would enjoy painting wooden cars and cars are so relatable. And lastly as my daughter loves to dance, I got their Rainbow Ribbon Sensory Toy which she can hold in her hands and dance around. Website- https://www.lattooland.com/
4. Cots And Cuddles- I came across this website through Instagram and boy, they have so much on offer. I will be honest- there was a bit of a mess up with my order but whatever arrived was on point and was worth every penny.
I ordered their- Magnetic Wall Write And Wipe Board which my daughter loves and spends a lot of time scribbling on it on a daily basis. This somewhere also gives her the satisfaction that they’re painting the walls- but in reality the walls remain clean while they enjoy scribbling. Secondly, I got their Color Sorting Sensory Squishy Toy which is so therapeutic to play with and also good fun for her and lastly, got their Funny Magnetic Man Toy Set which was also a sweet addition to her play box. Website- https://www.cotsandcuddles.com/
5. Mumma Mitra– I simply got enamored by their WOW factor basis an advertisement on Instagram. They have lots to choose from for creative play, fuss-free fun, pretend play and sensory activities.
I ordered their– Art Squeegee Kit for mess-free painting and it does get their eyes opened wide. It is great for enhancing motor skills and imagination. Website: https://mummamitra.com/
And here are few other items which I purchased from Firstcry and Blinkit which have been pretty effective in keeping her occupied: 1. Babyhug Musical Light & Sound Giraffe Piano 2. Babyhug Star Links Colourful Toy 3. Sticker Books 4. Dabble Playart Beeswax Crayons 5. Wembley Animal Piano Play Mat 6. King Krab Ball Pool 7. Toyshine Baby’s First Shaping & Sorting Toy 8. Toyshine 5 Layer Drop and Go Ball Tower Ramp Toy
Besides that I would mention two more brands: 1. Pandas Box- They have a great collection of items to introduce to the little ones Indian Gods and Goddesses. 2. GWD Kids- While they have a lot of decor items, my daughter is hooked to their animals flash cards.
That’s it for now but yes, books play a huge role in keep her occupied and I shall soon do a post on good books for toddlers.
So thinking of finally taking the plunge and taking your little one on the plane or for their first international holiday? Here are a few tips which may come handy. While I myself read a lot and even spoke to the experienced set of parents but obviously every child and situation is different so, here are my two cents on what helped us. Just a slight disclaimer, my little one is 14 months old.
1. Pack decent amount of snacks and meals- In our case, the flight crew was sweet enough to give us a packet of pureed food and even gave her a packet of healthy cookies and though I didn’t feed her either but the idea is that incase you run out of your own stock, these could be an option. Also, if you are comfortable offering the flight food- then there are even more options.
Now coming to what we did– we carried nutritious khichadi in containers which kept the food warm and we once gave it during the flight and once on reaching our hotel in Bangkok. Also, just on reaching the Delhi airport- soon after settling we had given her sooji-apple which kept her full for some time. In case you do have lounge access, again you have safe options of fruits and yogurt. We had also carried powdered milk and warm water just in case but thankfully our flight wasn’t too long and we survived with me breastfeeding her during take-off and landing as well as a few munchies (must mention the brand-Nooka and also regular Makhanas). Here the key takeaway would be to carry lots of snacks because it just doesn’t keep them full but also engaged.
2. Lots of Toys & Activities- It is imperative to keep them engaged with toys of their liking and activities which are gripping and engaging. So, pack well in your hand carry.
3. Be well stocked with Medicines– While its is almost impossible to hand carry all of them, the essential ones like a Paracetamol must find space in your hand-bag. And after checking with your pediatrician, it is important you pack medicines for all issues if they may arise ranging from vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, loose motions, cough, cold, fever, ear pain and so on in your checked-in bags. But also don’t forget rash cream, their routine moisturizers, sunscreen(Little Rituals-Mineral Sunscreen) and body wash.
4. Helping with your Hand-bag– Here is all that I had- cotton balls, few books and toys, napkins, sheet, diaper changing mat, diapers, wet wipes, disposable bags, an extra pair of clothing, socks, meals and snacks, pacifier(only in the case she didn’t take feed from me directly or with bottle), spoons and feeding bowls, drinking water bottle and warm water with bottles and milk powder. Here the key takeaway would be to keep this bag close to you as getting up again and again isn’t fun.
5. Invest in a travel friendly stroller- This is just so important, we actually got a new one from R for Rabbit and were so happy with it. It was easy to carry and we could even take it directly to the aircraft ourselves. Sharing a link in case you would be interested-
6. Apartment over Hotel- If you can, then why not? We were going to Bangkok for a week and were not hopping to another city or island so we chose an apartment and that was an excellent decision. Here were the advantages-
a) We could still go down and have a breakfast buffet and not worry about cooking it ourselves
b) Full-fledged kitchen made cooking baby meals so easy. All commonly used utensils were available.
c) Regular house-keeping
d) Room service available for times we just wanted to chill in the room
e) Washing Machine and Dryer were available and that is such a boon when travelling with a baby
f) Spacious for the baby to move around and play
and much more… Want to know where we stayed? Here is the link:
a) Choose flight timings well- we chose in a way that matched our baby’s day sleeping schedule but we ditched night flights both ways.
b) Check on the bassinet but few airlines do not have this facility.
c) Pre-book seats of your choice
d) Try and change diaper before boarding the plane. This will be a great boon in case of not a very long flight as then you can easily change next on landing.
e) Make the most of the benefit of priority service everywhere at the airport for you are travelling with your toddler.
f) No matter how small they are, keep talking about the forthcoming travel plan with your toddler, this will keep them excited.
g) Try and travel as a group so you can get some helping hand as you too need to enjoy, mama.
Well, that is all what I could think of as of now. Hopefully, more to come.
Here’s another account of our staycation with our little one wherein we decided to take a road trip to the Pink City-Jaipur and I must share we had an amazing time, here’s why if in Delhi-NCR, you should pick this destination too:
-Umpteen Hotel options of varying price points, infact you can dip in real luxury as some of the properties are extremely plush but competitively priced
-Short distance by road making it easy to keep the little one engaged
-Culturally, an extremely rich city which shall surely leave you in awe.
We opted to stay in the heart of the city at the ITC Rajputana and loved every bit of our stay and honestly, just didn’t feel like leaving the hotel even for a bit.
Let me elaborate a little bit more on our stay-
1. Numerous restaurants at the hotel offering several cuisines and experiences. You can sit at different spots at different times of the day to let you keep away from monotony. And for the worrying moms, the morning buffet has lots to offer for the kids whether its dosas or upma- your little one definitely wouldn’t just be watching you eat.
2. Swimming Pool is a major attraction for most kids, they even have a baby pool so don’t forget to pack your costumes and sunscreen as their pool will definitely look very inviting.
3. Other attractions- The hotel organizes a puppet show in the evening which will get your little one intrigued. And not to miss their playroom which isn’t extremely well stocked but in case you want some space for the child to let lose, then they’ve got you covered. Also, must add there are lot of birds fluttering all around the property which will also certainly excite the kids.
Lastly, the spa here is world-class and a visit here for the parents is a must. Also, the property is so well located that the mums should definitely opt for some me-time and indulge in quick retail therapy just like I did. I headed to the famous Bapu Bazaar and shopped umpteen goodies for self and souvenirs for others.
I would also say that the staff was very helpful at the hotel and whatever little work we requested them with regards to the baby was well taken care of. We sent our pressure cooker with uncooked baby food, they cooked in their kitchen and got it back for us. So, I am definitely recommending a stay here but just watch-out for the weather to be sure you’re not in Jaipur in its extremely hot months.
Are you also mulling over the idea of hosting your baby’s first bash? And are you also confused and clueless on where to start and whether to cater to more adults or kids, here is a little low-down on few things which worked for us and few of our learnings.
Special Slot just for your Special One- Besides the party, definitely do something intimate just for the baby minus the crowd to get her excited and capture the moment. In our case, we had done up her room, we did cake cutting with a wooden cake and did like a Khoi bag which definitely brightened up her face with excitement earlier in the day.
Themed Party- Choose a theme that resonates best with the liking and fondness of your baby. Select something that will be an instant click- it could be sea animals, farm animals or anything on these lines so that if his/her mood goes off, there is something to distract the baby. In our case, she was most fascinated to see a massive giraffe which was a part of the decor.
Timing of the Party- Time the party when you are expecting your little one to have a longish wake window so that he/she can be as present as possible.
Engaging Activities- This is a must, rather than just having bouncy and swings which are also fun, it is a great idea to keep the guests engaged with few activities such as an art workshop or a crafts class that can keep a varying age group occupied. We used the services of, “Pouring Hues by Medha” and she kept all age groups occupied with her art activity.
Return Presents- An extremely integral part of the party and no kids party is ever complete without returns. I would say instead of having a generic gifts maybe do age specific gifts for the kids as at the first birthday party there are kids of all age groups and you wouldn’t be able to go with the trend of one size fits all. Also, don’t forget the adults, since we had a farm party we gave all the adults also something though it was just a box of strawberries.
Well, at their first party- the baby can feel a bit intimidated and overwhelmed but as you comfort the child and give some initial space, eventually the baby should be all good to party.
Looking for the perfect getaway option with your little one? I definitely would recommend a stay at the ITC Grand Bharat which is in close proximity to Delhi. I have myself been there like on four different occasions with my little one who is less than a year old for several reasons, here are few of them-
1. Distance- It is a huge factor when planning an outing with the baby, it is very well-situated just in the outskirts- making it easy to plan and reach by car.
2. Rooms- They are truly luxurious and spacious, so much so that we were able to set-up a mini kitchen for our baby to prepare her meals fresh. They have three categories: Luxury Suite with Private Pool, Deluxe Suite with Terrace and Deluxe Suite with roof-top Gazebo. We thankfully got the one with the private pool and it makes for a great choice as you can take a dip whenever you like. However, if these rooms aren’t available then don’t be disheartened as they do have a common pool. And in case you require a crib, you can make a request for the same. A huge bonus they have a sofa cum bed too so there is no constraint of space.
3. Neighbouring Golf Course- You will be in the company of lush greens and in fact if you are a golf lover or would like to take up the sport, you can just get to the golf club in a cart and book yourself a lesson or a round. Also, if you need a change-you can even grab a bit at the golf club.
4. Food- Their coffee shop is great and I must add that their breakfast spread is on point with much on offer for the little one as well. They have another specialty restaurant and a bar to unwind. In the mornings, I would often call for fresh fruits for the baby and they always timely provided the same.
5. Playroom- Yes, they do have a cute playroom which was thoroughly enjoyed by my little one.
Hope this helps you plan your next staycation. Lastly, their hospitality deserves all the praise.
Whether new or experienced ones- this one is for all of us- Moms who are always on a look-out for a better living for their kids- whether in terms of the brands we choose for their meals or the experiences we offer them during free time or the trips we make with them to make memories for a lifetime.
So, let me quickly talk about a rather memorable Sunday we had with our little one who is all of 10 months.
We visited the Farmus Farms in Gurgaon as an entire family which included grand parents, us -parents, baby and our nanny.
Overall Experience- The weather was on our side, so we enjoyed sitting out in the sun on a winter afternoon. They took us around in small batches where the kids get to pluck fresh produce, otherwise as adults- you can pay extra to do the same. They have lots that grows at the farm from broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower to spinach to coriander to salad leaves and so much more. And as the tour comes to a close- they have few in-house rabbits, cows, a horse amongst other animals who can be fed by the kids. Also, since our baby was too small- we did the tour in a fast forward way.
Then, it was time to sit back, relax and click a few pictures. And yes, there was food too! The buffet was also freshly prepared. Infact, you will see ladies cooking fresh rotis just behind the buffet set-up. If you want an insight into the exact menu, then here it is: Tea, Hot Chocolate, Live Barbecue Vegetables, Pakoras, Garlic Bread, French Fries, Tomato Basil Soup, Salad, White Sauce Pasta, Sarson Ka Saag and Makki ki Roti, Paneer Makhanwala with Roti, Dal and Steamed Rice, lastly-Gajar Halwa. To be honest, food was simple but tasty.
USP- We saw someone celebrating their birthday and from the look of it, the kids seemed to be having a ball.
Tips-
1. Carry a sheet in case you wish to sit on grass, though they have decent seating arrangements.
2. Carry a stroller for your little one and few toys to keep them engaged like we did.
3. Do follow google maps for directions.
4. Sunnies for self.
5. Dress the little one sensibly as parts of the place would feel sunny whereas some spots would be windy as it is all in the open.
6. Visit soon in case you haven’t as this place is best enjoyed in this weather.
Charges-
1. Adults- INR 1499 per person includes farm tour and buffet
2. Adult Activities (Optional)- INR 999 per person
3. Kids (5 years & above)- INR 1499 includes farm tour, activities and buffet
4. Toddlers (1-5 years)- INR 999
5. Infants (0-1 years)- Free
6. Nanny- INR 600 per person includes entry and buffet
Extras- Definitely grab some fresh orange juice for INR 200 or indulge in strawberry picking if available at the extra price. Also, you can sign up to receive their fresh farm produce at your door step on a regular basis.
Timings- There are two slots: 11 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm
Location- Gurgaon, Sector 67, 5 minutes from Worldmark
Lastly, you can contact them via their instagram handle just like I did. It is:
Well, the idea was to continue talking about wellness but then I thought why not club it with a phase I am going through, i.e. postpartum. Everyone talks a lot about it specially on social media in recent times and there is definitely more awareness regarding the same but when we do have a person in close proximity going through the phase- how exactly do we treat her? I have to be honest, I am lucky that I have had good support to turn to but besides physically going through a lot, a woman goes through a lot mentally and emotionally as well. And the least, people around her can do is to not judge her. Let her be, just be a supporter whether silently or otherwise. And must let her know that she is cared, valued and loved.
Here is a little on what you can possibly do for someone who just delivered: 1. Message- Just to check on how she and the baby are doing and if there is anything at all you can help with. Check on when you can call or visit but do not push your way through, initially there is a lot that the family is navigating through so let them get comfortable and then be sure to share the joy.
2. Message some more- No two days are the same so it doesn’t harm to check often on her health and well-being.
3. Thoughtful Gifting- It is a good idea to take gifts post checking on what is essentially required for the baby and trust me thoughtful gifts always bring a smile and also reduces the stress of researching and buying for the mother. But, here is a but-not that I am fishing for any gifts but when taking something for the baby, do not forget the mother because that is where lies instant gratification and appreciation. And do not forget- she too was reborn.
4. A good meal? Most definitely YES- Postpartum does come with some set of restrictions for the mother as she is nursing so why not surprise her with a healthy home cooked meal.
Overall, I would say just let the new mother blossom in her new role. Let her take her time to return to calls and messages, let her look like a mess, let her decide on what is best for her and the kid, basically let her do what comes naturally to her. It may take some effort to not judge but if you really mean well for her- JUST LET HER BE.
Her wellness eventually is sure to guarantee the wellness of a new life. And lets’ not forget both lives matter.
Well, one’s well-being is one’s own responsibility and efforts towards it must be made on an on-going basis. Don’t wait for anyone to come and make you feel better, we have to pick ourselves up and stick to our calling with gives us peace. Once we identify what gives us that peace or happiness, we must make it a habit to return to that. In fact, when we think of doing a small activity such as journaling everyday- just the effort to get to it and the satisfaction on accomplishing the daily goal would be all worth it and eventually, these steps shall all contribute to our overall well-being. They may seem silly to someone else but you do what gives you happiness and contentment.
There isn’t anything written in stone but here are few simple activities which may just add some joy to your day…
Are you also feeling low every now and then? And are you also praying to the weather Gods to be kinder, hoping to make the encounter happen with Sunny days more often? Well, you are not alone! Winters can take a toll on our mental well-being as well. I got talking with Ms. Himadri Sharma, Counselling Psychologist, Good Lives (www.goodlives.in) on this to assure you that you’re not alone.
Question: How and why does the winter weather impact our mental wellbeing?
Answer: Every weather impacts our mental well-being. Some people feel happiest during some, love the winter blues and some just love the summer tan. Winter weather can impact mental well-being with factors like reduced sunlight leading to lower Vitamin D levels and potential disruptions in circadian rhythms. Cold weather and shorter days may also limit outdoor activities, affecting one’s mood.
Question: What can we do to stay in high spirits in winters?
Answer: To stay in high spirits during winters, consider activities like regular exercise, exposure to natural light, maintaining social connections and practicing mindfulness. Creating a positive routine and taking care of physical health can also help.
Question: What are the symptoms one needs to watch out for?
Answer: Symptoms to watch for in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) include low energy, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating and feelings of hopelessness. If these persist, consulting a healthcare professional is advised.
Question: Who all are likely to be affected with this seasonal depression?
Answer: Seasonal depression can affect anyone, but individuals with a history of depression, those living far from the equator with less sunlight, and women are more susceptible. Genetics and age can also play a role.
Question: What is the most effective remedy in this regard?
Answer: Effective remedies for seasonal depression include light therapy (exposure to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight), psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Seek help to understand what might work for you.
Helipad On Heels 