Bazzle Blog

Most of us are staying at home, which is where we should be to help stop the spread of COVID-19. To reduce the risk of spreading infections and help your family stay safe, it’s important to continue to clean your home to remove germs, dirt, and other potential harmful contaminations from surfaces. 

This list includes home cleaning tips to help stop the spread of germs during the Coronavirus.

High-Touch Surfaces

It’s extremely important to clean and disinfect the high-trafficked areas daily. These typically include tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, toilets and sinks. You can use disinfectant wipes (if you can find them) diluted household bleach solutions, rubbing alcohol, or common EPA-registered household disinfectants. Wear gloves while cleaning and be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards.

Kids Toys

The simplest solution is to keep disinfecting wipes handy and wipe down surfaces after use or during naps. The washing machine can be used for hard plastic toys or stuffed animals if placed into a mesh laundry bag. You can soak toys in hydrogen peroxide or children cleaning solutions of your choice for about 15 minutes then rinse with water.

Is your little one a drooler? There are things you can do to keep germs and bacteria from spreading around your home to keep baby and family healthy. It’s important to try and contain and reduce germs & bacteria from spreading onto toys and other surfaces. Keep drool contained with bibs, teething toys, cloths and baby wipes.

Bazzle Baby Bandana Bib Teether catches drool and offers a bacteria-resistant teething pad for natural pain relief that is within arm’s reach for your little one. The BandoBib Infinity Scarf Bib is a fashionable accessory that sits close to baby’s chin to catch every little dribble and keep baby warm in cooler weather.

Keeping Office Supplies Clean

Most of us are working from home so we can’t forget to take time to disinfect your desk, laptop, mouse and phone.

We use our phones for everything, making them a bacteria breeding ground. Clean your phone after using it in public and avoid placing it on surfaces in public places. To clean, use alcohol disinfectant wipes. You should also take a few minutes to wipe down your keyboard, mouse and work space at the end of the day to avoid letting the germs sit overnight.

We thank you for staying home and taking the measures needed to stop the spread of germs. We wish you all stay safe and healthy. Please continue to look after yourself and the people around you.

As fellow moms who are working from home and trying to balance everything, we found a few things that have made this transition a little easier. It’s extremely important that we practice social distancing to stop the spread of the Coronvirus and we hope this list of tips will be helpful to parents who are doing their best to manage this “new normal.”  

Tip 1 – You Can Do This!

We all know that this isn’t business as usual but not matter how hard it might be, it’s important to keep your community, and your family healthy.

Our kid’s look up to us as a model of how they should respond to new situations which is why it’s important to show them that you (we) can do this!

Keeping calm and staying confident will help put your family at ease and make the transition a little easier on everyone. Remind yourself that this is temporary, and your kids will be just fine. You’re a parent, you can do anything!

Tip 2 – Create a Schedule

We are all creatures of habit and are used to a routine. Any sort of schedule you once knew has basically been thrown out the window the past few weeks. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start working on a schedule that works for you, your work, and your child’s continued education.

Younger children require a lot of attention throughout the day. If you are in this situation and your work allows, divide your working hours throughout the day. Get up early and work a few hours in the morning while everyone is still asleep, schedule some time in the afternoon and rotate times with your partner to help, and then take some time in the evening.

If you take the time to plan this in advance, your week will go much smoother and you, and your kids will have the structure everyone is used to.

Tip 3 – Get Outside!

It’s ok to enjoy the outdoors, as long as you practice social distancing. We all need some fresh air and a break from TV and electronics to keep us from going stir crazy! Some of our favorite ideas we received were to plan a family picnic during lunch and taking daily family walks around your neighborhood, electronics excluded!  These activities can provide long-lasting memories of connecting as family.

Bazzle Baby Product Feature:

The Bazzle Baby GoBlanket is perfect for a picnic on a nice day or a walk on a chilly afternoon. This super soft blanket is just the right size to fit any stroller or carseat with integrated clips to attach it, and you will never have to worry about it becoming lost or dirty due to drops. Designed with a cotton designed front and a fuzzy fleece back to provide warmth and comfort for parents and baby.

• Features 4 integrated clips to attach to strollers, car seats and more.
• Can also be used as a nursing cover or car seat cover.
• Soft cotton front
• Fuzzy fleece backing
• Machine washable

Tip 4 –Explore New Family Bonding Activities

This is a great time to use your Pinterest board and schedule some of those fun activities you’ve always wanted to do before life got in the way. An idea we loved is cooking lessons with kids. Not only does it help you prepare meals, it develops their math skills by having them help measure ingredients.    

Bazzle Baby Product Feature:

The Bazzle Baby GoBib Folding Feeding Bib is perfect for easy clean-up after a messy cooking session or meal. It folds into itself to contain all the mess in a ball and can be easily wiped, cleaned or washed. This is a time to enjoy your kids and this will make cleaning a little easier!

• Folds into itself for easy clean-up
• Clips or hangs on stroller, diaper bag or lunchbox
• Soak-proof & easy to wipe clean
• Large pocket to catch mess
• Machine Washable

Tip 5 – Look Out for Your Own Well-being

This one is probably the most important! Most of us aren’t used to being home with kids every day and have the added pressure of working at home. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to schedule time alone. Plan time to read, pamper yourself or exercise. Work with your partner to make sure you both get the time you need, your well-being as a parent is paramount.   

The most important thing is to keep your family healthy. We hope these tips will help you during these unusual and unprecedented circumstances – it’s impossible to be great at everything – just do what you can and remember they will be just fine! They will thank you later 😊  

As a parent you never stop worrying about the health and well-being of your little one. We understand the concern you may be experiencing surrounding keeping your family safe from those nasty little germs that can make everyone very sick.

It’s hard enough to keep your kids away from potential germ hazards and it’s impossible to shield them from all of the bugs out there --- and you will drive yourself nuts trying. Luckily there are a few simple things you can do to protect baby from germs and eliminate them from spreading to others.

1. Keep Baby Close to You

One of the biggest dangers to baby and to others is the spreading of germs. If your baby or any others, regardless of age, are showing any signs of illness, they should stay away from others. Make sure to ask anyone who wants to hold your baby to first wash his or her hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

2. Practice Social Distancing

During times of uncertainty around health of the surrounding community or when baby is under the weather, limit where you take your baby. A stroll outside is fine if you keep your distance from others.

3. Be Smart About Sterilizing

Regularly washing your hands and your child’s hands is the simplest, most effective way to get rid of cold and flu germs. Wash your hands thoroughly (20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water) and often. Babies put almost anything in their mouths so it’s important to wash pacifiers, toys and eating surfaces regularly.

4. Reduce the Spread of Germs

If baby is sick, keep them from going to daycare where the sickness can easily spread to other children and caretakers. Contain drool that carries germs with bibs that soak up the drool and prevent it from spreading on shared surfaces.

Bazzle Baby Product Spotlight:

Drool doesn’t stand a chance with the Bazzle Baby Bandana Bib Teether for germ-free pain relief that is within arm’s reach for your little one.

• Natural teething pain relief
• BPA free plastic teether
• Soft & absorbent cotton front
• Fleece backing won’t let moisture soak through
• Bacteria resistant
• Machine washable

5. Pay attention to signs of sickness

If you notice obvious signs of sickness or your little one has a fever, do not take them to daycare or around others. This is imperative to containing the impact and spreading of illness to others.

It’s important to not panic, just follow the simple steps to fend off germs and help keep your baby as healthy as possible.

DAYCARE PACKING LIST:

For many parents, it seems as though you were just packing your hospital bag and waiting patiently (or impatiently) for baby to arrive. Time seems to have flown by and now it’s time to go back to work.

Returning to work and putting your baby into daycare can be an emotionally challenging time. Whether you are a new mom taking baby to daycare for the first time, or sending your fourth child, the transition is much easier when you have all of baby’s essentials ready ahead of time.

Bottles/Baby Food

The number of bottles needed depends on the age of your baby and we recommend packing at least 1 additional bottle just in case. You will need to label bottles with your child’s name and date. There are different reusable options to help you save time on labeling each week that are made to stretch and fit snug around bottles, sippy cups, and snack containers.

Bibs

I’m sure you are aware of this by now, but babies can be messy! Whether it’s a feeding bib or a bib for your teething drooler, clothes will get wet without the right bib. To cut down on outfit changes and to keep your baby dry and comfortable throughout the day, you will want to pack these each week.

Bazzlebaby Product Spotlight

• Clips or hangs on stroller, diaper bag or lunchbox
• Soak proof and easy to wipe clean
• Large pocket to catch messes
• Folds into itself for easy portability
• Reusable/machine washable

Burp Cloth

Burp cloths are another feeding essential! Check to see if your daycare provider requires you to bring your own and make sure to label those too.

Bazzlebaby Product Spotlight

The Bazzlebaby Pocket Burper pulls moisture away from baby’s sensitive skin and catches drool before it runs down your back!

• Extra-long design makes sure you are covered from front to back.
• Super-soft fleece backing won’t let moisture soak through to get clothes wet.
• Machine washable and very durable - can be washed again and again!

Sippy Cup

If your baby has started transitioning from a bottle to a sippy cup, we always recommend keeping at least 2 of these labeled and in your baby bag or cubby at daycare.   

Pacifier & Favorite Blanket or Toy

What helps soothe your baby? Whether it’s a pacifier or a security blanket, you will want to make sure to pack it! It’s not just a transition for you but a transition for baby as well. Pack these items daily to help with a pleasant daycare transition. 

Bazzlebaby Product Spotlight

With the Bazzlebaby PaciLoop you don't have to worry about baby dropping their pacifier or lovey! The loop at the end holds pacifiers, toys, or anything your little one can't live without, and the other end clips to bibs, onesies, and clothing collars.

• Strong metal clip won't slip
• Universal loop-style fastener
• Fits all styles of pacifiers
• Hand washable

Extra Clothing and Shoes

Like we said before, babies can be messy! Daycares typically ask that parents leave at least 2-3 changes of clothes and an extra pair of shoes (& don’t forget the socks!). Your baby will be sent home with any dirty clothes, so you know when their extra outfits need to be replenished.

Diapers

If the daycare does not provide diapers or if your child requires a specific brand, you should leave a pack of diapers and make sure to replenish them when notified they are running low. Make sure to label these with your child’s name.  

Wipes

Just like diapers, know if you will need to provide them and make sure to keep them replenished!

Diaper Cream

Most daycares will only use this when needed but require you to provide your own since you know what’s best for baby. Clearly label diaper cream with name and expiration date and make sure the teachers know where to find it.

TIP: Make sure you are aware of the daycares policy on what is provided and what you can and cannot bring. Most daycares will have specific labeling requirements for bottles, pacifiers, and clothing so make sure to read over the new parent paperwork.

We hope this information helps with preparing for the transition into daycare. The first day will be hard, but it will get easier!

Your Friends at Bazzlebaby 

Having a picky eater, you may feel as though all your toddler will eat is chicken nuggets and french fries. While sometimes this may seem to be your only option (the kid’s gotta eat!), try not to get frustrated by this common toddler behavior. Make healthy food choices available and know that, with time, your child's appetite and eating behaviors will level out. Wondering if there is anything you can do to raise a more adventurous eater? Plenty actually, starting right now.

Mommy Tip #1

Involve your toddler in the meal planning. Let your child pick out different fruits and vegetables while at the grocery store. You can put your toddlers natural curious senses to test by allowing them to touch, smell and sometimes even taste food while grocery shopping to help spark their interest. Take along a few different kid-friendly cookbooks and let your toddler pick out new recipes to try. Having their buy-in now will help later! 

Change up the way you cook your toddler’s favorite foods. You might decide to prepare the food baked, roasted, sauteed or steamed. Assure them that it is the exact same food and ensure that you serve the main course alongside some of their favorite sides. Due to the different flavors and textures, it might take you up to 10-20 times before they (realize they) like it, but hang in there! Patience, mama.

Mommy Tip #3

Try making food fun! Toddlers can’t resist trying foods that are arranged in eye-catching, creative ways. Make foods look irresistible by arranging them in fun, colorful shapes kids can recognize. Kids this age also tend to enjoy any food involving a dip, so think about different sauces that you might want to try. Finger foods are also usually a hit with toddlers.

Bazzlebaby Product Spotlight

• Clips or hangs on stroller, diaper bag or lunchbox
• Adjustable hook & loop closure ensures the perfect fit
• Soak proof and easy to wipe clean
• Large pocket to catch messes
• Folds into itself for easy portability
• Reusable/machine washable
• Patent pending design

Mommy Tip #4

Come together as a family and enjoy dinner together. If your toddler has older siblings, make sure that you highlight how much their big brother or big sister enjoys their meal. Serve one meal for the whole family and resist the urge to make another, special meal if your child refuses what you've served. Try to include at least one food your child and the rest of the family likes with each meal so that you don’t encourage picky eating.

Looking for a few fun recipes that might just be a hit for your little picky eater? Check out some recipes from My Fussy Eater! They have loads of great ideas of things that you can try out with your toddler and help to break the habit of them being a picky eater! Just make sure that when your child does eat, you use our Bazzle Baby GoBib to make cleaning up after meals easy and mess-free!

The 4th of July holiday is rapidly approaching and adding your new plus one (or two) to your celebration plans - can be tricky!  This holiday allows opportunity to gather together with family outdoors and enjoy the warm weather! With large crowds, scorching heat and spectacular firework displays - you will want to make sure you have a few tips to make this holiday enjoyable for your new baby!

Here are a few Bazzle Baby tips that we recommend in order to get through the holiday with a happy and safe baby:

Avoid Bug Bites

The unfortunate thing about the summertime is that insects that bite - are typically at its peak. Not only can bug bites be bad for baby, but these bites can also pass on diseases.  According to the The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you do not use insect repellent on babies that are two months or younger.  If your baby is under the age of two months, Bazzle Baby recommends that you drape a bug shield net over the carrier keep some of the worst disease carriers at bay. 

Amazon: $6.99

Travel Bibs to Keep Baby Dry

Keep baby clean with the Bazzle Baby Travel GoBib! It is the perfect family outing necessity meant to catch spills, drips, and solid foods that slip away when your child is eating. Crumb catcher pouch in front helps catch bits and pieces from getting on your child’s clothes. These reusable bibs are soak proof and easy to wipe clean!

Protection from the Sun

Sunscreen is OK to use on babies older than 6 months. Younger babies should use other forms of sun protection such keeping baby in the shade using a baby tent or an umbrella along with a hat. Babies who are over six months should wear heavy amounts of sunscreen that contains zinc to reduce skin irritation. This should be reapplied every two hours and it is recommended to be outside for no longer than four hours to keep baby from overheating.  

Keep Firework Blasts Away!

Fireworks are typically the main attraction when celebrating the  4th of July! It's important to ensure that you are keeping your baby at a distance when attending a firework show. The loud popping noises are not good for babies’ developing ears and you risk your baby inhaling the fumes from after the fireworks deploy. Fireworks typically scare babies, so keep your distance and at the very least, allow your baby to watch the fireworks from a baby friendly location! If the loud noises are not avoidable, you can check out noise cancelling ear muffs.

We hope these tips will help you and your family have a safe and fun 4th of July! Happy Birthday America!

Summertime is finally here and hopefully you are going to make time to go on a little vacation with your family! As you know, little travelers need a surprising amount of stuff, so we've put together a list to help so you can have the best getaway possible.