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Summer Crafts - Easy Ideas for your Preschooler
What kid doesn't love the summer time? Splashing in the pool, playing at camp, running around the green fields and parks - adventure galore. School may be around the corner but you can still bring this fun into your summer-time crafts by taking them outside. Help your little one explore the world around him by noticing the objects around and making them into miniature art pieces or capturing the beauty that is outdoors. Here are two simple ideas for the end of summer season.
Ladybug Rocks
Tools
- a few medium size rocks (up to 3" long) found outside
- tempera paint - black and red (and purple and pink depending on your imagination)
- paintbrushes - one thicker and one thinner
- papers/paper towels to use as the work surface
Steps
1. Find a few good size rocks for your ladybugs. Look for smooth round surface if possible and make sure the rocks are dry or dry them first.
2. Paint the entire top in red, pink or purple paint (the color you pick for your ladybugs. You may need a few layers first and let each layer dry a bit. This is why I recommend tempera paint - it dries quickly and washes off easily.
3. Paint a black line in the middle, the top black for the head and then a few black dots throughout. Let it dry completely.
4. Display as a ladybug rock garden or have your tot play with them (age 3+ best). Fun and EASY!!!
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Feeding your Baby: 6-12 Months
This is an exciting time when your infant will become a baby and start showing his independence. Your heart will melt when he opens his mouth for the first spoon of cereal and you will feel like a proud parent when he picks up his first Cheerio.
Teaching your baby to eat is an adventure, but we will cover all the basics for you in this simple guide to feeding your baby from 6 to 12 months.
Foundation
Breast milk and/or formula continue to be the basis of your baby's diet during the 2nd half of his first year. Read more about the benefits of breast milk and formula in Feeding your baby: 0-6 months. Now the feedings become less frequent but the amount per feeding increases as his stomach gets bigger and he burns more energy, thus requiring more calories. Each baby is different and you should watch if yours needs more or less, but here are approximate guidelines for the amount needed at this age:
6-7 months: 5 feedings in 24 hours. If giving formula, he will need 7 oz. per bottle.
8-9 months: 4 feedings in 24 hours. If giving formula, he will need 8 oz. per bottle.
10-12 months: 3 feedings in 24 hours. 8 oz. of formula.
Babies are very smart creatures and they know how much they need, so watch for clues. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you breastfeed for at least a year. Most commercial formulas go until 12 months as well. However, if your baby starts cruising and walking before 12 months, you can slowly start introducing whole milk. The fat content in whole milk is necessary for the little brain to grow and develop. Ideally, though, hold off on cow's milk until he is one.
Ready for solid food?
Once your baby hits a few milestones, you will know he is ready for solid food. It can be several or all of the below clues he demonstrates:
- Holds his head up
- Can sit in a highchair
- Doubles his birth weight
- Pays attention to what you eat and shows interest in food
- Does not push food out with his tongue
- Is still hungry after breast milk or formula
- Starts getting his first teeth. Note teeth are not necessary for the baby to chew, as he will chew with his gums at first, but as the foods become more solid, teeth will certainly come handy. The first tooth will appear around 6-8 months, usually on the bottom and then will be matched by a few on the top. By 3 years, your baby will have all of his 20 baby teeth.
