From the category archives:

kid-related

How to Make Making Cinnamon Toast Easier

by anna on 02.15.2009

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Who likes cinnamon toast? Me, that’s who. Also Mini. And yes, this could be filed under “UMM. . . DUH” since they do sell ready made cinnamon sugar on the spice aisle. But I’m all for making things a little bit more economically sound Twherever possible, and the markup on ready made cinnamon sugar is kind of exorbitant, particularly if you like to really pile that shiznit up on the bread like I do. his way, you can mix up a giant vat of cinnamon sugar and have it at the ready each morning that Mini answers “yeah” to my query of, “Do you want some synonym toast?”

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How to Clean Off High Chair and/or Stroller Straps

by anna on 01.18.2009

Thankfully, this is something I have to do less and less these days, as Mini becomes more and more adept at keeping food in his mouth, and less and less likely to vomit up food and milk randomly. But since I know a few of my readers just had babies or have new babies on the way, I thought I’d share this tip that I got from (where else?) Parent Hacks a few months back for getting the food out of those textured high chair straps. The original hack suggests using a vegetable scrub like this one, but I didn’t have one of those, so I used a nylon pot scrubber instead like one of these:

All you have to do is unwrap one and take out the rubber band, put some soap on it, and then scrub off the straps. Seems overly simple, but if you’ve ever had to try to get crusted-on sweet potato out of a textured strap, then you will be glad you read this post.

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Toddler Airplane Behavior Management System (Beta Version)

by anna on 12.23.2008

So, yeah, the theory was, be prepared. Procure one impossibly cute toddler-sized backpack with a penguin on it.

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Fill said impossibly cute backpack with assorted toys that toddler has never seen, including many toys with a transportation and/or construction theme. For thematic appropriateness, include a blue airplane toy if possible.

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Add coloring book, crayons, and/or sticker activity book. Verify crayons are washable and that sticker activity book/coloring book is emblazoned with various familiar, computer-animated animals bearing the voices of famous GenX comedians.

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For security, throw in a few old favorites.
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Make sure to have plenty of bribes with which to grease the wheels of good behavior.
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And lastly, always have a Plan B.
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The verdict: 5 hours is a long time to be on a plane with a toddler. Bottom line. Mini did a great job, and the Toddler Airplane Behavior Management System (Beta) performed decently. Some final tweaks are needed: for example, videos do not work exceptionally well when the siren song of the open aisle upon which to run cars calls. Also, mini Oreos and/or Teddy Grahams are great in the moment, and will secure a good 20 minutes to a half-hour of quiet time. However, when the sugar kicks in, you are in trouble. Next time: bring more regular food.

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