Author: Rosa Perez

Avoid Peer Pressure to Drink Alcohol at the Next Party With These Tips

Going to a party with your friends can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, it can also be stressful. It isn’t uncommon for alcohol to be present at high school and college parties. Although drinking in the moment can be a lot of fun, it can change your life for the worse. Not only can it get you in trouble with your parents, but your life could also change forever. An astonishing 30 people a day die in DUI’s in the United States.

The good news is that you can still have fun partying with your friends without having to drink alcohol. You just have to be prepared to avoid any peer pressure you may encounter with these tips.

Be the Designated Driver

One of the quickest and easiest ways to avoid peer pressure to drink at any party is to offer to be the designated driver. Anytime someone asks why you aren’t drinking, all you have to do is say you’re the one driving everyone home, so you won’t be drinking.

Have a friend or an acquaintance who just won’t let it go? Let them know that you can’t leave the car at the party and find a different way home because you’re borrowing your parent’s car. It has to go home when you do—end of story.

Hold a Mocktail

It isn’t uncommon for people to try and offer you a drink when you’re at a party. If you’re holding something that obviously isn’t alcohol, like water or Gatorade, you’re likely going to spend more time saying no than you would like. Avoid all the attention and carry around a mocktail.

Mocktail recipes are gaining in popularity among all ages, so there’s plenty to choose from that look at taste like the real thing. Because it looks and tastes like an alcoholic beverage, no one will ask if they can get you a drink because it looks like you already have one!

Want to be even sneakier? Bring mocktails to the party to share with everyone and add the alcohol only after you have served yourself first.

Plan Not to Drink With a Friend

Peer pressure can be hard to deal with when it comes from friends or people you look up to, but peer influence isn’t always so bad. If you have another friend who doesn’t want to drink at the party, make a plan to support each other in saying no.

Make sure your friend has a convincing non-alcoholic drink, and they can make sure you have one as well. Stick to each other like glue so you each feel supported if you’re approached with alcohol.

Have more than one friend who doesn’t want to drink? The more, the merrier! The more friends you can get involved, the more comfortable you’ll feel avoiding alcohol at the party.

Know How to Say No With Humor

No matter how much preparing you do, you’re likely to get asked why you aren’t drinking, especially as others at the party start drinking more. Saying no is hard, but it’s a little easier when you learn how to turn down alcohol with humor.

A few things you can say include:

No thanks. I need all the brain cells I’ve got.
I’m saving my brain cells for science.
My mom knows when I’m even thinking about doing something wrong!
I promised my boyfriend I wouldn’t embarrass him tonight.

If you notice that you’re spending most of your time saying no instead of having a good time, it might be a sign that it’s time to head home.

Make a Plan to Leave Early

The first few hours of a party can be a lot of fun, but if you aren’t drinking, the party is likely to become less fun the longer you are there. Make a plan to leave early so you can avoid the sloppy behavior and increased peer pressure as the night goes on.

Make it easier to take off early by pre-planning your excuse. That way you sound confident and believable when it’s time to go home.

You shouldn’t feel like you have to drink if you’re going to a party. You can still have fun if you don’t drink! You just have to make sure you’re prepared to deal with the peer pressure you might encounter. With the tips on this list, you can have fun and you can avoid trouble, all without offending any of your friends who choose to drink.

Ready to become a great teen investor? Teach Me Wall Street shows you how.

One of the biggest complaints teenagers have is that school really doesn’t prepare them for real life. For example, unless you plan to work for NASA or create your own artificial intelligence-powered robot, Calculus really doesn’t do much towards most people’s success in life. (That’s not to say working for NASA or building robots isn’t super cool tho).

Apart from dating and relationships, the single most under-taught subject in school is personal finance. You know, earning money to pay your rent, buy a car and stuff like that. And NO regular high school teaches the most important part of finance: investing.

When you invest, you grow your money by putting it into stocks, bonds, real estate, a small business startup, options, foreign currency, life insurance policies, etc. There are many choices out there, but too many of us are ignorant on the subject until way later in life – and that‘s a shame because the sooner you start investing the more money you can have at a younger age (look up compound interest so you get the idea of how this works).

Teach Me Wall Street

Fortunately, there is an online camp coming up for teens ages 13-18 which promises to cover all the basics of investing from a REAL WORLD perspective, so you can learn how to make money with smart investments. It’s called Teach Me Wall Street, and students will learn about:

the stock market
currency trading
related financial institutions
fintech (finance technology) and jobs
and how they all come together.

Summer Camp is offered in three tracks over the summer, starting July 6. Participants can take one track or all three. (ALL TIMES BELOW IN EASTERN TIME)

Track 1 – July 6 – 10 OR July 27 – 31 – 10am – 12pm

Wall Street 101 – Teaches how Wall Street and the stock market work and who the players are.

Track 2- July 13 – 17 OR Aug 3 – 7 – 10am – 12pm

Fintech and Jobs of the New Economy – Find out how technology creates and changes jobs – and where the new jobs are.

Track 3 – July 20 – 24 OR Aug 10 – 14 – 10am – 3pm – Intensive Boot Camp

Currency Trading – Explore the principals of currency trading, get a technical analysis and find out how international events affect the markets and you.

Much of the material covered in the summer camp is not taught in school. It’s not text book based but rather provides what teens really need to learn in order to be successful in life as investors.

“The best gift any educator can get is seeing how, when students learn, they are able to connect all the dots. Countless times people have told me how they are taught about various things, but never really understand how it all works. However, when taking a workshop or tour with us there is context and history, and we make it fun – so it is easy to learn how the stock exchange and the whole financial system works.”
—Annaline Dinkelmann, Founder

First year online

The company has been teaching and touring Wall Street for the past 12 years, but due to Covid 19, they have taken their education online.

Past teachers who brought student groups in person rave:

“Great company to work with! I highly recommend booking a tour or workshop with them.”

“Thank you for a wonderful and informative Wall Streets tour. The students and staff enjoyed it very much! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to booking next year tour with our 2020 incoming class!”

For more information, check out https://www.teachmewallstreet.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/wallstreetwalks/

Driving Apps to Keep Teens Safe

Learning how to drive is a rite of passage into adulthood. A teenager earning their driver’s license is one of the most exciting times of his or her life. Becoming a young driver is fun. It gives you a sense of freedom and responsibility. However, it is important to stay safe too. With the high usage of cell phones on the road, it increases distracted driving and the likelihood of having an accident. It only takes a second to become distracted by a notification or a call that can lead to an accident. These are some recommended driving apps to minimize phone usage while driving.

As a teenager, creating safe driving habits is essential to preventing involvement in a car accident. “It is the parent’s responsibility to equip their young adult with enough information and resources to become a safe driver, and apps are a fun way of doing so,” said car accident attorney Hank Stout. With the advancement of technology, driving apps have become more resourceful in monitoring driving behaviors. These recommended apps will minimize the likelihood of texting and speeding, but also useful and in emergencies.

Autobrain

A team of first responders created Autobrain. If you happen to get in a car accident, Autobrain immediately alerts 911 to your location. Additional features include roadside assistance, lockout services, emergency fuel delivery, dead battery boost, tire change, and free towing options. The app comes with a 30-day free trial, then $9.97 a month per device.

TrueMotion

TrueMotion is a family-oriented app that tracks and scores each driver’s behavior by providing the route, location, speed limit, and phone usage. It is available on Android and iOS platforms.

RoadReady

The RoadReady app is part of The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program, which provides a printed and digital driving curriculum. The app offers an interactive and educational and way to record the state-required supervised driving time. The app tracks driving time and weather conditions.

Life360

The Life 360 app provides a weekly driving analysis that includes phone usage, rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speed. Also, it has roadside assistance along with crash and emergency response system.

Mama Bear

MamaBear is an excellent family-friendly app. It provides a robust all-in-one safety and awareness tool. The app allows you to set a speed limit, and it will notify you when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, whether you are the driver or passenger. You can set locations and receive arrival and departure notifications. The app features social media and text message monitoring to keep track of followers, pictures, and mentions.

Wireless Providers

Several wireless companies offer driving apps. AT&T may be the most unique with DriveMode. The app automatically turns on when the car moves at least 15 MPH. While driving, it silences notifications for text messages and phone calls and sends an auto-response to users. If the driver decides to turn off the app or disable other safety features, his or her parents will receive a notification. This app is open to all users, even if you’re not an AT&T subscriber using an Android or iOS.

Other wireless providers include Hum by Verizon, SyncUp Drive with T-Mobile, and Sprint Drive.

How to Avoid Becoming Another Teen Road Collision Statistic

If you’re getting your first car and your driving license, you’re undoubtedly feeling excited about getting on the road. All that freedom to finally go wherever you like without waiting for the bus or your mom to give you a ride.

But whether you like it or not, there’s no denying that teen drivers are at the most risk when it comes to being involved in accidents on the road. Not only are you more of a risk-taker when you’re in your teens, but you also don’t have a lot of experience driving just yet.

The last thing that you want is to end up as just another statistic of being a teen involved in an accident on the road. And depending on what happens, accidents in your first year or two of driving can have serious consequences, from losing your license to seeing your auto insurance premiums soar when they should be coming down. So, how can you make sure that you’re driving safely while still having some fun as you get behind the wheel?

Try Telematics Insurance:

Yes, the idea of having a device fitted to your car to monitor your driving and tell you off in an app for speeding or braking too harshly might suck a little, but when it comes to being safe, it’s often one of the best things that you can do. And, telematics insurance is often cheaper for new drivers, so whether you’re paying for your insurance yourself or your mom and dad are helping you out with it, nobody can complain about that. Since you’re new to driving, there’s always going to be mistakes made and things that you’re unsure of, and your telematics device can help you figure out what you need to practice more and what you’re doing well.

Avoid Giving All Your Friends Rides:

Did you know that your risk of being involved in a fatal collision increases three times just by having all your friends in the car? When you’re giving your friends a ride to school or the mall, you’re more likely to end up driving distracted. After all, everybody’s going to be having conversations and you’re going to naturally want to join in, but when you’re just getting used to being on the road, this can be seriously risky. Try to limit giving rides to no more than two friends at a time and ask them to be respectful of you as a new driver.

Stick to Speed Limits:

Speeding isn’t just reckless in terms of your own safety – you could also be risking the lives of others on the road. You could seriously hurt somebody, and if that happens, the adrenaline rush you felt when you put your foot down just won’t be worth it. And, at best, you could get stopped by the cops and fined before you’ve even got a month of driving experience under your belt.

Keep Learning:

Many teens believe that once they’ve got their license, they’re good to go. But while you might have mastered the basics of driving enough to get your driver’s license and be able to drive your own car on the roads, get into the habit of continuing to learn. Remember that you’re still mastering a lot of driving and there are going to be some new situations that you encounter, so don’t be afraid to ask people who’ve been driving for longer for help; they’ve probably been in more situations on the road than you and can show you things that driver’s ed doesn’t teach you.

Get a Good Handsfree Kit:

As tempting as it may be to answer a text or make a call while driving, it’s best to avoid this entirely – even if it is legal in your state. Using a cell phone when you’re driving can be one of the easiest ways to distract yourself from the road and many serious collisions have occurred as a result. Get a hands-free kit so that you can mount your phone on your dashboard if you need to use it for directions and use an Aux or Bluetooth for taking calls without having to touch the handset.

Like it or not, teens tend to be involved in the most collisions on the road. If you’re excited to get your first car, keep these tips in mind and drive safely.

What Should You Do If You Are Injured In a Car Accident?

If you are the victim of someone else’s reckless driving, you should consider seeking legal assistance. A car accident attorney can help you understand your rights. The aftermath of an auto accident can be confusing. Reach to someone in your area who can provide answers to your questions.

2020 Home Design Trends: What Is In and What Is Out?

Another year, another set of interior design trends for all you interior decorating lovers out there. From a brand-new colour pallet to new materials and geometric shapes to cater to the eye, this is an exciting time for those looking to decorate. To help you create a space that you love that is as trendy as possible, we have compiled a list of some of our favourite 2020 trends we believe you will love.

Curvy Design

Harsh edges are out in 2020 with curvy furniture being the latest design trend for the home in 2020. With curved sofas, foot stalls and round coffee tables are a great way of making the most of the space and making your room look welcoming. Regardless of the colour theme of the room or the size of the furniture, curved lines are welcoming to the eye and make you feel comfortable. Whether you implement it in the spare room, conservatory or the kitchen, this is sure to make your home more welcome.

Floral Wallpaper

Another amazing interior design trend that is worth looking into this year is floral wallpaper. Whether it is a pastel colour theme or bright colours, this is a great design trend that is sure to bring character to any room that you add it to. This can then be coupled with cushions and other patterned furnishings to bring an overall theme to the room. This is ideal for a room that has an abundance of natural light as it can help to make it feel more welcoming as a result.

Layering Contrasting Colours

Contrasting colours are a great way to make the room pop and have been used throughout the year in interior decoration. It is a trend that never gets old and is a great way of making neutral colours and even darker colours on the spectrum stand out. With contrasting colours such as red and yellow and black and white playing well on the eyes this is a great way to play with colour and makes specific parts of the room stand out from others. Whether it is a parrot print canvas or other artwork on a plain background, this can work well in almost any room. This is a tip that is often used when designing an open-plan space as it can help to differentiate the different room.

Comfortable Furnishings

The final way to make your home more welcoming whilst sticking to 2020 interior design trends is to use comfortable furnishings. Whether this is a set of throws in the living room or spare cushions on the bed, these comfortable furnishings can make any room much more appealing. They can be purchased with ease from several retailers and can hugely impact on the way a room looks. In addition, the throws and cushions can be changed with ease should you change the colour theme of the room making this ideal.

With this in mind, there are several amazing ways that you can use design trends for 2020 within your home without spending a small fortune on a brand-new set of furniture. Which of these will you be trying for yourself?

What Teens Need to Know About Safe Driving and Avoiding Car Accidents

It’s frequently true that teenage drivers get into more car accidents than older drivers. It’s not always their fault as we’ll discover in this article.

Also, newer drivers don’t always know what to do in the case of an accident. We also touch on this to provide some useful suggestions too.

Why Teens Are More Likely to Have Car Accidents?

Just like with anything else in life, usually, you get better at something with practice. The more practice, the greater experience dealing with all kinds of situations. This prepares you in life as you get older and is sometimes referred to as ‘wisdom.’

Unfortunately, teenage drivers don’t have the benefit of this yet. Therefore, actions like tactical driving to avoid an accident isn’t necessarily in their skillset. Also, there can be a tendency to drive too fast, rush the lights, or take other unnecessary risks, all of which increase the likelihood of getting into a car accident.

Being under the influence is also a contributing factor. This affects drivers of all ages who choose to drive impaired, not just teenage ones.

Car Accidents are Increasing Despite Car Safety Improvements

You would think that improvements in vehicle safety such as driver and passenger airbags, anti-locking brakes, power steering, compact safety zones to prevent crushing, and other measures would all contribute to a reduction in car accidents. However, you’d be wrong!

For instance, not only is Georgia one of the deadliest in the country for car accidents, but the number of car accidents in just Atlanta alone has increased by over 30 percent in recent years. Ultimately, many accidents are created through either human error and/or bad judgment, which is something that safer car designs and technologies cannot overcome.

Staying more alert, driving slower, and not drinking & driving will certainly help to reduce the possibility of getting into a car accident. However, sometimes they just happen because they’re unavoidable.

What Happens After an Accident?

Getting into an accident is upsetting and disorientating. There’s usually a sense of disbelief and denial that it’s happened, and sometimes a momentary disconnection from reality. However, once you reconnect with what’s going on, it’s time to deal with the unfortunate consequences of it.

Around 30 percent of people involved in a car accident sustain physical injuries. Bear in mind that it’s often difficult to know how badly you’ve been hurt or whether those injuries will be short-term, lifelong, or something in-between.

Also, knowing what to do next when you’ve never had an accident before might be unclear too.

When Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’re unsure what to do and how bad the situation is, contacting a reputable car accident lawyer in your state should be done ASAP. They’ve dealt with many such cases before and can talk you through what actions to take immediately and in what order.

It’s worth pointing out that documenting the scene of the accident through photos or videos can be useful to your lawyer later. Get medical attention even if you think your injury is minor because it may not be.

Hiring a lawyer at this stage is important because you want someone on your side. Their goal is to get the best compensation for you to cover any pain and suffering caused by the responsible party. Remember, there are other parties involved, and the insurers are not on your side in a car accident.

Car accidents are sometimes avoidable but when you’re in one, it’s important to respond the right way. By getting appropriate advice, it avoids making mistakes following an accident that puts you in a worse position.

5 Signs to Tell If a Girl Likes You

Dating is exciting and at the same time it is confusing since you don’t know whether your partner likes you. Here are 5 signs that a girl likes you.

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For a lot of guys, one wish they have is to learn how to read the signs that a girl likes you.

Are you suffering the frustration of waiting for a sign that a girl likes you just because you don’t know what you’re looking for?

Learning how to spot these signs is a MUST. It will boost your confidence and help you avoid those embarrassing blunders that come with getting them wrong.

5 Signs that a girl likes you

One key aspect of the human courtship ritual is mirrored across most of the animal kingdom: First contact is often initiated by the male.

This can be intimidating, and sometimes terrifyingly. Especially as it turns out that we’re hardwired to fear rejection.

Fortunately for us humans, the female of the species has a few ways of letting us know that its time to pluck up the courage to say hello.

The Furtive Glance

When a person is interested in another person, they want to look at them.

That’s a fact, and unless they have superhuman levels of self-restraint they are going to have to give in to that urge once in a while.

If you catch a woman looking at you on more than one occasion, and it’s not because you have something on your face, then there’s a good chance she likes you.

She will most likely glance away when you return eye contact. It’s fine, it just means she’s a little shy. But now is a good time to introduce yourself.

The Staring Contest

When you’re talking to her see if she holds your gaze for a while, but be careful not to make it feel like a staring contest, this will usually come off as too intense.

She is more likely to be comfortable looking at you when you’re not directly staring back into her eyes.

If you’re already up close and personal then look to see if her pupils dilate when you’re talking. If they do then this is a good sign that she is really into you.

I Welcome You With Open Arms

Just because you’re expected to do the talking doesn’t mean that she won’t let you know when its time.

If her torso is turned towards you in an open manner, then that’s a good sign that she wants you to approach her.

Whilst folded arms act as a barrier, open arms often serve as an invitation. Especially if accompanied with the shoulders pushed back to accentuate the neck and chest.

Feet Don’t Fail Me

Look at her feet. The lead foot will often point in the direction of where the mind wants to go.

If they’re pointing towards the nearest exit when you’re talking then its time to back off, but if they’re pointing straight at you then there’s a good chance she’s interested.

Feeling Fidgety?

Does she play with her hair when talking to you? Does she draw attention to her neck area? Does she mirror your body language?

These are all signs that a girl likes you and that it’s your turn to make the next move.

A Final Word

On its own, one of these signs that a girl likes you is not necessarily a green light.

However, if you’re beginning to notice multiple signs, there’s a good chance that she likes you.

How to Reduce Car Accident Risk for Teen Drivers in Austin Texas

While there are scary statistics that involve teens and driving, crashes involving 16 and 17-year-old’s have significantly declined over the past 15 years. As a young driver in a big city like Austin, it’s important that you are aware of other motorists on the road and keep your full focus on what is ahead of you. With that in mind, here are a few ways on how to reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident.

Wear Your Seat Belt

Research indicates that more than 50% of teens killed in a car accident were not wearing their seatbelt. While federal law mandated seatbelts for all vehicles more than 50 years ago, teens are the most likely demographic to not wear their seat belts. Whether you’re driving alone, with others, or only going a short distance, it’s important that you get into the habit of putting your seatbelt on before starting your vehicle. Seatbelts save lives, so make sure that you and any passengers in your vehicle are wearing their seatbelt.

Put Your Cell Phone Away

Most teens feel they can’t live without their smartphone. There are many distractions that a smartphone can bring, which is a leading cause of crashes for teens. If you use your device when driving, it will take your eyes, mind, and hands off the road, which can result in devastating consequences.

Say No to Peer Pressure

If there is more than one teen in a vehicle, the chances of being involved in a fatal car accident will increase significantly, which is why so many states across the country have enacted graduated driver’s licenses. This reduces the number of passengers a new driver can carry within their car. As a teen, you may be impressionable and want to show off to your friends, however, it’s important that you be mature and say no to peer pressure. Running through red lights, speeding, or driving aggressively will put you and other passengers in danger, so staying in control of the vehicle and being a responsible driver is key.

Utilize Teen Safety Features

There are several automakers who have designed teen driving features that promote safe driving habits. Whether it’s by limiting the car’s top speed, monitoring seat belt usage, or restricting audio volume levels, making use of teen safety technology and features can add an extra layer of protection when driving and reduce your risk of being in a car accident.

Sleep, then Drive

When passing your driving test, it’s only natural that you will want to spend every waking hour driving around and enjoying the new found freedom of the open road, however, it’s important that you are in the best frame of mind before getting in the driving seat. Getting plenty of sleep each night will help you stay focused and boost concentration levels. Sleepiness can impair your attention, coordination skills, and working memory, which will put you at a greater risk of a car crash. If you find yourself in a car accident, it’s important that you find a car accident lawyer who can guide you through your case. As a teen, passing your test and being able to legally drive can be exciting and exhilarating. To stay safe on the road, all the tips above can help keep you in control of the vehicle and minimize your risk of being in a collision.

Car Accident Checklist and Helpful Resources for Teen Drivers

A car accident can be a scary experience for anyone, but it’s especially hard for teen drivers that have not been on the road for that long. Therefore, it is important that you know how to react if you are involved in a car accident, even if you consider yourself to be a responsible and careful driver.

We have put together the following checklist of everything you need to remember if you are involved in a car accident, including some resources that could come in useful!

Check for Injuries

Immediately following a car accident, it is crucial that you stop to check yourself for any injuries before you attempt to move or get out of the car. Moving your body when you are injured could make your injuries worse. Once you know that you are ok, you should also check on any passengers in your car.

Determine whether anyone involved in the car accident requires emergency medical treatment, including anyone in the other vehicle and call the emergency services if you are able.

Stay Calm

Being involved in a car accident is scary and often frustrating. But you should remember to stay calm and not get involved in an argument with the other driver. Do not take the blame yourself or try to blame anyone else for the incident.

Contact the Police

As soon as you have checked that everyone is alright and not in any danger, you should contact the police so that they can assess both drivers and address the situation. If there are any witnesses to the car accident, be sure to get their name and contact information so that you can reach them for a statement in the future if necessary.

Seek Professional Advice

When car accidents occur, there is often some conflict over who is at fault, and this can cause problems for the drivers involved. Therefore, we recommend that you get in touch with an attorney that handles car accident cases who can help to navigate you through the process.

Even if you were not at fault for the car accident and have every right to claim compensation, there is no guarantee that it is going to be easy. An experienced car accident lawyer will have the skills and knowledge required to support you, help you receive what you are entitled to, and help maximize your financial and physical recovery.

Call a Parent or Guardian

If you are a new teen driver, then the procedure that you must follow after a car accident can feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. Therefore, it’s a good idea to call a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to attend the scene as soon as possible. This will make the experience easier for you to deal with. Often, when a car accident occurs and a teen driver is involved, they unfairly get the blame. Having an adult with you will provide you with extra support.

Despite how unsettling a car accident can be when you are a teen driver, by following this checklist and using these helpful resources, the process will be easier for you to handle.

Teen Pregnancy: Are You Prepared for Sleep and Playtime Expenses?

Teen pregnancy rates are heading down, thanks to more teens practicing abstinence and/or using birth control. More teens also realize the responsibilities which come with having a child, and that they are not prepared — especially if they plan on pursuing higher education.

Two of the activities new parents are going to have to adapt their lives around are sleep and play. And each of these carries expenses which new parents might not expect. Here are some examples.

SLEEP

Sleep does much more for babies than just resting them: it helps them grow. A well-rested baby not only allows the parents to have their time and sleep more peacefully but also develops quickly and properly. Sleep allows the baby’s essential systems to develop as required, especially the brain and nervous system. To sleep well, he will need to be comfortable. This, of course, refers to his bedding and the nursery environment. Here are some of the items you can purchase to make sure that your little one is as comfortable as possible:

BASSINETS

For a mother who has just given birth, it is advisable to sleep in the same room as their little one. Between the age of 0-3 months, a baby will require constant attention from their parents. Baby bassinets (cradles) provide that security in the early stages. Their small nature enables the toddler to fit perfectly and cozy up to feel comfortable. Such comfort and sense of security are necessary for undisturbed sleep to aid in growth and development as mentioned earlier. Bassinets are mobile and easily fit next to your bed, so you can also bring them to your room. It will make it easier for you to feed your baby at night or check up on them when they wake up.

COTS

Most parents prefer getting cots for their young ones before they are old enough to sleep in a bed. Seeing as this is where they will spend most of their time, it is important to consider safety and comfort when purchasing one. It should fit your baby well without any safety hazards such as wide gaps that can trap the baby. Be sure to get a good fit that is neither too large or too small – comfort and a sense of security are important for good sleep.

BLANKETS

Baby blankets are necessary additions to baby bedding, especially if you live in a cold place. It is also important that you choose the perfect size made with aerated material to help control temperatures. A baby wrapped in a warm cozy blanket is more likely to sleep soundly throughout the night than one dressed in heavy clothing.

COT MATTRESSES

Your baby’s mattress can also easily define how well they sleep. Just like the baby bears, it should neither be too soft or too hard. Be sure to check that your baby’s mattress is made with the right material, fits their cot perfectly and stays clean all the time.

PLAY

Playing with your kids plays a vital role in the growth of your baby through emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development. Playing with your baby strengthens bonds. It also allows the baby to learn fundamental life skills and values such as sharing. The baby gets the chance to explore the world, feel, and touch objects as their curiosity increases. Everything they hear, smell, or taste is recorded in their brains to enhance their mental development. The baby will try to move around as they reach out for something, improving their motor functions. It will also help them to sleep more soundly when they get tired.

BABY PLAY MATS

Independence is one of the values that babies need to develop as they grow. Baby playmats enable the baby to be on their own while playing with other toys. You can stay at a safe distance and keep an eye on them while making sure that they do so on a clean and safe surface. It provides a platform for your baby to roll around and move to enhance their gross and fine motor functions. For instance, laying on their backs while playing on the mat enables them to strengthen their necks and backs especially as they try to get up.

Playmats are usually made of bright and contrasting colours to improve their visual perception as they grow. This helps them make distinctions in the colours around, and this, in turn, improves their vision rapidly. The benefits of a baby’s play mat are truly inexhaustible.

BABY GYMS

A baby gym is an even better upgrade. It has many more features such as hanging toys. The more advanced (and expensive) ones have mirrors, lights, and music in it. These features keep the baby entertained and engaged for long periods as you take a break or do something else. As the baby plays in the gym, his reflexes in grasping and reaching improve, as they stretch out for the dangling toys. The mirrors and music make the baby aware of their surroundings. Babies can notice themselves while they play, making them more self-aware. The sounds and bright colours stimulate their sensory organs as they engage themselves.

Conclusively, every baby’s growth is dependent on both sleep and play. Parents should be as keen on those two as they are with other aspects of the baby’s life including his health. These two aspects are crucial in the development of emotional, physical, social, and cognitive skills, but as you can see, parents must budget for certain items to achieve success in these areas.