safety tips Archives - Happy Pinay Mommy

Ways to make your condominium child-friendly

happypinaymommy — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 09:47:12 +0000

More and more families, especially those that hail in urban Manila (and now even in key cities in the country) are choosing to live in condominium units because of the many advantages that it offers. For one, it can help increase quality time among parents and children because it would mean that parents will be living nearer to their work place, and that the time getting stuck in the horrendous traffic is minimized. As long as the ways to make condominium child-friendly are observed, chances are families would enjoy living in a building.

There however are some disadvantages like smaller spaces, and less storage area. But for most families, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages it may have. For us, with young children, enjoying the vertical lifestyle would entail safety precautions so that we can all enjoy with our children with peace of mind. Allow me to usher in then, a Guest Post of fellow writer, Maricar Borlagdatan, who will be sharing with us tips on making our condo units more child-friendly.

Here is her Guest Post:

Ways to make your condominium child-friendly

How to Make your condominium unit more child-friendly. (Image Credits)

Convenient and accessible, condominiums are the hottest type of property available in the country today. Condominiums are all over Metro Manila making it the obvious choice for families who work and attend school in the city. Aside from the convenience that it brings, condominiums also offer amenities such as swimming pool and malls that are truly fit for the whole family.

But one of the downsides of condominium units is space. Limited space is fine unless you have kids who are always running and playing around. Ensure your kiddos’ safety by following the tips below on how to create a safe space in your condominium unit.

Invest on good and proper lighting

Good lighting lessens the chances of your child to trip or fall. Convenient for kitchens and bathrooms are task lighting where specific areas can be highlighted and given ample lighting. Good lighting can also create a warm and homey atmosphere that any child needs.

Window watch

Condominiums in the Philippines often have blinds for better air flow and circulation. Many parents are afraid that the blind cords can cause harm to their children. Always tie up the cords to the blinds and make sure that it’s far away from your children.

Let some of the furniture go

We all know how hard it is to let go of our precious furniture. But since condominium units have limited space and some furniture are deemed dangerous for kids, it’s time to decide whether a piece should stay or go. For furniture that have sharp edges provide baby bumpers to avoid bumps. Make sure that all of your furniture do not topple easily.

Your family can enjoy more when you know that your whole surrounding is child-friendly. (Image Credits)

Make it sound proof

Not all condominiums are sound proof. To avoid startling your neighbors during playtime, put carpet on your floor or to the space where they most spend their active time.

Secure doors and elevators

Elevators are a must in any condominium. Don’t risk your child’s safety by securing your unit’s door. Prevent your child from going to these exit points by using doorknob covers. Put a safety door stop on the edge of the door so that finger slams can be avoided.

Choose a development with a playground

When buying a condominium, make sure to choose a development that puts safety first. There should also be amenities dedicated for the kids like a children’s playground, library, and kid’s swimming pool.

Always cover electric plugs

Children can’t be stopped from trying to hold things around your home. Tuck wires out of your child’s sight and put covers on electric plugs to avoid electric shocks.

Slip-proof bathroom

Slips and falls are common in a bathroom. Avoid an accident by keeping a non slip mat to be hidden under your decorative rug. Installing spot cover can help in preventing the child from hitting his or her head while taking a bath.

Security check

Condominiums come with reliable security team. In case of any emergency do not hesitate on contacting the condominium’s Homeowners’ Association or its admin team.

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So there you have it, hope you have learned a thing or two on keeping our vertical spaces safer for our youngsters. The author of the guest post, Maricar Borlagdatan, is a creative writer who studied BA Mass Communication in Ateneo De Davao. Aside from writing about real estate, finance, and lifestyle she spends her spare time reading, petting her cat Nina, and playing video games. She currently resides in Makati. You can read more of her writings in Dot Property Philippines.

To my dear readers, let me know if you would like to contribute an article, a poem, or even a song you composed, so that we can share it with our fellow parents – this goes whether you have or you do not have your own website. You may get in touch with me by dropping by my Facebook page or leaving me a direct message over at my Instagram account. Hope you can also hit the like button while you are there so you can receive regular updates from Happypinaymommy.com direct on your newsfeed. You may also follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest Accounts!

Thank you so much!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

Leaving you with this video on minimalist living with kids:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83c1MdNntfo

Best way to declutter toys towards happier homes

The post Ways to make your condominium child-friendly appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Quick and Easy Ways to Clean and Disinfect Toys

happypinaymommy — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:01:27 +0000

Here are some quick and easy ways to clean and disinfect toys. (Photo Credits)

They hold it every minute and younger ones bite it, lick it, drop it on the floor, then put it back on their mouths.

Yes, toys. Plush, rubberized, plastic, wooden, they are all fair game on our kids’ mouths.

So what can we do? Personally, i wash the toys everyday. I use this homemade dishwashing liquid, boil the toys if they could withstand high temp, if not just submerge in really hot water, after washing, then air dry.

Anyway, here are some quick and easy ways to clean and disinfect toys:

1. For rubberized and plastic toys that can withstand boiling (like this) — Wash them first with a dedicated sponge and the usual dish soap. And then boil the toys for ten minutes. After that, I air dry, dry with a clean cloth, and inspect if there are holes or cracks where water may have gotten in before i give the toys back to the littles.

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2. For toys that cannot withstand boiling, but are washable (like this). I wash it as usual. Dunk them in very hot water for 30 seconds. Then air dry.

3. For toys that cannot be washed like battery operated musical instruments etc, encased in hard plastic (like this). You may want to make a water-vinegar-scented oil solution that you can put on an old spray bottle. Spray on the toys and leave the solution for about 10-15 minutes. Wipe with a clean cloth. Ratio is 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water, then 5-10 drops of your choice of scented oil. I have a small atomizer with this solution in my little baby bag for the toys that we bring along outside the house. Yes, just like your kids, my kids are notorious for dropping their toys on the ground!

4. For plush toys like dolls and teddies, and play gyms like this as well as cloth books. I just take a look at the washing instructions and wash accordingly. I also make sure they’ve been dried well in our washing machine, and then dried out in the sun to kill germs further. Remember, damp toys an be a breeding ground for molds so make sure they are dried properly. Line dry if needed using clothespins.

5. Wooden toys (like this). Can also be sprayed with the water-vinegar solution. Just make sure to wipe them down after the 10 minute wait.

6. Bath toys. These horde a lot of sickening potential because if it is not dried and cleaned properly, molds can grow on them. I earlier wrote about this on my blog post on hidden bathroom dangers (read here if you’ve missed it), and gosh, we moms should be extra vigilant. I reco now toys which float but do not have holes where water can seep in. Fairly easy to clean too. Anyway, to clean bath toys make sure that those which can be boiled be boiled and those which cant be washed in a warm soapy solution. Make sure to drain the water inside and do not leave them on bathroom floors or tubs.

As much as possible choose toys that are BPA free like this. I have come to realize that toys are indeed an investment, and the somewhat expensive toys we bought for Achi are still fine and being used by Shobe now. They do not need a lot of toys (it is clutter too), what they need are safe, high quality toys that will last all the throwing, tinkering, and biting!

Having a good rotation of toys would also help you a lot in making sure that the toys remain clean. Why? Because you can wash a batch now while they play with a clean batch. When the day is done, wash the batch they played with and give them the clean ones you washed and dried the day before.

Hope you can find the time to drop by my facebook page and hit the like button, so you could receive updates from happypinaymommy.com straight from your newsfeed. Thank you and till next post.

Happy and healthy homemaking mommies!

Leaving you with this video guide in disinfecting toys:

https://happypinaymommy.com/2015/08/30/where-to-buy-reusable-swim-diapers-or-cloth-diapers-for-swimming-in-the-philippines/

*this post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting happypinaymommy.com

The post Quick and Easy Ways to Clean and Disinfect Toys appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Tips on Driving in EDSA Heavy Traffic with Babies and Kids

happypinaymommy — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 08:39:47 +0000

11 Tips on driving in Heavy EDSA traffic with babies and kids. (Photo Credits)

Heavy traffic is already a given nowadays, but equally stressful is keeping babies from having meltdowns, and making sure that young kids remain at their best behavior inside a vehicle that is at a snail’s pace at best.

I usually drive around the metro with just the littles in tow, and buckling them into their car seats (if you still have yet to buy one — check out this local lazada deal) is just the start of “work” that has to be done while on the road. For expectant mommies who are on the lookout for a great car seat, you may want to check out this infant car seat. That is what we used for the kids at that stage, and this one is what Achi is using right now. There is a local one you can buy off lazada if your kid is in toddler stage — this one can be bought via installment.

Here are some tips to help keep you sane while traversing the heavy traffic roads of the metro.

11 Tips on Driving in EDSA Heavy Traffic with Babies and Kids:

1. Make sure the baby has been nursed, and the older kids have been fed prior to your drive.

2. The diaper should be changed prior to the trip, and the older ones must go to the potty first. (you may want to bring a wee back or extra big diapers for the older tots who may suddenly have the urge to pee in the middle of the bumper-to-bumper traffic).

3. Plan your trip. Although traffic is heavy almost every waking hour everywhere in Metro Manila, there are still window hours when traffic is a little lighter. Plan your trips along those times. From where I do errands, this is usually between 10AM to 3PM. Make sure that you are not forgetting any errand that needs your attention so that you could do all the things you need to do at once.

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4. If your errand is something that does not involve government or commercial transactions, why not schedule your trip on a Sunday when road traffic is more bearable?
5. Bring some toys that could entertain the littles like this. Better yet have toys in a little bag in the car. Babies like links and those you can just clip on their car seats. On the other hand, any type of toy is fair game for older kids.
6. Bring snacks and water in a spill-proof bottle for the older kids. Better if you have a small box type tray for this to minimize crumbs and spills. Of course make sure that your carry-on bag is stocked with all the essentials.
7. Turn on the music! If you are like me who is blessed with a singing diva, then make sure her favorite songs are playing on the background.
8. For little babies — know when to stop. If they are inconsolable no matter what you do, try finding a safe place to stop by for a walk, a diaper change, or nursing session.
9. Train. Sometimes it is all about training the kids to entertain themselves, and be content in their car seat during vehicle rides.
10. Turn it into a learning opportunity. License plate numbers, letters and signage, car colors, can help you to carry out educational games with the kiddos.
11. If your little bean hates his car seat, try some tricks that could make him love it like putting in toys, pasting posters that he could see while he is in the car, making teething toys accessible for him (we put some on chain links–where to buy). If he is screaming and has thrown up, stop and take him out once you are in a safe place like a gasoline station to check if he has a soiled diaper or wants to nurse. If not strap him up again, and go on. DO NOT let him manipulate you into doing this each time. A little crying would not hurt him, and safety should be the priority. By being firm, even young babies would get the message that they really have to be in the car seat and that you cannot do something about it (because there really is no work around anyway).

Also make sure that the babies and young kids are CORRECTLY strapped into their car seats. Make sure to read the manual, and check the car seat expiration (usually at the bottom) if you are using it on your second or third child or if it is a hand-me-down from a relative (yes car seat expires too). Here is a good resource on car seat safety.

So there you have it. Wishing you a safe and happy ride each time.

Also if you have the time, please drop by my Facebook page and hit the like button, so you can receive regular updates from Happypinaymommy.com direct on your newsfeed.

Thank you so much!

Till Next Post!

Leaving you with this video on car seat safety:

https://happypinaymommy.com/2015/08/06/what-can-a-pinay-mommy-do-while-stuck-in-edsa-traffic/

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting happypinaymommy.com

The post Tips on Driving in EDSA Heavy Traffic with Babies and Kids appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Natural DIY Baby-Safe Insect Repellent Sprays

happypinaymommy — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:38:25 +0000

Natural DIY Baby-Safe Insect Repellent Sprays. (Photo Credits)

It is Dengue Season once again, and one of our major concerns is not the non-availability of repellents, but where to get repellents that are effective and safe enough for babies and very young kids to use.

I have compiled some homemade mosquito and bug repellent solutions that you may want to try making in your own home. All you have to do is follow the recipes, and buy a couple of those little atomizers or even those home sprayers. Please note that I held off on recipes that call for essential oils since it is not really that affordable and available in our country.

Also you may want to exercise some caution in using on your infants as it would be a lot better if it is just sprayed on their clothes, stroller or bedding instead of directly spraying on their skin.

Here are some Natural DIY Baby-Safe Insect Repellent Sprays:

1. Super Strong But Natural Insect Repellant. WellnessMama.Com shared this recipe (which according to her is stinky at first application but will eventually smell better as the strong odor evaporates) made of Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Herbs, and Rubbing Alcohol. Here is the link to the Procedure.

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2. Lemon Based-Insect Repellant – GMANews.Com shared this very easy-to-make spray recipe which you however have to spray every hour. It only costs P15.00 to make especially if you have old atomizers/spray bottles to use.Check out the procedure here.
3. Effective Baby Oil-Based, Filipino Invented and Home Tested Repellent Spray – This insect repellent spray shared by Casa Veneracion just uses ingredients that may already be available in your home: Baby Oil, Cloves, and Rubbing Alcohol. Four days to make but definitely worth it. Check out the instructions here.

Again, it is better to just SPRAY ON TO YOUR BABY’S CLOTHES instead of spraying directly onto their skin. The vinegar or rubbing alcohol may still irritate their skin.

Anyway, if going the DIY route is not for you, let me share with you a frugal way of getting an all-natural insect repellent that is safe for kids. This on-liter natural mosquito repellent is on sale via Lazada. Originally at P2500, it is now selling at half the price! Just use your old spray bottles or atomizers! Get it here. If you are not keen to the idea of spraying anti-mosquitoes even on clothes, then might as well get something like this.

So there you have it, apart from the usual advice of keeping surroundings clean, and throwing stagnant water away you may also want to try planning some herbs. Yes, if you have a pocket garden, a balcony, or even small spaces in your house where a pot or plant box could sit then plant these to help you get rid of mosquitoes: Citronella, Basil and Rosemary, Marigold, and Mint.

Stay healthy and safe mommies!

Here’s a video on a DIY natural mosquito repellent:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6RRqc92DP0

https://happypinaymommy.com/2015/08/19/tips-to-avoid-food-poisoning-at-home/

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Happypinaymommy.com

The post Natural DIY Baby-Safe Insect Repellent Sprays appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.