v 3 issue 41: Rock Baby

Rock Baby
What a fun issue for the Rock n' Roll baby and parents too.
Cover by Lisa Trakis











1 Now we know what to do with all those old cassette tapes...adorn them with flowers and cool designs. A giggle arises when trying to think of how the inspiration for this design came about. nevertheless, we think it is great! Fits 3-24 months, comes in olive green, and has matching flare pants. Clothing for kids that were born to rock at Slicksugar.com.

2 When little bangers are ready to move on to the next level of rockin' out, try this Musical Band by Plan Toys. Sturdy construction and a simple design makes this drum set perfect for 3 years plus. Just right for that in between stage...when the pots and pans aren't doin' it anymore, but the big boy drums just aren't happenin'!

3 Infants love Robeez because they are the closest thing to wearing no shoes, Moms love them because they stay on, and Dads love them because they have soft soles. Pastel blue leather, flames, and a rockin' guitar, all on top of suede soles, make this the pair Elvis would love. As usual, we think Robeez are fabulous!

4 When it comes to big messes in little seats, Babble Chic has got you covered. We especially love this groovy guitar print for infants and tots with soul. Lots of great prints to pick from, all with the touch of quilted comfort. Best of all, these covers keep the messes neatly folded until you can dispose of the evidence of the day's mishaps.

5 A super soft cotton tee with a bad attitude! Let your little dude (or dudette) "Rock the Playground" in this black tee with a foil screened guitar and "rock the playground" written all over it. Another great find at Rock'n n Sprouts.

6 Up and Comer Apparel is the place to find some silly little shirts made just for infants and toddlers. Add a little humor to baby's wardrobe with this Rockin' Out onesie. Comes in pink, black or white to fit sizes 0-6 or 6-12 months.

7 Peltor Hearing Protectors keep out the harmful noises while letting kiddos hear the sounds they want. What's great is these ear muffs fit children as young as 1 year. Apple Martin uses them for Dad's shows, but most of us will be using them for a quiet ride on a lawn mower. Check out Dandelion Kids for great fair-trade toys and organic clothing also.

8 Fabulous songs from past decades have been revamped with acoustic vocals and great visuals, making That Baby DVD a hit. Sing-a-long because you can't help yourself and leave the old videos behind. Available in a CD to take on the road or get them both in a bundle package.

This week's Mom Tips

Green Tip:
Choose to go to places you can get to without a car — by walking, biking, hiking, or taking public transportation. If you have to drive, car-pool with a friend.
Financial Tip:
Don't speed...speeding uses extra gas. Rapid acceleration and hard breaking are inefficient and lower your gas mileage.
Cleaning Tip:
Stock up on wipes of all kinds! Windex now makes wipes as well as dusting cloth wipes and cleaning wipes...when in a hurry just wipe it down.
Time Saving Tip:
Keep a few new garbage bags at the bottom on the garbage basket...easily slide the new one into place.


Music and Your Child

It has been shown over the years that music for a baby is a good developmental tool, even as early as a fetus in the womb. There are many different things music can do for our children.
By making music part of your child’s daily routine you can teach them what to expect and can make them feel more secure. Do you sing your child a lullaby or play a CD at bedtime or nap time? This behavior teaches children, with repetition, that it is time for bed. In addition to this, you can use music to alter your child's mood — and your own. Soft, gentle music seems to soothe and calm while louder, bouncier music can give you a boost.
Music also contributes to a rich sensory environment for children. Music exposes your child to an environment filled with a variety of tastes, smells, textures, colors and sounds. Experiencing this rich sensory environment can offer neural stimulation that can help a child in almost every area of school. Listening to music may help make these changes, but the biggest impact comes when your child actively participates in these musical activities. Another reason that you would want to expose your child to music would be just because it is enjoyable for both of you. Any parent who has danced or sang a song with their child will truly understand what I mean here. Dancing crazy and spinning a circle with your child is not only good exercise for you both but will leave you and your child in a fit of laughter.
Children also like to dance and make their own music. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 respond best to music when they actively experience it. Look for active ways to get your child involved with music. Such as marching, rocking, tapping, spinning, clapping and just moving to the beat of the music. Another way to get them to actively experience music is by introducing instruments. Children in this age range like instruments that can be banged, struck or shaken. No instruments in your house? Just give your child a pot and a wooden spoon and watch them keep their own tempo. You can encourage this behavior by grabbing your own pot and spoon and mimic the sounds that your child makes.
Music has also been known to teach our children over the years. Combining music and playing can also be helpful in teaching your child important facts and skills. For example; the children’s “ABC song” teaches the alphabet, “This Old Man” teaches numbers and “There was an old woman who swallowed a fly” teaches rhythm and memory. Eventually you will notice that your child will have a select few that they like to hear and will request them frequently. Although this may get rather dull for you, remember that this is another learning tool. This behavior promotes repetition, which is what helps children learn.
There are many different types of music you can share with your child, Kids music CD’s, Folk music, and Rock and Roll. Don’t forget to share your favorite music with your child too. Because, sharing your favorite music can make playtime and learning time more enjoyable for both of you.