How Pretend Play Benefits Your Child

From the time they are able to play on their own, small children become engaged in creative play. Whether they prefer caring for a special doll, guiding cars and trucks through imaginary traffic, or whipping up a tasty meal in a pint-sized kitchen, kids of all ages learn and grow through pretend play. Even children who are surrounded by expensive, high-tech video games or have unlimited access to television can be found playing pretend, alone or with their playmates. You can help your child develop his or her creativity with high-quality toys that stimulate the imagination.

What are some of the benefits of pretend play?

Pretend play can help your child grow intellectually and emotionally. Here are just some of the skills that your little ones develop when they engage in creative role play:

* Empathy - When your child pretends to be a mommy, or a doctor, or a construction worker, she is putting herself in the position of another person and allowing herself to see things through the eyes of another. This can help develop a sense of empathy, or understanding how others feel.

* Confidence - By imagining themselves to be the character they are playing, children begin to see that they can be anyone they want to be. This is helpful for developing their confidence and self-esteem.

* Problem-solving skills - As your child imagines himself in a made-up situation, he thinks about how to solve problems and make the game work. In a pretend play kitchen, for example, your little chef may need to think about how to set a table, what he can use for pretend food to cook, or how to work with other children who are "helping."

How can I encourage my child in games of pretend?

Because pretend play is part of your child’s development, it is important to encourage him and his creativity. While you will probably not get very far by trying to start games of pretend yourself, you can urge him on when you see him caught up in make-believe. Act out the part of a customer in a restaurant, be the first in line at the cash register, or offer to help with the dishes in the play kitchen.

Where can I find the best pretend play kitchens and other realistic toys to help my child grow?

Role play does not require hundreds of dollars worth of expensive equipment, electronics, or tiny parts. You can assist with your child’s creativity with well-made, appealing, and realistic toys like pretend play kitchens, complete with appliances, dishes, pots and pans, and more – find everything you need to get her imagination rolling with pretend play toys from A Kid Place.

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Guidecraft Toys and Furniture – High Quality, Affordable Merchandise Just for Kids

The name Guidecraft is synonymous with quality and fun. For decades, the Guidecraft company has been manufacturing the finest wooden children’s furniture and educational toys. This family-owned company is noted for providing the best quality and service to increasing numbers of loyal customers. Here are just some of the wonderful kids’ products from Guidecraft.

Kids’ Furniture -

Guidecraft children’s furniture is made from quality hardwood in a variety of charming styles; choose from classic designs, whimsical hand-painted creations, and even MLB-themed playroom furniture.

* Classic - Guidecraft offers a great selection of kids' tables and chairs, step-stools, and more in a variety of classic styles and finishes to suit every decor. Outfit your child's bedroom or playroom with these sturdy, adorable pieces.

* Hand Carved and Hand Painted - Whimsical tables and chairs, toy boxes and more are lovingly painted in themes that will delight children of all ages. Pirates, safari animals, and a farmhouse design help bring your child's fantasies to life.

* MLB - Major League Baseball team designs bring out the team spirit in any sports fan. Root for your favorite team with Guidecraft's rocking chairs, book shelves, and table and chair sets.

* Storage Solutions - Home and Classroom - When playtime is over, cleanup is easy with toy boxes, storage bins and more. Handy step-stools with storage space inside are perfect for the playroom or bathroom; for teachers, organizing the classroom is a cinch with bookshelves and storage shelves in attractive colors and designs.

Toys -

Educational toys from Guidecraft help your child to develop a wide range of important skills, from color and shape recognition to organizing and sorting to communication. These exciting and engaging toys are sure to appeal to young children.

* Classic Manipulative Toys - Manipulative toys like shape sorters, puzzles, or lacing games help children to develop their motor and problem-solving skills, as well as learning about their relationships to their environment. Guidecraft offers a great selection of colorful, non-toxic toys that are perfect for the playroom or pre-school classroom.

* Wooden Blocks - Your little architect can put her imagination to work through creative play that encourages coordination and problem-solving with classic wooden block toys.

* Dramatic Play & Dress-Up - Dramatic play encourages cooperation, communication, and creativity; encourage your child's imaginative role play with play kitchens, wooden puppet theaters, and dress-up solutions for the home or classroom.

* Magneatos - Guidecraft's award-winning Magneatos construction toys are fun for kids of all ages. The oversized magnetic pieces are safe even for younger children and encourage hours of creative play.

Where to find Guidecraft toys and kids’ furniture -

Here at A Kid Place, we have a fantastic selection of Guidecraft’s high-quality wooden children’s toys and furniture. Find everything you need to create memories that last a lifetime this holiday season.

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The Benefits of Educational Toys

Research has shown that a child’s IQ can be increased by as much as 50 points by exposing him or her to educational toys during the first six years of life. Educational toys are a great way to stimulate even the youngest child, and they give parents the opportunity to play with and give positive feedback to their little ones. But with thousands of toys to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to buy. The following information can help you to better understand what you can expect from educational toys and where you can find the best toys for your child.

What are educational toys?

Quite simply, educational toys are toys that help children learn. These toys are typically designed to develop a particular skill; they should be interesting and engaging, challenging your child yet allowing him to feel a sense of accomplishment when he succeeds at completing a “task.” Educational toys are available for all age groups; some of the skills these toys target include the following:

• Fine and gross motor control;
• Hand-eye coordination;
• Shape and color recognition;
• Numbers and problem solving;
• Creative play and social skills.
  

The right educational toys can engage your child’s imagination and help her to build self-confidence as she learns to manipulate objects and develops critical thinking skills.

What about educational DVDs and video games?

There has been quite a bit of interest over the last ten years or so in educational videos and electronic games; many parents were led to believe that these resources could boost their children’s intelligence and develop their artistic, musical, and language skills. However, research has demonstrated that video games and movies, even of the so-called educational genre, do little to increase a child’s abilities. While viewing educational shows is better than spending hours watching cartoons, the rule of thumb is that children should spend no more than 2 hours per day in front of a screen, whether a television or computer.

How do I know which toys are right for my child?

Educational toys are typically labeled according to the age group for which they are intended. These guidelines are the best way to determine which toys are most appropriate for your little ones. Toys with small pieces which can be put into the mouth are not appropriate for children under the age of three. Toys that are designed for older children can also be frustrating for smaller kids, so it is best not to assume that you have a budding Einstein and offer a Rubik’s cube to your toddler. Look for high-quality toys made from non-toxic, kid-friendly materials.

Finding affordable educational toys

Unfortunately, the best toys for kids are also the more expensive ones, as they are carefully made and tested for quality and safety. However, if you go to the right place, you can find affordable educational toys that are just right for your child. Check out the great selection of high-quality toys at www.akidplace.com and get your holiday shopping done early!

Choosing the Right Baby Safety Gate

Once your baby begins to creep, crawl, and walk, you will need to install baby safety gates in your home to prevent falls and other accidents that could result in serious injury to your little one. There are numerous different types of baby gates, from pressure-mounted to hardware-mounted to free-standing. We have compiled a list of some of the important things you should consider when purchasing baby gates for your home.

1. Avoid older, accordion-style baby gates. Older baby gates were frequently designed with larger openings that could trap your baby if she tried to crawl through or climb over the gate. While it is best to purchase a new baby gate if possible, used gates that were manufactured in the last five years should be suitable as well.

2. Look for gates with vertical slats only. Babies can be extremely creative about getting over or around a safety gate; gates that have horizontal bars with spaces large enough to provide a toe-hold for little feet will quickly be used as an escape ladder. The safest baby gates have vertical slats only, except at the very top and bottom.

3. Pressure-mounted gates. Pressure mounted gates are the most common and least expensive type of baby safety gate. They are designed to open out to fit a doorway, with the rubber “feet” on the sides providing stability. While these gates are easily portable, their drawbacks are that adults must step over them, and larger babies may be able to push them over. For this reason, they should not be installed at the top or bottom of a stairwell.

4. Hardware-mounted gates. As you might expect, hardware mounted baby gates are fastened to the wall with screws and typically have a latching mechanism for adults to pass through. These are nearly impossible for babies to push over and provide a high level of safety; on the other hand, they require drilling into walls and door frames, so these areas will need repair once you no longer need the gate.

5. Gates for non-standard spaces. With today’s housing construction, many homes have non-standard doorways that will not accommodate a basic safety gate. In this case, you have a couple of different options. You can purchase a free-standing gate that you can assemble in any area of your home, or you may opt for a custom gate, such as the Summer Infant Super Wide Custom Fit Gate, which is designed to fit extra-wide door frames.

Our website offers a great selection of baby safety gates for any space and any price range. Check out all of our high-quality baby products at www.akidplace.com.

The Keekaroo Café Booster Seat – the Perfect Mealtime Seating Solution for your Toddler

Mealtimes are important for any family; they are the perfect time to talk, enjoy a good meal, and make the most of this precious time together. The Keekaroo Café Booster Seat lets your little one sit right up to the table and allows them to feel like part of the family; whether your baby is ready to self-feed at the table or simply enjoys being one of the group, this attractive seat is a great solution. Read on to find out more about the special features that make the Café Booster Seat the best solution for your growing family.

Provides comfort and support

The Keekaroo Café Booster Seat is manufactured from pliable foam that holds your child firmly, yet conforms to their body shape, providing comfort while seated at the table; the boosters are designed to fit all standard dining chairs. The raised back offers additional support for children who are old enough to sit on their own.

JPMA certified and safe for young children

Like all Keekaroo children’s products, the Café booster seat exceeds the safety standards set by the U.S. government. These comfy seats are JPMA certified, ensuring you that your child will be safe and secure at mealtimes. Safety features include a non-skid bottom to prevent slipping, three point safety belt, and straps to secure the booster to any dining room or kitchen chair.

Non-toxic materials

Keekaroo’s Café Booster is manufactured of non-toxic materials and is free of latex and other allergens. The anti-microbial surface, with its exclusive peel- and tear-resistant covering, protects your little one from germs, even when the inevitable spills occur.

Easy cleaning

The Café Booster is impermeable to liquids and has a seamless surface, making cleanup easy, even after the messiest spills. Simply sponge away messes with warm water and store until the next time the seat is needed.

Suitable for any home

The Café Booster comes in a variety of colors, including Aqua, Cherry, Chocolate, Key Lime, and Lavender. Their attractive design fits any décor, and the bright colors are appealing for baby.

Made in the USA

Keekaroo’s Café Booster is manufactured exclusively in the United States.

Visit www.akidplace.com and find out everything you need to know about our full line of Keekaroo products, along with baby monitors, toys, furniture, tricycles, and everything else you need for your growing child.

Make this Holiday Season the Best Ever with Retro Pedal Cars and Pedal Planes

These days, it seems like even the youngest of children are more tech-savvy than ever, with thousands of electronic toys and games at their disposal. Kids seem to spend more and more time in front of a screen, playing high-tech video games or watching cartoons; for parents, it can often seem like some of the former innocence of childhood is missing. But some of the most popular toys from decades ago can still delight young children; what little girl or boy would not be thrilled to have a “ride” of their own? You can make this holiday season one they will surely remember with retro pedal cars and pedal planes that bring back memories of simpler times.

If you are thinking about buying a pedal car or pedal plane for your toddler, here are some of the things you should keep in mind.

1. While you can buy vintage cars and planes from the 40’s and 50’s, these are not usually the best choice for young children. Older models are sold mainly as collector’s items and can contain toxic materials, such as lead paint, that are dangerous for small children.

2. Avoid purchasing plastic cars or planes. While these are lightweight, and often less expensive than those made from metal, they are unlikely to last for more than one season. Investing in a metal car or plane will guarantee that the vehicle will survive to be passed on to your younger children, or even grandchildren, later on.

3. Stay away from battery-operated cars and trucks. While these can make young kids feel like they are really “driving,” they can be difficult to control and are potentially very dangerous. No type of kids’ vehicle should ever be ridden without adult supervision, but pedal-operated vehicles are much safer for your precious little ones.

4. Take the size of your child into account when selecting your vehicle. While many cars and planes are made to accommodate a wide range of sizes, some are mainly intended for smaller toddlers. Be sure to select a size that your child will be able to manage easily, but offers some growing room – this is a toy that will last for years.

5. Whether you order your plane or car online or purchase it at a specialty store, some assembly may be required. Make sure you schedule enough time to put this special gift together when making arrangements for delivery.

There are many options available when it comes to buying just the right pedal car or pedal plane for your child. At www.akidplace.com, you will find a great selection of cars, planes, and other pedal toys – taxi cabs, police cars, and fire engines, and yes, even Thomas the Tank Engine. Order early to ensure that yours arrives on time to make this the best holiday ever for your little one.

Your Keekaroo Height Right Wooden High Chair – How to Get the Most Out of It

Parents, there is finally a wooden high chair that is affordable, safe, and grows with your child. The Keekaroo Height Right wooden high chair is fully adjustable, accommodating children from six months of age into their teenage years. This attractive, eco-friendly wooden high chair is certified to the latest JPMA standards for safety and comes in an attractive natural finish, made from 100% non-toxic materials. The accessories listed below can help you get the most out of your Keekaroo Height Right wooden high chair.

Infant Insert -

The infant insert is a must-have accessory for infants just learning to sit on their own. The soft-to-the-touch insert adds comfort and security, with higher sides for stability and a pommel to prevent your baby from slipping. The Keekaroo high chair infant insert is waterproof and wipes clean easily; the latex-free material is peel- and tear-resistant, as well. The infant insert comes with a three-point safety harness, as well as the straps needed to attach it securely to the Height Right wooden high chair, and it is available in Aqua, Cherry, Chocolate, Key Lime and Lavender.

Tray -

For feeding time or creative play, the wooden high chair tray can be easily installed on the Keekaroo Height Right wooden high chair. Keep your toddler safe while he learns to self-feed or plays while you work in the kitchen. The locking safety latch keeps the tray in place and provides extra support for infants who can sit well on their own, helping them to maintain correct posture. The raised lip around the rim of the tray prevents messy spills, and the non-toxic finish can be easily cleaned with warm water.

Comfort Cushion Set -

Now, you can add comfort to safety with the comfort cushion set, designed for children who can sit up unassisted. Manufactured from non-latex, anti-microbial material that is easy to clean up after meals, the comfort cushions are filled with soft foam that lets each child find the most comfortable position. The back rest and seat pad can be purchased together or separately and comes in five attractive colors, including Chocolate, Cherry, Aqua, Lavender and Key Lime.

Baby Grab Rail -

When younger infants are seated away from the table, the baby grab rail provides extra support and safety for your little ones. The safety latching system is adjustable in and out and offers trunk support for smaller children who can sit on their own, but need some assistance. The baby grab rail is designed to stay where you put it, yet can be easily disengaged when you are ready to take baby out of her Keekaroo Height Right wooden high chair.

The Keekaroo Height Right adjustable chair is the perfect option for parents who want a safe and attractive seating option that will last for years to come. Crafted from attractive hardwood, this sturdy chair is fully adjustable to fit children of any age. These accessories add functionality and comfort that will grow along with your child.