Bobux soft sole shoes

Babies usually start crawling (or bum shuffling) between six to ten months.  This varies from baby to baby.  There’s no reason for you as parent to be concerned if your baby is not yet crawling around this age.  Although there is no need to rush your baby into crawling, there are different things that you can try out to stimulate your baby to start moving around.

‘Traction control’

Crawling babies love bare feet! And they need a lot of traction when they crawl.  Protect those tiny little feet from cold and dirt by clothing him/her with the best flexible little shoes you can possibly get.  Soft sole leather shoes that moulds naturally with the shape of your baby’s feet provides excellent traction on indoor floor surfaces.   

Out of reach

A very common way of stimulating your baby to start crawling is by putting his/her favorite toy just out of reach in front of him. This might just encourage him/her enough to start crawling – depending if he/she really wants the toy.  Your baby would have no other option to get closer to the toy than crawling.  It might be a good idea to repeat this little exercise a couple of times.  If you notice that he/she need some more strength in the arms and legs consider giving your baby a little help if this is the case.

Build up strength

By using a large folded up towel you can build up a baby’s arm and leg muscles, while giving him the initial support and stimulation to start crawling. Fold a large towel and place it under your baby’s stomach and upper body area. Lift the baby up, and hold the towel in such a manner that the baby is not supporting its full weight any longer, but the towel.  Ensure there’s plenty of padding to make it comfortable for your baby when using this method. Try and  vary the amount of support depending on your baby’s needs. If you do it right and gently, this could be a great way to build up strength in both arms and legs.

Set an example

You can set an example for your baby by playing with your baby when he/she is on his/her stomach. In this way your baby gets accustomed to this position early on, and chances are that he/she might start crawling sooner. You can stimulate him/her by lying down on the floor with him/her, and start crawling around. Your baby might try to imitate you. But whether he does or not, it will definately provide amusement for your baby, that’s for sure!

The cost of living is not getting any cheaper, but if you know where to look you’ll find all sorts of fun activities for your kids of any age that’s available year-round and free!

Magical library

Have you recently properly checked out your public library? Most librarians have become really creative in developing free and fun programs for kids of all ages. I’m not talking about the traditional reading hours or storytellers- although there is nothing wrong with that- but these days they have got all sorts of programs like wizardry school and mad scientist activities for all ages. Some programs are during the week, and others are on weekends or evenings. Definitely worth having a look at!

The grocery shop around the corner

Most grocery stores have little-known free activities for kids. So if your child is an aspiring chef or baker, a visit to the grocery store might turn out to be a real treat. Some gourmet stores have cooking kitchens on site and offer free classes or demonstrations for children. Most grocers offer these activities for free, while others only charge you a minimal cost of the actual food used.

Beauty schools

Most beauty schools offer free activities in exchange for some experience for the students. Aspiring beauticians need persons to perform manicures and pedicures on, and most of them don’t even charge you for it. So if your little girl would love to have her nails polished, call your local beauty school and see what free specials they may offer in exchange for experience.

Pet-paradise

Pretty much any child loves pets and every pet loves attention. Many animal shelters, veterinarians and pet stores seek little helpers to help with basic grooming, exercise and some love and attention for the animals. It’s a win-win for both sides!

Free tours

How is candy made? Or ice-cream? Or how is a newspaper printed? Find out by visiting the companies. Most of them offer company tours as positive PR, and if you visit a candy or ice-cream factory, you might be in for a free tasting session at the end of the tour.

Sports teams

Many sport teams on all levels practice year-round and actively recruit helpers to assist with equipment and so on. If your little one is in to sports than this is a great way to connect with other ‘sporty’ kids.

So there you go, a few activities that won’t break the bank!