Millions of fans all over the world adore them. They amaze us with their talent and we shower them with accolades … hmm, and they even get paid for it!  Celebrity mums have it made…or do they? There is a downside to living in the public eye. The lives and choices of these mums are under constant scrutiny and they are quickly labelled for not living up to impossible standards. This sentiment is echoed in the words of mum and producer of “Project Runway”, Heidi Klum: “One day you’re in, the next day you’re out!” Either way, Bobux is impressed with the great things these celebrity mums do:

1.  Knowing that they’re viewed as role models, many celebrity mums use their fame and influence in a very positive way to raise awareness of challenges facing the world today. We’re impressed to find so many celebrity mums who passionately support charities around the globe. 

Julia's one of the key stars in Oprah Winfrey’s new television channel starting in January 2011 where she's being assigned a film called “Extraordinary Moms”. Good on you Julia !

 2.  They don’t let fame define them…they’re mums like us.   “Pretty woman” star, Julia Roberts – Hollywood actress and mum of three – is lately known for the way she embraces life as a mum.  She is now back on the big screen after dedicating two years to raising her twins.  Here’s what Julia says about her motherhood:  “I’m the luckiest girl in town, really I am.”

 3. We honour our red carpet idols that care about using natural products for children.   Nicole Richie uses natural baby laundry detergent that not only protects her baby, but is also good for the environment. 

  And of course we can’t help loving celebrity babies making public appearances over the years wearing Bobux soft sole shoes.  There’s a lot going on as children’s feet develop, so thumbs up to these mums for choosing natural footwear like Bobux.

Here's Angelina Jolie, Isla Fisher, Alyson Hannigan and Alessandra Ambrosio with their babies

He’s having fun and in a world of his own. ..your rules don’t count here.  We just love playgrounds. It’s where kids laugh out loud and run wild. Here, kids can play and at the same time develop naturally. 

A good friend put us onto the new Pt Chevalier playground in Auckland, where adults and children can enjoy the equipment together (slides and modules are extra wide to enable a child to be accompanied by an adult).  The perfect opportunity to slide back into childhood with the young ones.

When the park opened in June 2010, it introduced an intricate climbing rope for children to pull themselves up onto – great for balance and letting little feet develop.  Rubber safety mats ensures safe landings.

This park features a remarkable design with children’s development in mind; and its beautiful setting is so open and free.   

There you go; this is how we play. Now show & tell us where you play… what’s special about your park? What do you do when the weather is playing up?

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 addition of a “just born” bundle of joy to the family is a rush of excitement, love & amazement !  But they don’t just come with the joys and amazements, they also often bring along sleep-deprived nights!

Night-time waking can get quite challenging for new parents; especially when baby is not yet used to a routine.  And the often continuously interrupted sleep can lead to uneasy times at  home.  

Here are a few simple things that you could try out: 

 1. A routine is good.  Get into a comfortable routine that works for you both.  If your baby wakes up late in the morning, begin waking him/her earlier every day.  This will encourage your baby to get the sleep he needs at night- and when you sleep.
2. Have a well-lit room for your baby’s naps.  This will encourage him/her to take shorter naps during the day. . . and it might help your baby to sleep earlier and better at night-time.
3. Avoid night-time nappy changes – if at all possible…
4. Carry your baby close to you in the beginning of the evening.  It’ll make your baby feel much more relaxed earlier on, and you might find that you could get away with putting him / her in bed earlier than normal.
5. Increase the daytime feeds. Your baby will be satisfied during the night if you feed him more frequently during the day. He will have already met his nutritional needs at a time more convenient to you.
6. If your baby is easily distracted during feeding in the day-time, feed him in a quiet and darkened room. In this way you ensure that come bed-time at night, he / she will be satisfied with a full tummy.
7. If you are breastfeeding, give your baby time to finish the first breast before you offer the second breast during the same feed.  He’ll get to enjoy the rich milk that contains the proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates he needs to feel satisfied.  And in turn it would help him/her to space out the night-time feeds.
8. Keep the evenings calm and relaxed and avoid overstimulation of your baby. If your little one melts away into relaxing mode when you bath him/her, do so before you put him/her to bed. If a bath is too stimulating for him/her, then you might want to wait until the morning to bath him/her.
9. Make sure the bed is nice and warm. Placing a warm baby into cold sheets might be what your baby does not want.  Use flannel sheets in cold weather, or place a warm towel on the sheets to warm them.
10. Don’t turn on the lights to feed your baby should he wake during the night. By feeding him in a dark room you’re letting him know that nights are meant for sleeping.

The last tip- and maybe even the most important tip: take care of yourself!  Rest while your baby rests, especially if you have a high-need baby. If you don’t feel like sleeping, take a walk,  put your baby in a stroller and go out in the sunshine and get some fresh air.

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!