Hidden beneath the colourful covers of children’s books are some of life’s greatest lessons from which we can all learn, and ironically, most of us only discover this after we are all grown up.
Here are some of our favourites:
It’s a lovely day — the sky is cloudy, the birds are chirping. What could be more perfect than a stroll around the park in a bicycle? But wait! Before you head out to buy a bike for your child, let’s find out how to choose a suitable one and stay safe on two wheels.
Getting your child a bicycle requires more understanding than perceived. In general, kids bikes are smaller with sturdy frames and thick tires. They are great for riding on flat and hard surfaces where the child can focus on riding, instead of navigating the terrain. The simplest style is called a balance bike which has no pedals, has very small wheels and intends to teach balancing skills. From there, the bikes get bigger, with more features to accommodate the child’s growing skills, coordination and confidence.
So, what do you need to consider before making a purchase? Read on:
> Weight
As children are smaller, lighter and have less strength, weight makes a big difference. Make sure it’s not too heavy for your child to maneuver.
> Cranks
A crank is a bicycle component that converts the reciprocating motion of the rider’s legs into rotational motion used to drive the chain, which in turn drives the rear wheel. As a rule of thumb, get your child to sit on and ride the bicycle to check ease of maneuverability. Children need cranks that are about 20% their inside leg length.
> Wheels and brakes
Avoid buying big wheels for small riders, as they will be heavier and the steering will be less responsive. Large ones make it a little more difficult to control than one that fits.Brake slevers must be within easy reach of the bars and easy to operate with only the little finger of each hand.
> Reach
How far away is your child from the handlebars? Most children are happier in a riding position that’s more upright than you would adopt, so they need the bars higher and closer.
> Suspension forks
For children, air sprung forks are best. They’re lighter and can be easily adjusted to suit a growing rider’s weight.
Children’s bike sizes are determined by wheel diameter, not seat height and frame size as is the case with adult bicycles. The chart below should help you narrow your search, but always seek the assistance of an expert to help you find a bike that is most suitable:
Source: ibike.org
Bike safety for kids:
⦁ Make sure both their feet are flat on the ground when they stand straddling at the seat of the bicycle. There should be 2.5cm – 7.6cm of space between your child and the top seat.
⦁ Make sure the seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly.
⦁ Check and oil the bicycle chain regularly.
⦁ Check the brakes to be sure they work well and aren’t sticking.
⦁ Check the tires to make sure they have enough air and the right amount of tire pressure.
⦁ When riding, make sure that nothing will get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, ⦁ backpack straps, or shoelaces.
Let’s check out the range of children’s bicyles Happikiddo has in store:
Breeze Bike
Made of lightweight steel frame, it’s a balance bike that comfortable rubber grips, integrated footrest, and adjustable cushioned seat. It comes with aluminium rim and air tires, as well as a cute bike bell. Available in red or blue and suitable for 1.5 to five years old.
Y Velo Junior
This balance bike helps kids develop an early sense of balance and control. They can then progress to a normal bicycle at the age of three of four without having to use training wheels or stabilizers. Suitables for ages 18 months to four years.
JDBug Balance Bike
Made from ultralight aircraft-grade aluminium alloy weighing only 3kg, it comes with a 12-inch mag wheels and air tyres for a smooth ride. These models have an optional pedal kit for when the child is balanced and ready to pedal. It includes an adjustable seat and rear drum-type hand brake. Suitable for ages three to five years.
Kiddimoto Pastel Dotty Kurve
Gorgeoous little bike for the adventurous girls, the bright pastel dotty is painted with non-toxic childsafe paint. Its seat is adjustable to three positions and upright riding position allows similar experience to regular bike. Suitable for ages three to six years.
Kiddimoto Blue Target Scooter
Retro with award-winning British design, this wooden bike can be personalized with a name and number. Handgrips are sculpted to fit little hands and footboards for free-wheeling fun. Its steering lock restricts turn to 30 degrees so it will never jack-knife and 12-inch tires have inner tube. Suitable for two to six years old.
Bring your little one for a test-drive in stores or PM us for more details.
It’s the merry-making time of the year again where parents play Santa and get busy with gift-giving. Need more ideas on what to get for your little one this Christmas? From soft toys and eco-friendly ones to art and craft and ride-ons, Happikiddo offers a great assortment of toys for children of all ages and interests. The best part is, all toys are on 10% OFF throughout the #happikiddoxmassale until 2nd Janury 2017.
Check out some of our offerings:
Egmont Toys Bird Tin Tea Set
Bruders Fire Engine
Trunki
Hape Happy Grand Piano
Hape Chef’s Choice
Janod Aquanemo
Kinetic Sand
Krooom Fold My Robot
Little Bird Told Me Rocking Horse
Little Rider Green Shoot Scooter
National Geographic 3D Puzzle
Radio Flyer Ride and Stand Trike
SikuWorld Starter Set
Jellycat Dapple Elephant
Leapfrog Roll Go Rolling Horse
Oops Happy House Forest Puzzle
Fisher Price Spacesaver Jumperoo
VTech My First Clock
Zoobies
Stick n Style Purse Pop
Doudou Collector Musical Box
Hape Master Builder Set
For more varieties, please visit any of our stores or shop online at www.happikiddo.com.my
Parenting is an ever evolving journey that comes in many forms, where one method that works for a family is not necessarily something that will be effective in another. There are many types of parenting style – from Helicopter and Authoritative to Permissive and Involved.
Then comes Attachment Parenting – a style where parents have been doing it naturally for as long as humans have existed. It’s an approach to raising infants with the aim to promote a close relationship between the baby and its parents by methods such as feeding on demand and letting the baby sleep with its parents.
Regardless of your parenting approach, it is of utmost importance for the method to fit your family values – as long as it feels right for you and your children. We got into action and summarised a list of items that attachment parents will love:
CO-SLEEPING
> The First Years Close and Secure Infant Sleeper
This gives baby a soft little “nest” of his own while keeping him close by. You can feed, soothe, monitor and bond throughout the night with the reassurance that your little one is snug, secure and safe – thanks to the Airflow design that allows air to circulate around baby. It is easily portable too for on-the-go convenience.
> Cocoonababy
Welcoming baby gently into the world, the best-selling Cocoonababy provides him with a comforting, womb-like space to make the transition to the outside world as smooth as possible. The semi-foetal position, in which baby is as if contained and in a slightly curved posture, soothes and reassures him. Place baby in the Cocoonababy inside a side cot and sweet dreams you go.
BABYWEARING
> Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier
This carrier is the only carrier you’ll ever need – from nurturing newborn face to face cuddles, progressing to outward connections and exploring the world together. With four carry positions, you can put baby facing you, at the back, hip and outward-facing front carry. The seat width adjusts easily to comfortably transition baby, allowing breastfeeding on the go.
> Akarana Tauawhi Baby Hipseat Carrier
Keep baby close to you while you’re running the errands. The EVA foam padded belt ensures comfort for the wearer while the seat is designed to be tilted 45 degree. Baby can sleep cosily listening to your heartbeat, away from prying eyes with a covered sleeping hood.
> Baba Sling
Designed by a Mum, a Baba Sling allows you to carry in 5 different positions. It’s easy to put on and take off, and comfortable for both parents and babies. Your little one will stay snug throughout the day as they are cradled softly in the cotton hammock of the sling. Perfect for discreet breastfeeding too.
BREASTFEEDING
> Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow
The Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow gives you the enduring support you need to relax, nurse comfortably and bond with baby. It is made from solid foam with a unique contour to help properly position baby tummy-to-tummy at a good height that saves you from slouching. Firm and ergonomically structured, it maintains its shape over time for lasting support.
> Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover
The one-size-fits-all Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover helps maintain privacy and comfort while nursing on the go. This breastfeeding cover has a patented Rigiflex open neckline which allows proper air flow, and mum and baby to maintain eye contact during breastfeeding. The neck strap is secure and adjustable to hold the cover in place, so you can breastfeed with confidence no matter where you are.
BABY-LED WEANING
> Skip Hop Zoo Placemat
This fold-and-go placemat for babies and kids is the go-anywhere mealtime solution, with a non-slip surface and built-in loop closure. Just roll the mat up, fold it in half, then wrap the loop around so it won’t unfold in your bag. Made of food-grade, satin-touch silicone, it also has a raised edge to catch spills.
> The First Years Spill Proof Cup
Perfect at home and for when you’re on the road, these cups are durable enough to use over and over, yet affordable enough. With the vibrant colours your child will love, you’ll love the snap-on, valve-free, spill-proof, interchangeable lids that are easy to clean.
> Beaba Training Bib
A bib is a must as it gets really messy when baby learns how to self-feed, especially during the early stages of baby-led weaning. The pocket catches food that falls off the spoon therefore reducing mess. Made of flexible material with wipe-clean surface, it has a soft-tie ribbon and is suitable from 6 months.
Get in touch with us or drop by any of our stores today for more options!
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