Year: 2022

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How to Safely Use a Baby Swing

baby in a baby swing

A baby swing is a great item to have for your little one. It can keep them comfortable and even lull them to sleep. However, misusing a baby swing can become hazardous. To keep your baby safe, follow the tips below:

Read the instruction manual and ensure it has not been recalled

The first step is to make sure that you set up your baby swing correctly. Read through the instruction manual carefully and check that all the parts are included. If you bought the baby swing second-hand, do some research to make sure it hasn’t been recalled.

Don’t let your baby sleep in the swing

A baby swing can lull your baby to sleep. However, once they’re asleep, be sure to take them out and place them in their crib. Babies should always sleep on a flat surface to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Check the straps and harnesses

If your baby swing reclines at an angle greater than 50 degrees should have shoulder straps to keep your baby safe and in place. Before placing your baby in the swing, double-check the straps and harnesses and ensure the belts are fastened.

Keep babies under four months in the most reclined position

If your child is under four months old, make sure that the swing is set in the most reclined position. This will decrease the chance of SIDs or your baby slumping forward.

Check the weight limit

Your baby’s weight should never exceed the limit of the baby swing. If it does, find a swing that falls inside their weight range.

As your baby sits comfortably in their swing, give them some company with a stuffable animal! Look through our website today to get started!

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The Benefits of Traveling with a Stuffed Animal

stuffed animals sitting in car seat

Traveling to new places can be an exhilarating experience for you and your kids. But from time to time, our kids can get a little homesick. That’s why many of them bring their trusted stuffed animal friend with them for the trip. Acting as a source of comfort, there are many benefits to your child bringing their stuffed animal along for the ride.

It reminds them of home

Many travelers pack a beloved stuffed animal when they go on trips because it reminds them of home when they have to be away. After all, going to a new place can be scary as much as it is exciting. Having their stuffed animal at their side can help your child transition to a new place more easily.

It will help them sleep

The first few nights in a hotel can be difficult for your child. They’re in a new place with different sounds. As such, they could get nervous when going to sleep at night. Their stuffed animal can help protect them and make them feel safe in strange, dark surroundings.

Stuffed animals are part of the family

To some, the stuffed animal is part of the family. When you go on a family vacation or a trip, you don’t leave some of your family behind; you take them all with you. So, why would you leave a beloved stuffed animal behind? Your child’s stuffed animal wants to enjoy the trip as much as they do!

Here at The Zoo Factory, we think every child should bring along their favorite stuffed animal on their next adventure. To find a stuffed animal for your child, look through our website today!

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The Benefits of Giving Your Kids Chores

young girl doing chores

As your child gets older, you want to teach them the importance of responsibility. One key way to do that is to give them chores. Giving your child chores will not only help you around the house, but it will also teach your child vital life lessons. Read on to learn more:

Chores can build self-esteem

Accomplishing a task, especially if it was difficult, is one of the best ways to build your self-esteem. Your child may complain and grumble when they have to do chores, but once they’ve completed the task, they’ll feel a sense of satisfaction. When they see themselves finishing chores, they’ll see they are capable of more than they realize.

It encourages independence

When you ask your child to vacuum the carpet or dust the shelves, you’re teaching them how to take care of themselves once they’re older. Chores foster independence, and this independence will help them when they live on their own in the years ahead.

Chores will become a habit

The more your child does their chores, the more those chores will become a habit. They’ll stop grumbling about cleaning the dishes and instead automatically do it once dinner is done. By establishing these chores as habits, this will help them keep a healthy and clean environment when they’re out on their own.

It teaches cooperation and teamwork

When everyone pitches in to keep the house clean and orderly, your children will learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork. They’ll be less likely to see household chores as a burden but as a way to help out the family.

When your child does their chores, it’s important to show your appreciation and give them a goal to work towards. A stuffable animal from The Zoo Factory can be just that. Look through our website today to get started!

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How to Teach Critical Thinking Skills to Your Children

young boy thinking while working on homework

Talk to any doctor, teacher, or parent, and they’ll all agree about the importance of critical thinking skills. And indeed, critical thinking skills can help kids better understand themselves, people, and the world around them. But how, exactly, do you teach critical thinking skills to your children? Read on to learn more:

Be a role model

Our kids copy what we do. We are their prime role models, so we have to act like it. If we want our kids to become better critical thinkers, modeling critical thinking in our own behavior is a great way to start. You can do so by verbalizing your thinking skills, or in other words, actually thinking through something out loud, in front of your child, can help them learn critical thinking skills.

Teach them how to solve problems

Problem-solving requires critical thinking skills. After all, when you’re faced with an unexpected problem, you need to think creatively and critically to find a solution. When children face problems in their own lives, resist the temptation to solve it for them. Instead, encourage them to find ways to solve their problem themselves, providing support when and if they need it.

Get them to ask questions

Critical thinking is all about questioning the world around us. A person with strong critical thinking skills will question how things are done and wonder if there are better ways to accomplish their goals. Encouraging our children to ask questions will help them to think more critically and independently throughout their lives.

Play with them

Did you know that games can help children learn critical thinking skills? Board games and video games help with strategic and critical thinking, but so too can pretend play. Playing with our kids can teach them valuable lessons and help them find new ways of solving their problems.

Playing with their favorite stuffed animals can help our kids learn critical thinking skills. Look through our shop here at The Zoo Factory to find a new stuffed animal companion for your child!

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Why Seniors Love Stuffed Animals

stuffed animals

The very idea of a stuffed animal connotes something that is soft, cuddly and comforting. For the very young, these animals provide a level of security that can only be matched by a loving human counterpart. But what about senior citizens? Can stuffed animals provide the same comfort as they do for kids? Turns out, they can. Read on to learn more:

Stuffed animals provide companionship

More and more senior citizens are entering senior living facilities and nursing homes throughout the country. Many of them have lost spouses or loved ones. Some of them have no family to speak of, while others do not have routine family and friend visitors. Life can be lonely and challenging.

However, stuffed animals can provide a sense of companionship that many senior citizens lack. For those who live in skilled nursing facilities or require personal assistance, often times a stuffed animal becomes a source of entertainment or serve as something familiar within the room or at bedside. A stuffed animal or doll with a cuddly face and body can truly give people a feeling of comfort. Just one squeeze of a stuffy and all your troubles seem to melt away.

Stuffed animals remind seniors of their youth

These plush creatures are fully capable of putting smiles back on seniors’ faces, providing comfort, and allowing for endless hugging and nurturing. Stuffed animals remind the elderly of their own youth, or their children and grandchildren. Both elderly men and women can remember a time when they were younger and had a few stuffed animals or dolls that provided hours of entertainment. They remember buying or making them for their own children and watching them learn and grow with their own stuffies and dolls.

For those who may have a hoard of gently used stuffed animals that they would like to unload, consider donating them to a senior living facility or nursing home. There are surely plenty of senior residents who would love to snuggle with them, talk to them, comfort and be comforted by them. Giving a second life to a stuffed animal while brightening the day of an elderly person is truly a remarkable gift.

For more information, read through our blog or contact The Zoo Factory today!

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How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

mother and daughter holding up valentines day hearts

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. You can also plan some special activities for your kids. So, before you head out on your romantic dinner with your partner, check out some of these Valentine’s Day activities you can enjoy with your kids.

Craft valentines together

Who doesn’t love getting a valentines on Valentine’s Day? Hand-crafted one from your children are especially thoughtful, both for other kids and adults in your life. Plan out a short list of who your children want to give their valentines to, collect some crafting supplies, and let them at it.

Bake some chocolate goodies

The hallmark of Valentine’s Day is, of course, chocolate. While you can always get chocolate from the store, it’ll mean that much more to people if it’s homemade. Plus, you can make some extras and enjoy them yourself! Just make sure your kids are staying safe in the kitchen as you bake.

Decorate the house

If you’re making valentines, you can save some extra supplies for Valentine’s Day decorations around the house. Hand-made paper hearts are always a classic. You can hang them over entryways, or you can tape them to the walls throughout your house.

Plan a special treat for when you’re out

You and your partner will likely want some time away from the kids on Valentine’s Day. For many parents, this means going out for a romantic dinner. But don’t just leave your kids home alone with the babysitter. Instead, plan something special for them while you’re gone for the night. For example, you could rent their favorite movie so they can watch it while you’re away, or you can get them a stuffable animal kit from The Zoo Factory.

Get them something special

Everyone loves getting gifts on Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect way to express your love. When it comes to your kids, consider getting them some of their favorite candies or an adorable teddy bear.

Here at The Zoo Factory, we have many teddy bears and other stuffable animals that your children will adore this Valentine’s Day. Look through our website today to get started!

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Why Do We Give Teddy Bears as Presents for Valentine’s Day?

teddy bear in gift bag for valentine's day

On Valentine’s Day, we want to show our partners just how much we love them. We plan a romantic dinner, get dressed up, and then pick out the perfect gifts. The standard Valentine’s Day gifts always include flowers, chocolates, and, of course, teddy bears. But why, exactly, do we give our partners teddy bears on Valentine’s Day? Read on to learn more:

They’re cute and cuddly

Ever since their invention in 1902, teddy bears have been beloved by Americans. They’re cute and cuddly and make the perfect gift for those we love. Because of these attributes, they immediately win the hearts of children and adults alike. Everyone smiles when they see a teddy bear, and while they’re often associated with children, their cuteness and cuddliness can easily translate into a romantic gesture for adults.

They’re long-lasting

Flowers last for a few weeks, and chocolate a few hours, but a teddy bear can last a lifetime. Your partner will always be reminded of your love for years to come. Plus, teddy bears can withstand quite a bit. Even if your partner decides to sleep with their new teddy, you can trust that the bear will last a long time.

They provide comfort

Much research has been done on the comforting and calming effects of stuffed animals. Even as adults, we find a sense of comfort from our teddy bears. Add in the fact that you will be giving the teddy bear and your partner will always find comfort and calm from this gift.

If you’re looking for the perfect teddy bear to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day, look no further than The Zoo Factory! Look through our website to get started!

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Are Tweens Too Old for Stuffed Animals?

Teen girl with teddy bear

Your child’s stuffed animals have been at their side for years. Everywhere they go, their stuffed animals go, too.  Now, suddenly, your child is on the cusp of their teenage years. Those once coveted animals seem like kid-stuff now, but does that mean your tween is too old for stuffed animals? Not necessarily.

Stuffed animals are a source for comfort at any age

No matter what age you are, sometimes you need something to cuddle with after a hard day. A stuffed animal can be a great source of comfort because it never talks back, doesn’t give bad advice, and is always willing to lend an ear.

Adults love stuffed animals too

Stuffed animals seem like kids’ toys, but even adults love them! There are a great number of adults that either sleep with or travel with a stuffed animal. They believe that their stuffed animal provides comfort, or in the case of traveling, reminds them of home and family. It can also be a source of nostalgia for those of us who long for our care-free child days.

A few stuffed animals is okay

Some tweens said it’s okay to be a teenager with a few stuffed animals; that there is something to be said for enjoying the friendship a little longer. But they warn about going overboard. Many believe that a few are okay, but once you reach the latter teenage years it’s time to calm down. They admit that stuffed animals are adorable, trustworthy and special because they are staples from childhood. But once you reach the border of teen and adult, it’s probably time to shelve the stuffed animals, save one or two.

Grow at your own pace

Tweens are encouraging other tweens to grow up at their own pace. Perhaps that’s a good lesson for everyone. Take the time to appreciate the things you have, including your stuffed animals. When you’re young, the world is new and fresh. Enjoying it with a stuffed companion is a great way to explore the world, one moment at a time. Don’t rush through life, even when you become a teenager. There will be time later on to grow up.

If you’re looking for a stuffed animal friend for your tween, The Zoo Factory is a great place to start. Look through our website to find their new best friend today!

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Why Parents Should Limit Their Screen Time

man staring at cellphone

Here at The Zoo Factory, we’ve talked a lot about how parents should limit their children’s screen time. But what about the time parents spend on their own screens? While children are particularly susceptible to screens, so too are parents. Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean that excessive screen time can’t harm our health or our ability to parent our kids. Here’s why:

You’ll struggle to balance work and family

Technology has blurred the lines between work and home. This is especially true now that many of us are working from home. However, if you’re “on call” for work at all times, you’ll have less time for your kids. At the end of the day, you need to put your phone down, turn your laptop off, and take a break from work for a little while.

You’ll seem disconnected

Children like to feel that you’re paying attention to them. However, if you spend all your time at home staring at your phone or watching TV, they won’t feel like you care about them. In fact, a recent study described how parents who spent more time using technology dealt with more attention-seeking behavior from their children.

Children copy what they see

Chances are that many of the behaviors your parents exhibited in your childhood are behaviors you repeat today. That’s because our parents are our primary role models as children. As a parent yourself, you will notice your own child copying what you do. So, if they see you constantly staring at a screen, they will replicate that behavior in their own life. Meanwhile, a parent who is engaged and spends a reasonable amount of time on their screens will exhibit healthier behavior.

While digital screens can be handy and fun, it’s important to make sure they don’t take over our or our children’s lives. Here at The Zoo Factory, we encourage all parents and kids to put their phones down for a little while and have some one-on-one interactions, preferably with one of our stuffable animals involved! To get started, look through our website today!

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Can Toddlers Learn from Screens?

toddler lying on floor staring at tablet screen

Many of us have sat our toddlers down in front of a TV or a tablet, hoping they’ll learn something as we go about doing chores and finishing tasks. But is this actually an effective way to teach our kids? A new study from Vanderbilt University suggests not.

About the Study

Researchers at Vanderbilt University conducted a study in October 2021 to determine if toddlers can learn from screens. In order to do so, they had toddlers take frequent selfies with their family and then look through those photos on the parents’ smartphones. They also had the toddlers look through photos that would help them find a hidden toy in the room.

The researchers hoped this would teach the children that digital photos can represent reality. However, the opposite occurred. The toddlers struggled to realize that the digital photos represented a real situation and could help them find the hidden toy.

Simply put, toddlers don’t understand that digital media can represent reality.

So how do toddlers learn?

Of course, this doesn’t mean that screens are useless. Digital games can teach your child skills such as problem-solving, and educate them on certain subjects such as history or math. However, these benefits are most often seen with older children. Toddlers, meanwhile, find more success learning from face-to-face interactions.

Screen-time balance

Should you ban your toddler from ever looking at screens? Absolutely not. Toddlers can still have fun watching videos and playing games. However, if you want to help educate them, then finding a good screen-time balance is key. Make sure your toddler doesn’t spend all day in front of a screen. Instead, spend some one-on-one time with your toddler chatting, playing, reading, and more. Free play is especially beneficial for kids to learn and let off some steam.

Stuffed animals can be a great play companion that can also help you teach your toddler some lessons too! Look through our website here at The Zoo Factory to find the perfect stuffed animal friend for your child.