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Prepping for Flu Season: Health Tips for Families

Running nose. Ill little female using serviette while covering face and looking aside

As the vibrant leaves of October cascade from the trees, families are reminded that along with the beauty of fall comes the onset of flu season. The cooler weather brings an increase in the flu’s prevalence, prompting a heightened focus on preventive measures. Ensuring your family’s health and wellness during this time requires a mix of proactive steps. Here’s a handy guide to navigate and prep for the flu season.

Immunization: A First Line of Defense

Vaccination remains one of the most effective methods of protecting against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older, especially those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults. It’s a step towards immunity that aids in reducing the severity of illness, hospitalizations, and even death.

Hygiene Practices: Prevention in Your Hands

Inculcating rigorous handwashing habits is crucial. Teach children to wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before meals, and after coughing or sneezing. Stock up on sanitizers and tissues, ensuring they are accessible to kids at home and school.

Nutrition: Boosting the Immune System

A balanced diet enriched with vitamins and minerals can bolster the immune system. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your family’s diet. Hydration is equally important, so ensure your family is drinking plenty of fluids.

Adequate Rest: Sleep Your Way to Health

Quality sleep is a cornerstone of immune function. Establish and stick to a sleep routine, ensuring kids get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. A well-rested body can better fend off and recover from illnesses.

There’s comfort in cuddliness, especially when feeling under the weather. Explore The Zoo Factory for a variety of stuffed animals, each ready to be a cozy companion to your child during the flu season. Browse our collection, and find the perfect, cuddly friend that will offer comfort and support to your little ones through sniffles and sneezes.

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Budget-Friendly Fall Fashion: Styling Your Kids Without Breaking the Bank

Little boy and girl friends have fun on fresh air. Children pick acorns from oak trees. Brother and sister camping in autumn forest. Childhood and child friendship. Kids activity and active rest.

The rustling leaves, the crisp morning air, and the pumpkin-spiced delights — September signals the onset of the fall season. With the change in weather comes the change in wardrobe. For parents, updating their kids’ clothing to be both stylish and season-appropriate might seem like a daunting task, especially while maintaining a budget. Here’s a guide to dressing your little ones in trendy yet budget-friendly fall fashion.

Layering is Key

One of the easiest ways to transition summer clothing to fall is layering. A summer t-shirt can be paired with a cardigan or a lightweight jacket. This not only adds warmth but also introduces new style dynamics, offering versatility without the need for entirely new outfits.

Thrift and Consignment Stores

These treasure troves often carry unique and high-quality items at a fraction of retail prices. It’s a sustainable option and gives kids a chance to have distinctive pieces in their wardrobe. Remember to wash thrifted items thoroughly before use.

Swap or Host Exchange Events

Gather a group of parents and organize a clothing exchange. Kids outgrow their clothes quickly, and what doesn’t fit one child might be perfect for another. This way, everyone gets new-to-them items without spending a dime.

DIY and Upcycle

Got a pair of jeans that’s too short? Turn them into trendy capris or patch them up with fun fabrics. A little creativity can breathe new life into worn-out or ill-fitting items.

Take Advantage of Sales

End-of-summer sales are great for snagging fall-appropriate clothes at discounted prices. Items like long-sleeve shirts, light jackets, and jeans are often on sale as retailers make room for winter stock.

Dressing your kids in stylish fall fashion doesn’t have to strain your wallet. With a bit of ingenuity, some DIY spirit, and strategic shopping, your children can look autumn-ready without emptying your savings.

And as they strut their fall fashion, why not accessorize with a plush companion? A stuffed animal from The Zoo Factory can be a comforting and fashionable addition to your child’s fall adventures. Check out our extensive range of adorable stuffed friends and let your child choose their favorite today!

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Back to School: Effective Ways to Establish a New Routine

back to school - blackboard with pencil-box and school equipment on table

September is here, and with it comes the nostalgic scent of sharpened pencils, the rustling of fresh notebook pages, and the excitement of new beginnings. For parents and children alike, transitioning from the leisure of summer to the structured regimen of school can be both thrilling and daunting. Here are some strategies to smoothen the back-to-school transition and effectively establish a new routine.

Prioritize Sleep

Summertime often means relaxed bedtime rules. But as September rolls in, it’s crucial to readjust. A consistent sleep schedule ensures your child is alert and ready for learning. Gradually shift bedtime earlier each night until you reach the desired school-time bedtime.

Create a Study Space

Whether it’s a dedicated desk or a quiet corner in the living room, a specific study space helps children transition into school mode. This area should be free from distractions, well-lit, and stocked with all necessary supplies.

Meal Prep

Mornings can be hectic. Prepare lunches and snacks the night before. Engage your child in the process, allowing them to pick healthy snacks and help with packing, fostering independence and ensuring they’re excited about their meals.

Implement a Calendar System

Visual aids can be beneficial. Whether it’s a traditional wall calendar or a digital app, a system that tracks assignments, extracurriculars, and other commitments can help the whole family stay organized.

Introduce Relaxation Techniques

Returning to school can be stressful. Teach your child relaxation strategies like deep breathing or short meditation breaks. It’s an invaluable skill that can help manage stress and improve concentration.

Remember, transitions are all about patience and practice. As the days turn shorter and the nights cooler, the rhythms of autumn will soon feel natural. Embrace this season of learning and growth, and cherish the new memories you’ll create with your child.

Looking for a way to comfort your child during this transitional phase? A soft companion from The Zoo Factory can make all the difference. Our stuffed animals are perfect cuddle buddies, providing solace during challenging homework nights or simply being there after a long school day. Browse our collection today and let your child find their perfect back-to-school friend.

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Choosing the Perfect Stuffed Animal for Your Child

bears as a souvenir in a doll carriage in front of a souvenir shop in berlin

There’s no denying the joy and excitement that a child experiences when receiving a new stuffed animal. These plush companions become trusted confidants, reliable playmates, and comfort providers. But, choosing the perfect stuffed animal for your child requires more thought than you might initially think. It’s crucial to consider age-appropriateness, safety, and the individual preferences of your little one.

Age Matters: 0-2 Years

For infants and toddlers, safety is paramount. Choose stuffed animals that are labeled as safe for this age group, avoiding toys with small parts like buttons or bows that could be choking hazards. Additionally, opt for animals with embroidered features instead of plastic or glass eyes.

Toddler-Friendly Choices: 2-4 Years

At this age, kids start to develop personal preferences and motor skills. Consider stuffed animals that are easy to hold and manipulate, yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of daily play. Machine-washable stuffed animals are also recommended due to inevitable spills and accidents.

For the Creative Kids: 5-7 Years

For children in this age group, a build-your-own stuffed animal could be an excellent choice. It allows them to express their creativity and develop a deeper connection with their plush friend. They’ll also love the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating their toy.

Making Memories: 8 Years and Above

Older children might appreciate a more sophisticated or unusual stuffed animal. Limited edition or collector’s items can become treasured keepsakes. Stuffed animals that correlate with their interests, like a favorite animal or character, are also a hit.

Choosing the perfect stuffed animal for your child is a unique opportunity to foster their development, comfort, and imagination. Always consider their age, interests, and safety to make the best choice.

Looking for the perfect stuffed companion for your child? At The Zoo Factory, we offer an extensive range of build-your-own stuffed animals, perfect for every age. Our online store is sure to have the right fluffy friend for your little one. Visit our website and explore our collection today.

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5 Essential Tips for Taking Care of Your Stuffed Animals

Cute soft toys for sale at a shop.

Everyone has a favorite stuffed animal, that cherished companion that’s been with us through countless adventures. These beloved buddies are more than just toys, they’re an integral part of our childhood memories. Like all valued items, your stuffed animals need proper care to stay in good shape. Here are five essential tips for making your furry friend last a lifetime.

1. Regular Grooming is Key

Just like a real pet, your stuffed animal benefits from regular grooming. A soft bristle brush is perfect for removing dust and keeping fur shiny and smooth. Remember, always brush in the direction of the fur to avoid causing damage.

2. Smart Washing Practices

Stuffed animals can get a bit grubby from all the love they receive. Before tossing them into the washing machine, check the care label for instructions. If machine washing is a no-go, a gentle hand wash with mild soap will do the trick. Be sure to squeeze out excess water carefully and let it air dry to maintain its shape.

3. Storage Matters

When not in use, store your stuffed animal in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors over time. Consider storing your plush buddies in fabric bags instead of plastic to allow them to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.

4. Repair as Soon as Needed

A small tear today could become a major hole tomorrow. Ensure you repair damages as soon as they appear. A basic sewing kit and a little know-how will keep your fluffy friends intact and looking their best.

5. Rotate Your Toys

Switch out your favorite stuffed animals occasionally. This helps prevent wear and tear from constant use and extends their lifespan.

Remember, your stuffed animals are treasured companions, deserving of care and attention. By following these tips, you can enjoy the comfort and friendship of your stuffed animal for years to come.

Ready to add to your fluffy family? Browse through our extensive range of plush friends at The Zoo Factory. With our build-your-own stuffed animals and variety of outfits, you’re sure to find the perfect companion that will stay with you for a lifetime. Check out our selection today!

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The Benefits of Dress-Up Play

Two sweet little preschool children, boys, playing superhero in the park, summertime

Did you know that playing dress-up can actually be extremely beneficial to your children? It does! Dress-up is more than a fun game to play with your kids. It can also teach your kids to respect others, build their vocabulary, and more. Read on to learn more.

See the world through other viewpoints

When children play dress-up, they learn valuable ways in which others contribute to our lives. Perhaps a child is playing the role of a mother and has a crying baby to nurture, or maybe they’re pretending to be a policeman and stopping “the bad guys.” This sense of imagination allows children to learn empathy through having to see alternative viewpoints and respond to them accordingly.

Building blocks for a diverse vocabulary

When children play through dress-up, they begin to explore terms, phrases and words that are often inclusive to the role they are playing. These strengths can develop through hearing certain words in books and transferring them into the role they’re playing where children will eventually use them in daily conversations.

Confidence building

For children, dressing up and having theatrical elements to their play can greatly impact their overall confidence. Self-expression is incredibly helpful when building self-confidence, and this is just another way we can allow children to develop that skill. What child doesn’t feel on top of the world while dressed up as their favorite super hero?

If your child loves playing dress up, consider purchasing some outfits for one of their Zoo Factory stuffed animals so that the two can play dress up together! Visit our website for a wide selection of outfits.

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How to Encourage Mental Resiliency in Your Kids

family holding hands in front of sunset

As parents and caregivers, we know at some point, our children will have to deal with adversity. One way to do that is to encourage mental resiliency in our kids. But how do you go about doing that? Here are some tips to help:

Role model

Children model their behavior after us. If we show mental resiliency in the face of our own difficulties, our children will start to mimic that behavior. Additionally, talk with your children about your personal goals and challenges, and how you’ve overcome challenges in the past.

Help then control their emotions

Resilient people often have good control over their emotions. This does not mean that they do not feel their emotions, but rather they don’t let their emotions overwhelm them. Mindfulness is a great technique to help your children control their emotions. Mindfulness practices teach you how to be aware of your emotions, but not let them overcome you.

Build up their self-confidence

Children who are more confident in themselves can be more resilient. They’ll know that a few setbacks do not reflect their overall ability. Work with your kids to build up their self-esteem, independence, and self-confidence. A big part of this is encouraging healthy self-talk. Help your kids reframe their negative thoughts into more realistic ones so that they are not bombarding themselves with put-downs or catastrophic thinking.

For more tips on how to care for your kids, read through our blog posts today!

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How Stuffed Animals Help Kids with Autism

young girl sitting on bed with stuffed animals

If you have a child with autism, then you know how difficult some days can be. Naturally, you want to find ways to make things easier on your child. As it turns out, stuffed animals can be one of these ways. While a stuffed animal is never a replacement for therapy or other doctor-prescribed treatments, they can help alleviate the typical symptoms associated with autism. Here’s how:

Stuffed animals are great comfort objects

Whether they’re four years old or forty, many people with autism are easily overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of everyday life. That’s why they often turn to comfort objects that can provide security and some sensory regulation. Stuffed animals can fulfill this role particularly well as they can be held, cuddled, and even weighted to provide children with a sense of calm.

They can teach play skills

Studies have shown that autistic children play differently than non-autistic children. They often lack specific play skills such as imitation skills or symbolic play (or pretend play) skills. Instead, they’ll engage in more solitary, repetitive play. Stuffed animals can be useful tools when teaching these valuable play skills through various therapeutic approaches.

They can help children practice social skills

Children with autism often struggle with social and communication skills. While they have the desire to interact with others, they usually don’t know how or get overwhelmed when they’re around new people. A stuffed animal, however, can help your child practice those much-needed social skills so that they’re more confident when dealing with other children.

A stuffed animal may not be the silver bullet, but it can certainly help your child get through each day a little easier. Here at The Zoo Factory we have plenty of stuffable animals that will be perfect for your child. Look through our inventory or contact us today.

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Parenting Tips for Helping Your Child Through Their Preteen Years

preteen girl holding school books

Parenting is difficult no matter what age your child is. However, the preteen years pose unique challenges. During these years, children enter puberty and start to experience the emotional and physical changes associated with it.

To help, we’ve gathered some helpful parenting tips to guide your child through their preteen years.

Educate your kids about puberty

Puberty can seem scary to children, but it doesn’t have to be. The more your children learn about puberty, the better able they will be to handle what’s coming. Chances are they will learn some things in their Health class at school, but it’s always good to talk with your child yourself to see if they have any other questions.

Allow your child some independence

Their preteen years is often when kids start looking to be more independent. While this can be hard for parents, it’s best to allow your children extra independence as they get older. This may also include letting your child explore new interests and hobbies. Be supportive and try not to control what hobbies they participate in.

Help your preteen learn new skills

As your children gain more independence, they should also gain more responsibilities. Your preteens should start helping out around the house, and to do this, they’ll need to learn new skills such as doing laundry, cleaning, and more.

While your child will certainly change as they go through their preteen years, some things will stay the same. That includes the love they have for stuffed animals. To find the perfect stuffed animal for your preteen, look through our website today!

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Tips for Organizing Your Baby’s Belongings

Children's knitted clothes on hanger. Denim jacket, jumper, hat, shoes. Children's room, nursery

When you first bring your baby home, life will be more than a little chaotic. But as things start settling down, you can begin to bring some organization to your baby’s belongings. Organizing your baby’s items will not only keep things neat and tidy, but it will also help you quickly find the items you need when time is of the essence.

Keep bottles in a dry, well-ventilated area

Baby bottles should always be properly washed and stored, as they can easily attract mold or bad smells. The best to prevent this is to keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area such as a lazy susan or a bin on the counter. If you use the bottles frequently enough, you could also simply keep them on the drying rack until their next use.

Have a baby wardrobe

For your baby’s clothes, a wardrobe is a necessity. Use dividers inside each drawer to ensure things don’t get too messy. To save space, you can also hang some clothes in the closet, especially for items you use frequently. This will prevent you from having to dig through the wardrobe just to find a particular item.

Keep toys in a bin

Don’t leave your baby’s toys just lying around. You could step on them and break them. Instead, keep their toys, stuffed animals, and other knick-knacks in a bin in their room. Anytime you take a toy or stuffed animal out, remember to put it back in the bin again.

As you’re organizing your baby’s belongings, you may find you need more toys and stuffed animals for them to play with as they get older! Here at The Zoo Factory, we have plenty of options. Look through our website to get started!