Caution! Your Children are Destroying Your Car! 11 Ways You Can Use Kick Mats to Stop the Damage Before it Starts!

As any parent will tell you, kids are both a blessing and a curse. They’re a blessing for the bountiful love and joy they bring into our loves. But they’re a curse when it comes to keeping anything nice. Even when kids are on their best behavior, they can cause damage without ever intending to do so.

In our homes, our carpets get stained from milk and juice. Crumbs get ground deep into carpet fibers. Little hands leave sticky smudges from ice cream and fruit and caked-on residue from cheesy chips. It’s certainly a big chore to undo the damage they do.

It’s the same in the car too, though the car is a much more confined space. Before we become parents, we often preach about how we’ll never let OUR kids eat in OUR car. But that all changes when you have kids and you realize that providing snacks during car rides helps to keep the peace. Not only that, kids track in lots of dirt and mud. How can any child resist jumping and splashing in the puddles before you shuttle them inside the car to go somewhere?

Children can’t help themselves. They’re natural mess-makers. But that’s ok because there are certain things we can use to protect our automotive investments.

If your current car is looking ragged and you’re in need of buying a new one, or you’ve just purchased a new car and don’t want it falling victim to messy, muddy shoe prints from accidental (or intentional) kicking, crayon drawings that you never asked for, or smudgy handprints from sticky snacks when you couldn’t give them a wet wipe fast enough on the seatbacks, the simple solution is to use our kick mats.

Here are the many ways our kick mats can help keep your car looking like new long after it’s new and protect your resale value so you can drive with peace of mind.

1. Kick mats are ideal for family road trips

Family road trips are chaotic enough. First, there’s all the packing and prepping that you must do to get everyone ready for the journey. You’ll need to pack up everyone’s clothing and toiletries, toys, books, games, smart devices, and chargers. Plus, you’ll need to pack some food and snacks because you don’t want to have to stop every hour of your journey.

Inevitably, there comes a time around the 2^nd hour of the car ride where the kids begin to get antsy. It usually starts with whining. “Are we there yet?” Or the dreaded, “Mommy, I have to pee!” Soon, their frustrations take a turn for the worse and you’ll be met with kicking on your seatbacks. Even when their little shoes are clean, they’ll still leave scuffing and damage on the seatbacks. It’s even worse when your seats are made from leather.

Take a look in the backseat of your car now. Even if you took your car seats out and wiped everything down, anyone who got into the backseat of your car would know you have children because of those scuff marks. And most of those marks don’t come off. You can remove some crusty debris from mud but you’ll still see where the damage has been done.

Our kick mats keep that damage from happening. They’re made from a durable and water resistant polyester. Plus, they’re large enough to cover the entire seatback, keeping it safe from damages caused by your children.

Additionally, we offer a variety of kick mats, some of them with organizers built in that are ideal for the road trip. You can use the pockets to store their toys, games, books, and activities for the trip as well as stash handy items like hand sanitizer and wipes so they’ll have everything they need within arm’s reach.

2. Kick mats help when you’re traveling with a baby

Maybe your child is still a wee one, with little legs that can’t reach your seatbacks. Yet. There will come a day when he or she is big enough to walk on their own and track mud and mess into the car, kicking it all over your seatbacks.

But even before that, babies can’t help themselves sometimes. If you bottle feed your child, they can spray breast milk or formula all over your seatbacks. When those things bake into the materials while parked on a hot summer day, you’ll come back to a car that stinks. Babies, as dear and precious as they are, can also vomit on occasion. When that happens, it can project out everywhere. We often forget about the seatbacks, cleaning up the baby, the car seat, and the backseat the best we can. Then we try not to gag every time we get into our cars after that.

With our kick mats, even baby messes can be contained. Our kick mats are machine washable, so you don’t have to do anything more than throw them in the washer and wait for them to be clean and good as new again.

3. Kick mats make grandparents happy to have the grandkids in their car

Sure, Grandpa and Grandma love their grandchildren. They cherish spending time with their cherubic little faces and spoiling them rotten. Most grandparents like having a nice car though, and having to take their grandchildren can make them worry about protecting the interior of their vehicle. Some grandparents don’t need to take the grandkids every day, but even those grandparents want to keep their cars in pristine condition even after they send the grandkids back home to you.

Statistically, among older drivers, the cars they choose often have leather seating and are more expensive than the cars they drove in their youth. They’ve worked hard and saved even harder to afford nice things. They’ve been there and done that with little kids (you and your siblings when you were small) and now they want to enjoy what they’ve worked so hard for.

Our kick mats give Grandpa and Grandma more reasons to want to take the grandkids for a ride somewhere. While it’s true most kids behave better for the grandparents (why is that anyway?) the kids can still accidentally kick the seatbacks of Grandpa’s brand new leather-interior Cadillac, which will make him grumpy. If you’re hoping your parents will take your kids off your hands for a date night or afternoon, our kick mats will make them even happier to drive them to the zoo, the ice cream shop or anywhere they want to go. Plus, you can get the ones that double as an organizer and fill it with essentials so Grandpa and Grandma can drive with ease while the kids get tissues, books, or whatever they need.

4. Kick mats are useful for any caregiver

For childcare centers that transport children to and fro, kick mats can be very helpful in maintaining the interior of school vans. Keeping the interiors looking clean and neat is important for keeping up a proper business image, as well as for safety. No one wants to put their children in a ripped up, dirty school van. And no after school program wants to spend all the budget replacing seatbacks and vans too frequently. Kick mats are a great solution to this. Plus, the ones that double as organizers allow for fun materials to be placed in them to keep kids engaged and learning while on the go.

5. Kick mats will save your new car and keep it looking new

When your old car starts to rattle and fall apart, it’s a good time to buy a new one. But when you have kids, you’re straddling a fine line. On one side of it, you know kids will be kids. On the other side, you don’t want those little monsters mucking up your new car. It’s a struggle.

So go and buy that new car with the gorgeous leather interior. Our kick mats come in a package of 2 and cover the entire seatback so your children won’t be able to inflict any damage. The thick material is durable and provides lasting protection. It’s easy to clean when it gets dirty by throwing it in the washing machine. Plus, we have kick mats that offer storage solutions as well so your car will never become a wasteland of odds and ends. With pouches and zippered pockets, they keep everything organized and off your floorboards.

Additionally, we make other products like backseat covers to help keep the rest of your car from becoming damaged due to the thrills and spills of having children.

6. Kick mats make an ideal entertainment center

Our kick mats attach at the top and bottom of the seatback, keeping them firmly locked in place. You can choose our standard kick mats that simply protect the seatbacks from damage, or you can choose our kick mats that double as organizers for your car too.

Driving is difficult enough. When you add children to the mix, it becomes even more so. You can’t very well stop and turn around to hand out wet wipes every time someone needs one or dole out snacks. The kick mats with organizers can hold tablets, books, games, toys, snacks, and drinks with ease. They can also hold wipes, tissues and other essentials. You can even insert a mini trash can into the deep pockets so trash will never go all over your backseat again.

7. Kick mats are essential when the weather is inclement

Your kids can be as careful as can be, but when it comes to rainy or snowy weather, even with the utmost care, messes can be made. Snow and slush make for messy shoes. Ditto for rainy days too. The wetness and the mud that comes with them leaves unsightly stains and permanent marks on your seatbacks when your kids climb into the car. And if they’re jumping in fast because the weather is really bad out there, chances are they aren’t worrying about whether their feet are scuffing up against the seatbacks.

With our kick mats, you won’t need to cringe every time your kids hop in the car. The mess stays on the kick mats and never transfers through the thick and durable material. You’ll never again have to worry about the weather.

8. Kick mats are a must for families with kids in sports

Active kids make a lot of mess too. If you have kids in sports like soccer, football, baseball, track, or even cheerleading, you’re much more likely to wind up with dirty and damaged seatbacks. Any sport that utilizes cleats too is even worse because of the potential to rip and snag your seatback material. Using our kick mats will prevent any of that damage from ever happening.

With kick mats, you won’t ever need to worry that your children and their friends are ruining your seatbacks as they clamber in from winning that big game. You can stay focused on taking them all out for a treat to celebrate a job well done instead of grumbling at everyone to keep their feet still.

9. Kick mats make fantastic gifts

Most parents are unaware that kick mats even exist. When they find out about them, the reaction is always that they wished they’d known about them sooner. That’s why our kick mats would be great to give as a gift. For a baby shower, it’s a gift that will likely not be given by anyone else in attendance, making it an ideal choice. New parents will soon discover how helpful kick mats are.

Friends with kids that get new cars would love kick mats as a gift too. Or those difficult to shop for grandparents. They always have everything, but they likely won’t already have kick mats.

Do you have a friend whose children just started in sports? Kick mats would be a much-appreciated gift to help them keep their vehicle free of mess and damage. There are so many occasions you can give kick mats for a gift that will be very well received!

10. Kick mats protect like nothing else

There are many fabric and leather protecting treatments out there, but none of them can guard as well as a kick mat can. Our kick mats secure to the seatback with straps, holding them firmly in place. They also cover your entire seatback to prevent any mess, scrape, scratch, dirt, or grime from getting onto your seatback.

The material is very strong and durable, as well as waterproof. So even if your child throws water all over it, it will not penetrate through to the seatback. Let them throw a fit in the back while you’re driving. You don’t need to “turn this car right around.” Just smile to yourself knowing that whatever they do in the back can’t destroy your investment in your vehicle.

11. Kick mats are an affordable and multi-tasking solution

Not only will kick mats protect your interior and keep your car in excellent condition no matter how messy and wild your kids are, but they will also give you places to store and organize things should you choose the ones that feature the organizer option. They are much more affordable than making repairs to your interior. It’s not cheap to reupholster a car, especially with leather. Kick mats are a minimal investment. Plus they come in a package of two so you get both for our low price.

The final word on kick mats

When it comes to protecting the interior of your car, kick mats are an ideal, durable and affordable solution. After parents buy and use our kick mats, they’re often amazed at how much order is restored to their cars. With zippered pockets and pouches, the kick mats that feature organizing options eliminate mess from transferring to the seatbacks and provide plenty of storage to keep the backseat organized and free of clutter. Our material is 4 times heavier than that of other kick mats, ensuring your seatbacks stay in pristine condition.

They last and last, no matter how many times you wash them in your washing machine. And should you experience any problems, our kick mats come with a lifetime guarantee. We won’t ask any questions either. We’ll honor it always.

With our kick mats, you don’t have to choose between having kids and having a nice car. You can truly have the best of both worlds on the road to life!

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Mommying for the Minimalist: How to Use One Item Many Ways

When you first began your journey into pregnancy, I bet you checked off everything on the registry at the baby stores, didn’t you? Of course you did, because that’s what all soon-to-be-parents do. We’re tricked into thinking that we need every single thing ever manufactured for the care of babies or else we’ll be horrible parents.

Reading that now, you realize how absurd it is to buy everything, yes? Hey, it happened to us all. If you’re on a budget or have little space to spare, here’s what you can do to be a great parent in the most minimal of ways. You can save yourself the headaches and get this one baby item that you can use a ton of ways.

Introducing the portable play pen. Many brands manufacture them so take your pick. Here’s what you can use it for:

1. Changing table

Most models of these portable play pens now come with an attachment that goes over the top, allowing you to quickly, easily and safely convert it into a changing station when you need it. Regular changing tables are often a waste of space and money, plus if they aren’t bracketed to the wall, pose a serious danger to being toppled over onto your child.

2. Play pen

Obviously, this was its intended initial use. It is great to put your little one in here with some safe toys. Don’t just toss your kid in there and let him stay all day though. It’s not a substitute for a babysitter. Roll it over near the kitchen while you cook or perhaps over by the TV while you handle a few important things so you can be sure he doesn’t topple down the stairs or cause other trouble.

3. Baby chair

Many of these models now come with baby chairs that remove from the unit and can be used independently. And best of all, they vibrate. That is HUGE. No having to go out and hunt down a perfect vibrating baby chair. This thing GIVES you one. It’s perfect to tote along on small trips to friend’s homes or restaurants, especially if your child is too small to sit up on his own.

4. Crib at home or on the go

Cribs can be clunky, expensive and difficult to assemble. One of these opens and folds with ease and can be moved anywhere, which is great when you’re trying to transition your baby to a new room. For newborns, you don’t need to buy bassinets and cribs. You can use this until your child feels comfortable in a bigger crib or bed. And if you travel a lot, you can pack it up and take it with you. That way, you don’t have to worry about a hotel, friend or family member having a crib for the baby to sleep in. Perfect!

See? There’s 4 fabulous ways to use one fabulous product!

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Your Ultimate Toddler Years Bucket List

Your fun little toddler was once just a tiny baby yesterday. And that went by in the blink of an eye. Now that she’s bigger, don’t let these precious times slip away. Make the most of them before you blink and she’s asking you if she can borrow the keys to the car. Here’s a list of fun things you’ve just got to put on your must-do-today list before today is gone!

– Play hide and seek
– Build block towers and then knock them down like Godzilla
– Dress up like princesses, pirates and whatever else tickles your fancy
– Feed ducks at the lake
– Fly a kite
– Splash in puddles
–  Play in snow
– Build a sand castle
– Go fruit picking
– Take a walk in the forest
– Play “I Spy”
– Go for a swim
– Go to the petting zoo
– Visit a children’s museum
– Go to a toddler story time activity
– Visit your local library
– Make play dates with grandparents, cousins and friends
– Make shapes with Play Doh
– Finger paint
– Sing and dance
– Throw an impromptu dance party
– Bake cookies together
– Make a sticker book
– Blow and catch bubbles
– Play volleyball with balloons
– Make a couch fort
– Go out for ice cream
– Have a tea party
– See who can make the funniest face
– Visit the nearest zoo
– Watch birds
– Make up a song about your family
– Swing on the swings
– Slide down the slide
– Have a picnic
– Have a water balloon war
– Go out for pizza and cupcakes
– People watch and make up a story about people you see together
– Hula hoop
– Make a puppet show
– Go for a walk in the rain
– Jump in a pile of leaves
– Make a mud pie
– Have a swimming party for the dolls in the sink
– Go for a bike or trike ride
– Make hand print art by tracing or by dipping hands in paint and leaving impressions
– Stomp like dinosaurs and roar
– Write on the sidewalk with chalk
– Draw pictures and make cards for loved ones
– Host a small party for your child and friends
– Take a small trip somewhere fun with the family

Of course, there’s probably so many more that you can think of to add I’m sure. What do you think should be part of the ultimate toddler bucket list?

 

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How to Tell When it’s Time to Start Baby on Solids

Everyone knows that when their baby is born, that baby must be given either breast milk or formula. But what most people don’t know is when they should start baby on solids. The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents wait until the age of 6 months before introducing solid foods in addition to these 8 signs of readiness.

1. Head control

In order for your baby to eat solid food, he needs to be able to keep his head upright. If he’s not able to do this yet, just wait a little longer until he is.

2. No more extrusion reflex

This is the reflex that helps your baby from choking. But in small babies, they will instinctively push everything out of their mouths with their tongue. When they are ready to start eating solids, they will instead start swallowing pureed foods.

3. Sitting upright

Your baby doesn’t have to be a master at sitting just yet but he needs to be able to sit upright enough with just a little support in order to swallow solids effectively.

4. Tasting everything

Has he begun putting everything he can put his hands on into his mouth? If so, that’s a good sign he’s ready to try eating solid foods.

5. Makes chewing motions

Your baby might sit on your lap while you eat and watch your spouse, and then make chewing motions with his mouth. Since the mouth and tongue develop at the same time as the digestive system, this is a good sign he’s getting ready to eat more than your breast milk.

6. Major weight gain

When your baby starts doubling in weight, this is a likely time for him to begin feasting on solids. Keep in mind, he’ll simply be trying little bits of things here and there. He is not ready for an eight-course dinner just yet but he is ready for some mashed sweet potatoes or avocado.

7. Increase in appetite

Babies are generally ready for solids when they still seem hungry even after eating breast milk or formula around 10 times a day.

8. Great interest in what you’re eating

Babies are curious by nature. So when they’re interested in something, you’ll notice them staring at it intently or trying to grab it. If you’re holding your baby during dinner and he tries to grab food off your plate or intercept your forkful of spaghetti as you try to eat it.

 

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6 Proven Ways to Handle Your Hyperactive Child

All children are filled with endless energy, but if your child is hyperactive, he may be even more so. Plus, hyperactive children have the distinction of lacking listening skills, taking instructions or following directions. Additionally, your child might exhibit behavioral problems and do poorly in school.

There’s no need to be forlorn, as there is much you can do to help your hyperactive child. Swallow a giant gulp of patience and give one of these ways a try.

1. Create order in your home

Although it might seem counter-intuitive, for hyperactive children there must be a clear pattern to follow at home or else they become anxious. Set rules for general functions in your household. This will help him understand what you expect of him and when you expect him to do it.

2. Simplify complex instructions

Make eye contact with your child when you explain things so he’ll focus on what you say. Simplify the tasks you explain to him and repeat them if necessary. If you feel he’s understood, ask him to repeat it back to you, but do so without getting impatient or angry.

3. Make positive reinforcements

Bribing can become habitual with other children but for hyperactive children, positive reinforcement in the form of small rewards, extra hugs and those sorts of things will help your child get through their tasks.

4. Create new outlets for venting

Your hyperactive child needs ways to release his energy. So be sure to take him outside to play. Running, walking and sports are all great outlets. If the weather is bad, make space in a room and let him run around there. You shouldn’t encourage hyperactivity but you do need him to get physical with releasing his energy from time to time.

5. Stay away from large gatherings

Don’t take this to mean you need to stay indoors and keep your child from every experience. What you need to do is work up to all these things, like going to the supermarket, going to church or an outing with family. Slow and steady wins the race.

6. Exercise discipline without getting physical

It is undeniably difficult to handle a child that is hyperactive and you will need to punish him from time to time. But you must stay calm and restrain yourself from physical punishments. You need to make your child understand the difference between good and bad and a great way to do that is to set up a time out room where your child can be sent to get himself together when he acts out of line. As soon as he apologizes and adjusts his behavior, let him out.

By doing these things, you will help relieve your child’s anxiety and steer him on the right path to channeling his hyperactivity in a positive way.

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Fun Battery-Free Toys for Your Wee Ones

My husband and I joke that the way to tell if someone hates you is if they get your child a noisy, battery-operated toy. Or toys with 1,000 little pieces (I’m looking at you, Shopkins!). But aside from the noise, battery-powered toys for little ones can always pose a bit of a danger should the battery become loose and fall out. This is especially true for those evil button batteries. There have been so many problems with children swallowing those that they are looking to outlaw them, and rightfully so.

Beyond battery dangers, experts agree that simple is best for development. Here are some suggestions for fun battery-free toys babies and toddlers can enjoy.

1. Organic wooden building blocks

In large enough shapes, they are safe for baby plus without paint, you don’t have to worry when your child inevitably starts munching on them. When your child is still small, you can entertain him by stacking up the blocks and then knocking them down. Eventually, he’ll start to get the concept of stacking them and building them. When he’s bigger, he will still enjoy them as he builds more intricate designs.

2. Stackable cups and rings

You know the kind. I even remember having these as a kid. The stackable rings are in bright colors and can double as donuts when you’re pretending to cook. The stackable cups can also pull double duty in the toy kitchen to serve as more serving ware. This is great for babies from 6 months on up.

3. Wooden pull toys

When your baby starts walking, a wooden pull toy is a great option because he can drag it along with him as he walks.

4. Baby dolls

There are special soft and darling baby dolls that are made for newborns. No buttons to worry about or any other small parts. But just like all stuffed animals and pillows, keep it out of the crib.

5. Soft play books and board books

Babies need all the sensory action they can get so find good books made of fabric that encourage touching. Board books are great too so they can enjoy looking at the pictures and you don’t have to worry that they will tear out the pages.

6. Farms, circuses, towns and more

There are a large variety of brands that make wonderful and adorable sets of toys made of woods or plastics that can help teach about the different things, people and places in our world. You can let your child play on his own and you can also sit with him and tell him about it.

Don’t forget when it comes to play time, if you don’t have carpeted floors in your play area, get a good and easy to clean mat that’s soft and perfect for playing on the floor.

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4 Things You Should Do Every Day with Your Toddler

Being home every day with your toddler can be hectic at times, but it’s also a blessing. Kids grow up way too fast. I know, because my oldest just graduated preschool. It seems like just yesterday that she was a tiny little baby I was holding in my arms. Now with my youngest that is getting ready to turn 2, I am treasuring every second. Because I know that when I blink, she’s going to be big just like her sister.

While it makes for an insane day at times to try to entertain her while I have to meet my work deadlines, I know that if I just show her some attention and do something with her for a little while, she’ll be happy and find something else to entertain herself with after that. Every day though, I make sure I do the following things with her because they’re important for her growth, and they make for special bonding moments. If you’re not doing these things, you should. This time is precious so use it wisely!

1. Reading

While I read both of my daughters stories before bedtime, I love to read to them any time of day. Children need us to read to them. It helps them develop vocabulary and learn about situations, relationships and so much more. My youngest can easily be soothed from a cranky mood if I just plop her on my lap and read her a story. Give your child the gift of a love for reading and you will be giving them a gift they can treasure forever.

2. Active play

When the weather is nice, I’ll take my toddler and her big sister too outside for a walk. We live near a lake and there are always birds around it. She loves birds so I take the time to tell her about the birds we see too. Other times, we go to the playground and have fun on the swings and slide. But when the weather is inclement, we’ll play together inside. She laughs and laughs when I take her hands and we do a circle dance. That laugh makes me so happy to be alive.

3. Imagination time

This is something I do with both kids. Sometimes, we have a fancy tea party with all the dolls. Other times, we bake 100 pies in their toy kitchen. We play with the doll house and give all the family members roles in the house. We even race cars on the floor. I let them both be who they are and let them pretend that anything they think of is possible. Because really, it is. Letting them dream and think up new ideas is so important. And while my youngest is just starting to get into this, my eldest  loves to use her imagination.

4. Art and chill

By default, I often hand the kids crayons and markers and a bunch of coloring books when I really need to get work done and can’t be interrupted constantly. But I find that when we do art together, it is even more special. Even if I just stay for a few minutes to color something, when I go off to do my thing, they seem more content and making them happy is my ultimate goal.

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