https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news.atomBANZ® Carewear USA - Chimp Chatter - News from Banz2023-10-27T14:54:42-05:00BANZ® Carewear USAhttps://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/baby-travel-needs-the-ultimate-checklist-for-traveling-with-your-little-one2023-10-27T14:54:42-05:002023-10-27T14:56:22-05:00Baby Travel Needs: The Ultimate Checklist For Traveling With Your Little OneShari Murphy
If your tiny little human is accompanying you on a weekend getaway or vacation, be prepared ahead of time. Keep this baby travel essentials checklist handy to ensure all the baby travel needs are accommodated without overpacking.
Baby Travel Needs: The Ultimate Checklist For Traveling With Your Little Munchkin
If you are a parent now, gone are the days when your travel checklist only included your phone, essential clothing, some snacks, wallet, keys and reservations. Now that you are hitting the road (or air) with your precious bundle of joy, things are going to be a lot more different.
Traveling with babies can be a challenge, especially if they are infants. After all, babies can get fussy if their routines are disturbed and most importantly, their sleep space is changed. But with the right travel tips and the ultimate list of packing, you can have a cosy vacation ahead.
Even if you consider yourself a packing genius, there will be a few things you wouldn’t know you need if you are traveling with a baby for the first time. This comprehensive list of baby travel essentials has been carefully curated to help you pack all the necessary items before you leave with your tiny tot.
As much as we’ve emphasized noting down all the baby travel needs you need to consider, we’ve equally focused on helping you figure out what you DON’T need. After all, no matter how tempted you might feel to carry everything you might require just in case, traveling light without any regrets is equally important.
Things To Consider While Packing Travel Items For Baby
From clothing to feeding and diapering, babies seem to require a lot of stuff all the time. But practically, you cannot carry everything to have a smooth trip with your bub. So, to help you understand things that you can consider essentials for traveling with your baby, we have listed some important pointers to remember while packing for your next trip.
Since every trip, parents’ preferences and lifestyles are different, understanding these major factors will help you curate your customized baby travel essentials checklist as per your specific needs.
1. Travel Plan and Length
Traveling with your baby is not as simple as finalizing a destination and booking your tickets and hotels. Hence, it is important to determine the travel length and plan your itinerary to understand what baby items you necessarily need along with the number of sets/items needed – and what you can possibly skip for a day or two.
2. Baby’s Age
Your bub’s age plays a crucial role in carrying the right items you’d need for them along the way. Toddlers and older kids might not need the same things as infants. Hence, depending upon your baby’s age, plan the baby travel accessories accordingly.
However, it is recommended to avoid traveling with your baby until the first 40 days of their life. This little confinement period safeguards them from infections by strengthening their delicate immune system. Generally, it is considered completely safe to travel with babies aged 3 months but if traveling before that is unavoidable, you should plan the itinerary very carefully.
3. Baby’s Essentials
Your baby travel essentials are majorly dependent on their age group and the length of your trip. A baby carrier might just be enough if you are traveling for a fun day out with your infant. But with older babies and toddlers, you might need a stroller for longer trips or even a day out to rocky terrains and adventurous weekend getaways.
11+ Must-Have Baby Travel Essentials You Need To Pack Inside The Suitcase
Your little traveler might need a lot of baggage but you may still pack efficiently if you prioritize the items they need desperately. Here’s our comprehensive list of important baby travel needs that you need to carry without dragging too much. Depending upon your needs and preferences, you may personalize this checklist and curate your perfect travel packing list.
1. Clothes
First and foremost, you need to get your baby’s outfits sorted to get done with most of the packing. Ideally, for a three-day trip, here are the clothing items you may require. You may increase or decrease the number of items as per the duration of your travel. If your travel excursion is really long – for about a month, it is a good idea to pack clothes for a week and seek laundry service at your accommodation.
Tees & pyjamas – 4 each
Onesie – 1 warm & 1 cold
Jacket – 1
A pair of breathable night clothes
Socks – 3 pairs
Shoes – 1 pair
Slippers – 1 pair
Swimwear – if the destination is water-based
Ziplock bags for soiled clothes – if you don’t intend to do laundry
2. Toiletries
Since toiletries are the next unmissable items you need for your trip, find mini-packs to travel light.
Diapers – At least 4 per day
Diaper changing pad – 1
Baby wipes – A pack of 72 or 80 units is better
Diaper rash cream
Swim diapers – 3 (if required)
Ziplock bags for dirty diapers
Baby potty seat – if your tot is toilet trained
Baby wash
Body lotion
Baby safe talc
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Q-tips
Nail clippers – if you’ll be traveling for more than a week
3. Feeding
Next up, you must get the baby’s feeding items ready in your suitcase. Here are a few things you should be needing on the go:
Breast pump for extra storage of milk at times it might not be the easiest to breastfeed
Formula feed – even if you don’t prefer it, it is better to travel with it
Feeding bottle – 2
Pre-sterilised nipples – 2
Insulated flask filled with boiled water
Burp clothes – 3
Handkerchief – 3
Nursing cover – only if you think you need it
Snacks
Waterproof bibs or aprons – 2
4. Safety from the Sun
Since your little one is going to be more exposed to sunshine, here are some items you might need:
Car windshield sunshade – if you are going to drive
5. Bedding
Baby’s let their parents enjoy their vacations to the fullest if they can sleep comfortably. Hence, you might need the following things to let them sleep without any discomfort.
Blankets – 1 fleece, 1 warm
Swaddle blankets – 2
Sleeping cover – 1
6. Medication
Under the supervision of your doctor, here are some medicines you should travel with:
Medicine for colic, constipation and body pain
ORS for dehydration
Baby Tylenol to soothe teething gums, sore throat, colds, and flu
Antihistamine
Nasal aspirator and saline solution
Antiseptic ointment
Heat and ice pack
First aid kit
Thermometer
7. Toys & Comforting Items
You don’t need to pack too much extra stuff to make your baby comfortable while traveling but you definitely need a thing or two to calm them down whenever they are fussy.
Pacifier – 1 or 2
Teething ring
Rattles for infants
Lovey or snuggle toy they are most habitual of
An inflatable floatie – if you intend floating around the pool or taking your baby near the beach
8. Bassinet orTravel Bed
If your hotel can arrange for your baby’s bed, that’s great. But in case you want your bub to sleep in their own bed or have multiple travel destinations planned for your vacation, all hotels might not be able to offer you a bassinet or crib. In that case, it is better to travel with a portable bassinet, crib or playard.
For toddlers, you can either look for a mini-crib or a pack n play – whatever your travel guidelines and budget allow.
9. Baby Carrier or Stroller
Depending on what you have, what you prefer and how long your trip is going to be, choose the right baby carrier wisely. You can also pick a baby sling that you can wrap around your waist without any worries.
If you are traveling with a stroller, never take a full-sized stroller with you as it is going to be very bulky and problematic. Opt for a lightweight, portable stroller instead.
10. Baby Car Seat
If it is a road trip and you are traveling with an infant, it is better to take a convertible baby car seat along with you so that your baby’s safety and comfort are uncompromised.
11. Portable Swing
If your vacation is going to be long enough, bring along a travel-friendly baby swing or bouncer depending upon your preference.
12. Miscellaneous But Useful
Here are some other items that don’t specifically fit in certain categories but might aid your overall travel experience.
A small torch or nightlight
Portable mosquito net
Hand sanitizer
A pack of safety pins
Clear tape
Hotel reservations
Rental reservations
Baby’s documents
Insurance documents
Pen
Baby Travel Accessories for the Handbag
Since you need some extremely important baby items as handy as possible for the rush minute, here is a list of things you must pack for the carry-on bag,
One pair of changing clothes
A pair of socks
Diapers – 3
Feeding bottle or sipper – 1
Baby wipes – travel edition
Semi-solid food or snacks
Baby blanket – 1
Medication as prescribed by your baby’s doctor depending on their age (Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen + colic medicines are a must)
Waterproof bib or apron – 1
Pacifier – if your baby uses one
Hairbrush
Rattle or lovey to soothe them
Over-Hyped Baby Travel Accessories You Can Ditch
Apart from exploring new things and building life experiences, one of the main purposes of traveling is to get out of your comfort zone, learn to compromise in unexpected situations and improve your adaptability skills. The same is true for babies. If they are accompanying you for your trips at a young age, treat this as an opportunity to teach them to adjust in life.
Although we, as parents, work hard to give regular schedules, predictability and consistent expectations to our kids to make their lives more comfortable and stable, it doesn’t always have to be the same. Sometimes, ups and downs are okay – and changes in routines are life-enhancing.
The understandable temptation to bring everything “needy” until you reach your final destination can make you pack unnecessary stuff. This can make traveling with your little one trickier than it is. So, here’s a complete cheat sheet of items you don’t need when traveling with your baby to make your vacay hassle-free.
1. White Noise Machine
Although many baby travel checklists suggest traveling with a white noise machine, we don’t think it is necessary. If you think your baby is getting disturbed by the loud street noise while traveling, you can simply play some white noise music on your smartphone to block extra noise – but we don’t think you’d mostly need that too.
2. Travel Baby Monitor
We firmly think there is no point in traveling with so much stuff, especially when your baby is going to be with you. Baby monitors might come in very handy for parents who put their babies to sleep in their nursery but while traveling, your bub is going to share the room with you. What’s the need of carrying an extra device and making things more hectic?
3. Travel High Chair
If traveling didn’t have space or carrying restrictions, all the parents in this world would pack their entire homes to offer the same comfort to their babies. But it is not feasible for parents to travel with too much gear. So, check with your stay if they can provide a high chair for the baby’s comfortable and safe eating experience.
However, if you can’t find it, try looking for some local baby gear rentals that offer a fully-sanitized baby essentials at low prices. Not to mention, if you are traveling by your own car, have enough space, and most importantly, prefer carrying a travel high chair for your tiny tot, there’s no harm!
4. Blackout Curtains
Another item we’ve found almost everywhere but we don’t think is essential. We know blackout curtains can help a lot but you don’t need to pack them for a day or two. You could rather ask your hotel to arrange for something if your baby is uncomfortable or DIY it using the sheets provided in your room.
5. Baby Bath Tub
No matter how travel-friendly everything claims to be, if you take them all, you’ll be loaded with a lot of stuff. You can ditch a baby bathtub for a day or two and give your baby a travel bath using a warm yet wet washcloth or shower – while following complete safety guidelines. Most high-grade hotels also provide baby bathtubs if you ask them in advance.
Genius Tips To Ease Your Baby Travel Experience
Traveling for the first time with your baby might seem intimidating but can be smooth and enjoyable with proper planning and following some pro tips. Here are some useful travel guidelines and tips to make your vacation with your bub very smooth and hassle-free.
Note down or print our baby travel checklist to get sorted with all the things you need to carry.
Start packing two days ago to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Sometimes, even when your travel list is ready, packing or finding some stuff you may not have at home might take a day or two. Hence, it is wiser to start packing early.
A small baby travel bag might be all you need for a short trip but you might require a large infant travel bag or suitcase for longer vacations. Regardless of the duration of your trip, keep an outfit, some diapers, and other things you use with your baby frequently handy in a carry-on bag.
Always choose a waterproof infant travel bag to accommodate all your baby travel stuff.
Once you’ve determined the medicines, liquids, and baby foods you need to travel with, pack them in plastic pouches in a separate compartment.
For large baby gear and crib, check with your hotel to know if they can provide you with the items you need.
If there is something you can’t find but cannot even miss, try to find its lighter, travel-friendly alternative.
Just in case you don’t travel frequently and purchasing new travel-friendly gear seems expensive for a short trip, try looking for baby gear on rent.
If you are traveling with your own baby gear, try assembling or disassembling them to check their fittings and safety before you leave.
Avail Benefits Of Rental Baby Gears: Save Money & Promote Sustainability
Great traveling products can ease your vacay experience as new parents – but figuring out what’s worth your hard-earned money can be tricky. After all, you don’t need travel versions of all baby products and gear – and it is practically impossible too. Moreover, buying multiple travel gear for just a few days is also not a wise choice when there are countless renting options available out there.
Consider renting baby gear to save money in the long run, avoid the hassles of traveling with too much stuff, and be stress-free on your vacation. Renting baby gear also promotes sustainability and gives you the freedom of saving space in your home once you are back.
Moreover, travel versions of baby gear might not be able to offer you all the perks as their full-sized versions. So, when you rent these gears, you get uncompromised facilities without lugging a lot of stuff.
Choose the best baby equipment rental service near you or look for the top-ranked service providers on the internet.
Read as many reviews as possible.
Make bookings and share your concerns and requirements before sealing the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Travel Needs
Have some questions popping up on your mind before you start packing your baby travel stuff? Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about choosing the right travel items for baby.
What do I need to take my baby on a flight?
To fly with your baby, first of all, it is better to check your airline’s travel regulations to know what items you are allowed to carry and what facilities you will be given on board. While most airlines allow carrying a separate diaper for the baby, the food supplies regulations might be different. Keep your carry on diaper bag ready with the following items if you are going to take your baby on a flight:
Yes. You can wrap your baby around your waist in a carrier and still go through the metal detector at the airport if your baby has fallen asleep or you prefer doing so. Although, sometimes, you might be required to undergo additional screening in that case. The airport security rules and regulations also vary from country to country.
What is the best age to travel with a baby?
The best age to start traveling with your baby is once they are 3 months old. However, if you need to travel before that, you can travel with them following all the necessary safety guidelines. Ideally, babies under 40 days of age should not be traveled with as their immune system is more prone to the risks of getting infections.
Is a diaper bag considered a carry-on?
Yes. Your baby’s diaper bag is considered a carry-on bag by most airlines. However, the ideal baby travel bag for flights should not exceed dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
The Bottom Line
With unpredictable situations and new schedules, traveling with babies can be overwhelming. However, it is also a fun, eye-opening experience for them regardless of what age group they are in. Hence, a few challenges you may face on the go should not stop you from creating lifelong memories and keeping your little one away from exploring the beauty of this world.
If you pack baby travel essentials well and follow some tried and tested baby travel tips shared above, you can make traveling with your little one a breeze. Remember to keep your baby engaged along the way and understand that it’s okay to encounter a few challenges and adjust even if you tried accommodating all the baby travel needs at your best. That’s what traveling is all about!
Don’t forget to take adequate rest before heading out for your journey. This will ensure you are energetic enough and remain calm in any situation. Most importantly, keep yourself and your baby hydrated on the go.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/summer-s-o-s-keep-your-little-one-safe-from-the-sun-with-specialty-sunglasses2023-06-15T12:44:41-05:002023-06-15T12:44:43-05:00Summer S.O.S.: Keep Your Little One Safe From the Sun With Specialty SunglassesShari Murphy
Summer S.O.S.: Keep Your Little One Safe From the Sun With Specialty Sunglasses
It's a beautiful day outside and you're excited to take your little one to the park. As you pack up your things and get ready to head out, you stop to put on your sunglasses. But what about your baby? You can't just let them chill in the sun without any protection! That's where specialty sunglasses like BANZ come in.
BANZ is a brand that specializes in providing top-quality baby gear that prioritizes comfort, safety, and style. Among their products, Banz Baby Sunglasses are one of the most popular items. These shades offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, ensuring that your baby's delicate eyes are shielded from harmful rays.
But why is it so important to buy specialty sunglasses for babies? Well, aside from the main reason of sun protection, there are other benefits as well. For instance, regular sunglasses can be too big or heavy for a baby's face, causing discomfort and irritation. On the other hand, Banz Baby Sunglasses are designed specifically with babies in mind. They have an adjustable strap that keeps them securely in place without being too tight or loose.
Moreover, Banz Baby Sunglasses come in a variety of different frame styles and lens colors, so you can choose the perfect pair to suit your baby's personality. From classic black frames to fun patterns like pink and blue cartoon designs, there's something for everyone.
But what if you're worried about how your baby will react to wearing sunglasses for the first time? Fortunately, Banz Australia has other products that can help ease the transition. For instance, Banz Baby Earmuffs and Ear Defenders can be worn in conjunction with sunglasses to protect your baby's ears from harmful noises while also keeping them comfortable.
Banz Baby Earmuffs are designed to reduce noise levels by up to 31 decibels, making them perfect for noisy environments like concerts, fireworks displays, and even loud sporting events. Meanwhile, Banz Baby Ear Defenders are made from high-quality materials that keep your baby's ears safe and cozy in any situation.
If you're still not convinced about the benefits of specialty sunglasses and other Banz Australia products, check out some of the rave reviews from satisfied customers:
"Banz Baby Earmuffs are a game-changer! My baby used to cry every time we went to a loud place, but now she's able to sleep soundly through it all."
"I was nervous about putting sunglasses on my baby at first, but Banz Baby Sunglasses are so comfortable and lightweight that she doesn't even notice them!"
"Thanks to Banz Baby Ear Defenders, we were able to take our little one to a loud Fourth of July celebration without worrying about damaging her hearing. Highly recommend!"
Overall, investing in specialty sunglasses like Banz Baby Sunglasses can make a big difference for your baby's safety and comfort during the summer months. And with additional accessories like Banz Baby Earmuffs and Ear Defenders available, you can ensure that your little one is protected from head to toe.
So the next time you're headed out for some fun in the sun, don't forget the Banz Baby Sunglasses!]]>
https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/eleven-reasons-your-child-needs-banz-earmuffs2023-06-01T19:30:00-05:002023-06-01T19:30:00-05:00Eleven reasons your child needs Banz earmuffsShari Murphy
Eleven reasons your child needs Banz earmuffs
Eleven reasons your child needs Banz earmuffs
As a parent, you may be unaware of the advantages of Banz earmuffs for children. It may come as a surprise that there are in fact eleven reasons your child needs them. The experts at Banz New Zealand have been kind enough to share their blog with us so that we can gain a better understanding of why earmuffs are so important. I invite you to take a look - it is truly enlightening.
Have you thought about hearing damage?
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) accumulates and can't be reversed, and even a single loud event can cause damage. According to the National Foundation for the Deaf in New Zealand, if it sounds too loud, it probably is too loud. Children have more sensitive hearing than adults due to their thinner skull bones and undamaged ears; what is loud to adults is often excruciatingly loud to them. Banz earmuffs are an ideal way to protect children's delicate hearing.
What’s so great about Banz earmuffs?
Banz earmuffs boast a powerful Noise Reduction Rate of 31 decibels, granting them a Class 4 rating, which is just one scalp below industrial-strength earmuffs. Furthermore, they are compliant with all applicable international standards. It's important to note that Banz earmuffs do not muffle sound completely, so your child will still be able to hear you. This is a great feature for parents whose kids often choose to ignore them!
A note on using ear plugs for children: ear plugs are often too big for a child’s small ear canal. If they’re cut down, they still may not fit the canal properly and allow noise through. Also, those pretty-coloured ear plugs are a real choking hazard!
So, lets cut to the chase….
When should babies and kids be wearing hearing protection?
1. Flying: The noise of take-off may upset some young children, so hearing protection is recommended.
In an airplane cabin, noise levels can be disruptive for children unfamiliar with the confined and strange situation. Banz earmuffs help them create a quieter, more comfortable experience, allowing them to sleep in peace.
Come fly with me! Happy on the plane in Banz earmuffs
2. Fireworks: Backyard fireworks at Guy Fawkes are a Kiwi tradition. But is it worth risking your children’s hearing for a few pretty sparkles?
In recent years, the intensity of explosive sounds from fireworks has grown, even after certain types of fireworks have been prohibited for a number of years. This is especially true for professionally organized displays, which tend to launch fireworks higher in the sky and generate a louder sound when the explosions reach the ground. To protect your child, earmuffs are essential.
Fireworks’ loud bangs mean your kids need hearing protection
3. Motorsport: High-decibel noises from engines, screeching tires, and car crashes can be enjoyable for the family, however it is much too loud for your child's hearing. Race officials are known for wearing hearing protection at motor racing events, emphasizing the importance of ear protection for children.
4. Working with tools/ home renos: If you have the builders in – or are doing the job yourself – then you’ll be surrounded by noise while the job’s underway. The professionals wear hearing protection and everyone around them should too – especially kids!
This includes the times when they’re helping Mum or Dad in the workshop.
5. Loud events:
When we take our kids to events like festivals, concerts, and airshows where sound levels can't be controlled, wearing hearing protection is a wise precaution. At seated concerts, we can't move away from potential loud noise, even from popular children's entertainment acts. In large venues, the roar of the crowd can quickly add to the high decibels. On online forums, many parents have shared stories of their children covering ears out of distress caused by excessive sound.
6. Movies: We love to take the kids to the movies, but the soundtrack may be set at ear-damaging levels.
Movie theaters can reach sound levels as high as 98 decibels, comparable to the noise of a passing train or an airplane taking off. The average volume of dialogue in movies is said to be 85 decibels, yet New York’s Children’s Hearing Institute suggests kids not be exposed to sound above 80 decibels (the level of city street traffic). Kit Frank, an audiologist in the U.S., encourages parents to keep noise levels at 85 decibels or lower. Above this, “there’s a potential for hearing damage” for both adults and children.
But surely, movies aimed at kids are quieter? Not necessarily. Storks, an 2016 animated feature for kids, hit a peak of 99.3 decibels. Another occasion for Banz earmuffs!
7. Childcare centers:
Due to the high levels of noise in pre-schools, the National Foundation for the Deaf in New Zealand has created the Safe Sound Indicator – a traffic-light system – to signal when noise levels become a concern. To help protect children from sound overwhelm, Banz earmuffs can be used to reduce the volume. The carpentry table is an ideal opportunity to model this safety practice, and many pre-schools have already implemented Banz earmuffs – why not suggest it to the management at your centre?
8. On the farm: Loud machinery can be extremely damaging to hearing - especially for young ears. Parents working on the farm likely make sure to protect their hearing, yet if their children come across noisy equipment such as chainsaws, tractors, weed-eaters and the like, bear in mind it's just as important to keep their little ones safe. Unbeknown to some, animals can be incredibly loud too, with a squealing pig emitting a sound just like that of a snowmobile’s engine. Banz earmuffs are widely used in New Zealand's rural communities for good reason!
9. Noise-sensitive children: Some children are more sensitive to loud noise and overstimulation than others. Wearing Banz earmuffs in triggering situations allows a child the chance to regroup by dulling down the external stimulation – many customers have described their child’s Banz earmuffs as “a life saver”. Children with autism and sensory processing disorder find Banz earmuffs particularly useful.
10. At home: Protect your child from unbearable noises! Give them a set of Banz earmuffs and watch them smile, even when your vacuum cleaner is on full blast. Maintain your musical practices without exposing your child to any potential harm from unpleasant sounds.
11. Sports: Cheers and jeers! We may love a rousing good game, but the sheer volume of the crowd can be overwhelming for the wee ones. Not to mention harmfully loud - sound levels measured in stadiums can be as high as a jet engine lifting off *again and again and again*. Shield their ears with Banz earmuffs and make sure the team is fully supported!
Yes! My ears are comfy and my team’s winning!
So, where will your children wear their Banz earmuffs? Comment and tell us! And you just may win a prize!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/quality-sunglasses-help-child-lifetime-sun-protection-habits2023-05-22T16:30:15-05:002023-05-22T16:32:35-05:00How Quality Sunglasses Can Help Your Child Develop a Lifetime of Sun Protection HabitsShari Murphy
We all love the sun, don't we? It brings warmth, light, and happiness into our lives. But as much as we love it, we also need to be wary of its harmful effects. Sunburns are painful, and long-term exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. But there's one thing that often gets overlooked when talking about sun protection - your eyes.
Yes, your eyes, and baby's eyes, need protection from the sun, too. And no, simply squinting or wearing a hat won't cut it. That's why it's important to start teaching your child the importance of wearing sunglasses early on in life. Not only will it protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, but it can also help develop a lifetime of sun protection habits.
As parents, we know that getting our children to wear anything they don't want to wear can be a real challenge. But with the right approach and the right sunglasses, it can be done. Let's take a look at how quality sunglasses can help your child develop a lifetime of sun protection habits.
First and foremost, it's important to choose the right sunglasses for your child. Not all sunglasses are created equal, and some may even do more harm than good. Cheap sunglasses may not offer adequate protection from UV rays and could actually cause more harm than good by dilating the pupils and allowing more UV light in.
That's why we recommend looking for brands like Banz Australia for quality sunglasses that are specifically designed for children. Banz Australia is known for their line of Banz Baby products, including Banz Baby Ear Defenders, Banz Baby Earmuffs, Banz UPF 50+ bucket hats, and Banz Kids Hearing Protection Earmuffs, to name a few. These products are made with the highest quality materials and provide superior protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Once you have the right sunglasses for your child, it's time to start using them as part of your daily routine. Make it a habit to always wear sunglasses when you're outside, and make sure your child does the same. It may take some coaxing at first, but over time, wearing sunglasses will become second nature to your child.
Another way to help your child develop a lifetime of sun
protection habits is to lead by example. Children model their behavior after their parents, so if they see you wearing sunglasses and taking sun protection seriously, they will be more likely to do the same.
It's also important to make wearing sunglasses fun for your child. Let them pick out their own pair of sunglasses and make a big deal out of it. Encourage them to wear their sunglasses by pointing out how cool they look. You can even make a game out of it by seeing who can keep their sunglasses on the longest or spotting other people wearing sunglasses.
In addition to protecting your child's eyes from UV rays, wearing quality sunglasses can also prevent other eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. By starting early and instilling good sun protection habits in your child, you're setting them up for a lifetime of healthy eyes.
In conclusion, protecting your child's eyes from the harmful rays of the sun is crucial. By choosing quality sunglasses from brands like Banz Australia and making it a part of your daily routine, you can help your child develop a lifetime of sun protection habits. So the next time you head outside, don't forget to grab your sunglasses - and make sure your child does too!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/how-to-protect-your-babys-hearing-during-their-first-outing2023-05-12T13:31:54-05:002023-05-12T13:31:55-05:00How to protect your baby's hearing during their first outingShari Murphy
How to protect your baby's hearing during their first outing
As a parent, there is nothing more important than protecting your little one's health and safety. That includes protecting their hearing, especially when it comes to their first outing! Whether it be a summer concert, sporting event, or family gathering, these activities can often involve loud noises that can cause noise induced hearing loss. To ensure that your baby is safe from these sounds, it is important to invest in quality hearing protection such as earmuffs. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of hearing protection and provide tips for protecting your baby's hearing during their first outing.
What is noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss, or NIH, is a type of hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises. This can happen to people of all ages, including babies and children. It occurs when the tiny hair cells inside the ear, responsible for detecting sound, are damaged by excessive noise levels. This can lead to permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. That's why it's crucial to prioritize kids hearing protection and invest in ear defenders or other baby noise protection products to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Whether it's attending a baby concert, sporting events, or fireworks, hearing safety should always be a top priority for parents and caregivers.
How can I prevent my baby from getting noise-induced hearing loss?
The best way to prevent your baby from getting noise-induced hearing loss is to
invest in baby hearing protection products such as earmuffs or noise-blocking headphones. These products can help reduce the intensity of sound that reaches your baby's delicate ears, protecting them from potential harm.
When shopping for baby hearing protection, look for products that are specifically designed for children and have been tested to meet safety standards. You can also consult with your pediatrician for recommendations on which products to use.
In addition to using hearing protection, try to limit your baby's exposure to loud noises as much as possible. Avoid taking your baby to concerts, sporting events, or other loud environments. If you do need to bring your baby to a noisy event, make sure to use noise-cancelling headphones or earmuffs to protect their ears.
Overall, protecting your baby's hearing is an important part of ensuring their overall health and well-being. By investing in baby hearing protection products and taking steps to reduce their exposure to loud noises, you can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss and keep your little one healthy and happy.
What are some ways to protect my baby's hearing during their first outing?
Taking your baby out for their first outing can be an exciting experience. However, it is important to be mindful of their hearing as exposure to loud noises can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Here are some ways to protect your baby's hearing during their first outing:
1. Prevent Exposure: It is important to limit your baby's exposure to loud noises during their first outing. Avoid taking them to places where there are loud noises such as construction sites, music concerts, and sporting events.
2. Block Harmful Noise: If you plan to attend a concert or a music event, consider investing in baby products like concert earmuffs specifically designed to protect your baby's hearing, like BANZ earmuffs for baby and kids. These earmuffs can block out loud noises and are comfortable for your baby to wear.
3. Keep the On: Make sure to keep the earmuffs or any other hearing protection products securely on your baby's head throughout the outing to ensure that their ears are protected from loud noises.
4. Monitor noise: Keep an eye on the noise level during the outing and remove your baby from the environment if the noise gets too loud.
5. Use Technology: You can also use noise monitoring apps on your phone to monitor the noise levels around you. These apps can help you determine whether the noise level is safe for your baby or not.
Remember, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. By taking necessary precautions and investing in kids products like concert earmuffs, you can protect your baby's hearing during their first outing and promote their overall health and safety.
What are some other tips for preventing noise-induced hearing loss?
Apart from using hearing protection for your baby during their first outing, there are several other measures you can take to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Here are some tips:
1. Sit farther back from speakers: When attending concerts or events with loud music, sit as far away from the speakers as possible. The further away you are, the lower the decibel levels will be, reducing the risk of hearing damage.
2. Choose outdoor venues: If possible, choose outdoor venues for concerts or events. The open space allows the sound to disperse, reducing the intensity of the noise.
3. Limit time at loud events: It's important to limit the amount of time your baby spends at loud events. Try to keep the duration of exposure to high levels of noise to a minimum.
4. Take breaks: Taking breaks from the noise can help your baby's ears recover. During a concert or event, take your baby outside for a few minutes to give their ears a break.
5. Make it a family affair: Family time is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities and events while also protecting your baby's hearing. Encourage the whole family to get involved in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnics.
Remember, protecting your baby's hearing should be a priority at all times, not just during their first outing. Incorporate these tips into your family's routine to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and keep your baby's ears safe and healthy.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/11-times-your-child-needs-banz-earmuffs2023-04-28T13:28:30-05:002023-04-28T13:29:29-05:0011 Times Your Child Needs Banz EarmuffsShari Murphy
Our modern world is noisier than ever before – and babies and children go to events with the family that could place their delicate hearing at risk.
Did you know? Damage to hearing accumulates and can’t be reversed – unlike a cut on the finger, damage to your child’s hearing won’t heal.
This damage is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Even a single noise event can cause hearing loss if it’s too loud, such as a loud concert or fireworks.
The National Foundation for the Deaf in New Zealand says: “No matter how old or young you are, too much exposure to loud noise can permanently damage your hearing and cause NIHL… if you think it’s too loud, it probably is!”
Children have much more sensitive hearing than adults, as the bones of their skull are much thinner, and their hearing is ‘new’ and undamaged. What’s loud to you is super-loud – and often painful – to them.
The best way to prevent hearing loss in babies and children is to use high-quality earmuffs. Banz earmuffs have a Noise Reduction Rate of a grunty 31 decibels, giving a Class 4 rating – only one grade less than industrial-strength earmuffs – and meet all relevant international standards.
Fun fact: Wearing Banz earmuffs won’t deafen a child. They are noise-reducing earmuffs, not a cone of silence! This means they’re still able to hear what you say to them.
A note on using ear plugs for children: ear plugs are often too big for a child’s small ear canal. If they’re cut down, they still may not fit the canal properly and allow noise through. Also, those pretty-colored ear plugs are a real choking hazard!
So, when should babies and kids be wearing hearing protection?
Flying: The noise of take-off may upset some young children, so hearing protection is recommended.
Also, an airplane cabin is a confined, noisy place! Other people, other children and in-flight announcements can be incredibly disturbing for little ones in this unfamiliar and strange situation.
Wearing Banz earmuffs allows them to retreat into a quieter world – often babies will simply fall asleep.
Fireworks: Fireworks at New Year's and July 4th is tradition in the USA – but is it worth risking your children’s hearing for a few pretty sparkles?
Although crackers and sky rockets have been banned for several years, the explosive sounds of fireworks have become louder in recent years – and it only takes one noise event to cause damage!
Organized displays are even louder – although the fireworks generally detonated further away from the ground – there’s more BANG for your buck! Earmuffs are a necessity.
Motorsport: Revving engines, squealing tires and crashes are great family fun! But it’s simply too loud for young children’s hearing. You’ll see the race officials wearing hearing protection at motor racing events – it’s even more essential for kids.
Working with tools/ home renos: If you have the builders in – or are doing the job yourself – then you’ll be surrounded by noise while the job’s underway. The professionals wear hearing protection and everyone around them should too – especially kids!
This includes the times when they’re helping Mum or Dad in the workshop.
Loud events: Such as festivals, children’s concerts, airshows – if we take our kids where we can’t control sound levels, and we know the entertainment’s likely to be loud, it’s better to be safe and take hearing protection.
At seated concerts you can’t move away from the source of loud noise – and even The Wiggles and Paw Patrol may be too loud, especially if the setting is a large arena. Add in the roar of an excited crowd of children and the decibels soar. Parents have shared stories online of upset children with hands clamped over their ears, due to excess sound levels.
Don’t let noise spoil family occasions – use Banz earmuffs.
Movies: We love to take the kids to the movies, but the soundtrack may be set at ear-damaging levels.
Moviegoers have measured sounds during films at volumes reaching 98 decibels. That’s almost as loud as a train passing or an airplane taking off. According to a cinema owner, 85 decibels is about the average volume of dialogue in movies. As New York’s Children’s Hearing Institute recommends children not be exposed to noises over 80 decibels (the level of city street traffic), that’s a problem.
A sound level of 85 decibels “is where you want to stay below,” says Kit Frank, a U.S audiologist. Beyond that, “you start to hit into the range where you could potentially cause damage” to adult hearing – let alone children.
But surely, movies aimed at kids are quieter? Not necessarily. Storks, an 2016 animated feature for kids, hit a peak of 99.3 decibels.
Another occasion for Banz earmuffs!
Childcare centers: Preschools can be very noisy places. So much so that, in New Zealand, the National Foundation for the Deaf has developed the Safe Sound Indicator – a traffic-light system – especially to raise awareness of the noise in preschools. The fix? use Banz earmuffs to ‘turn down the volume’ for little ones upset by noise overwhelm.
The obvious area at a pre-school where earmuffs should be worn is at the carpentry table – this is good modelling of a safety practice. We have already supplied many pre-schools with Banz earmuffs – why not suggest it to the management at your centre?
On the farm: Loud machinery is the enemy of hearing. Adults undertaking farm duties generally know to wear hearing protection – but if their kids are around the chainsaws, tractors, trucks, weed-eaters and the like, farmers need to protect their hearing as well. Some animals are really, really loud – did you know a pig squealing can be as loud as a snowmobile’s engine? Banz earmuffs are very popular in rural communities!
Noise-sensitive children: Some children are more sensitive to loud noise and over stimulation than others. Wearing Banz earmuffs in triggering situations allows a child the chance to regroup by dulling down the external stimulation – many customers have described their child’s Banz earmuffs as “a life saver”. Children with autism and sensory processing disorder find Banz earmuffs particularly useful.
At home: It’s possible your child may find noises around the home, such as vacuum cleaners and blenders, too loud. Slip on a set of Banz earmuffs and they’re happy! Parents who practice their drumming – or any instrument – at home can now protect their child’s ears from harm and not just from bum notes!
Sports: And… the crowd goes wild! We all want to support the team, but the sheer volume of the roar of the crowd at a game can be overwhelming for little ones, scary and harmful to their hearing. Sound levels at major games have been measured at the same level as a jet engine taking off… over and over and over… Play safe and invest in Banz earmuffs for your kids.
So, when do your children wear their Banz earmuffs? Comment and tell us!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/a-closer-look-at-our-new-lifestyle-range2022-08-17T17:44:14-05:002022-08-17T17:44:15-05:00A closer look at our new lifestyle range...Shari Murphy
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/new-lifestyle-range-from-banz2022-06-20T16:28:12-05:002022-06-20T16:28:13-05:00NEW! Lifestyle Range from BANZShari Murphy
We've got something BIG for the summer!!
BANZ® 2022 Picnic Range has been specifically designed for the modern family who like to spend their days on the beach. Our full Picnic Range consists of a waterproof picnic blanket, Large picnic cooler bag, insulated lunch bagm Large water bottle, Large and small travel cups, wine tumbler sand a coffee/beer mug.
Check out the collectionnow and grab your favorites just in time to celebrate outside all summer long!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/sunscreen-in-winter-why-it-s-key-for-kids2020-01-06T13:14:00-06:002020-01-06T13:15:32-06:00Sunscreen In Winter – Why It’s Key for KidsShari Murphy
During the cold and dreary winter months, most folks are looking forward to the return of sunshine and warm weather. What most families aren’t thinking about is sunscreen usage – or protecting their children from the harsh ultraviolet rays that are beaming down on us year round.
A mere one in four U.S kids use sunscreen regularly, notes a recent study published in ‘Pediatrics’ (sign-in required for access). And adolescents who get sunburned at an early age are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a common type of skin cancer, later in life, according to the study.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The New Zealand Cancer Society says: “Skin cancer is largely preventable. Over 90% of all skin cancer cases are attributed to excess sun exposure.” Read on to discover when and how to protect yourself and your kids.
Not just for summer months
Just because the sun isn’t beating down doesn’t mean its damaging rays aren’t making their way through the clouds.
Dr. Joanna Gammons, a dermatologist at U.S-based Gammons Wellness and Dermatology, says many people have misconceptions about the necessity of protecting their skin during the winter months.
“A lot of people say you don’t need to wear it because there’s no sun, but you absolutely need to,” Gammons says. She adds that rays that are damaging to the skin – and can cause skin cancers – still get through.
As almost 80 percent of UV radiation is reflected from snow, while only 25 percent from sand, the need for sunscreen protection on the mountain is clear – and especially so for children’s delicate skin.
Protect your kids year round
Experts recommend that parents find a formula that agrees with their child’s skin, is gentle and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)-free. Try a stick-style sunscreen, instead of liquid, on children’s faces as it is less likely to run into their eyes.
Encourage your kids to develop a sunscreen habit early on in life, because from birth to 30 years old, we’re most prone to skin damage. As Gammon says, “It’s all about education.”
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/were-here-for-it-apple-watch-update-supports-hearing-protection2019-06-04T12:10:00-05:002019-07-17T16:43:21-05:00We're HEAR for it: Apple Launches Hearing Protection AppShari Murphy
Wearable tech to prevent hearing loss? Look no further than a device you may already own.
Ever wonder "How loud is too loud?" You're not alone. As the conversation around Hearing Health has gotten louder, companies are listening and finding ways to help!
Apple just announced that the new watchOS 6 for Apple Watch will include an at-a-glance decibel (dB) meter. Apple Watch users will now be able to know exactly what's going on in their environment so they can take steps to protect themselves.
"The new Noise app senses when the roar of the crowd or the rumble of machinery reaches a level that may pose a risk. So you can step out or plug up to give your ears a needed break."- Apple.com
If you've ever been at a concert, theater or sporting event and wondered, "is it too loud in here?" Apple Watch will let you know - and notify you with a tap on the wrist that you've crossed into the danger zone.
At BANZ® we see this as a huge step forward in helping educate parents, and children, about the everyday dangers of noise. It will work wonders helping parents remember when they, too, need to protect their hearing, but also act as a reminder that the noise they feel is "comfortable" may actually be harmful, hopefully prompting them to reach for their child's BANZ® hearing protection, preventing noise-induced hearing loss. For children and teens, this will assist in reinforcing healthy habits, and give parents a convenient "I told you so" backup when convincing picky tweens and teens to wear their earmuffs.
Another reason to keep a pair of BANZ® Hearing Protection in the diaper bag, car or backpack, as you never know when you'll need them!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/urban-moms-whats-in-your-bag2019-06-04T11:22:00-05:002019-07-17T16:41:19-05:00Urban Moms: What's in your bag?Shari Murphy
Checkout the latest issue of Earnshaw's Magazine here: https://www.earnshaws.com/current-issue/
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-a-music-festival-with-your-baby2019-05-07T13:08:00-05:002019-05-07T13:41:29-05:00How to do a music festival with your BabyShari Murphy
Check out these great product ideas, including, our personal favorite, BANZ® Hearing Protection to get you through baby's first festival this Summer.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/my-how-you-ve-grown-banz-carewear-keeping-kids-safe2019-05-01T00:00:00-05:002019-07-17T16:41:19-05:00“My, How You’ve Grown!” Banz Carewear: Keeping Kids SafeShari MurphySpring is the ideal time to ensure your children’s sun and sound safety gear still suits their age ‘n’ stage! Your kids will have grown over the cooler months and it’s important that their Banz Carewear sunglasses and earmuffs are still a good fit.
Stay-put sunglasses for babies – and toddlers
Banz Carewear baby and kids’ sunglasses – both our Adventure Banz range and the wider-framed Retro Banz range – feature an adjustable soft, neoprene headband, so you can get the perfect fit, every time. A good fit is more comfy for your child and means that sneaky sunlight won’t get round the edges of the close-fitting frames! Find the Banz Carewear Eyewear ranges HERE.
Of course, the first indication that your child has grown out of their sunglasses is that the headband is too tight, even on the longest setting. Our Baby size fits babies under 2 years, or a head circumference of 43cm to 52cm; the Kidz size fits from 2-5 years, or a head circumference of 48cm to 55cm.
If you’re measuring your child for sunglasses fit, make sure the tape goes around the eye area and head, where the sunglasses will be worn. Please don’t go by your latest Plunket head measurement! This is taken over the temples, higher on the head, so isn’t suitable to use when planning your child’s sunglasses’ size.
Don’t be fooled by imitations when buying children’s sunglasses. Banz sunglasses were the first brand to feature the patented adjustable headband and we’re flattered others have copied our idea. However, no-one does it as well as the original! You may see knock-offs being sold more cheaply than Banz; however, the Banz brand has been trusted by Kiwi parents for over 13 years now for a reason – Banz offers 100% UV-proof lenses, high-quality ophthalmic-approved design, sturdy materials and after-sales service you won’t get elsewhere.
Banz offers 100% UV-proof lenses, high-quality ophthalmic-approved design, sturdy materials and after-sales service you won’t get elsewhere.
Older kids need JBanz sunglasses
Time to move past the adjustable headband? For older children, the JBanz range of four different styles means there’s something to suit every primary school-aged child.
All JBanz styles have traditional sunglasses frames, but with a twist – literally! JBanz sunnies are specifically designed for use by youngsters and have bendable arms that won’t break! Along with rugged construction and polarised, 100% UV-proof lenses, stylish JBanz are a natural progression from Banz sunglasses for under fives.
Look HERE for JBanz sunglasses for approximately 4-10 years.
Hearing protection for all ages
Banz Mini Muffs for little ones under two years are especially designed to exert only a minimal grip over a soft little head and this, plus the adjustable headband, makes for a comfortable and long-lasting fit. You’ll find Banz Mini Muffs HERE. It’s easy to slide the headband adjustment to the end of the band as your child’s head grows. But once you’re there, what’s next?
Hearing protection for all ages continued…
It’s time to move on up to Protective Earmuffs, which feature the same noise-reduction features as Mini Muffs (a grunty Class 4 noise-reduction rating; comfy design and a style which ‘grows’ with your child, as well as meeting a full suite of international standards). Protective Earmuffs suit children from two years until 10+ years – in fact, they can be worn right through teenage years and into adulthood (we know, we use them ourselves!). See the range HERE.
Hearing protection is increasingly a standard practice in noisy situations, from employees in noisy workplaces to the handyperson operating loud machines in the home workshop or garden.
A child’s hearing is new – and much more delicate – than an adult’s – and children should wear hearing protection on many occasions.[1] Special events can be problematic for little ears – loudly revving motors at motorsports; loud music at a concert; movie soundtracks are often too loud for small children. Enclosed spaces, such as airplanes, can also cause problems for little ones trying to settle – and the noise of take-off can also be upsetting. Fireworks, home renovations and lawn mowing are common around the home and can cause hearing loss.
Some children are more sensitive to loud noise and overstimulation than others. Wearing Banz earmuffs in triggering situations allows a child the chance to regroup by dulling down the external stimulation…
Primary schools and pre-schools have proved so noisy, that the New Zealand Foundation for the Deaf promotes the Safe Sound Indicator, a traffic-light system that measures sound and issues an alert when levels are too loud.[2]
Some children are more sensitive to loud noise and overstimulation than others. Wearing Banz earmuffs in triggering situations allows a child the chance to regroup by dulling down the external stimulation – customers have described their child’s Banz earmuffs as “a life saver”.[3] Children with autism and sensory processing disorder find Banz earmuffs particularly useful.
A tip from an expert
University of Auckland Head of Audiology, Dr David Welch, says: “Make sure babies are not wearing hats when you put the earmuffs on: if the cushion cannot seal on the side of the head, the sound can get through and it is amazing how much gets in.” [4]
[3] “My daughter has sensory issues due to a brain infection and the earmuffs work brilliantly in noisy environments to provide a quiet space for her to refocus herself again. They have been a life saver!” Anne Marie, https://babybanz.nz/reviews/
[4] Pers. comm. with Dr David Welch, University of Auckland Head of Audiology.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/language-learning-apps-for-kids-making-language-learning-fun2019-02-13T14:12:00-06:002019-07-17T16:39:15-05:00Make Language Learning Fun with Safe 'n Sound Headphones from BANZ®Shari Murphy
Treat your kids to a pair of BANZ® Safe 'n Sound Bluetooth® enabled headphones and let them get some quality screen time, learning a new word or two!
On sale now for $59.99 - Order today and get a custom molded ZeeCase in your favorite color to keep the charging cable handy and the headphones protected on the go! Just add both to your cart!
A child's first words are pure magic! Language development is one of the most exciting times in a child or caregiver's life. The excitement on their little faces when a word is recognized, the joy you feel when you hear "I love you" for the first time.
In today's Global World, understanding each other through the language we use, whether gesture, words, or actions, is so important to engaging with others in a meaningful way. Did you know that kids learn a second language faster before the age of 5? And having a second language better prepares them for music math studies later?
Treat your kids to a pair of BANZ® Safe 'n Sound Bluetooth® enabled headphones and let them get some quality screen time, learning a new word or two!
On sale now for $59.99 - Order today and get a custom molded ZeeCase in your favorite color to keep the charging cable handy and the headphones protected on the go! Just add both to your cart!
Language Learning Apps For Kids: Making Language Learning Fun
Even Harvard is on board when it comes to children learning languages, determining based on a longitudinal study that learning language learning helped children become more creative, more flexible, and be better engaged in problem solving. Children who have learned multiple languages also score better on tests as a group, compared to those who do not. In fact, the pre-adolescent brain has an easier time learning pronunciation and learning new sounds, so don’t wait; give your child an edge by checking out the following 10 language learning apps for kids. You don’t need to tell them that you’re setting them up for life, but maybe they will thank you for it, someday.
1. Stories By Gus On The Go
Stories by Gus on the Go is the second installment of the critically acclaimed language learning app series. In the app, children can play their way through games and lessons based on timeless story tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs while learning a new language. With Stories, children will begin learning Spanish vocabulary and developing basic Spanish grammar skills using easy to understand sentences. Download Gus on the Go in the iTunes App Store.
2. Duolingo
With Duolingo children can explore and learn many different languages ranging from Spanish and French to Russian and Vietnamese. While using the app, kids will earn points for correct answers and race against the clock to level up. The lessons have been broken down into bite-sized yet effective pieces. Download Duolingo in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
3. Little Pim
The Little Pim series is based on a collection of language learning videos which focus on teaching children the essential building blocks of a language. The series has a collection of apps which help track a child’s progress through the program as well as support and reinforce what was taught. Download Little Pim apps in the iTunes Apps Store and Google Play Store.
4. Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Letter Sounds
With Rosetta Stone, kids can practice early reading English language skills, while learning Spanish at the same time. The game teaches a variety of skills including letter sounds, recognizing the difference between upper and lower case letters and Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation. Great for preschool and early school age children. Download Rosetta Stone Kids Ling Letter Sounds in the iTunes Apps Store and Google Play Store.
5. Gus Οn Τhe Go
Meet the enchanting Gus the friendly owl as you adventure through learning French. Post-lesson games reinforce the learning in a fun and engaging way. Learn useful language basics like numbers, colors and food. With 90 new words to learn, 10 fun activities and native audio clips, it has everything you need to get started on a journey into the world of language. Download Gus on the Go in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
6. Kids Learn Mandarin
With Kids Learn Mandarin, children can learn to speak, read and write 200 words through a series of lessons and games. Reward stickers and music videos keep the learning fun. One lesson and 8 games are included with additional lessons available for download. Download Kids Learn Mandarin in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
7. Learning by Mindsnacks
Mindsnacks offers a series of languages for your little one (or you), including the more common Spanish and French, as well as more unusual offerings like Japanese and Portuguese. Each includes 9 mini games, words and phrases in the lessons and native speaker audio clips. Download MindSnacks apps from the iTunes App Store.
8. Endless Spanish App
For children who enjoy puzzles, this is an app to engage and learn at the same time. The Endless Monsters help navigate common Spanish words using puzzles. Spanish immersion and an English translation are included. Download Endless Spanish in the iTunes App Store.
9. ChineseSkill
ChineseSkill is a Mandarin Chinese learning app that is game-based but it is also packed with information. Not only does it provide words and phrases, but there is also the ability to learn grammar, sentence patterns and skills to make navigating a difficult language, that much easier. Download Chinese Skill from the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
10. Penyo Pal
Penyo Pal is a flash card language game that teaches basic French vocabulary. It is designed with beginners in mind and also offers 40 words per level and native speaker audio clips. Can it be used even if you’re not a child? Oui! (Yes!). Download Penyo Pal in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/sunscreen-in-winter-why-its-key-for-kids-all-year-long2018-12-05T14:42:00-06:002019-07-17T16:39:17-05:00Sunscreen in winter? Why it's key for kids all year long.Shari MurphyDuring the cold and dreary winter
months, most Michiganders are looking forward to the return of sunshine and warm weather. What most families aren't thinking about is sunscreen usage – or protecting their children from the harsh ultraviolet rays that are beaming down on us year round.
A mere one in four kids use sunscreen regularly, notes a recent study published in Pediatrics. And adolescents who get sunburned at an early age are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a common type of skin cancer, later in life, according to the study.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society – just as long are you're aware of when and how to protect yourself and your kids.
Decrease in sunscreen usage
In a study called "Prospective Study of Sunburn and Sun Behavior Patterns During Adolescence," researchers focused on the sunscreen application habits of 360 fifth graders.
In just a few years, they found a severe downward slide. About half the kids said they regularly applied sunscreen in 2004. By 2007, when the researchers followed up with the same children, that number was down to 25 percent.
By the time the kids in the study turned 14, they were 60-70 percent less likely to wear sunscreen out regularly during the summer months, the study found.
The tanning dilemma
The study also found that three-year span between ages 11 and 14 "is a critical time in developing attitudes about tanning and wearing sunscreen, especially among girls," notes a WebMD article about the study.
Whether it's coming from the sun or the tanning beds, exposure to UV light radiation can be modified to reduce the risk of developing melanoma, WebMD reports.
Not just for summer months
Just because the sun isn't beating down doesn't mean its damaging rays aren't making their way through the clouds.
Dr. Joanna Gammons, a board certified dermatologist at Gammons Wellness and Dermatology in Royal Oak, says many people have misconceptions about the necessity of protecting their skin during the winter months.
"A lot of people say you don't need to wear it because there's no sun, but you absolutely need to," Gammons says. She adds that rays that are damaging to the skin – and can cause skin cancers – still get through.
"Reflection of radiation from snow requires aggressive sunscreen protection – maybe even more than summertime as individuals participate in snow activities like skiing and snowboarding," Dr. Alex A. Khadavi, founder of Advanced Skin & Hair, told Stylelist. "Almost 80 percent of UV radiation is reflected from snow, while only 25 percent from sand."
Tips on how to protect your kids year round
Getting children in the habit of regularly using sunscreen during any season of the year is difficult, Gammons says.
"(Sunscreen) is sticky and burns their eyes, but they need to use it," she says.
Gammons recommends that parents find a formula that agrees with their child's skin, is gentle and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)-free. She also recommends using stick-style sunscreen instead of liquid on children's faces, because it is less likely to run into their eyes.
Encourage your kids to develop a sunscreen habit early on in life, because from birth to 30 years old, we're most prone to skin damage, she says, adding, "It's all about education."
The Pediatrics study noted that at least 50 percent of kids experience sunburns before age 11 – and again three years later. So, it concluded, "Targeting children in pediatric offices and community settings regarding unprotected UV exposure may be a practical approach."
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/childrens-vision-care2018-11-08T12:00:00-06:002019-07-17T16:39:31-05:00Caring for Baby's eyesShari MurphyInfantSEE eye examination. This program provides an eye health evaluation at no charge for children up to 1 year.
!-- --> Did you know that 1 out of every 4 children suffers from vision problems that interfere with learning? Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life, academically, socially, and athletically. High-quality eye health care can break down these barriers and help enable your children to reach their highest potential! As a parent, make sure you are giving your children the eye health care they need. Presented are guidelines from the American Optometric Association.
Infant's Vision
Your baby has a whole lifetime to see and learn. But did you know your baby also has to learn to see? As a parent, there are many things that you can do to help your baby's vision develop.
When your baby is about six months old, consider taking him to an optometrist for his/her first InfantSEE eye examination. This program provides an eye health evaluation at no charge for children up to 1 year. Testing will be done for excessive or unequal amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, lack of eye movement ability, as well as other eye health problems. These problems are not common, but it is important to identify children who have them at this stage. Vision development and eye health problems can be more easily corrected if treatment is begun early.
During the first 4 months
Your baby should begin to follow moving objects with the eyes and reach for things, first by chance and later more accurately, as hand-eye coordination and depth perception begin to develop. To help, use a nightlight or other dim lamp in your baby's room; change the crib's position frequently and your child's position in it; keep reach-and-touch toys within your baby's focus, about eight to twelve inches; talk to your baby as you walk around the room; alternate right and left sides with each feeding; and hang a mobile above and outside the crib.
From 4-8 months
Your baby should begin to turn from side to side and use his or her arms and legs. Eye movement and eye/body coordination skills should develop further and both eyes should focus equally. Enable your baby to explore different shapes and textures with his or her fingers; give your baby the freedom to crawl and explore; hang objects across the crib; and play "patty cake" and "peek-a-boo" with your baby.
From 8-12 months
Your baby should be mobile now, crawling and pulling himself or herself up. He or she will begin to use both eyes together and judge distances and grasp and throw objects with greater precision. To support development do not encourage early walking - crawling is important in developing eye-hand-foot-body coordination; give your baby stacking and take-apart toys; and provide objects your baby can touch, hold, and see at the same time.
From 1-2 years
Your child's eye-hand coordination and depth perception will continue to develop and he or she will begin to understand abstract terms. Things you can do are encourage walking; provide building blocks, simple puzzles and balls; and provide opportunities to climb and explore indoors and out. There are many other affectionate and loving ways in which you can aid your baby's vision development. Use your creativity and imagination. Ask your doctor to suggest other specific activities.
Pre-School Vision
During infant and toddler years, your child has been developing many vision skills. In the preschool years, this process continues, as your child develops visually guided eye-hand-body coordination, fine motor skills, and the visual motor skills necessary to learn to read.
As a parent, you should watch for signs that may indicate a vision development problem, including:
a short attention span for the child's age
difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination in ball play and bike riding
avoidance of coloring and puzzles and other detailed activities
There are everyday things that you can do at home to help your preschooler's vision develop as it should. These activities include:
reading aloud to your child and letting him or her see what you are reading
providing a chalkboard, finger paints and different shaped blocks and showing your child how to use them in imaginative play
providing safe opportunities to use playground equipment like a jungle gym and balance beam
allowing time for interacting with other children and for playing independently.
By age 3
Your child should have a thorough optometric eye health examination to make sure your preschooler's vision is developing properly and there is no evidence of eye disease. If needed, your doctor can prescribe treatment including glasses and/or vision therapy to correct a vision development problem.
Here are several tips to make your child's optometric eye health examination a positive experience:
Make an appointment early in the day
Allow about one hour
Talk about the examination in advance and encourage your child's questions
Explain the examination in your child's terms, comparing the E chart to a puzzle and the instruments to tiny flashlights and a kaleidoscope
Unless recommended otherwise, your child's next eye health examination should be at age five. By comparing test results of the two examinations, your doctor can tell how well your child's vision is developing for the next major step. . .into the school years.
School-Age Vision
A good education for your child means good schools, good teachers and good vision. Your child's eyes are constantly in use in the classroom and at play. So when his or her vision is not functioning properly, learning and participation in recreational activities will suffer. The basic vision skills needed for school use are:
Near Vision: The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-13 inches.
Distance Vision: The ability to see clearly and comfortably beyond arms reach.
Binocular coordination: The ability to use both eyes together.
Eye movement skills: The ability to aim the eyes accurately, move them smoothly across a page and shift them quickly and accurately from one object to another.
Focusing skills: The ability to keep both eyes accurately focused at the proper distance to see clearly and the change focus quickly.
Peripheral awareness: The ability to be aware of things located to the side while looking straight ahead.
Eye/hand coordination: The ability to use the eyes and hands together.
If any of these or other vision skills is lacking or does not function properly, your child will have to work harder. This can lead to headaches, fatigue and other eyestrain problems. As a parent, be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or visual processing problem. Be sure to tell your doctor if your child frequently:
Loses their place while reading
Avoids close work
Holds reading material closer than normal
Tends to rub their eyes
Has headaches
Turns or tilts head to use one eye only
Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
Uses finger to maintain place when reading
Omits or confuses small words when reading
Consistently performs below potential
Since vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing them, your child should visit an optometrist at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. If needed, doctors can prescribe treatment including eyeglasses, contact lenses or vision therapy. Remember, a school vision or pediatrician's screening is not a substitute for a thorough eye health examination.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-ski-goggles-for-kids2018-10-23T14:11:00-05:002019-07-17T16:37:18-05:00Let it snow! How to choose Ski Goggles for kidsShari MurphyBanz.
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Skiing and snowboarding are adventurous sports that require protective equipment and accessories. In order to prevent any mishaps, it’s very important for you to be protected. Children require special gear while they're skiing on downhill acceleration and snowy slopes, including for their eyes.
If your child is a winter sport enthusiast then you must guide them about the proper precautions which they must take to get ready mentally and physically before undertaking the activity.
Children can meet with small accidents and mishaps while they’re learning to ski so parents must insure that they’re fully protected as well as covered.
Eight important reasons, why you need the Best Ski Goggles for Kids:
Kids Ski goggles should have durable frames so the goggle can’t be broken easily. While purchasing the goggles be sure that the strong frame provides enough protection of your kids when they are skiing.
Snow goggles mostly include 100% Ultraviolet protection as the snow can reflect harmful UV radiation and cause sunburn.
The chilly winter air blowing on the mountain slopes may cause your eyes to water and sometimes if protection isn’t provided, tiny dust particles may also enter your eyes. A good pair of snow goggles would ensure that your eyes stay protected so long as you are outside. With the help of this accessory, you can enjoy this sport without any worries.
One great benefit of this snow accessory is that it has dual frame lenses that help give a clear view while skiing. This system prevents the glasses from fogging up.
Foam like layer is included with the goggles which makes sure that the child is comfortable while putting on the goggles.
Shatterproof lenses are a must to shield your eyes from debris, snow or ice.
Look for vented lenses and also vented frames. The vented lenses help in opening the air flow.
Goggles that can fit with snow helmets would be the best for small kids and amateurs. Goggles that are not "helmet ready" can cause fit issue with the helmet or goggles, decreasing the safety of both pieces.
Having a proper fitting goggle is a key factor to enjoying a day on the slopes, getting a clear field of view of the mountains around you, and protecting your eyes and face from the elements. A good fitting goggle will have a seamless wrap across your face, and not pinch your nose.
How to get the perfect fit:
Ski Goggle Fit Considerations there are a few things that you should consider while looking for a properly fitting goggle.
Will you be wearing a helmet? Just about every ski goggle is now helmet compatible, and some helmet manufactures make helmets that have adjustments that will help compensate for oversized goggles. A goggle should have a seamless interface between the brim or forehead and the top of the goggle. Any extra space there will create a gap know as “gaper gap” that exposes your forehead to the sun, wind, and snow that can be very uncomfortable.
Strap Adjustments The strap on all goggles is adjustable to allow an adequate amount of pressure across your face to keep the elements out, but still be comfortable.
How should my goggles fit and feel? A goggle should feel snug across your cheek bones, forehead and nose without pinching or causing discomfort. The bridge of the nose can be the most common place for pinching. It can easily be corrected by adjusting the elastic strap. The goggle should also not give you any pressure on the outer eye socket or anywhere else near the orbital bone. If you are getting pressure then a larger frame is the remedy for that.
Sharing a love for winter sports with your children can be the best of times. To make sure your children are protected, checkout ski goggles from Banz.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/which-sunglasses-are-right-for-baby2018-10-22T10:52:00-05:002019-07-17T16:37:18-05:00Which sunglasses are right for baby?Shari Murphy
Babies need sunglasses! UV rays can damage the eyes of babies and children, opthalmologists advise.
Sure, sunglasses look adorable on babies. But did you know they’re more than just an accessory – they’re actually a health necessity?
Sunglasses provide comfort from the brightness of the sun, but they also offer protection from harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage your baby’s eyes.
UV rays can damage the eyes of babies and children, opthalmologists advise.
UV radiation has been associated with a myriad of health issues including (source):
cataracts
macular degeneration
some types of eye cancers
skin cancer on the eyelid
corneal sunburn
pterygium (growth on the cornea)
They recommend that all youngsters under the age of 10 should wear sunglasses in strong sunshine. But they should be good sunglasses.
Why are babies' eyes at risk?
The cornea, lens and fluids are clearer in a child’s eye than in an adult’s. This allows more short wavelength light to reach the retina, which can lead to cataracts in later life.
Estimates vary, but it is thought that between 60 and 80 percent of sun exposure takes place prior to the age of 18.
Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to the sun's damaging rays because they typically spend more time outdoors than adults.
Sonal Rughani, Senior Service Advisor for RNIB (charity supporting blind and partially sighted people), says, "A substantial amount of our exposure to sunlight occurs when we are children.
"As the leading charity committed to preventing avoidable sight loss, we encourage children to look after their eyes, as excessive exposure to sunlight can potentially damage the eyes and may contribute to the onset of other eye-related conditions such as AMD and cataracts.
"Sunglasses with proper UV protection can make a positive contribution to eye protection in the young."
When should your baby wear sunglasses?
Anytime you feel that you, an adult, need sunglasses, your child should be wearing sunglasses, too. This is not just in summer – sunny days happen in winter time too, and even cloudy days can feel “bright.”
If you have a particularly young child and they are in a stroller with a shade or cover they likely do not need sunglasses.
However, if you are wearing or carrying your baby, pushing them in a stroller without a shade, or if they are playing outside, use sunglasses to protect your baby’s eyes.
Invest in quality sun protection to protect baby's sensitive eyes. Be sure to grab a pair for the diaper bag, the car and school or day care so you'll never have to go looking for them.
What features are important in choosing baby sunglasses?
When buying sunglasses for your baby, keep in mind the following:
UVA and UVB blockage: You want glasses that filter 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
Color: Lenses should be gray tinted (as opposed to pink, blue, or another color) to keep colors as close to natural as possible (source).
Tint: Sunglasses come in many different tints – from barely-there transparent gray to a super-dark (almost black) tint. See our category Chart to see why a category 3 or 4 lens is best for baby.
Safety: Babies and toddlers are hard on glasses. Choose ones that will not break easily or shatter when dropped, which could cut or injure them. For optimal safety, choose lenses that are made of polycarbonate and approved by the American National Standards Institute. Always check the label for the CE mark to show that they are made to an agreed European standard. Look out too for the British standard for sunglasses BSEN 1836:1997.
Wraparound: Sunglasses that wrap around a child’s (as opposed to simply sitting on the nose like typical vision correction glasses) will prevent light from entering the eye through the sides.
Price: Let’s be honest. Kids can be tough on sunglasses. You don’t want to buy them expensive ones only to find they lose them at the park or break them when they try to flex them beyond the point of no return. Try to find a blend of quality materials and affordable price so if they do get lost or damaged; it won’t be so painful to purchase a new pair.
What if my baby won't keep their sunglasses on?
If your baby really resists, and tries to pull them off every time you put them on, don't get stressed. Just make sure your baby wears a hat with a wide brim or visor. And remember, there are baby sunglasses, such as Adventure Banz or Retro Banz, which have a stretchy band that goes gently right round your baby's head (and is much harder for your baby to take off!).
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/how-to-bring-your-baby-to-the-game-safely2018-10-02T16:07:00-05:002018-10-18T18:20:25-05:00How to Bring Your Baby to the Game (Safely)Shari MurphyMore]]>
The arena fills, the players come out, the crowd goes wild! The once rumbling noise of chit chat becomes something much more - a loud energy that fills the stands.
Let's face it, we LOVE cheering for our favorite team at a live game. The energy you get from other fans, the music booming, the announcers on the overhead speakers calling each play, it's all a part of what gets us into the game and excited for our team. But, while we're enjoying the loud and the fun, we don't often concern ourselves with just how damaging that loud noise is to our hearing.
Loud noises can have lasting negative effects on our hearing. And while adults might be okay leaving the game with that dull feeling in their ears (they should have earplugs, too), for infants and children, the effects can be a long lasting problem that they didn't get to choose.
For infants and kids, super loud noises can be scary and painful or overwhelming. Protecting them with proper fitting hearing protection will prevent permanent noise-induced hearing loss and allow them to enjoy the events they are at happily.
The goal for hearing protection is not to completely avoid loud situation, or even to drown out or block out the noise completely, but rather to offer a buffer that will allow you, and your children, to enjoy the noise safely.
Families heading to the game will be busy packing a lot of essentials, bottles, snacks, blankets, seat cushions, and big foam fingers, but an essential that is often missed is hearing protection.
At the end of the day, the ability to hear is a precious asset; sound is a rich, wonderful, and powerful part of the human experience; and by investing as early as possible in baby ear muffs or other child hearing protectors, you can help your child grow up ready to enjoy a lifetime of good hearing -- including the opportunity to fully experience all those heart-pounding, mesmerizing, loud things we humans love so dearly.
Including football games.
Be prepared, all you die-hard sports-loving parents, because child hearing protection does have one potential drawback: with a good pair of baby ear muffs on, your tiny little sports fan in the making may snooze right through his or her very first football game!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/why-do-kids-need-sunglasses2018-07-26T11:11:00-05:002019-07-17T16:33:19-05:00Why do kids need sunglasses?Shari MurphyMore]]>
How does Ultraviolet Light affect a child’s eyes?
2 main types of Ultraviolet (UV) Light: UVA - is visible and causes tanning and contributes to aging.
UVB - is invisible and causes sunburn and skin cancer. UVB is more damaging.
🐵 80% of a lifetime sun exposure is obtained before age 18.
🐵 Children from the ages of birth to adolescence are at greatest risk to accrue eye damage from ultraviolet light.
🐵 Immediately after birth, nearly all UV Light is transmitted through the lens to the retina of the infant’s eye because an infant’s lenses have not begun the critical development necessary to block UV Light.
🐵 During childhood, the lens transmittance decreases as the child’s eyes further develop and by the age of 25, the lens absorbs almost all UV Light.
🐵 UV exposure contributes to the development of many eye disorders such as Photokeratitis, a reversible sun burning of the cornea; Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens which reduces vision; and Skin Cancer can develop on the eyelids and surrounding skin.
** Information provided by the Prevent Blindness America Scientific Advisory Committee Task Force on Ultraviolet Radiation.
Easy steps to protect from UV Radiation
🐵 Wear a wide brim hat. This will reduce at least 50% of UV Light.
🐵 Use UV400 lenses in a wrap around style Sunglasses. The lenses should also be made of Polycarbonate for added impact protection; especially for children.
🐵 Even prescription glasses should use lenses that have a UV component in the material. UV protection can be incorporated in almost all materials AND is inexpensive and will NOT interfere with vision.
🐵 Check your local weather reports for the daily UV Index.
🐵 Consult your Optical Professional for other ways to ensure safe and long term “Fun in the Sun”
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/get-ready-for-june-27-national-sunglasses-day2018-06-06T11:11:00-05:002019-07-17T16:33:19-05:00Get Ready for June 27, National Sunglasses DayShari Murphy
Join the Movement
Celebrate Sunnies & Share the Message of UV Protection with National Sunglasses Day
Brought to you by The Vision Council, National Sunglasses Day is a commemorative date held annually on June 27 celebrating the importance of wearing shades to protect the eyes from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Get Involved In Preparation for National Sunglasses Day 2018!
Consumers – Practice sun-safe behavior by wearing your sunglasses throughout the year, as the sun’s UV rays are always at play. And by National Sunglasses Day, wearing them will be a regular habit. On June 27, don’t forget to celebrate #NationalSunglassesDay by posting a #SunglassSelfie in your favorite sunnies to social media.
Media – Add National Sunglasses Day to your editorial calendar, so you can share the message through your outlet and on your social media networks tagging #NationalSunglassesDay.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/banz-june-pregnancy-newborn-magazine2018-06-05T13:47:00-05:002019-07-17T16:33:22-05:00BANZ - June Pregnancy & Newborn MagazineShari Murphy
BANZ Infant Sunglasses featured as a Summer Must Have for baby in June 2018 Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/how-to-prevent-noise-induced-hearing-loss2018-05-02T13:06:00-05:002018-05-02T13:14:47-05:00How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing LossShari MurphyMore]]>
Summer weather is here and there may be more opportunities for you and your family to spend more time around loud noises. Some common exposure to noise may be from lawn equipment, concerts, sporting events, fireworks, and listening to loud music through personal headphones.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by sudden loud sounds such as the bang of a gun, or by extended exposure to any loud noise over 85dB, such as from a loud band (dB stands for decibel, which is a unit of measurement for the loudness level of sound).
A list of common noise levels
60 dB—Normal conversations or dishwashers
80 dB—Alarm clocks
90 dB—Hair dryers, blenders, and lawnmowers
100 dB—MP3 players at full volume
110 dB—Concerts (any music genre), car racing, and sporting events
120 dB—Jet planes at take off
130 dB—Ambulances and fire engine sirens
140 dB—Gun shots, fireworks, and custom car stereos at full volume
(Source: American Academy of Audiology)
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent.
Noise damages to the sensory part of our inner ear. This sensory component is needed to help send sound signals to the hearing nerve and ultimately the brain.
Here is a list of tips to help protect your hearing:
1. Limit noise exposure.
Be conscious of the time you’re spending around loud noise.
2. Distance yourself from the noise source.
3. Wear hearing protection.
Consider over-ear hearing protection, which you can get in your child's size. Banz even makes headphones just for babies to protect their hearing!
4. Turn it down.
Most volume controls can be turned up much louder than what is considered a safe listening level. Use the 50% percent rule. Set the volume so that it only goes up to the halfway point on a volume wheel. For little ones and teenagers, you may want to use a marker to indicate the half-way point for them. This is important for better awareness and to reduce significant exposure.
Banz Safe 'n Sound headphones limit sound output to a safe 70dB, and will also work when turned off to attenuate environmental sounds.
People of all ages must take precautions around loud noise, including children.
Help raise awareness and educate your children about safe listening levels because starting safe practices early in life will put them on the road towards good hearing in adulthood.
The following national programs aim to raise awareness of noise induced hearing loss:
Adapted from: Julie Stefanski, Au.D., F-AAA, is an audiologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/banz-babylist-registry-magic2018-04-16T16:29:00-05:002019-07-17T16:31:19-05:00BANZ® + BabyList: Registry MagicShari Murphy
partnered with Babylist to offer a quick, easy and convenient baby registry experience! Long gone are the days when you have wishlists from 27 different retailers - this brilliant crew of ladies has taken the baby registry to the next level!
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Great news! We recently partnered with Babylist to offer a quick, easy and convenient baby registry experience! Long gone are the days when you have wishlists from 27 different retailers - this brilliant crew of ladies has taken the baby registry to the next level!
So what is Babylist?
Babylist is a universal baby registry, meaning you can add ANY item from ANY store across the web.
YUP, THAT'S RIGHT - ANY ITEM. ANY STORE. ONE REGISTRY.
Know what else is cool? In lieu of baby gear, you can also ask for help and favors (think home-cooked meals & walking your dog) as well as cash funds (think date-night babysitters & college).
Plus, they have an app that makes it a breeze to add baby products on the run!
Wanna Get Started With Your Babylist Registry?
In a few short steps, you're on your way to getting what you want and need when your little one arrives! Plus, it's really easy. Seriously.
Just follow the three simple steps below to get started.
Step 1
Click the “Create My Registry” button below and BANZ will connect you to the baby registry sign up page, where you can start building your baby registry.
Step 2
Once you’ve created your baby registry, you’ll be asked to drag the “Add BabyList Bookmark” button to your browser’s bookmark bar. Now your favourite BANZ® products are just a click away!
Step 3
Visit BANZ® and choose a baby product to add to your baby registry by visiting the product page. Click on the BabyList button you added to your bookmark bar and a popup box will let you add it to your baby registry! Now your family and friends will be able to click on that baby product in your baby registry and buy it straight from BANZ.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/meet-undercover-cody-new-zealands-sun-safety-mascot2018-04-10T15:36:00-05:002018-10-18T18:18:17-05:00Learn how to be Sun Safe with Undercover Cody, New Zealand's Sun Safety MascotShari MurphyMore]]>
Hi Kids, I’m Undercover Cody, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society’s SunSmart turtle mascot.
SunSmart tips
Undercover Cody, the coolest SunSmart turtle is here to keep you safe in the sun and remind you to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap this summer.
Slip …
into a shirt and into some shade between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.
Slop …
on some sunscreen before going outdoors. The best type is called an SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Wipe it on thickly at least 15 minutes before going outside, and then reapply when you get outside to make sure you’ve covered all your skin completely. If you go swimming or run around and get sweaty, make sure you put sunscreen on again every two hours.
Slap …
on a hat. The best hats to wear are the wide brimmed hats or bucket hats. Caps are not sun smart as they do not protect the back of the neck and ears but if that’s all you have make sure you slap it on.
Remember, you can get sunburnt on a cloudy day or in the water. It’s the rays of the sun that burn your skin, not the heat so even when it is cool or cloudy you can still get sun burnt. The re‑flection from the water can make the rays of the sun even stronger so always make sure you Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap kids!
Download the worksheet below to introduce your preschooler to Underwater Cody and help him get ready to head outside safely!
Source: Undercover Cody™ is a Waikato/Bay of Plenty Division Cancer Society of NZ Inc initiative. http://www.undercovercody.co.nz/
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/s-is-for-sun-safety-preschool-kindergarten-activity2018-04-03T16:56:00-05:002019-07-17T16:29:19-05:00S is for Sun Safety Preschool & Kindergarten ActivityShari MurphyMore]]>
Parents and caregivers often ask us, "How do we get our kids to keep their sunglasses on?" Our simple response has always been, "Practice, Practice, Practice!"
We all know the phrase "Practice makes perfect!" While perfection isn't always the outcome, when you practice Sun Safe Habits regularly with your children, they soon become second nature, establishing habits that will protect your children for a lifetime.
Talking to kids about Sun Safety and covering up is easy when you rememebr SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and WRAP! Not only is it fun to say, it's become the standard in Australia and New Zealand for teaching kids to be sun safe outdoors.
Use these four easy words to help you remember just what to do!
Slip …into a shirt and into some shade between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their strongest. UV Rashguards are perfect for pool time or play time!
Slop …on some sunscreen before going outdoors. The best type is called an SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Wipe it on thickly at least 15 minutes before going outside, and then reapply when you get outside to make sure you’ve covered all your skin completely. If you go swimming or run around and get sweaty, make sure you put sunscreen on again every two hours.
Slap …on a hat. The best hats to wear are the wide brimmed hats or bucket hats. Caps are not sun smart as they do not protect the back of the neck and ears but if that’s all you have make sure you slap it on.
Wrap …on a pair of sunglasses. Choose close fitting wraparound sunglasses.
Remember, you can get sunburnt on a cloudy day or in the water. It’s the rays of the sun that burn your skin, not the heat so even when it is cool or cloudy you can still get sun burnt. The reflection from the water can make the rays of the sun even stronger so always make sure you Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!
COLOR & WRITING PRACTICE
Download these fun worksheets to continue the conversation with your preschool and kindergarten aged children! Ask your child to draw a hat or sunglasses on the Sun to help protect him!
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/how-loud-is-too-oud-bookmark-downlaod2018-03-27T12:34:00-05:002019-07-17T16:29:18-05:00How Loud is too Loud?Shari Murphy
It's a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing.®
Start a discussion with your children about the importance of hearing safety with this fun, printable bookmark!
This national public education campaign is designed to increase awareness among parents of children ages 8 to 12 about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. With this information, parents and other adults can encourage children to adopt healthy hearing habits before and during the time that they develop listening, leisure, and working habits. It's a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing® and the Noisy Planet logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Need hearing protection? Comfortable foam pads, sturdy cups, foldability and stringent specs is makesBANZ® Hear No Blare earmuffs right to keep your loved ones safe from noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). What’s more, they are colourful, attractive and long lasting.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/banz-rebrand-makes-top-50-worldwide2018-03-06T11:24:00-06:002019-07-17T16:29:18-05:00BANZ Rebrand among Top 50 WorldwideShari MurphyMore]]>
A little fish gets ahead in the big pond
Bubblefish among the top 50 in the world
Bubblefish is pleased and humbled to be voted by an international jury to REBRAND100.
The REBRAND 100® Global Awards is the highest recognition for excellence in brand repositioning – and the first and only competition of its kind. Now in its thirteenth year, the 2018 winners included entries from 28 countries that demonstrated excellence in brand transformation.
We are particularly stoked because we won a Distinction which puts us in the top 50. For a boutique brand building agency, this is truly a rare honour.
Despite the debate on the number of Awards in the industry, their relevance and credibility, the team at Bubblefish is really pleased because this win comes soon after our client’s tangible success in scaling new heights as a result of our work. BANZ Carewear for kids, the winning brand has been making waves in the blue ocean since it was relaunched.
Our congratulations to all the other winners - from Australia and around the world.
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/banz-debuts-new-brand-at-abc-20172017-10-03T16:40:00-05:002019-07-17T16:27:21-05:00BANZ® Debuts New Branding at ABC 2017Shari MurphyMore]]>
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https://usa.banzworld.com/blogs/news/safe-and-stylish-banz-sunglasses-make-the-cut-in-pregnancy-and-newborn-magazine2017-09-07T16:28:00-05:002019-07-17T16:27:23-05:00Safe and Stylish - Banz Sunglasses make the cut in Pregnancy and Newborn MagazineRachel Evans
Banz is excited to share a small preview of a delightful piece of press we are going to be sited in this coming week! In their new Fall Buyer's Guide, which hits newsstands on September 12th, Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine featured our Junior Banz Beachcomber Sunglasses, in the color White/Black, in a list of must have baby accessories. A big thank you to everyone over at Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine for the great shoutout!