Apple Eruptions

For a great fall spin, on a classic science experiment try making Apple volcanoes with your kids.  BHF tried it out at a recent Fall Family Event and it was definitely the favorite activity of the day!

Materials: Per Reaction

·         1 Apple hollowed out

·         1 Tbs. Baking soda

·         1 Tsp. Cinnamon

·         ¼ cup Vinegar

·         Food Coloring

What To Do

1.    Using a spoon, hollow out the middle of an apple.

2.    Have children mix cinnamon into Baking soda to create a fall smelling reaction.

3.    Add a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar.

4.    Have child pour the baking soda/cinnamon mixture into the cored apple.

5.    Slowly pour vinegar into the apple and watch it erupt!

 

Communication Building Healthy Families

Building Healthy Families Early Learning

Car Seat Mistakes You May Be Making

Thanks to the staff at Parents Magazine for this great article on car seat safety.

Here is a sobering truth: every day we lose 4 to 5 children in car crashes. They are the leading cause of death for kids in this country and yet most of us are completely untrained in the best way to keep our kids safe from them: by properly installing a car seat. But, don’t beat yourself up. What looks like just another piece of shiny, plastic baby gear is actually a sophisticated and complicated piece of safety engineering, and sometimes it takes an engineering degree to use it properly. Here are three common mistakes and some ideas to fix those problems.

Mistake #1: Picking the wrong seat for your child's age, height, or weight
 The fix:
1.  Research seats to find one that fits your child’s age, weight, and height.
2. Check the manual and measure your child’s growth periodically so you know when it’s time to move on.
3. Never buy a used seat. There’s no way to know for sure if it has been in an accident, and even seats that have been in the family may be missing parts, or expired. Car seats generally have expiration dates six years after manufacturing.

 Mistake #2: Not installing your car seat correctly
 The fix:
1. Read BOTH your car seat’s manual and your car’s manual.
2. Decide whether you will use the lower anchors OR a seat belt, and follow the directions for only that method.
 3. When you’re done, hold the seat where the vehicle or LATCH belt is holding it and really give it a good tug. It should move no more than one inch in any direction (side to side or front to back).
4.Keep the instruction manual for the seat in the storage compartment located on the seat (almost all have them). Keep the car manual in your glove compartment so you can always find it.

 Mistake #3: Getting rid of the booster too early
The fix:
1. They should pass the 5-Step Test created by SafetyBeltSafe USA.
2. Even if a child is technically big enough, make sure he also has the maturity to stay seated in the belt in a safe way—not slouching, or putting the shoulder portion behind his back.