The best home treatment for head lice (nits) 2024

As a parent or childcare provider your bound to come across these little guys at least once in your life!! There is nothing to be ashamed of, they exist and are very common among children 3-11 years, it’s just part of life, now if you’re on this page I’m guessing you’re not really interested in the anatomy of a louse, nor its life cycle, and that the reality is you just want me to get the the point and advise you of the best way to be rid? So over the years I have tried lots of both over the counter treatments and home remedies, but I’m just going to jump in and tell you the 2 methods I would recommend.

Over the counter treatments

I’ve tried many over the counter treatments and I can’t begin to remember all the names, but I do remember that this is my favourite………………Reasons why include:

It kills the eggs as well as the lice
It works in as little as 15 minutes
It doesn’t smell
It doesn’t require endless combing through
It washes out easily
And most importantly, it works!!!

https://keddykiddycare.com/headlicetreatment

Home Remedy

If you’r not a big fan of chemicals and costly treatments then, wet combing also works. The best way of doing this is using your favourite conditioner and totally covering the hair, then section off the hair and use a special nit comb like the one below to go through the hair a bit at a time, the conditioner allows the eggs to easily slide down the hair and the special design of the comb ensures that nothing is left behind.

There is obviously a cost involved in buying a comb like this but unlike the treatments once you have the comb you can use it again and again. There are also cheaper versions available but I own the original Nitty Gritty comb and wouldn’t want to recommend something I haven’t actually tried.

https://keddykiddycare.com/NittyGritty

Don’t Forget

Whichever method you choose also wash the person’s pillowcase and soak their hairbrush in hot water for at least 10 minutes. Live lice can only survive away from the scalp for around 24 hours so please don’t over complicate it but the hairbrush and pillowcases are a must (and if the person in question happens to be hat wearer then pop the hat in a hot wash too).

Its also a good idea to notify people that have been in contact too, it may seem a little embarrassing but the last thing you want is for someone else to have them and end up passing them back to you or your family.

Prevention is better than the cure

I know this whole article may seem backwards, leaving this till last instead of the starting here, but I’ve been there, found a crawler and needed answers, then preventing into the future comes later! If your lucky enough to be reading this before finding an investation then I’m sorry for making you wait to get to the bit you need!!

To try and prevent your child bringing nits home in the first place start by trying to ensure that hair is always tied up for school, nursery or their childcare setting. This doesn’t have to be boring, play around with different styles, plaits, twists, buns, piggy tails etc, there’s lots of tutorials on youtube you could attempt.

Try to teach your child to avoid sharing items such as hats, bobbles, hairbands and earmuffs.

Headlice also don’t like the smell of teatree, so a simple way to repell them is to add 3-5 drops of teatree essential oil to your child’s shampoo when washing their hair.

Personally I really liked Voscene products, past tense as my daughters are now teens so we don’t use it anymore, but this one is the kind liked, you can use it daily as a de-tangler whilst the smell repels lice without being too prominent that friends notice a funny aroma!

https://keddykiddycare.com/headlicerepellent

Good luck

Finally, try not to worry, I have found myself obsessed, in tears and totally overwhelmed in the past but the methods above work. You will get rid and it will be over soon!

Parenting, Childminding

Preschool Printables

Samantha keddy

Impact-Site-Verification: 0b7bc05a-0040-42f2-8265-2890ac139bf5

I’m going to keep this short and sweet but I just wanted to write this post introducing our new Etsy store!

https://keddykiddycare.etsy.com

Here we are building a collection of printable’s including colouring pages, worksheets and activities aimed at children aged 2-8 years. These are the kind of resources I have used myself as a childminder over the years or things I wish I could have found so have developed myself.

It’s important to always be introducing new learning into a child’s life, so with that in mind we are building packs around different topics to help expand different areas of children’s learning. (IE animals, weather, buildings, transport etc).

If you are a childcare provider I hope you’ll find these packs particularly useful in your setting, many of the items have been designed to be laminated and used again and again, so a fantastic investment for a setting.
With that being said our prices are so cheap that even as a parent using them as a onetime purchase for your child they are more than affordable.

Aswell as our topic packs we cover the basics of numbers, letters, shapes and colours please take a look around our store.

There will be new items added to the store each week so add us to your favourites and watch us grow.

If there is something in particular you are looking for please drop us a comment, we would love to try and help.

Thank you xx

Parenting, Childminding

Healthy meals and portion advice for children

Samantha keddy

As a childcare provider you don’t have to provide meals, you can ask parents to send packed lunches. Personally I like to know I’m giving the children a nice healthy hot meal at lunchtime.

As a parent many of us struggle to know if we are feeding our children the right things, so here are some of my favourites.

Healthy meals need variety

As adults we are often told we need to cut this and that out of our diet to remain at a healthy weight and wonder if the same applies to our children, I would advise not (I would advise not for adults too, but we’ll not get into that). It’s also important to introduce children to a wide variety of foods and when doing so remember that it can take between 8-15 attempts of new foods before a child will know for sure if they like it or not.

A balanced diet should consist of food from all 5 food groups;

bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods,
fruit and vegetables,
milk, cheese and yogurt,
meat, fish, eggs, nuts and pulses
foods high in fat and sugar.

Meal Routine

A good mealtime routine for children is very helpful in building healthy eating habits. Children’s appetites will vary from day to day depending on their activity levels and things such as growth spurts but sticking to a regular meal routine offering the right amount of foods will help ensure your child isn’t going to go hungry. A good example of a meal routine that works well for us is:

Breakfast
Healthy Snack
Lunch
Snack
Evening meal
Small supper

Portion Sizes

Healthy portion sizes are very important, too often younger children are served far too much and then made to feel bad when they can’t clear their plate, I highly recommend serving smaller potions on smaller plates and offering plenty of praise to a child that eats it all then you can always offer more if needed. Ikea sell some really good child-sized plates. Below I have included a small range of meal potions but obviously can’t list everything, it’s a good idea to remember when serving your child’s food that they only have small tummies, it is true that their stomach is only about the size of their clenched fist so a child’s portion is probably smaller than you’d have imagined.

Food group 1, bread, rice, pasta etc should be offered with each meal and can also be used for snack times. But remember your portion sizes, a child under four years only needs half – one slice of bread, 1-3 bread sticks, 2-5 tablespoons of rice, 2-5 tablespoons of pasta or 3-6 tablespoons of cereal.

Food group 2, fruit and vegetables, offer a variety of fruits, at least one with each meal, preferably two. Also use as a snack. Again the serving size of these are probably smaller than your expecting, a child under four may only need a quarter of an apple or banana but as these foods are highly nutritious you can feel free to let the children eat higher quantities if they want to. If you happen to have a fussy eater that isn’t overly keen on fruit then try fruit juice instead,

Food group 3, milk, cheese and yogurt. These foods should be offered around 3 times a day, these foods can reduce appetite for iron-containing foods from other food groups so don’t want to be eaten in excess. Typical portions of these would be; 1 cup of milk (100-120ml, 3-4oz) this should be in a cup, bottles are only for children under 1 year. 1 cheese triangle, string or Babybel is a full portion for a child under four, and 1 small yogurt is enough.

Food group 4, meat, fish, eggs, nuts and pulses. These should be served twice a day for a young child that includes the meat and fish but 3 times a day if the child is a vegetarian. Typical portions for a child under four would be; a quarter – one small beef burger, 2-4 small nuggets, 1/4 -1 medium sausage. 1/4-1 small fish. 1/4-1 full egg. 1-2 tablespoons of nuts. 2-4 tablespoons of baked beans, 2-4 tablespoons of tofu.

Food group 5, foods high in fat. These foods should only be offered once a day, they offer enjoyment but are low in nutrition and if high in sugar can cause tooth decay. So only small amounts are recommended; half – one chocolate coated biscuit, 2-4 tablespoons of cake, 6-8 chocolate buttons, 1 small cup of popcorn are all sufficient for a child under four.

Quick guide

Use this free printable as a quick guide to serving the right amount of food at home.

As far as drinks are concerned we are recommended to only offer water and milk. Soft drinks are not recommended for early years children.

Our Favourite meals

Chicken nuggets, air fried chips with peas
Tomato pasta with fresh tomatoes’
Rice and meatballs, with a side of carrot and cucumber sticks
Lasagne with garlic bread and sweetcorn
Beef and vegetable stew with dumplings
Fish, new potatoes and mushy peas
Chicken pasta with mushrooms
Beans, sausages and hash browns
Chicken and vegetable soup with Yorkshire puddings
Spaghetti bolognese
Fish pie with cooked carrots

Our Favourite snacks

Individual fruit
Chopped mixed fruit (please, please, please slice grapes)
Toast with a variety of toppings
Malt loaf
Carrot and cucumber sticks
Cheese and crackers
Celery with peanut butter
Raisins
Ice pops
Bread sticks and hummus
Nuts
Strawberries and ice cream
Popcorn
Yogurts (although we often use these as desert)

Food Allergies in Children

Defining Food Allergies

Food allergies are a common problem among children. This is a condition where the immune system reacts to certain proteins found in food as if they are harmful. The body produces antibodies to fight off the proteins, which results in an allergic reaction. Food allergies can be mild or severe, and in some cases, life-threatening.

Common Allergens

The most common food allergens in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. These allergens can be found in many foods, so it’s important to read the food label carefully. Some children may also have allergies to other foods or ingredients.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe and may include hives, itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, a child may experience anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

If you suspect your child has a food allergy, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor may perform a skin prick test or blood test to determine if your child has an allergy. In some cases, an oral food challenge may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve gained something by reading this, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask me, i’d also love to hear about any of your favourite family meals

Thanks for reading,

Samantha x

Parenting

A Parents guide: Getting the kids back to school

Samantha keddy

It’s almost September again! So I just thought I’d put together a list of everything us mums need to have sorted so no one forgets anything that first day of school……

School Uniform

We’ll start with the biggy, the first thing on our back to school checklist is uniform, but let’s break that down, you’ll need

Shirts
Trousers/shorts for boys
Trousers/skirts/dresses for girls……………remember to check your school rules, my eldest daughter now has to have a knee-length, non stretchy skirt!
Cardigans or jumpers
Socks/tights
Most seniors require a blazor
Tie if your school has them
New pants?
White bras? (this was a new one for me this year, but unfortunately kids grow up)
PE kit

Personally I like to have 5 of most things so there is a fresh set for every day but I know this doesn’t suit everyone, we always get a full school year out of what buy so I find it fairly good value for money. My favourite places for uniform are Asda George, M&S and New Look for the eldest.

School Shoes

Sounds simple? urghh…………this is the bit I hate the most, unbranded black school shoes, the kids all want trainers, but they’re not allowed! Traditional school shoes are uncomfy, do they fit right? Will you spend a fortune to have them scuffed the first week back? Anyway remember to check your schools guidelines before you shop and good luck!!

School Bags

I think this is the children’s favourite bit, every September they get to pick a new school bag, its not essential but a nice new bag big enough to hold their PE kit, packed lunch and water bottle is normally a good buy………….Although the eldest is still debating whether she wants a handbag or backpack so we can’t tick this one off yet!

And don’t forget to check lunch bags and boxes, are they still clean? Can you get another year out of them?

Other Supplies

Water bottles still clean and OK?

Does your school provide stationary or do they need a pencil case, pen, pencil etc

Some seniors need a scientific calculator, check with your school.

Do you have a school book bag, is this still in good enough condition?

If you’re super organised you could sort winter coats, hats and gloves out now ready, but I prefer to give myself a break before moving on to that!

Are They Ready?

It’s normal for children to feel nervous or excited about the first day of school. Make sure to have conversations with your child about their emotions and let them know that it’s okay to feel that way. You can also help ease their anxiety by:

Talking to them about what to expect on the first day of school
Encouraging them to share their feelings with you or a trusted adult
Reminding them of past successful transitions they have made

Going back to school means your child will have to be more independent. You can help them develop independence by:

Encouraging them to pack their own school bag and lunch
Teaching them how to manage their time effectively
Allowing them to make some decisions on their own

Positive conversations with your child can help them feel more confident and excited about going back to school. Here are some ways to encourage positive conversations:

Ask them about their day and listen actively
Encourage them to talk about their interests and hobbies
Help them practice social skills by role-playing conversations with peers

Are you ready?

We all let things slide through the holidays, late nights, lazy mornings, 300 snacks per pay and so on! but one of the best things you can do to make life easier for you and your child is get back into a routine!

Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. This helps regulate your child’s internal clock and ensures they get enough sleep. Create a schedule for meals, homework, and other activities, and stick to it as much as possible. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of important dates and events.

Lastly

Don’t forget to label EVERYTHING!!!

So are you ready? Let me know in the comments, have I forgotten anything? Please, please let me know if so!!

Not long left now.

Good luck!

Parenting

The Best Potty Training Tips for Quick Success

Samantha keddy

After working in childcare for over 13 years I have potty trained many toddlers, both boys and girls, and have picked up some useful potty training tips along the way that I thought I’d share x

Don’t rush potty training your toddler

You need to wait until your toddler is ready, and this isn’t a number or age it’s about your child.

There is no point attempting to potty train a child that still can’t say the words wee, and poo (or whatever your preferred terms are).

I tend to start from a young age talking to the child whilst changing their nappy, saying which it is they’ve done, children then pick up the words and begin to tell you when they have done something in their nappy and this is the first sign they are getting ready for potty training.

Other signs of readiness include being capable of dressing and undressing their bottom half at least, being dry for longer periods during the day and taking a general interest in the potty and toilet.

I wouldn’t suggest attempting potty training before 18 months though as a general rule, 2.5-3 seems to be the best time these days but remember there’s no race, listen to your child.

Forget nappies

If you want your toddler potty trained you have to step away from the nappies, they don’t see or understand a difference just by showing them a potty.

The nappy feels like it’s always felt so they will do what they’ve always done.

I recommend decent disposable training pants, Huggies do some that are less absorbent, so your child can actually feel when they’ve done something, i highly recommend these, plus they come in great designs that kids really enjoy.

Boys potty training pants (paid link)

Girls potty training pants (paid link)

or failing this move straight into pants.

Plan Ahead

Before beginning toilet training it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Do you want to use a portable potty chair that you can have in your living room or will you go straight to the toilet? In which case you may need a potty seat and small step ready for your child.

Stock up on pull ups as mentioned above.

A reward chart with a small reward is also a good idea.

In the weeks before starting potty training a good idea is to let your child visit the toilet with you or an older sibling to make their potty training journey less daunting.

There are also some nice picture books focused around potty training that you could share as a fun way to introduce the potty, my son enjoyed this one Pirate Pete’s Potty.

Talk to other family members too so they know about this big change that your child is going through.

If your child attends child care it’s also worth speaking with them, they might have a policy you will want to be aware of, or be able to advise you of the potty-training process they use.

Think about what language you will use with your child, the best way is to use nice simple instructions that your child will clearly understand.

Accidents happen

Be prepared for accidents, like learning any new skill potty training doesn’t happen overnight!

If you have hard floors then it doesn’t take long to clean up a little puddle, and if you don’t I recommend getting outside as much as possible so any accidents happen there.

Spring and summer are a good time of year for potty training, as well as the weather allowing you to be outside more it also means your child wont wet or spoil as many clothes, and any extra washing you do end up with can dry on the washing line!

photo of underwear hanging on clothes line

Don’t be cross with your child if they have an accident and try your hardest to not revert back to nappies (unless you genuinely think the child isn’t ready)

Going out can also be difficult, always keep an eye out for public restrooms and give your child as many opportunities to go as possible to minimise the risk of accidents.

The potty or the toilet is also a big question we hear a lot, I don’t think it matters, I potty trained my daughters using a potty in the living room, my son a plastic urinal upstairs and most childminded children now straight to the toilet.

Do what feels right for you, experiment and see where your child seems more comfortable, and go with that.

Routine

It helps to have some routine in your child’s life.

Often even when children are still in nappies they become regular, make a mental note of when your child most often has their soiled nappies and remember this when moving into pants, get them to try the potty/toilet around this time.

I also suggest always asking them to try the toilet at regular intervals and times such as after a meal and before leaving the house, everyone at my setting tries the toilet before leaving the house, even myself!

If you’re at home, just you and your child I recommend encouraging them to mirror you, so every time you need the loo, you take them along and ask them to try, this is a great way of turning potty training into a joint experience that they want to share with you, but don’t push it.

Be proud

Children love to feel they’ve pleased you so offer lots of praise, tell them they’re clever, that you’re proud of them, that they’re doing a great job, they’re really growing up!

Sticker charts are known to work well but more than anything they’ll benefit by knowing that they are making you happy!

Using positive reinforcement to celebrate your child’s potty training success will be far more effective than focusing on any accidents that may occur.

New pants

Make a big deal about going out and choosing new pants, look out for your child’s favourite characters such as Peppa Pig or Spiderman, something your toddler is really going to like, the more special the new pants feel, the less likely they are going to want to have an accident in them

Dry nights

Being dry during the night is another big step so again don’t rush this, wait until you’ve got daytime fully dry and you’re confident that your toddler has cracked it them move on to nights.

My favourite tip for nighttime training is to ‘double bag’ you’re child’s mattress.

What this means is layer it up, a waterproof mattress protector, followed by a sheet, followed by a waterproof mattress protector then another sheet.

This way if they happen to wet the bed you can normally just whip off the first sheet and protector, throw them in your bathtub in you’re half asleep mode and your child already has a fresh set on the bed to continue their nights sleep!

A quick change and wipe of your child is much easier than making the entire bed!

Just don’t forget to wash those sheets the next morning!

Generally a child will become night trained between 18 months and 8 years, so please don’t worry if it takes a little time each child will do it at their own pace.

Thanks for reading, I hope this is of some use, if anyone has any tips of their own please add them in the comments

Category: Parenting

The best home treatment for head lice (nits) 2024

Over the counter treatments

Home Remedy

Don’t Forget

Prevention is better than the cure

Good luck

Preschool Printables