Your First Year of University and College: The Ultimate Survival Guide

Your first year of university is a major milestone as you head to campus. Learn what to expect during the first weeks and how you can take full advantage of this opportunity with these university tips.

With four years of fun, wild and roller coaster-like moments to come, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to surviving your first year of university and college.

What you’ll learn

  1. Preparing for a fun frosh week! Just don’t forget to register…
  2. Preparing for your first week of university.
  3. Get social and meet people in person (skip the hashtags).
  4. Planning ahead for a great first year (fingers crossed).
  5. Making the most of reading week (don’t just sleep).
  6. Managing your workload: taking care of you (you matter).
1

Preparing for a fun frosh week! Just don’t forget to register…

It’s time to officially declare yourself as a college or university student with Frosh Week! Frosh Week is when you get the opportunity to meet other first-year students—as well as third- and fourth-year students—and start to get a feel for the layout of the campus, as well as enjoy lots of fun activities and parties. Important university tip: Don’t. Forget. To. Register! It’s the most overlooked essential that most new students forget about.

Be sure to pack your JanSport Superbreak Backpack (the classic one you can’t go wrong with) with all of the essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and an extra pair of socks so you’re ready for a full day of fun, in addition to your forms and application materials.

Onto some Frosh Week events! Gear up for tug of war and obstacle courses with men’s sneakers and women’s sneakers from Nike and Puma, along with soft T-shirts that let you showcase your personality. Arm yourself for water balloon fights and colour runs with a supportive sports bra and leggings or joggers, and beat the heat with Urban Planet’s high-rise and chino-style shorts.

College students in white shirts at a color festival

2

Preparing for your first week of university

It takes a while to get into the swing of things on campus. Feels bad, man. It’s still a special moment, though, and you’re probably going to be looking fondly back on this time when you’re at least 100. Capture the memories with a digital camera, or switch things up with an instant camera so you can pass out prints to new friends right away (our top picks are the Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera). It’s not all parties and fun, of course. Be sure to take lots of notes during your million-plus orientation meetings. You can use a laptop or tablet, or go analog with a notebook and colour-coded pens, and stow papers and leaflets from profs and group leaders in this Five Star 2″ Zipper Binder.

It takes a while to get into the swing of things on campus. Feels bad, man. It’s still a special moment, though, and you’re probably going to be looking fondly back on this time when you’re at least 100.

Capture the memories with a digital camera, or switch things up with an instant camera so you can pass out prints to new friends right away (our top picks are the Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera).

It’s not all parties and fun, of course. Be sure to take lots of notes during your million-plus orientation meetings. You can use a laptop or tablet, or go analog with a notebook and colour-coded pens, and stow papers and leaflets from profs and group leaders in this Five Star 2″ Zipper Binder.

Equip yourself with the best gear:

 

3

Get social and meet people in person (skip the hashtags)

Spongebob Human Interaction Meme

We have scary news for you: you’re going to meet a ton of new people during Frosh Week … so make the most of it! A lot of these people will be fellow whatever-you’re-majoring-ins, so it’s likely you’ll have class or tutorials with them. Opening up and being yourself is a big part of this process, and you can make it go pretty easy with a smartphone that can store contact info and allow you to get one another’s LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook info. You can also make a note about who all these people are and where you met them in a dayplanner to help you keep names straight. Get social and throw small (or big) get together with fellow students. Try inviting more random people you want to get to know over for an evening of video games or party games (Relative Insanity for the win!). You can even organize a pool among new people to cover tickets to the university’s sporting events.

We have scary news for you: you’re going to meet a ton of new people during Frosh Week … so make the most of it! A lot of these people will be fellow whatever-you’re-majoring-ins, so it’s likely you’ll have class or tutorials with them.

Opening up and being yourself is a big part of this process, and you can make it go pretty easy with a smartphone that can store contact info and allow you to get one another’s LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook info. You can also make a note about who all these people are and where you met them in a dayplanner to help you keep names straight.

Get social and throw small (or big) get together with fellow students. Try inviting more random people you want to get to know over for an evening of video games or party games (Relative Insanity for the win!). You can even organize a pool among new people to cover tickets to the university’s sporting events.

4

Planning ahead for a great first year (fingers crossed)

Okay, so you’ve made some new friends—cool, great, awesome! Here’s a word of advice though: don’t forget your academic activities during your first year of university. Seriously. The way you start out this week lays the groundwork for a lot of your future academic success, so it’s important to make a good go of it. Attend all your classes (seriously, it’s your first week) and try getting a campus map to know where your classes are! Develop an organizational plan and then stick to it until it becomes second nature. One way to keep organized is to take digital notes, so see which of a tablet or laptop is best for you and get started. This makes it easier to reorganize and categorize information for module tests and final exams, but don’t forget to keep a handful of pens and pencils and a notebook or two handy when you’re in class.

Okay, so you’ve made some new friends—cool, great, awesome! Here’s a word of advice though: don’t forget your academic activities during your first year of university. Seriously. The way you start out this week lays the groundwork for a lot of your future academic success, so it’s important to make a good go of it.

Attend all your classes (seriously, it’s your first week) and try getting a campus map to know where your classes are! Develop an organizational plan and then stick to it until it becomes second nature.

One way to keep organized is to take digital notes, so see which of a tablet or laptop is best for you and get started. This makes it easier to reorganize and categorize information for module tests and final exams, but don’t forget to keep a handful of pens and pencils and a notebook or two handy when you’re in class.

Will Smith Crying Meme

Look to be productive by setting aside space for a desk, filing cabinet and storage unit that can handle everything from textbooks and flashcards to extra school supplies. Good lighting fights eye strain when you’re trying to get through an all-nighter, so invest in a solid desk lamp.

5

Making the most of reading week (don’t just sleep)

Reading Week dates differ for all colleges and universities but are a well-needed break for everyone. Almost every overworked undergrad uses at least some of this time to catch up on sleep and have a Netflix binge. Officially, however, this is a time set aside for you all to read up on your semester notes (Reading Week, get it? It’s in the name.) Use the break to study and read ahead to get a jump on the next round of classes, as final exams approach very quickly after Reading Week. It’s not all work, though. Be sure to work in self-care breaks and make a schedule that doesn’t wear you out. Go for walks, visit family and friends and catch up on your sleep. You’re going to need it.

Reading Week dates differ for all colleges and universities but are a well-needed break for everyone. Almost every overworked undergrad uses at least some of this time to catch up on sleep and have a Netflix binge.

Officially, however, this is a time set aside for you all to read up on your semester notes (Reading Week, get it? It’s in the name.) Use the break to study and read ahead to get a jump on the next round of classes, as final exams approach very quickly after Reading Week.

It’s not all work, though. Be sure to work in self-care breaks and make a schedule that doesn’t wear you out. Go for walks, visit family and friends and catch up on your sleep. You’re going to need it.

Student sleeping on couch with red textbook covering his face

6

Managing your workload: taking care of you (you matter)

The workload you have to manage in college is nothing like what you’re used to from high school. As hard as you worked all through your final year, you’re guaranteed to wonder at least once during your first year of university why you never appreciated the comparatively lighter workload from 9 months ago. Always be mindful of your limits, and try to remember that you have to gradually work your way up to the course load college imposes on you. Mind your mental health and rest when you need it and try to get some exercise on the schedule. This can be done by keeping your track of things on a smartwatch like the Galaxy Watch Active from Samsung, or just by making a point to take an hour or so of time outside of class to reconnect with nature or talk with friends.

The workload you have to manage in college is nothing like what you’re used to from high school. As hard as you worked all through your final year, you’re guaranteed to wonder at least once during your first year of university why you never appreciated the comparatively lighter workload from 9 months ago.

Always be mindful of your limits, and try to remember that you have to gradually work your way up to the course load college imposes on you. Mind your mental health and rest when you need it and try to get some exercise on the schedule. This can be done by keeping your track of things on a smartwatch like the Galaxy Watch Active from Samsung, or just by making a point to take an hour or so of time outside of class to reconnect with nature or talk with friends.

Beginning your university and college career has a lot of emotions that come with it. It can get fun, messy, crazy, overwhelming, awesome—you name it, and it’ll all be there. With these helpful university tips, you can make the best of your first year of university and ensure long-term success as you embark on the super serious journey of being a student.

The post Your First Year of University and College: The Ultimate Survival Guide appeared first on Tips & Ideas.

Best Baby Sunscreens at Walmart Canada

The best type of sunscreen is the one your kids are willing to put on. At the end of the day, that’s what’s most important.
–Dr. Julia Carroll, Dermatologist.

Dr. Julia Carroll

She’s a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Compass Dermatology in Toronto, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCPC), and an active member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, Toronto Dermatologic Society, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons and the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides her busy dermatology practice, she is also on staff at the University of Toronto Medical School.

She’s a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Compass Dermatology in Toronto, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCPC), and an active member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, Toronto Dermatologic Society, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons and the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides her busy dermatology practice, she is also on staff at the University of Toronto Medical School.

Sunscreen is an important part of every family’s sun protection strategy. However, when it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for babies and toddlers, there’s a lot to consider.

As a parent, you only want the best skincare products for your little one’s delicate skin, and that includes sunscreen. Baby’s skin is more sensitive and more prone to sun damage and burns, regardless of skin tone. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), this is because their skin’s natural sun protection system is still developing, making adequate sun protection all the more important, even on overcast days or when in the car.

Can you put sunscreen on a baby?

To start, one message Dr. Carroll stressed is that sunscreen is safe for you and your family to use, and should be part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. “Sunscreen is safe,” Dr. Carroll said. “There’s a lot of miss information out there. As physicians and dermatologists, we are confident in the safety and efficacy of sunscreens.

“I don’t know anyone who has ever died from using sunscreen,” She continued. “I do, unfortunately, know quite a few patients who have died from skin cancers caused by sun exposure.” Dr. Carroll added that applying sunscreen is just one method of sun protection. “Avoiding the sun and protecting yourself from the sun is even more effective than sunscreen,” She said. “Always use the three strategies of keeping out of the sun, covering up [with clothing], and then applying sunscreen.”

When can babies wear sunscreen?

While sunscreen is safe, there are currently no Health Canada-approved sunscreens for infants under six months. Instead, Dr. Carroll said to keep these little ones out of direct sunlight, and dress them in sun protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, wraparound sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection, and lightweight garments that provide plenty of coverage. Plan outings for the morning and late afternoon, as the sun is at its strongest midday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Use umbrellas or other shades at the beach, park or in the yard, and strollers with sunshades or canopies offering UV protection.

Is sunscreen safe?

To start, one message Dr. Carroll stressed is that sunscreen is safe for you and your family to use, and should be part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. “Sunscreen is safe,” Dr. Carroll said. “There’s a lot of miss information out there. As physicians and dermatologists, we are confident in the safety and efficacy of sunscreens.

“I don’t know anyone who has ever died from using sunscreen,” She continued. “I do, unfortunately, know quite a few patients who have died from skin cancers caused by sun exposure.” Dr. Carroll added that applying sunscreen is just one method of sun protection. “Avoiding the sun and protecting yourself from the sun is even more effective than sunscreen,” She said. “Always use the three strategies of keeping out of the sun, covering up [with clothing], and then applying sunscreen.”

When can babies wear sunscreen?

While sunscreen is safe, there are currently no Health Canada-approved sunscreens for infants under six months. Instead, Dr. Carroll said to keep these little ones out of direct sunlight, and dress them in sun protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, wraparound sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection, and lightweight garments that provide plenty of coverage. Plan outings for the morning and late afternoon, as the sun is at its strongest midday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Use umbrellas or other shades at the beach, park or in the yard, and strollers with sunshades or canopies offering UV protection.

What You Need to Know

  1. How to choose the best baby sunscreen.
  2. Mineral vs. chemical sunscreens.
  3. Types of baby sunscreens.
  4. How to apply sunscreen on baby.
  5. Best baby sunscreens at Walmart Canada.

What to Know

  1. How to choose the best baby sunscreen.
  2. Mineral vs. chemical sunscreens.
  3. Types of baby sunscreens.
  4. How to apply sunscreen on baby.
  5. Best baby sunscreens at Walmart Canada.
1

How to choose the best baby sunscreen

For infants and toddlers six months and older—in addition to dressing them in protective clothing and limiting direct sun exposure—apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, such as the face, neck, ears, hands and feet.

When choosing a sunscreen for baby and your family, look for one that meets the following criteria:

  • Broad-spectrum protection: This means that the sunscreen provides protection against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher: Dr. Carroll recommends using an SPF 50 sunscreen for your little ones.
  • Minimally or non-perfumed: These sunscreens will be less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
  • Water resistance: Sunscreens can claim up to 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance, but keep in mind that no sunscreen is waterproof. Always reapply sunscreen after sweating or water exposure.
  • CDA logo: Dr. Carroll said that an easy way to determine whether a product meets the CDA’s criteria for sun protection is to look for the CDA logo on the product packaging.

“If you see the CDA logo on a product, then you know it is a great product,” Dr. Carroll said. You can find a list of CDA-recognized sunscreens here.

2

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreens

There are two main options when it comes to sunscreen formulas: mineral or chemical. Most baby- and kid-friendly sunscreens are mineral or physical sunscreens. The active ingredients in these sunscreens are titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which are natural minerals that sit on the skin’s surface to physically block and reflect UV rays. These sunscreens are gentler, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

As the name suggests, chemical sunscreens contain chemical compounds, such as avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin. They then work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. These sunscreens are more likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Dr. Carroll said that both sunscreen formulas are safe and effective, and that she opts for sunscreens that contain a combination of minerals and chemicals.

“Some people have preferences for one reason or another,” Dr. Carroll explained. “Some people find the mineral sunscreens too white-looking. Some people find that they react to the chemical sunscreen if they have sensitive skin. However, if you don’t have an allergy or sensitivity or comestic preference, then finding one with a combination gives you better coverage.”

Regardless of the sunscreen you choose, spot test it on a small patch of baby’s skin to find out how their skin will react before applying it all over.

3

Types of baby sunscreens

Finally, baby sunscreens come in a variety of forms, including lotions and creams, mousses, sticks and sprays. All types offer the potential to provide adequate sun protection, providing they are properly applied and reapplied. According to Dr. Carroll, it all comes down to choosing a type of sunscreen that your family will use.

“The best type of sunscreen is the one that kids are willing to put on,” she said. “At the end of the day, that’s what’s most important.”

Dr. Carroll said her personal method for safeguarding her daughter is applying a combination of lotion and sprays throughout the day. “I will start off with a cream-based sunscreen or lotion,” she described, “and if we’re going to touch up over the day on her body, then I might use a spray sunscreen.”

Lotions and creams

Sunscreen lotions and creams are most reliable when it comes to adequate sun protection. Some may take longer to absorb; however, this also makes it easier to tell whether you applied the sunscreen thick enough and where exposed areas still need covering.

Use these sunscreens as your base for the beach, park or other longer outings under the sun.

Sprays

Sunscreen sprays provide quick and easy coverage. However, they often apply transparently, dispensing a thinner coating than a lotion or cream. While easier to apply, it can be more challenging to tell whether you applied the sunscreen thick enough or missed any spots. If you opt for a spray sunscreen, spray it in your hands first (away from baby), then apply it. This will help you control how much you are applying and help prevent baby from inhaling any particles.

Mousses

Sunscreen mousses and foams are appealing because they are lightweight, apply easily and absorb quickly. “The mousses are fun,” Dr. Carroll said. “There are great mousses out there, some that look like whipped cream, and kids love those.”

Another benefit to a mousse is it stays in place when you apply it. “That way,” Dr. Carroll explained, “you’re not chasing the lotion as it’s running down the skin; it gives you time to rub it in.”

However, similar to spray sunscreen, it can be challenging to determine whether you applied a thick enough coating. If you opt for a mousse, err on the safe side and apply a few coatings.

Sticks

Sunscreen sticks offer convenient, no-mess sun protection when on the go. Again, they do not apply as thickly as a lotion or cream, so make sure you apply thoroughly and often. Save these sunscreens for when you need to cover smaller areas of exposed skin and for shorter periods of sun exposure.

Dr. Carroll recommends using sunscreen sticks for the face. “They’re a bit waxier; I find that kids don’t mind them as much and they don’t scrunch up their faces,” she explained. “It’s easier to get all the nooks and crannies and get it all the way to the back of the hairline, along the jawline and the neck, rather than the creams, which they tend to resist. I get my daughter to paint the sunscreen on herself, and then I’ll rub it in.”

Adult hand rubbing sunscreen onto baby's back at the beach

4

How to apply sunscreen on baby

Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, it’s more important to ensure your family applies it regularly and generously. When it comes to applying your little one’s sunscreen (and your own), use the following guidelines:

  • Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas (for baby, use enough sunscreen to fill about half a shot glass). If you are not applying sunscreen thick enough, you are not providing adequate protection—even with a higher SPF sunscreen. “You should really use about a golf ball-sized amount for the entire body,” Dr. Carroll said.
  • Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house, and reapply again when you arrive at your destination. This will help ensure you apply a thick enough coating, as well as cover any missed spots. “My favourite time to apply sunscreen is in the morning, before putting clothes on after showering,” Dr. Carroll described, “so you’re not worried about getting sunscreen on the clothing and you can easily apply it on all the parts that are hard to reach once you are dressed.”
  • Reapply about every two hours (set a timer for a reminder).
  • Reapply after you sweat or get wet. Remember: no sunscreen is waterproof!
  • Avoid baby’s eyes and mouth.
  • Cover all exposed areas, including ears, the back of neck, scalp and feet.
  • Protect baby’s lips, too! Apply a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.

Dr. Carroll’s favourite tip for getting your little ones to apply sunscreen? Set a positive example. “Children like to mimic their parents, so you really want to set a good example for your young ones,” she explained. “Be the person who is always wearing the hats, using the sun shirts and reapplying the sunscreen. Once kids see that the whole family is involved, it becomes part of the norm, just like putting on the seatbelt.”

5

Best baby sunscreens at Walmart Canada

To help you navigate the many sunscreen products on the market, we rounded up some of these best baby sunscreens available on Walmart.ca. However, even though these products say “Baby” on the packaging, they can still provide effective sun protection for the whole family.

“Baby sunscreens really aren’t that different than other sunscreens,” Dr. Carroll clarified. “They may be slightly different sunscreens and they may have less ingredients, but oftentimes they’re the exact same: one just says ‘baby’ and one doesn’t.”

Remember: when it comes to sun safety for baby, the best protection is avoiding direct sun exposure, dressing baby in protective sun clothing and then reapplying sunscreen to any exposed skin. If you are ever uncertain about whether a product is safe for your little one, always consult your pediatrician first.

Sunscreen Creams and Lotions

Creams/Lotions

Aveeno Baby Mineral Sunscreen – 88ml

Bottle of Aveeno baby mineral sunscreen SPF 50 88ml

  • CDA-recognized sunscreen
  • SPF 50
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Unscented

Why you’ll love it

  • Formulated with 100% naturally-sourced zinc oxide mineral sunscreen.
  • Includes colloidal oatmeal to soothe and moisturize baby’s skin.
  • Hypoallergenic, tear-free, oil-free and paraben-free (a preservative often used in cosmetics)
  • Airport-friendly travel size.

Thinkbaby Sunscreen (Lotion) – 3 oz

Bottle of Thinkbaby sunscreen SPF 50 3 ounces

  • SPF 50+
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
  • Lightly scented

Also available in Thinkbaby sunscreen stick.

Why you’ll love it

  • Non-aerosol formulation.
  • No chemical UV-absorbing ingredients (gentler on baby’s delicate skin).
  • No parabens or phthalates (synthetic preservatives), or PABA (a natural substance that can produce side effects in large doses).
  • Easy to apply with a non-oily feel.
  • Gluten-free and vegan.

Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion – 180ml

Bottle of Banana Boat Simply Protect baby mineral sunscreen lotion made without oxybenzone and parabens SPF 50

  • SPF 50+
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
  • Unscented

Why you’ll love it

  • Minimal-ingredient formula.
  • Paraben-free.
  • Oxybenzone-free (a chemical UV-absorbing ingredient).
  • Lightweight feel with easy absorption.
  • Gentle, oil-free and tear-free.

Equate Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion – 90ml

Equate baby mineral sunscreen lotion

  • SPF 50+
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

Why you’ll love it

  • Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
  • Uses a mineral (not chemical) formula to block the sun’s rays.
  • Paraben-free.
  • Airport-friendly travel size.

Live Clean Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion – 113ml

Live Clean baby mineral sunscreen SPF 45

  • SPF 45
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Unscented

Why you’ll love it

  • Hypoallergenic and non-nano (particles that are small enough to be absorbed into baby’s bloodstream).
  • Naturally-derived and petrolatum-free.

Sunscreen Sticks

Sunscreen Sticks

Coppertone Waterbabies Sunscreen Stick – 13.9g

Coppertone Waterbabies Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

  • SPF 50
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

Why you’ll love it

  • Mineral sunscreen made with naturally-sourced zinc oxide.
  • Convenient spot protection when on-the-go (nose, face and ears).
  • Paraben-free and PABA-free.

Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick – 14g

Aveeno Baby SPF 50 mineral sun guard sensitive skin face lotion stick

  • CDA-recognized sunscreen
  • SPF 50
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Water-resistant
  • Unscented

Why you’ll love it

  • Pocket-sized, no-mess stick for easy portability.
  • 100% naturally-sourced mineral sunscreen ingredients.
  • Colloidal oatmeal soothes and moisturizes skin.
  • Hypoallergenic and oil-free.

Mousse/Spray

Mousse/Spray

Copppertone Waterbabies Whipped Sunscreen – 142ml

Coppertone Waterbabies whipped sunscreen SPF 50

  • SPF 50
  • Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
  • Unscented

Why you’ll love it

  • Applies easily and absorbs quickly.
  • Lightweight and soft on skin.
  • Paraben-free and PABA-free.

Taking care of baby during the hot, sunny summer months means a little extra care. By choosing the right sunscreen, you can have fun with baby outside for many worry-free hours. Look for sunscreens that are mineral-based, minimally or non-scented and have an SPF of at least 30. Lastly, make sure to spread evenly and thoroughly so baby is fully protected from the sun.

Enjoy the summer!

Legal: This article is intended as general information. To be sure a product is right for you, always be sure to read and follow the label(s)/instruction(s) that accompany your product(s). Walmart will not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by this activity.

The post Best Baby Sunscreens at Walmart Canada appeared first on Tips & Ideas.

8 Essential Study Tips for Success at College and University

Stay on track this year by schooling yourself on these helpful study tips every college and university student needs to know.

Let’s just get one thing straight—no one likes studying. It sounds more like you’re stu-DYING, am I right? With that being said (here comes the hard part), it’s a must to have your study habits in check. Take it from me, someone who would ALWAYS be a last-minute crammer (I don’t miss those 2:00 a.m. cram sessions at all).

Keep in mind, you’re in university and college investing not just money, but also time. It’s really important that you have a thorough and structured study routine and great study tips so that you can work hard and play hard throughout your four years in university and college.

What you’ll learn:

  1. Managing your time better: it’s not that easy.
  2. Understanding your learning type: see it, hear it or feel it?
  3. Take a break and don’t procrastinate.
  4. Creating an organized study space that won’t make you yawn.
  5. Reviewing and revising notes (a.k.a the boring part).
  6. Get some sleep: how it leads to effective study habits.
  7. Eat healthy and study better.
  8. Motivate yourself with rewards when studying’s done.
1

Managing your time better: it’s not that easy

Being busy is an understatement in college and university. It’s exciting to meet new people and start new classes. You might even get worked up from starting a new job (collect that $).

That’s a ton of new stuff to start doing all at once. If you’re not organized, you can lose track of all the different directions you’re being pulled in.

You can track the million-and-one things on your schedule with a weekly planner, like the Undated Daily Desk Planner from Mead. If you’re working projects on a shorter timescale, you can use whiteboards, like the Metal Frame Dry Erase Board from U Brands, to plan the stuff you have to get done during the day.

Okay, you’re not going to remember this, but there’s an acronym to help you set and meet your goals. It’s “SMART,” and the five elements it stands for can be kept in a Five Star Zipper Binder. SMART stands for:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Realistic
  • Timely
  • Specific
  • Attainable
  • Timely
  • Measurable
  • Realistic
2

Understanding your learning type: see it, hear it or feel it?

We’re all unique in our own way, right? I’ve mastered the art of binge watching a full season of Black Mirror in one day. Okay, not that kind of productivity but you get me. Everyone learns in different ways. By understanding your learner type, you can customize your study habits to not only remember more from your studies, but also drive your roommate nuts with your unique study methods. It all depends on what kind of learner you are. Here are study tips for different learners:

  • Visual learners tend to remember more when they study charts, graphs and other images. If you’re better at remembering faces rather than names, you might be a visual learner. Instead of written notes, think about capturing charts, diagrams and lists on a graphic tablet, such as Un-Tech’s Ruffpad, you can connect directly to your laptop. Sketch these out during lectures or while reading so you can study them later.
  • Tactile learners may learn via words, especially when they write them down on index cards or in notebooks. They also learn fast from touching and handling things, like a carburetor in shop class or a quadratic equation in math. If you’re a tactile learner, it may help to copy your notes onto flashcards or Q&A cards after class.
  • Auditory learners prefer listening to information. If you’re this type, you remember stuff you hear and it might help to record your lectures. Consider investing in earbuds or on-ear headphones to quiet down outside distractions while you study.
3

Take a break and don’t procrastinate

Sleeping fox on tree limb that says I'm a procrastinator

It’s not all work at college. In fact, if you overwork yourself until your grades suffer, you’re doing it wrong. The bits of your brain you use for learning chemistry don’t have infinite energy, and sometimes you need to goof off to let them cool down. Taking well-timed breaks lets you come back to your tasks fresh and ready to work productively.

On the assumption that you’ve scheduled your breaks for after studying rather than instead of studying, you have a lot of options for how to de-stress. Keep yoga essentials, such as the Alignment Yoga Mat from Everlast, rolled up by the study desk so you can stretch your muscles and boost your metabolism or whatever. If you’re not really the stretchy type, you can boost your heart rate with an Everlast Cable Jump Rope or an elitejumper Fitness Jump Rope.

You don’t have to break a sweat to chill out. Sometimes you can just be lazy. Whether your thing is watching movies, playing video games or watching videos where other people play video games, it’s probably worth it to invest in a smart television. Models from Sharp, Samsung or RCA let you hook up to either cable or the internet for the widest possible range of crap to watch for free.

4

Creating an organized study space that won’t make you yawn

You’ve been successfully equipped. So now that you have all these great skills for effective studying, where are you going to do it? You need a study space that’s comfortable to work in, but not comfortable enough to nap in. Try to set aside a space for nothing but this, and keep it clean and organized.

When you’re planning your study space, you can’t go wrong if you build it around a new desk, like Dorel’s Grayson Desk. Take care of your back by putting an ergonomic office chair in front of it, like the Mainstays Mid-Back Chair. You’re probably going to be doing a lot of your studying at night, so it helps to have a decent desk lamp, like this Silver LED Desk Lamp from Mainstays.

To personalize the space more, or just to look cool, you can think about flourishes like some battery-powered LEDs for your shelves to light up your paperwork or books. Those lights go great with storage options like Bestar’s small space or corner units or Dorel’s Two-Drawer File Cabinets.

Sleeping female student with textbooks text 5 minutes into studying like

5

Reviewing and revising notes (a.k.a. the boring part)

Great, more work. However, you’ll thank yourself later! You’re at your best if you imprint a lesson for good right after the lecture, otherwise you’re guaranteed to forget the class you just sat through. To better remember what you’re doing, try reviewing your notes both right after class and right before the test. It helps if you rewrite your notes the first time you review them (yeah, we know. Trust us here.)

One way to rewrite your stuff in a hurry is to convert pencil-and-paper notes from something scrawled between doodles into a digital format that you can bookmark and share with others. Try doing this on the Samsung Chromebook laptop. Speaking of Samsung, if you take digital notes on something like the Samsung 7-inch Galaxy Tab A, you can do the reverse and copy the notes into a handwritten format on index cards or in loose paper organized in binders for later.

Young tired and stressed student working on his homework, masters feeling desperate and frustrated asking for help. In over Education, learning difficulties, finals exams and emotional stress concept

6

Get some sleep: how it leads to effective study habits

You’re in biology class with your professor rambling on about stuff that sounds like a foreign language, and all you can think about is your bed. A nap would be perfect right now. But as soon as you get into bed, you just can’t sleep. The clock keeps ticking and you’re wide awake… Crap, it’s 3:00 a.m. already?!

Good sleep habits don’t just keep you pretty; they help you get smart. Well, sort of. When you sleep, your brain has a chance to recharge and organize the material you’ve been studying. It can also help keep you healthy, since it’s a nice rest and helps relieve stress. Even short naps, if they’re a habit, can reduce the risks associated with college stress and can even keep short-term illness like the flu at bay.

That’s easy for us to say, but sleep doesn’t come easy to overworked undergrads with 25-hour-a-day schedules of class, studying and beer pong. Not only does the world come crashing in to keep you busy, you’re going to be under pressure to overschedule yourself to a ridiculous degree. Fight this impulse and schedule regular sleep periods for your health. Also, give yourself a space and the stuff to really get a good night’s (or afternoon’s, or morning’s) sleep. Stuff to help you with this includes:

It’s safe to say as adults we love and cherish all the sleep we can get, seriously. During the weekly class rotation, you can keep to a regular wake-up schedule by setting your alarm clock to wake up at the same time daily and keep your sleep rhythm as natural as possible.

One more thing about this: don’t trust your phone as an alarm clock. Just buy a real one instead. Not only does your new active social life mean a phone next to your head can go off at any time of the night, but there’s always the horrible chance the battery could run down or some software glitch could reset your timers.

7

Eat healthy and study better

A study tip that involves eating!? Count me in! You know you have to eat, but there’s one right way and 547 wrong ones to do that. We’re not going to tell you to thrive on broccoli when you’re away at college, but eating right does help you keep your brain functioning on the level you need for schoolwork.

That’s the part where we pretend you’re going to eat salad (even though we know you’ll be living off your awesome coffee maker instead). Now for the part where we acknowledge you’re going to be eating out of vending machines. This is actually expensive, in addition to being good for nothing but soggy sandwiches and the occasional candy bar. While we’re not going to tell you to never do this, you do have other options.

Stocking up on healthy snacks saves you money and ensures you have better options on hand whenever hunger hits. Check these out:

8

Motivate yourself with rewards when studying’s done

Work hard, play hard!

Look to create rewards that are in line with your accomplishments. Maybe you can’t take a weekend getaway every time you turn in your homework, but you could spend an hour griefing your n00b friends on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Tote a Nintendo Switch to your next study session so everyone can break for some low-res gaming, or get online with your ASUS Rog Gaming Laptop to score off your friends in other provinces.

Video games not your thing? First of all, why not? And second, you can get creative with anything else that relaxes you or makes you happy. During these little breaks, think about streaming Netflix or YouTube, have some friends over for the evening, spend a pleasant afternoon trying to figure out Spotify’s user interface or soak in the tub with that posh bath bomb you splurged on.

Following the study tips above and investing in a healthy, smart lifestyle while you’re in college and university can save your bacon in the first semester, when you’re still trying to figure things out. Staying organized and following a healthy, realistic schedule lets you succeed academically, as well as sparing you the time to goof off later.

The post 8 Essential Study Tips for Success at College and University appeared first on Tips & Ideas.

Baby Budget Breakdown: Planning for the First Year

Your child is priceless, but what you’ll need to care for them has a cost! We’ll show you how to budget for a baby with expert advice and everything you need, item by item, for the first year.

Kelley Keehn

Kelley Keehn

She’s the Consumer Advocate for FP Canada and an award-winning and best-selling author of 9 books on personal finance and fraud protection, including A Canadian’s Guide to Money-Smart Living. Keehn is the personal finance authority on CTV’s “The Marilyn Denis Show” and makes media appearances around the world.

She’s the Consumer Advocate for FP Canada and an award-winning and best-selling author of 9 books on personal finance and fraud protection, including A Canadian’s Guide to Money-Smart Living. Keehn is the personal finance authority on CTV’s “The Marilyn Denis Show” and makes media appearances around the world.

We sought expert Kelley Keehn’s advice on preparing your family finances before you add the newest precious member to your growing family. Make sure to keep her tips working for you by using Walmart Financial so you and your family get everything you need and deserve. And be sure to keep this checklist nearby so you can budget for every item you’ll need.

Finances

Finances

Baby budget infographic

You’ll spend about $11,000 on your baby in their first year of life, not including prenatal classes and care or childcare. It’s usually the most expensive because of one-time purchases you’ll use in the years to come. Keehn recommends understanding finances before going on maternity leave, like applying for a line of credit (if needed) while earning full pay, then looking to the federal government for information.

You’ll spend about $11,000 on your baby in their first year of life, not including prenatal classes and care or childcare. It’s usually the most expensive because of one-time purchases you’ll use in the years to come. Keehn recommends understanding finances before going on maternity leave, like applying for a line of credit (if needed) while earning full pay, then looking to the federal government for information.

“Check your Employment Insurance (EI) and see if you’re eligible and how much you’re going to get,” advises Keehn. “It depends on whether you’re self-employed or what have you. If you have a side hustle, make sure that you’re factoring that into your EI and whether there’s any kind of conflict there.”

Keehn says some companies will make up some or all the difference between mat leave and regular pay.

“If you get your EI, you’re getting 55% of your gross income so some companies, especially the bigger ones, top it up,” she informs.

Paying off credit card balances is a smart idea, says Keehn. “Get rid of high-interest credit card debt. That’s just a waste of money.”

If you can practise living on less before you deliver, you’ll be ready for the change in lifestyle. Life with a baby will be less predictable, but worth it!

Medical expenses

Medical expenses

Sometimes babies need prescriptions filled by the pharmacy and other places of medical care. This unforeseen demand is an additional expense you can’t avoid. I operate on the Titanic budgeting method: If I know where the lifeboats are, there’s less stress in my daily life! Don’t go down with the ship. Have a plan in mind in case you need it.

Keehn advises looking into the specifics about your medical coverage through work.

“Visit your company’s HR department and talk to them about what health plan you’ve got,” she suggests. “If you don’t have one if you’re self-employed, check into your provincial plan and whether you should be getting extra coverage.”

Notify your province or territory’s government to get a birth certificate and add your child to your family’s medical insurance. Use the links on this Government of Canada page to apply for a social insurance number for your child, as well as to apply for child and family benefits. These applications should be submitted as soon as possible after your baby is born.

Saving money

Once you have a family, it’s important to put your wishes for their care into a will and to purchase life insurance. However, some expectant parents feel they need to do everything at once, and Keehn advises against putting that pressure on yourselves.

“It’s not realistic for most families to start a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) right away,” she remarks. “Put that off for now.”

Saving money might seem impossible, but Keehn says you’ll be amazed to learn how much you’re wasting if you conduct a “30-day anti-budget.”

“Track every cent you spend, which is easier to do now,” she advises. “The bank does the accounting for you. But you have to dig a little deeper, and at the end of 30 days, that’s going to create a whole new level of awareness. It’s like tracking your financial calories. It’s usually an eye-opening experience. You multiply it by 12, and it’s like, what are we spending in a year on X? If you don’t track it, your brain is never going to get how all these little things add up.”

Pregnant woman looking at papers and laptop on kitchen counter

Pregnant woman looking at papers and laptop on kitchen counter

Instead of spending the “X” money, put it in a savings account. Better yet, ask the bank to withdraw and deposit it for you. Out of sight, out of mind. Keehn says another short-term cash-flow break might be available. “If you have a skip-a-payment option on your mortgage, this might be the time to use it,” she suggests.

Creative use of social media could help you and other new moms, says Keehn. You can start a group chat through text messaging apps, host Skype calls or take advantage of a variety of organizational apps aimed at helping first-time parents.

“There’s strength in numbers,” she explains. “Old-fashioned getting together and making meals together. Maybe one person goes to buy all the groceries, not just to save money but to save time. It frees you up to enjoy this process. It’s not all about budgeting. It’s about time to enjoy precious moments with baby at home. So, using social media as a tool to save money and time is very effective.”

Now that we have Keehn’s plan for finding and saving money, let’s look at where it needs to be spent.

Baby Budget Breakdown

Baby Budget Breakdown

One-time expenses Cost Ongoing expenses Cost
Approx. $1,600 Approx. $785/month
Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Prenatal classes

Prenatal classes

If this is your first baby, you’ll benefit from guidance in your last trimester by taking prenatal classes. Our friends at BabyCenter have put together a terrific article on prenatal classes where they explain the different programs. Costs vary depending on your province and whether you can get into a hospital-run class (they fill up quickly!) or pay out-of-pocket for privately-run instruction.

Prenatal care

Many physicians recommend taking prenatal supplements while breastfeeding. Some moms swear by a doula—a professionally trained woman who provides emotional, physical and practical prenatal support. The assistance of a doula can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

If you’re choosing home birth with a midwife, that might have a cost, too. Some provinces regulate and fund midwives and home births, while others do not. Visit this article from BabyCenter for the breakdown, province by province.

Childcare

This expense varies. If you have a trusted friend or family member available, the cost can be next to nothing. Daycare rates vary widely across the country, and a study released earlier this year by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) finds they’re rising faster than inflation. You can expect to pay between a few hundred and more than $1,000 per child, per month, for care.

One-Time Expenses: Approx. $1,600+

The following are your baby must-haves. These essentials are higher-ticket items that you should only need to buy one time.

Nursery

You might be able to shuffle around a lamp and a dresser you already have in your home. Perhaps you kept the crib your older child used when they were a baby. But if this is your first baby, you’ll need to buy a crib, mattress, bumpers and rail covers and bedding, as well as a mobile to help generate adorable smiles. You’re going to hear the mobile’s music often. The gentle 30-minute melodies of the Tiny Love Meadow Days Take Along Mobile by Safety 1st should be easy on the nerves yet lively enough to keep baby entertained. The mobile also attaches to car seats and strollers—wherever baby goes.

A bassinet can substitute for a crib when baby comes home from the hospital, or serve as a portable sleeping option, along with a crib. Don’t forget the bedding! A co-sleeper helps keep your infant within arm’s reach, for safer sleeping and easier access for feeding and comforting. Some parents use a bassinet as a co-sleeper. The difference is that a co-sleeper attaches to the side of your bed. Make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions.

A changing table can be simple or fancy, with open shelves or dresser drawers. Whatever your taste, top the table with a pad, like Kidilove’s contoured Soybean Foam Printed Vinyl Cover Changing Pad. It has a non-stick bottom, and I love that it helps turn just about any flat surface into a changing table.

You’ll want to hear every coo and cry, so a baby monitor is a must. If you’re breastfeeding, the best breast pump, manual or electric, will become your friend who helps relieve you from discomfort while giving dad a chance to bond with baby. A nursing pillow supports baby in the feeding position until they learn to sit. A nursing bra allows quicker and easier access to help calm baby’s hungry cries.

A hamper will hide soiled clothing until laundry day, and a diaper pail and refill bags will help keep the nursery fresh. You might want a rocking chair or glider for comfort during feeding time. Concord Baby makes a contemporary model that is built to glide, recline and swivel! The Charleston Swivel Glider Recliner Fabric Chair is covered in gorgeous grey linen that’s neutral and suitable for any room.

Nursery Expenses

  • Baby monitor $50+
  • Bassinet $60+
  • Breast pump $40+
  • Changing table and pad
    $70+ and $10+
  • Co-sleeper $100+
  • Crib and mattress $180+ and $60+
  • Crib bedding $60+
  • Crib bumpers and pads $15+
  • Decor – varies
  • Diaper pail and refills $40+ and $5+
  • Dresser $128+
  • Hamper $10+
  • Lamp $5+
  • Mobile $12+
  • Nursing bras $10+
  • Nursing pillows $13+
  • Rocking chair or glider $155+

Total: Approx. $1,023

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Home

Bathing a tiny infant requires the safety of a tiny bathtub or bather. Baby washcloths and hooded towels are fabricated to be soft on a newborn’s skin. For grooming, a pair of Safety 1st Steady Grip Nail Clippers with an extra-large soft-grip handle will help make it easier to trim baby’s nails. A small, gentle comb and hairbrush will help get your little one used to grooming.

Baby-proofing your home consists of more than keeping toxic chemicals out of reach, although that’s part of it. Consider baby gates for stairways, doorways and hallways. Child locks help secure doors, cupboards and drawers.

Every home needs a First Aid Kit … because boo-boos inevitably happen.

Between the ages of 4 and 6 months, as your baby starts on solid food, they will need a high chair. I like the Table2Table 6-in-1 High Chair by Graco. It’s built to grow with your little one from infant to toddler, and it has a machine washable seat for easier cleaning.

The number of baby bottles and nipples you’ll need depends on whether you’re using them exclusively, or occasionally. Our friends at BabyCenter recommend buying at least six bottles and nipples, as well as a bottle brush for cleaning.

When bottle feeding, some newborns are picky about the shape of the nipple, or firmness of the plastic. Be prepared to experiment with different bottles or soothers until you find the perfect one.

Before too long, you’ll need sippy cups, plates and bowls, and utensils as your child learns to feed on their own.

baby reaching through wood baby gate

baby reaching through wood baby gate

Home

  • Baby towel with hood $15+
  • Baby washcloths $8+
  • Brush and comb $15+
  • Baby bottles, nipples
    and brush $20+
  • High chair $50+
  • Plates and bowls $5+
  • Child-proofing and
    safety gates $3+
  • Cups and sippy cups $3+
  • First Aid Kit $10+
  • High chair $50+
  • Nail clippers $4+
  • Utensils $3+

Total: Approx. $146

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Travel

Travel

You’re going to feel like a family roadshow by the time you pack up, even if you’re just running errands. The good news about an infant car seat is that you can purchase one that grows with your child. The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is designed to adjust to accommodate infants from 5 pounds and up, all the way to children up to 65 pounds. Some parents prefer to leave the car seat in the vehicle, but you could choose a travel system stroller that includes a car seat that locks into the stroller.

If you jog, or want to start after baby is born, a jogging stroller is made specifically for this activity, with three super-sized wheels and a suspension system for a smoother ride. You’ll find lots of choices available in-store and online, so you can select the best stroller for you.

Baby carriers come in many styles: a sling, an ergonomic carrier, forward facing, inward facing, on your back, on your front—you get the idea! You and your partner might want to carry the baby differently. Fortunately, you can, thanks to a large assortment of carriers.

The best diaper bag you can afford is essential. It will get a workout as it goes everywhere baby goes. If a diaper backpack is more your style, the Places and Spaces Backpack Diaper Bag in grey by Baby Boom is gender neutral. It’s designed with a large main compartment and nine pockets.

Help keep baby occupied when you’re visiting friends by bringing along their play yard. Choose one that is designed to pop up and down easily. A snap-on canopy, padded floor and large playing area would be ideal. It should be ready to go where you go, indoors or out.

Travel

  • Baby carrier $15+
  • Diaper bag $12+
  • Stroller $70+
  • Baby car seat $75+
  • Play yard $70+

Total: Approx. $242

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Toys and activities

Toys can help stimulate the mind and body, keep little fingers busy and teach things like counting and the alphabet. They’re also just plain fun!

An activity centre is designed to help keep your baby’s attention with moving parts, sound, lights and bright colours they play with as they learn to sit or stand.

Bouncers are seats sometimes accessorized with music, gentle vibration and toys to help keep baby occupied.

A doorway jumper, like Evenflo’s ExerSaucer Doorway Jumper, help exercise and entertain baby. We appreciate how easy it is to set up and move from room to room, without tools. A play mat is useful before and after your baby learns to sit up and move on their own, with dangling toys overtop a cushioned mat. Baby swings can go side-to-side or head-to-toe at variable speeds. They’re great for naptime once in a while—baby’s and yours!

Woman and baby playing with toy blocks

Woman and baby playing with toy blocks

Toys and Activities

  • Activity centre $7+
  • Bouncer $30+
  • Doorway jumper $25+
  • Play mat $12+
  • Swing $54+

Total: Approx. $196

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Miscellaneous

You might want to make a formal birth announcement via social media or with photo cards from our Photo Centre. A saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Babies do grow up quickly, with changes every day. Instant film cameras are great for capturing moments to keep in a scrapbook or photo album.

Miscellaneous

  • Baby book/scrapbook $5+
  • Photos – prints from $0.55 each
  • Birth announcement – varies

Total: Approx. $6

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Monthly Expenses: Approx. $785 per Month

Baby clothing

Thank goodness for baby showers! Gifts from friends and family help take a bite out of expenses. Be sure to check out our Baby Registry Checklist article, which includes a downloadable infographic you can print.

You’ll need several of everything … bodysuits, sleepwear, tops, bottoms, socks—so many socks! When baby spits up or soils a piece of clothing, you’ll need another clean one handy so you’re not doing laundry every couple of hours. (You’ll be doing laundry often enough!) Don’t buy too much until you see what you’re going to receive at your baby shower.

Receiving blankets are so versatile, as they can substitute for anything from a towel to a swaddling blanket in a pinch. It’s good to have a few of them, and this 4-pack of Organic Cotton Receiving Blankets from George baby will help get you started.

Baby clothing

  • Bodysuits $3+
  • Receiving blankets/swaddlers $6+
  • Socks $6+
  • Outfits (two-piece) $10+
  • Sleepwear $6+

Total: Approx. $31 per month

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Diapering

You’ll need roughly 1 million diapers and 2 million wipes before baby is potty trained. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it’s how it feels! Buying in bulk saves money and keeps you well stocked.

Some babies need diaper rash cream at every changing, while some rarely do. But you and your baby will be glad you have some on hand, just in case you need to ward off diaper rash.

Diapering

  • Diapers and wipes $80+ per month
  • Diaper rash cream $4+

Total: Approx. $84 per month

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Feeding

At first, your newborn will want to be fed about every two hours, and you’ll need several items to make it a pleasant experience for both of you.

Regardless of whether you’re bottle feeding, breastfeeding or both, you will need bibs and burp cloths, as well as pacifiers.

With so many great choices in baby formula, check out our guide to buying the best baby formula at Walmart. Some formulas target specific vitamins and nutrients your child may need over others. Depending on your newborn’s needs, double check the ingredients list to ensure you are purchasing the best for your baby.

Woman feeding a baby with a bottle

Woman feeding a baby with a bottle

Feeding

  • Bibs $4+
  • Formula $2 per feeding (based on 10 feedings per day)
  • Pacifiers $5+
  • Burp cloths $11+

Total: Approx. $620 per month

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Breastfeeding

Breast pads, also called nursing pads, will help with your comfort as they help prevent milk from leaking through your clothes. Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads by Lansinoh are the number one selling breastfeeding pad for nursing mothers. Nursing covers help preserve mom’s modesty while feeding (if she feels the need), but a receiving blanket shows its versatility here once again.

Store milk in the fridge or freezer in sterilized breast milk bags. Every woman is different, but at first, plan on using one or two milk bags per day, and 4-10 breast pads per day.

Breastfeeding

  • Breast pads $13/100
  • Milk storage bags $6/25

Total: Approx. $43 per month

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Bathing

Last, but certainly not least, there’s baby bath time. Get your new little bundle of sweetness clean and fresh with their own gentle soap and shampoo.

Mother bathing a baby

Mother bathing a baby

Bathing

  • Baby soap and shampoo $7+

Total: Approx. $7 per month

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

Total one-time expenses: Approx. $1,600

Total ongoing monthly expenses: Approx. $785

First year total: Approx. $11,000

Estimates only, costs may vary based on region or location.

We hope that Kelley Keehn’s financial savvy and guide to what you’ll need in baby’s first year will prepare you to make a baby budget that works for your family.

Enjoy the little moments because they go by oh-so-quickly!

The post Baby Budget Breakdown: Planning for the First Year appeared first on Tips & Ideas.

A Mom-To-Be Shares Some Wisdom and Wishes

Now that you’re in your third trimester of pregnancy, the arrival of your little one is becoming more and more real with every passing day. It’s time to get your home ready for baby’s big debut!

Mom-to-be Brooke and her husband are excited to be adding to their little family with a baby girl due right around Thanksgiving. As the sticky summer days meander by, Brooke is busy turning a guest room into a nursery.

Brooke a mother to be

Brooke Shirakawa resides and works in Ottawa. At 26-years-old, she and her husband are expecting their second child, a little girl who will join the family right around Thanksgiving (and big brother’s 5th birthday).

Dream a Little Dream …

Brooke has a basic approach when it comes to baby’s sleep furniture. “I’m very forgiving when it comes to cribs. As long as they are safe and functional, then they’re a ‘go’ for me,” she says. “I’d like to keep the nursery fairly simple and practical, including only things I will use.”

It’s with that practicality in mind that Brooke favours a crib that also offers storage like the Solano 4-in-1 Crib with Drawer by Graco. It comes in soft and subtle pebble grey, has three adjustable mattress positions and offers the added convenience of storage with a drawer tucked beneath the mattress.

Grey crib with pullout drawer on bottom

As Brooke puts it: “I could keep things like crib bedding and changing pads and covers close and convenient for late night changes.” When you’re sleep-deprived with a new baby, having what you need at your fingertips is helpful.

For bedding, Brooke says she’s leaning toward a subtle woodland animal theme like the three-piece Nursery Crib Set by Baby’s First by Nemcor. The set is made from 100% cotton. The pattern features sweet forever friends that peak through classic stripes in soft neutral and pink colours. The comforter can also be used as a cozy play mat.

Rock-a-Bye Baby

Then there are those special hours of holding, rocking and feeding. When it comes to the kind of rocking chair Brooke is looking for, there’s no back-and-forth on this one; her mind is made up.

“A glider rocker is something I most definitely want,” she says. “We have a wood-framed one with cushions for our son, but this time I’d love a fully upholstered glider rocker. We aren’t planning on co-sleeping, and we will have her in her room early in her life so I would like something comfortable, with easy-to-clean fabric that will last into her early childhood. Breastfeeding can be challenging enough without having to battle chair-induced back pain!”

I may have found something that will fit the bill very nicely, Brooke. This chair is stylish and will transition neatly from nursery to family room in years to come. I just love the sleek design and versatility of the Annie Swivel Glider Recliner from Twinkle Twinkle. It features premium foam cushioning for added comfort. It can also glide and swivel if needed, which helps make it a top choice during feeding time.

Grey recliner in bedroom with side table

As new parents, my husband and I loved our two wooden glider chairs (we had one for the nursery and one for the family room). They lasted long after the last diaper was used and even well into our child’s high school years. Choose a rocker you’ll want to enjoy for decades like the Graco Parker Semi-Upholstered Glider Rocker and Ottoman. It’s cushioned for softness, and it’s designed to be comfy and compact. When not in use the ottoman may be tucked underneath the rocker.

Gifts and Registries

I’m lucky to have this space and an excuse to ask Brooke these questions, so I know what gifts she’ll need come October (or even before, as she and her husband continue to feather their nest). For instance, I know that the HD Wifi Baby Monitor with Audio Parent Unit is high on her wish list. It’s made by Safety 1st. Real-time video can be viewed from your smartphone (at home and while on-the-go) thanks to a feature-rich mobile app.

All this intel is great for me, but what about in-laws, grandparents, relatives, friends and co-workers who don’t know precisely what a mom-to-be like Brooke needs?

Says Brooke: “As far as gifts and a baby registry go, my recommendation is for moms to absolutely make a public list and for gift-givers is to follow it. This is mom’s chance to tell people what it is she needs.”

“Now that I’ll have two children, I prefer to be gifted items I’ll need, instead of items that people think I’ll like. If they do gift items that aren’t on the registry, a gift receipt is the best way to go,” suggests Brooke. “However, I advise against it because, as I’ve seen at work [in children’s clothing retail], moms tend to let too much time pass while they are busy preparing for or recovering from giving birth, and therefore the gift receipts pass their expiry date.”

Brooke continues: “Gift cards are also a fantastic idea because we don’t know what needs our babies will have. Will your child suffer from reflux and need a crib wedge to elevate? Will they have sensitivities to certain baby bath time products? Will breastfeeding work out for you? Will you want to buy an electric breast pump in the future? Preparing for a baby is a lot of work, and we just never truly can be fully ready. Therefore, gift cards are an excellent way to ensure mom and dad have your help in getting their baby exactly what it needs.”

Thanks, Brooke! May your third trimester be smooth sailing. We can’t wait to hear that your home has grown by two feet.

The post A Mom-To-Be Shares Some Wisdom and Wishes appeared first on Tips & Ideas.

First Trimester Pregnancy: Expert Ideas to Help Make Life Less Stressful

Now that you’ve confirmed you’re in your first trimester of pregnancy with your doctor, it’s important to place a lens on keeping stress levels down.

From first learning you’re pregnant to starting the first trimester, Dr. Dina Kulik helps us understand why it’s important to try to keep stress levels down during your first few months. She also offers sound advice on how to help manage stress levels during these first months of pregnancy.

Dr. Dina Kulik

She’s one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information to parents and the public through television, radio and print media and via her blog, DrDina.ca. A mother of four boys and a pediatrician in Toronto, she is the founder and CEO of Kidcrew, a multidisciplinary clinic for kids health.

Dr.
Dina Kulik

She’s one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information to parents and the public through television, radio and print media and via her blog, DrDina.ca. A mother of four boys and a pediatrician in Toronto, she is the founder and CEO of Kidcrew, a multidisciplinary clinic for kids health.

According to BabyCenter, miscarriages early in pregnancy are very common. When I was pregnant for the first time, particularly in the first months of pregnancy, my top worries centred around the health of my baby. Was I eating right? Was I lifting too much? Everything seemed fraught with risk. As it turns out, when it came to what to do when pregnant, my fears were perfectly normal. Moreover, the answer to many of my questions, it seems, was everything in moderation.

“It is perfectly normal to have anxiety and stress during pregnancy,” says Dr. Kulik. “Moms can feel guilty about how to keep their baby the healthiest. There can be a lot of anxiety from day one.”

Still, while some anxiety is normal, too much stress can have a negative impact on your pregnancy and baby.

“When someone is stressed they release a hormone called cortisol; that’s our stress hormone,” she explains. “While some stress hormone is normal, too much cortisol can affect the baby.”

Are you stressed about stress? Take a few deep breaths. Dr. Kulik shares her thoughts on how you can manage your stress to help keep you and baby healthy.

Ways to manage stress in pregnancy

“Remember that the baby will be healthier and happier if mom is healthy and happy during pregnancy,” says Dr. Kulik. “This is true postpartum as well. Take the time to enjoy what you used to, whether that’s going for a walk, seeing friends or a special date night with your partner.”

If you’ve never tried journaling, doing so throughout your pregnancy can be an amazing time to start. As BabyCenter points out, keeping a diary can be very therapeutic and satisfying. Not only is a pregnancy diary a great way to work through your feelings, but it will serve as a great reminder of this special time in your life. All you need to get started is a simple notebook like this Style 3 Subject Notebook from Five Star.

Stay connected

Once I got past those early fears, I loved being pregnant and cherished the intimacy between my growing baby and me. Still, pregnancy is an important time to nourish and tend to the other relationships in your life as well. After all, the saying “it takes a village” is true, and you’re going to need all the help you can get once baby arrives.

“Having alone time with your partner is important,” informs Dr. Kulik. “Often, partners feel disconnected during and after pregnancy. For some partners, it can be a lonely experience because they aren’t experiencing pregnancy the same way, so reconnecting is really helpful.”

There’s no easier way to stay in touch with your loved ones than having a smartphone at your fingertips. From texting your partner when the baby kicks to sharing ultrasound photos with the grandparents, this Galaxy S9 64GB Titanium from Samsung will help keep you connected. It comes with 64 GB of internal storage for all those adorable baby pics you’ll be taking in the months and years to come.

Pregnant woman in blue using cellphone in bed

Get enough sleep

The irony with pregnancy is that just when you need sleep the most, you’re less likely to get it. I can still remember how hard it would be to find a comfortable position, as well as having to wake up in the night to go pee. A good bedtime routine can help you get the rest you need.

“Put the screen down and have a calming bedtime routine,” suggests Dr. Kulik. “It could be sipping herbal tea or running a bath, having a massage or using a hot pack.”

While Dr. Joanne Stone, co-author of Pregnancy for Dummies, 2nd Edition, points out in Chatelaine the risks of hot tubs, extremely hot baths and saunas during pregnancy, she does add that soaking in a warm bath is safe and may help relieve backache and pelvic pressure.

During my last pregnancy, I loved soaking in the tub with this Sweet Orange Vanilla Bubble Bath from The Honest Company. It’s free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Looking for something 100% natural? Equate’s unscented Epsom salts is as natural as it gets. It can be used in baths to help reduce stiffness and soothe daily stress.

Keep exercising

“Getting some kind of daily exercise is always a good idea, even if it’s just a walk around the block,” informs Dr. Kulik. “It will be good for your body and your brain, and it will lead to better health for your baby.”

Chatelaine’s article on staying calm during pregnancy points out that increasing body weight, lax joints and a shifting centre of gravity can all make you more injury-prone than usual. Opt for workouts that are lighter or specifically designed for pregnant women.

Gear up with the right workout shoes, like these Women’s Galactic Athletic Shoes from Dr. Scholl’s. They are designed to help keep tired feet feeling more comfortable.

Woman in green shirt eating a salad

Eat right

My diet preferences differed from pregnancy to pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my first son, I remember walking down the grocery aisles craving peaches because the smell of fresh peaches was heightened. When I was pregnant with my daughter, my diet preferences changed … I craved chips and chocolate!

“Lots of women have cravings for all sorts of unhealthy, fattening or greasy and high carb foods,” says Dr. Kulik. “It’s important to remember everything in moderation. If you’re filling your body with nutrient-dense food and have things that bring you joy in moderation, then you’ll feel better and the baby will be healthier.”

Check out Today’s Parent for healthy food recipes and ideas for moms-to-be. Satisfying your hunger and nourishing your baby can be as simple as savouring a piece of toast with almond butter. Got a hankering? Try this Roasted Almond Butter from Maranatha.

Enjoy the moment

“Pregnancy goes by really quick, and it will be over soon. Focus on the positives, and savour the time you have now,” suggests Dr. Kulik.

It is recommended that you book an appointment with your health practitioner if you are concerned about depression. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, if you’re having trouble sleeping or eating well, and if you’re not enjoying the things you used to, you may be experiencing depression during pregnancy.

Also, be sure to check with your physician before starting any new vitamins, diet or activity in your first month of pregnancy and beyond. Visit BabyCenter for more ideas on managing stress and for your pregnancy week by week guide.

Legal: This article is intended as general information. To be sure a product is right for you, always be sure to read and follow the label(s)/instruction(s) that accompany your product(s). Walmart will not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by this activity.

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Ideas to Help Keep Kids Busy on a Family Road Trip

Getting set to hit the vacation highway this summer? Like life, it’s about taking in the view and enjoying the ride.

Often, while on a family road trip, the journey to and from can either make or break the whole vacation! That’s why it’s important to plan out the trip activities as carefully as we do accommodations and rest stops. We hang on the hope that the hours spent together en route to our vacation destination can be spent in peace (mostly) while having fun (hopefully).

Winding highway cutting through green mountainside with water in background

One way to help pass the time between rest stops is to bring a few toys along for the ride. Young children generally like to cuddle with a stuffed animal or plush toy. For baby, try affixing a car seat toy that has a rattle and a few spinning toys to help keep them distracted. The Infantino Musical Bar helped keep our grandson busy on long rides. It lights up, it’s musical and it has colourful ribbons and mirrors, too.

If you’re looking for a playful way for your little one to practise developmental skills while passing the time on the drive, the Wimmer-Ferguson See and Say Board Book by Manhattan Toy may help. From the award-winning collection of black-and-white developmental toys, each page of this book features a simple one-word text to encourage back and forth between adult—or sibling—and baby.

For an older child, a Hatchimals toy may be just the companion for this road trip. This type of toy may be a great end-of-school-year or kick-off-to-summer gift idea, so hints to grandma and grandpa may be in order here. The Hatchimals Mystery may help keep your 5- to 7-year-olds busy because, for the first time ever, you have no idea which character is inside! Watch for glowing eyes and help it hatch, then meet and fall in love with an adorable new friend. Not sure how Hatchimals work? This article on The Morning Call may help.

For me, the best road trip memories are those of games we played along the way. Whether it was “collecting” out-of-province license plates or looking for items in the car for a spirited game of “I Spy,” it was a great way to silence the “Are we there yet?” question. Here’s a travel game for grown-ups and kids alike: Real Life Travel Bingo by Breaking Games. Mark off things that you experience on a road trip. Use plastic sliders to mark your finds—five in a row wins and you start all over again!

Black SUV with roof rack driving on a highway through mountains

Regular pit stops on a long road trip are a natural necessity. However, if they’re combined with restaurant visits, those pit stops can take a toll on the wallet.

To help keep pit stops—and that includes buying refreshments—to a minimum, be sure to pack drinks, fresh fruit and simple snacks. Being prepared will help fight the temptation to spend money unnecessarily. It’ll also help keep tempers in check … when little ones get hungry, it’s not just their tummies that growl!

If you don’t have one already, you may want to purchase a cooler to help keep drinks and fruit cool. You’ll find a wide selection of coolers both in-store and online to suit your budget and needs.

I think this cooler is the coolest of the bunch, in more ways than one! It’s the Powerchill 40 Quart Thermoelectric Cooler by Coleman. It can be powered from your car, boat or home outlet. This cooler operates without ice, opens from the left or right side and weighs just 18 pounds.

Man driving car with woman and children inside

All right. I know you probably won’t take a trip without a list, so let’s check off a few key items. Toys? Check. Games? Check. Refreshments? Check. Cooler (with or without ice)? Check! All you need now is good traffic, agreeable weather and earbuds so you can listen to tunes when the wee ones finally fall asleep.

Safe travels! Oh, and make some great memories, won’t you?

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Back to School 2019: School Supplies Checklist

Parents, rejoice! Kids… Well… Parents, rejoice! Back to school is upon us, which means rounding up school supplies so that your kids can get back to school and you can get back to you!

Take out some of the shopping stress and pre-semester planning with our easy school supplies lists for grades K to 5 in Canada. Get your little scholar set up for success before the last pool party even ends!

We researched and pored over lists from a variety of schools and school boards across Canada to collect some of the essentials, from pens and pencils to notebooks and Post-its, that you’ll need to get them well-stocked for the coming year. If your little one goes to a school without a uniform dress code, this article from Money Crashers offers great tips on how to save money when shopping for back-to-school outfits.

Of course, you’ll want to explore the specific supplies listings for your school of choice—they each have their own specific requirements—but these are some of the common essentials they’ll need.

School supplies list for grade kindergarten (K):

Being clever can be fun and stylish at any age, so we have a ton of cute school supplies to keep your littles show-ready for school. This handy list of kindergarten school supplies answers many of the core needs for children just starting school in Canada:

Click to view kindergarten school supplies

School supplies list for grade 1

Whether they’re destined to be a little lawyer, mini marketer or anything else their hearts desire, these are some of the common supplies required for grades 1 to 5 by most Canadian schools.

Click to view grade 1 school supplies

School supplies list for grade 2

When scouring back to school tips for newer students, we found that by grade 2, we are seeing students begin to trade in crayons and tissues for notebooks and binders.

Click to view grade 2 school supplies

School supplies list for grade 3

Truly a transitional year, school checklists for grade 3 students include them still requiring basic tools, like those that facilitate artistic exposure and craft, as well as take the next steps into notetaking, organization and more complex assignments and writing exercises. This supply list highlights the need for more assignment-based work and study.

Click to view grade 3 school supplies

School supplies list for grade 4

Crayons and Elmer’s glue are likely a thing of the past by grade 4. Sadly, that kiss goodbye in the parking lot might be, too, but they’ll come back around eventually. In the meantime, what your kiddo lacks in enthusiasm for research papers, book reviews and long division you can make up for with great prices, savings and cost comforts on these more “professional” school supplies!

Click to view grade 4 school supplies

School supplies list for grade 5

Students in grade 5 are typically moving on to more advanced art forms, extended mathematical applications, advanced sciences and more sophisticated literary practices. To this end, we see Canadian schools requiring more specialized tools in addition to the basics, like calculators, geometry sets, earbuds and even more technical electronics than most of us had in our entire neighbourhood growing up!

Click to view grade 5 school supplies

School’s almost here, which means long summer nights and fun family experiences are drawing to a close. Get your little one started off on the right foot for the first day back to school with the supplies they need, giving them the boost they need for a fantastic school year.

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School Supplies List for Kindergarten at Walmart.ca

We’ve collected necessary essentials based on items required by a variety of schools all across Canada, making your school season preparation as easy as A, B, C!

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, kindergarten students will learn the fundamentals of problem-solving and creative thinking, literacy and math, understanding their feelings and those around them (including relationships with others as part of a group or a community) and the natural world.

Writing Supplies

Crayons

#2 pencils

Pencil sharpeners

Colouring

Watercolour paints

Non-permanent coloured markers

Quick Look

Cutting and Gluing

Scissors (metal blade)

Glue sticks

Backpacks and Essentials

Backpacks (tip: tag your child’s name inside)

Box of tissues

Quick Look

Your little one is about to embark on the next big stage in life, so help them get ready for that big step with all the essentials they’ll need in school. From pencils and pencil sharpeners to markers, paints and tissues (to help wipe up “accidents”!), this list of school supplies will help get your kindergartener off on the right foot.

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School supplies checklist for grade 1 at Walmart.ca

The start of grade 1 is a big deal for your little one, so make sure they’re ready for back to school with this school supplies list specially designed for them. And here’s a master supply list for your other kids, too!

Learn Alberta states that grade 1 students move a little further into visual arts and mixed media (paint, drawing, colouring, clays etc), as well as language arts, health and life skills, math, music, physical education, science and social studies.

Writing Supplies

Box of crayons

#2 pencils

Pencil boxes

Erasers

Pencil sharpeners

Arts and Crafts

Washable markers

Glue sticks

Scissors (metal blade)

Quick Look

Notebooks and Covers

Wide spiral notebooks

Report covers (with prongs)

Backpacks and Essentials

Backpacks (tip: tag your child’s name inside)

Box of tissues

Clothing and Accessories

Indoor running shoes

Boys clothing

Girls clothing

Quick Look

With back to school around the corner, get your little one prepped for their first day of grade 1. From clothing and shoes to pencils, notebooks and backpacks, this school supplies list has them covered from A to Z. Don’t forget to keep the master checklist at hand, too.

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