Got a Toddler? Get Technology Toddlers are ambitious little folks. They often seem to pretend that they are big enough to do everything you do. And although it can be a little trying for many parents, it simply means that your toddler adores you and thinks that whatever you do is the best thing in the whole world. After all, when your entire world is need fulfilment and fun, why wouldn’t you think that adult activities are all sunshine and roses? Simple tasks, like carrying laundry baskets and ringing up your mum on a cell phone, must just be oodles of fun in the eyes of a young child. (If only they knew, right?) But, with the digital age in full swing, you can always use some of that technology to make your job a little easier. From entertainment, to safety precautions and sharing your child’s memorable moments, technology makes parenting easier than ever before. The Television – There is always going to be a terrific deal of debate when it comes to exposing your children to the tele. But, as long as you monitor both programming and the number of hours your child spends in front of it, you should be alright. The BBC has developed some quality programming aimed specifically at toddlers; often, these programmes are laden with pre-educational content. Allowing your child to watch a bit of a show while you prepare supper is usually not too much tele. Indeed, if your child is safely in her gated play area, you might just be able to relax long enough to enjoy cooking. And, do not forget the wealth of programming available for downloading or streaming. Spend a little time looking for compelling content, and you will not be disappointed. Computers – Your toddler is unlikely to spend a lot of time on the computer, but if he sees you playing (ahem, working) on it, he will want a turn. A simple art programme, or one that is aimed at pre-learning can be a great investment. After all, your child will need to know his way around the computer by the time he gets to school – and technology is developing with increasing speed. Getting the basics in while he is young will only help later on in life. This is one activity that should be supervised, at least at first. After all, your toddler is unlikely to have any idea what he needs to do; only that moving the mouse around seems like fun. But, do not forget to back up all your documents, work and photos before you let your kid have a go on his own – clicking can be a whole lot of fun for a child. iPads and Tablets – If you are wary of sharing your computer with your toddler (which you might be, especially if it is a work computer), then you may want to consider buying a tablet for the house. It certainly does not need to be a fancy iPad, or anything in that price range. In fact, most of the less expensive tablets come with the same features as the pricier ones. And, once you get cooking on the tablet, you will soon discover the wealth of apps aimed at young children. This makes them wildly useful to have on hand when you need to distract your child, but you cannot bring an entire play set with you. Think about taking your tablet on long train or aeroplane rides, or even to the bank if there is bound to be a queue. And, do not forget you can usually download books to your tablet making them even more valuable when you are away from home. Digital Cameras – Thank heavens we have moved past the point of expensive film cameras when it comes to capturing everyday moments (or your baby’s first steps). Not only are your pictures instantly available, but they are easier to share than ever before. But, before you run off to pick up the nicest digital camera you can afford, take some time to play around on your phone. You may just discover that it already has everything you need, including video options. Most smart phones come with apps that allow you to take pictures which will be instantly uploaded to a cloud drive, or your own computer. That is handy when you want to send a shot off to a few people at once (like, when your child falls asleep in his mashed potatoes). Personalised Websites – Although parenting changes with every new generation, there is always one thing that remains the same – the people who want to share in your child’s special moments. Starting your own family website means you can update it when you have a moment, and others con look at it when they have time. Plus, you can use this as your own personal baby book, or family photo album. Usually all you need is a camera, and a computer, as most family websites come with easy to use designs. You will only need to put in a minimum of effort, and choose the loveliest photos, and you are on your way. Keep in mind, though, that you may want to opt for a password protected site for privacy. A quick mailer out to your friends and family with the login details means that no one who should not see your personal matters can access your site.

Baby Monitors – Alright, these may not sound as fun as many of the other gadgets here, but baby monitors have come a long way in the past couple years. On top of that, this is one piece of technology that ensures your baby’s safety. Opt for monitors with video, as well as audio, and you will have complete peace of mind when you leave your toddler napping in her cot. You will be able to focus on getting that supper prepared, and still know whether your child is having a pleasant slumber – or if the cat has joined her. Indeed, if you can only afford one gadget this year, baby monitors are the way to go. For more information about keeping your child safe then please visit the Lindam website - http://www.lindam.com