More and more parents are recognising the profound significance of outdoor play for the healthy development of their children. As a result, there is a growing movement of parents who are shunning screen time to immerse their kids in the sensory-rich real world Mother Nature has to offer.
Consequently, the importance of this experiential outdoor play that parents desire for their little ones, is equalled by the need for rainwear that offers the necessary protection for play out in the elements. Comfortable, protective and fun raincoats and gumboots are vital in facilitating wild weather playdates and spur of the moment walks in the rain. It’s all part of the adventure.
While staying indoors might feel safer, more comfortable or more convenient during the cooler months, it doesn’t guarantee happier, balanced little people. In fact, cabin-fever can drive everyone in the family to feel a little short-tempered, so the encouragement to head outdoors is for everyone’s benefit.
What many don’t realise is that this outdoor adventuring will reap its own rewards. More time spent outdoors means less mess to clean up indoors, fewer tantrums and less mischief-making. That definitely gets a big tick from us!
As we bundle up the kiddos and trek out to the park or even just into our own backyards, we create a beautiful pocket of quality family time that is ripe for magic-making. And, once the fun is rolling, you'll often find no one wants the fun to end.
Romps in the gardens turn into toasting marshmallows around the fire pit and listening to the birds as they settle in for the night. As parents, we sometimes forget just how important our presence can actually be for kids. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy our surroundings also provides a great opportunity to fill our lungs with fresh air and appreciate the treasures of nature with those we love most.
Of course, outdoor adventures are free too, which makes them all the more appealing. So, instead of your kid running, jumping or bouncing their way through computer game levels, let them run, jump and bounce around outside. It will help them develop essential gross motor skills and make sure they burn up all that energy bubbling inside!
Comfort and warmth is key to enjoying the outdoors. And, since the weather won’t always play nice, it’s best to be prepared with a collection of handy waterproof layers. Consider a pair of sturdy kids rain boots, as well as a warm, protective raincoat. These are the essentials in helping nurture a love for nature in your little explorers.
Having a pair of trustworthy gumboots firmly on one’s feet is one way to guarantee a good time in the great outdoors.That’s why kids love to wear French Soda gumboots.
Firstly, they’re easy to pull on and off, which is great for those who are beginning to exercise a little more independence. Crafted from natural rubber, these kids rain boots bend with movement, making them an ultra-comfortable design that easily handles the energy and activity of outdoor-loving kids.
We’ve added a fleece inner lining for warmth, while a non-slip sole helps to keep these intrepid explorers on their feet over a variety of surfaces.
French Soda raincoats are the quintessential raincoat for your avid explorer. Designed with a generous hood and coat length, your child will have head to tummy coverage from the elements. The cosy cotton lining offers extra warmth, with a chunky zip making it easy for kids to dress themselves.
No nature walk is complete without chancing upon a treasure or two, so we’ve added big pockets that are perfect for safely stashing away those happy little discoveries. Or, simply for keeping hands toasty and warm!
And, finally, there’s a wide range of bright colours to choose from, ideal for making your crew easy to spot out in the wild.
So what can you do for fun in the great outdoors? We all have our favourite pursuits, but sometimes it’s nice to change it up, try something different and create new memories with the kids. Check out these ideas to add a little fresh fun into the mix:
Australia has an abundance of beautiful wildflowers that make for a peaceful and educational activity. Spend a morning or afternoon gathering various blooms and bring them home to arrange in a flower press.
This is a great way to teach children about common and rare wildflowers. It can help develop identifying and matching skills by referring to a wildflower compendium, as well as foster curiosity in the world around them. Use the pressed and dried blooms later on to create pretty cards or make resin crafts.
Play Follow the Leader. This is a great way to go forest exploring. Everyone can have a turn at leading the group to forge paths or discover interesting parts of the forest. Once again, it will help to develop curiosity, as well as communication and risk assessment skills.
Take a Gratitude Nature Walk Map with you to prompt thoughtful and meaningful interactions with nature. Designed to help little explorers take note of all their senses when out in nature, a Gratitude Nature Walk Map can also help to cultivate a healthy growth mindset in kids.
Backyard play allows children a little more freedom and independence to interact with nature. To really maximise and encourage independent play opportunities, try setting up a Mud Kitchen complete with plastic or metal bowls, utensils, cookie cutters and whatever else you can find from op shop shopping hauls.. Kids love the freedom of tactile, sensory play and a mud kitchen is the perfect place for them to get creative with potions and mixtures of various kinds.
We love the idea of teaching kids to be considerate of all the natural elements around them. This includes looking after our precious native fauna. A fun way to engage kids is to encourage them to build a house for a backyard critter. They can get creative with materials and resources that can be found in the backyard, or maybe even reuse or recycle something like a box to create a cosy little home. This will inspire a real sense of ownership, pride and achievement. Priceless!
However, if critters really aren’t your thing, get your kids into creating their own fairy garden. Afterall, fairies really are so much more cooperative! The Poppy and Daisy Mini Fairy Garden kits give you an excellent starting point for creativity. Head outdoors to hunt for additional items that can help to make each fairy garden personal and unique.
If encouraging nature play doesn’t come easy for you, rest assured, we’ve put a lot of thought into how to make outdoor play easy for all parents, everywhere.
It’s important to remember that French Soda rainwear is easy to clean by design, so let the kids get messy! At the end of the day, underneath the mud splatter and raindrops, you will find impossibly wide smiles and bright eyes! This alone is reason enough to get the kids into outdoor play!
Getting involved is highly recommended, too! Kids not-so-secretly love it when you join them in their activities. We love the “Yesssssss” that bubbles up from excited kiddos when they learn you’re about to join them on their imaginary safaris and bug-hunting trips. Truly, what better way is there to bond with your precious little one than over the wonders that nature has in abundance.
Not everyone is a born adventurer though. And, that’s okay. So, if moral support is more your thing, we totally encourage you to organise outdoor adventures with a friend. Things of these sorts are always more fun when you go with others. You may need to embark on a trek with coffee in hand, arm-in-arm with another mum-friend, or perhaps laughing your way through the rain will help make it more bearable. Do whatever works for you!
One thing is for sure, this time spent together with your kids will give you plenty to talk about—on the car trip home, around the dinner table and definitely just before you kiss their sleepy heads at bedtime! Just frame it in a positive way! Sometimes kids need encouragement to be brave, adventurous or creative, and with you by their side to support them, it can be a most rewarding experience.
No matter what you may like to do, make sure to offer your kids a variety of activities to choose from, and then let them decide. This part can be just as fun! Oh, the suspense, the decision-making, the negotiating. When everyone is happy, get your gear together and go!
So, you have a destination in mind. Now to pack all the goodies you need to make your outing a success.
The essentials include a water bottle, snack and lunch. Nothing brings an outing to a grinding halt faster than a lack of sustenance! Also, don’t forget to pack your French Soda raincoats and kids rain boots to protect against the elements. Again, you don’t want the weather to cut the fun short.
If you can, bring along accessories to keep the day rolling along with plenty of interesting things to do. A spade or a planned activity kit brimming with toys, balls, textas and notebooks will help your little ones engage in plenty of stimulating activities. Throw in some spare socks and a towel for the car trip home. A waterproof bag is also a good idea. It will come in handy to keep wet things separate from everything else.
As with all play, nature play is not without its hazards. But, this fact shouldn’t deter healthy curiosity and exploration. Being informed and staying alert are two of the best ways to make sure you and your kids avoid hazardous situations
So, make sure you start the conversation with your kids about appropriate behaviours and how to deal with dangers if they arise. Some topics to broach include staying clear of dangerous animals, being mindful of crossing roads, as well as the need for care when climbing trees or scrambling over slippery logs.
Of course, the best way is to lead by example. Your kids are definitely watching you!
Ideas are brimming, plans are buzzing! We can see you are excited to make this winter season the best one yet with your little ones. Happy adventuring; we hope you have lots of fun outside making core memories.
]]>The mental load can be heavy so I’ve decided to share a quick list of some of the small businesses I'll be shopping with this Christmas.
I hope it provides some inspiration.
You know I’m all about ‘unplugging’ kids whenever possible and these tights help do just that as they won't fall down, ride up or rub. These are for my niece who just loves the monkey bars. They are designed for 4-14 years and you need to take a look at their beautiful prints!
For my Dad, but I also added some extra to cart because we often have unexpected guests over the festive period. I hide these in the back of the pantry so I have something to cut up and serve with a fruit platter for a special after BBQ desert. Plus they are allergen friendly so I can confidently serve to most children and adults.
Well this kit is actually for an early January birthday gift but Poppy & Daisy also have some Christmas specific kits. These craft kits have become a go-to for a unique and eco-friendly gift. I like that they encourage screen free time and are suitable for a range of age groups.
We are fortunate enough to have great neighbours with children the same age as ours. I gifted these for Easter and the kids baked them and then had a picnic on the fence line – so I know it’s a winning idea and I couldn’t resist these Christmas themed colours.
I know we live in a digital age, but as a teacher I made so many little notes to myself, so I have purchased one of these beautiful reusable notebooks as a teacher gift. Again, I love that this product encourages us to reduce paper waste and can be gifted to all ages.
For Mr 4 who thinks he’s cool and loves a dress up. We spend a lot of time at the pool and water skiing, so whilst he will think he is cool I’ll know he’s getting protection from the sun with these trendy sunglasses!
Twirly straws that are easy to clean – yes please! I’m not a fan of stuffing a stocking just so it is full and like to encourage the boys to value their possessions. So I try to add practical items like these to our Santa stockings.
I’ll also be popping some Slick Kids plant based hair wash into the stockings. I hope it’s just a stage but hair washing, brushing etc. is a nightmare at the moment and I’m hoping products that look and smell amazing will help overcome the resistance. They also have some great bundles.
My nephew has just started to walk, so it’s a given I’ll be sending a pair of French Soda gumboots. I tend to always gift red as it’s a versatile, unisex colour.
]]>
When a baby turns 1 they automatically get promoted to toddlerhood. But this promotion comes with its own set of challenges like walking, learning to talk, exploring their world and learning important skills through play.
It’s these early years that really are the best part of life. New experiences, exciting firsts, celebrating milestones; many achievements are packed into only a few brief years.
Of course, toddlers face their own set of unique challenges. Sometimes they’re in a hurry to keep up with older siblings or they lack the maturity that helps with exercising patience when learning a new skill. But, parents can help to positively frame each step of the way to ensure each challenge is fun and rewarding.
Below we will take a look at some of the daily challenges a toddler faces and how a pair of reliable can help them navigate this wonderful yet often challenging time of growing up.
You’re trying to rush out the door, en route to work or an important appointment, via childcare drop-off and the all-essential coffee stop, of course, but little Billy is digging in his heels, blissfully unaware of the concept of time and the need to make a good impression. Sound frustratingly familiar?
Billy, on the other hand, has narrowed in on the desire to put his shoes on all by himself. But little fingers just won’t work and the shoes aren’t doing what he wants them to do. The more frustrated he gets, the harder it becomes. For Billy, this is the only thing that matters right now.
That’s why, as parents, we need to be one step ahead all the time. Truly, a pair of French Soda gumboots could help you pull off a punctual kindy drop-off, and savour that hot coffee, as you sail on through to your appointment with time to spare!
How’s that, you ask. Well, French Soda wellies are renowned for being easy to pull on and off. Perfect for when you are the grand old age of two and have just realised that shoes and feet do indeed go together!
We love anything that eliminates morning drama to get you out the door faster. But more importantly, giving your child the confidence and independence that they are trying so hard to obtain is definitely a bonus.
This goes without saying, but toddlers need fresh air and daily exercise or they are more likely to catch a bad case of the terrible twos.
No one likes to be cooped up indoors all the time, much less busy little toddlers. With so much to learn in such a short time, outdoor play is essential to their healthy growth and development.
Fresh air and exercise are great regulators of mood and well-being. With research continuing to reveal the damaging effects of excessive screen time on toddlers, it’s vital that they have more opportunities to explore, play, climb and wander so that they can develop good motor skills, gain necessary vitamin D exposure and breathe fresh air from an array of outdoor environments.
While we know it might not be overly inviting to head outside when it’s cold and wet, it’s still important for children to be able to experience the outdoors in all-weather scenarios. With French Soda raincoats and rainboots, that quick trip outside before dinner is entirely possible (and may even serve to prevent that 5 o’clock meltdown!).
And you need not worry about your child’s warmth or comfort. Even when miserable weather strikes, you can still plan an exciting adventure outside. While they have fun dodging raindrops or studying snails, our raincoats and rubber boots do all the hard work to keep their clothes dry and their feet toasty warm.
Nature is a wonderful early classroom for toddlers. It’s through outdoor play that they learn a plethora of skills that set them up for a solid childhood. Of course, as they run about the yard, chasing butterfly or bee, they learn to consolidate essential motor skills, refine their balance, practise new moves like jumping or clambering up and down small obstacles.
The outdoor world also prompts toddlers to start practising fine motor skills as well. Picking flowers, discovering the texture of bark and stones, making intricate patterns in a sandpit all give children a chance to hone in on the micro elements of nature and perfect smaller, more controlled movements.
So, when those rain clouds gather and the raindrops form into puddles on the ground, it’s a good idea to have a range of play ideas on hand so that you and your little ones can enjoy some rainy day diversions. Mud kitchens are a great sensory play space and so easy to set up. A visit to the local op shop will often yield a wonderful haul of utensils and bowls suitable for mixing up mud pies and making leaf burgers, and an old TV unit can easily be transformed into a play kitchen.
Just as fun, and a perfect example of cause and effect, is the act of making little boats or finding leaves or bark to suit such a purpose. There is a bountiful amount of satisfaction in sending a little vessel off on its journey downstream. And, of course, we can’t leave out good old puddle jumping! It’s an awesome way to build gross motor skills. Aim, run, jump, repeat!
So, make sure you have a pair of French Soda gumboots standing by, and a raincoat ready to throw on, and go out to make the most of all those awesome outside adventures.
It’s often the unseen, unnoticed things that cause toddler meltdowns and grumpiness. A spiky zipper, or pinching hair clip can be the difference between pleasant, happy toddlers and total utter chaos. That’s why it’s important to look for clothing and shoes that are designed with kids’ comfort in mind.
Afterall, that precious toddler skin is still very soft making it susceptible to painful blisters and chafing from ill-fitting clothes and footwear.
At French Soda, comfort is on the top of our list when it comes to designing out rainwear. We source the softest, most flexible rubber for our gumboots and add a cosy fleece lining to guarantee little toes and feet stay warm and comfortable all day long. Pull on a pair of 100% cotton socks and you have the winning combination of keeping feet in pure comfort as well as preventing them from getting too sweaty.
Babies can find their feet as early as 8 months (perhaps we should sneak them an early toddlerhood badge!) and usually within 18 months earth-side. For some time, these first steps are often quite wobbly, with lots of bumps, trips and falls all par for the course until they improve their balance and muscle control.
Popping on a pair of French Soda gumboots certainly won’t hinder their efforts at early walking. Made with super soft rubber so as to bend and flex with their movement, our rainboots also have anti-slip rubber soles to help keep them on their feet. And, let’s face it, they need a lot of help at this point in the journey!
So, we’ve made sure French Soda gumboots come in baby sizes, perfect for all those adventurous babies, curious bubs and little ones who just can’t wait to keep up with older siblings.
While all that gross motor skill development is happening, toddlers are also busy developing their social and emotional skills by hanging out with other toddlers. Sometimes it doesn’t look like much is happening at all, but these little souls are busy picking up cues through observation and participation that help them learn skills like sharing, taking turns, negotiating, speaking and recognising facial and body cues.
So, why not maximise all these opportunities to learn? We love trips to the zoo or museum, walks to the playground and fun-filled mums’ group gatherings where, of course, a sturdy pair of French Soda gumboots will help to keep feet steady and warm.
You might feel a bit tired and flat some days, but having your own little minis running about the place, singing made up songs and stomping around with imaginary dinosaurs, really does make all the sleepless nights and terrible two moments worth it. At the end of the day, two little arms around your neck, or a sleepy head upon your shoulder, are the best forms of love you could ever imagine! You are their whole world.
It’s no wonder that little ones from 6 months through to 3 years of age can suffer severe separation anxiety. From clinginess to excessive crying to wakefulness, sometimes the only remedy is to be with mama. This in turn can feel quite overwhelming for a mum who just needs to put her feet up for a few moments or wants to knock one thing off her list of 638 things to do; it may certainly seem as though there’s not enough hours in the day.
So we’ve tried to keep it simple, to make sure that your life can be as uncomplicated as possible. French Soda gumboots are easy to clean, and super durable, so you can get back to giving those mummy cuddles as soon as possible.
So, whether you’re tapping your toes in frustration as your three year old insists on putting on their own shoes, or trying to cope with clingy kids and juggle daily run-of-the-mill tasks, it’s helpful to remember that this testing time doesn’t last forever. It is filled with loads of rewarding moments, even if they are miniature-sized! They’re worth celebrating with as many mummy cuddles as you can muster!
We love being part of these early developmental milestones and think our gumboots provide the perfect sturdy shoe to help your little ones as they navigate momentous first steps, independent dressing and taking on the big wide world.
Nat from @the.teacher.mumma has kindly shared a list of her favourite books all about nature. We hope you discover some new favourites and are inspired to grab some gumboots and head outside.
Be Wild, Little One by Olivia Hope
Every child can have a wild side! This book allows you to escape to and immerse yourself in nature. Journey to a multitude of settings and habitats; climb trees, dig in sand, dance with fireflies and wish on stars. A great kickstart to getting outdoors and embracing nature all around you. The verbs throughout this book are also fantastic opportunities to use as a spring-point for nature play (dance, fly, stomp, run, chase). Great for encouraging your child to adventure, explore and ‘be wild’.
By the Billabong by Maura Finn & Cate James
This book gives me Aussie ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Vibes’. A girl goes for a walk by the billabong to see what she can see. She comes across many Australian animals having a lot of fun (like a mob of emus’ ballet class!). Light-hearted and rhythmic, this book is great to go for a walk around your local area and see what you can see. This could even turn into a fun animal spotting expedition and nature rhyming activity
Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan
You really can’t think about books to inspire outdoor play without including this ultimate classic! You definitely don’t need a mud kitchen to start making your own stew outside; some spoons, cups and a forage in nature will provide everything you need!
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
This book is so engaging and interactive, it really gets your children involved. Each page gives you an instruction to follow (for example, “blow a whooshing breeze” or “clap your hands to bring the snow”) and when you turn the page, a transformation has occurred. Great for exploring the seasons and inspiring your child to observe the changes around them outside as the seasons change.
Bush Magic by Kylie Howarth
Sometimes the weather is a bit too intense for an outdoor adventure. Make nature crowns, sail on water, visit animals on islands and make friends with new creatures. Throw on your raincoat and even gumboots and have a bush adventure inside! This book is a great reminder that you can bring nature indoors, with a bit of imagination.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Bug Hunt by Eric Carle
This has become a favourite read of ours. This life-the-flap book takes you through different places to look for bugs; up, under, inside, closely and looking after bugs. Learn about where you can find bugs, what they eat and what they do, with incredible adjectives throughout to enhance your child’s vocabulary. This book inspires you to get out and go on your very own bug hunt!
Slow Down… On Your Doorstep by Freya Hartas
A fantastic read to show your little ones the importance of slowing down and noticing the natural wonders around them. It is rhyming and poetic, from a bee pollinating a flower to noticing the dew on the leaves. This book inspires your children to use their senses and engage in mindfulness in nature.
The ABC Kids Guide to Loving the Planet by Jaclyn Crupi
This picture book is a great introduction for kids about sustainability and looking after our planet. It empowers children and lets them know a variety of ways that they can take part in looking after our world and protecting it for future generations. From cooling down without air con, saving water and energy, planting trees and writing letters. This book is a one stop shop for getting kids involved in caring for their world. The illustrations are also gorgeous and it’s easy to open up and start with an idea or two at a time; pick an idea and this book will help you to get out into nature and make a difference (e.g. make an insect hotel).
Follow Nat for more recommendations: @the.teacher.mumma
Need quality, stylish gumboots for your next outdoor adventure?
]]>Continue reading for some toddler friendly picnic recipes from some of our French Soda friends.
Or if you're a little short on time, why not whip up a batch of cookies from Sweet Health.
These baking mixes are conveniently packaged in a bottle so they are perfect for young or inexperienced hands and time poor parents who want to be able to create fun memories in the kitchen.
We promise the finished product will be the perfect addition to your Teddy Bear Picnic basket!
Looking for new raincoat or pair of gumboots for your toddler to wear to their next Teddy Bear Picnic?
Every parent knows that the number one accessory that kids need in their arsenal to combat wet weather is a sturdy, faithful, well-loved pair of kids gumboots. But what happens when gumboots don’t go to plan? It doesn’t bear thinking about! One thing is for sure, unhappy kids and toddler tantrums can take a grey day and make it even more sour.
Read on to find out how French Soda gumboots for kids saved the day, mum’s nerves and all the glassware in the house.
Meet Steve. Spiderman buff, milkshake aficionado and outdoor play specialist. He woke that morning, with plans to combine all three of his favourite things for a fun morning out.
After breaking his previous Weet-bix record, (and using up all the milk), Steve and his mum set out on a massive outdoor hike to Mt Everest, aka the big hill on the way to the coffee shop. The plan was to attempt to summit in his new pair of spiderman-themed gumboots. Because, just like his hero, Steve was an avid climber of things.
He was full of high expectations. Conquering the peak was a feat worthy of the chocolate milkshake he knew would be waiting for him at the coffee shop. It was going to be a good day!
But on this gloomy, wet Melbourne morning, Steve took the hill a little too fast. Maybe it was the thought of milkshakes? Maybe it was the Weet-bix? No one will ever know. But, with little legs running flat out up the hill, his gumboots couldn’t keep up with the super speed and he slipped and slid onto his bum.
As you all know, 4 year-olds are mighty unhappy when their bums get wet. Especially when there’s mud. And, especially in public. It was a real setback, since Steve had worked so hard in his potty training efforts. So, the trek was abandoned and down the mountain he went. There was no prized milkshake. And, mummy didn’t get to have her morning coffee. Everyone was a bit miserable.
It sounds like Steve’s gumboots needed better spiderman-quality grip. Clearly, he was not wearing French Soda gumboots, which are made with anti-slip rubber soles. You could even call them superhero rubber soles, saving toddler bums and coffee outings one outdoor adventure at a time!
When Anna heads to the playground, nothing is off limits for climbing. The monkey bars, the spider net, the fairy stumps, up the slide and over the back of the couch. Okay, technically there is no playground couch, but mum catches Anna scaling the back of it at home most days, so it was worth mentioning.
One early autumn morning while the sun was still weak and the dew was still covering the ground, Anna and her mum went to the local park. Normally, a trip to the playground is one of Anna’s favourite things (snuggles with mummy being the other, of course), but not that day. Anna was not having a good time.
It was her new boots. Having outgrown her others, mum had only just remembered to grab a pair of girls gumboots during a trip to the shopping mall. But they just didn’t feel right! They were too stiff. Not bendy at all. And, now she couldn’t climb!
And what do little climbers do when they can’t climb? They take off their shoes! So, fifteen minutes later, Anna, wet-socked and miserable, and her mummy went home to look for the bendiest gumboots for kids they could find online.
That is how Anna found her yellow French Soda Gumboots or Climb-boots as she likes to call them. They’re the perfect, most comfy boots, made from super-soft natural rubber that bends with her legs when she twists and climbs.
To say that Jack is a ‘Wiggles’ fan would be the understatement of the century. He’s obsessed, but nobody in the family seems to mind. Although, he does hold the family record for attending the most concerts for a particular artist—five concerts in his short span of four years earth-side! Impressive!
A normal day for Jack entails waking up, followed by a cuddle with mummy in the big bed, breakfast (his favourite vegemite on toast, cut into big, long strips) and then finally a bit of singing and dancing in front of the telly alongside his favourite rock band, ‘The Wiggles’.
So, it came as no surprise when Jack got a brand new pair of shiny ‘Wiggles’-themed gumboots for his birthday from his Auntie Kate. Jack looooooved his new boots! He wore them all the time!
Then one day the unthinkable happened. Instead of ‘The Wiggles’, a new show was in its place. And, as this was the time when mummy usually took her morning shower, he had no choice but to watch… ‘Paw Patrol’. It wasn’t a total disaster. In fact, it was quite the opposite. In precisely the time it took to watch that exciting, fun episode, Jack had a new favourite! A career as a firefighting dog just like Marshal was firmly in his sights!
Of course, a disaster of sorts was yet to come! Jack now wanted ‘Paw Patrol’ gumboots and mum was determined to resist this fickle change. But the battle of wills was only just beginning!
The first few occasions saw ‘The Wiggles’ boots being kicked off as soon as mum pulled them over his wiggly little toes. These flying gumboots struck a note of fear into mum’s heart as she mentally calculated all the glass items in the room.
Then they went missing for nine days and mum had the difficult task of weighing up which of Jack’s shoes she was prepared to sacrifice whenever they had to venture outside.
Eventually, she found them. One little boys gumboot was in the dog’s kennel, underneath the blanket. The other had mysteriously made its way to the bottom shelf of the pantry and had a packet of fettuccine stuck down inside the leg!
The cost was starting to weigh up and Mum decided maybe a new pair was worth it after all.
But mummy, being a wise and clever mummy, found a pair of French Soda Gumboots in a bright red; identical to the red in Marshall's fire saving helmet. Perfect for little Paw Patrol adventures, or for when Jack’s affection for his favourite Wiggle, Simon, aka the red Wiggle, returns.
So far, mum is winning this battle, although Jack now wants a red raincoat to match Marshall’s red firefighting gear. Stay tuned… mum’s pretty sure blue will prove to be a wise choice in the end, if Jack’s attention turns to something else!
For Sarah, three years is enough life experience! This little Miss Independence is certainly going on fourteen. She’ll dress herself, brush her teeth and hair, insist on serving her own food and attempt just about anything else she can.
It takes a bit of inventiveness by mum to give her the freedom to develop these skills without ending in tantrums or chaos every day. But finding gumboots that aren’t tricky to put on? Well, unfortunately there’s only been tears and drama.
One-day, they took a trip to their local kids shop, the type that sells pretty dresses and wooden toys. Mum noticed they sold gumboots, and they found a pair of bright pink gumboots for girls. As mum handed them to Sarah, she noticed that they were made from the softest rubber. And to her surprise, little Sarah was able to pull the gumboots on all by herself.
It didn’t matter that she had them on the wrong feet! It was just such a relief for mum to finally have found a pair of shoes that weren’t going to be part of the daily meltdown.
And the bestest, best part, at least for Sarah? They look great with her new pink tutu dress as well.
I’m pretty sure we all have an Oliver in our lives. This Oliver loves a good adventure. In fact, the bigger, the better. He’ll take on the tallest slide, the fastest swing and the highest monkey bars without breaking a sweat! Though it's a different story for his mama!
But she always knew that one day he was going to meet his match. And that day came sooner than anyone thought! You see, it had rained most of the night and even though the next day dawned bright and sunny, there were plenty of puddles to be had. Epic puddles, most certainly from the ginormous category of puddle.
And of course, mum was prepared. She is the sort that carries around a spare snack and Band-aids just in case. After a little research, she bought Oliver a pair of blue gumboots from French Soda. Blue because it matches his eyes. French Soda because she heard from one of her mum's group friends that they were slightly longer than regular gumboots for kids.
The longer the gumboots are, the more protection your little Oliver or Olivia will have from puddles. And we all know wet socks means grumpy kids. It’s simple maths, science and psychology!
So, on this bright, yet wet, Sydney morning, Oliver took on the biggest puddle in the existence of his 5 years’ worth of big adventures… and won!
Penny loves to draw. In fact, she’s done so many masterpieces, mum has a hard task of finding enough wall and fridge-door space to display them all. The common theme in all her drawings is that everyone always wears gumboots. Great, big, stompy gumboots. Even the dog is depicted in gumboot-style!
There is, however, one thing that Penny loves more than drawing, and that’s exploring the wonderful wide world outside. But, when you live by Lorne’s cold coastline, getting time outside can be quite the challenge. And if there’s one thing Penny doesn’t like, it’s cold toes.
On the days she’s braved the cold in her thin, ‘Frozen’-themed gumboots, her outing (and enjoyment) has been short-lived, and she’s back inside in no time at all, thawing her feet by heater. Those cold toes seem to have a habit of spreading, Penny has found. Soon her knees are cold, and before long her nose is cold too. Going outside just isn’t fun.
Mum has tried to explain many times that buying gumboots that don’t have the word ‘Frozen’ plastered on the side really won’t make any difference to how warm her toes stay. But, Penny feels as though that can’t be the right answer!
When Grandma and Grandpa came to visit for a couple of days, her luck suddenly changed. After all the big welcome cuddles had finished, Grandma handed Penny a lovely big parcel. It was such a surprise, because her birthday was months away. As she tore open the brown paper, she found a fabric bag inside, and as she opened that, she caught a glimpse of the brightest, bluest gumboots she’d ever seen in her life.
Pulling them on immediately, she discovered they made her feet feel warm and toasty. This was a new sensation!
Grabbing both Grandma’s and Grandpa’s hands, she pulled them towards the front door and out they went to the beach to explore. Poor Grandma and Grandpa! They soon were feeling the cold creeping up from their toes, but Penny was happily bouncing around, showing them all the wonders the rock pools had to offer. She didn’t have time to notice that her feet weren’t cold.
Lately, mum has realised that there aren’t as many masterpieces to display on the fridge door. Penny is far too busy finding things to do outside. And, even though mum won’t part with the old gumboots, Penny eyes them suspiciously every time, and then happily steps into her blue, fleecy-lined pair.
If any of these stories sound familiar, then maybe you have a puddle-jumping Olympian living at your place. While your little one still may be refining their craft and working on their puddle-jumping skills, everyone knows the first rule of any Olympic sport is to dress the part. Or at least, we think it should be!
In any case, if you have a child at home that loves to test the depth of every puddle on your daily walk, then perhaps they need the full kit! And by ‘kit’ we mean a sturdy pair of kids gumboots and a comfortable raincoat in a colour that matches their enthusiasm and energy.
Not only will your little super-puddle-jumper stay warm and dry during all his or her adventures, the kit will also protect their clothes, as they head indoors to recharge until the next puddle-jumping mission!
**Disclaimer: these stories are based on the everyday lives of outdoor-loving kids and their doting parents. We’ve taken great care to change all names for privacy reasons. Readers are advised that content from these fictional accounts may inspire a preference for more outdoor play, puddle-jumping and Mt Everest-style climbing. Take care to proceed with as much energy and enjoyment as possible. And, a pair of French Soda gumboots most certainly will aid your endeavours.
]]>Mud kitchens provide endless opportunities to combine outdoor play, sensory development, role play & imaginative play. It’s amazing what children can create with just dirt, a few petals and some old pots.
But like all play areas, sometimes you need something to re-ignite interest in your mud kitchen and these fun recipes are sure to do just that.
Fun to cook and guaranteed to impress any visiting lunch guests.
Make sure your little chef has the most suitable mud boots for their mud kitchen.
]]>Are you looking to unplug your children this Christmas?
With warmer days upon us and Christmas planning becoming a priority it’s time to start thinking about kids gift ideas. Of course, we tend to love the ideas that get everyone outside and playing together as these are the gifts that ultimately keep on giving.
Not sure where to start with your gift buying. Here are our suggestions for Christmas gift ideas to encourage kids to be active and explore outside …
These natural, mud-based playdough and slime mixes are suitable for indoors or outdoors. Safely formulated from real mud, they provide tactile and sensory play experiences which help children develop their fine and gross motor skills, scientific thinking and language development - all disguised as mud play!
Believe it not, playing with slime has many benefits and because this slime is natural, it is compostable. A toy that doesn’t generate waste is a real winner.
This soil based playdough is easy to prepare and so versatile. Children can add glitter, seed pods, petals and other finds for unique creations.
Other gift ideas for nature lovers include:
Oh, and don’t forget the gumboots. Durable, supportive and easy to pull on, they make a colourful stocking filler.
This earth fizz has it all - earthy colours, gritty texture and popping mud bubbles. This is a gift that is sure to encourage curiosity and creativity. This earth fizz could be used to create scenes from outer space, erupting volcanoes, swamp habitats, magical brews or even in exotic cooking. So regardless of your child’s interests it makes an exciting gift.
If not too diluted, leftover earth fizz can be reused as an earthy coloured paint.
Creative kids might also enjoy:
These gifts are perfect for keeping everyone occupied over the long summer break.
You’ve found all these great gifts to encourage outdoor play, so don’t let the weather stop your kids from using them. Our timeless waterproof jackets make the perfect companion for an outdoor kid. They’re lined for added style and warmth and have a waterproof outer for rainy days.
Sunglasses also make a trendy stocking filler and help protect your little one from the elements. And if your children are like mine and love a spontaneous adventure, you can never have too many hats.
What’s Christmas without a slip 'n' slide or fishing rod? These gifts work well for all ages and help keep everyone active.
We’ve been given some great lawn games and we play them lots over summer. They really are a great gift as they can be used year round and encourage fun, family rivalry. Molkky and Cornhole are favourites at our place.
Other classic, affordable gifts that encourage movement and build coordination include:
These are the big-ticket gifts that siblings can use to play together for years to come or spaces that will become the central hub when cousins and friends visit.
Think a cubby house, a mud kitchen, kayaks, climbing frame or a zip line kit.
Don’t forget to add your MakeMud products for the most talked about cubby or mud kitchen in the street.
We offer a range of payment options including credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Shop Pay & Apple Pay. And if you are looking for flexible payment terms, then why not finalise your gift purchase using Afterpay or ZipPay.
]]>Whether it is a downpour or a light shower, French Soda raincoats for kids offer ultimate protection year-round.
With a soft-to-touch waterproof outer, pin-striped cotton lining for warmth and a hood for ultimate protection, our raincoats will shield your little ones from the wind and rain whilst ensuring they look the part.
Rainy days present new and exciting opportunities for kids. From the sound and smell of rain to the feeling of raindrops or the thrill of jumping in a puddle, they are also a wonderful way for children to learn about nature and explore scientific concepts.
We know children need to keep active and explore outside and with the best gear there will be no need to stay inside on the next overcast day. Do you want to know more about our kids raincoats? Click on the headings below to read the sections you are most interested in.
The driest kids’ raincoats in Australia
What should I look for in a kid’s rain jacket?
Machine washable kids’ raincoats
Affordability - great value kid’s raincoats (cost per wear)
Kids raincoats that can be worn all year round
We put the “W” in Kids rainwear
Unique raincoat design for girls
Kids raincoats available in the colours of the rainbow
Keep those little treasures safe and dry
The complete kids rainwear outfit
Our kids raincoat designs encourage children to tackle their biggest adventures with confidence. Whilst there are many waterproof materials available, we’ve carefully selected a coated polyurethane outer and a jersey cotton lining for French Soda raincoats.
Benefits of this waterproof polyurethane shell include:
While the polyurethane layer of our kids raincoats keeps the water out and allows your little one to move freely, the striped linking makes the perfect partner for a number of reasons:
No-one likes sweaty, grumpy kids and with a French Soda raincoat you can keep them comfortable, dry and happy.
From bike rides to puddle jumping, French Soda raincoats for kids are designed with comfort in mind and won't get in the way of a good adventure.
There are many things to look for when purchasing clothing for your children, and the list of must-haves will really depend on your needs.
For active children, a rain jacket is often more practical than an umbrella as umbrellas tend to get lost or lead to arguments about who poked who. Rain jackets also provide extra freedom for kids to use their hands when climbing, collecting and chasing each other.
But there are other factors you may wish to consider before you purchase. For example, where you live or the places you will take your rain jacket most often. A heavy duty jacket will be required for trips to the snow or very cool climates whereas a lightweight rain jacket that can be thrown in a school bag or folded up and placed in the pram can be used for year-round walks from the bus stop or when away on holidays.
French Soda rain jackets are not heavy duty and sit between these two options as they are not bulky and can be folded but they do have two layers and are roomy enough to wear over a jumper.
Another thing to consider is the cut or design of the rain jacket. Our unisex designs have a zip opening and pockets, whereas the girls design has a button opening, no pockets and a feminine pleat detail. Both designs have a generous hood for added warmth and convenience. As the hood is lined with cotton, it does need to be worn when out in the rain as exposed lining will absorb water.
Reading reviews from previous customers can also help inform your decisions. Our customers often leave comments about our colour range, outer fabric and durability. You can read more French Soda reviews here.
Do we need to say more?
It’s important that our raincoats shield your child from the rain, but it’s also important that they make your life easier.
The fastest and easiest way to clean your raincoat is to wipe the outer layer over with a damp cloth. But if those puddles were just too tempting or you’ve been on a few outings and the whole coat needs a refresh, then it can be popped in for a gentle machine wash on cool. You should not use heavy spin cycles and should try not to wash your raincoat too often as repeated washing (especially with certain detergents) can weaken the ability to repel water.
For a faster drying time, we suggest drying inside out.
*Machine washable raincoats for kids - because sometimes those muddy puddles are just too good to resist.
We speak with many parents and the one thing they all feel strongly about is “quality!”
We have been refining our raincoats for a number of years, so we can guarantee the timeless design and solid colours don’t date. This makes them easy to style with other outfits, versatile throughout the seasons and perfect to hand down (which is also better for the planet because they won’t end up in landfill after a few wears).
Even though the initial investment may seem bigger, your little one will be wearing their French Soda raincoat to more puddle jumping adventures, bush walks, winter beach days and rainy-day parties than a raincoat they will find in any department stores. Our rain jackets are designed to last. So, a bigger upfront cost divided by more wears, equals a lower cost per wear.
*For more raincoat maths, why not count the muddy puddles on your next outdoor adventure.
But if you still need convincing that our kids raincoats are superior quality and value for money, here are a few comments from previous customers:
French Soda was born in Melbourne, a city known for having ‘four seasons in one day’ so we know that the weather is just unpredictable during Winter. You never know when you might get caught out in the rain. This is why our raincoats for kids are lightweight and can fit in a school bag or under the pram when out for a walk.
From bush to beach or Autumn to Spring, nothing will stop your fun with this play-session extender. It really is versatile enough to protect from the ocean spray, put over bathers to keep warmth in or wear over a soccer uniform on wet mornings.
There are plenty of “W’s” when it comes to kids rainwear, waterproof, wearability, waterplay, wellies but one of the most important ones that is often overlooked; kids rainwear should also be “windproof”.
You’ve heard the saying when it rains it pours...in Australia the downpour is often accompanied by gusty winds. Not only are our raincoats waterproof but they are windproof. The thick outer fabric prevents the wind from passing through while the breathable cotton lining is soft on the skin.
There is nothing worse than having to stay inside when all you want to do is explore outdoors. With their raincoat on, your children can continue to jump on the trampoline or explore the rockpools even though the wind is blowing.
Don’t be left wishing you’d invested in that rainwear, order now and it will be ready for your next day trip or big adventure.
*Because the wind is great for kite flying and hand gliders, but not so much for keeping warm.
Got a little girl on your hands who loves outdoor play, but is particular about what she wears?
Our French Soda pink girls raincoat is a true-fitting, buttoned-down classic that your princess will instantly fall in love with.
With pleat detail and a quick-and-easy button opening for busy days, it’ll make her queen of the playground in no time.
And if you’re looking for gift ideas, our girls rainwear is a favourite choice for birthdays and Easter.
Did you know all of our French Soda zip raincoats are unisex? Apart from the obvious advantage of being able to be used as a hand-me-down, there are other benefits to this functional design. Including:
Have you been searching for colourful ‘outdoor couture’ made for children with a sense of style and fun? Our kids raincoats are available in a rage of appealing colours so your little one can be bold, be fun and be ready for adventure.
The simple, timeless design of our jackets means that they can be styled with jeans, skirts, tights or casual track pants. And when this is combined with a pop of colour, it’ll be easy to spot your little one as they speed down the slide or climb up the tree.
They only have one childhood, so make it as bright as they are.
It is very important as a parent to keep our little ones dry and warm. However, for little ones it is as important to keep their special treasures dry and safe.
Stones, seashells, even bugs - kids seem to collect wherever they go. That’s why our unisex raincoats have nice deep pockets. I’ve certainly found some interesting things in ours, but cleaning is a breeze with a quick wipe. So, let them collect; you won’t have to carry anything.
Looking for practical shoes to team with your new raincoat? No-one likes wet socks and with our matching gumboots, you can order the perfect kids rainwear outfit to keep the wet out and the fun in.
Nothing says, “Let’s go!” like a complete outfit, and just like our kids raincoats, our natural rubber gumboots are also available in a range of great solid colours. This gives you the flexibility to mix or match.
So, whether your little one is head-to-toe in our best selling yellow raincoat and yellow gumboots or channelling Paddington Bear with red wellies and navy raincoat, we’re sure that their French Soda rainwear will become a high rotation outfit.
Available from Size 1 all the way up to Size 10, we’ve got you covered as your born explorer grows into a little adventurer. You can find the dimensions of our kids raincoats here.
The sizing of our raincoats is generous when compared to other children’s clothing styles. So, if you decide to size up for two seasons wear, the sleeves can easily be rolled up and the longer length will keep little backs and bottoms warm. The roomy design also allows room for a jumper underneath on really cold days.
Tip: We find it useful to compare the sleeve length to a garment you have at home.
Why not splash now & pay later?
Use Afterpay to purchase a kids raincoat online and you can pay the item off over time. If you don’t have an Afterpay account yet, you can read more about it here.
You can also order quickly and securely online using VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal and ZipPay.
Did you know PayPal offers free return shipping on eligible PayPal Purchases? Yep, that is correct. All you need to do is activate “Refunded Returns” in your PayPal account, buy your next Raincoat or pair of gumboots and complete your purchase using PayPal.
Then if you need to return your kids gumboots or kids raincoats for any reason, even if that reason is a change of mind, you send a copy of your shipping invoice to PayPal and they will refund the full amount into your PayPal account. It is that easy!
You can read more about PayPal’s Refunded Returns policy here.
- Best Kids Gumboots in Australia
- 3 Key Benefits of Outdoor Play
- Mud Play - A Guide for Parents
]]>
French Soda’s kids gumboots are the best kids gumboots you can buy in Australia because they not only provide puddle jumping protection but also a colourful injection!
As a mother of boys I know that children are naturally drawn to being outside regardless of the elements and as a teacher I’m a huge advocate of outdoor exploration and play. So, it’s our mission to provide you (and your little ones) with products that allow you to enjoy more time making memories as a family and less time worrying about wet socks.
French Soda gumboots are made with the best natural rubber, and we ensure all our designs are practical, comfortable and value for money. They have been tried and tested by our own little ones and children all over Australia since 2013.
Outdoor exploration and play are extremely important to the health and wellbeing of little minds and bodies so it’s imperative that they have footwear that allows them to roam and explore outside, no matter the weather.
But don’t take our word for it, here’s what a few of our customers are saying about the best kids’ gumboots in Australia.
Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why our gumboots are the best kids’ gumboots in Australia:
We all have wardrobe pieces that we can rely on, and our gumboots are designed to become your child’s favourites. The fun solid colours mean they won’t date, and your child won’t outgrow them as their favourite cartoon character changes.
Because of their practical and versatile design, these kids gumboots will be the most worn shoes from their shoe collection. They will be ready whenever adventures arise - mornings at bush kinder, playdates on a rainy day, making mud pies in the backyard.
So, whether you’ve got a budding rockstar, princess, farmer, artist or superhero they need a pair of our gumboots to complete their wardrobe.
Pink, yellow or green? Which do you think your mini fashionista would love most? All of our designs are unisex, so you really can’t make the wrong selection when shopping for girls’ gumboots.
Styled with her favourite tights or a colourful tutu, there will be no stopping her as she spin, splash and squish the afternoon away. And if the outlook is wet, then we have you covered from head to toe with our matching raincoats for girls.
*Alpaca not included.
Overall children love bright colourful things, so their gumboots should be no exception.
At French Soda we understand that colour can impact mood, productivity and behaviour. Think about the feelings you feel when you pull on your favourite-coloured jumper or don on a bold blazer for a meeting. When we design our ranges, we aim to include a variety of vibrant colours to appeal to your little ones because we know colour tantrums are a real thing.
Parents are busy, and outings with children can be full-on. So, our colour choices are also influenced by practicality. They must be easy to spot when crossing the road or visiting busy locations such as the zoo. But it’s also important that children can wear their gumboots with a variety of outfits, giving you maximum value for money.
Red and navy is one of our all-time favourite gumboot and raincoat colour combinations here at French Soda HQ, but red can also be styled with pink or orange. Our research tells us that 40% of our customers prefer to be matching, in which case, red gumboots can most certainly be teamed with a matching red raincoat.
Natural rubber has many properties which make it an ideal material for children’s gumboots, including:
French Soda gumboots are made from 100% natural rubber, meaning not only are they made for trees, but they also make tree climbing easier. Kids gumboots made from natural rubber is more flexible than gumboots made from plastic or synthetic rubber. Happy planet. Happy kids.
Our kids’ gumboots are waterproof and have a slip resistant sole so there’s no need to stop your child embracing puddle play. After all, outdoor play promotes happy, healthy children.
Jumping in puddles is free and fun. Whilst children usually don’t need encouragement when it comes to playing in the rain, we suggest puddle jumping hopscotch or nature boat races.
But we guarantee your child will want to wear their gumboots on other days too. They will be the secret advantage when hunting for easter eggs in the wet grass and the go-to on fishing trips along the muddy riverbank.
Do you have energetic little ones who are always looking for a new adventure? Perhaps they can find a muddy puddle even on the brightest of days. As you can see, channelling this energy into constructive activities is easy if you are dressed for the mess:
“We created a truck wash in the backyard and of course then had our very own muddy puddle to jump in. Our French Soda gumboots aren't saved for rainy days, they are for adventures every day and help keep me sane as we just hose them clean. Highly recommended to mums everywhere.” Amy - Mum and French Soda Customer.
Some favourite selections when it comes to boys gumboots include navy, green and yellow, but again, there is no right choice and all of our unisex styles are perfect to climb, jump or pedal with confidence.
He approaches.....
He scores!!!!
The fleece lining, that is. Because we all deserve worry-free outdoor play that looks and feels good.
Our kids’ gumboots are not only designed to keep the cold and wet out, but also keep the warmth in. Warm feet mean happy kids and we all know if the kids are happy, everyone is winning.
With their cosy lining, you may have more trouble trying to get your kids to actually take their gumboots off. They’ll want to wear them all day!
Do you have a fiercely independent toddler, a child who strives to keep up with their older siblings or one who just can't wait to get out and play? We all know that fuss free dressing is the key to a quick exit out the door.
It’s such a milestone when children begin to dress themselves and our gumboots are designed to slide right on, fostering that independence.
When there are puddles to jump in, you don’t have time to waste with fiddly shoes.
French Soda will take you from playground to playdates in style and colour. Our kids’ gumboots are so versatile and practical that they can really be worn anywhere.
Movie days are great for teens, but parents with younger children know they need to factor in active play time. And our gumboots are perfect for a trip to the playground or a walk around the block between rain showers. This time outside is not only important for physical health but can spark a child’s imagination and interest in nature.
Heading to an outdoor party when the weather is poor? Our range of fun colours are just what you need to complete a party outfit and protect little feet from the mud.
There’s nothing like visiting the local cafe for a hot chocolate on an unpredictable winter’s morning. And with French Soda gumboots, you won’t need to worry about the temptation to step in puddles along the way. We can guarantee everyone will be asking where you purchased them from.
French Soda kids’ gumboots are available in standard EU sizes 20-36. So, we’ve got gumboots to suit early walkers through to children aged approx. 8-10 yrs. old.
As a guide we suggest 1cm of ‘wiggle and growth’ room between the end of the child’s foot and the end of the innersole.
You can find our innersole dimensions here.
Need your gumboots tomorrow? Why not use Afterpay now and your little one can start wearing them before you even finalise the payment.
Afterpay allows you to spread the cost over four easy fortnightly payments and best of all, Afterpay provides a fast and easy checkout process.
Don't have Afterpay yet? Learn more about it here.
Related content you may be interested in:
]]>Here are a few activities to encourage outdoor play and embrace the Olympic spirit.
If available, you could use a plank of wood to create a beam but it’s also possible to keep everyone entertained by walking forwards, backwards, and sideways. If you don’t have a beam or your children are younger – use a rope, or make a line with chalk. You can also increase the challenge by including zigzags.
If you have enough people, backyard or park soccer is always fun but drills help kids practice their goal kicking and ball control and also burn lots of energy.
Decorate an empty paper towel roll to use as a baton and get running.
Gather up your hoops, ribbons or balls and turn on some music to encourage the kids to develop their own rhythmic gymnastics routine.
With skateboarding making an Olympic debut at Tokyo, skateboards are the new hot item. My 6 year old requested one for his birthday and fortunately we’ve only had a few small grazes.
Mark a circle with some rope or chalk and fill some water balloons – it’s time to practice that throwing technique.
Visit the local skate park or grab your bikes and head out to find the ideal mountain bike track.
We love to see your muddy memories, so tag us @frenchsodaoutdoorwear.
]]>Sound familiar?
Most of these activities are quick ideas suggested to break up the day, whilst others require a few household items. Obviously, the amount of time you spend outside will depend upon the age of your child and factors such as the wind and temperature.
Just make sure everyone has a raincoat and a spare pair of socks!
Tip: Set yourself up in a semi-sheltered area so children can explore and create outside but it’s still possible to take cover before the next downpour.
Once you have burnt that energy off, be sure to have a hot chocolate on hand to warm your little explorers up.
Do your kids need rainwear so you’re prepared for the next downpour?
]]>Inside/Outside
If you are hosting a small group of friends, try to split the time between inside and outside. A short, structured activity helps keep the everyone busy and prevent the mess from spreading to every room in the house.
Consider indoor activities such as decorating cupcakes, a Lego building challenge or decorating plain white t-shirts or pillowcases with fabric markers.
Dress code
Inform guests that you plan on playing outside and make a note on invites to remind them to wear their beanies and fleecy gumboots.
Warm snacks
Keep your guests warm with hot milo, sausage rolls, toasties or little meatballs.
And if you’ve got some extra adult supervision, why not collect firewood and sticks to toast marshmallows.
Games that keep everyone moving
Activities that require minimal planning and encourage lots of movement include Red Rover, dance-off competition, scavenger hunt and hop scotch.
It’s not a party without a selfie!
Challenge children to find the most interesting thing to decorate a large cardboard photo frame. Simply poke flowers or leaves through the card or use a hot glue gun to attach heavier finds such as pinecones, seed pods or twigs.
With our French Soda essentials you'll be prepared, whatever the party plans.
]]>Then pop on your gumboots, we’re heading out into the garden.
This is a fabulous opportunity for kids to explore the different colours, shapes, sizes and textures that nature provides.
Let’s make some nature crowns!
You will need:
How to Make Your Nature Crown:
1. Use your scissors to make pairs of little 1cm snips running the length of the paper (horizontal snips in line with the length of the paper). Make each set of snips roughly 1cm apart. Leave a few centimetres at each end as you will need to make a snip to secure the ribbon. These little pairs of snips will be where you thread your stems.
2. Use your scissors to make a 1cm snip at each end of your paper and thread your ribbon or string through these snips then tie in a knot to secure. Your crown is now ready for decorating. Note: Grown-ups might need to help with some of the snipping! Please be careful of scissors.
3. Grab all of your nature trimmings and start threading them carefully into the top of one snip then out the bottom little matching snip. The paper should then hold the stem securely. Keep adding more until you are happy with how your nature crown looks.
4. You’re done! Tie it on your head, show your friends and head outside for an adventure .
Thank you to Nina from nina.c.sees. for documenting this process for us.
]]>French Soda’s top pick for outdoor exploration
Nothing says exploration like our Green Gumboots. Easy to pull on and safe on slippery surfaces these natural rubber boots will become firm favourites.
Social & Emotional Development
French Soda’s top pick to socialise outside
Functional and stylish, these colourful reversible vests provide warmth whilst allowing for movement.
Sensory Development
Playing outside stimulates a variety of senses;
Children will use short vision when studying bugs up close and long vision when running to the fence and back.
Think about all the smell’s nature provides, freshly mowed grass, fragrant flowers and of course dog, chook, pigeon or cow poop.
Little ears are used to identify the wind whistling through the leaves or perhaps the thunder from an approaching storm.
What child doesn’t love the warmth of the sun on their skin or the coolness of a sprinkler tickling their limbs?
Finally, is there anything better than the tingle of your taste buds when you bite into a home-grown strawberry straight from the garden or catch raindrops in your mouth?
French Soda’s top pick for sensory play
A red raincoat will extend play-sessions and keep your little one dry and rugged up when raindrops are falling or wind is blowing.
]]>Why kids love snack plates:
What to include on a kids snack plate:
Does your child need new boots for park play dates or wet afternoon strolls? Shop our collection here.
]]>I know camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it is SO worthwhile making the effort to camp with kids. Even if all you can manage is a camping trip to the backyard you can still make wonderful memories.
You don’t need fancy equipment to have a good time. It’s the simple stuff that the kids will remember. Toasting marshmallows, getting up close with nature, spotting wildlife from the campsite, getting dirty, making up games and unplugging. It is such a nice way to be together as a family with no commitments or screens to get in the way.
Here are a few of my top tips:
Finally, start small. Just go over a weekend. Get a taste and see how everyone goes. You can build up to a longer trip once you get a feel for what you will need and if you like it!
When they get asked about a fond memory or favourite way to spend time my children nearly always say camping and spending time with their family. It is such an affordable and hugely rewarding thing to do as a family.
So off you go – make some memories! But don’t forget your French Soda!
We'd love to know where you enjoy visiting. If you have a favourite family-friendly camping spot, please share it in the comments.
Thank you to Nina of nina.c.sees for these practical tips.
Follow Nina on Instagram or her website.
]]>
Summer calls for fruit salad and frozen yoghurt…
Dietary guidelines recommend children (well, all of us) eat a variety of fruit every day. So whether you have a fussy eater or just lack some inspiration, here are some easy tips to help you encourage fruit consumption with your children.
Add fruit to meals you already prepare
Kids in the kitchen
Get your children involved in preparation as much as possible. This builds their interest and encourages them to try new foods.
Try our go-to homemade icy pole recipe
Blend all ingredients, pour in a mould and freeze overnight.
Easy variations:
Encourage variety and buy in season
Different fruit can help protect the body in different ways, so it’s important to choose a variety of colours every day:
Grow your own
Children enjoy digging and watching things grow. Gardening can help foster a child’s interest in nutrition and nature and develop skills such as responsibility.
Even with limited space you can plant a fruit tree or strawberry patch.
Be a role model
Regularly eat and enjoy fruit snacks with your child or let them see you pack fruit with your lunch.
]]>
Keep reading for tips to keep your family entertained on a cold, wet afternoon.
Write a letter
Learn about the rain and build a rain gauge
Bring the outdoors in with a DIY terrarium
Build Fun Traditions
Whether you pack your car and drive to the beach or river or just walk to the local playground, picnics and their associated routines provide time for games and friendly rivalry. No one likes unpacking when they get home, but the other memories made will outweigh the sand or mud left in the car.
Tech Free Time
I love learning about and using new technology (I actually trained as a computer studies teacher) but we all know the benefits of fresh air to physical and mental health.
Embrace Outdoor Learning Opportunities
In a previous blog Alex Trichilo, outlined how time outdoors is important for speech development but it also provides many other informal learning opportunities. Picnics can prompt conversations about life cycles, colours and directions or if you pack a ball, time to work on coordination and turn taking.
Cheap Entertainment
Some of us feel a little restricted at the moment but don’t let this stop you packing a picnic and heading to the backyard or balcony – it really will break up that sometimes dull isolation routine.
An Excuse To Bake Lo’s Smartie Cookies
How delicious do these cookies look! Everyone loves a treat at a picnic but you will also find a wide range of other family friendly recipes on Lo’s blog.
So grab your gumboots, raincoats and cookies and enjoy!
You can find more of Lo's recipes at: https://loskitchen.com.au/
]]>Follow Nina on Instagram
1. Embrace natural light and turn off that flash! 2. Don’t use the camera’s zoom function as it will generally reduce the quality of your images… get physically closer to the subject. 3. Try and think outside the box with your angles… get down low at the same level as your kids, lie down on the ground, get up high, stand to the side…just experiment with angles and your photos will reward you. 4. Light is one of the most important factors in getting a wonderful photo. Try not to take photos in harsh overhead sunlight. Either wait until late afternoon or early morning (the best times are a couple of hours before sundown or after sunrise) or find a shady spot next to a wall or under a tree. If you need to shoot in harsh sunlight make sure that the light (sun) isn’t behind the subjects and is behind you instead…but there’s nothing worse than a bunch of squinting kids so try and move around slightly so no one has to stare into the blinding sun!
5. Be aware of what is in the background and adjust where you are standing to try and block out any distractions or anything unappealing. Nothing worse than a stranger or rubbish bin ruining an otherwise perfect photo.
6. Take lots of photos. It might take ten photos to get the perfect one! Just remember to delete the rejects so you don’t fill your memory too quickly.
7. Instead of asking your kids to ‘smile’ or ‘say cheese’ tell them a ridiculous story or whip out a trusty ‘poo’ joke to get candid happy and laughing faces. They are always ten times better than a false smile.
8. Obviously there will be times when you want to capture a memory in the moment and have little control over the subject’s position or the time of day but just remember that sometimes just by simply moving yourself (the photographer) you can completely change the outcome of your photograph!
9. Get practising! Just like any skill practise makes perfect but given most people have a camera in their pocket these days there is really no excuse not to get snapping.
We really enjoy seeing the different places you take your French Soda products, so be sure to tag us @frenchsodaoutdoorwear
You can see more of Nina’s images at https://ninacsees.com/
]]>By: Alex Trichilo - Speech Pathologist and Mum of three
Follow Alex on Instagram & Facebook
It’s no secret that getting kids out into nature is so beneficial, there’s scientific evidence to suggest that it is amazingly powerful for adults’ mental health too. There’s something about getting out into nature, being in the moment and noticing the little things.
Since being in isolation, we’ve made a point of getting outdoors for most of the day. We’ve collected a whole box of nature bits and pieces, found a ladybug lifecycle on our fence, and the kids have slept better than ever. We’re lucky to have a long driveway and lots of local parks that we have still been able to visit so we’ve used that to help the kids burn energy, develop their gross motor skills and get lots of glorious sunlight.
Being a Speech Pathologist, I’m always looking for opportunities for kids to learn new words and new skills that will set them up with a wider vocabulary, world knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Nature is full of unpredictable events - uneven surfaces, odd shaped sticks, leaves that are all different shapes and sizes, changing weather, new textures and patterns, interesting smells and sounds. Children need to navigate this unpredictability and they thrive off exploring how it all works. The more time they spend in nature, the more they see patterns and similarities and the more the unpredictability becomes predictable.
All of these observations, experiences and ideas are opportunities for language. Textures, sounds, smells, colours, shapes all lend themselves to new descriptive vocabulary. Learning these through experience, with their 6 senses, makes for much more effective storage of new words in their brain. Anything involving movement is great for verb development, and then of course we can label a whole variety of different trees, plants, animals, insects and more with nouns.
In order for all this new learning to occur, it is so important that parents get stuck into nature exploration too. You are their amazing device for learning new words, new ideas and support in problem solving. Together you can create new games, running races, collections of nature’s treasures, or even go pretend camping in the backyard. Afterwards, you are their greatest resource for helping them to reflect and remember on your nature experiences.
The one thing I absolutely love about nature – it is always there and yet always changing. I love that it means you don’t need to buy new toys or resources when you’ve got an abundance of soil, trees, grass and bugs!
You can read more from Alex at:
]]>
]]>
Whether it’s hot cross buns at the caravan park, an egg hunt by the beach or a long lunch in the backyard, Easter is a wonderful time to find an open space for your family to explore and celebrate.
Natural Rubber Gumboots
With the school holidays and the long weekend, Easter provides some extra time for trips away. But as the season changes, it always pays to be prepared for rain showers or damp grass.
Our bright classic-style gumboots are the cosy and comfortable answer! Perfect for kids who love a muddy puddle; perfect for parents who want a lasting gift and peace-of-mind!
Munchi Easter Babychino Cup
What about a cute reusable chino cup? Made from bamboo, with a silicone lid these are just perfect for warm drink or hiding your Easter eggs. And, if you spend $70 with French Soda this Easter, you'll receive a FREE Munchi Easter Babychino Cup. Stock is limited.
Shop all @Munchi
Chocolate
It is Easter after all! We will be embracing this tradition and pulling our gumboots on for a little egg hunt.
These 'Funny Bunnies' from The Rocky Road House are our go-to chocolate at Easter. Not only are they delicious, but because this range is allergy friendly everyone can be included in the fun (and they are available in four different flavours so make sure you sample them all).
Shop @TheRockyRoadHouse
Cotton Lined Raincoats
A classic raincoat in their favourite colour - that's certainly a winning gift idea. French Soda raincoats have a cotton lining which is soft on the skin and provides an extra layer of warmth when the wind blows.
Beep Bells
I’ve been following Beep Bells on Instagram for a little while. These colourful hand painted bike bells make brilliant gifts, so even if you have Easter organised be sure to check them out for upcoming birthdays.
Shop @beepbells
Leroy Mac Designs Beanie
These beautiful Australian wool beanies will fit perfectly in the Bunny’s basket. The Leroy Mac range is produced from the wool grown on Bec and Rod’s farm in Victoria. They are all great, but the star and stripe designs are my favs!
Shop @Leroymacdesigns
French Soda Reversible Vests
Colourful and lightweight, these reversible vests are the ultimate layering piece and a funky gift!
As always, we'd love for you to tag us in your Easter adventures over on Instagram.
Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season!
]]>
So, a quick text to an agronomist friend for some planting tips and our weekend is sorted. If you’re looking for some inspiration here’s what she suggests:
Whilst we have dirty hands I think we will also pop some bulbs in for spring – you know we love colour at French Soda!
And, if you are looking for the perfect kids gardening boots then you should look at our new gumboot range.
Enjoy!
]]>