Toddler's Advice

“It started me on a mission to help other parents do their best job as well,” she said.

She also travels around the world helping parents – she says the problems they face are the same wherever you are in the world. “I have found a tantrum is a tantrum whether you’re in the US, UK or South Africa, we’re all very much alike” she said, and there are solutions to resolve toddlers tantrums.

So what do you find are parents main concerns?

“The top three issues are sleep, temper tantrums and milestones – potty training, walking and things like that. Unless you’re in that spot where you cannot function anymore because you’re not sleeping you don’t know how bad it is. It’s not a joke, it’s a serious issue and it can be very frustrating and difficult to deal with.”

However, Elizabeth does believe that some parents do not help themselves.

“A lot of these issues are actually created by ourselves. That newborn baby is so delicious to hold in your arms while they’re sleeping or awake but by the time they’re two and they still won’t take a nap out of your arms, they’re heavy and you have things to do – you’re saying ‘My Goodness, what have I done’. It can be helpful to know what you should or shouldn’t be doing so you can set up some good sleep habits. I don’t believe children should be made to cry there are gentle and kind ways to help our children.”

Many experts believe children need to learn the difference between day and night before they can sleep properly. Elizabeth agrees – up to a point.

“The interesting thing with newborns is that day and night is to do with biology. When they’re in the womb day and night is the same thing. They wake, they sleep and the environment is always the same. It’s usually a quick shift. We can help that along by making sure that the days are bright and active and that bedtime is quiet, dark and peaceful so we’re not turning on bright lights for that midnight nappy change.”

Mum-of-four Elizabeth strongly believes that babies should have bedtime routines.

“From the time your baby is six or seven months old it can help to set an early bed time and stick to it every single day. People let the baby go to bed early some days and then on Friday night, there’s no work tomorrow so the baby stays up late so in essence your child has jetlag all the time. Biologically children have a set bedtime which is usually about six or seven o’clock at night. Most children get fussy around this time of night.”

For some parents though, sleeping is not the biggest challenge they face – many have told Elizabeth that they struggled with potty training. So, when is the right time to begin?

Elizabeth believes: “If a child is physically and emotionally capable of going to the bathroom on their own that’s the time that potty training is easy and fun for everyone. It takes some time, it’s not something you can do in one day. If we’re relaxed and peaceful it’s a lot more fun for everyone. By the way, this is not something to be stressed or competitive about, by the time they all start school they’re all in the same place.”

Unfortunately, potty training often coincides with tantrums which Elizabeth says is the number one issue with toddlers.

“This can be caused by a toddler’s inability to control their emotions. That’s enhanced when they’re tired, hungry or frustrated. The first thing you should ask is ‘Is my child tired, do they need a nap, are they hungry or frustrated?’

A lot of the tantrums will just go away, if they don’t, validate their feelings and say something like ‘I know you’re playing but we need to go and catch the bus, so let’s run run run really quick – lets go now. Reasure them and get them involved like it’s an adventure that you’re on together. 

Article Source: ADB Article Directory

Want to give a good gift to a toddler? How about a baby pillow? Baby pillows can become a source of comfort and attachment for some babies.

Keep in mind these pillows are not recommended for young infants who are under the age of 12 months and should not ever be kept in their crib Baby pillows are not recommended by doctors for infants or to be put into their cribs. Putting a pillow of any type into a crib with an infant can be dangerous.

Your baby can take a nap with one of these baby pillows or sleep with one at night. Toddlers love taking baby pillows with them on trips in the car. Baby pillows help keep your baby safe while in bed at night and are often clung to for security by toddlers.
Nowadays mothers are beginning realize that baby pillows can be useful to provide security and comfort for their baby. A baby has a very soft head and sometimes if they are left sleeping on one position for any length of time, their head may take on an uneven shape. To stop that from happening, baby pillows can be used. Mothers should use caution when choosing the right kind of baby pillow to use for their child.

Down pillows should never be chosen when shopping for a baby pillow. This is because sometimes the baby can become more susceptible to developing allergies when exposed to feathers at so early an age. Babies have actually suffocated when too soft a pillow is used.

Memory Foam pillows seem to be the best products out now for baby pillows. There is no danger of suffocation when a good supportive baby pillow is used.

Manufacturers have made many different types of pillows for the consumer today. To find the best type for you baby, shop around. Only then baby pillows that are not too wide should be purchased for use. Under Doctor recommendation, baby pillows can be used if the baby is congested or has a cold. Remember, only use a baby pillow for children over the age of 12 months. Baby pillows have been noted to help relieve suffering from earaches.

One tip to keep in mind when looking to buy a baby pillow is to get one that has colorful colors and fun prints. They are available in lots of colors and shapes. Years later the baby pillow will still be a beloved gift and loved by the child.
You can even get the name and birth date put on the pillow. The baby pillow will then become a keepsake after the child has grown out of it. Toddlers love receiving baby pillows for a gift.

Article Source: ADB Article Directory

As soon as baby takes his first steps, the world suddenly seems a whole lot more accessible to him. Those interesting drapes, those colorful books on the shelf, and grandma’s glass knick knacks on the coffee table are now within his reach. Raising a toddler is much different from raising a baby. Here are ten quick ideas to make a toddler’s environment a safe place for him to learn and explore.

1. Hide all Cords

Exposed electrical cords and pull-strings for blinds are very tempting for toddlers. However, they put them at risk for electrocution or strangulation. Hide electrical cords and use a cord-shortener for your blinds.

2. Remove the Trash Can

Trash bins are treasure troves for small children and often contain items that could harm them. Keep your trash bin in a locked cabinet or in the garage.

3. Cover Electrical Sockets

Electrical socket covers are a necessity with small children. Kids really do stick small objects into sockets and may get shocked.

4. Lock up Medications and Cleaners

Never leave medications, cleaners, bath oils, nail polish remover, or beauty supplies on the counter. They may be poisonous when ingested. Keep these items in a high, locked cabinet.

5. Never Leave Coins or Small Objects on the Counter

When cleaning out your pockets of purse, don’t leave coins, buttons, or other small items on the counter. They are choking hazards. One may be surprised how high little arms can reach to grab interesting objects off counters!

6. Bolt Bookcases to the Wall

Tall and heavy furniture should be bolted to the wall. Book cases and dressers are especially dangerous because children may climb them and they can tip. To prevent accidents, screw heavy furniture to the wall or purchase specifically designed straps to secure them.

7. Keep Knives, Glass, and Appliances up High

Sharp objects, glass, and small appliances should be stored in high, locked cabinets. Be especially wary of the contents of lower cabinets, even if they are latched. Your child may outsmart the latch. Never store cleaning chemicals in a floor-level cupboard.

8. Cushion Sharp Furniture Edges

While your toddler is first learning to walk, it may be wise to cushion sharp furniture edges. Corner guards and soft bumpers protect toddlers from hurting themselves on the pointed edges of low tables.

9. Use Gates and Doorknob Covers

If there are areas of the house that are not thoroughly childproofed, secure the doorway with a baby gate. Door knob covers are excellent ways to keep children out of rooms as well. It is advisable to put doorknob covers on any door leading outside so that little explorers cannot leave without supervision.

10. Install Baby Gates at the Top and Bottom of Stairs

Stairs are extremely dangerous for young toddlers, so install baby gates at the top and bottom. The type that screws into the wall is preferable, because pressure gates may be pushed over. Also, use railing guards if your balusters are more than 3 inches apart.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

For more information about all your baby proofing needs please visit Baby Proofing Directory. Baby Proofing Directory is the most comprehensive source for baby proofing professionals, pool fence installers, baby proofing product manufacturers, child safety products, and home safety tips to keep your toddler safe.

Toilet training (or using the potty) is one of the most basic physical needs of young children. It is also one of the most difficult topics of communication among parents, child care providers, and health care professionals when asked to determine the “right” age a child should be able to successfully and consistently use the toilet.

Most agree that the methods used to potty train can have major emotional effects on children. The entire process—from diapering infants to teaching toddlers and preschoolers about using the toilet—should be a positive one. Often, and for many reasons, toilet learning becomes an unnecessary struggle for control between adults and children. Many families feel pressured to potty train children by age two because of strict child care program policies, the overall inconvenience of diapering, or urging from their pediatricians, early childhood columnists, researchers, other family members, friends, etc.

The fact is that the ability to control bladder and bowel functions is as individual as each child. Some two-year-olds are fully potty trained, and some are not. But those that aren’t should not be made to feel bad about it. There are also many cultural differences in handling potty training; therefore it is important that families and program staff sensitively and effectively communicate regarding these issues.

The purpose of toilet learning is to help children gain control of their body functions. If a child is ready, the process can provide a sense of success and achievement. Here are some helpful hints on determining when young children are ready to begin the potty training process and suggestions on how to positively achieve that task.

Ready, set, go!

Children are most likely ready to begin toilet learning when they:

• Show a preference for clean diapers—a preference adult can encourage by frequent diaper changing and by praising children when they come to you for a change.

• Understand when they have eliminated and know the meaning of terms for body functions. For example, “wet,” “pee,” “poop,” and “b.m.” are words commonly used by children to describe bladder and bowel functions.

• Indicate that they need to use the potty by squatting, pacing, holding their private parts, or passing gas.

• Show that they have some ability to hold it for a short period of time by going off by themselves for privacy when filling the diaper or staying dry during naps.

Become a cheerleader

• There may be times during the learning process when children accidentally go in their diapers or training pants. This can be very distressing and may cause them to feel sad—especially if they have been successfully using the chair for some period of time. When this happens, change the diaper without admonition—a caring adult can then try to pick up the child’s spirits with encouragement that she is doing well and will get better with practice.

• The most common cause of resistance to potty training occurs when children have been scolded, punished, or lectured too often about using the potty, or have been forced to sit on it for too long. This learning process usually is not fast or consistent. Children need your patience and support.

Have a plan

• Parents and child care providers should decide together when a child is ready and then negotiate a plan that will be consistent and manageable in both settings. Some questions may include the following:

1. Is special equipment needed—step stool, toilet seat deflector, potty chair?
2. Are extra clothing items needed?; and
3. Are good hygiene practices in place, for example, hand washing for children and staff, a system for handling soiled clothing, and a routine for disinfecting equipment?

• It’s a good idea for families and child care professionals to exchange information on the words for body functions most preferred by each child in order to avoid confusion and provide a consistent message for everyone engaged in the process.

Successfully learning to use the potty is a major accomplishment for young children, and patience and praise from the adults who care for them is an extremely important component to their healthy emotional and physical development. Each child will individually provide signals as to when he or she ready to make that leap. Good communication, appropriate expectations, and a consistent plan on the part of parents and caregivers make it easier to support this process and are the surest route to success.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

I’ll try in this article to provide an advice for Dad of different types and styles to relate their challenges and solutions. While having a kid may come naturally, being a good dad can be quite a challenge.

Formulas come in a few different stages to try to address the changing nutritional needs of children as they grow. Toddler and infant formulas have many of the same vitamins and minerals, the main difference between them is that toddler formulas contain more calcium and phosphorus than infant formulas because they are designed to match the higher calcium and phosphorus levels needed by children as they grow. These levels are similar to those found in whole milk.

Many formulas contain DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid which is especially important in the first two years and is one benefit of giving your toddler formula over whole milk. If you think your child needs formula after the first year, switching to a toddler formula is one way to accomplish this while also providing the extra calcium and phosphorus they need.

Children who eat a balanced variety of healthy solids after their first birthday should be able to get the extra vitamins and minerals found in formula from their diets, especially if you add a multivitamin as a safety net. If you have concerns about your child not eating enough solid foods, formula will provide most of the nutritional needs while they are experimenting with solid foods.

For most kids, it’s okay for them to eat as much or as little as they want, chosen from healthy options. The amount they eat will vary day by day. To encourage eating solid foods, offer them at least three times a day, preferably before a bottle; however it is important not to force them into eating more of them.  Children have an internal mechanism that tells them how much to eat. If you suspect that there are any issues or food allergies, it is best to work with their doctor or a specialist.

16 ounces may be fine one day and they may want 24 ounces on another. If your child consistently takes more or less than that, check with their pediatrician to be sure they are getting a good amount for them. During the one-year physical, you will see on the charts how well your child is growing.

Your child is changing and growing a lot as they enter the toddling stage, and you will be enjoying each new experience.