Toddlers have a very short attention span and hate to sit in one place for very long. Therefore, it is no surprise that most children this age don't like staying in their car seats, especially on longer rides. Try the following tips to make her ride (and yours) more pleasant:
Let Baby Choose - Some items you might want to include in the car are your baby's favorite CDs, a picture book, and a special toy that is quiet and not annoying to the driver or other passengers.
Food for the Road - Pack food and drinks for your baby such as juice boxes, rice cakes, bagels, cereal, granola bars, and pretzels for easy snacking.
Just in Case - Stock the car with wet wipes, diapers, flashlight, first-aid kit, bottled water, lightweight blanket, etc. for any little emergency.
Cover Up - To protect your car from inevitable spills and crumbs, cover the seat with a vinyl tablecloth or large blanket. You'll be able to relax and not worry about the mess.
Leave Early or Late - Take advantage of your child's normal sleeping schedule. For long car rides, leave early in the morning or late at night when your child is normally sleeping. Stop every two hours or so and let her get out of the car and burn off some energy. Look for playgrounds or stop at family-friendly restaurants.
Praise Pays - Reinforce good car behavior by praising your baby frequently, when appropriate
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
HOT TAP WATER DANGER
Hot tap water causes nearly one-fourth of all scald burns among children and is associated with more fatalities and hospitalizations than other hot liquid burns. Hot water burns usually happen in the bathroom and tend to be more severe and cover a larger portion of the body than other liquid burns. A child exposed to tap water at 140 degrees F for just three seconds will sustain a third-degree burn; severe enough to require hospitalization and skin grafts.
Turn down the temperature of your home's hot water heater to 120 degrees F to avoid hot water injuries, and always test your baby's bath water before putting her in.
Turn down the temperature of your home's hot water heater to 120 degrees F to avoid hot water injuries, and always test your baby's bath water before putting her in.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
CANNED FOOD EXPIRATION
Feeding your baby canned or jarred baby food after the expiration date has passed probably won't make her ill, but your baby will get fewer nutrients. Expiration dates on baby food are very conservative and are there mainly for quality purposes, not for safety; however, the nutrition and flavor of the food will deteriorate over time.
Friday, July 17, 2009
FOODS TO AVOID
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends you begin introducing solid foods to your baby around six months of age to ensure she receives proper nutrition. While you are preparing for this momentous milestone, keep in mind there are a number of foods you should not give your baby until she is older, including:
Wheat: Wheat is the most common grain allergen so you should not give your baby wheat or wheat products until she is six to eight months old and can handle rice and oats.
Honey: Honey can harbor spores of botulism, which can grow and produce life-threatening toxins in your baby's intestinal tract. Do not give your baby honey until she is older than one year.
Cow's Milk: Giving a baby cow's milk too early can cause childhood allergies. Wait to introduce cow's milk until she is one year old.
Eggs: Infants older than nine months can have egg yolks, but wait until your baby is older than one year to give her the protein-rich whites.
Citrus: Check with your pediatrician before giving citrus juice to your baby as it can cause allergies.
Peanuts: Peanuts and peanut butter can cause violent allergic reactions and shouldn't be given to children younger than 3 years old.
Wheat: Wheat is the most common grain allergen so you should not give your baby wheat or wheat products until she is six to eight months old and can handle rice and oats.
Honey: Honey can harbor spores of botulism, which can grow and produce life-threatening toxins in your baby's intestinal tract. Do not give your baby honey until she is older than one year.
Cow's Milk: Giving a baby cow's milk too early can cause childhood allergies. Wait to introduce cow's milk until she is one year old.
Eggs: Infants older than nine months can have egg yolks, but wait until your baby is older than one year to give her the protein-rich whites.
Citrus: Check with your pediatrician before giving citrus juice to your baby as it can cause allergies.
Peanuts: Peanuts and peanut butter can cause violent allergic reactions and shouldn't be given to children younger than 3 years old.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
YOUR BABY IS ON THE MOVE!
Your baby may begin to crawl between six and nine months of age. However, if she does not start crawling, don't worry; she may have found another way of getting around, or may skip this stage entirely and just start walking. Many babies develop their own unique methods of movement. However, if you are concerned that she's not developing normally, have her pediatrician do an evaluation. To help your baby develop locomotion skills, place a toy just out of reach and let her try to get it. She may become frustrated when she can't quite reach it, but let her keep trying and figure it out for herself. This will help her development and self confidence.
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