Toddler Tip of the Day

The best time to play with your baby is when he’s alert and relaxed. Watch your baby closely for signs of being tired or fussy so that you can take a break.

From: cdc.gov

Tags: baby, play

By 12 months parents can start checking with the child’s physician to see if they have the neck development to safely go for a bike ride. 

Most toddlers’ neck and shoulder muscles can tolerate the weight of a helmet and absorb shock from bumps in the road at 1 years old.

From: ibike.org

Tags: motor skills, bicycle

A quiet activity or a rest before meals or snacks is a good idea as a tired or energized toddler may well not be interested in eating.

From: amoils.com

Tags: activity, food

Find broken crayons, put them in an oiled muffin tin, and place them in a warm oven to melt. Let them cool and pop them out of the tin.

Use your new "rainbow color wheel crayons" to draw pictures.

From: parents.com

Enroll your toddlers in summer programs at local museums.

In large cities such as New York or Los Angeles, you will have access to children’s museums, which are already in themselves a great way to learn and have fun at the same time. In smaller cities, museums may have a specialized children’s program running alongside adults’ workshops or lectures.

From: associatedcontent.com

Tags: activity, summer

As much as you treasure the quiet that comes with a Disney DVD, try to limit your child’s TV time to no more than two hours a day (preferably not in one stretch, since kids this age shouldn’t be sedentary for more than an hour at a time).

Remember, there will be even more electronics beckoning to your inquisitive toddler as she gets older, so setting limits on screen time now will help establish healthy habits down the road.

From: whattoexpect.com

Tags: activity, tv

Swimming is a favorite summertime activity. It’s also as major summer health risk for toddlers.

Even if your toddler has taken a swimming course, they should be supervised at all times when in or near water.

From: associatedcontent.com

Tags: safety, swimming, activity

In the hot weather kids drink a lot of liquids so make time for frequent bathroom breaks.

If your child is still in diapers, be sure to check them often to see if they are in need of a change. The last thing you want is your baby to end up with diaper rash.

From: dadrevolution.com

Tags: activity, outdoors, sun

If you can, avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are most intense. Keep in mind that even on cloudy days, the sun can be just as strong; you’ll want to use these same precautions on those days as well.

From: pgeverydaysolutions.com

Tags: sun, health

Unless your family is used to more rustic activities, it is best to choose a campsite with running water and clean restrooms that include showers when camping with a toddler.

Many campsites offer swimming pools and playgrounds that make camping with a toddler much more enjoyable. Some campsites are more family friendly than others.

From: infanttoddlerplay.com

Tags: camping, vacation