Cold weather tip.

Keep your child well protected from the cold, and stay outside for short periods of time.

Toddlers and play date

A play date once or twice a week means your toddler will have something to look forward to, but if you arrange play dates too often, then they may become too much like hard work. It’s hard for toddlers to learn to share and play harmoniously with their peers, and requiring them to be on their best behaviour every day isn’t really very fair.

How to manage diarrhea

To manage diarrhea: BRAT: Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, Yogurt.

Bullies

Is your child being bullied? Reassure your child there is no weakness in leaving the situation, to keep away from the bully.

Encourage experimentation

Children are natural scientists, and they learn by doing.

When it’s right for toilet training

Does your toddler show signs of wanting to do more things for themselves such as pulling up their own pants? They may be ready for toilet training.

Child seat tip

Many companies offer thick car seat covers that act like a bunting for babies in the winter.

Parents should avoid buying any car seat cover or infant bunting that threads through the harness straps of their child’s car seat. Often the packaging of these covers states that the product meets all federal car seat safety guidelines. However, there are no federal guidelines governing after-market car seat accessories.

Mattress warnings

Use a snug fitting mattress in a crib. You shouldn’t be able to fit more than 2 fingers between edge of mattress and crib.

Selecting toddler books

Select books that appeal to infants and toddlers. Look for bright colors, sharp contrasts between the picture and the page, rhythmic writing, and plots that are simple but engaging.

Responsibility for your son’s own messes.

Hold your child accountable for her own messes. Do it kindly, do it supportively, but do it, even when it’s easier to do it yourself.

Toys for the car only.

Pick out a few interesting toys and books just for the car: I found that I could defuse the tantrum that inevitably occurred when my toddler realized that he was about to be strapped into a car seat by strategically offering him a toy or book he didn’t get to see all that often.

Let your toddler try to do it themselves.

Rein in your own impatience. That doesn’t mean abandoning him to it. Stand by, smiling, ready to be helpful in whatever way actually helps your toddler.

Toy tip.

Plastic Rubbermaid bins with the sealing lid are very spacious and better than toy chests, and hampers because they have a top that closes tightly and goes over the bin, making it hard for the toddler to access the toys and preventing them from throwing toys all over the room.

Thumb and finger sucking.

The sucking reflex is normal and healthy in babies. However, a thumb or finger sucking habit can cause problems with the growth of the mouth and jaw, and position of teeth, if it continues after permanent teeth have erupted, between four and seven years of age.

Safety Tip.

Secure standing fans, bookcases, lamps and any other appliance that is within the reach of the toddler. Secure anything that will fall if your toddler holds it for support.

Do cultural things.

Each month visit an art gallery, museum, or educational exhibit.

Sippy cup tip.

If your child is unable or unwilling to tip up a sip cup try a reusable straw drink container. Small children tend to suck more readily than tip up a cup and this will encourage less bottle use!

Kitchen safety tip.

When cooking, use the back burners on the stove and turn all pot handles towards the back of the stove.

Child beds

Involve your child in selection of her new bed. It’s best to allow her to choose new bedding with some of her favorite characters.

Making sure baby is comfortable.

How can you tell if your sleeping baby is getting overheated? She may feel very warm behind her neck, her hair may be damp from sweat or her cheeks may become quite red.

A tremendous amount of heat is lost when we sweat and your baby is no exception. Monitor your baby’s temperature closely, unzip their bunting and remove their hat when you put them in the car or go into a warm shop, and bring an extra set of cloths just in case they get sweaty.