What did you learn today?

Ask child to teach you something she learned in school today. People remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see.

Developing a good sense of hearing

Music created especially for babies helps develop their sense of hearing, concentration and even speech

Offer tots a nibble tray

Offer a nibble tray. Toddlers like to graze their way through a variety of foods, so why not offer them a customized smorgasbord!

How to best heat breast milk

Do not heat breast milk in a microwave; it will destroy the immunizing properties.

Washing hands is important

The single most important thing your child can do to prevent illness is to wash his or her hands thoroughly and frequently.

Play date behavior

Children aren’t the only ones who must behave properly during play dates. Parents need to respect each other as well.

Teething tricks

A cold washcloth or chilled teething ring can be soothing for tots who are teething. Don’t give baby a frozen teething ring, extreme cold may hurt.

Structure Your Family’s Eating

Although hectic schedules can present challenges, discourage eating on the run and random snacking. Instead, establish routines meals

When do motor skills emerge?

When do motor skills emerge? Running: as early as 13mos, kicking as early as 15mos, jumping as early as 21 mos

Avoid the sweet stuff

Oatmeal, raisin bran, fat-free granola & Cheerios are good choices. If child is used to sugary cereals, gradually mix in healthier cereals while reducing sweeter stuff

Toddler attention span tip

Don’t expect your toddler to sit still for a book. They may be moving, but they are listening.

Encouraging motor skills

The easiest way to encourage your toddler to develop motor skills is to have them help with everyday activities like feeding and grooming themselves

Toddler proofing outside your home

Your house may be toddler proof, but neighbors and relatives may not have the need. That means parents must be on particular guard when visiting others’ homes for safety.

Monkey-see, Monkey-do

Using profanity, hitting, or other disrespectful behavior may be a direct result of ‘monkey-see, monkey-do’. Kids are looking and listening to everything we do.

Measuring baby’s length

To measure your baby’s length all you need to do is lay her down on a flat surface and stretch a measuring tape from head to toes.

When tots can ride a bike

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. 

Breastfed infants and weight gain

Though they tend to have rounder more developed cheek muscles developed from sucking, breast fed infants gain weight at a slower rate than bottle fed infants especially after 6 months of age.

When teething begins

Although timing varies widely, most babies begin teething by about age 6 months. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the two top front teeth.

Strollers and airlines

Don’t check your stroller unless you plan to carry your child in a sling. Most airlines will allow you to push your stroller all the way to the gate and then check it.

Talking and singing to baby

Talk and sing to your baby. It is soothing to hear your voice.