Separation Anxiety – How to Cope

When it comes to separation anxiety, it’s not a question of IF your child will experience it, but WHEN they will experience it. Once this stage comes around, it can be very difficult to deal with because your child feels like they will never see mom again and you develop overwhelming feelings of guilt.

Separation anxiety can happen whether your child is an infant or a toddler. Even though this is a natural part of childhood, there are some tips to help you cope with leaving your child in the care of someone else. Whether you leave them with the grandparents while you do some shopping, or leave them with a babysitter while you work, these tips will help you get past this stage without too many hard feelings.

It’s very important to keep a positive attitude about everything. Children can sense things easily, so by staying calm, your child will also feel calm and reassured.

Going back to work

If you plan on going back to work, it might be a good idea to have someone come over and stay with your child for small periods of time before your first day of work. This will help your child become used to being in someone else’s care while you’re away. If you leave for an hour or two each time, they’ll soon realize that you’ll always be returning. They’ll also start to feel safe and secure with the person who will be caring for them while you’re working.

You may have to do this even if it’s a member of your own family who will be looking after your child. When you’ve spent every waking hour with your child since the minute they were born, it’s easy to imagine how you’ll both feel when you’re separated.

How I dealt with separation anxiety

In my own experience, it was much easier on us both if I left the house quickly. The more I hung around and watched my daughter cry and tried to console her, the worse it was. Some days I would even sneak out. For the really bad days, we would distract her with a video or a snack while I left.
No matter how I left, I came to realize that it was important that I didn’t cry in front of her. The first few weeks of going to work were very hard on us both, and I would cry easily. This made her even more upset, so I found that when I kept a big smile on my face and sounded very positive, her attitude changed as well.

After a short while, we were going through a routine and I would say to her every time that I would be back soon. Even though she was too young to understand exactly what I was saying, my tone would reassure her and eventually she stopped crying when I left.

If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your child while they’re crying, there is nothing wrong with consoling them. Do keep in mind however, that you may have some late mornings if you do this. And I personally believe that this is harder on the child in the long run. A quick kiss and a hug every morning will give them the comfort they need and they’ll soon come to expect it as part of their routine.

Tips to help your child cope with separation anxiety

In summary, here are the few tips you can try to help ease separation anxiety in your child and yourself:

• Leave your child with their caregiver for short periods of time to help them get used to it.
• Don’t let your child see you cry when you leave. This can send them negative signals.
• Stay calm and always use a positive tone when you talk to your child. Getting angry or yelling will just make things worse.
• Get out the door as quick as you can. Lingering may give your child more opportunity to feel anxious.
• Start a morning routine so that your child will soon come to expect it.

How to Deal with a Screaming Toddler

A screaming toddler can be a nightmare for parents, especially when you’re at the grocery store or a restaurant. Most toddlers go through this stage – in fact, some toddlers go through this stage more than once.

Sometimes it may seem like your toddler is screaming just to frustrate you, but this isn’t the case. It’s usually a cry for attention, or it may be simply that they just feel like it. Screaming in a big building like a mall can generate a pretty cool echo, so it’s only natural that they’ll want to experience it.


In a lot of cases, screaming means they want something which is normally something they can’t or shouldn’t have. My son threw a hissy fit in a store the other week because he wanted out of the cart. I had to cut my shopping trip short and take him out to the car.

Dealing with a screaming toddler

Don’t retaliate – Sometimes you may want to scream right back at your child, but believe me, this doesn’t work. In the end, it turns out to be a competition to see who is louder and the outcome is nothing but some sore throats and maybe a few tears.

Distraction – A better bet is to use distraction as your weapon against a screaming child. For example, if your child spots some candy in the grocery store and starts screaming, try pointing out some healthy snack options instead. Or you can try playing a game like Eye Spy. This works well in my case, although a lot of times I have to try a few different things before I’m successful. For my little guy who is almost 2, I point things out that are new to him and get him to repeat what I’m saying. I say it with as much enthusiasm as possible so that he gets excited too.

Prepare – Planning ahead is a great idea when you have errands to run. I always have snacks in my purse along with a sippy cup. If it’s going to be a long day, I’ll also throw in a few toys. I try and keep separate toys just for our outings so that they’re always interested in them because they’re special.

Schedule – Before you head out, make sure your toddler is well-rested. A good time to go out is right after nap time or right after she wakes up in the morning. You’ll also want to make sure she’s got a full stomach. Toddlers can get pretty cranky when they start to get hungry.

Get them involved – Involving the kids as much as possible is also a great way to avoid screaming. My daughter loves to press the OK button on the ATM machine when I run to the bank. She also loves to help pick out grocery items. This keeps her mind occupied on the task at hand, and not on something else that she can’t have.

Choose family friendly places – If you’re planning on eating at a restaurant with your toddler, opt for the more family friendly places rather than a quiet or more formal setting. I always choose one particular restaurant in town when I take my kids out. It’s always packed and noisy. That way, if my kids start screaming it won’t be as noticeable. I also order a baby plate as soon as we sit so the kids can eat right away.

Indoor voice – Something as simple as asking your toddler to use their indoor voice may just do the trick. I’m always surprised at how well it works. I learned that from watching Barney! That funny purple dragon or whatever he is sure comes in handy sometimes. Or is he a dinosaur? I can never remember.

Stay calm – Keeping your voice and your tone quiet and gentle will help set a good example for your child. As much as you might want to raise your voice, maintaining a neutral tone will keep from making the situation worse. This can be extremely hard to achieve, but it’s worth it in the end. It will also take a lot of practice, but I’m sure that by the time your toddler has grown up you will have plenty of it!

Bail – If you’re out in public and nothing you’re trying seems to be working, it might be best to just leave with your toddler, even if it means leaving a grocery cart full of food in the middle of aisle 12.

Acknowledge, but don’t give in – If your child is screaming because they’re upset about something, acknowledge their feelings and help them work through it. If they’re screaming because they want something they can’t have, don’t give in just to have some peace and quiet. That’s only going to make things worse in the long run.

One thing to remember is that this stage will pass. It may be hard to think about that when you’re in the middle of a crowded place and you feel like everyone is staring at you because your child is screaming at the top of their lungs.


Chances are however, that none of those people will remember you the next day. What matters is your family, and how you deal with them at difficult times. Don’t sacrifice an opportunity to encourage good behavior for the sake of a few strangers’ opinions.

How to Calm a Fussy Baby

As cute and loveable as they are, babies can be extremely difficult to deal with when they’re fussy, especially if you’re by yourself and there is nobody around to help you.
The first thing you should know are some reasons why babies cry. If you can identify the source of your baby’s discomfort, then you’ll be more able to come up with a solution to calm them down.

Why do babies cry?

• They are too warm or too cold
• They’re hungry
• They have a dirty diaper
• They’re tired or restless
• They have allergies
• They have an illness (cough, cold, flu, etc.)
• They want comfort from being held or pacifying
• Breastfed babies can have a reaction to mom eating certain foods 
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• Here are some suggestions you can try to help calm your fussy baby.

  Music – Play a calming lullaby cd for your baby.
  Wind Chimes – Hang some wind chimes in your house and let your baby play with them.
  Infant Massage – This method is becoming more and more popular. Massaging your baby is proven to help calm him and create a new bonding experience.
  Fart – No, not you! Get your baby to pass gas. A common cause of fussiness is a gassy tummy. Try bending their legs to help ease their stomach pains.
  White Noise – A fan or static on a radio can create a soothing sound for babies because it mimics the sounds of the womb.
  Nursing – If you breastfeed your baby, this can be one of the best ways of calming her down.
  Hold your baby – Despite what many people say, you won’t spoil your baby by holding him. By comforting him when he needs you, you are building trust.
  Get some air – If your baby is a little older, he may enjoy going outside for a walk in the stroller. Many interesting things are waiting to be seen outdoors.
  Put on a video – Baby Einstein is great for bored babies. They love the music and colors. This is a great opportunity for you to sit with your baby and help them learn by pointing out objects and naming them as they see them.
  Swaddle – Most newborns like to be swaddled because it makes them feel like they are back in your tummy.
  Dance – Turn on some tunes and dance with your baby. This can also be a great bonding experience.
  Sleep – Lay down with your baby and see if they fall asleep. They may just want to rest but want to stay close to you.
  Mirror – Sit your baby in front of an unbreakable mirror. Babies love to see their own reflection.
  Time out – Take your baby to a quiet place. Their fussiness could be caused by overstimulation. They may just need some time to settle down.
  Swing – Buy a baby swing or sit in your own garden swing. The rocking motion mimics the motion of being inside the womb and is great for calming baby.
  Drive - Many parents resort to taking their baby for a car ride. Be sure not to use this method too much as your baby may start to depend on it for going to sleep.
  Your voice – Try holding your baby to your chest and talk to her or someone else. The sound of your calm voice can be soothing to your fussy baby.
  If all else fails, gently put your baby in the crib and close the door. Go to a quiet room and take a few deep breaths. If you’re alone, ask a neighbor or a close family member or friend to come over and help you out.
  
  
  

Getting Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Every parent has had those sleepless nights where baby just won’t settle down. Unfortunately, a lot of parents go through this every night. Whether you stay at home with your baby, or you leave the house to work during the day, endless nights of waking up around the clock will eventually wear you down.
You’ll get exhausted, moody and won’t be able to even think straight! Or maybe this already sounds familiar to you.

Most parents suffer from sleep deprivation at some point. Its just part of parenthood. Even those lucky enough to have babies who are good sleepers eventually have to deal with getting their toddlers to stay in bed. What gets really frustrating is reading so much conflicting information about getting your baby to sleep through the night. But what you must understand is that every baby is different, so not every sleeping method works. That’s why there are so many different opinions out there. But I’m not here to give you an opinion or tell you what to do. I’m just going to tell you exactly what I did to get my son to sleep through the night.

How I got my son to sleep through the night

First, you have to understand that I only breastfed my son until he was seven weeks old. I had to have surgery shortly after he was born and couldn’t breastfeed for a few days. I tried hard to pump and keep my milk supply up, but I finally had to stop torturing myself and my son and start feeding him formula.

A few weeks after that, he started sleeping through the night. What also happened at the same time is I started putting him down awake (breastfeeding would always put him to sleep). At just over 2 months, I was sure that it wouldn’t work, but to my surprise it did.

The trick was to put him down at the precise moment he started to get sleepy. I watched him like a hawk and eventually I could tell when he looked tired. His eyes would get red around the rims and they would start to look heavy. This was the only sign. Occasionally he would yawn, but his eyes would give him away sooner.

I had always read to watch for babies rubbing their eyes when they were tired, but neither of my babies did that until they were a little older.

I had also read to create a bed-time routine, but I have yet to do that with my son and he’s now 8 months at the time of writing this. My daughter didn’t have a bed-time routine established until she was almost a year old. So far, both my children have been excellent sleepers.

Why does it work?

Now, you may be wondering how putting a baby down when he’s awake will help him sleep through the night. Here’s my thoughts from experience. When a baby is put down after they are asleep, they’ll eventually stir and will probably wake up. If they aren’t being held in your arms anymore, they might get upset and want to be back in your arms. So they’ll cry until they are.

If you put them down while they’re awake and they fall asleep on their own, they won’t be startled when they wake up because they’ll be right where they were before they fell asleep.

Of course, I have no idea what goes on inside a baby’s head – so this is just what I think, not what I know. I do however know that when my babies were put down awake, they slept through the night more than they did if they were put down already asleep. They also slept longer into the next morning which is sure nice. The better they sleep at night, the better they nap during the day. And the better they nap during the day, the better they sleep at night.

If my son does happen to wake up in the night, I usually just put his pacifier back in his mouth and he falls right back to sleep. Some mothers may want to crucify me for this, but hey – it works! He’s happy, healthy, and well rested. (And so am I!)

Getting your baby to sleep through the night probably won’t happen in one day, so here are a few things to think about to keep you sane during those sleepless nights:

Listen to your instincts. Remember you know your baby best. Take all advice you get as what it is, advice. Never let it replace your own personal judgment. You know your baby best and only YOU know what’s really right for him. If it feels right to rock your baby to sleep, then do it. If it feels right to bring your baby into bed with you then do it.

Stop the guilt. Don’t take it personally. A lot of us suddenly feel instant guilt when our baby cries. Are we doing the right thing? Does she need feeding? Is his diaper wet?And on and on…

Comfort them. Remember your baby could be crying for a number of reasons and some are out of your control. Did you know that babies are born with the crying reflex but not the laughing reflex? Well they are… it’s instinctive for babies to cry. We’re going back to primitive times. Babies cry to have their needs met. Sometimes those needs are just to simply cry it out for a bit while feeling the warmth and comfort of their most loved person … you!

Become an expert. Go online or to the library and read a few books on baby sleep and sleep patterns. Arm yourself with all the knowledge that you can so that when others come your way offering advice you can politely say you know exactly what you’re doing.

Whatever you decide, the main thing to remember is that sleepless nights are part of having a baby. Do what feels best for you and remember that this is a normal phase of your baby’s development and will soon end. Those tiny little treasures will soon be running all over the house creating havoc. So enjoy each precious moment (even if its a sleepless one) as much as you can, because it sure doesn’t last long.

Advice for Pregnant Women

What should you do while being pregnant?

• first of all, follow your instincts. If you want the fetus to grow normally, be physically active. You should move a lot. If the mother’s heart works actively, the child receives more of the useful substances which her blood contains.

But be careful:

• to be active doesn’t mean to be fond of parachute jumping or to become a rock-climber;
• don’t love yourself more than earlier, pregnancy is not an illness;
• keep fit and pay attention to your appearance (eyes, lips, chicks, nails, hair-do…) and don’t think that now your husband will stay with you forever;
• don’t do a lot of sun tanning and don’t forget about hats.
• use less aerosols (deodorants, hairspray). Generally try to use less chemicals (detergent, mineral fertilizers).
• work and study have great positive meaning as they give you a chance to think less about pregnancy;
• keep in mind: each infection is really dangerous for a fetus. Of course it’s very difficult not to catch a cold during 9 months, but try to prevent it by avoiding places with a lot of people. The most dangerous virus for a pregnant woman is German measles, which influences a fetus badly. Avoid visiting children hospitals. Don’t eat products which may cause diarrhea (be careful with the food you eat and don’t forget to wash your hands);
• don’t treat any illness yourself, such as a heavy cold or indigestion, with the help of various pills;
• don’t travel a lot during the last months of pregnancy. A plane or a train is not the best alternative to a maternity hospital.

A special question concerns different sets of exercises for pregnant women. A woman who is ready to do exercises regularly will find time to buy or borrow a book written by specialists.

It’s important, nevertheless, to understand that all exercises are secondary compared to the importance of lifestyle (fresh air, physical activity). It’s strange, but I often face the situation when a future mother lies on the sofa for 12 hours, does some exercise for 15 minutes, then rests for another 11 hours and 45 minutes. This should not be considered an effective lifestyle to be ready for childbirth.

Dealing with Toddler Tantrums

The terrible twos – Even the most dignified parent has been left red-faced and wanting to be swallowed into the ground while their toddler is having a public meltdown. Tantrums at home can be just as frustrating, so here are a few easy ideas for stopping them or preventing them altogether:

Don’t Let Them Get Over Tired – Don’t let your toddler become too tired. Set a regular nap routine and try to stick to it, and make sure he goes to bed at a reasonable time and gets enough sleep during the night. Tiredness is often the first reason for a tantrum.

Keep Sugar Levels Stable – Don’t let your toddler’s blood sugar levels dip too low. This will make him irritable and tired, the tantrum will soon follow. Make sure he has plenty of small nutritious snacks throughout the day to provide him with a steady source of energy to avoid blood sugar dips.

Give Them Time – Allow enough time for activities like getting dressed, brushing their hair and getting in and out of the car. Your toddler will want to do a lot of these things on his own and rushing him is a sure way to start a tantrum. Give him a little extra time and let him try to be independent by allowing him to do certain things for himself.

Distractions – Many times a toddler’s screams and shouts can be stopped short by distracting them with something else. Offer to read them a book, color with them, or watch a video. They’ll soon forget what they were screaming about.

Put it Away – Is there a certain item that always causes your toddler to have a tantrum? A food that’s only for after dinner or an item he shouldn’t have. Then put it where he can’t see it. Out of sight, out of mind, is a great way of avoiding tantrums.

Don’t Give In – It may be tempting to give in to tantrums just to avoid a confrontation, but you’ll only encourage more similar behavior in the future. Don’t confuse your toddler by being inconsistent. Once he realizes he won’t get his way, he’ll stop playing the tantrum game.

Ignore It – This is easier said than done and of course it depends where your child is having his tantrum. If you’re in the middle of the supermarket you can’t just walk away or ignore your child especially if they’re grabbing or breaking things. In this instance it may be best to gently pick up your child and take him outside or to an area away from people and noise. Give him a few minutes to calm down and a big hug.

If your child is having a tantrum in a safe place like at home, then it’s best to walk away until he calms down. Make sure he can’t hurt himself or anything or anyone else and just walk away. Once he’s finished give him a hug and talk about what he’s feeling.

Give Him a Hug – Many times your child just needs to be held and needs you to help him control his emotions. If he’s in the middle of a tantrum try gently hugging him and just hold him. A lot of the times this will completely diffuse the tantrum. Be sensitive to his reactions and if you see your hug is only making him more upset then give him a little space instead or try a different approach.

Choosing the Right Daycare

Once you’ve made the decision to return to work after your baby has been born, it’s time to start searching for a daycare center. This can be an emotional time for you, and sometimes overwhelming especially if there are numerous daycare centers to choose from.
Here are a few tips you can use to help you choose a daycare provider that’s right for you and your child:

• The first step is to get a list of daycare centers in your area. Check your local yellow pages, online, or get some recommendations from other parents.

• Find out of there are any openings available for you to enroll your child.

• Are there any age restrictions?

• Write down the locations and hours of operation for each daycare center on your list.

• What is the cost to enroll your child?

• How many other children are currently attending and what are their ages?

• Are healthy meals and snacks supplied by the daycare center?

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few daycare centers, it’s time to ask some important questions to ensure that you’re choosing the right daycare for your child. Here are some questions to keep in mind when visiting or speaking with each daycare center.

• Is it clean and safe for your child?

• What is the ratio of caregivers to children?

• Are the children at the daycare actively engaged in activities and do they seem happy and well taken care of?

• Are there plenty of educational toys and activities for the children?

• Are the caregivers warm and friendly? How do they interact with the children?

• Ask the daycare administrator for some background information on the staff, especially regarding licenses or degrees.

• Ensure that the daycare staff have received the proper training and have good credentials and experience.

• Are there safety exits in case of a fire or other emergency?

Once you’re satisfied that you have the answers to these questions, you should be able to determine which daycare center is the best choice for your child. The closest daycare may not always be the best, and the most inexpensive option may not always be the best either.

You’ll know what’s best for your child, and which daycare center will be the most suitable environment for him to be in while you’re working.

Childproofing Your Kitchen

Your kitchen can be a very dangerous place for your child if it isn’t properly baby proofed. Here are some important tips you should follow to prevent kitchen accidents.

1. Use outlet plugs. This is must. These handy little plastic covers plug right into your wall sockets. It’s important to get the best possible plugs available since those little fingers can get quite good at pulling out the cheap ones.

2. Lock cabinet doors – I couldn’t live without the latches that keep drawers and cupboard doors closed. They’re easy to get into for adults, but impossible for little hands to open.

3. Keep cleaning supplies away. Even if you use latches on your cupboard doors, it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep your cleaning products out of your child’s reach. I keep mine in the cupboard above the sink.

4. Use oven and fridge latches. It’s amazing how easily your little one can open the fridge and oven doors. Without me knowing it, my daughter had snuck into the fridge and taken an entire carton of eggs out, then broke them all over the basement. I’ve had a latch on my fridge ever since!

5. Common sense. Regularly sweet and mop your kitchen floors, and keep the counters clear of things like sharp knives or heavy appliances that can be pulled off.


I’ve used quite a few different child proofing products, and I’ve found that Safety 1st is one of the best and least expensive.

Summertime Fun For Babies

It’s summertime – Why should big kids get to have all the fun? Babies love the chance to get fresh air, and there’s no better time to do it than in the summertime, when there’s plenty to see and do outdoors.

Before you head outside, though, make sure your baby is properly protected from the elements. Dress him in cool breathable fabrics like cotton, along with a floppy sun hat that covers his head, face, and neck. You should plan to keep your baby out of the direct sun altogether, but if you do find yourself in the sun, keep your baby’s arms and legs covered and apply sunscreen to his hands and face. When choosing sunscreen, your best bet is one of the so-called “chemical-free” sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens sit on top of the skin rather than getting absorbed. Test the sunscreen on a very small patch of skin before slathering it on to make sure that there’s no reaction. And check with your doctor if your child has special sensitivities.


Additionally, try to use good sense about when to go outside. In general, you should avoid heading outside in the peak heat times of the day (11 am to 1 pm). Plus, if the weather is especially hot, you and your baby should both stay hydrated. Babies under six months old should drink more breastmilk or formula to replace lost fluids; beyond six months old they can drink a modest amount of water.

Once they’re all ready for the great outdoors, it’s time to have some fun:

At the Park: Even if they’re too little to enjoy the playground equipment, they will love the chance to feel some green grass in their toes. Bring a blanket and a few small toys and find a nice shady spot to sit in. Once your little one has good head and upper body control (at least five months) she will enjoy the baby swings and even the slide, if you hold on to her while she rides down.

At the Pool: Most doctors recommend that infants younger than three months old not go in a pool, and some would more conservatively say six months is the earliest age for swimming. Nevertheless, if your family goes to the pool, your infant can sit in the shade and enjoy the sound of the water splashing. By six months, most babies will love to have you carry them around in the water with you. Plus, they love to play with plastic cups and pitchers, so you don’t need to buy fancy toys. Once they’re comfortable in the water, they will enjoy kicking, splashing, pouring, and even dunking. Try to avoid using inflatable flotation devices – they create a false sense of security and are not 100 percent reliable. Additionally, make sure that the water is warm enough so that your baby does not get chilled.

At the Beach: Most babies love the beach even without getting in the water. The warm breeze, the crashing waves, the soft sand – what’s not to like? When you take your baby to the beach, make sure that you follow all of the usual precautions for the sun, and consider giving her the extra protection of a sun tent that is SPF-rated (extra bonus: it’s a great place for a nap!). Bring along some simple beach toys (shovels, cups, balls) and let your little one have a fun sensory experience in the sand or near the water’s edge. Tip: A light dusting of baby powder is great for getting off wet, sticky sand – especially when it’s time for a diaper change.

Hiking or Camping: You can probably take your baby hiking or camping as soon as you’re willing and able to do it. The main thing you’ll need is a comfortable baby carrier or backpack, and plenty of protection from the elements. Once you arrive at your destination, your baby will love the new sights and sounds. Prop her up in a baby chair so she can see all of the activity. You can use bug repellant containing DEET on babies older than two months, but you should avoid putting it on their hands because they tend to put their hands in their mouths. If you don’t want to use DEET, you can also use products containing citronella. Camping overnight is up to you and your baby’s comfort; many parents who do this bring along a portable playpen for the baby to sleep in.

In the Backyard: Who says you have to go anywhere? Most babies are just happy to be outside. Your little one will love watching and listening to whatever is going on (birds and butterflies flying around, wind chimes ringing) and he’ll have an even better time if you roll him a ball or turn on the sprinkler. Kiddie pools can be fun too, but never sit more than an arm’s length away from your baby and follow all water safety rules.

Most of all, babies just love to be with you. So whether you’re at the beach or in the backyard, your baby will love any change of scenery you can give him. And by next summer, he’s sure to be running everywhere under the sun.

Dealing with Toddler Tantrums

The terrible twos – Even the most dignified parent has been left red-faced and wanting to be swallowed into the ground while their toddler is having a public meltdown. Tantrums at home can be just as frustrating, so here are a few easy ideas for stopping them or preventing them altogether:

Don’t Let Them Get Over Tired – Don’t let your toddler become too tired. Set a regular nap routine and try to stick to it, and make sure he goes to bed at a reasonable time and gets enough sleep during the night. Tiredness is often the first reason for a tantrum.

Keep Sugar Levels Stable – Don’t let your toddler’s blood sugar levels dip too low. This will make him irritable and tired, the tantrum will soon follow. Make sure he has plenty of small nutritious snacks throughout the day to provide him with a steady source of energy to avoid blood sugar dips.

Give Them Time – Allow enough time for activities like getting dressed, brushing their hair and getting in and out of the car. Your toddler will want to do a lot of these things on his own and rushing him is a sure way to start a tantrum. Give him a little extra time and let him try to be independent by allowing him to do certain things for himself.

Distractions – Many times a toddler’s screams and shouts can be stopped short by distracting them with something else. Offer to read them a book, color with them, or watch a video. They’ll soon forget what they were screaming about.

Put it Away – Is there a certain item that always causes your toddler to have a tantrum? A food that’s only for after dinner or an item he shouldn’t have. Then put it where he can’t see it. Out of sight, out of mind, is a great way of avoiding tantrums.

Don’t Give In – It may be tempting to give in to tantrums just to avoid a confrontation, but you’ll only encourage more similar behavior in the future. Don’t confuse your toddler by being inconsistent. Once he realizes he won’t get his way, he’ll stop playing the tantrum game.

Ignore It – This is easier said than done and of course it depends where your child is having his tantrum. If you’re in the middle of the supermarket you can’t just walk away or ignore your child especially if they’re grabbing or breaking things. In this instance it may be best to gently pick up your child and take him outside or to an area away from people and noise. Give him a few minutes to calm down and a big hug.

If your child is having a tantrum in a safe place like at home, then it’s best to walk away until he calms down. Make sure he can’t hurt himself or anything or anyone else and just walk away. Once he’s finished give him a hug and talk about what he’s feeling.

Give Him a Hug – Many times your child just needs to be held and needs you to help him control his emotions. If he’s in the middle of a tantrum try gently hugging him and just hold him. A lot of the times this will completely diffuse the tantrum. Be sensitive to his reactions and if you see your hug is only making him more upset then give him a little space instead or try a different approach.

Teething Tips

When your baby starts to teeth, it can be a frustrating time for you both. Along with teething comes drool rash, diarrhea, fussiness and biting.

Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks for teething babies that can help sooth your baby AND you.

Drool Rash From Teething
During teething time, many babies develop a drool rash due to excess saliva. When your baby drools, their sensitive skin can become red and bumpy, like a rash.

If baby develops a drool rash while they’re teething, keep a towel or cotton cloth under their bed sheet to soak up the drool. When they drool in their sleep, their sensitive faces rub against the wet sheet and causes a rash.

During the day, keep their faces dry by patting their face gently with a cloth to prevent further irritation. If a drool rash is bothering your baby, try using vaseline to keep their skin moist.

I’ve written a bit more about drool rash here, including a picture of my son when he had his first case of drool rash from teething.

Diarrhea caused by teething
One of the tell-tale signs of teething is diarrhea. Baby’s bum can become red and sore just before a tooth comes through. Make sure to change your baby as soon as they pass a loose stool to minimize diaper rash. This should hopefully only last a few days until the tooth breaks through the gums. If a fever accompanies diarrhea, contact your family physician.

Biting during teething
Usually, biting is a sign of teething. Don’t get upset with your baby if they bite you – instead, give them something else to gnaw on. Here are some ideas:

Popsicle – Some moms like to freeze juice so it provides comfort and nutrition at the same time.

Frozen bagel or banana – Always supervise to prevent your baby from choking on a large piece.

Chicken Leg Bone – Kids like chewing on a bone, just like a dog does. But make sure there aren’t any slivers of bone left on it.

Teething Biscuits – Teething biscuits can be a life saver, but don’t give your baby too many as they can cause tooth decay.

Cold bottle of water – The cool water is good for them and numbs their pain at the same time.

Cold spoon – Babies like the feeling of a cold spoon, but bend the handle so they can’t injure themselves.

Teething Ring – Teething rings are great for sore gums, especially if kept in the fridge. Try to find one that is textured and only contains water. Make sure their sharp little teeth can’t puncture it.

Washcloth – Keep some wet washcloths in the freezer in a baggie, then when your baby is teething, just take the washcloths out and let them chew on them for fast relief.

Teething Necklace - I wear necklaces all the time, and when my babies were both teething, they’d chew on my necklaces the entire time I was holding them.

Other remedies for teething babies
If the items listed above don’t help, try these solutions:

Rub your fingers along their sore gums if they let you. They might not be willing at first, but soon they’ll realize the counter pressure feels good.

Try to keep your baby entertained with new toys or a change of scenery for distraction.

There are non-toxic organic toys specifically for baby to chew on. My babies would slobber on every toy they could reach, so it’s a relief to know that there are safe things for them to stick in their mouths!

How to Calm a Fussy Baby

As cute and loveable as they are, babies can be extremely difficult to deal with when they’re fussy, especially if you’re by yourself and there is nobody around to help you.

The first thing you should know are some reasons why babies cry. If you can identify the source of your baby’s discomfort, then you’ll be more able to come up with a solution to calm them down.

Why do babies cry?
They are too warm or too cold

They’re hungry

They have a dirty diaper

They’re tired or restless

They have allergies

They have an illness (cough, cold, flu, etc.)

They want comfort from being held or pacifying

Breastfed babies can have a reaction to mom eating certain foods
Here are some suggestions you can try to help calm your fussy baby.
Music – Play a calming lullaby cd for your baby.

Wind Chimes – Hang some wind chimes in your house and let your baby play with them.

Infant Massage – This method is becoming more and more popular. Massaging your baby is proven to help calm him and create a new bonding experience.

Fart – No, not you! Get your baby to pass gas. A common cause of fussiness is a gassy tummy. Try bending their legs to help ease their stomach pains.

White Noise – A fan or static on a radio can create a soothing sound for babies because it mimics the sounds of the womb.

Nursing – If you breastfeed your baby, this can be one of the best ways of calming her down.

Hold your baby – Despite what many people say, you won’t spoil your baby by holding him. By comforting him when he needs you, you are building trust.

Get some air – If your baby is a little older, he may enjoy going outside for a walk in the stroller. Many interesting things are waiting to be seen outdoors.

Put on a video – Baby Einstein is great for bored babies. They love the music and colors. This is a great opportunity for you to sit with your baby and help them learn by pointing out objects and naming them as they see them.

Swaddle – Most newborns like to be swaddled because it makes them feel like they are back in your tummy.

Dance – Turn on some tunes and dance with your baby. This can also be a great bonding experience.

Sleep – Lay down with your baby and see if they fall asleep. They may just want to rest but want to stay close to you.

Mirror – Sit your baby in front of an unbreakable mirror. Babies love to see their own reflection.

Time out – Take your baby to a quiet place. Their fussiness could be caused by overstimulation. They may just need some time to settle down.

Swing – Buy a baby swing or sit in your own garden swing. The rocking motion mimics the motion of being inside the womb and is great for calming baby.

Drive - Many parents resort to taking their baby for a car ride. Be sure not to use this method too much as your baby may start to depend on it for going to sleep.

Your voice – Try holding your baby to your chest and talk to her or someone else. The sound of your calm voice can be soothing to your fussy baby.

If all else fails, gently put your baby in the crib and close the door. Go to a quiet room and take a few deep breaths. If you’re alone, ask a neighbor or a close family member or friend to come over and help you out.

Is Your Toddler Afraid of Bath Time?

First of all, make sure your toddler doesn’t have any cuts or rashes that could be irritated by the water. If there isn’t anything obvious, there might have been an experience from last bathtime that was scary for her.

Did she slip in the tub? Did she get soap in their eyes? Did she swallow some water? Maybe there is no ‘real’ reason for her fears. Sometimes toddlers (and even adults) develop fears for no apparent reason.

How do I get my toddler to bath again?
There are a few things you can do to gradually ease your toddler back into the tub. This is a common phase, and one that usually does not last long.

Some parents start by giving their toddler a sponge bath each time. This can be done on a towel, in the sink, or beside the sink. Then after she is used to that, try sitting her in the sink with some water in it. If this is comfortable for her, you can gradually reintroduce her to the tub.

Try to make bath time really fun to distract her. Bring lots of colorful toys to the tub or sink, or try blowing bubbles. You might need two people at first, one to play and one to wash. By the time your toddler is done being washed, she may not have even noticed that she was in the water.

My daughter suddently became afraid of the tub a few weeks ago. The last bath I gave her, she was her usually cheery self. She played with her toys and splashed in the water.

The next time I put her in the tub, she cried hysterically and wouldn’t calm down. She refused to even stand in the tub. I was forced to take her out without washing her.

Instead of putting her in the tub alone the next time, I sat in the tub with her. She was hesitant at first, but she didn’t cry. She sat in my lap for awhile and played, then she worked up the courage to sit on her own while she splashed in the water. Now, bath time is just like it used to be. (Check out what I’ve discovered that makes bath time even more fun!)

Accept the fear
Don’t ignore your toddler’s fears. If they are genuinely afraid of bath time, don’t increase their fears by forcing them to bath anyway. You will only instill the fear, and you will jeopardize the trust they have in you.

Why is my toddler afraid of the tub?
Sometimes, for no apparent reason, your toddler may decide she hates having baths. Even if you don’t know why she is afraid, it’s best to keep her out of the tub for now. Forcing her to stay in the tub will only make the problem worse.

Too Much TV for Toddlers

Did you know that at least one third of households have their TV turned on all the time. This I can understand. But would you believe that one in four children under the age of 2 have a TV in their bedroom?

Parents and pediatricians are now questioning how much TV is too much. Is it affecting toddlers’ attention spans? Is it causing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? New studies are saying that it is a factor. The more TV your toddler watches, the greater their risk of developing attention difficulties. Too much of the tube is also a factor in childhood obesity.

Here’s some more food for thought. If your toddler watches TV all day, when do they have a chance to use their own imagination? Where have the days gone when going outside to play was the solution for boredom?

When I was a kid, my grandmother would make me go outside and play. If it was cold outside, I would dress up really warm. You wouldn’t dare tell her you were bored, or she would give you chores to do. So, I would stay outside for hours. I had to use my imagination and find ways to cure my boredom. I would make snow forts, slide down the hills on a sled and play with the animals.

Today, most parents are turning to TV to keep their kids entertained. And why wouldn’t they? With shows like Barney, Arthur, and The Doodlebops, you could easily keep your child glued to the TV all day long.

Here’s the kicker. An average 3-year old should be physically active for about an hour a day. But studies have shown that they are only active for 20 minutes. And we wonder why so many kids are becoming obese!

Cutting down TV time
There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of TV your kids watch. There are also lots of things to do instead of being a couch potato.

One reason your child might be watching more TV is because they like the music. Instead of turning on the TV for them, put on a CD.

Don’t eat in front of the TV. Make mealtime a time for family to sit together and talk.

Try offering rewards to your toddler for not watching TV.

Distract your toddler with other things, like toys or puzzles. Don’t leave the TV running in the background.

Go outside and let your child explore. Going for walks will introduce your toddler to new things, but letting them walk instead of staying in the stroller will also help increase their physical activity.

Reading books is a very important part of your toddler’s life. It encourages and enhances their imagination. It’s also fundamental for their language development.

Make sure you discuss your TV rules with family members and any other caregivers.
Here’s another reason to turn off the TV. Not only will you have a more active toddler, you might improve your own relationship with your partner by interacting and communicating more. This is beneficial for both you and the kids by showing a good example.

You don’t have to take your kid back to the stone ages, but keeping their day filled with a variety of activities is important for their growth and development. They will thank you when they’re older.

When Can My Baby Start Drinking Water?

The answer to this question is "yes". The answer is also "no"! The full answer is that, like all human beings, babies do need to take in water in order to survive.

But they don't actually need to drink water—in fact, pediatricians advise against giving your baby plain or distilled water until he or she is six months old. Babies get their water needs met by drinking breast milk or formula, both of which are mostly water.

The reason your doctor will tell you not to feed your baby plain water is that it's easy to fill up an infant's stomach; a few little ounces will do the job. Babies should be filling up on nourishment—getting the nutrients they need from each feeding.

Once your baby has been teething, he or she will need fluoride to support the new teeth, so giving drinking water is a good way to meet that need. But until then, let your baby get water in his or her usual feedings of mother's milk or formula.

If your baby is running a temperature, your pediatrician may advise you to give him or her more liquids. Usually, your doctor will suggest a liquid like Pedialyte, which contains nutrients to restore the balance of your child's electrolytes. Again, don't give your infant water instead of other liquids unless the doctor advises it.