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Do You Use Tap Water for Your Baby's Bottles?

11/28/2014

by Charlene Little, Contributing Writer

Calliditas @ Wikimedia Commons

Since the 1950s, companies have placed fluoride in tap water. Doctors have told us that this is a good thing. For those who have well water, doctors have prescribed fluoride drops to balance out the lack of fluoride in the drinking water. Parents have stocked up on fluoridated bottled water for their nursery, and have went through serious extremes to ensure that their baby had the recommended amount of fluoride before their teeth erupted. The entire medical profession was mistaken.

Fluoride is Bad for Babies:

Yes, that is right. According to the CDC fluoride is dangerous for your little one if they are under six months old.

Sadly, for years formula companies have been packing baby formula full of fluoride to ensure that every baby gets a great start on healthy teeth. Breast milk has a natural amount of fluoride in it. However, the amount provided by breast milk, is a safe amount. Bottle fed babies have been exposed to fluoride in water and then formula. Babies who's parents had well water, had fluoride drops and fluoride in their formula. This means for years, we could have been harming our children's teeth long before they erupted from the gum.

Children Under 8:

Children under the age of 8 do not need extra fluoride. The fluoride from their drinking water is plenty. Adding fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to your child's regimen can damage their teeth. The beginning of this problem is called dental fluorosis. It begins as small white spots on teeth that only a dentist can see. The process of dental fluorosis can be started from birth, long before the eruption of the first baby tooth. The longer fluoride is consumed, the more damage that can be done to the teeth.

Should I Stop Using Tap Water?

The answer to this would depend on your local water company. The fluoride in the water alone is not the culprit, and neither is the fluoride that is found in the baby formula. The problem occurs when the two are mixed together, the fluoride level is brought up to a level that is hazardous to your child's teeth. For more information contact your family dentist or your child's pediatrician.

The Clingy Toddler

11/28/2014

by Charlene Little, Contributing Writer

VanessaQ @ wikimedia commons

If you have a clingy toddler, you know all too well that it can be a hassle. They demand to be carried everywhere, you can't leave the room without them tagging along, and you get absolutely nothing done when you are at home. I, too, know the feeling, and after through research, I can help you break the chain your toddler has you on.

After my youngest son was born, my 20-month-old developed a suction cup and refused to be removed from his daddy's side, even by me. When daddy went to work, I was enough to make him happy, at least until daddy got home. It didn't matter if we were in the middle of a fun game, the second daddy walked through the door, mommy didn't exist until the next day when daddy went to work.

I was determined that my child was going to remove himself from his daddy long enough for me to enjoy giving him a bath and playing with the little toy boats, just like it used to be. I hit the computer and started researching. Now, I want to share with all of you how to get your child to break your leash and enjoy life through their eyes, instead of from your hip.

Why Do Toddlers Cling:

Toddlers cling for many reasons. The first thing you must do is determine why your child is clinging to you so tightly. In most cases, clinginess is a reaction to their environment. Typically it means that they have anxiety about something, or they are fearful of something. Many times, this is a fear of being separated from the person that provides most of their care. Other times, the clinging child is responding to a change in their environment and feels that life is unpredictable. This is especially true if their is a new baby in the home.

How to Handle a Clingy Child:

Dealing with a clingy child can be difficult. Most likely, your nerves are shot, your house is a mess, and you are ready to pull out your hair. Responding to this feeling does not help the child it only causes more negative feelings. If your child is clinging to someone in particular, you should see that as a positive. They feel safe and close to that person and they have a way to feel comfort when they are upset. Do not punish the child for this behavior. The key is to gently persuade the child to release their proverbial suction cup on their own.

Identifying the Reason:

Identifying the reason for your stick tight may not be easy, but it is an important step. If your child responds the same way at the same time of day, pay attention their cues to determine what they want. Are they tired? Do they want to play? Are they just ready for some quite time? Once you figure out why your child is being clingy, you can then explain to them how they feel. Explaining to them how they feel can help you explain this to them in a way they can understand. If they can talk, it is even better because you can teach them how to express what they are feeling rather than cling to someone.

Predictability Issues

Making things predictable for your child can be very beneficial to both of you. If they know what to expect they are less likely to have anxiety. Even if you have the same schedule for your child everyday, they may not understand this.

Toddlers have limited, to no sense of time which can make things difficult for them to predict. Reminding them of that schedule can help them to limit anxiety. Let them know what happens next in their day. For instance, if they are playing, give them a ten minute warning before nap time. Not only will this reduce their anxiety, but it will also help build a sense of time and coordination.

Following these steps is a great start toward building independence in your toddler. It worked for me, and it will work for you!

Originally Published on Yahoo! Voices

Dealing With Sibling Rivalry

11/27/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Dealing with sibling rivalry is pretty much inevitable when you have two or more kids. Brothers and sisters can get along, but there always will be moments from time to time where, for whatever reason their personalities clash. Sometimes it actually can be downright funny.

Take, for instance, a scenario with two of my daughters, who generally get along for the most part. I was sitting in the backyard writing the latest article in my notebook (I'm a freelance writer) while the kids played gleefully. Then, all of a sudden I hear, "Nuh-uh." "Uh-huh" "Nuh-uh." "Uh-huh." After a couple repeats of this scenario often heard in sibling rivalry scenarios, I had to do something.

I am known for getting creative with my parenting solutions. I also like to treasure every moment of motherhood, even difficult circumstances because they often teach lessons and make me a stronger person. Anyway, an idea to make a memory, as well as solve this recent bout of sibling rivalry, I quietly slipped away for a few moments to grab the camera.

I snapped a picture at the moment they were going back and forth with the "nuh-uh's" and "uh-huh's." That snapped their attention and they started to laugh. The first part of the parenting strategy was working. They stopped disagreeing. I showed them the picture to let them know how silly they looked going back and forth like that.

That turned the sibling rivalry situation around into a more positive one. In fact, when I asked what they had been arguing about, they couldn't even remember. They hugged each other, said their apologies, and ran off to continue playing. We now have a fun photo to look at and remember the laughs we had that day. If a similar situation comes up again, that photo will also be a great tool to remind the kids how silly sibling rivalry is. It's much more fun to get along.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Choosing a Laundry Detergent for Baby Clothing

11/4/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Because babies have unique laundering needs, special care should be taken when choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothes. There are a variety of factors to consider during the process. A good laundry detergent for baby clothes needs to do a good job of cleaning, but also should be sensitive to baby's clothing. Also to be considered is baby's skin. As a mom to multiple children, I have dealt with choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothing many times.

Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent

Planet products are designed with eco-friendliness in mind. However, they also are a great option when choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothes. Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent works great on stains, is gentle on baby clothes, and most importantly is gentle on baby's skin. When choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothes, Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice. It contains no fragrances, dyes, enzymes, or brighteners.

Seventh Generation Baby Laundry Liquid Detergent

Seventh Generation makes a special laundry detergent just for babies. When choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothes, Seventh Generation Baby Laundry Liquid Detergent is a great choice. This detergent is natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, dye free, phosphate free, kosher certified, and not tested on animals. In addition, it cleans baby clothes very well, which makes it an even better choice when choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothing. Seventh Generation is named after the great Law of the Iroquois: "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."

BabyGanics

When choosing a laundry detergent for baby clothing, BabyGanics, like these other products, also should be high on the list. BabyGanics is fragrance free, contains no harsh chemicals, is dye free, and does not lower the effectiveness of fire-retardant sleepwear often worn by babies. In addition, BabyGanics laundry detergent is excellent at keeping baby clothing clean. BabyGanics promises its customers VOC free, organic, non caustic products that do not contain any harsh chemicals. They are committed to helping families obtain clean, chemical-free homes.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Cooking in the Kitchen with Kids

11/3/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Cooking in the kitchen with kids can be downright messy, but it also can be pretty fun for parents, as well as kids. As a mother of multiple children, I've had several fun cooking moments with kids. The first time I allowed my two oldest to cook was one of the most fun.

At the time, one of the girls was still a baby and the other was a toddler. I am a firm believer in always involving the kids in every aspect of family life, no matter how small they are. Not only is cooking an important life skill they will be familiar with, but it also is a great way to express creativity, as well as have some family fun.

For this first time cooking in the kitchen with kids, I chose sugar cookies. Easy enough, right? Measure, pour, stir, shape, and bake. Not much to making cookies...unless your a baby or a toddler. Even though I knew it was going to get messy, I let the toddler pour each ingredient into the measuring cups as needed. I let both stir. Of course, I had to finish that off a bit, but still they had fun.

I even let the toddler help with rolling out the dough. I left the shaping strictly to them, letting them put the cookie cutters where they wanted to and letting them lift the cookie shapes out of the dough and onto the baking sheet. Some did not even closely resemble what they were supposed to, but that was the best part.

When we were done, there was flour, sugar, and cookie dough pieces all over the place, but the kids had so much fun. Plus, it was an awesome memory and the kids loved eating the masterpieces they created. Cooking in the kitchen with kids is an unforgettable experience in motherhood that should be done often.

*I originally published via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Cultivating Career Skills in Tweens

11/3/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

In order for tweens to be ready to start their first job as teens, they need practice. But without actually being able to work, how can they get that practice? As a parent, there are a variety of ways I help to cultivate career skills in my tweens. From household responsibilities, to volunteering, playing games, and more, get proactive in developing your tween's career skills today. They may not be thrilled with some of these ideas at first. But in time they will grow to love them and thank you in the future.

Get tweens involved in activities and clubs.

This is a simple way to teach your tween the teamwork it takes to succeed in their future career. It also can teach organizational and leadership skills. Recreational sports, dance, drama, band, choir, science, and other educational clubs and activities are available in most areas. Check with your child's school or homeschool group first. If the programs don't exist there, private organizations and churches often offer many activities.

Volunteer programs can help encourage and enhance career skills.

From helping the elderly, to feeding the homeless, caring for animals, and more, tweens can get involved in many volunteer programs. Call around to various organizations in your area to see who needs help. Remember to ask about age requirements. Not all organizations or opportunities are available to minors. Some also may require that an adult volunteer along with the tween. This can actually be good, as it gives you and your child some rewarding time together. Teaching kids to volunteer not only gives them valuable career experience, but also helps encourage compassion.

Let them take charge of certain things at home.

Responsibility starts at home. Chores and other household tasks teach your child important career skills that can be used throughout life. I like to treat my kids as team members and let them help in certain household decisions. Although this is not a job, it does help kids prepare for making choices in life, which strongly applies to career-related skills. Deciphering choices that lead to certain outcomes is a much-desired trait in the workforce, as is the ability to be part of a collaborative team. Being a 'mommy's helper' and watching over younger siblings and even pets is one way tweens can take charge. Just be sure they know the rules and also have proper supervision.

Family field trips geared toward interest can help cultivate skills.

No matter what your child is interested in doing as a career, there is always a related destination. Even if your child changes career thoughts often, it's still possible. For instance, if your tween wants to be a firefighter, visit the local firehouse. Some cities even have firefighter museums. If your child wants to work with animals, visit local shelters, zoos, and wildlife reserves. The main idea is to enrich your child's life with various activities and destinations that may enhance her career choice. Even if your tween changes her mind about career directions, the field trips will still add to overall experience.

Educational books and other media are useful.

Surround your child with opportunities to read books related to his career and life interests. If books are easy to access, even kids who do not prefer to read will eventually start picking them up. Also offer a variety of educational computer games, movies, and TV shows to show from. While it's not a good idea for a child to watch TV or play on the computer all day long, in moderation, these things can be good. When a child enjoys doing something, it can be easier for the knowledge to sink in, which is always a good thing.

*I originally publised this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Does a Baby Need to Crawl?

11/2/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

What Happens when a Baby Never Crawls? Is This Dangerous?

More and more babies seem to be skipping the crawling milestone. Should this be cause for concern? While crawling is an important milestone, not every baby who doesn't crawl will be in danger further down the road, but it's possible that some very well could be.

Crawling is usually viewed as a major milestone. However some babies are failing to crawl at all. Instead of crawling, they may just scoot to their favorite object or even pull up on furniture and use it to inch their way toward what they want. What many parents want to know is if their child skips crawling, could it be cause for concern?

In retrospect, it seems to make sense that a child who doesn't crawl may lack intelligence or muscle development. However, there isn't any research that proves this theory and not enough evidence to show effects later in life.

Many babies who don't crawl will still walk by the age of one, or even sooner, which is still in line with babies who do crawl. This fact alone could act as a small point of proof that development isn't affected, although there could be other effects not so noticeable.

Many experts agree that failing to crawl, alone, is not enough evidence to show that a baby is behind in development, either physically or mentally.

A concerned parent should look for more than one missed milestone. Missing just one milestone is not enough to prove that a problem exists, especially if a child hits a milestone that uses the same muscle or brain coordination and that milestone is above the missed one, such as replacing crawling with walking.

However, missing more than one major milestone could be a valid reason for concern. This could signify either physical or mental problems and should be looked into as soon as possible, before any potential problem further escalates itself.

If you are concerned about your baby, the best thing you can do is consult your child's pediatrician for the most accurate advice and diagnosis. A pediatrician can appropriately assess your child for proper physical development.

This assessment is normally done at each routine physical, but if you are concerned at a time when a physical is not near, do not hesitate to contact your child's pediatrician. The sooner a potential problem is found, the sooner you, your child, and the pediatrician can work together at the appropriate solution.

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A Potty Training Chart Can be an Easy and Effective Resource for Parents

11/2/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Potty training a child is sometimes a difficult task, but it doesn't have to be. I have potty trained my four children, as well as assisted in the potty training of various children I've cared for as a nanny or babysitter. There are many things a parent or caregiver can do to make it easier on themselves, as well as the child. Making and using a simple potty training chart is one very helpful aid in the process. A potty training chart is easy to make and cost-effective as well.

Materials

Only a few things are needed to make this easy-to-use potty training chart.

11" x 17" white poster board (2 sheets)
pkg of colored permanent markers, such as Sharpie brand
adhesive Velcro
scissors

How To Make The Potty Training Chart

To make your child a simple, but effective potty training chart, gather the materials listed above. First, take the darkest color in your marker set and draw a line across the middle of one sheet of poster board lengthwise. Next draw six lines down the width (from top to bottom), making fourteen even-sized boxes on the poster board - seven on the top row and seven on the bottom. Now cut thirty-six small squares out of one side of the adhesive Velcro. Stick four squares into each box. The Velcro squares should be spread apart evenly. Stick the remaining four squares in the four corners on the backside of the poster board potty training chart.

Next, you'll need to draw some very simple symbols to represent the steps involved in potty training (listed below). You'll draw these on the other piece of white poster board. Each icon should only be about 2" in size. Some suggestions are a clock, a tissue roll, a toilet, and a hand. Once you have drawn a basic outline of each icon and outlined it in a dark color, color it in if you wish. Then, cut them all out and place a Velcro square on each, remembering to use the other side of the Velcro, so that they will stick to the side you have used on the chart.

Hang your chart in a spot in your bathroom that is easy for your toddler to reach and see. Your toddler will be the one operating the chart. To hang the chart, simply place squares cut from the second side of the Velcro adhesive onto the wall or other hanging area in a way that will line up with how you've placed the squares on the back of the potty training chart. Now it's time to get training!

How To Use The Potty Training Chart

This simple potty training chart is designed with the child in mind. The little one will actually be controlling the potty training chart, with the supervision of the parent or caregiver. First, show the chart to your child and explain what it is for in simple terms. Then, instruct the child on how to use the potty and have the child do so with the following suggested steps.

Potty Steps

made it to the potty on time
used tissue
flushed toilet
washed hands

Hand the child the chart icons and allow the child to place them on the chart after all the steps have been completed. As the child uses the potty each time, the icons should move over a space. If the child has an accident, they move back to the beginning. When the child has used the potty 14 times in a row with no accident, present the child with some kind of award. I like to use free printable potty certificates. FreePrintableCertificates.net has a cute one.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Do You Use Tap Water for Your Baby's Bottles?

Fluoride is Bad for Babies:

Children Under 8:

Should I Stop Using Tap Water?

Recommended Reading

The Clingy Toddler

Why Do Toddlers Cling:

How to Handle a Clingy Child:

Identifying the Reason:

Predictability Issues

Recommended Reading

Dealing With Sibling Rivalry

Choosing a Laundry Detergent for Baby Clothing

Cooking in the Kitchen with Kids

Cultivating Career Skills in Tweens

Does a Baby Need to Crawl?

A Potty Training Chart Can be an Easy and Effective Resource for Parents

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