Infants & Toddlers

Posted by Rachel Lister

I have a VERY active toddler. He is constantly running and jumping. If I don't provide him with something interesting to do, he is sure to go exploring on his own and find something to do. More often than not, he ends up getting into something he shouldn't be.

When I give him a little guidance and provide him with fun activities and projects, he is much more manageable and better behaved.

Great Summer Activities for Toddlers

Edible Play Dough for Toddlers

Finger Painting with Toddlers

Toddler Water Play

Preschool Pretend Play Activity - Road Map

Shaving Cream Letters

Spray Bottle Splatter Painting

Posted by Rachel Lister

Play is such a huge part of a young child's life. Toddlers learn primarily through play so a trip to the toy store is much more than simply fun and games. Educational Toys can help toddlers develop social skills, learn how the world around them works, and build a foundation for formal education later on. When my son was first born I was reluctant to expose him to any television at all. As he got older, and had a greater need to be entertained, I gave in and let him watch some of the Baby Einstein videos. Even though he was watching T.V., I was at least confident that he was getting some stimulation at the same time.

Every time I go to the store I see more and more electronics marketed to toddlers. Toddler Toys do not have to talk or have a lot of moving parts. In general, the simplest toys are often the best because they encourage toddlers to use their imagination. I stay away from most toys that do all the work for my toddler. Some toys don't require toddlers to do anything more than sit and watch. I'm a big fan of nearly any kind of blocks, and pretend play items such as, dolls, toy food, trains, cars, little people, and play housekeeping items. Toddlers don't often make a distinction between boy toys and girl toys. My sons enjoy playing with their toy kitchen just as much as any of their female friends. Quality play time allows toddlers to interact with their toys and imitate the behaviors that they see everyday.

Posted by Rachel Lister

As if parents don't have enough to worry about with all the reccent toy recalls, now vinyl bibs and diaper bags have been shown to be another potential source of high lead levels. The studies have shown that most bibs do not pose a risk to infants unless the vinyl is broken and in poor condition. The experts have a way of changing their minds about things though. Until it has been determined how big of a risk vinyl can pose to infants, it may be best to stick with some basic cloth bibs.

Posted by Rachel Lister

I have been lucky enough to have generally happy babies. Two out of the three were very mellow and easy to comfort. My second son, however, was a completely different story. He cried during his every waking moment and it seemed that I could do nothing to comfort him. I was willing to try whatever colic remedy I could find, but there really didn't seem to be many products available.

Many mother swear by gripe water for colic. It is a more natural way to treat infant gas pain, which will hopefully stop the crying.

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Why is My Baby Crying? Interpreting Your Infant’s Cries

Posted by Rachel Lister

A fellow Suite101 readers needs our help. This quick 3 minute survey is for a marketing class and needs a response within the next few days. Take the opportunities to share your feedback as a parent on this infant product.

Take the Survey

Posted by Rachel Lister

Breastfeeding babies don't have to miss out on any fun at the dinner table. Breastmilk popsicles, or momsicles as they are often called, can help your baby to feel included at meal time and can do wonders for soothing a teething baby's sore gums.

The first few experiences with a momsicle may be interesting. My baby didn't quite know what to do with it but he was very excited about it once he figured things out.

Learn How to Make Your Own Momsicle

Breastmilk Popsicle - Momsicle

Posted by Rachel Lister

"Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies.

The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal. Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?"

Mom Review: The Business of Being Born

The Business of Being Born is a documentary on the business of childbirth. It is an eye-opening experience that encourages women to educate themselves on the birth process and have the confidence to make the decisions that are right for them. I would encourage every woman, whether they have a desire for natural childbirth or not, to see this film.

Posted by Rachel Lister

When my oldest son was born I had never heard of co-sleeping and I just assumed that he would sleep in a crib. When I brought him home from the hospital, I found out that my baby had other plans. No matter what I did, he would not sleep in his crib for more than 30 minutes. Waking up every half an hour to tend to a crying baby does not make for a very good nights sleep. As time went on, I began to bring my baby into my bed to breastfeed. Sometimes I would fall asleep while my baby was nursing. When I woke up, my baby would be sleeping peacefully on my arm and more often then not, I opted to leave him in the bed.

I found that my baby slept much more soundly and longer than he did when he slept in his crib. By sleeping with my baby on my arm, I was tuned in to his every movement and was fully aware of where he was at all times. By the time my third baby arrived, I viewed co-sleeping as a first choice rather than a last ditch effort to get some sleep. My baby slept through the night after two months and we were both happy and well rested.

Read More:

Cosleeping Safely: Making the Choice to Have a Family Bed

Posted by Rachel Lister

It seems like every time you turn around more toy recalls are being announced. It is a good idea to periodically check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for product that may be in your home. They list all of the nationwide recalls and allow you to search the recals by company name, product category, and type of hazard.

Some of the recent recalls include:

Infantino baby rattles

Munire Cribs

Spiderman Water Bottles

Bassett Cribs

Empire Silve Teething Rings

Cranium Cadoo Board Games

Toy Wagons by Tricam

Posted by Rachel Lister

When my first son was born he developed a tear duct infection. As a first time mom I went running into the pediatrician's office everytime I even suspected something was wrong. My son's infection was not bad enough to need antibiotics, but my pediatrician did recommend that I squirt a small amount of breastmilk into each of my baby's eyes to help get rid of the infection. He explained to me that breastmilk has amazing antibacterial properties. Just as breastmilk helps boost your infant's immune system by giving him essential antibodies, it can also help fight off external infections such as eye infections, skin infections, and rashes.

That experience led me to research just a few of the many uses of breastmilk. The more I learn, the more I am amazed at all the wonderful things that it can do. Donated breastmilk can save the lives of preemies, many of which struggle on synthetic formula.

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Alternative Uses for Breastmilk