Besides the trademark drool and crankiness, try the gum-massage test. (Babies are more likely to accept a finger probing into their mouth than to allow a look.) Run your finger along the front edges of the gums, and you will feel swollen ridges of preteething gums. It is sometimes difficult to tell if a baby […]
3 Ways to Have Cavity-Less Kids
1. Breastfeed Pediatric dentists who study the effects of breastfeeding on oral development believe that one of the most beneficial contributors to healthy teeth and healthy jaw alignment is a breast in the mouth for as long as mother and baby are willing and able. Apparently the unique sucking action of breastfeeding helps prevent malocclusion. […]
The Joy of Toys
One of the pleasures of being a parent is being a “big kid.” You get to revisit some of your old favorites and play with cool new stuff that wasn’t around when you were a child. Children and their toys can remind us that life is at its best when we take time to relax, […]
Fun In The Snow
Winter Activities for Kids Winter is perhaps the most unique season of the year, and with it comes some once-a-year opportunities for learning and interactive winter activities for young children. Whether you and your family get to enjoy the snow or just the cooler climate, here are some fun ways to make the most of […]
Toy Safety Tips for Babies
Check for small parts that baby can put in mouth and choke on, such as buttons, beads or other removable parts. Be aware that babies can bite off objects from toys. Babies can choke on anything that is less than 1 ½ inches or 4 cm in diameter. Inspect the toy for sharp edges, pointed […]
Raising a Smart Baby
8 Ways to Raise a Smart Baby It’s never too early to help your baby become an intellectual human being. Here are eight ways to raise a smart baby through proper womb environment, nurturing, nutrition, music and play (to name a few). 1. A smart womb start Inhaling or ingesting substances called neurotoxins, such as cigarette smoke, […]
Resources to Help Stop Smoking
Despite the warning in the “Back to Sleep” campaign that smoking may increase the risk of SIDS, researchers in England found that the anti-smoking warning campaign had no impact on mothers who already smoked (though it did seem to deter some mothers from starting). Smokers followed the other SIDS risk reduction suggestions, such as switching […]
Binky Fairy
I have a nine-month-old and a three-and-a-half-year-old. Both use pacifiers. I think my oldest son is ready to give his up. My question is, when the “Binky Fairy” comes to visit next week, should I take all the pacifiers away, including the one for my baby? I’m worried that taking it only from the older […]
How to Safely Perform Infant Massage
Getting Started with Infant Massage Infant massage is an activity you do WITH your child, not TO them. It is a wonderful way to connect with your baby and has many health and development benefits. To get started, position yourself and baby so you’re both comfortable. Sit on the floor with your back against the […]
Head Molding
The movement of baby’s skull through the birth canal causes the asymmetrical watermelon-like shape of the head. (The process is called molding.) As you run your hands over the top of your baby’s head, you may feel ridges caused by the skull bones overlapping during the tight squeeze of labor. Molding is more noticeable in […]
Baby’s First Holiday Season
How to Handle Baby’s First Holiday Season Babies add so much joy to the holidays! However, baby’s first holiday can also add stress for the parents. Here are some things to keep in mind so everyone can enjoy this special time together: Beware of over-stimulation. Lots of new faces, noise, and being passed around from […]
Signs You Need Professional Help About Discipline
Most discipline problems can be handled by just taking the time to assess the strength of your parent-child connection, using commonsense techniques, and trying one approach after another until you find what works. Yet there are times when you need outside help. Consider two different types of counselors. Consult experienced, happy parents whose advice you […]