Parents to be are bombarded with products that are a MUST to keep their baby healthy and safe. New parents are faced with weird and wonderful things that before never knew existed and knew little about, some of which are vital and some just a waste of money, sold by companies playing on the fears of overly cautious newbies in a scary and stressful time. This brief posting looks at the Baby Monitor - do we really need them? What beneficial features do they include?, and does one choose between the many on the market?
A baby monitor also referred to as a baby alarm come in all shapes and sizes; generally, in its most basic form it is a simple radio system similar to that of a walkie talkie. It has a transmitter with a microphone that is placed next to the infant with a corresponding receiver with a speaker that is kept near to or on the person of the parent. Some are uni-directional allowing sound to go only one way, some are bi-directional allowing the parent to speak back to the child, some are packed full of features such as thermometers and music players. The main function of all of them is to allow the parents to hear the baby when it wakes or is distressed whilst they are in a different room or out of earshot.
One of the main selling points claimed by the manufacturers is that the baby monitor can be a tool used to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS. It is suggested however that there is no real evidence that monitors prevent SIDS, and some doctors believe it can offer a false sense of security. This said a parent cannot be with the child 24 hours a day, nor should they be, they also need to have an environment where the child can be undisturbed and is the correct temperature. The monitors then can provide piece of mind that the child is sleeping normally without having to constantly enter the room to check every little thing, some more advanced monitors even have motion detectors which can alert the parent if the child has not moved for a period as it is normal for the child to have some movement whilst asleep, no movement could be a sign of something wrong. Therefore I boldly suggest that the monitor used in combination with good old fashion common-sense, whichever model you choose, can only be a useful thing to have as it provides piece of mind, and has other features that are aimed to assist the parents in an already difficult job. It is not a safeguard against SIDS but combined with a sensible approach certainly can't hurt in helping to alert one to the dangers.
So how does one choose which is the best one to buy? The first thing to consider is your budget, if you cannot afford the top of the range with a night vision camera, a motion detector and the longest range then don't be concerned that you are risking the health of your child by not getting the best. The monitor is not a replacement nanny or parent it is a tool to help and not all the functions are essential, this is where common-sense plays a role. On the flip side you don't want to get a set that is likely to go faulty because you bought a reconditioned cheap model from an auction site. The best advice is look around the independent consumer review sites and checks to see what the existing users think of each model and gets a balanced opinion. Contact the sellers and ask them which ones have the least rate of return and stress to them that their honesty in this matter is important. Check the returns policy of the seller to ensure if you do have a fault that they will replace the item swiftly and with little fuss.
Having done some of this work as an exercise for this article we found that one of the monitors often recommended by consumers and by the consumer review company Which is BT Baby Monitor 150 that they have badged as a best buy. It is perhaps middle of the road in terms of features but the quality and reliability of the product is highly praised. It does have the following features - crystal-clear sound quality with no interference. A range of up to 300 metres (in ideal conditions) and an Intercom feature means that a constant link is maintained between parent and baby. It features LCD, five lullabies, a temperature monitor, torch, MP3 player input and voice recording. They are sold at Big Box Shop who have a good return policy and seemed to be the cheapest at the time this artice was written.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Guide to Feeding your Baby
The responsibilities of a new mother do not end after giving birth to the child. Nourishing, feeding, and nursing the infant are all nothing but the beginning of a much more meaningful task for the mother. Bottle feeding your baby does not mean you do not love him or her either. There is nothing wrong with bottle feeding especially when you know how to make each feeding moment a rewarding experience for you and your child. Nursing moms are advised not to introduce bottles to the baby since babies may tend to prefer the bottle over the breast and that mom’s milk supply may not be properly established. However, in some unavoidable circumstance, nursing mothers may be forced to bottle feed. Finding and using the right nursing bottle will save you and your baby from the hassles of bottle feeding like leakage which waste most of your time and other resources.
What then do you use for feeding your baby? Breastfeeding mothers do not actually have big problems when it comes to choosing their feeding gadgets. They may only worry about general feeding considerations like time of feeding, amount of feeding and the manner of feeding the baby. On the other hand, mothers who have problems with breast milk production, or babies who have inefficient sucking ability or even those mothers who have returned to work after giving birth may find choosing the right baby bottle a crucial task. Selecting the right bottle and the nipple as breast substitute may be confusing. Pediatricians and experienced parents believe that the best guide in choosing the right bottle and nipple depends upon the needs of your child. Know your baby well, respond to his or her needs and do the best that you can to settle the situation.
There are many kinds of feeding bottles that can serve as perfect alternatives for the breast. But before deciding on what kind of baby bottles to choose, you might as well decide on the bottle size and the bottle types. Newborn babies have different needs from older babies. Newborn infants find small baby bottles which are usually four ounce sized knowing that newborn babies take in small amount of milk. Choosing the smaller nursing bottle will prevent more wasted milk and will further decrease your expenses for feeding. If after quite sometime, the baby can finish all that is contained in the small bottle, you have to switch on to a bigger bottle to provide larger amount of milk as your baby’s needs increase. You can opt for six ounce size bottle before going to the full bottle feeding.
Baby bottles vary in styles. Some bottles are crafted bent in order to reduce the amount of air that enters the baby’s stomach. This is also the objective why some disposable liner bottles are created. Disposable liner bottles also reduce the amount of air through collapsing as the baby drinks the milk. Compared to plastics, the glass baby bottles do not retain odor and can be conveniently washed.
Given a wide array of choices, what matters in the end is the good of your baby. Choose the feeding bottle that serves your purpose and that truly caters to your baby’s needs.
More tips on choosing the right baby bottles and nursing bottle ; moreover, baby bottle styles that suit your baby’s needs can be found at this helpful baby bottle site.
What then do you use for feeding your baby? Breastfeeding mothers do not actually have big problems when it comes to choosing their feeding gadgets. They may only worry about general feeding considerations like time of feeding, amount of feeding and the manner of feeding the baby. On the other hand, mothers who have problems with breast milk production, or babies who have inefficient sucking ability or even those mothers who have returned to work after giving birth may find choosing the right baby bottle a crucial task. Selecting the right bottle and the nipple as breast substitute may be confusing. Pediatricians and experienced parents believe that the best guide in choosing the right bottle and nipple depends upon the needs of your child. Know your baby well, respond to his or her needs and do the best that you can to settle the situation.
There are many kinds of feeding bottles that can serve as perfect alternatives for the breast. But before deciding on what kind of baby bottles to choose, you might as well decide on the bottle size and the bottle types. Newborn babies have different needs from older babies. Newborn infants find small baby bottles which are usually four ounce sized knowing that newborn babies take in small amount of milk. Choosing the smaller nursing bottle will prevent more wasted milk and will further decrease your expenses for feeding. If after quite sometime, the baby can finish all that is contained in the small bottle, you have to switch on to a bigger bottle to provide larger amount of milk as your baby’s needs increase. You can opt for six ounce size bottle before going to the full bottle feeding.
Baby bottles vary in styles. Some bottles are crafted bent in order to reduce the amount of air that enters the baby’s stomach. This is also the objective why some disposable liner bottles are created. Disposable liner bottles also reduce the amount of air through collapsing as the baby drinks the milk. Compared to plastics, the glass baby bottles do not retain odor and can be conveniently washed.
Given a wide array of choices, what matters in the end is the good of your baby. Choose the feeding bottle that serves your purpose and that truly caters to your baby’s needs.
More tips on choosing the right baby bottles and nursing bottle ; moreover, baby bottle styles that suit your baby’s needs can be found at this helpful baby bottle site.
Infant Feeding: Baby Bottle Accessories for Comfort and Cleanliness
Good sanitation protects infants from water-borne diseases and food-borne infections. The assurance of health starts from choosing the right milk, to the right feeding bottle and nipple to having other baby bottle accessories that ensure cleanliness. Brushes are designed to clean the corners and bottom of the bottles removing curds and other particles that get stuck inside. Usually these brushes come with two useful ends: one for cleaning the bottle and the other for cleaning the nipple. The latter is much softer and smaller to fit the silicon and plastic teats. Some brushes however have ends with attached foam piece that covers larger areas than brush ends. Moreover, a few bottle brush are too hard that scratch of the walls inside the bottles and can even rip off nipples. Choose the brush with normal stiffness – strong enough to scrape off dirt yet soft enough to avoid scratch. The use of these brushes makes cleaning easier and more comfortable for nursing mothers.
Sterilization of baby bottles and other nursing bottle accessories is essential in achieving one hundred percent sanitation. A bottle sterilization appliance uses steam and also accommodates other infant accessories. Usually, the appliance is composed of eight holes where baby bottles can be placed and the ninth hole at the center can be the place for nipples and cups. However, some commercial feeding bottles cannot withstand the boiling heat that they melt or get distorted in the boiling process. Close monitoring of the sterilization process is important. Moreover, modern day mothers no longer opt for sterilization. They have found bottle cleaning with warm or hot soapy water more convenient.
Express bottle sterilizers are also one of the practical nursing bottle accessories. With these sterilizers bottles and food are heated in just few minutes while retaining food nutrients and taste. This is another sensible accessory that maximizes cleaning tasks for mothers.
In the absence of the sterilizer appliance, sterilizer bags, on the other hand, are known to heat up bottles, pacifiers and nipples in just a minute. It disinfects feeding bottles and accessories getting rid of harmful bacteria and germs. These bags are disposable though they can be used more than ten times.
After brushing your baby bottle in hot soapy mixture of water and sterilizing them, one of the useful baby bottle accessories includes the bottle drying rack. This is where baby bottles are placed for drying. Choose drying racks that do not consume too much space and those that could also dry other feeding tools like nipples and drinking cups. Choose the racks that are properly covered allowing good flow of air while protecting the bottles from dust and other particulates.
All baby bottle accessories are especially designed and manufactured for convenience of every nursing mom and for the safety of every infant. Mothers play an important role in ensuring safety and sanitation for every baby feeding activity by choosing the right accessory to aid them in cleaning. Baby bottles are the primary medium of feeding the baby. Cleaning them with appropriate tools is giving your baby the assurance of health.
Nursing bottle accessories have a wide array of categories. For detailed information about nursing bottle accessories and other baby bottle products and baby bottle accessories .
Sterilization of baby bottles and other nursing bottle accessories is essential in achieving one hundred percent sanitation. A bottle sterilization appliance uses steam and also accommodates other infant accessories. Usually, the appliance is composed of eight holes where baby bottles can be placed and the ninth hole at the center can be the place for nipples and cups. However, some commercial feeding bottles cannot withstand the boiling heat that they melt or get distorted in the boiling process. Close monitoring of the sterilization process is important. Moreover, modern day mothers no longer opt for sterilization. They have found bottle cleaning with warm or hot soapy water more convenient.
Express bottle sterilizers are also one of the practical nursing bottle accessories. With these sterilizers bottles and food are heated in just few minutes while retaining food nutrients and taste. This is another sensible accessory that maximizes cleaning tasks for mothers.
In the absence of the sterilizer appliance, sterilizer bags, on the other hand, are known to heat up bottles, pacifiers and nipples in just a minute. It disinfects feeding bottles and accessories getting rid of harmful bacteria and germs. These bags are disposable though they can be used more than ten times.
After brushing your baby bottle in hot soapy mixture of water and sterilizing them, one of the useful baby bottle accessories includes the bottle drying rack. This is where baby bottles are placed for drying. Choose drying racks that do not consume too much space and those that could also dry other feeding tools like nipples and drinking cups. Choose the racks that are properly covered allowing good flow of air while protecting the bottles from dust and other particulates.
All baby bottle accessories are especially designed and manufactured for convenience of every nursing mom and for the safety of every infant. Mothers play an important role in ensuring safety and sanitation for every baby feeding activity by choosing the right accessory to aid them in cleaning. Baby bottles are the primary medium of feeding the baby. Cleaning them with appropriate tools is giving your baby the assurance of health.
Nursing bottle accessories have a wide array of categories. For detailed information about nursing bottle accessories and other baby bottle products and baby bottle accessories .
Your Green Baby Protecting the Environment With Your Diaper Choices by Using One Less Diaper Today
Raising a 'Green Baby' means considering your options and making changes where you can to reduce the environmental footprint of your baby.
Make it a personal goal to use one less diaper today by discovering some new ideas and making a few changes...
Did you know, that in North America alone, the diaper industry is worth an estimated 7 BILLION dollars a year? That's a lot of diaper changing, that's a lot of manufacturing, packaging, transportation, advertising, storage and disposal - and that's a lot of waste!
3 Ways to Raise Your Green Baby When Considering Your Diaper Options:
1. Use Some Modern Cloth Diapers.
They actually only take an estimated 5 minutes more to use each day, once you factor in the travel, standing in queues, racing out late at night, transportation, storage, clean up, associated washing and then time to wrap and dispose of the disposables. Golly! 5 minutes to invest for a greener future? Start with just one green diaper. Feel good each time your baby wears it, then wash it and reuse it again!
2. Favor ECO Disposables That Can Be Composted or Flushed.
These environmentally friendly options can be composted, worm farmed away or simply buried to disappear in a couple of months. The urea and other waste matter helps condition the soil (Apparently even IMPROVING the rate of bio-degrading!) ECO disposables give you great eco-karma as well - I feel great when I use them!
3. Begin to Dabble in Baby Pottying.
Elimination Communication is something you start at home. You ease into the practice part time with your baby leading the way, using diapers as full-time backup at first. You offer a potty break at diaper changes, particularly if your baby has a dry diaper when you happen to check it, and then, Hooray! You 'catch' your first wee, start skipping the odd diaper, and begin doing your little bit for the environment your baby will grow up to live in help protect in the future. You can learn to use diapers more casually by developing your confidence in practicing EC, at Part Time Diaper Free.
The Ultimate Green Baby Is The One Who Isn't 'Using' The Diaper They Are Wearing!
Even a generation ago, the majority of toddlers were beginning to move out of diapers at eighteen months. Now, the majority of children don't even begin this process until they are nearly three. Children are now in diapers longer than ever before in history in the 'developed' countries, while children in the rest of the world are largely out of diapers around their first birthdays, and using them in a casual way, rather than 24 hours a day!
With these 3 simple ideas your infant can be raised to be a green baby, starting life with a smaller carbon footprint. Whether you start with a few modern cloth diapers, use some compostable diapers or begin practicing some elimination communication, you are making a difference and setting an eco-friendly example to your friends and family.
Make it a personal goal to use one less diaper today by discovering some new ideas and making a few changes...
Did you know, that in North America alone, the diaper industry is worth an estimated 7 BILLION dollars a year? That's a lot of diaper changing, that's a lot of manufacturing, packaging, transportation, advertising, storage and disposal - and that's a lot of waste!
3 Ways to Raise Your Green Baby When Considering Your Diaper Options:
1. Use Some Modern Cloth Diapers.
They actually only take an estimated 5 minutes more to use each day, once you factor in the travel, standing in queues, racing out late at night, transportation, storage, clean up, associated washing and then time to wrap and dispose of the disposables. Golly! 5 minutes to invest for a greener future? Start with just one green diaper. Feel good each time your baby wears it, then wash it and reuse it again!
2. Favor ECO Disposables That Can Be Composted or Flushed.
These environmentally friendly options can be composted, worm farmed away or simply buried to disappear in a couple of months. The urea and other waste matter helps condition the soil (Apparently even IMPROVING the rate of bio-degrading!) ECO disposables give you great eco-karma as well - I feel great when I use them!
3. Begin to Dabble in Baby Pottying.
Elimination Communication is something you start at home. You ease into the practice part time with your baby leading the way, using diapers as full-time backup at first. You offer a potty break at diaper changes, particularly if your baby has a dry diaper when you happen to check it, and then, Hooray! You 'catch' your first wee, start skipping the odd diaper, and begin doing your little bit for the environment your baby will grow up to live in help protect in the future. You can learn to use diapers more casually by developing your confidence in practicing EC, at Part Time Diaper Free.
The Ultimate Green Baby Is The One Who Isn't 'Using' The Diaper They Are Wearing!
Even a generation ago, the majority of toddlers were beginning to move out of diapers at eighteen months. Now, the majority of children don't even begin this process until they are nearly three. Children are now in diapers longer than ever before in history in the 'developed' countries, while children in the rest of the world are largely out of diapers around their first birthdays, and using them in a casual way, rather than 24 hours a day!
With these 3 simple ideas your infant can be raised to be a green baby, starting life with a smaller carbon footprint. Whether you start with a few modern cloth diapers, use some compostable diapers or begin practicing some elimination communication, you are making a difference and setting an eco-friendly example to your friends and family.
The Ultimate Green Baby: Discover 3 Key Ideas About Elimination Communication Or Baby Potty Training
The Ultimate Green Baby Is The One Who Isn't 'Using' The Diaper They Are Wearing!
Elimination Communication is a fun way to connect with your baby each day, to gradually reduce the number of diapers they use as your family becomes more environmentally friendly!
By offering potty breaks you can reduce the waste produced by your baby, or your washing load (or both!), minimizing the environmental footprint of your baby.
Families all over the world and throughout time have used this gentle way of helping baby to stay clean and dry as much as they can (yes, not all the time), and more importantly, they enjoy the communication with their pre-verbal little baby, the insight into their world this window can open up - it is why people get hooked when they take the plunge and have a go!
3 Key Ideas About Infant Potty Training. These Tips Will Help You to Understand EC:
1. Being part time nappy or diaper free is about the communication with your baby, NOT about early toilet training. Again - it is NOT about early toilet training - that is something different. EC is about the bond between parents and baby / toddler, developing your relationship into new areas of understanding.
2. Yes, practicing EC can mean your toddler achieves earlier independence, but it is not a given, as EC is about their personal journey - and many things in life can 'happen' and fluff around with that journey. Around two is general average for when EC toddlers achieve good communication, though few diapers are used daily often long before then.
3. Meanwhile you will likely use far less nappies / diapers than if you were using diapers full time, which is great for your budget, the environment and your washing load. Think of it as about reducing any sort of waste or washing related to your baby, that's a sensible thought, whether it is one less diaper or many, you can consider yourself 'Part Time Diaper Free'.
Like any option, of course, if it doesn't interest you - don't do it! People practicing EC see it as a bond with their babies, not a competition to independence, not a way of being better - it is simply better for them.
Perhaps it will be a wonderful discovery for your family? It's pretty easy to give it a go as your baby wears diapers between potty visits. There is no concern about 'mess' everywhere. Your baby will go in their diaper as usual when you miss their needs or are otherwise busy at the time.
EC is a flexible option, you need to have some daily consistency, a regular time you give your babe the 'opportunity' to use a baby potty to help them stay aware and familiar with a potty. Your 'default' is the diaper, so no loss when you are busy, like all Mamas are!
Elimination Communication is a fun way to connect with your baby each day, to gradually reduce the number of diapers they use as your family becomes more environmentally friendly!
By offering potty breaks you can reduce the waste produced by your baby, or your washing load (or both!), minimizing the environmental footprint of your baby.
Families all over the world and throughout time have used this gentle way of helping baby to stay clean and dry as much as they can (yes, not all the time), and more importantly, they enjoy the communication with their pre-verbal little baby, the insight into their world this window can open up - it is why people get hooked when they take the plunge and have a go!
3 Key Ideas About Infant Potty Training. These Tips Will Help You to Understand EC:
1. Being part time nappy or diaper free is about the communication with your baby, NOT about early toilet training. Again - it is NOT about early toilet training - that is something different. EC is about the bond between parents and baby / toddler, developing your relationship into new areas of understanding.
2. Yes, practicing EC can mean your toddler achieves earlier independence, but it is not a given, as EC is about their personal journey - and many things in life can 'happen' and fluff around with that journey. Around two is general average for when EC toddlers achieve good communication, though few diapers are used daily often long before then.
3. Meanwhile you will likely use far less nappies / diapers than if you were using diapers full time, which is great for your budget, the environment and your washing load. Think of it as about reducing any sort of waste or washing related to your baby, that's a sensible thought, whether it is one less diaper or many, you can consider yourself 'Part Time Diaper Free'.
Like any option, of course, if it doesn't interest you - don't do it! People practicing EC see it as a bond with their babies, not a competition to independence, not a way of being better - it is simply better for them.
Perhaps it will be a wonderful discovery for your family? It's pretty easy to give it a go as your baby wears diapers between potty visits. There is no concern about 'mess' everywhere. Your baby will go in their diaper as usual when you miss their needs or are otherwise busy at the time.
EC is a flexible option, you need to have some daily consistency, a regular time you give your babe the 'opportunity' to use a baby potty to help them stay aware and familiar with a potty. Your 'default' is the diaper, so no loss when you are busy, like all Mamas are!
Choose Fish Oil for Baby IQ and Behavioral Development Improvement
Let’s face it, many of us know that omega 3 fish oil for baby health is good, but did you realize just how important it can be in significantly improving many areas of a baby’s development?
Omega 3’s most important fatty acids are DHA and EPA, with DHA now proven to provide most of the benefits. When a baby is born, around 70% of its brain and nervous system is made up of DHA and EPA fats, and over a third of adult brains are composed of DHA, showing how important quality fish oil for baby health can be.
It is well documented how important it is when you are pregnant to take a fish oil supplement and this includes breast feeding too as this is the baby’s sole source of food. The reason why it is essential is that we cannot make it ourselves so it must be included in our diets.
Research has proven that DHA omega 3 oil can help improve a baby’s IQ, hand-eye coordination and speech as well as leading to better eyesight and less behavioral problems. Quite an achievement for a natural oil!
Omega 3’s are also exceptionally valuable to adults helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes and lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, helping to save thousands of lives each year. In fact one of the world’s leading health experts says that consuming more omega-3 fats is probably the single most important dietary change that most people could ever make to improve their health, with 9 out of 10 of us not receiving enough.
When it comes to choosing a fish oil for baby to have, make sure it is pharmaceutical grade, having gone through the process of molecular distillation to remove all the harmful impurities. Toxins like mercury and lead are picked up in the fishes flesh and can carry over into poor quality supplements if they haven’t gone through this process.
While most have higher EPA levels, look for one than has greater DHA levels (Hoki and Tuna are good for this) for the maximum benefits and that comes from a clean sustainable source like the pristine Southern Ocean of New Zealand.
With more discoveries being made all the time, such as recent studies showing how DHA omega 3 can help with Autism and ADHD, the benefits of fish oil for baby health are seemingly unlimited.
If you would like to learn more about the high quality fish oil supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.
Omega 3’s most important fatty acids are DHA and EPA, with DHA now proven to provide most of the benefits. When a baby is born, around 70% of its brain and nervous system is made up of DHA and EPA fats, and over a third of adult brains are composed of DHA, showing how important quality fish oil for baby health can be.
It is well documented how important it is when you are pregnant to take a fish oil supplement and this includes breast feeding too as this is the baby’s sole source of food. The reason why it is essential is that we cannot make it ourselves so it must be included in our diets.
Research has proven that DHA omega 3 oil can help improve a baby’s IQ, hand-eye coordination and speech as well as leading to better eyesight and less behavioral problems. Quite an achievement for a natural oil!
Omega 3’s are also exceptionally valuable to adults helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes and lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, helping to save thousands of lives each year. In fact one of the world’s leading health experts says that consuming more omega-3 fats is probably the single most important dietary change that most people could ever make to improve their health, with 9 out of 10 of us not receiving enough.
When it comes to choosing a fish oil for baby to have, make sure it is pharmaceutical grade, having gone through the process of molecular distillation to remove all the harmful impurities. Toxins like mercury and lead are picked up in the fishes flesh and can carry over into poor quality supplements if they haven’t gone through this process.
While most have higher EPA levels, look for one than has greater DHA levels (Hoki and Tuna are good for this) for the maximum benefits and that comes from a clean sustainable source like the pristine Southern Ocean of New Zealand.
With more discoveries being made all the time, such as recent studies showing how DHA omega 3 can help with Autism and ADHD, the benefits of fish oil for baby health are seemingly unlimited.
If you would like to learn more about the high quality fish oil supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.
Teaching Reading To Your Baby Can Be Fun
Most children can be taught word recognition at a very young age. How? It is a similar method to learning to talk – children learn to talk by being exposed to people talking around them. To learn visual word recognition children need, first of all, exposure to the written word, in print.
Use children books with interesting stories. Picture books with few or no words in them will not teach your child to read. However, exposure to children’s books with many pages of print and the occasional picture will trigger your child’s curiosity about the story as well as familiarizing him or her with the written word. If, as you read to your child, you point to the words with your finger, your child will become more familiar with those words. Eventually he or she will begin to recognize the words when he or she sees them, especially those with a high emotional attachments
Flashcards can also be used to reinforce names of objects in the child’s environment. To teach your baby to read, on pieces of 10 x 10 inch plain white card, write words, in capital letters, that describe toys that belong to your child, for example “elephant’, and on another card ‘dog” and so on. Play the following game with your child. Place all the toys on the floor. As your child picks up a toy, show him the card with the word on it and say the word together. Repeat it as man times as he or she likes. Then read to your child a story about an ”elephant” or a “dog” or whatever animal or character you made word cards for. This will reinforce the word in your child’s mind, building word recognition abilities and increasing vocabulary. Additionally, invite your child to tell you a story, and you listen, write it down. When your child has finished, read the story back to him or her and point to each word as you go. When your child sees words in the context of her own vocabulary, it will again increase her recognition of the written word.
You should not have a preconceived schedule of success. There is no fixed time frame here. Your child could learn within days, weeks, or even months. Each child is different and your child’s ability will not be tested, but yours will. Your attitude, your patience, your perseverance, all of these will be tried and tested. You will find yourself having to evolve your own method for making your child love it.
You can use your imagination on your own teaching methods. A teacher friend of mine had her own method of teaching her daughter. She would hide a card with a word written on it behind her and approach her child playfully saying “What does mommy have for her baby” The one-year-old would look up and try to reach for the mysterious object. Then her mother would bring out the card and say with gusto “Cat!” The child’s delightful laughter proved that the game was having the desired effect. In no time at all, the child could read words. Soon she went on to short sentences. Her mother bought various simple books and every one held a treasure trove of knowledge for her young daughter. By the time she was four, the little girl surprised everybody with her familiarity with words and sentences. This mother’s success was due to her belief in her child, her healthy attitude, her patience, and her playfulness, which made her daughter look forward to every “reading game”
In the same way, you too can work out your own method for stimulating your child’s interest in the written word. It will be a success because of your great love for your child. And trust me, every second will be worth it
Use children books with interesting stories. Picture books with few or no words in them will not teach your child to read. However, exposure to children’s books with many pages of print and the occasional picture will trigger your child’s curiosity about the story as well as familiarizing him or her with the written word. If, as you read to your child, you point to the words with your finger, your child will become more familiar with those words. Eventually he or she will begin to recognize the words when he or she sees them, especially those with a high emotional attachments
Flashcards can also be used to reinforce names of objects in the child’s environment. To teach your baby to read, on pieces of 10 x 10 inch plain white card, write words, in capital letters, that describe toys that belong to your child, for example “elephant’, and on another card ‘dog” and so on. Play the following game with your child. Place all the toys on the floor. As your child picks up a toy, show him the card with the word on it and say the word together. Repeat it as man times as he or she likes. Then read to your child a story about an ”elephant” or a “dog” or whatever animal or character you made word cards for. This will reinforce the word in your child’s mind, building word recognition abilities and increasing vocabulary. Additionally, invite your child to tell you a story, and you listen, write it down. When your child has finished, read the story back to him or her and point to each word as you go. When your child sees words in the context of her own vocabulary, it will again increase her recognition of the written word.
You should not have a preconceived schedule of success. There is no fixed time frame here. Your child could learn within days, weeks, or even months. Each child is different and your child’s ability will not be tested, but yours will. Your attitude, your patience, your perseverance, all of these will be tried and tested. You will find yourself having to evolve your own method for making your child love it.
You can use your imagination on your own teaching methods. A teacher friend of mine had her own method of teaching her daughter. She would hide a card with a word written on it behind her and approach her child playfully saying “What does mommy have for her baby” The one-year-old would look up and try to reach for the mysterious object. Then her mother would bring out the card and say with gusto “Cat!” The child’s delightful laughter proved that the game was having the desired effect. In no time at all, the child could read words. Soon she went on to short sentences. Her mother bought various simple books and every one held a treasure trove of knowledge for her young daughter. By the time she was four, the little girl surprised everybody with her familiarity with words and sentences. This mother’s success was due to her belief in her child, her healthy attitude, her patience, and her playfulness, which made her daughter look forward to every “reading game”
In the same way, you too can work out your own method for stimulating your child’s interest in the written word. It will be a success because of your great love for your child. And trust me, every second will be worth it
Tips to Help Your Babysitter or Nanny Get Started
At Find A Babysitter.com.au, parents often ask us for tips about starting with a new babysitter or nanny. Here are our 10 simple tips for evening babysitting jobs:
1. House Tour: Conduct a brief tour of the house when the babysitter or nanny arrives. Include relevant door keys/locks, heating/cooling systems, baby monitor and telephone location.
2. Room Tour: Conduct a tour of the child’s room if relevant – including location of pyjamas, bedtime books/toys and nappy changing items (if required).
3. Facilities: Show your babysitter the tea, coffee, snacks, TV and bathroom facilities for the evening. Let her know what is allowed (e.g., rules for phone use, what she can eat) and not allowed (e.g., smoking, boyfriends).
4. Phone Numbers: Leave a list of phone numbers (your mobile phone, emergency contacts) and a completed ‘emergency information checklist’ (see resources on www.findababysitter.com.au)
5. Routine: Explain the steps of the bedtime routine – include the bed time, story time, tooth brushing, location of bottles, dummies and comfort toys.
6. Settling Strategies: Warn the babysitter if your child is likely to wake up during the evening. Tell her your settling strategies.
7. Cancellations: Never leave a sick child with a babysitter. Try to cancel as early as possible if you need to.
8. Timing: Tell the sitter the approximate time you expect to be home. If you are running late, call or SMS the sitter to advise her.
9. Payment: Prepare the correct change to pay the babysitter.
10. Safety: At the end of the evening, show the babysitter to her car for safety.
1. House Tour: Conduct a brief tour of the house when the babysitter or nanny arrives. Include relevant door keys/locks, heating/cooling systems, baby monitor and telephone location.
2. Room Tour: Conduct a tour of the child’s room if relevant – including location of pyjamas, bedtime books/toys and nappy changing items (if required).
3. Facilities: Show your babysitter the tea, coffee, snacks, TV and bathroom facilities for the evening. Let her know what is allowed (e.g., rules for phone use, what she can eat) and not allowed (e.g., smoking, boyfriends).
4. Phone Numbers: Leave a list of phone numbers (your mobile phone, emergency contacts) and a completed ‘emergency information checklist’ (see resources on www.findababysitter.com.au)
5. Routine: Explain the steps of the bedtime routine – include the bed time, story time, tooth brushing, location of bottles, dummies and comfort toys.
6. Settling Strategies: Warn the babysitter if your child is likely to wake up during the evening. Tell her your settling strategies.
7. Cancellations: Never leave a sick child with a babysitter. Try to cancel as early as possible if you need to.
8. Timing: Tell the sitter the approximate time you expect to be home. If you are running late, call or SMS the sitter to advise her.
9. Payment: Prepare the correct change to pay the babysitter.
10. Safety: At the end of the evening, show the babysitter to her car for safety.
8 Steps to Find a Super Sitter!
Finding the right babysitter or nanny can feel like hitting the jackpot. But you don’t have to take ‘potluck’ to find a great match for your family. By following these eight simple steps you can find your very own super sitter!
1. Write a List!
Write down the key features you need in a babysitter or nanny. Think about personality, gender, character traits, experience, availability, age, skills, hourly rate. Consider your children’s ages, stages and needs. Questions you might as yourself at this stage would be:
- do I need an experienced carer, or a person I can train myself?
- do I prefer to work with mature-aged carers, middle-aged or younger nannies?
- do I need this person for set hours, or do I need flexibility for any additional work?
- do I prefer a calm, quiet personality, or an energetic, upbeat person?
- do I want a person who is skilled in other areas? E.g., Music, sport, craft, cooking?
- do I need the one person for the role or can I split the job between two? (eg for before and after-school care)
- do I need the person to live nearby (for emergency calls) or am I happy to recruit further away for the right carer?
These questions are very simple, but give you a starting point to think about the things you are looking for. Prioritise your list of criteria from most important to least important and use this list to guide your recruitment process.
2. Capture Attention!
The first step in attracting applicants is writing a job advertisement. Write a creative ad that captures attention, so it stands out from the rest! This is particularly important when there is such a high demand for carers and unemployment is so low. Give reasons why a carer would enjoy working for your family. Mention the ages and stages of the children, the fun activities that are part of the role and the great aspects of your home environment. Importantly think about the well-known WIIFM “What Is In It For Me” factor! Are the hours great for a university student, leaving plenty of time to study? Is the location convenient to public transport, making it easy to get to and from work? Will you offer flexibility for holidays/study? My favourite job ad (posted by a parent on my site) was a beautiful children’s poem that stood alone as the job ad! It created interest was emotive and appealing. The ad received overwhelming interest and is just one example of a clever way to attract applicants.
3. Phone Screening
A phone screening is a great way to narrow down the list and prepare for a face-to-face interview. It will eliminate unsuitable candidates early on so you don’t waste your valuable time later. Start the phone call with some informal conversation to establish rapport. This will put the candidate at ease and allow a more natural flow of conversation. Remember to ask the ‘deal breaker’ questions during your phone interview. This way if a nanny does not meet one of your important criterion, then you can rule out this applicant immediately. The best prospects will stand out for being prepared for their phone interview, communicating well and providing information you’ve asked for. Based on a successful phone interview go ahead and set up the face-to-face meeting. Remind the candidate to bring copies of relevant documents (Qualifications, Drivers License, Police Check/Working with Children Check).
4. In-depth Interview
Schedule interviews with several of the final candidates. It is wise to keep your options open at this stage; you never know which nanny might present best at interview. Confirm the time and date with the carer one day before the interview. Prepare your list of questions and think about the key things you are looking for during the interview. Don’t be afraid to use a checklist to ensure you cover everything. A good way to find out how a carer will manage a certain situation is to ask how she has dealt with this previously. These are called behavioural questions and begin with “Tell me about a time…” or “Give me an example of a situation when you….”. E.g., “Tell me how you have managed a child’s separation anxiety in the past.” “Given me an example of a ‘routine day’ with a child you’ve cared for”. My favourite interview questions are listed in the box! (Sonia to insert a box on the page with 10 good questions I’ll provide)
5. Observe
Some of the best information is collected from observation. Remember to involve your child or children in the interview if possible! Step back and allow the nanny to interact with your child alone. This will give you invaluable information about how the nanny interacts with your child. Is she comfortable with your child? And vice versa? Does she communicate easily with children? Does she get down to the child’s level (literally!) to interact? You may even plan to take the interview to a more natural setting like a park or a backyard! This is a great way to allow more relaxed interaction to occur.
6. Credential Check
During the interview ask the nanny for copies of her resume and any other documents (police check, drivers license). Look through these as you ask questions. If she doesn’t have the documents with her ask for copies before you proceed any further with employment arrangements. It is much better to do this upfront than to worry about it later. This also gives you more information about how responsible and organized the applicant is in completing tasks as requested. The best babysitters I’ve met have arrived at the interview with all of the documents ready in a folio.
7. Reference Check
This is a very important step. Don’t be tempted to rely on written references alone. A phonecall to a referee takes only 5 minutes, but it provides some genuine information. Referees are always delighted to share knowledge with others, it is a great way to gain input from another parent. Ensure you speak to two referees who have employed the carer recently. Remember to ask about areas that are important to you, or that you were uncertain about post-interview. Questions you might like to ask include
- What was her role with you? (e.g., how many children / ages / duties)
- How long did she work for you? Why did she leave?
- What were her strengths and weaknesses as a carer?
- Would you employ her again and why/ why not?
These simple questions will elicit some great information to confirm your decision.
8. Listen to Your Instincts
Take note of any ‘red flags’ and act on them. If you have been unable to contact referees, ask the carer for more contact details and don’t proceed until you have done this. If an area is unsatisfactory (e.g., the carer has not given you a copy of the police check, if she is late for interviews, if she doesn’t perform well during a trial day) then give this feedback to her immediately. Give her the opportunity to improve, but if the problem persists then act upon this immediately. If you simply have a ‘gut feeling’ that the carer is not the right match for your children and home, then listen to your instincts. Early action is much better than an uncomfortable and difficult situation down the track. There are many other babysitters and nannies to choose from; new carers are looking for jobs every single day!
At the completion of these eight steps you should be confident in selecting the ideal carer for your family! The process is not difficult or complicated. It just requires a methodical approach. By recruiting well you can create a wonderful support network of trustworthy babysitters and nannies to call on!
1. Write a List!
Write down the key features you need in a babysitter or nanny. Think about personality, gender, character traits, experience, availability, age, skills, hourly rate. Consider your children’s ages, stages and needs. Questions you might as yourself at this stage would be:
- do I need an experienced carer, or a person I can train myself?
- do I prefer to work with mature-aged carers, middle-aged or younger nannies?
- do I need this person for set hours, or do I need flexibility for any additional work?
- do I prefer a calm, quiet personality, or an energetic, upbeat person?
- do I want a person who is skilled in other areas? E.g., Music, sport, craft, cooking?
- do I need the one person for the role or can I split the job between two? (eg for before and after-school care)
- do I need the person to live nearby (for emergency calls) or am I happy to recruit further away for the right carer?
These questions are very simple, but give you a starting point to think about the things you are looking for. Prioritise your list of criteria from most important to least important and use this list to guide your recruitment process.
2. Capture Attention!
The first step in attracting applicants is writing a job advertisement. Write a creative ad that captures attention, so it stands out from the rest! This is particularly important when there is such a high demand for carers and unemployment is so low. Give reasons why a carer would enjoy working for your family. Mention the ages and stages of the children, the fun activities that are part of the role and the great aspects of your home environment. Importantly think about the well-known WIIFM “What Is In It For Me” factor! Are the hours great for a university student, leaving plenty of time to study? Is the location convenient to public transport, making it easy to get to and from work? Will you offer flexibility for holidays/study? My favourite job ad (posted by a parent on my site) was a beautiful children’s poem that stood alone as the job ad! It created interest was emotive and appealing. The ad received overwhelming interest and is just one example of a clever way to attract applicants.
3. Phone Screening
A phone screening is a great way to narrow down the list and prepare for a face-to-face interview. It will eliminate unsuitable candidates early on so you don’t waste your valuable time later. Start the phone call with some informal conversation to establish rapport. This will put the candidate at ease and allow a more natural flow of conversation. Remember to ask the ‘deal breaker’ questions during your phone interview. This way if a nanny does not meet one of your important criterion, then you can rule out this applicant immediately. The best prospects will stand out for being prepared for their phone interview, communicating well and providing information you’ve asked for. Based on a successful phone interview go ahead and set up the face-to-face meeting. Remind the candidate to bring copies of relevant documents (Qualifications, Drivers License, Police Check/Working with Children Check).
4. In-depth Interview
Schedule interviews with several of the final candidates. It is wise to keep your options open at this stage; you never know which nanny might present best at interview. Confirm the time and date with the carer one day before the interview. Prepare your list of questions and think about the key things you are looking for during the interview. Don’t be afraid to use a checklist to ensure you cover everything. A good way to find out how a carer will manage a certain situation is to ask how she has dealt with this previously. These are called behavioural questions and begin with “Tell me about a time…” or “Give me an example of a situation when you….”. E.g., “Tell me how you have managed a child’s separation anxiety in the past.” “Given me an example of a ‘routine day’ with a child you’ve cared for”. My favourite interview questions are listed in the box! (Sonia to insert a box on the page with 10 good questions I’ll provide)
5. Observe
Some of the best information is collected from observation. Remember to involve your child or children in the interview if possible! Step back and allow the nanny to interact with your child alone. This will give you invaluable information about how the nanny interacts with your child. Is she comfortable with your child? And vice versa? Does she communicate easily with children? Does she get down to the child’s level (literally!) to interact? You may even plan to take the interview to a more natural setting like a park or a backyard! This is a great way to allow more relaxed interaction to occur.
6. Credential Check
During the interview ask the nanny for copies of her resume and any other documents (police check, drivers license). Look through these as you ask questions. If she doesn’t have the documents with her ask for copies before you proceed any further with employment arrangements. It is much better to do this upfront than to worry about it later. This also gives you more information about how responsible and organized the applicant is in completing tasks as requested. The best babysitters I’ve met have arrived at the interview with all of the documents ready in a folio.
7. Reference Check
This is a very important step. Don’t be tempted to rely on written references alone. A phonecall to a referee takes only 5 minutes, but it provides some genuine information. Referees are always delighted to share knowledge with others, it is a great way to gain input from another parent. Ensure you speak to two referees who have employed the carer recently. Remember to ask about areas that are important to you, or that you were uncertain about post-interview. Questions you might like to ask include
- What was her role with you? (e.g., how many children / ages / duties)
- How long did she work for you? Why did she leave?
- What were her strengths and weaknesses as a carer?
- Would you employ her again and why/ why not?
These simple questions will elicit some great information to confirm your decision.
8. Listen to Your Instincts
Take note of any ‘red flags’ and act on them. If you have been unable to contact referees, ask the carer for more contact details and don’t proceed until you have done this. If an area is unsatisfactory (e.g., the carer has not given you a copy of the police check, if she is late for interviews, if she doesn’t perform well during a trial day) then give this feedback to her immediately. Give her the opportunity to improve, but if the problem persists then act upon this immediately. If you simply have a ‘gut feeling’ that the carer is not the right match for your children and home, then listen to your instincts. Early action is much better than an uncomfortable and difficult situation down the track. There are many other babysitters and nannies to choose from; new carers are looking for jobs every single day!
At the completion of these eight steps you should be confident in selecting the ideal carer for your family! The process is not difficult or complicated. It just requires a methodical approach. By recruiting well you can create a wonderful support network of trustworthy babysitters and nannies to call on!
Baby Proofing for Newborns
The hospital bag is packed and waiting next to the door. The nursery is ready, diapers and powders on call near the changing table and tiny outfits neatly folded in the dresser. Baby will be here any day. Yet, it takes more than one sies and bottles to prepare for a newborn. Here are five things a parent should know before bringing baby home.
1. The Crib
Crib bedding sets often come with a fluffy comforter and matching bumper. Yet babies under the age of one can easily be suffocated by blankets, thick bumpers, and even plush toys. All baby needs is a tight-fitting sheet, a warm outfit, and a swaddling blanket. Some pediatricians recommend avoiding a bumper altogether since it is merely decorative. Also be sure that the crib bars are no more than 2 1/8 inches apart and that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. When baby comes home, remember to always put him to sleep on his back.
2. The Changing Table
Invest in a changing table with protective railings at least several inches taller than the changing pad. The pad should have sturdy straps. Be sure to always strap baby onto the table while changing him. Keep a well stocked supply of diapers and wipes nearby so you won't have to step away for even a moment. Baby should never be left unattended on the table, as even the youngest infant can inadvertently and unexpectedly roll off.
3. Bottles
Purchase bottles that are BPA free. BPA is a chemical that may be linked to human growth and reproductive issues. Never microwave a bottle of formula, as microwaving bottles can lead to uneven heating and possibly burn baby's mouth. Wash bottles and nipples thoroughly after use and never use a bottle of formula that has been left out longer than 2 hours.
4. Bath
Infant seats are helpful when bathing baby, but don't be fooled into thinking it is a safety measure that will prevent all accidents. A baby must never be farther than arms reach while bathing and must be constantly supervised. Set your house's water heater to 120 degrees or less to prevent scalding, or install an anti-scald device. It is a good idea to get your towels, diapers, and other supplies ready before bath time.
5. Used Baby Equipment
Second-hand baby equipment is less expensive or even free, but it can also be dangerous. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission to be sure your used car seat, stroller, crib, or toys have not been recalled. Toys that are several decades old may contain lead paint and should be avoided. When it comes to car seats, never buy a used seat if you don't know its history. It may be unreliable if it has been in a crash. Don't by a seat that is more than 6 years old, doesn't have an instruction manual, or is missing parts. Although they can be expensive, a car seat is one baby item you should consider buying new.
1. The Crib
Crib bedding sets often come with a fluffy comforter and matching bumper. Yet babies under the age of one can easily be suffocated by blankets, thick bumpers, and even plush toys. All baby needs is a tight-fitting sheet, a warm outfit, and a swaddling blanket. Some pediatricians recommend avoiding a bumper altogether since it is merely decorative. Also be sure that the crib bars are no more than 2 1/8 inches apart and that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. When baby comes home, remember to always put him to sleep on his back.
2. The Changing Table
Invest in a changing table with protective railings at least several inches taller than the changing pad. The pad should have sturdy straps. Be sure to always strap baby onto the table while changing him. Keep a well stocked supply of diapers and wipes nearby so you won't have to step away for even a moment. Baby should never be left unattended on the table, as even the youngest infant can inadvertently and unexpectedly roll off.
3. Bottles
Purchase bottles that are BPA free. BPA is a chemical that may be linked to human growth and reproductive issues. Never microwave a bottle of formula, as microwaving bottles can lead to uneven heating and possibly burn baby's mouth. Wash bottles and nipples thoroughly after use and never use a bottle of formula that has been left out longer than 2 hours.
4. Bath
Infant seats are helpful when bathing baby, but don't be fooled into thinking it is a safety measure that will prevent all accidents. A baby must never be farther than arms reach while bathing and must be constantly supervised. Set your house's water heater to 120 degrees or less to prevent scalding, or install an anti-scald device. It is a good idea to get your towels, diapers, and other supplies ready before bath time.
5. Used Baby Equipment
Second-hand baby equipment is less expensive or even free, but it can also be dangerous. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission to be sure your used car seat, stroller, crib, or toys have not been recalled. Toys that are several decades old may contain lead paint and should be avoided. When it comes to car seats, never buy a used seat if you don't know its history. It may be unreliable if it has been in a crash. Don't by a seat that is more than 6 years old, doesn't have an instruction manual, or is missing parts. Although they can be expensive, a car seat is one baby item you should consider buying new.
Baby Proofing for Toddlers
As soon as baby takes his first steps, the world suddenly seems a whole lot more accessible to him. Those interesting drapes, those colorful books on the shelf, and grandma's glass knick knacks on the coffee table are now within his reach. Raising a toddler is much different from raising a baby. Here are ten quick ideas to make a toddler's environment a safe place for him to learn and explore.
1. Hide all Cords
Exposed electrical cords and pull-strings for blinds are very tempting for toddlers. However, they put them at risk for electrocution or strangulation. Hide electrical cords and use a cord-shortener for your blinds.
2. Remove the Trash Can
Trash bins are treasure troves for small children and often contain items that could harm them. Keep your trash bin in a locked cabinet or in the garage.
3. Cover Electrical Sockets
Electrical socket covers are a necessity with small children. Kids really do stick small objects into sockets and may get shocked.
4. Lock up Medications and Cleaners
Never leave medications, cleaners, bath oils, nail polish remover, or beauty supplies on the counter. They may be poisonous when ingested. Keep these items in a high, locked cabinet.
5. Never Leave Coins or Small Objects on the Counter
When cleaning out your pockets of purse, don't leave coins, buttons, or other small items on the counter. They are choking hazards. One may be surprised how high little arms can reach to grab interesting objects off counters!
6. Bolt Bookcases to the Wall
Tall and heavy furniture should be bolted to the wall. Book cases and dressers are especially dangerous because children may climb them and they can tip. To prevent accidents, screw heavy furniture to the wall or purchase specifically designed straps to secure them.
7. Keep Knives, Glass, and Appliances up High
Sharp objects, glass, and small appliances should be stored in high, locked cabinets. Be especially wary of the contents of lower cabinets, even if they are latched. Your child may outsmart the latch. Never store cleaning chemicals in a floor-level cupboard.
8. Cushion Sharp Furniture Edges
While your toddler is first learning to walk, it may be wise to cushion sharp furniture edges. Corner guards and soft bumpers protect toddlers from hurting themselves on the pointed edges of low tables.
9. Use Gates and Doorknob Covers
If there are areas of the house that are not thoroughly childproofed, secure the doorway with a baby gate. Door knob covers are excellent ways to keep children out of rooms as well. It is advisable to put doorknob covers on any door leading outside so that little explorers cannot leave without supervision.
10. Install Baby Gates at the Top and Bottom of Stairs
Stairs are extremely dangerous for young toddlers, so install baby gates at the top and bottom. The type that screws into the wall is preferable, because pressure gates may be pushed over. Also, use railing guards if your balusters are more than 3 inches apart.
1. Hide all Cords
Exposed electrical cords and pull-strings for blinds are very tempting for toddlers. However, they put them at risk for electrocution or strangulation. Hide electrical cords and use a cord-shortener for your blinds.
2. Remove the Trash Can
Trash bins are treasure troves for small children and often contain items that could harm them. Keep your trash bin in a locked cabinet or in the garage.
3. Cover Electrical Sockets
Electrical socket covers are a necessity with small children. Kids really do stick small objects into sockets and may get shocked.
4. Lock up Medications and Cleaners
Never leave medications, cleaners, bath oils, nail polish remover, or beauty supplies on the counter. They may be poisonous when ingested. Keep these items in a high, locked cabinet.
5. Never Leave Coins or Small Objects on the Counter
When cleaning out your pockets of purse, don't leave coins, buttons, or other small items on the counter. They are choking hazards. One may be surprised how high little arms can reach to grab interesting objects off counters!
6. Bolt Bookcases to the Wall
Tall and heavy furniture should be bolted to the wall. Book cases and dressers are especially dangerous because children may climb them and they can tip. To prevent accidents, screw heavy furniture to the wall or purchase specifically designed straps to secure them.
7. Keep Knives, Glass, and Appliances up High
Sharp objects, glass, and small appliances should be stored in high, locked cabinets. Be especially wary of the contents of lower cabinets, even if they are latched. Your child may outsmart the latch. Never store cleaning chemicals in a floor-level cupboard.
8. Cushion Sharp Furniture Edges
While your toddler is first learning to walk, it may be wise to cushion sharp furniture edges. Corner guards and soft bumpers protect toddlers from hurting themselves on the pointed edges of low tables.
9. Use Gates and Doorknob Covers
If there are areas of the house that are not thoroughly childproofed, secure the doorway with a baby gate. Door knob covers are excellent ways to keep children out of rooms as well. It is advisable to put doorknob covers on any door leading outside so that little explorers cannot leave without supervision.
10. Install Baby Gates at the Top and Bottom of Stairs
Stairs are extremely dangerous for young toddlers, so install baby gates at the top and bottom. The type that screws into the wall is preferable, because pressure gates may be pushed over. Also, use railing guards if your balusters are more than 3 inches apart.
Common Household Dangers for Children
Tragic household accidents happen every day. Poisonings, drowning, and suffocation fill the evening news. No parent should ever have to deal with the heartbreak and regret that follows a preventable accident. Here are some common household dangers everyone should be aware of.
Medications
Pills look a lot like candy and liquid medications resemble juice. According to the CDC, 568,939 children were unintentionally exposed to pharmaceuticals between 2001 and 2003. While most of these cases were not deadly, they could have been. 95 percent of poisoning deaths in the US are due to medications. Medications must be stored in childproof containers in high, locked cabinets.
Cleaning Supplies
Household cleaning products may be harmful and even fatal to children if ingested. Liquid detergents and sprays are often brightly colored and resemble juice. Keep all cleaning chemicals out of reach, preferably up high and in a locked cupboard. Never leave cleaning supplies under the sink, even if it has a child safety latch.
Standing Water
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 350 children under the age of 5 drown each year in swimming pools. Yet it's not just pools that are dangerous. Any amount of standing water is hazardous to small children. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and hot tubs also present a drowning risk. Never leave standing water anywhere a child may get into it.
Drapery/ Blind Cords
Hanging cords can lead to strangulation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 160 strangulations involving window blinds between 1991 and 2000. Cords must be kept out of a child’s reach at all times.
Plastic Bags
Dry cleaning bags, garbage bags, and plastic grocery bags are all dangerous for small children and can lead to suffocation. Promptly dispose of or recycle plastic bags.
Latex Balloons
Children love playing with balloons. However, latex balloons can be a choking hazard and suffocation risk. Since 1973, at least 110 children have chocked to death on a balloon. If inhaled, a balloon completely blocks the airways. Don’t let a young child attempt to blow up a balloon, bite an inflated balloon, or chew on a deflated balloon.
Washing Machines
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 20,000 children under 15 needed emergency room care for washing machine related injuries between 1993 and 2000. Children may become trapped inside and should never be allowed to play near a washing machine.
Perfumes and Personal Care Items
Perfumes and personal care items like mouthwash are the number one source of poisoning reported to US poison control centers. Keep all hygiene supplies out of children's reach.
Driveway
Lack of supervision, even for a moment, can be dangerous. 116 children die in the US every year after being backed over in their own driveway. Never let children play in the driveway unsupervised, even for a moment.
Plants
Many common household plants are poisonous for children. These include butter cups, catnip plants, English Ivy, Hydrangea, Iris, Lily of the Valley, and many others. Be sure to research online to see if your houseplants are safe for children.
Jennifer D. Melville
For more information about all your baby proofing needs please visit Baby Proofing Directory. Baby Proofing Directory is the most comprehensive source for baby proofing professionals, pool fence installers, baby proofing product manufacturers, child safety products, and home safety tips to keep your toddler safe.
Medications
Pills look a lot like candy and liquid medications resemble juice. According to the CDC, 568,939 children were unintentionally exposed to pharmaceuticals between 2001 and 2003. While most of these cases were not deadly, they could have been. 95 percent of poisoning deaths in the US are due to medications. Medications must be stored in childproof containers in high, locked cabinets.
Cleaning Supplies
Household cleaning products may be harmful and even fatal to children if ingested. Liquid detergents and sprays are often brightly colored and resemble juice. Keep all cleaning chemicals out of reach, preferably up high and in a locked cupboard. Never leave cleaning supplies under the sink, even if it has a child safety latch.
Standing Water
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 350 children under the age of 5 drown each year in swimming pools. Yet it's not just pools that are dangerous. Any amount of standing water is hazardous to small children. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and hot tubs also present a drowning risk. Never leave standing water anywhere a child may get into it.
Drapery/ Blind Cords
Hanging cords can lead to strangulation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 160 strangulations involving window blinds between 1991 and 2000. Cords must be kept out of a child’s reach at all times.
Plastic Bags
Dry cleaning bags, garbage bags, and plastic grocery bags are all dangerous for small children and can lead to suffocation. Promptly dispose of or recycle plastic bags.
Latex Balloons
Children love playing with balloons. However, latex balloons can be a choking hazard and suffocation risk. Since 1973, at least 110 children have chocked to death on a balloon. If inhaled, a balloon completely blocks the airways. Don’t let a young child attempt to blow up a balloon, bite an inflated balloon, or chew on a deflated balloon.
Washing Machines
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 20,000 children under 15 needed emergency room care for washing machine related injuries between 1993 and 2000. Children may become trapped inside and should never be allowed to play near a washing machine.
Perfumes and Personal Care Items
Perfumes and personal care items like mouthwash are the number one source of poisoning reported to US poison control centers. Keep all hygiene supplies out of children's reach.
Driveway
Lack of supervision, even for a moment, can be dangerous. 116 children die in the US every year after being backed over in their own driveway. Never let children play in the driveway unsupervised, even for a moment.
Plants
Many common household plants are poisonous for children. These include butter cups, catnip plants, English Ivy, Hydrangea, Iris, Lily of the Valley, and many others. Be sure to research online to see if your houseplants are safe for children.
Jennifer D. Melville
For more information about all your baby proofing needs please visit Baby Proofing Directory. Baby Proofing Directory is the most comprehensive source for baby proofing professionals, pool fence installers, baby proofing product manufacturers, child safety products, and home safety tips to keep your toddler safe.
Moving is the Best Exercise for Babies
We know that exercise is important for our health as adults, but did you know that the same philosophy applies to babies? It is recommended that babies should work their muscles at least half-hour each day, although not necessarily all at once. Here are basic exercises that you can do with your baby, to stretch and tone the muscles:
Stretching
With your baby on his tummy, roll a ball in his direction so he has to extend his arms to grasp the ball and then roll it back to you. Alternately, you could sit facing each other with your feet bottoms touching and roll the ball back and forth, stretching in the process.
Standing
If your baby is trying to stand, encourage him by making him want to move towards you. Make sure you do this within the safety of a crib or on well-padded baby bedding. Play with a toy to get his attention and then re-position yourself on the other side of the crib or bed to get him to come to you. You can also make the stretching motion yourself and show him what it looks like when you stand up.
Crawling
Your infant's attempts to crawl are naturally going to help him exercise his little body since he will work hard to push himself forward with his arms and legs. Motivate him to move by clapping your hands and motioning your child to come towards you. You can also use a noise-making toy to grab his attention.
Jumping
Toddlers require a more advanced activity like jumping to help practice motor skills. You can make a line on your carpet using a folded piece of construction paper and help your baby hop from one side to the other. To add to the excitement, make up rhyming tunes as you go or listen to music.
Stretching
With your baby on his tummy, roll a ball in his direction so he has to extend his arms to grasp the ball and then roll it back to you. Alternately, you could sit facing each other with your feet bottoms touching and roll the ball back and forth, stretching in the process.
Standing
If your baby is trying to stand, encourage him by making him want to move towards you. Make sure you do this within the safety of a crib or on well-padded baby bedding. Play with a toy to get his attention and then re-position yourself on the other side of the crib or bed to get him to come to you. You can also make the stretching motion yourself and show him what it looks like when you stand up.
Crawling
Your infant's attempts to crawl are naturally going to help him exercise his little body since he will work hard to push himself forward with his arms and legs. Motivate him to move by clapping your hands and motioning your child to come towards you. You can also use a noise-making toy to grab his attention.
Jumping
Toddlers require a more advanced activity like jumping to help practice motor skills. You can make a line on your carpet using a folded piece of construction paper and help your baby hop from one side to the other. To add to the excitement, make up rhyming tunes as you go or listen to music.
Baby Nursery Decorating Ideas
If you are expecting a new baby, chances are you are looking forward to decorating a room especially for your newborn. A baby nursery is great fun to plan and decorate and you don’t have to spend a fortune doing it! Even if you don’t know if you’re having a baby boy or a baby girl, you can come up with the perfect theme and color combination to really dress up an ordinary space into a delightful baby nursery.
Theme. Begin by selecting your theme. Many themes are timeless, like the ocean or a jungle or familiar nursery rhymes. Maybe a children’s character you loved as a child could set the tone. For boys, trains, trucks, sports and cowboys are popular. For girls, fairies, princesses and ballerinas are classics. Gender neutral themes can include tropical fish, sweet birds, bumble bees, farm animals or any of the popular licensed children’s characters.
Paint. When you are ready, start by picking a pleasant paint color for all or several of the walls. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can really add interest to the room. Remember though that you will have to live with it for several years so don’t pick something too dark or dramatic. A baby’s nursery should be soothing and something they can grow into.
Decorate. Add wallpaper trim borders for interest or vinyl wall decals sprinkled about. These inexpensive decorating treatments can be found online. Or, do it yourself! Using poster board, cut out stenciled shapes and using complementary colors to your background color, stencil designs around the room. Remember to let the background color dry first though before painting on top of it.
Consider freehand painting if you’re artistically inclined. If not, copy an image on overhead projector overlays and project them on the wall, painting over the image. The finished results will look like you illustrated the images yourself and you’ll have fun doing it! You may even want to repurpose the image on your Baby Announcements. Make it a group project with help from friends and family if you want. On your Baby Shower Invitations, invite guests to stick around for a painting party.
Furnish. Baby furniture can be found at garage sales, thrift stores or online. The pieces don’t have to match. Some of the most charming rooms are a collection of mismatched items. Add a fresh coat of paint if necessary. Include a rocking chair if you can and a nightlight in the room for middle of the night diaper changes.
Accessorize. If you’re a seamstress, sew your own bedding and window treatments. If not, consider asking a friend or family member to help. Or, bargain shop and you are sure to find something perfect for your new little one. The hunt for that something special can be quite fun!
Theme. Begin by selecting your theme. Many themes are timeless, like the ocean or a jungle or familiar nursery rhymes. Maybe a children’s character you loved as a child could set the tone. For boys, trains, trucks, sports and cowboys are popular. For girls, fairies, princesses and ballerinas are classics. Gender neutral themes can include tropical fish, sweet birds, bumble bees, farm animals or any of the popular licensed children’s characters.
Paint. When you are ready, start by picking a pleasant paint color for all or several of the walls. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can really add interest to the room. Remember though that you will have to live with it for several years so don’t pick something too dark or dramatic. A baby’s nursery should be soothing and something they can grow into.
Decorate. Add wallpaper trim borders for interest or vinyl wall decals sprinkled about. These inexpensive decorating treatments can be found online. Or, do it yourself! Using poster board, cut out stenciled shapes and using complementary colors to your background color, stencil designs around the room. Remember to let the background color dry first though before painting on top of it.
Consider freehand painting if you’re artistically inclined. If not, copy an image on overhead projector overlays and project them on the wall, painting over the image. The finished results will look like you illustrated the images yourself and you’ll have fun doing it! You may even want to repurpose the image on your Baby Announcements. Make it a group project with help from friends and family if you want. On your Baby Shower Invitations, invite guests to stick around for a painting party.
Furnish. Baby furniture can be found at garage sales, thrift stores or online. The pieces don’t have to match. Some of the most charming rooms are a collection of mismatched items. Add a fresh coat of paint if necessary. Include a rocking chair if you can and a nightlight in the room for middle of the night diaper changes.
Accessorize. If you’re a seamstress, sew your own bedding and window treatments. If not, consider asking a friend or family member to help. Or, bargain shop and you are sure to find something perfect for your new little one. The hunt for that something special can be quite fun!
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