By Claire Bowes
Dermatitis means any inflammation of the skin, and if that sounds like a broad category, well, it is. Inflammation can range from a mild discomfort to the really miserable bubbles that make you wonder whether you are about to boil over. And the causes are just as various, ranging from your own genetic makeup to food, air, sun, artificial products, natural substances, and just about everything else.
When dermatitis develops to the stage where you can see cracking, and oozing, it is generally diagnosed as some kind of eczema. But no matter what you call it, itchy, inflamed skin is something that everyone would like to avoid.
Infant Eczema
Some people start getting skin outbreaks in childhood, with flare-ups that may continue off and on throughout their lives. Called atopic eczema, this rash is probably inherited from the kid's parents, or other forebears who passed along the genes. The outbreaks can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common points of affliction are joint areas like the inside of the elbows or backs of the knees.
Infantile eczema, other term for atopic eczema, thrives more in children. The victims of this kind of skin disease usually have dry skin. Because of it, children are relatively more sensitive to irritation. Along with it, other atopic diseases branch out such as allergies, hay fever, and asthma.
The Causes
After some careful researches and studies, nobody can still identify the real cause of eczema in babies. Researchers can only associate the fact that most of the babies that suffer from infantile eczema have parents or relatives that have hay fever, allergies, or asthma.
The Symptoms
Usually, eczemas in babies appear at the second month and may last until the baby reaches 5 years old.
Upon diagnosis, health experts may identify the first signs of the disease. But for parents who cannot distinguish eczema from mere rashes, here is a list of possible symptoms that would indicate dermatitis resulting to eczema.
1. Prickly red inflammation on the cheeks.
Usually, babies who suffer from eczema have red rashes that run from their faces down to their neck. This itchiness may also appear on their legs as well as the arms.
2. Dry skin
The rashes are generally dry by nature. But since babies gets irritated fast that they tend to scratch the surface thereby making the skin susceptible to infections. Once infected, the rash will never be dry but may generate pus.
Once this condition is present, it is important that you bring your baby to the doctor immediately. The presence of pus is an alarming condition that seeks medical attention immediately.
3. Rashes behind the wrists, neck, arms, and ankles
As the baby grows old, the rashes will still continue to reappear after sometime. By the time the baby reaches the age of 1 and ½ up to 2 years old, the pattern of the symptoms is more identifiable.
Prevention
Prevention in eczema is the key to an itch-free development among babies. Hence, if a patch of eczema starts, the baby will invariably scratch, and the scratching damages the skin and makes the eczema worse, which causes more scratching. Once eczema is out of control like this, getting it under control is far more difficult especially if you are dealing with the babies.
Just keep in mind that even if the main cause of the disease is still identifiable, there are approximately 65,000 different substances that might cause contact irritant dermatitis in your baby.
Hence, it would be better to always use baby-friendly products so as to prevent possible irritation that may eventually lead to eczema.
As they say, prevention is better than cure, so, it is better to start avoiding things that might irritate your baby's skin.
Claire Bowes is the author and website owner of Eczema Causes and Cures where she is continually researching information on Baby Eczema to help answer your questions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Bowes
Monday, January 21, 2008
Wooden High Chairs - The Best Choice For Your Baby?
By Ned D'Agostino
Sure you want your high chair to be functional, but you want it to be beautiful as well. Wooden high chairs can be both. While plastic and metal chairs were the norm for a long time, more and more parents are choosing wood chairs again, not only because they do the job they are intended for, but because they look great with the rest of the furniture.
If you've ever had one of those metal chairs, chances are you went to the trouble of hiding it or putting it away when company was coming over. It looked like it didn't belong. They can be large and ungainly, and they don't seem to fit neatly anywhere, even if they do fold up for "easy storage."
Those made of wood, however, do fit in. With lots of finishes and styles to choose from, parents can find one that fits the décor of their home. If the dining table and kitchen cabinets are oak, a nice oak high chair looks like it was made to fit right in. Other options you may find include maple, cherry and natural wood. You will find models that look like antiques and some that look very modern. A wooden chair is durable, and can be passed down for generations as a family heirloom if it is well made.
With any of them, you want function as well as beauty. When you are looking at them, make sure that the tray is easy to lock and unlock. Can you do it with one hand? Is it important for your chair to have a plastic tray that goes in the dishwasher, or is it okay to have a wooden tray to wipe down after every meal?
Safety is another concern. No matter how beautiful a high chair is, will your child be safe there? Does the chair come with secure restraints to keep baby from sliding out? Is the chair sturdy enough for an older baby that wiggles vigorously? Does it have good balance?
Wood chairs can be all of those things, but there are drawbacks. They may not be as functional as the traditional plastic and metal variety. They don't come with wheels, and they don't have reclining seat backs. It may be more difficult to find a wood chair that adjusts for height, as well. Wooden chairs won't come with built-in toys on the feeding tray. That feature is limited to the plastic chairs. If these features are important to you, it may be better to look at high chairs made of plastic. You may have to decide between beauty and features, so you'll need to decide if those features are worth giving up something appearance.
When you are ready to make your final choice, make sure you have done your homework. It is easy to do research on several models online. It may help if you prioritize what features you can't live without, and which ones are negotiable. Remember to look at safety, function and beauty. Take your list of features you want with you when you shop, whether it is at the local baby mart or online, so you don't forget anything important.
If you decide that this is still in your future, that's great! Now you'll know exactly what features you want in your high chair, and shopping for one should be a lot easier.
For more information on wooden high chairs visit http://www.discounthighchairs.com, a popular website featuring all the information you'll need to get the right high chair for your baby. You'll find information on all the features available and a look at some of the most popular brands of baby high chairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ned_D'Agostino
Sure you want your high chair to be functional, but you want it to be beautiful as well. Wooden high chairs can be both. While plastic and metal chairs were the norm for a long time, more and more parents are choosing wood chairs again, not only because they do the job they are intended for, but because they look great with the rest of the furniture.
If you've ever had one of those metal chairs, chances are you went to the trouble of hiding it or putting it away when company was coming over. It looked like it didn't belong. They can be large and ungainly, and they don't seem to fit neatly anywhere, even if they do fold up for "easy storage."
Those made of wood, however, do fit in. With lots of finishes and styles to choose from, parents can find one that fits the décor of their home. If the dining table and kitchen cabinets are oak, a nice oak high chair looks like it was made to fit right in. Other options you may find include maple, cherry and natural wood. You will find models that look like antiques and some that look very modern. A wooden chair is durable, and can be passed down for generations as a family heirloom if it is well made.
With any of them, you want function as well as beauty. When you are looking at them, make sure that the tray is easy to lock and unlock. Can you do it with one hand? Is it important for your chair to have a plastic tray that goes in the dishwasher, or is it okay to have a wooden tray to wipe down after every meal?
Safety is another concern. No matter how beautiful a high chair is, will your child be safe there? Does the chair come with secure restraints to keep baby from sliding out? Is the chair sturdy enough for an older baby that wiggles vigorously? Does it have good balance?
Wood chairs can be all of those things, but there are drawbacks. They may not be as functional as the traditional plastic and metal variety. They don't come with wheels, and they don't have reclining seat backs. It may be more difficult to find a wood chair that adjusts for height, as well. Wooden chairs won't come with built-in toys on the feeding tray. That feature is limited to the plastic chairs. If these features are important to you, it may be better to look at high chairs made of plastic. You may have to decide between beauty and features, so you'll need to decide if those features are worth giving up something appearance.
When you are ready to make your final choice, make sure you have done your homework. It is easy to do research on several models online. It may help if you prioritize what features you can't live without, and which ones are negotiable. Remember to look at safety, function and beauty. Take your list of features you want with you when you shop, whether it is at the local baby mart or online, so you don't forget anything important.
If you decide that this is still in your future, that's great! Now you'll know exactly what features you want in your high chair, and shopping for one should be a lot easier.
For more information on wooden high chairs visit http://www.discounthighchairs.com, a popular website featuring all the information you'll need to get the right high chair for your baby. You'll find information on all the features available and a look at some of the most popular brands of baby high chairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ned_D'Agostino
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Easy Way to Feed Your Baby Without Resorting to Gerber
By Josh Day
Hey there, health-conscious parents. Have you tried making your own baby food, complete with fresh produce pureed in the food processor, then mixed with water to freeze in ice cube trays? If you're as busy as we are, you probably learned fast this was not the way to go!
We began feeding our son solids at four months. At three months he began to show a keen interest in what was going into our mouths. At four he was all but trying to snatch the food out of our hands. We knew it was time to introduce solids.
We tried making our own and quickly gave up on that. Too much time, too much mess, too many dishes. No thanks!
Ultimately, we turned to Beech Nut baby foods. But baby food is expensive and mass produced.
We decided we'd buy fresher -- and cheaper -- ingredients.
Here are some of the things we feed our baby:
1. King Oscar sardines in olive oil. Despite many people's initial yuck reaction, sardines are extremely good for you and contain more calcium than milk. You'd be surprised what your baby eats and enjoys, especially when you mash it and mix it with another favorite food. Sardines are small fish, so there is no worry for mercury contamination.
2. Goat milk. Unfortunately, we don't have access to raw goat milk, which has the most nutrients, so we have to settle for pasteurized. We buy goat milk at our local grocery store.
3. Canned vegetables like green beans, peas, carrots, and beets. We open a can, mash a small amount up with a fork, and often mix it with a meat.
We mix canned peaches, pears, and applesauce with rice cereal for breakfast.
No matter what canned items you choose, be sure to buy products with the least amount of additives -- no sugar, as little sodium as possible, with the fewest amounts of preservatives. You also want to avoid "heavy syrup" which is found in many canned fruit items.
Josh Day is a work-at-home dad who enjoys spending time with his son James. He and his wife Leah have written a practical guide to parenting for realistic people called Moderation Parenting. Learn more about their book and parenting method at http://moderationparenting.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Day
Hey there, health-conscious parents. Have you tried making your own baby food, complete with fresh produce pureed in the food processor, then mixed with water to freeze in ice cube trays? If you're as busy as we are, you probably learned fast this was not the way to go!
We began feeding our son solids at four months. At three months he began to show a keen interest in what was going into our mouths. At four he was all but trying to snatch the food out of our hands. We knew it was time to introduce solids.
We tried making our own and quickly gave up on that. Too much time, too much mess, too many dishes. No thanks!
Ultimately, we turned to Beech Nut baby foods. But baby food is expensive and mass produced.
We decided we'd buy fresher -- and cheaper -- ingredients.
Here are some of the things we feed our baby:
1. King Oscar sardines in olive oil. Despite many people's initial yuck reaction, sardines are extremely good for you and contain more calcium than milk. You'd be surprised what your baby eats and enjoys, especially when you mash it and mix it with another favorite food. Sardines are small fish, so there is no worry for mercury contamination.
2. Goat milk. Unfortunately, we don't have access to raw goat milk, which has the most nutrients, so we have to settle for pasteurized. We buy goat milk at our local grocery store.
3. Canned vegetables like green beans, peas, carrots, and beets. We open a can, mash a small amount up with a fork, and often mix it with a meat.
We mix canned peaches, pears, and applesauce with rice cereal for breakfast.
No matter what canned items you choose, be sure to buy products with the least amount of additives -- no sugar, as little sodium as possible, with the fewest amounts of preservatives. You also want to avoid "heavy syrup" which is found in many canned fruit items.
Josh Day is a work-at-home dad who enjoys spending time with his son James. He and his wife Leah have written a practical guide to parenting for realistic people called Moderation Parenting. Learn more about their book and parenting method at http://moderationparenting.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Day
How To Lay Your Infant Down To Sleep
By Les Scammell
Babies will often develop their own methods to calm and sooth themselves to sleep. They will often suck a thumb and/or cuddle a teddy. Some of course use a pacifier (dummy). Somehow babies link those actions with security and going to sleep. Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to teach your child to do this.
You can however provide the right situation that will encourage self calming and self settling. What we have found to work really well is to lay baby down when we think she is ready for sleep, tuck a soft teddy into the crook of her arm and follow up with a soft blanket just under her chin. Now, she automatically sticks her thumb in her mouth, grabs the teddy and blanket, half rolls onto her side and bingo - she nods off.
After four children we have finally got it right. By 8:30 each night all four are in bed and asleep and most nights we don't hear anything from them until early morning.
So what did we do that was different this time. I must confess, nothing was planned. It all happened by accident and like all cases of hindsight, we thought of course, why didn't we do that earlier? Here is a summary of what we have found to work.
Start off by getting them to go to sleep in your arms with the teddy and/or blanket. Get them to associate sleep with that softness. You will know when they have developed that association because as soon as you cradle them into your arms with the soft object, they will immediately snuggle into it and start to close their eyes and get that relaxed sleepy state. Once you have that routine, it is time to go to the next stage.
Now that baby has associated the softness with sleep you need to get into the habit of laying them down before they go to sleep. Cradle them with the blanket or teddy and as soon as they get that I am ready for sleep look - lay them down, before they go to sleep. In the beginning you may have to pick them up again, but they will quickly learn to associate the soft teddy or blanket and bed with sleep.
You don't have to use the same soft teddy every time she goes to sleep either - nor the same blanket. What is important is that the toy and blanket are soft, very soft. They then build an association with softness and sleep.
If you have a new born - try it out early - persevere, don't give up to soon. Of course, the real trick is to pick that 'right' time to lay them down, too early and they don't want to go to sleep, to late and they are over tired.
They may not go to sleep at first. You may have to pick them up again. But by persevering you will find that you will win and that sleep will come quickly and naturally for them - and for you.
Les Scammell
http://www.myradicalblogs.com
http://www.just4families.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Les_Scammell
Babies will often develop their own methods to calm and sooth themselves to sleep. They will often suck a thumb and/or cuddle a teddy. Some of course use a pacifier (dummy). Somehow babies link those actions with security and going to sleep. Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to teach your child to do this.
You can however provide the right situation that will encourage self calming and self settling. What we have found to work really well is to lay baby down when we think she is ready for sleep, tuck a soft teddy into the crook of her arm and follow up with a soft blanket just under her chin. Now, she automatically sticks her thumb in her mouth, grabs the teddy and blanket, half rolls onto her side and bingo - she nods off.
After four children we have finally got it right. By 8:30 each night all four are in bed and asleep and most nights we don't hear anything from them until early morning.
So what did we do that was different this time. I must confess, nothing was planned. It all happened by accident and like all cases of hindsight, we thought of course, why didn't we do that earlier? Here is a summary of what we have found to work.
Start off by getting them to go to sleep in your arms with the teddy and/or blanket. Get them to associate sleep with that softness. You will know when they have developed that association because as soon as you cradle them into your arms with the soft object, they will immediately snuggle into it and start to close their eyes and get that relaxed sleepy state. Once you have that routine, it is time to go to the next stage.
Now that baby has associated the softness with sleep you need to get into the habit of laying them down before they go to sleep. Cradle them with the blanket or teddy and as soon as they get that I am ready for sleep look - lay them down, before they go to sleep. In the beginning you may have to pick them up again, but they will quickly learn to associate the soft teddy or blanket and bed with sleep.
You don't have to use the same soft teddy every time she goes to sleep either - nor the same blanket. What is important is that the toy and blanket are soft, very soft. They then build an association with softness and sleep.
If you have a new born - try it out early - persevere, don't give up to soon. Of course, the real trick is to pick that 'right' time to lay them down, too early and they don't want to go to sleep, to late and they are over tired.
They may not go to sleep at first. You may have to pick them up again. But by persevering you will find that you will win and that sleep will come quickly and naturally for them - and for you.
Les Scammell
http://www.myradicalblogs.com
http://www.just4families.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Les_Scammell
The Secrets of the Co-Sleeper
By Tina Rychlik
Japanese babies sleep between their parents. Their position symbolizes a river between two banks. This picturesque view of co-sleeping reveals the intimacy between parents and their offspring and how co-sleeping creates a family unit. In contrast, modern Western societies emphasize the need for independence and individuality. As such, we are used to putting the baby to sleep in his own bed, in his own room. Even if we are told by the health visitors that it is much better to keep a baby nearby, in your own room in a separate bed, we are eager to find "excuses" such as "He is so noisy at night", "I have no privacy" etc. in order to place him back into his own cot bed in a different room.
Sleeping in a single bed, away from the parents and/or siblings is a modern phenomenon, no older than 200 years. For thousands of years prior we co-sleept with our parents, our siblings and family. The modern ways of living are ruled by individuality and independence which in turn create a society of increased anti social behavior and loneliness loneliness.
Anthropologist James McKenna conducted research in order to find out the truth about co-sleepers. He found that when a baby sleeps with his mother the pattern of brain wave activity, heart rate, muscle movement and breathing are astonishingly similar in both. During the sleep mother and baby exhibit a deep bond. Their experience of sleep is mutual as they share the same sleep pattern. In fact, it has been suggested that sleeping close to the mother helps the baby "learn" how to sleep safely explaining why the sleep pattern of both are so in sync.
Unfortunately, today's perception of sleeping with the parents is understood to create an emotional dependence which is regarded as a negative trait within the human development.
Another reason why people widely assume co-sleeping to be a threat rather than a blessing to baby development is the fear of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This phenomenon is a very controversial subject. However, recent changes in the way babies should be handled have made a big difference to the number of cot deaths: For many years, parents were told that they should lay their babies facing down so that the infant would not choke on its own vomit. However, since parents were advised to put their babies face up rather than face down the rates of SIDS dropped rapidly. Since the new advice was given, in the UK alone there has been a 90% reduction in the rate of SIDS from 1981 to 1992.*
In combination with co-sleeping, research has shown that mothers instinctively put their babies on their backs as this position makes it easier for them to breastfeed during the night, to check the baby and to give the baby freedom to move about, thus less likely to be forced into an uncomfortable position. When co-sleeping, mothers instinctively put their babies into a position that allows them to be face to face during the night. This seems to be the most natural position for both: if they lie on their back and have a choice of where to look, they move their heads to face each other. One might consider that facing each other is a danger as the mother breathes out an enormous amount of carbon dioxide. Yet, research suggests that an atmosphere of CO2 in the face might also help infants to learn to breathe because their brain is triggered to regulate breathing. Furthermore, it has been shown that direct skin-to-skin contact, especially for premature babies, is very important as long as they do not get overheated.
Mothers are very instinctive when they co-sleep with their new babies and repeatedly kiss, touch and readjust the baby, often even when asleep. In contrast to sleeping in their own rooms, co-sleeping babies are under constant supervision.
The individual experience of co-sleeping with a baby is very intense. As parents we take on huge responsibility to raise our babies and children safely. We have to keep in mind that babies and parents grow together. As their needs change so do the responses that constitute a dynamic two-way system that requires each other. The parent-baby relationship is shaped through an interactive system which meets the infant's biological necessities. As such, co-sleeping is a vital part of this relationship and helps to meet both parents' and babies' needs to bond naturally.
*Recommended book: Small, M.F.(1999). Our Babies, Ourselves. How biology and culture shape the way we parent. New York: Anchor Books.
Tina Rychlik is the proud mother of two, and the owner of BabysBest.co.uk an online store dedicated to the preservation of our children's health. Offering only organic and all natural baby products, you can find guidelines and advice for baby and their parents by visiting http://www.babysbest.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Rychlik
Japanese babies sleep between their parents. Their position symbolizes a river between two banks. This picturesque view of co-sleeping reveals the intimacy between parents and their offspring and how co-sleeping creates a family unit. In contrast, modern Western societies emphasize the need for independence and individuality. As such, we are used to putting the baby to sleep in his own bed, in his own room. Even if we are told by the health visitors that it is much better to keep a baby nearby, in your own room in a separate bed, we are eager to find "excuses" such as "He is so noisy at night", "I have no privacy" etc. in order to place him back into his own cot bed in a different room.
Sleeping in a single bed, away from the parents and/or siblings is a modern phenomenon, no older than 200 years. For thousands of years prior we co-sleept with our parents, our siblings and family. The modern ways of living are ruled by individuality and independence which in turn create a society of increased anti social behavior and loneliness loneliness.
Anthropologist James McKenna conducted research in order to find out the truth about co-sleepers. He found that when a baby sleeps with his mother the pattern of brain wave activity, heart rate, muscle movement and breathing are astonishingly similar in both. During the sleep mother and baby exhibit a deep bond. Their experience of sleep is mutual as they share the same sleep pattern. In fact, it has been suggested that sleeping close to the mother helps the baby "learn" how to sleep safely explaining why the sleep pattern of both are so in sync.
Unfortunately, today's perception of sleeping with the parents is understood to create an emotional dependence which is regarded as a negative trait within the human development.
Another reason why people widely assume co-sleeping to be a threat rather than a blessing to baby development is the fear of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This phenomenon is a very controversial subject. However, recent changes in the way babies should be handled have made a big difference to the number of cot deaths: For many years, parents were told that they should lay their babies facing down so that the infant would not choke on its own vomit. However, since parents were advised to put their babies face up rather than face down the rates of SIDS dropped rapidly. Since the new advice was given, in the UK alone there has been a 90% reduction in the rate of SIDS from 1981 to 1992.*
In combination with co-sleeping, research has shown that mothers instinctively put their babies on their backs as this position makes it easier for them to breastfeed during the night, to check the baby and to give the baby freedom to move about, thus less likely to be forced into an uncomfortable position. When co-sleeping, mothers instinctively put their babies into a position that allows them to be face to face during the night. This seems to be the most natural position for both: if they lie on their back and have a choice of where to look, they move their heads to face each other. One might consider that facing each other is a danger as the mother breathes out an enormous amount of carbon dioxide. Yet, research suggests that an atmosphere of CO2 in the face might also help infants to learn to breathe because their brain is triggered to regulate breathing. Furthermore, it has been shown that direct skin-to-skin contact, especially for premature babies, is very important as long as they do not get overheated.
Mothers are very instinctive when they co-sleep with their new babies and repeatedly kiss, touch and readjust the baby, often even when asleep. In contrast to sleeping in their own rooms, co-sleeping babies are under constant supervision.
The individual experience of co-sleeping with a baby is very intense. As parents we take on huge responsibility to raise our babies and children safely. We have to keep in mind that babies and parents grow together. As their needs change so do the responses that constitute a dynamic two-way system that requires each other. The parent-baby relationship is shaped through an interactive system which meets the infant's biological necessities. As such, co-sleeping is a vital part of this relationship and helps to meet both parents' and babies' needs to bond naturally.
*Recommended book: Small, M.F.(1999). Our Babies, Ourselves. How biology and culture shape the way we parent. New York: Anchor Books.
Tina Rychlik is the proud mother of two, and the owner of BabysBest.co.uk an online store dedicated to the preservation of our children's health. Offering only organic and all natural baby products, you can find guidelines and advice for baby and their parents by visiting http://www.babysbest.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Rychlik
Fun Activities For Toddlers
By Jennie Gandhi
Every child undergoes various stages of child development starting from infancy, to toddler and then to teenage. These stages of childhood are filled with loads of fun, entertainment, learning and multitude of activities.
Each child is born as an active learner in a world of competition and challenges. The early formative years or when the child is a toddler is the best stage where he can learn the maximum. All that your child learns at this stage of life is carried along with the growing age. Toddlers often learn through their bumps, discoveries, falls, relationship and numerous other activities.
There are ample of fun activities for toddler that you can enjoy with your child. Through these activities you can help your child grow physically, emotionally and socially. So, keep your child involve in various activities that can encourage the zeal of learning, discovering and social interaction.
Here are some of the most amusing and entertaining toddler activities for your child:
Fun with Household Objects
Leave your child with some household object. Ask him to pick up one object and you explain him the essentials of that particular object. While picking up the object your child will also discover the image of that object. This kind of discoveries become a vital part of toddler's inquiring mind and stimulates his drive towards learning and accomplishment.
Fun with Bean Bags
Toddlers enjoy tossing the bean bags. Provide your child with ample of old socks and dried beans. Ask them to fill the dried beans in the old socks and prepare interesting bean bags.
Funny Flashlights
Let your child enjoy the flashlight game. Take a torch or any other source of flashlight. Take the light to different objects in your house and ask your toddler to name those objects. You can also tell stories and make shadows using flashlights.
Visit a Museum
Toddlers enjoy learning new things and visiting new places. Take your child to a museum where he will discover various kinds of art pieces, games, toys and many other things that can help stimulate the power of brain and your child's learning skills.
Fun with Water
Toddlers enjoy having fun with water. Take a tub full of water and give your child containers of different size. Let him or her play by pouring water from one container to another. This is a fun game and will also help your child develop hand and eye coordination.
Connecting Dots
Make dots on a large piece of paper in a way that it resembles some cartoon character. Ask your toddler to join the dots and recognize the character produced.
Shape Hunt
Take a piece of paper and draw different shapes. Pin point one shape on the paper and ask your child to hunt or search for an object that has identical shape to what you pointed.
Toddler Rhymes
Sing melodious tunes of rhymes to your toddler. These melodious tune and lyrics will help your child to calm down.
Hide & Seek
Hide and seek is one such game that almost all toddlers enjoy. You don't need to gather a good number of people for this game. Convert your house into a fun playhouse and enjoy playing hide and seek with your toddler.
Coloring Activities
Toddlers love colors. The best activity every toddler enjoys is scribbling with colors on a piece of paper. Don't bound their imaginations and allow them to explore their creativity to make something colorful and beautiful.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games can be fun as well as educational. There are various kinds of puzzle games like matching, taking a child to his home, and various other kinds that they enjoy solving.
Halloween Crafts
Halloween is a day of fun, celebration and entertainment. Toddlers have great fun making unique and beautiful Halloween crafts. Halloween crafts like bags, faces, crown, hats, witches hand, spiders and skeleton. The most popular craft among toddlers is pumpkin carving.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Gandhi
Every child undergoes various stages of child development starting from infancy, to toddler and then to teenage. These stages of childhood are filled with loads of fun, entertainment, learning and multitude of activities.
Each child is born as an active learner in a world of competition and challenges. The early formative years or when the child is a toddler is the best stage where he can learn the maximum. All that your child learns at this stage of life is carried along with the growing age. Toddlers often learn through their bumps, discoveries, falls, relationship and numerous other activities.
There are ample of fun activities for toddler that you can enjoy with your child. Through these activities you can help your child grow physically, emotionally and socially. So, keep your child involve in various activities that can encourage the zeal of learning, discovering and social interaction.
Here are some of the most amusing and entertaining toddler activities for your child:
Fun with Household Objects
Leave your child with some household object. Ask him to pick up one object and you explain him the essentials of that particular object. While picking up the object your child will also discover the image of that object. This kind of discoveries become a vital part of toddler's inquiring mind and stimulates his drive towards learning and accomplishment.
Fun with Bean Bags
Toddlers enjoy tossing the bean bags. Provide your child with ample of old socks and dried beans. Ask them to fill the dried beans in the old socks and prepare interesting bean bags.
Funny Flashlights
Let your child enjoy the flashlight game. Take a torch or any other source of flashlight. Take the light to different objects in your house and ask your toddler to name those objects. You can also tell stories and make shadows using flashlights.
Visit a Museum
Toddlers enjoy learning new things and visiting new places. Take your child to a museum where he will discover various kinds of art pieces, games, toys and many other things that can help stimulate the power of brain and your child's learning skills.
Fun with Water
Toddlers enjoy having fun with water. Take a tub full of water and give your child containers of different size. Let him or her play by pouring water from one container to another. This is a fun game and will also help your child develop hand and eye coordination.
Connecting Dots
Make dots on a large piece of paper in a way that it resembles some cartoon character. Ask your toddler to join the dots and recognize the character produced.
Shape Hunt
Take a piece of paper and draw different shapes. Pin point one shape on the paper and ask your child to hunt or search for an object that has identical shape to what you pointed.
Toddler Rhymes
Sing melodious tunes of rhymes to your toddler. These melodious tune and lyrics will help your child to calm down.
Hide & Seek
Hide and seek is one such game that almost all toddlers enjoy. You don't need to gather a good number of people for this game. Convert your house into a fun playhouse and enjoy playing hide and seek with your toddler.
Coloring Activities
Toddlers love colors. The best activity every toddler enjoys is scribbling with colors on a piece of paper. Don't bound their imaginations and allow them to explore their creativity to make something colorful and beautiful.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games can be fun as well as educational. There are various kinds of puzzle games like matching, taking a child to his home, and various other kinds that they enjoy solving.
Halloween Crafts
Halloween is a day of fun, celebration and entertainment. Toddlers have great fun making unique and beautiful Halloween crafts. Halloween crafts like bags, faces, crown, hats, witches hand, spiders and skeleton. The most popular craft among toddlers is pumpkin carving.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Gandhi
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Safety Tips for Baby Furniture
By JB Anthony
Various baby furniture have various sets of safety precautions. However, there are a couple of common baby safety tips you should keep in mind in all furniture.
Placement of Furniture
Believe it or not, the spot where you place your baby furniture can help prevent accidents and injuries to your baby. Cribs for example should never be placed beside a low window or beside a heavy piece of furniture. A baby that is already on the standing phase might fall off from a window or might get crushed under a piece of furniture that might accidentally topple. Another example would be high chairs which should not be placed beside walls or counters since a baby could use these to kick off from and topple a high chair.
Furniture Knobs and Latches
A good baby furniture must be child-proof. Simple leg latches and strap locks of high chairs for example may be operated by a toddler or an older baby which may cause the straps to loosen or the high chair to collapse. Cribs too with side knobs may be tinkered with by a curious baby and cause a crib to collapse.
Age of Baby
A baby's age and weight also matters in choosing the best furniture for your nursery. Most baby furniture pieces contain age and weight requirements. If you are unsure then simply use your common sense. Some changing tables and strollers will not be able to hold the weight of babies nearing the toddler stage.
When your baby begins to stand up, it is advisable to use baby brackets. Brackets installed behind a piece of furniture and attached to the wall can help support furniture that could topple over a curious baby who attempts to scale cabinets and drawers.
Labels
Always check the labels of all baby furniture pieces. Although furniture sold in stores are supposed to be compliant with government safety standards, you should always make sure that your baby's furniture carriers the right label that says so. Warning labels are also another thing to look at. Warning labels will tell you how exactly should pieces of furniture be used and what you should not do with it.
Recalls
Every now and then, check for model recalls. Although most baby furniture in the market are believed to be safe at the time that they are released to consumers, some product flaws are only discovered weeks or months after the release. Always have an ear and eye out for product recalls that may include your furniture model.
Specific Use
All pieces of toddler furniture have been carefully designed with babies' safety in mind. You should always remember though that even the safest piece of furniture is intended for use with adult supervision. Never get tempted to let a piece of furniture baby sit your baby for you. Always keep an eye on your baby whether he is on a crib, playpen, high chair or just crawling on the rug on his own.
Is your baby furniture safe enough for baby? Read the best baby safety tips from experienced moms!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JB_Anthony
Various baby furniture have various sets of safety precautions. However, there are a couple of common baby safety tips you should keep in mind in all furniture.
Placement of Furniture
Believe it or not, the spot where you place your baby furniture can help prevent accidents and injuries to your baby. Cribs for example should never be placed beside a low window or beside a heavy piece of furniture. A baby that is already on the standing phase might fall off from a window or might get crushed under a piece of furniture that might accidentally topple. Another example would be high chairs which should not be placed beside walls or counters since a baby could use these to kick off from and topple a high chair.
Furniture Knobs and Latches
A good baby furniture must be child-proof. Simple leg latches and strap locks of high chairs for example may be operated by a toddler or an older baby which may cause the straps to loosen or the high chair to collapse. Cribs too with side knobs may be tinkered with by a curious baby and cause a crib to collapse.
Age of Baby
A baby's age and weight also matters in choosing the best furniture for your nursery. Most baby furniture pieces contain age and weight requirements. If you are unsure then simply use your common sense. Some changing tables and strollers will not be able to hold the weight of babies nearing the toddler stage.
When your baby begins to stand up, it is advisable to use baby brackets. Brackets installed behind a piece of furniture and attached to the wall can help support furniture that could topple over a curious baby who attempts to scale cabinets and drawers.
Labels
Always check the labels of all baby furniture pieces. Although furniture sold in stores are supposed to be compliant with government safety standards, you should always make sure that your baby's furniture carriers the right label that says so. Warning labels are also another thing to look at. Warning labels will tell you how exactly should pieces of furniture be used and what you should not do with it.
Recalls
Every now and then, check for model recalls. Although most baby furniture in the market are believed to be safe at the time that they are released to consumers, some product flaws are only discovered weeks or months after the release. Always have an ear and eye out for product recalls that may include your furniture model.
Specific Use
All pieces of toddler furniture have been carefully designed with babies' safety in mind. You should always remember though that even the safest piece of furniture is intended for use with adult supervision. Never get tempted to let a piece of furniture baby sit your baby for you. Always keep an eye on your baby whether he is on a crib, playpen, high chair or just crawling on the rug on his own.
Is your baby furniture safe enough for baby? Read the best baby safety tips from experienced moms!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JB_Anthony
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