By Elizabeth Johnston
The decision whether to use disposable or cloth diapers is one of the biggest ones you'll make when welcoming your baby into the world. And it's not always an easy one. Your choice impacts your baby's health and comfort, as well as your finances and the environment.'
When I first started thinking about this decision, my assumption was that cloth diapers were the way to go, for the health of both my baby and the environment. But I heard that some environmentalists were arguing that cloth wasn't necessarily better, because of the water and energy used and chemicals needed to wash them. This could be as harmful to the environment as the waste created by disposables.
So I decided to do some further research.
First, I started researching disposables. The benefits include the ease of taking them off and throwing them in the garbage (convenience), and the dryness factor. And of course there's no messy washing involved.
But I was quite shocked to learn about some of the harmful chemicals and materials used in making them. For instance, most contain sodium polyacrylate. Not only do many babies have an allergic reaction to this chemical, but it also can be linked to toxic shock syndrome. And cats have died when exposed to it. Basically, it's not something I want to expose my baby to if I don't have to!
Some other startling facts about throw-aways:
* Around 20 billion disposable diapers are thrown into US landfills per year. Most of the materials are non-biodegradable.
* Babies can pull apart disposables and put the materials in their mouth. This can expose them to the chemicals and dyes, and poses the threat of choking.
* Dyes used have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
* Diaper rash was not as common when cloth diapers were the only option. Why isn't this reported on more? Hmm, could it be that diaper rash cream manufacturers are making a huge profit off of diaper rash?
This was enough to convince me that I didn't want to use your everyday disposables.
But I still had some further research to do. I had heard from a co-worker that cloth diapers weren;t as good for "blow-outs," in other words when your baby produces a high-volume offering. She said that cloth diapers weren't as good for holding in the goods, so to speak. And I wanted to know more about the energy and chemicals used to wash cloth diapers.
Also, what about the disposables that claim to be earth-friendly?
And how do the different options compare in cost?
Does anyone make organic cotton diapers?
And are there any OTHER alternatives?
I started looking in to options for cloth diapers. It turns out, this is a whole world of its own. There are MANY different solutions to every problem a new mother might consider when choosing cloth diapers. There are ways of folding the cloth diapers so that you don't have to use pins. Some have Velcro tabs. And to address the blow-out issue, the answer is diaper covers. There are leak-proof diaper covers that you slip on over the cloth diaper and voila! No blow outs. As far as washing, you can either do it at home or have a diaper service come to your doorstep, take away the dirty ones, wash them and return them to you, all for about the same prices as buying disposables.
I now felt even better about cloth diapers, but I still had some choices to make and some questions to answer.
On to the energy / water consumption issue. It turns out that the amount of water used to wash diapers at home for a week is about the same as the amount of water used to flush the toilet four or five times a day for a week. Not much. And even better if you choose a service to do it for you. The amount of water and energy used to wash large quantities is even less than if you do it at home. And of course, you can improve the environmental impact by choosing organic laundry detergent and using energy-efficient washers.
There are some diapers that claim to be biodegradable. These are certainly a better choice than the average disposable. But the fact is, to decompose, they have to be exposed to air and sun, which is unlikely with most landfills. So the chance of them decomposing before your baby becomes an adult is unlikely.organic cloth diapers.
Here are a few more benefits of cloth diapers:
* Babies raised on cloth diapers tend to potty train up to one year earlier than with disposables. Why? The technology used in disposables to keep bottoms dry and "comfortable" makes baby less likely to have any motivation to move out of diapers at all. Having the wet diaper feeling actually serves a purpose, it gives babies a reason to want to graduate.
* A cotton diaper can also be used as a burp shield, a bib, a wash cloth, a changing pad and lots of other things.
* Disposable diapers cost approximately $50 to $80, per month, using a diaper services will cost approximately $50 to $80 per month and laundering your own cloth diapers will cost slightly less at approximately $25 to $60 per month.
I started comparing prices and options for cloth diapers online. I found that there are organic, all-natural and eco-friendly diapers on the market including pre-folded diapers, fleece diapers, organic cotton diapers and a variety of diaper covers in different patterns and made out of different materials. A simple search for "organic diapers" on any search engine will turn up many different options. And for parents new to cloth diapers, some retailers offer starter packages that include diapers, diaper covers, diaper totes and flushable liners. In fact, a Portland, Oregon-based company, gDiapers, even makes a flushable diaper.
The bottom line?
There are some very good alternatives to disposable diapers, and most of the myths about cotton diapers being inconvenient or expensive are simply not true. Cloth diapers prove healthier for the environment and your baby, whether you go with a diaper service or, for the most eco-friendly option, buy organic cloth diapers and wash them at home. I hope I have helped in your decision making process, and that whatever route you decide to go you will feel confident you have done the best thing for your baby and the environment.
Written by Elizabeth Johnston, creator of http://www.organic-baby-and-mom.com "Pampering Babies and Moms with the Best of Nature"
Visit us today for organic products for parenting, organic news and all-natural living articles. http://www.organic-baby-and-mom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Johnston
Friday, February 15, 2008
Child Safety Proofing Your Home
By Ron B Maier
Whether you have your own toddler or have toddlers that visit occasionally there are some important things you can do to ensure a safe home environment for any little person. Approximately 2.5 million child injuries and fatal accidents occur in the home every year. Most of these could have been avoided by taking some simple measures to make the home is safe for your children.
The most common place to store household cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, is under the bathroom or kitchen sink, but you'll need a safer place to store these hazardous materials. Children love to play in cabinets and cupboards, especially lower ones at their height. Children are also very curious so those spray bottles and bleach bottles appear to them like a new and interesting play things or something to taste. More than 90 percent of poisonings occur in homes, and more than 53 percent involve children younger than age 6. Keep cleaners and harmful solvents in hard or impossible to reach cupboards. Another option is a child proof lock on lower cabinets where you keep your cleaning supplies. Keep the poison control number on the cupboard as well as near the phone just in case an unfortunate incident should occur.
Toddlers love to climb, especially if it looks like a ladder. It's very important to secure bookshelves, dressers, and entertainment centers using brackets that screw into the studs of your walls. Furniture safety brackets are inexpensive, easy to install, and found at most hardware stores. Make sure the cords to blinds and curtains are up and out of reach. These cords are especially tempting to little ones and are high risk for choking and strangling accidents.
As soon as your little one begins learning to walk, tumble, and summersault furniture with sharp corners and sharp objects become a hazard. A lot of stores now carry foam corners that are simply placed on the corners of coffee tables, end tables, and entertainment centers. If you don't have toddlers of your own but are anticipating a visit from one a quick solution is to toss a comforter over your coffee table or just remove it temporarily from the room during a visit. Any items that could easily break into sharp pieces should be moved out of reach of little hands. Wire hangers are another safety issue. It is not uncommon to have eye or ear injuries caused by wire hangers. Replace your wire hangers with safe plastic hangers. As a general rule, if it's not a toy it shouldn't be on the floor.
Here are a few safety devices you should implement as well. Safety gates will prevent falls down stairways. Plastic doorknob covers to keep children from leaving the home or room they are in. Doorstoppers hold doors open to keep hands from getting pinched or broken in a suddenly closing door. Anti-scald devices keep water temperatures at faucets from getting too hot. Outlet plug covers can keep small fingers from getting electrocuted. Since window screens can be removed or broken easily they are not adequate to prevent falls. Window guards or netting will insure no serious falls take place
Other things you might want to watch out for are any electrical cords from televisions, stereo systems, telephones, or lamps. Bundle all extra cord length with zip ties that cannot be removed and switch to a cordless phone. Move candy dishes containing jelly beans, candies, or nuts to higher ground, as they are a potential choking hazard.
Toddlers are bound to fall down and bump into something once in a while. As you make your home safer for your toddler and their friends keep in mind that growing up is about learning and discovering new things. Make it your goal to make those discoveries as safe as possible.
About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of The Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of hangers and plastic hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_B_Maier
Whether you have your own toddler or have toddlers that visit occasionally there are some important things you can do to ensure a safe home environment for any little person. Approximately 2.5 million child injuries and fatal accidents occur in the home every year. Most of these could have been avoided by taking some simple measures to make the home is safe for your children.
The most common place to store household cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, is under the bathroom or kitchen sink, but you'll need a safer place to store these hazardous materials. Children love to play in cabinets and cupboards, especially lower ones at their height. Children are also very curious so those spray bottles and bleach bottles appear to them like a new and interesting play things or something to taste. More than 90 percent of poisonings occur in homes, and more than 53 percent involve children younger than age 6. Keep cleaners and harmful solvents in hard or impossible to reach cupboards. Another option is a child proof lock on lower cabinets where you keep your cleaning supplies. Keep the poison control number on the cupboard as well as near the phone just in case an unfortunate incident should occur.
Toddlers love to climb, especially if it looks like a ladder. It's very important to secure bookshelves, dressers, and entertainment centers using brackets that screw into the studs of your walls. Furniture safety brackets are inexpensive, easy to install, and found at most hardware stores. Make sure the cords to blinds and curtains are up and out of reach. These cords are especially tempting to little ones and are high risk for choking and strangling accidents.
As soon as your little one begins learning to walk, tumble, and summersault furniture with sharp corners and sharp objects become a hazard. A lot of stores now carry foam corners that are simply placed on the corners of coffee tables, end tables, and entertainment centers. If you don't have toddlers of your own but are anticipating a visit from one a quick solution is to toss a comforter over your coffee table or just remove it temporarily from the room during a visit. Any items that could easily break into sharp pieces should be moved out of reach of little hands. Wire hangers are another safety issue. It is not uncommon to have eye or ear injuries caused by wire hangers. Replace your wire hangers with safe plastic hangers. As a general rule, if it's not a toy it shouldn't be on the floor.
Here are a few safety devices you should implement as well. Safety gates will prevent falls down stairways. Plastic doorknob covers to keep children from leaving the home or room they are in. Doorstoppers hold doors open to keep hands from getting pinched or broken in a suddenly closing door. Anti-scald devices keep water temperatures at faucets from getting too hot. Outlet plug covers can keep small fingers from getting electrocuted. Since window screens can be removed or broken easily they are not adequate to prevent falls. Window guards or netting will insure no serious falls take place
Other things you might want to watch out for are any electrical cords from televisions, stereo systems, telephones, or lamps. Bundle all extra cord length with zip ties that cannot be removed and switch to a cordless phone. Move candy dishes containing jelly beans, candies, or nuts to higher ground, as they are a potential choking hazard.
Toddlers are bound to fall down and bump into something once in a while. As you make your home safer for your toddler and their friends keep in mind that growing up is about learning and discovering new things. Make it your goal to make those discoveries as safe as possible.
About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of The Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of hangers and plastic hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_B_Maier
Pros and Cons of Using Sign Language with Your Toddler
By Jessica Ray
"Are you teaching your baby to sign?", "Are you going to use sign language with your baby?", "My baby knows over 50 signs already, and she's only 10 months! Are you teaching Evalee sign language?". These are just a few examples of what I was subjected to when I was pregnant and after I had my daughter Evalee. Honestly, I didn't know there was such as thing as baby sign language until I got pregnant. The idea sounded intriguing... so I did some research and purchased a few books. I have "Baby Sign Language Basics, Early Communication for Hearing Babies & Toddlers" by Monta Z. Briant, "Teach Your Tot to Sign - The Parent's Guide to American Sign Language" by Stacy A. Thompson and the children's board book "My First Signs" by Annie Kubler. I thumbed through them a bit before she was born and started to use some basic signs like milk, more, eat & sleep when she was around 6 months or so. Evalee really took to the board book with its wonderful illustrations. If I had to recommend one book that would be it.
Evalee is now 19 months and uses only a few signs. Her catalog consists of milk, more, eat, cookie, out, mommy, dog, book, water, please & thank you. I was excited about it at first, to be able to communicate with her as early as 10 or 11 months was great. Lately I've been questioning my decision to teach her sign. I realize all kids develop at their own speed but she isn't talking as much as her peers. She seems to rely on the signs a lot, so much so that I have yet to hear her say "Mommy". Otherwise, she points and grunts. This may be a result of being home with me all the time and not in daycare or around other toddlers much. I try to set up play dates, but it doesn't happen as often as I would like. I'm not necessarily worried or concerned, I know her hearing is perfect, it would just be nice to hear "Mommy". Is that selfish?
I remember speaking with a friend a while back about her daughter who was a few months old at the time and asked if they were considering using sign and she said no. Her reason being that a member of her family used sign language with their child, who was over 2, and she wasn't speaking much at all. The funny thing is, all advocates of baby sign language argue that babies are prone to talking sooner when exposed to sign language, which was one of my main reasons for teaching Evalee to sign.
On the flip side, both my brother-in-law and cousin-in-law have used sign with their children and both kids are speaking really well for their age. Sarah will be 2 in March and speaks very well and Carson is 2 & a half and you can have a full conversation with him. Who knows, right?
Overall, I'm glad I have some signs as a means of communicating with Evalee and I have to say she is developing by leaps and bounds in other areas, her physicality is amazing. I would love to hear from other parents about their experience with this...
http://greenmomhappymom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Ray
"Are you teaching your baby to sign?", "Are you going to use sign language with your baby?", "My baby knows over 50 signs already, and she's only 10 months! Are you teaching Evalee sign language?". These are just a few examples of what I was subjected to when I was pregnant and after I had my daughter Evalee. Honestly, I didn't know there was such as thing as baby sign language until I got pregnant. The idea sounded intriguing... so I did some research and purchased a few books. I have "Baby Sign Language Basics, Early Communication for Hearing Babies & Toddlers" by Monta Z. Briant, "Teach Your Tot to Sign - The Parent's Guide to American Sign Language" by Stacy A. Thompson and the children's board book "My First Signs" by Annie Kubler. I thumbed through them a bit before she was born and started to use some basic signs like milk, more, eat & sleep when she was around 6 months or so. Evalee really took to the board book with its wonderful illustrations. If I had to recommend one book that would be it.
Evalee is now 19 months and uses only a few signs. Her catalog consists of milk, more, eat, cookie, out, mommy, dog, book, water, please & thank you. I was excited about it at first, to be able to communicate with her as early as 10 or 11 months was great. Lately I've been questioning my decision to teach her sign. I realize all kids develop at their own speed but she isn't talking as much as her peers. She seems to rely on the signs a lot, so much so that I have yet to hear her say "Mommy". Otherwise, she points and grunts. This may be a result of being home with me all the time and not in daycare or around other toddlers much. I try to set up play dates, but it doesn't happen as often as I would like. I'm not necessarily worried or concerned, I know her hearing is perfect, it would just be nice to hear "Mommy". Is that selfish?
I remember speaking with a friend a while back about her daughter who was a few months old at the time and asked if they were considering using sign and she said no. Her reason being that a member of her family used sign language with their child, who was over 2, and she wasn't speaking much at all. The funny thing is, all advocates of baby sign language argue that babies are prone to talking sooner when exposed to sign language, which was one of my main reasons for teaching Evalee to sign.
On the flip side, both my brother-in-law and cousin-in-law have used sign with their children and both kids are speaking really well for their age. Sarah will be 2 in March and speaks very well and Carson is 2 & a half and you can have a full conversation with him. Who knows, right?
Overall, I'm glad I have some signs as a means of communicating with Evalee and I have to say she is developing by leaps and bounds in other areas, her physicality is amazing. I would love to hear from other parents about their experience with this...
http://greenmomhappymom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Ray
Making Your Backyard Fun
By Lisa Austen
Playing outdoors is a favorite childhood pastime for many of us. However, with the proliferation of video games, home computers, and the Internet in recent times, many parents of small children find it difficult to get their kids outside to play - but they should try. There is no substitute for outdoor play.
Playing outdoors will not only help keep your child physically fit and ensure that he or she gets much needed exercise, it has also been proven to affect a child's cognitive development and may help improve your child's ability to learn, understand, and be creative. However, while going to public parks, riding bikes, playing baseball and other outdoor activities are lots of fun for kids, they usually require an adult to transport and supervise the play. What's more, in today's busy world, it can be difficult for working parents to find the time to their engage kids in fun outdoor activities, and even if they do find the time, it is often a task unto itself to get them to leave the house. What is the solution? Add a swing set to your backyard and get your children off the Internet and out in the sunshine. Bringing the simple fun of the public park into your own backyard makes it easy for your children to enjoy outdoor play and get a little exercise, all while under your supervision. Once you choose and install your swing set, see how your children take to it - if they enjoy it, and you find that they are spending more time outdoors as a result, consider adding more equipment to your backyard playground one by one. This is a practical and economical way to test the waters before spending a fortune on a playground set that your children will never use.
Swinging Safely
Now that you have decided to add a swing set to your backyard, you want to make sure it is safe for your children to play on it, and the most important factor is education. True, there are certain things to consider when choosing a swing, such as making sure it is made of a soft material like rubber rather than metal or wood, either of which can make an accidental collision painful.
Once you choose the right swing, the next step is to educate your kids on how to use it. Unfortunately, it is all too common for children to injure themselves on a swing, and, although nothing is ever 100% fool proof, you can take a few simple precautions to reduce the possibility that your child will sustain an injury. These precautions include: showing your child how to sit properly in the swing and grasp the ropes with both hands to balance themselves, teaching your child to stay a fair distance from other swings in motion as to avoid a collision with the swing or a another child, and teaching your child to bring the swing to a complete stop before getting off slowly.
Start with a swing set, teach your child swing set safety, and see how it goes. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that your kids love playing outdoors now that you have made it so convenient, and if not, at least you didn't waste a bunch of money on an entirely new backyard playground.
Lisa Austen is a mother of three from Sacramento, CA. She freelance writes in her spare time. For more information on swing sets and other playground equipment, visit www.swingset.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Austen
Playing outdoors is a favorite childhood pastime for many of us. However, with the proliferation of video games, home computers, and the Internet in recent times, many parents of small children find it difficult to get their kids outside to play - but they should try. There is no substitute for outdoor play.
Playing outdoors will not only help keep your child physically fit and ensure that he or she gets much needed exercise, it has also been proven to affect a child's cognitive development and may help improve your child's ability to learn, understand, and be creative. However, while going to public parks, riding bikes, playing baseball and other outdoor activities are lots of fun for kids, they usually require an adult to transport and supervise the play. What's more, in today's busy world, it can be difficult for working parents to find the time to their engage kids in fun outdoor activities, and even if they do find the time, it is often a task unto itself to get them to leave the house. What is the solution? Add a swing set to your backyard and get your children off the Internet and out in the sunshine. Bringing the simple fun of the public park into your own backyard makes it easy for your children to enjoy outdoor play and get a little exercise, all while under your supervision. Once you choose and install your swing set, see how your children take to it - if they enjoy it, and you find that they are spending more time outdoors as a result, consider adding more equipment to your backyard playground one by one. This is a practical and economical way to test the waters before spending a fortune on a playground set that your children will never use.
Swinging Safely
Now that you have decided to add a swing set to your backyard, you want to make sure it is safe for your children to play on it, and the most important factor is education. True, there are certain things to consider when choosing a swing, such as making sure it is made of a soft material like rubber rather than metal or wood, either of which can make an accidental collision painful.
Once you choose the right swing, the next step is to educate your kids on how to use it. Unfortunately, it is all too common for children to injure themselves on a swing, and, although nothing is ever 100% fool proof, you can take a few simple precautions to reduce the possibility that your child will sustain an injury. These precautions include: showing your child how to sit properly in the swing and grasp the ropes with both hands to balance themselves, teaching your child to stay a fair distance from other swings in motion as to avoid a collision with the swing or a another child, and teaching your child to bring the swing to a complete stop before getting off slowly.
Start with a swing set, teach your child swing set safety, and see how it goes. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that your kids love playing outdoors now that you have made it so convenient, and if not, at least you didn't waste a bunch of money on an entirely new backyard playground.
Lisa Austen is a mother of three from Sacramento, CA. She freelance writes in her spare time. For more information on swing sets and other playground equipment, visit www.swingset.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Austen
Difference in Toys of the Past 10 Years to the Present
By Amy Nutt
It is no secret that toys have been changing in the last ten years. With all of the technological advances made by toy makers and manufacturers, the word "toy" means something completely different than it did to the past generations. Parents will remember when toys meant things like dolls, tea sets, non battery operated cars and trucks, train sets and Lego blocks. Their children however, will remember toys like Nintendo, X Box, Guitar Hero, Robot toys and remote controlled cars, trucks and planes.
Granted, there were some technological toys on the market ten years ago, but they were nowhere near the toys of today! If the toy making trends are to continue on as they have been, I am sure that the next ten years will find us buying robots for our children that have the ability to convert into a few different types of toys.
Ten years ago, the top few toys on the market that children were asking for were toys like the Furby, the Tickle Me Elmo, the Tamagotchi, Beanie Babies and the Teletubbies. There was nothing too technological about these types of toys, and all parents understood them, and how they worked. (Except for the Tamagotchi...some parents may have had some trouble understanding what the point of an electronic pet was!) After that year, the next fads in toys were toys such as, the Baby Furby and, believe it or not, the Yo Yo! The Yo Yo came back on the scene after being completely redone and presented as the new and improved ProYo. Baby Furby was just as big a hit as the Furby of the year before, and toy stores made a good profit off of this interactive toy.
After these toy trends were over, the TV show, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" hit the airwaves, and of course, the board game came out before Christmas and was asked for by many kids that year. Along with this popular game came some toys that were a lot more technologically advanced than the toys of Christmas past. One example of this type of toy is the robotic pet. This toy was very popular with both parents and kids, because it provided a type of surrogate for a real pet, without being smelly, dirty or noisy. The robotic pet did a lot of real, pet like things without the hassle of having to care for a real pet. It was also a great idea for families with pet allergies.
After the robotic pet, technology basically took over the toy industry, and now there are toys like, more advanced robotic toys, video games, X Box, Guitar Hero, Nintendo Wii and all of the plug and play games. There are actually toys that allow kids to exercise without even stepping outside! There are still toys in the stores that are like the ones we had years ago, such as doll, cars, Thomas the tank engine train sets, and the like, but kids these days are asking more for the technological toys. Toys have almost become a popularity contest - kids want what their friends have, and if they don't own certain toy, they are not "cool" to their classmates.
Thomas the Tank Engine trains will spark your children's imagination and sense of adventure. A place to find fun, educational toys, games, books, and so much more!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt
It is no secret that toys have been changing in the last ten years. With all of the technological advances made by toy makers and manufacturers, the word "toy" means something completely different than it did to the past generations. Parents will remember when toys meant things like dolls, tea sets, non battery operated cars and trucks, train sets and Lego blocks. Their children however, will remember toys like Nintendo, X Box, Guitar Hero, Robot toys and remote controlled cars, trucks and planes.
Granted, there were some technological toys on the market ten years ago, but they were nowhere near the toys of today! If the toy making trends are to continue on as they have been, I am sure that the next ten years will find us buying robots for our children that have the ability to convert into a few different types of toys.
Ten years ago, the top few toys on the market that children were asking for were toys like the Furby, the Tickle Me Elmo, the Tamagotchi, Beanie Babies and the Teletubbies. There was nothing too technological about these types of toys, and all parents understood them, and how they worked. (Except for the Tamagotchi...some parents may have had some trouble understanding what the point of an electronic pet was!) After that year, the next fads in toys were toys such as, the Baby Furby and, believe it or not, the Yo Yo! The Yo Yo came back on the scene after being completely redone and presented as the new and improved ProYo. Baby Furby was just as big a hit as the Furby of the year before, and toy stores made a good profit off of this interactive toy.
After these toy trends were over, the TV show, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" hit the airwaves, and of course, the board game came out before Christmas and was asked for by many kids that year. Along with this popular game came some toys that were a lot more technologically advanced than the toys of Christmas past. One example of this type of toy is the robotic pet. This toy was very popular with both parents and kids, because it provided a type of surrogate for a real pet, without being smelly, dirty or noisy. The robotic pet did a lot of real, pet like things without the hassle of having to care for a real pet. It was also a great idea for families with pet allergies.
After the robotic pet, technology basically took over the toy industry, and now there are toys like, more advanced robotic toys, video games, X Box, Guitar Hero, Nintendo Wii and all of the plug and play games. There are actually toys that allow kids to exercise without even stepping outside! There are still toys in the stores that are like the ones we had years ago, such as doll, cars, Thomas the tank engine train sets, and the like, but kids these days are asking more for the technological toys. Toys have almost become a popularity contest - kids want what their friends have, and if they don't own certain toy, they are not "cool" to their classmates.
Thomas the Tank Engine trains will spark your children's imagination and sense of adventure. A place to find fun, educational toys, games, books, and so much more!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt
Minimizing Temper Tantrums - Giving Your Toddler Choices
By Rachel Paxton
Oh, the terrible two's. As a mom of twin toddlers, I wasn't particularly looking forward to my boys turning two. As their third birthday approaches, I now realize that it wasn't really as bad as I had been expecting. I don't think temper tantrums can ever be eliminated completely, but there are some things you can do to minimize and sometimes even avoid them.
One of the best ways I have found to avoid a toddler tantrum is by giving my boys choices. When you give your toddler a choice, he feels like he has some control over the situation, and is much less likely to throw a fit to get his way. This solution does have a catch, however.
When you are giving your toddler a choice between two options, don't offer him anything you don't want to give him. At this young age, they don't yet understand that you are in fact getting them to do what you wanted in the first place. Yet, they think it was their idea. (You have to be sneakier about it when they get older, but this also works on older kids!)
I have listed below a number of scenarios I often find myself in with my boys. They fall for it almost every time!
One of my boys is very clingy and wants me to hold him all of the time. When we are at the grocery store and he wants to get out of the grocery cart, he wants me to hold me. I tell him he can either sit in the cart or walk and hold my hand. This usually distracts him from wanting me to hold him.
Most kids hate wearing hats, and it is often hard to get them to wear them outside. If I want my boys to wear a hat, they each have several to choose from and I let them pick out which one they want to wear. Sometimes it may take 10 minutes for them to decide, but they are both happy in the end (and so am I).
Food and eating can be big issues when parenting toddlers. A toddler can drive you nuts trying to get him to eat what you want him to. I have found that giving them acceptable choices usually gets them to eat what I want them to eat. If I want them to eat a vegetable, I let them choose between two vegetables. Having clear expectations also helps. If you tell them to eat two more bites before they eat dessert, they will usually cooperate quite easily.
Getting a toddler into the bedroom at night can also be a challenge. If you entice them into their room by letting them choose a book for you to read to them, you will probably have few complaints. After a story or two they are usually ready to settle down for bed.
If your toddler is starting to have a tantrum, try to distract him as quickly as possible. Try to get him interested in an engaging activity. Make sure that he is not hungry or tired.
Toddlers thrive on routine. Try keep them on as regular as a daily schedule or routine as possible, with regular sleeping times, eating times, and play times.
Establishing a daily routine for your toddler, as well as giving him choices as much as possible, will result in a happier and much more well behaved toddler.
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting from toddlers to teens, homeschooling, family traditions and activities, and more, visit http://www.christian-parent.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Paxton
Oh, the terrible two's. As a mom of twin toddlers, I wasn't particularly looking forward to my boys turning two. As their third birthday approaches, I now realize that it wasn't really as bad as I had been expecting. I don't think temper tantrums can ever be eliminated completely, but there are some things you can do to minimize and sometimes even avoid them.
One of the best ways I have found to avoid a toddler tantrum is by giving my boys choices. When you give your toddler a choice, he feels like he has some control over the situation, and is much less likely to throw a fit to get his way. This solution does have a catch, however.
When you are giving your toddler a choice between two options, don't offer him anything you don't want to give him. At this young age, they don't yet understand that you are in fact getting them to do what you wanted in the first place. Yet, they think it was their idea. (You have to be sneakier about it when they get older, but this also works on older kids!)
I have listed below a number of scenarios I often find myself in with my boys. They fall for it almost every time!
One of my boys is very clingy and wants me to hold him all of the time. When we are at the grocery store and he wants to get out of the grocery cart, he wants me to hold me. I tell him he can either sit in the cart or walk and hold my hand. This usually distracts him from wanting me to hold him.
Most kids hate wearing hats, and it is often hard to get them to wear them outside. If I want my boys to wear a hat, they each have several to choose from and I let them pick out which one they want to wear. Sometimes it may take 10 minutes for them to decide, but they are both happy in the end (and so am I).
Food and eating can be big issues when parenting toddlers. A toddler can drive you nuts trying to get him to eat what you want him to. I have found that giving them acceptable choices usually gets them to eat what I want them to eat. If I want them to eat a vegetable, I let them choose between two vegetables. Having clear expectations also helps. If you tell them to eat two more bites before they eat dessert, they will usually cooperate quite easily.
Getting a toddler into the bedroom at night can also be a challenge. If you entice them into their room by letting them choose a book for you to read to them, you will probably have few complaints. After a story or two they are usually ready to settle down for bed.
If your toddler is starting to have a tantrum, try to distract him as quickly as possible. Try to get him interested in an engaging activity. Make sure that he is not hungry or tired.
Toddlers thrive on routine. Try keep them on as regular as a daily schedule or routine as possible, with regular sleeping times, eating times, and play times.
Establishing a daily routine for your toddler, as well as giving him choices as much as possible, will result in a happier and much more well behaved toddler.
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting from toddlers to teens, homeschooling, family traditions and activities, and more, visit http://www.christian-parent.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Paxton
Toddlers and Anemia
By P. Banas
Anemia is a common blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and is characterized by lack of vitality. It is estimated that around 7 percent of children in the United States experience anemia once by the age of 18 years. The most common cause of anemia in toddlers is iron deficiency.
Iron is important in the production of hemoglobin, which is a protein that primarily transports oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. Iron also aids different brain functions. Insufficient intake of iron leads to a shortfall in hemoglobin production, leading to poor mental functioning and a feeling of tiredness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anemia in babies include the following:
• Paleness
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Enlarged spleen
• Dark urine
Anemic children may also show symptoms of jaundice though several infants display symptoms of jaundice without being anemic.
Treatment
Owing to the number of possible causes of anemia, it is necessary to first identify the cause of anemia in your child. If you notice any signs of anemia, immediately consult your family physician. The diagnosis of the disease may include a blood test that measures the red blood cells in the body.
Depending on the cause, the possible treatment options may vary and include:
• Iron supplements (tablets, drops, and liquid)
• Iron-rich diet
• Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements
However, it is important to consult a doctor before you administer any medicine or supplement to your child.
For more severe forms of anemia, the treatment options may include:
• Blood transfusion
• Treatment of infection causing anemia
• Medications to maintain the level of red blood cells in the body
Tips for caring when your children have anemia
Fathers must keep in mind that the type, cause, and severity of their children's anemia will determine what kind of care is needed. Rest assured, though, that children often tolerate anemia much better than adults.
In general, a child with significant anemia may tire more easily than other children and therefore need to limit activity levels. Make sure that your kids' teachers and other caregivers are aware of the condition. If iron deficiency is the cause, follow the doctor's directions about dietary changes and taking any iron supplements.
If the spleen is enlarged, your children may be prohibited from playing contact sports because of the risk that the spleen could rupture or hemorrhage if your children are hurt. Certain forms of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, require other more specific kinds of care and treatment.
Your baby needs to see the doctor on a regular basis. These visits are important for child health and child development.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=P._Banas
Anemia is a common blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and is characterized by lack of vitality. It is estimated that around 7 percent of children in the United States experience anemia once by the age of 18 years. The most common cause of anemia in toddlers is iron deficiency.
Iron is important in the production of hemoglobin, which is a protein that primarily transports oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. Iron also aids different brain functions. Insufficient intake of iron leads to a shortfall in hemoglobin production, leading to poor mental functioning and a feeling of tiredness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anemia in babies include the following:
• Paleness
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Enlarged spleen
• Dark urine
Anemic children may also show symptoms of jaundice though several infants display symptoms of jaundice without being anemic.
Treatment
Owing to the number of possible causes of anemia, it is necessary to first identify the cause of anemia in your child. If you notice any signs of anemia, immediately consult your family physician. The diagnosis of the disease may include a blood test that measures the red blood cells in the body.
Depending on the cause, the possible treatment options may vary and include:
• Iron supplements (tablets, drops, and liquid)
• Iron-rich diet
• Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements
However, it is important to consult a doctor before you administer any medicine or supplement to your child.
For more severe forms of anemia, the treatment options may include:
• Blood transfusion
• Treatment of infection causing anemia
• Medications to maintain the level of red blood cells in the body
Tips for caring when your children have anemia
Fathers must keep in mind that the type, cause, and severity of their children's anemia will determine what kind of care is needed. Rest assured, though, that children often tolerate anemia much better than adults.
In general, a child with significant anemia may tire more easily than other children and therefore need to limit activity levels. Make sure that your kids' teachers and other caregivers are aware of the condition. If iron deficiency is the cause, follow the doctor's directions about dietary changes and taking any iron supplements.
If the spleen is enlarged, your children may be prohibited from playing contact sports because of the risk that the spleen could rupture or hemorrhage if your children are hurt. Certain forms of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, require other more specific kinds of care and treatment.
Your baby needs to see the doctor on a regular basis. These visits are important for child health and child development.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=P._Banas
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