Posts Tagged ‘toddler’

Agent Mommy has created an amazing Mommy Mat that is versatile, top quality and Canadian made.

The Mommy Mat is a large play mat measuring 50″x50″. It comes in either bold prints of cotton blend or hemp/cotton on one side and polyester knit sandwiched with a waterproof, non PVC coating on the other. The Mommy Mat is machine washable and dryer safe. For greater versatility, it rolls up easily and can be placed into the rain or shine tube for travel. It has hooks for attaching to stroller buddy clips and a shoulder strap for when no stroller is needed. The mat with its travel case is ideal for trips to the park, the beach, a play-date or dinner party. The Mommy Mat will find many uses in the home and anywhere mommies want the baby or toddler to have a safe play space.
There are so many places that I would lay down a blanket when my daughter was younger. I definitely wish that I had had a Mommy Mat to use with her. With the Mommy Mat being waterproof, you don’t have to worry about large spit ups soaking through onto carpet or wet grass coming up through a blanket. Our Mommy Mat is perfect for picnics at the park, classes where we sit on the floor and in our home to protect our carpets.

The Mommy Mat would make a perfect gift for the family that already has it all!

Also, do check out Agent Mommy’s coordinating Stroller Buddy Clips and Handy Change Clutches.

Moving from Crib to Bed

By Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution

Parenting educator Elizabeth Pantley is president of Better Beginnings, Inc., a family resource and education company. Elizabeth frequently speaks to parents at schools, hospitals, and parent groups around the world. Her presentations are received with enthusiasm, and praised as realistic, warm and helpful.

She is a regular radio show guest and frequently quoted as a parenting expert in newspapers and magazines such as Parents, Parenting, American Baby, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and Redbook and on hundreds of parent-directed Web sites. She publishes a newsletter, Parent Tips, which is distributed in schools nationwide.

When your child moves from crib to bed it’s a milestone in his life as well as yours. There is no precise time for making this move, though typically it’s between the first and third birthday. The key to success is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to the change.

Why move a child from crib to bed?

If a child sleeps well in his crib, don’t rush the change. Switching to a bed gives a child freedom and brings new issues for parents, such as the yo-yo syndrome or early morning wanderings. The most common reasons to switch:

Your child learns how to climb.
Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up to the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more possible.
Your child outgrows the crib.
Don’t assume it’s time! You may think that he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his little nest.
Your child asks for a bed.
If she’s old enough, then go ahead and take the leap.
Your child is learning how to use the toilet. Even if your child uses the toilet during the day, it’s often a long while before bedtime dryness happens.
A new sibling is on the way. If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to make room for the newcomer may add stress. If you feel that the time is right then make the change two months or more before your newborn arrives.

What kind of bed should my child move to?

There are a number of options for a child’s first bed:

Toddler bed
These are small, low and child-sized. They have guard rails on all sides, and come in playful designs.

Regular bed
A common choice is a mattress, box springs and bed frame (with all sides protected from fall-outs). Consider a double or bigger size to accommodate the night-reading ritual.

Mattress on the floor
A popular choice is a mattress or futon on the floor. This provides your little one with a big-kid bed, but one that prevents any painful falls.

Bunk bed
Hold off on a bunk bed until your child is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.
How do we make the change?

Which approach is best for you will depend on your reasons for making the change, your child’s personality, and the size of his room. Here are a few options:

Big-kid bed hoopla
Some children enjoy having an official Big Kid Day party. Set up the bed, decorate the room and add a few sleep-related gifts like books and stuffed animals.

One-step-at-a-time
Take the mattress out of the crib and place it on the floor in the place as the crib was. This gives your child the same sleeping surface and view of the room as he’s accustomed to. Place guard rails around the sides to create a crib-like enclosure. Keep the same bedding and crib toys*. This is a mid-step between the crib and a real bed.

The gradual introduction
Set up the new bed in the same room with the crib. Allow your child to play on the bed and nap there. Do your bedtime reading in the new bed. This will help your child get used to the bed gradually.

Patience and encouragement

No matter which path you choose - be patient. Big steps toward growth often happen in spurts, and your child may be excited to welcome the change one day, but wary of it the next. Maintain your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a positive association with his new bed, since he’ll be sleeping there for many years to come.

This article is a copyrighted excerpt from The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley (McGraw-Hill, 2005)

*According to Health Canada please follow these guidelines for safe sleep for children, including Avoid the use of soft objects, such as pillows, plush toys, sleep positioners, comforters, bumper pads, lambskins and similar products as they can pose a suffocation risk.

Daytripping

As toddler or preschooler starts discovering the world around them planning day trips to fun and exciting places is a great way to help them discover their community and world around them. The start to a successful daytrip involves a little planning from mom and dad.

• Call ahead!  Either call the venue or check their website to double check hours and to make sure the venue is open to the public on the day that you are going.  Many places have online coupons for money off the price of admission.

• Pack it! Many venues do have healthier options for eating.  But, we suggest packing your own healthy snacks and drinks.  Use a mini cooler in the car, or a lunch bag with a cool pack to help your food stay cool.  This will also help keep the cost of your trip down.

• Distractions!  Bring you child’s favourite music in the car!  Have a sing-a-long to your little one’s favourite tunes.  For older children you can play “I Spy” or any other roadtrip game!

• Mapquest it!  Make sure you know where you are going.  We suggest getting driving directions from your door to the venue.  Also, take your cell phone and the number of the venue – just incase.

• First Aid!  Pack a mini-first aid kit for any bumps, scrapes and bites.  Include sunscreen and bug repellant.

• Spare Clothes! Bring a change of clothes for both you and your toddler.  You never know when you’ll need them.  While you are packing the spare clothes.  Bring an extra pair of comfy shoes for you.

• Have Fun!

Toddler Information & Support

Children’s Health - Healthy Ontario
Children’s health services including the Autism Program, Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program and the Preschool Speech and Language Program.

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a registered nurse.

Canadian Health Network
Search for information on children’s developmental health from birth to age 12 on a host of topics including play, learning, behaviour, parenting, nutrition, safety, immunization, illness and special needs.

York Region Preschool Speech and Language
(Beyond Words)
1 888 703-5437

Zero to Three
This US based organization’s mission is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. Great handouts include, Pointers for Parents: Play to Learn, Little Listeners in an Uncertain World: Coping strategies for you and your child

Helping your Child with Language
An ages and stages guide from 0 -24 months.