End of the road for the drop-side crib....farewell after many tragedies due to faulty siderails.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Govt bans traditional cribs, blamed for dozens of infant, toddler deaths in last decade - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Sleepy Baby: Hospital Essentials...
Sleepy Baby: Hospital Essentials...: "http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40490920#40490920 If you are expecting the 'what to take to the hospital' is a definite list that..."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Disney’s Tangled: One Family’s Review
Should you take your grandchildren to see this Disney movie...over the holidays?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Can Empathy be taught....
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/fighting-bullying-with-babies/
Apparently empathy can be taught to school children. Babies can help teach older children empathy. This article has some video linked to it which show how babies offer their help to adults without any prompts.
Empathy in children can be damaged by caregivers not responding to them when they are in need or being physically or emotionally abused. The findings discussed in this article have implications for adults as well.
Apparently empathy can be taught to school children. Babies can help teach older children empathy. This article has some video linked to it which show how babies offer their help to adults without any prompts.
Empathy in children can be damaged by caregivers not responding to them when they are in need or being physically or emotionally abused. The findings discussed in this article have implications for adults as well.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sleepy Baby: Back to Standard Time...
Sleepy Baby: Back to Standard Time...: "If you have a baby that still takes a nap you will have to do a little adjusting to get him/her onto the new time schedule. Probably this mo..."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Discipline: Stop Before Entering
Discipline: Stop Before Entering
Wonderful parenting blog...discipline is so difficult and every parent has their own issues with it.
How do we actually discipline in a way that is effective?
One of the keys is to be consistent with the rules of good behavior so that your child knows what is expected of him/her. This is not always easy but it is necessary for all the caregivers to be "on the same page" with the child's behavior expectations and the discipline rules.
Check out this blog and see for yourself.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
You're Pregnant, Have a Drink
You're Pregnant, Have a Drink
What do you think about this controversy?
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Katy Perry sings "Hot N Cold" with Elmo on Sesame Street!
Okay...do you find this offensive? Many parents did!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
School Lunch Dilemmas???
http://community.parenthood.com/_Dietitian-Offers-Advice-On-Packing-School-Lunches/video/404343/40337.html
School lunches... need ideas...here they are complete with video.
Kids and lunch and healthy all in one place.
School lunches... need ideas...here they are complete with video.
Kids and lunch and healthy all in one place.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Quick and Yummy Power Breakfasts
Quick and Yummy Power Breakfasts
Now that school has started it is so important to start your child out with a good breakfast as well as something that they will actually eat. Here are some great suggestions.
There really is no good excuse for a skimpy breakfast...yes it does take time but it will give your child a healthy start to his/her day.
Children need breakfast to give them the energy that they need to put into a day in school. Don't forget a healthy lunch as well.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Co-sleeping and more...
Co-sleeping...and more...
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/9nsqoq/blogs.babble.com/family-style/2010/08/26/the-smartest-coolest-baby-bed-ever//r:f
For those of you who are interested in a co-sleeper that is a crib…bassinet and moses basket all in one this is worth looking into.
Attachment parenting is not for everyone but it is a concept that is certainly popular and has merit.
Take a look see for yourselves! Happy sleeping!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Involving Children in Food
Involving Children in Food
I love this mom's discussion about how she is trying to involve her little ones in foods that are healthy and good for them. This is an awesome responsibility for a mom these days with all the choices out in the marketplace. It is certainly not easy.
If you enjoy the preparing of the food along with choosing the ingredients with thought and love this will impress your children and help them with forming their attitudes towards eating.
Enjoy this mom's story...
Monday, August 2, 2010
Breast Feeding and Medications
As always a very good link to the March of Dimes with some helpful information for breastfeeding moms.
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7921
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7921
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Parents as Equals!!!
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/parents-as-teammates/
Fathers are very important in children's lives and it is sometimes difficult for moms to share the # 1 spot in a child's world...read on!!!
Fathers are very important in children's lives and it is sometimes difficult for moms to share the # 1 spot in a child's world...read on!!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Plugged in Parents...
Are you a "plugged in parent"? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/garden/10childtech.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&emc=eta1
How is this affecting your children. I have often thought about this as I watch moms pushing strollers and talking on their cellphones rather than interacting with their babies.
I remember that when I spent prolonged periods of time in the car with my little ones it was a time for interaction.
Many hours were spent talking, playing games, singing and listening to stories on tape. There were no cellphones, no DVRs.
So we had to interact and use our imagination to keep the long and short rides tolerable. There were not even earphones so no one could remain in their own world during a car trip.
Are we missing opportunities to interact with our children and grandchildren at home and on the "go" and is this having a detrimental affect on them and their ability to interact in the future???
Are we passing on our "soft addictions" to the kids in our care?
What are your thoughts???
How is this affecting your children. I have often thought about this as I watch moms pushing strollers and talking on their cellphones rather than interacting with their babies.
I remember that when I spent prolonged periods of time in the car with my little ones it was a time for interaction.
Many hours were spent talking, playing games, singing and listening to stories on tape. There were no cellphones, no DVRs.
So we had to interact and use our imagination to keep the long and short rides tolerable. There were not even earphones so no one could remain in their own world during a car trip.
Are we missing opportunities to interact with our children and grandchildren at home and on the "go" and is this having a detrimental affect on them and their ability to interact in the future???
Are we passing on our "soft addictions" to the kids in our care?
What are your thoughts???
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Your senses and your baby!!!
We have 5 senses that can help us care for our children. For more information check out the following link.
http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/using-your-5-senses-to-make-sense-of-your-baby-tick-s-body-signs
http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/using-your-5-senses-to-make-sense-of-your-baby-tick-s-body-signs
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Top Toddler Fears - What Scares Babies and Toddlers Most
Learn what tops the list of the scariest stuff for young children and how you can use playtime to conquer those worries.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Top Toddler Fears - What Scares Babies and Toddlers the Most
"Read this on separation anxiety!!!"
"What happened to my well-adjusted child?" It can be frustrating and unnerving to see your toddler shrink in fear from the neighbors' friendly dog or burst into tears as you head out the door. Get more info on common fears and how to support your little one.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Spring Holidays!
This week celebrates Passover and Easter. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. See you next week!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Pregnancy and Depression
This is a good article about depression that affects women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Sometimes the signs are so subtle that women feel that their feelings are just related to hormonal changes due to pregnancy...this may or may not be true. In any case depression can be debilitating and can get worse if not treated. It does not always require medication.
Depression can be controlled through medications, diet, exercise and with therapy depending on the type of depression and the seriousness of it. The important thing is to recognize it and get good help.
Check out the link below from the March of Dimes dedicated to the health of children.
www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_15663.asp
Sometimes the signs are so subtle that women feel that their feelings are just related to hormonal changes due to pregnancy...this may or may not be true. In any case depression can be debilitating and can get worse if not treated. It does not always require medication.
Depression can be controlled through medications, diet, exercise and with therapy depending on the type of depression and the seriousness of it. The important thing is to recognize it and get good help.
Check out the link below from the March of Dimes dedicated to the health of children.
www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_15663.asp
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Baby and Toddler Nutrition – Rules for Feeding Children
"This is a good web link for baby nutrition...and starting solid food."
Feeling overwhelmed by what you need to feed your newborn, infant, or toddler? Our pediatrician has taken the guesswork out of child nutrition!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Toddler Development in Weeks 79 and 80: The Effects of Emotional Eavesdropping - Your Clever Toddler
"This is a wonderful article on toddler's learning from eavesdropping on what is going on around them! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead tonight!!!"
Even when your child isn't being addressed directly, he's absorbing information from the conversations around him. Learn why that's helpful (but a little tricky) around now.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Anxiously awaiting the birth of a grandchild!
I recently read a comment from a grandmother who was so anxious to become a grandmother that it was somewhat overwhelming to her. She was a woman in her early 50's who had been forced to retire due to an injury and now this grandchild was all important to her.
I began to wonder if this is a common phenomenon with grandmothers and their first grandchild. Is it peculiar to grandchildren born to daughters rather than to daughter-in-laws. Do we mistakenly refer to ourselves as "mama" sometimes, when alone and talking to our grandchild? If so why is this? Is it role confusion as we adjust to actually being a grandmother.
How does it feel when we first see our grandchild? How do we make the adjustment to being a grandmother when it seems like only yesterday we were holding our own child who has now just had her own baby.
Our children are always our children so how do we suddenly deal with the role of grandparent particularly grandmother? Is it difficult for some more than others? How is it for those grandparents who become the primary caregivers of the grandchildren for whatever reason?
On the flip side of this experience how do grandparents for whatever reason not develop a relationship with their grandchild? How do they stay away by their own choice. As parents themselves how can they deny their grandchild this relationship, what kind of parent were they and what kind of parent will their child be with them as parenting models? It seems to me that as parents we must model parenting skills for our own children and that includes being a good grandparent to our grandchildren. It is a belief of mine that grandparents must make the effort to stay in touch with their grandchildren and not expect their children to always be bringing the grandchildren for a visit and initiating contact. Children need family connections in their lives and in our adult wisdom we should try our hardest to provide this with no strings attached.
Try to balance parenting with grandparenting by remembering to not confuse the roles and by always respecting our grandchild's parents and their wishes.
I began to wonder if this is a common phenomenon with grandmothers and their first grandchild. Is it peculiar to grandchildren born to daughters rather than to daughter-in-laws. Do we mistakenly refer to ourselves as "mama" sometimes, when alone and talking to our grandchild? If so why is this? Is it role confusion as we adjust to actually being a grandmother.
How does it feel when we first see our grandchild? How do we make the adjustment to being a grandmother when it seems like only yesterday we were holding our own child who has now just had her own baby.
Our children are always our children so how do we suddenly deal with the role of grandparent particularly grandmother? Is it difficult for some more than others? How is it for those grandparents who become the primary caregivers of the grandchildren for whatever reason?
On the flip side of this experience how do grandparents for whatever reason not develop a relationship with their grandchild? How do they stay away by their own choice. As parents themselves how can they deny their grandchild this relationship, what kind of parent were they and what kind of parent will their child be with them as parenting models? It seems to me that as parents we must model parenting skills for our own children and that includes being a good grandparent to our grandchildren. It is a belief of mine that grandparents must make the effort to stay in touch with their grandchildren and not expect their children to always be bringing the grandchildren for a visit and initiating contact. Children need family connections in their lives and in our adult wisdom we should try our hardest to provide this with no strings attached.
Try to balance parenting with grandparenting by remembering to not confuse the roles and by always respecting our grandchild's parents and their wishes.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Nana's Clinical Practice
Just returned from a week in Rhode Island. It is truly wonderful to be by the sea for any period of time or anytime of year...in my opinion!
This year I am hoping to begin developing my private clinical social work practice more and more. My hope is to connect with more young mothers and work with child issues such as the early issue of sleep and its importance for a happy and healthy baby. With all that is now known through neuroscience and brain development a child's early stages become that much more significant in terms of future learning.I will continue to work as a mentor to new social workers as well.
As I progress along this goal...I hope that you stay with me both here and at www.babydreamzzz.com.
I am available on e-mail, skype, telephone and in person for consultations!
Have a great weekend. Lorette
This year I am hoping to begin developing my private clinical social work practice more and more. My hope is to connect with more young mothers and work with child issues such as the early issue of sleep and its importance for a happy and healthy baby. With all that is now known through neuroscience and brain development a child's early stages become that much more significant in terms of future learning.I will continue to work as a mentor to new social workers as well.
As I progress along this goal...I hope that you stay with me both here and at www.babydreamzzz.com.
I am available on e-mail, skype, telephone and in person for consultations!
Have a great weekend. Lorette
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Decode Your Child’s Cough
"This is an excellent article about a child's cough and what it can mean! It gives you guidelines about what to observe about your child's symptoms and what to tell your pediatrician. Keep it handy with your pediatrician's phone number."
Diagnose your baby or child's cough using the tips in this helpful guide.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Hi everyone,
Today of course is Valentine's Day. I can think of no better way to celebrate than by considering your heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women...it is so important for us to know our numbers and get serious about our heart health.
You all should know your cholesterol levels, HDL and LDL, triglycerides, blood sugar, and waist size. All of these are important predictors of heart health.
Check out the website www.goredforwomen.org for helpful information and make sure to read the signs of a heart attack that are common to women.
Carry regular aspirin with you so that you can chew one if you experience what you think might be a heart attack. I know it tastes awful but it gets into your bloodstream faster if you chew it rather than swallow it whole. Timing is everything when it comes to heart attacks.
I had open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair 2 years ago...it was very scary to walk into Northwestern Memorial Hospital here in Chicago with my family at 5 a.m. in the morning knowing what I was in for that day. I had worked many years ago as a nurse in the Recovery Room with post-operative heart surgery patients and it was one surgery I knew that I never wanted to have. After having the surgery it turned out to be all that I had worried about...even with a most competetent cardiovascular team and great nursing staff. Knowing too much was not a good thing in my case.
What I do know for sure is that I would not want to have to have another cardiovascular surgery if I could at all help it! Keeping up with your heart health is very important.
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!
Nana
Today of course is Valentine's Day. I can think of no better way to celebrate than by considering your heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women...it is so important for us to know our numbers and get serious about our heart health.
You all should know your cholesterol levels, HDL and LDL, triglycerides, blood sugar, and waist size. All of these are important predictors of heart health.
Check out the website www.goredforwomen.org for helpful information and make sure to read the signs of a heart attack that are common to women.
Carry regular aspirin with you so that you can chew one if you experience what you think might be a heart attack. I know it tastes awful but it gets into your bloodstream faster if you chew it rather than swallow it whole. Timing is everything when it comes to heart attacks.
I had open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair 2 years ago...it was very scary to walk into Northwestern Memorial Hospital here in Chicago with my family at 5 a.m. in the morning knowing what I was in for that day. I had worked many years ago as a nurse in the Recovery Room with post-operative heart surgery patients and it was one surgery I knew that I never wanted to have. After having the surgery it turned out to be all that I had worried about...even with a most competetent cardiovascular team and great nursing staff. Knowing too much was not a good thing in my case.
What I do know for sure is that I would not want to have to have another cardiovascular surgery if I could at all help it! Keeping up with your heart health is very important.
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!
Nana
Friday, February 12, 2010
HealthyChildren.org - Putting Back-Sleeping Concerns to Rest
HealthyChildren.org - Putting Back-Sleeping Concerns to Rest
This is a good article on "back sleeping" and any concerns that parents or grandparents may have! Check it out! Nana
This is a good article on "back sleeping" and any concerns that parents or grandparents may have! Check it out! Nana
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
As much as we hate to think about it SIDS is the number one cause of infant death in the United States. According to Parents Magazine's article ninety percent of SIDS deaths occur in babies who are younger than 6 months.
Sleeping habits of the baby in your life are very important. In the last policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics in November 2005 on SIDs there were 5 Safety Guidelines.
Infants should be placed on their backs for sleep. This is non-negotiable according to AAP and has been recommended since 1992. The fact is that babies might very well sleep more soundly on their stomachs but that this could contribute to SIDS. It may allow them to not get enough oxygen and actually rebreath carbon dioxide which can be deadly.
This recommendation alone has decreased SIDS by more than 50%!
Share your bedroom with your baby during your child's first 6 months of life. Babies do not fall into such a sound sleep in the parent's room. They stir at the noises that the parents make and believe it or not these stirrings are protective.
Do not over dress your infant so that he/she is too warm while in bed as this causes a baby to fall into too sound a sleep and it can be difficult to awaken him.
Breastfeed. Breastfed babies are more easily roused from sleep that those that are formula fed.
Give your baby a pacifier. The reason for this is not clear. It maybe that the sucking action may keep the baby's tongue in the forward position which keeps the airway open.
It is also very important to make sure that other caregivers like grandparents follow these guidelines as well. According to AAP, in the US 20% of SIDS deaths occur while the baby is being care for by someone other than a parent.
A crib should be a safe place with nothing in it such as stuffed animals, pillows, comforters and loose blankets. Even bumper pads are not recommended unless they are very thin and well secured to the sides of the crib.
Don't be tempted to make the baby's room too warm either...if it is comfortable for an adult in a short sleeved shirt then it is good for the baby.
Of course check with your baby's pediatrician for direct advice as the above are opinions of the AAP and other sources. Your own doctor is always your source for guidance.
As always feel free to send your comments or questions. Have a great day.
Nana
Sleeping habits of the baby in your life are very important. In the last policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics in November 2005 on SIDs there were 5 Safety Guidelines.
Infants should be placed on their backs for sleep. This is non-negotiable according to AAP and has been recommended since 1992. The fact is that babies might very well sleep more soundly on their stomachs but that this could contribute to SIDS. It may allow them to not get enough oxygen and actually rebreath carbon dioxide which can be deadly.
This recommendation alone has decreased SIDS by more than 50%!
Share your bedroom with your baby during your child's first 6 months of life. Babies do not fall into such a sound sleep in the parent's room. They stir at the noises that the parents make and believe it or not these stirrings are protective.
Do not over dress your infant so that he/she is too warm while in bed as this causes a baby to fall into too sound a sleep and it can be difficult to awaken him.
Breastfeed. Breastfed babies are more easily roused from sleep that those that are formula fed.
Give your baby a pacifier. The reason for this is not clear. It maybe that the sucking action may keep the baby's tongue in the forward position which keeps the airway open.
It is also very important to make sure that other caregivers like grandparents follow these guidelines as well. According to AAP, in the US 20% of SIDS deaths occur while the baby is being care for by someone other than a parent.
A crib should be a safe place with nothing in it such as stuffed animals, pillows, comforters and loose blankets. Even bumper pads are not recommended unless they are very thin and well secured to the sides of the crib.
Don't be tempted to make the baby's room too warm either...if it is comfortable for an adult in a short sleeved shirt then it is good for the baby.
Of course check with your baby's pediatrician for direct advice as the above are opinions of the AAP and other sources. Your own doctor is always your source for guidance.
As always feel free to send your comments or questions. Have a great day.
Nana
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Nannies and Babysitters
Hi Everyone,
Sorry it has been such a long time since I've posted! But I have come across a wonderful website worth looking into if you have a need for a sitter or nanny when you travel or just on a daily basis. See for yourself by logging on to http://www.sittercity.com. You do not have to be a member to peruse the site. You must purchase usage if you wish to view more info about possible sitters.
I have also previously mentioned "Your Baby Can Read" as a product worth looking into for your child or grandchild. It is based on the growth and development of babies and the rate at which their brains are making lifelong neural connections. They can actually learn to recognize the written word and make the connection with the pictures and the actions associated with those words at a very early age.
I am quite impressed with the materials that are in this program and it is based upon what is currently known about brain development in babies and children. It is pricey and not for those who do not have the time to devote to the program but it actually does not take an enormous amount of time just a willingness to work the program on a daily basis. It is a great time to interact with the child in your life.
I hope that you all are enjoying the winter months and indoor time as best you can....reading is one of those things to do when we cannot be outside.
That is all for now!
Nana
Sorry it has been such a long time since I've posted! But I have come across a wonderful website worth looking into if you have a need for a sitter or nanny when you travel or just on a daily basis. See for yourself by logging on to http://www.sittercity.com. You do not have to be a member to peruse the site. You must purchase usage if you wish to view more info about possible sitters.
I have also previously mentioned "Your Baby Can Read" as a product worth looking into for your child or grandchild. It is based on the growth and development of babies and the rate at which their brains are making lifelong neural connections. They can actually learn to recognize the written word and make the connection with the pictures and the actions associated with those words at a very early age.
I am quite impressed with the materials that are in this program and it is based upon what is currently known about brain development in babies and children. It is pricey and not for those who do not have the time to devote to the program but it actually does not take an enormous amount of time just a willingness to work the program on a daily basis. It is a great time to interact with the child in your life.
I hope that you all are enjoying the winter months and indoor time as best you can....reading is one of those things to do when we cannot be outside.
That is all for now!
Nana
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Toddler Development in Weeks 57 and 58: Why Copying Builds Relationships - Your Clever Toddler
"This is nice information about our toddler grandchildren. Enjoy! Nana"
Reflecting your child's speech and copying her actions affirms her existence—it's actually the highest form of flattery for her! Learn why no toddler can resist the pleasures of mimicry and why it's the perfect way to build a relationship with any child, no matter her age.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Toddler Development Weeks 69 and 70: Copying Behavior from the TV Screen - Your Clever Toddler
"This is interesting information concerning toddlers and television! Discuss among yourselves! Nana"
Though your little one may just gape passively as you flip through the channels, there's a lot on the screen that he's absorbing right now. Learn why toddlers are especially susceptible to what they see on TV.
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