The post How to prepare your toddler for a sibling appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>When you are still pregnant, put together a little box of age-appropriate wrapped goodies for her (for example a small box of smarties or a toy bottle), and keep this in the baby’s room. When you are busy with the baby and cannot attend to your toddler (such as when you are changing a stinky nappy, or feeding), allow her to go to her ‘special box’ and select a present. The selection and the subsequent unwrapping and exploring will buy you the time you need to finish off your task. This way, she will only associate a positive experience with the fact that you are unable to attend to her immediately.
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]]>The post Toddler sleep routine: Establishing a sleep zone appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Having enough sleep is as important to your toddler as following a healthy diet and providing him with adequate stimulation. A well-rested child is less frustrated, more predictable and happier in his world.
Remember, your toddler may not necessarily develop healthy sleep habits automatically. He may need a little help from you!
Whether you have chosen to sleep with your child in the family bed, or whether your child sleeps on his own is determined by your personal beliefs, cultural views and your ability to separate from your child. Either way, choose a sleep zone that suits you.
It is important to regulate your child’s environment to ensure that his sleep zone supports sleep. I would recommend that by the time your child is two years old, that you try to let him sleep in his own sleep zone.
Children need to have their own space, and sleep space is interconnected with physical and emotional boundaries. Encouraging your child to foster some independence from you in the sleep zone paves the way for a sense of security with his own separateness and provides a sound basis for the development of self esteem and self reliance.
Some ideas of creating a calm and nurturing ‘sleep zone’ include:
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]]>Begin potty training around the age of two years. Know that your toddler will become aware of the toilet at around 18 months of age. She may understand and say words such as “poo”, “wee” or “toilet”, squirm and touch her bottom, or may stop what she is doing when making a bowel movement. Don’t rush into potty training at this stag
Let her accompany you to the toilet from an early age, so that she can get used to the idea, and learn from watching you – this will take the mystery and fear out of this new idea. Always tell her, “Mommy is having a wee”. Invite her to tear off the toilet paper for you, and help you flush.
If you have a son, ask your husband to invite him to accompany him to the toilet. This way, he will learn that boys do it differently to girls. Place a piece of toilet paper in the bowl and show him how to aim at the paper. If he prefers to sit down to pass urine, reassure him that it is fine and try to avoid putting pressure on him to do it ‘the right way’.
Teach your daughter how to wipe from front to back, and your son to wait till the drips stop.
Invest in a toilet seat with an inner and a built in step and hand rail. This way, your toddler will be able to sit comfortably on the toilet and will always have her feet on a firm surface as well as having something to hold onto.
If your toddler is younger than 26–28 months in winter, delay toilet training until the weather improves.
At home, leave the nappy off and remind her frequently about going to the toilet in a relaxed and friendly manner. Be prepared to go with her to the bathroom each time.
Don’t stress about “accidents” on the floor. She will eventually connect the “puddle” with the feeling that she needs to go to the toilet and will tell you she needs to go.
Don’t worry if your toddler still asks for a nappy to make a number two – this is normal, and won’t last forever.
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]]>The post Establish a bedtime routine for your toddler with these tips appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Try and keep this time of the day calm and quiet, so if Dad is home, try and limit the amount of horseplay and excitement that takes place – rather stick to calming, nurturing activities such as watering the garden, doing a puzzle, or play “I spy”. Avoid intensive movement activities and rough house play at this time, but encourage them in the afternoon.
Try and serve supper at roughly the same time each evening, and perform the same activities thereafter until bedtime
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]]>The post Toddler Tantrums: Using “time outs” appropriately! appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Wait until he starts to understand that rules need to be followed, so that he understands why time out is happening. Time out must not be seen as punishment. It should rather be seen as an opportunity to teach your toddler how to cope with his feelings of frustration and anger. Once he has learnt how to cope with these feeling, he will be able to start to modify his behaviour.
If he is still young ( 1- 2 years), start by taking time outs together. So when he starts to push beyond his borders and is getting hyped up, say “let’s stop for a while, take a deep breath and have some quiet time together”.
This is a good way to get him used to a “cooling off period”. Once he is two years old, he will start to understand a bit more that Action = Consequence, as well as being able to follow instructions.
This is the ideal time to start using more formal time out. A good idea is to use his bedroom as the area for his time out. Remember that if he needs some time out in the first place, his sensory system is most likely overloaded, making him feel out of sorts and disorganized. His bedroom is a safe and secure zone that he is comfortable with, so it will comfort and calm him. Avoid using bathrooms or naughty corners. These areas may make him feel embarrassed, uncomfortable and insecure.
When he needs some time out, tell him very firmly (try not to shout, all it does is re-enforce a spiral of negative behaviour) that you do not like what he is doing, and that he needs to go to his room.
Use your body language to re-enforce how serious you are. Point towards the bedroom, and coax him along (don’t be tempted to smack). If he digs his heels in, pick him up firmly (even if he is kicking and screaming), and take him to his bedroom. Once you are there, say to him “It’s not nice to pinch your sister, stay here until you feel better”. Walk out and close the door.
Because he is a toddler, he will weep and wail and may even bash on the door with frustration. Wait for about a minute before you go back. Don’t leave him for too long, but don’t rush back in immediately – allow him some time to calm himself down.
When you re-enter his room, take no notice of the mess that he may have caused, rather keep your voice calm and controlled. Suggest a cuddle on your lap, if he resists, say calmly “OK, I will come back in a little while when you are feeling better”.
Leave the room for another minute. Go back in and repeat your offer. Continue in this way until he is ready for a hug and a cuddle. Sit on the floor, or his bed or a chair in his room, and hold him firmly with a deep hug. Singing a favourite song is also most useful. Wait until he is calm. Briefly discuss the event that caused the time out in the first place.
Remember to always acknowledge and name how he is feeling by saying “I know that you are feeling angry because I sent you to your room”, then mirror the feeling by saying “I would also feel angry if I were you”, then explain why by saying “it wasn’t very nice to pinch your sister. So remember that next time when you are feeling frustrated with her, pinching is not the way to deal with it”.
Suggest that he puts the ‘bad thought’ into a little box or an imaginary bubble, then go with him to the bedroom window and empty the box, or blow the bubble away.
Offer to help him tidy up his room (if he has trashed it in her rage), then continue with your activities.
Reassure him that time out doesn’t mean that you don’t love him, and that you will always love him no matter what. Don’t refer to the episode again (not even when dad comes home from work) – it is over. This method can be used up to school going age.
Obviously time out will work if you are at home. But what if you are out?
The best way to handle discipline when you are out is to remove your child from the situation. So if he is having a tantrum at the shopping center, ignore him, and try to finish your shopping as quickly as possible and get out of there as fast as you can!
Remember to be in tune to his signals, so don’t take him shopping if he is hungry, tired or over-stimulated – it is bound to end in tears. If you need to discipline in a public place, always take him to a quiet spot around the corner so that he does not feel embarrassed.
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]]>The post #baby101 at the Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminar appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>This year’s industry professionals are Meg Faure (occupational therapist and Baby Sense co-author), Sr Ann Richardson (specialist nurse practitioner, author and parent coach), Tina Otte (midwife and special editor of Your Pregnancy magazine) and paediatrician, Dr Claudia Gray.
The seminars will address the challenges arising during specific periods of the parenting journey with BABY as the morning session theme and BIRTH & NEWBORN for the afternoon seminar.
Dr Claudia Gray will kick off the first session,demystifying your baby’s health concerns and giving tips on how to boost immunity and decrease the risk of allergies. Meg Faure will follow by taking a look at your baby’s development and how to stimulate him/her through play to ensure optimal physical, cognitive and emotional development. Sr Ann Richardson will close the session covering how to establish a sense-able sleep routine and age appropriate sleep training.
For the expecting parents, the afternoon birth & newborn seminar is not to be missed – the ultimate crash course on birth and baby’s first four months. Tina Ottewill discuss your newborn’s amazing capabilities and why skin on skin contact is essential for mom and baby in the magical hour after birth. Learn the secrets to a calm newborn, ways to manage your crying baby and simple strategies to prevent colic in an informative talk by Meg Faure. Sr Ann Richardson will take you through the first six weeks of #baby101 from umbilical cord care, nappy changes, feeding, sleeping, nappy rashes, sniffles and snuffles, cradle cap and more.
To further enhance bonding with your new bundle of joy, the Johnson’s Baby massage workshop will open the world of communication with your baby through touch and massage, with an interactive demonstration of some hands-on massage skills and tips.
Durban 16 August Three Cities Riverside Hotel
Port Elizabeth 23 August The Marine Hotel
Johannesburg 6 September Woodmead Country Club
Cape Town 13 September The Vineyard Hotel
Cost per seminar is R240 and R80 for the massage workshop. If you book for both seminars and the massage workshop, a discounted rate of R480 will be applicable. Tickets include goodie bags of essential baby products, invaluable information in the seminar manuals and the chance of winning amazing prizes including a Stokke Scoot travel system.
Don’t miss out on these info-packed#baby101 seminars!
Book now online babysense.com/talks-and-workshops or call (021) 671 3245(021) 671 3245
facebook.com/babysense @BabySense #baby101
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]]>The post Toddler development: Your Nursery School tips! appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>The modern trend is to enrol your toddler at a nursery school from three or four years of age. She may have attended a playschool from an earlier age, or may have been happy and content at home with you until now.
While most playschools focus mostly on socializing and playing (for younger toddlers), nursery schools differ in that learning takes place in a more formal and structured way.
Many nursery schools have separate classes or sections for different age groups, so try to find one that will allow for your child’s progress without having to move her unnecessarily.
Trust your instinct when looking for a school, and decide whether the school will suit you and your toddler’s needs with regards to accessibility, safety and hygiene and quality of teaching and care.
If your toddler has never been to playschool, starting nursery school may be the first time that she will be separating from you, so expect her to feel anxious and apprehensive. Try these few tips to ease the transition for both of you!
If your child is still anxious, clingy and cries inconsolably when you leave her at nursery school and after two to three weeks is showing no signs of improvement, consider keeping her at home for a while and trying again later. In some cases, a change of school may be necessary. If the problem persists, consider a psychological assessment.
You may be feeling pressurised to enrol your child in every extra-mural activity on offer. Stimulation in the form of gym, swimming, music, karate, ballet or modern dancing can be most beneficial for your child, but beware of over-scheduling your child.
Choose her extra mural activities with care, bearing in mind your child’s temperament and personality, as well as being aware of the hazards of over-stimulation.
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]]>The post The sensory link to your baby’s sleeping disorders appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Sleep is vital for our physical and emotional well being. It is well known that it promotes the secretion of growth hormone as well as restoring brain processes. This enables us to perform subtle cognitive and social tasks as we go about our daily lives.
It may be surprising to note that the very same environmental, behavioural and social factors that may interfere with sleep, can play an important role in ensuring healthy sleep habits from the start.
In daily practice, when one is presented with an “unsettled infant”, or a “badly behaved toddler”, lack of sleep, or plain exhaustion is often not considered, as the practitioner is often too busy looking for a “physical reason” for the childs’ distress.
There are obviously certain physiological factors to exclude from the outset, and a detailed history from the parent (or caregiver) is necessary. The obvious factors should include the following:
Once these factors have been excluded, the area of sensory overload should be investigated.
The behaviour displayed by an infant or toddler upon exposure to sensory input will differ depending on the manner in which the stimulus is interpreted.
The sensory system functions in order to form a composite picture of what is going on around us. Sensory integration is the critical function of the brain that is responsible for producing this picture.
For most of us, effective sensory integration occurs automatically, unconsciously and without effort. However, for most infants, particularly premature babies, and toddlers with sensory integration difficulties, this process is inefficient due to immaturity of the sensory system. Therefore, babies and some toddlers will have difficulty in processing too much sensory stimuli.
When a child is exposed to sensory stimuli, a pattern usually occurs.
The child may interpret the stimuli as non stressful and respond to the stimuli appropriately. This response will not affect the stability of the behavioural subsystems of the nervous system.
The child will display self-regulation approach signals.These signals indicate that she is in control, and is neurologically well organized. Children displaying these signals appear to be inviting interaction.
These signals include:
The child starts to experience stress when the exposure to the stimuli continues. The child will display some warning signals. At this stage she still has the ability to self-organise or self-regulate.
She is able to produce a behaviour to decrease the effect of the stress, thus preserving the stability of the behavioural subsystems of her nervous system.
Warning signals that the child is becoming overloaded include:
This is the stage to allow the baby or toddler to go to sleep. All further stimulation should be avoided at this point. These signals must be interpreted as warning messages that the child may be reaching maximum tolerable stress levels. It is important to note that if the child is given some space to “zone out” she will be able to regulate her state of sensory overload herself to enable her to go to sleep unaided.
If the exposure to the stress/stimuli continues, it will stress the child to such a degree that she becomes unable to overcome the effect of the stress by self-regulation(above). The compensating lower subsystem of the nervous system becomes unstable, resulting in a stress reaction such as crying and inability to fall asleep unaided. She will now need extensive help such as sucking on the breast or a bottle, being rocked or driven in a car in order to fall asleep. These stressed signals signal the end of the child’s ability to self regulate, and include:
These signs are very often misinterpreted as colic(infant), or boredom or bad behaviour(toddler). However, the sensory system at this stage is in such disorganization that it is unable to self-calm, and the child will end up crying inconsolably(infant), or having a tantrum(toddler). It is very important at this stage to:
Children who are constantly over-stimulated and or deprived of “quiet time” will remain in this level of stress, and will thus never sleep.
To avoid children entering into this stressed, over-stimulated, over-tired state, it is crucial to avoid excessive stimulation, and to monitor how much time the child spends awake between sleep cycles. It is important that children are allowed to sleep before they reach this state of over-tiredness.
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]]>The post Healthy sleep cycles for your baby and toddler appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>As your child’s nervous system matures with age, so does their capacity to cope with sensory stimulation in their ‘awake’ time.
Here is a guideline of approximate ‘awake’ times before ‘stress’ levels are reached:
0 – 6 weeks : 40 – 60 minutes
6 – 12 weeks : 60 – 80 minutes
3 – 6 months : 1 ½ hours
6 – 9 months : 2 hours
9 – 12 months : 2 ½ hours
1 – 2 years : 3 – 3 ½ hours
2 – 3 years : 4 – 5 hours
3 – 5 years : 5 – 7 hours
Parents of children that don’t sleep often think that by simply keeping them awake all day, will ensure they will sleep all night long. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sleep makes sleep – that is for sure!
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