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Our experienced panel of experts is here to guide you! Physicians, psychologists, counselors, fitness and nutrition professionals, among many others, bring to this forum vast knowledge and wisdom based on their own education and experience. Here, you can review our database of answers to questions posed by other readers and, if you don't find what you're looking for, ask your own non-urgent question. To find an answer to your question, meet our panelists or to browse previous questions and answers, choose a category below.

• Activities & Games
  
  

  • How can I insure that an infant program and its activities are appropriate and quality oriented?
    First and foremost, make sure that the facility is clean, well-maintained, and child-proofed, as well as child friendly. As the children begin to move, they will explore the envioronment as well as enjoy the music and movement activities.
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  • How do I start familiarizing my 6 month old with books?
    It is never too early to introduce books to an infant! Start with the cloth books and the small board books.
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  • Can you recommend some fun musical games I can play with my toddler?
    Here are some ideas for musical games you can play with your child.
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  • Can you suggest a game to help reinforce body part identification?
    Body Part Balance This game will reinforce body part identification as it promotes balance.
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  • What's a fun game I can play with my toddler to help him walk a straight line and work on his balance?
    Your toddler may not be familiar with the high-wire act at the circus, but she'll still love playing this game. Place a jump rope in a straight line on the floor.
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• Baby Behavior
  
  

  • My 7-month-old daughter is so attached to me that she cries when I leave the room. What can I do to help her?
    Your daughter is at the prime age for the beginning of separation anxiety. It's natural for her to want to be super-glued to your side since you're the one she spends the majority of her time with.
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  • What is the best way to wean my 5-month-old from his pacifier?
    Unless using a pacifier is causing some sort of rash around your son's mouth or other ill health effect, you probably shouldn't worry about weaning him just yet. Five months old is still relatively young to worry about pacifier use.
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  • How can I help my 7-month-old feel more comfortable without being held constantly?
    The first four months of a child?s life are critical with respect to that child making attachments to familiar and consistent care givers.
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  • Why is my baby's emotional development important?
    Early bonds that are warm and close contribute to positive values and positive adult behavior, less disease and mental illness, and more ability to give and to relate to others in a healthy way.
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  • Should I encourage my 9-month-old to have a hand preference?
    Some children will show a preference at 9 months, but many children don't manifest their final preference until 5-6 years of age.
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• Baby Food
  
  

  • How many jars of baby food should a 7-month-old baby be eating a day?
    At 7 months, a baby should be eating about a jar and a half of total food for each meal. I also realize that some kids eat more or less than others and so I'm offering this as a good guideline.
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  • When is it appropriate to feed a baby meat?
    According to the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, it is inappropriate to feed a baby solid foods before 4 months of age.
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  • How old should my baby be before I switch him to whole milk?
    Infants should be fed human breastmilk or formula for the first year of life. Studies have shown that infants switched to whole milk between 6 and 12 months of age have poorer iron status and more loss of blood from the gut.
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  • Can a fortified soy milk provide the same nutrition as whole milk for a 1 year old?
    Fortified soy milk can substitute for cow's milk, but it is lower in protein and lower in fat than whole milk.
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  • How do I know if my 12-month-old is getting the proper nutrition? He only seems to like Spaghetti-Os and bread.
    If your 12-month-old is continuing to grow in height and weight and his iron levels are OK, then he's probably fine, too. At this age, children are really exploring finger foods and wanting to get away from spoon-fed foods.
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• Baby Gear
  
  

  • Do excersaucers help or hinder a child's gross motor development?
    I was only able to find one small study of 43 8-month-old infants in the medical literature dealing with exersaucers and infant development. Interestingly, it found that the use of exersaucers was related to decreased motor development.
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  • Can a baby spend too much time in a highchair or infant carrier?
    Recent evidence indicates that infants are spending upward of 60 waking hours a week in such things as highchairs, carriers, car seats and the like.
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• Babyproofing & Safety
  
  

  • I live in Indiana but am traveling to Illinois. Which state's child restraint law do I follow?
    The best recommendation would be to follow the most stringent policy.
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  • Is a toilet lock really necessary?
    YES. Children are fascinated by water and love to throw things in the toilet (like cordless phones, a toy car or a bracelet, etc.
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  • Which foods are considered a choking hazard for small children?
    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers these foods to be dangerous for children younger than 3: Nuts Hard candy Grapes Hot dogs "Chunks" of meat Raw carrots Popcorn Apples It is also recommend by the AAP that all toddler food be cut into thin slices to prevent choking.
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  • How can I keep my cat out of the crib and away from the baby?
    Cats are a notorious issue when you have a new baby. The best thing to do to keep the cat out of the crib is to purchase a crib tent.
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  • I am pregnant and planning a trip to India, Thailand, South Africa and Australia. Is it OK to fly and take a 3-month-old to these countries?
    I think the safety about traveling with a 3-month-old is up to your pediatrician. My biggest worry (having children myself) would be about access to good medical care in case of illness, which is not uncommon (viruses, needing immunizations, etc.
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• Beauty & Wellness
  
  

  • My doctor prescribed Alphaquin HP for a dark spot. Are there any over-the-counter medications that work as well?
    There are a couple of OTC creams with the same active ingredient as Alphaquin HP. Over-the-counter hydroquinone is only available in a 2 percent strength, which would be half the strength of the one you're using.
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• Birthday Planning
  
  

  • My son's child's first birthday is coming up. I want to start the tradition of planting a tree for him on each of his birthdays. What are some options of trees that flower?
    Since it depends on where you live as to what you can grow, may I suggest that you visit your local garden center and talk with someone who knows what will grow in that area as per your specifications.
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  • My daughter's birthday theme is Sesame Street. Any recipe ideas?
    How about some Sesame Noodles! Serve some broiled tofu or chicken strips on the side and some raw vegetables and fresh fruit, maybe a green salad for the adults.
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  • Do you have a recipe for a fun, but healthy, cake for my daughter's first birthday?
    Do I ever! This recipe is my own, tried and true carrot cake from my book Healthy Foods.
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• Bonding
  
  

  • I am wondering if my husband and I are spoiling our baby. She is 5 months old and wants to be held all the time. Is this a problem?
    At 5 months old, your baby being held is not going to cause a problem. By 8-9 months, you'll want to wean her of this habit.
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  • My wife is breastfeeding, which makes me happy, but sad at the same time. What other ways can I get involved that help with bonding?
    A dad can be a part of a baby's life when Mom is breastfeeding. There are several ways a dad can bond during the breastfeeding.
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• Bottlefeeding
  
  

  • What is the proper way to sterilize a baby's bottle? And is this really necessary and for how long?
    In my opinion, each formula bottle should be made up fresh and consumed as soon after preparation as possible at body temperature. Commercially-available bottled formula should be used when stored formula use is necessary.
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  • My 1-year-old daughter refuses to drink milk from a cup, she will only take it from her bottle. How do we get her to make the switch?
    This isn't really a switch that has to happen right now. One way to start the transition is to introduce juices in a sippy cup, and usually by age 15 months, children will magically move away from the bottle.
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  • What do I do to help my bottle-fed baby when she has gas pain?
    The main reason bottle-fed infants have gas pain is swallowed air during feeding. Using a plastic bag nurser can help, since one can express air from the bag before feeding, and the bag will collapse as the infant removes the formula.
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  • Is it normal for my formula-fed 4-month-old to have dark green stools?
    A 4-month-old's stool color can really run the spectrum, whether breast fed or formula fed. It is normal.
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  • What are some positive ways to help wean my 15-month-old from the bottle?
    Each family and each baby are a little different. Generically, I'd say let them continue the bottle until the age of 18 months.
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• Breastfeeding
  
  

  • My baby's only nursing at night now. Is this normal?
    I can see why you might be concerned about what is going on with your son's nursing habits. I suspect that a lot of what is going on can be attributed to "four-month-itis.
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  • What are the benefits of continuing to nurse my 15-month-old?
    First of all, you aren't alone – many babies nurse well beyond 15 months, and many moms who nurse past that point here those negative comments.
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  • What are an employer's legal responsibilities and duties for breastfeeding and/or pumping at work?
    You have asked a difficult question. Legally, it is usually not mandated that a mother be allowed to breastfeed or pump at work.
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  • How can I become a lactation consultant?
    First, congratulations on giving your children the best start in life by breastfeeding! Breastfeeding moms often make wonderful breastfeeding counselors -- you've "been there, done that" and want to help others do the same.
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  • Is it culturally acceptable to nurse in public in Japan?
    From the information I have gathered, I find that in Japan many women breastfeed, and many combine breastfeeding and bottlefeeding in the early months.
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• Budget & Finance
  
  

  • Should a child's savings be in the baby's name or in the parent's name?
    It depends!
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  • Do you save money washing dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher?
    Washing dishes by hand does not save that much money. Most dishwashers cost 7 to 15 cents per load.
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• Childcare
  
  

  • How can I be more assertive about how I want my sitter to care for my child?
    It might seem overwhelming when you think of making a major change to your behavior when you have been doing something a certain way for a long time.
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  • What are the most serious childhood illnesses I should worry about with my child who is in daycare?
    Children in daycare are certainly at higher risk for contagious diseases than a child cared for in his own home.
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  • How can I help my shy 27-month-old adjust to a new daycare setting?
    It's unlikely that children this young are purposely excluding your daughter. It's more likely that their age difference is the culprit.
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  • What are some of the advantages of putting a child in daycare?
    There are several advantages of putting your children in a QUALITY daycare.
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  • My 2-year-old acts up constantly at daycare. What can I do at home to encourage good behavior when he's away from me?
    The first thing to do is collect information. What circumstances lead to the problem behavior?
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• Crafts & Activities
  
  

  • My toddler jumps all over the house. He falls a lot in the process, but seems to love this activity. Any suggestions on a game or activity that involves jumping?
    Little ones love to jump up and down – despite the fact that, between 18 and 24 months, they fall a lot when doing so!
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  • Can you recommend any activities to get my toddler moving?
    Play a game of "Gotcha!" Your little one will squeal with delight as you chase her around the living room or yard.
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  • Why should physical activity start early in life?
    Habits are formed early in life. This includes habits related to nutrition (eating well or poorly), hygiene (brushing teeth and bathing) and even physical activity (to be or not to be a couch potato).
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  • My toddler's balance is improving everyday! What activities can I do to reinforce this new skill?
    As babies become toddlers, they are still growing physically at a rapid rate. The rate of growth of the head is still ahead of the rest of the body, so the head is still relatively large.
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  • What is the best time of the year to visit Disneyland?
    Slow season for Disneyland California or Disney World Florida is between Halloween and Thanksgiving. The "Fast Pass" program has been implemented to help cut down on lines during the busy times.
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• Discipline
  
  

  • How do I stop my 11-month old from biting me and everyone else?
    To stop the biting, don't bite back and don't get angry. I suggest a technique that works well in many behavior modification situations.
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  • My 11-month-old has started hitting. What should I do?
    Children this age do not have the language skills to express their needs and wants. Often their frustration at not being able to communicate leads to hitting.
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  • How can I get my 18-month-old daughter to stop screaming?
    She is realizing that her voice and actions make an impact. What a wonderful realization to know that one can make that much noise and get attention!
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  • Is it appropriate to spank my child who is under 1 year old?
    Lots of frustrated parents wonder if spanking would be an appropriate form of discipline.
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  • How do I get my 17-month-old to stop hitting other children?
    You aren't alone. Many children will resort to hitting, kicking or pushing a playmate during an angry moment.
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• Fatherhood
  
  

  • How can a father be more involved in his infant's life?
    One of the most important ways for the father to be involved is through assisting the mother of the child in caretaking responsibilities and roles.
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  • How can I engage in meaningful play with my child?
    Maybe for a while you need to re-define your definition of "play." Your baby probably thinks he IS playing with you.
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• Fussiness & Colic
  
  

  • Can a chiropractor help a colicky baby?
    The important philosophical understanding one needs to fully appreciate the chiropractic adjustment is that it is not for any specific symptoms. Your brain is your central processing unit (like a computer?s
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  • One of infant twins is suffering from colic, and they share a room. Should I separate them?
    If your other twin is not demonstrating signs of distress, I'd suggest that you not make any changes at this point. Even in infancy, twins can be very good at adapting to each other's sounds, movements and moods.
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  • My baby is very colicky. Is there anything over-the-counter that I can give him that may help?
    Colic is an attack of abdominal pain accompanied by crying in a baby. Sometimes the abdominal pain is caused by gas and there are some dietary changes one can make that may help resolve the problem.
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  • What are the treatments for colic?
    Treatments include swaddling the baby, soothing voices, "white noise" (such as putting the baby in an infant seat on top of a running clothes dryer), baby swings and sometimes even short time use of pain medication.
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  • At what age do most newborns develop or show signs of colic?
    Babies typically develop symptoms of colic between 2 weeks and 3 months of age. Colic is a "diagnosis by exclusion," which is to say that there is no test to diagnose colic.
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• Health & Fitness
  
  

  • I am breastfeeding but frustrated because I don't seem to be losing weight or regaining any of my pre-pregnancy shape. Is there a quick fix?
    Weight loss is one of the many benefits of breastfeeding. Depending on how many feedings per day, you can burn approximately 500 calories per day (22 calories per ounce of milk produced).
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  • What are some fun exercises I can do with my 1-year-old baby?
    The best way to exercise with your baby is to get a well-made stroller and get out walking! It's a wonderful way to get a cardiovascular workout, and babies love getting look at all the exciting things going on out in the world.
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  • Is biking a good activity for fitness if you have small children?
    Biking is an activity that the entire family can enjoy. Siblings can ride alongside or join older babies in the bike trailer.
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  • What can cause hot flashes in a healthy 28-year-old mom?
    Hot flashes can be an annoying symptom of many different problems. Most women associate them with menopause and changes in female hormones.
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  • I got a flu shot through work, but I still ended up with the flu? Why? If the shot doesn't really protect me, than why get one at all?
    This is a bit difficult to answer without knowing specific symptoms, but the most common reason for getting "the flu" after the immunization is a person's misconception: Many people think of the flu as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, or general upper respiratory symptoms like runny nose and congestion.
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• Immunizations & Health
  
  

  • Are there any risks for a non-immunized child to go swimming in the local swimming pool?
    The swimming pool itself confers no more risk than any other venue where children who are not immunized may come in contact with diseases to which they are susceptible.
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  • What is RSV and is there a vaccine for it?
    Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) causes bronchiolitis, a disease which occurs almost exclusively in infants. Most cases strike between 2 and 6 months of age, and 80 percent occur in children under the age of 1 year.
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  • My baby has rubbed a bald spot on her head. Will her hair grow back?
    This is very common, and happens to any area of the body which is rubbed frequently. Her hair will grow back, and she will have no long-term problems with her hair because of this.
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  • What is the main cause of birth marks?
    "Birthmarks" are not caused by birth trauma, and will not harm your baby. They are caused by the same circumstances as any skin change in humans.
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  • How can I get rid of a terrible diaper rash?
    Diaper rashes fall into two basic categories: irritant and infectious. Irritant dermatitis results from chemicals (including urine and feces) contacting the skin.
    Read the answer >

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• Manners & Social Skills
  
  

  • My 11-month-old doesn't seem interested in playing with other toddlers. Should I encourage him by joining a playgroup?
    It is totally appropriate for an 11-month-old to be focused on his or her caregivers rather than other toddlers. Playgroups are great, especially if he is not in daycare, but if you join one do NOT push him to interact with other young ones.
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  • Is it normal that our 22-month-old doesn't like to play with other kids?
    The actions we perceive as shyness are a sign of various situations. Some kids need more time to warm up to a group or a new peer.
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  • My 25-month-old daughter is very aggressive with other children. What should I do?
    First, you need to go to your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical problems for your daughterų aggression. I also recommend you pursue some further developmental evaluation of her.
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  • How can I encourage my 1-year-old to share?
    It is highly unlikely that you will be able to teach a 1-year old to share.
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  • How can I help my 1 and a half-year-old socialize more?
    At his age the only appropriate socialization would be a playgroup where other children are present but children are mainly interacting with their parents.
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• Milestones
  
  

  • My child is 13 months old and is still not walking. I am very concerned since she has been able to walk with our help since she was 7 months old. Should I be worried?
    Before you worry about a late walker, consider the rest of her development. Has she been on normal timetables with the other stages of development?
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  • My 10-week-old still isn't smiling much. In fact, she's pretty non-interested in social interaction. Should I be concerned?
    A social smile is a form of communication between parents and their infants that emerges at about 6 to 10 weeks of age.
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  • My son is almost 20 months and still will not walk. My doctor says he is fine, just cautious. Am I missing something?
    Nope, your doctor is probably right. A lot of babies we see tend to crawl so well and efficiently that they don't rush into walking and just don't feel like it.
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  • Why is "tummy time" so important for a baby?
    Tummy time is important because: 1. It gives the child the chance to develop the motor skills associated with lying in the prone position, such as supporting the head and neck, crawling, etc.
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  • Why is "tummy time" so important for a baby?
    Tummy time is important because: 1. It gives the child the chance to develop the motor skills associated with lying in the prone position, such as supporting the head and neck, crawling, etc.
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• Motherhood
  
  

  • How can I keep my stress from affecting my baby?
    Stress is unavoidable, and it would be silly to think our babies don't feel it.
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  • Should I take a class with my baby?
    If you feel comfortable getting out of the house with your baby and want to connect with other families to share ideas about parenting, then you are probably ready to attend a "class.
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  • How do we respond to family when they tell us we are raising our childwrong?
    As it's been said, "The best defense is a good offense" and that certainlyapplies here. The more knowledgeable you are about parenting, the moreconfident you will be when listening to everyone else's opinions.
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  • How can I become more centered?
    A simple centering technique I recommend is stopping for a few moments to follow your breath. Sit quietly.
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• Newborn Care
  
  

  • How can I get rid of a terrible diaper rash?
    Diaper rashes fall into two basic categories: irritant and infectious. Irritant dermatitis results from chemicals (including urine and feces) contacting the skin.
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• Newborn Health
  
  

  • What is the main cause of birth marks?
    "Birthmarks" are not caused by birth trauma, and will not harm your baby. They are caused by the same circumstances as any skin change in humans.
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  • What will happen if a baby's skull is solid at birth and has never had a soft spot? Is there a reason for this?
    Almost all babies have some sort of small soft spots when they are born. They do range in size quite a bit, and some are difficult to find.
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  • My niece has continually had head lice for almost two months now and I am due to have my baby in about two weeks. Can my baby get lice from her holding him?
    It is always a possibility for an infested person to communicate lice to another person, including a baby if the baby has a considerable amount of hair.
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  • When will my daughter's soft spot close?
    There are actually six fontanels (soft spots) when infants are born: the anterior (front) and posterior (back) are the easiest to feel and identify, since they are on the top of the head.
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  • When will my daughter's soft spot close?
    There are actually six fontanels (soft spots) when infants are born: the anterior (front) and posterior (back) are the easiest to feel and identify, since they are on the top of the head.
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• Nutrition & Picky Eaters
  
  

  • Why did my baby getting a rash when I switched him to whole milk?
    Since Similac is a milk-based formula, it is unlikely to be from the milk itself.
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  • How can I get my toddler to eat vegetables?
    Making the switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet can be difficult for young children, partly because they have little or no say in the change.
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  • Is it OK for my toddlerss to only drink bottled water?
    Per the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide Book, one of the main differences between bottled water and tap, is tap water is fluoridated, while bottled is not.
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  • Are sugared cereals unhealthy?
    Sugared cereals are not harmful as long as your child eats a healthy diet overall. You must realize that nutrition is relative.
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  • I've heard that good nutrition can help prevent the effects of lead exposure in children. Is that true?
    Yes. Good nutrition also helps prevent the effects of lead exposure.
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• Potty Training
  
  

  • I've heard girls are easier to potty train than boys. Is that a myth?
    It's actually not a myth, but oftentimes girls will be trained between 18 and 24 months, with boys six to 12 months later. Of course, the timing of potty training is not important, and I suggest that parents not push the issue.
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  • I have heard of books and people that claim to potty train a child in one day. Is this really possible? Is it preferable?
    The "potty training in a day approach" is basically an intense, accelerated training process which first involves preparing and modeling potty training for the child so he better understands what is expected.
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  • My 20-month-old daughter is not showing any signs of wanting to potty train. How can I encourage her?
    Some toddlers start toilet training around age 2. Others don't start until age 4.
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  • What's the line between praising/encouraging and discipline when it comes to potty training?
    Potty training can be a frustrating process that may try our patience at times, however, punishment really isn't helpful or appropriate.
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  • My son wants to watch me go to the bathroom. We are in the potty training process, but I feel it's more appropriate for him to watch his dad. What do you think?
    Actually, little boys typically begin potty training by sitting down on the potty seat to "go." If you feel comfortable allowing him to be in the bathroom with you, it is absolutely appropriate for him to watch.
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• Preparing for Preschool
  
  

  • I tried to interview a preschool teacher once, but she was too busy with the kids. Should I just forget interviewing her since she is obviously so focused on the kids?
    While it is commendable that your child's preschoolteacher is so focused on the children, another vital part of her jobconcerns being a resource for the child's family.
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  • How do I ease separation anxiety in my child when I drop him off at preschool?
    I have found that when a child knows exactly what toexpect, it helps his sense of security. Talking with yourchild about what exactly will happen in school and in what orderwill greatly decrease the pain of his separation.
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  • My daughter is being bullied at her preschool. What can I do?
    This type of preschool physical aggression issomething the adults will need to resolve, although it is goodto teach young children to assert themselves by saying, "Therule is not pushing!
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  • What can I do to help ensure that my daughter is potty trained in order to start preschool?
    I disagree with school policies regarding potty training. There is no correlation of which I am aware between control of urine and stool and school readiness.
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  • Is it imperative that 3-year-olds attend preschool?
    It is definitely NOT imperative that 3-year-olds attend preschool. It can definitely be a plus, but only if it is a positive experience.
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• Raising Multiples
  
  

  • My twin boys were premature. Do I go by their gestation age or their corrective age?
    You really have to go by the birth age or chronological age. When a child is born, that is his birth date and age.
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  • I have 4-month-old twin girls. It seems that when we are talking to them by their name, they don't respond to it. Sometimes they both look. When do they realize their own name?
    Typically, babies start to distinguish male and female voices at about 4 months of age. At 5 months, they start to respond to different tones of speech (angry, pleasant, etc.
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  • When should I start reading to my twins?
    It's never too early to start reading to your twins. Research has indicated that even infants can benefit from being read to.
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  • I have 13-month-old twin boys who are clingy and nervous around other people. Is there anything I can do?
    This sounds like a very normal stage for your 13-month-old twins. They are right in the age range where separation anxiety develops.
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  • One of my twin's head is a little misshapen. Should I be concerned? What should I do?
    I'll never forget the day my husband was holding one of our 4-month-old twins and said, "His head is crooked!
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• Relationships
  
  

  • Will my lack of sexual desire last the entire time I'm breastfeeding?
    These are not unusual feelings for a new mom – breastfeeding or not!
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  • My daughter and my husband have always had a really good relationship. But tonight, when he came home from work, she took one look at him andstarted screaming (she is only 5 months old). I am really upset about this and I hope you have some insight?
    Between 4 to 7 months of age, babies begin to show favoritism toward their primary caregiver, meaning the person who spends the most time with them. They identify very closely with this caregiver, sometimes to the exclusion of all others.
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  • How do I deal with being dependent on my partner after supporting myself for so long?
    It's helpful to realize that it is not the event -- becoming a stay-at-home mom -- that is the issue. It is your interpretation of that event.
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  • How do we respond to family when they tell us we are raising our child wrong?
    As it's been said, "The best defense is a good offense" and that certainly applies here. The more knowledgeable you are about parenting, the more confident you will be when listening to everyone else's opinions.
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  • My 2 1/2-year-old daughter's father died recently. I am unable to console her. What do you advise?
    Of course you can seek counseling for her. You want to find therapists who do play therapy, as she is much too young for talking therapy.
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• Siblings
  
  

  • My 3-year-old says all the time that he does not like his baby brother, who is 4 months old. What should I do?
    You are right. It isn't that your older son doesn't like his baby brother personally.
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  • My 14-month-old son is very rough with his 1-month-old sister. How can I teach him to be softer, and that he can hurt her?
    Modeling gentle behavior for your son is a great way to teach him the appropriate way to interact with his young sister. As you hold your daughter, ask your son to come sit together with you.
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  • I have 1-year-old twins and another baby on the way. Is it OK to have all three children in the same room?
    It is fine to have all three children in the same room, especially if you have limited space. Siblings can bond very well and become close when they share a room.
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  • How can I prepare my 2 ?-year-old son for the new baby?
    A good way to make sure he adjusts to becoming a big brother is to focus on him, rather than on the baby. Throw a big brother party and tell him how lucky the baby will be.
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  • How can I get my two children to play better together and share?
    While it might appear that your daughter wants the toy her brother is playing with, the fact that she wants whatever he has at any given moment suggests other possibilities to consider.
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• Sleep Issues
  
  

  • My 13-month-old son still uses a pacifier to get himself to sleep at night. He sometimes wakes up looking for it and starts to cry.Should we take it away? If so, how?
    It is about time to take him off of the pacifier. I am not a big fan of the pacifier at this age and it can actually cause some health concerns if it continues much later.
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  • I am concerned about my 4 month-old son rolling from his back to his stomach when he sleeps and SIDS. What should I do?
    Children who roll from back to front or side to front while sleeping appear to be at the same risk for SIDS as children who begin sleeping on their tummy. For this reason, it is safer to make sure that babies sleep on their backs.
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  • My 11-month-old daughter has suddenly become very hard to get to bed. She screams and cries as if she is afraid. We have tried a night time ritual, and a night light, but nothing works. Any ideas?
    Welcome to the club! Dealing with bedtime is one of the most common parental concerns.
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  • How much should my 8-month-old be sleeping?
    The normal sleeping pattern includes night and nap sleeping, although the morning nap most typically stops around the first birthday. The afternoon nap endures until approximately 3 years of age.
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  • My 3-month-old does not want to sleep during the day. She will only nap for 20 to 30 minutes at a time and then wakes herself up. What can I do?
    I have done months of research on babies and sleep and I'll share a few highlights with you that will shed light on your naptime issues.
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• Special Needs
  
  

  • How can I help my autistic son, one of triplets, establish a more regular sleep pattern?
    Melatonin has been found useful in some children with autism, and it may be worth a try. Be aware that it is not really known what dose a young child should take nor are there any standards for formulating melatonin.
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  • What is Central Auditory Processing Disorder?
    Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is defined as "Difficulty in the ability to actively process auditory information rapidly, accurately and in sequence, even though the person has average intelligence and normal hearing sensitivity," say Kathleen Loftus West, M.
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  • What should you do if you suspect your child has Central Auditory Processing Disorder?
    If you suspect that your child may have CAPD, it is important to first have your child evaluated by both an audiologist and speech-language pathologist.
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  • What are the signs and symptoms of Central Auditory Processing Disorder?
    
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  • My son has Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Do you have any tips on how I can help him?
    The following is a brief list of suggestions for parents of children with CAPD: Decrease background noise (TV, radio, talking) when talking. Try to find a quiet place to talk.
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• Speech & Language
  
  

  • My 1-year-old has started to say two-syllable words such as "ma ma," "da da," "ba ba" and "boo boo." What are some techniques to increase his vocabulary?
    The best way to encourage vocabulary is to TALK, TALK and TALK some more. You are your baby's best model, and you can help your baby enrich his vocabulary by exposing him to various words and experiences.
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  • Where is a good place to find videotapes, CDs, etc., for teaching my child different languages?
    I think the Internet or your local library is a great place to look for bilingual children's videotapes.
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  • Is it true that learning a foreign language at the preschool and toddler age is easier than for a middle school child?
    Rapid language growth occurs during the early years of a child's life. The research that I have read suggests that it is easier for a young child to learn a second language.
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  • My twins are 4 months old. Do I need to worry about teaching them language or does this just naturally take its course?
    I remember how nervous and excited I was as a new parent of twins. In those early days, every minute was filled with doing baby chores.
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  • How do those adorable babbles turn into actual words and language?
    Your baby is always listening to words around her. During the first few months of life, babies respond best to "parentese" – short, high-pitched, "sing-songy" sentences.
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• Stay-at-home Mom
  
  

  • I've noticed a tendency for stay-at-home moms to act as "the" parent and treat the dad as a babysitter. My brother is treated this way. Should I say something?
    No, you should not say something to your sister-in-law unless you have a superb relationship and the tact of an international diplomat.
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• Teeth & Teething
  
  

  • What can I do to alleviate teething pain?
    Fortunately, teething doesn't last forever (although sometimes it seems like it). Unfortunately, treatment of teething pain is an inexact science.
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  • What can I do to alleviate teething pain?
    Fortunately, teething doesn't last forever (although sometimes it seems like it). Unfortunately, treatment of teething pain is an inexact science.
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  • Is it OK to give a 7-month-old teething biscuits?
    Teething biscuits probably should not be given to babies until they really can chew them. Most brands are crumbly enough that a 7-month-old could "gum" off a big piece, which could be a choking hazard.
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  • Do you have a recipe for teether cookies?
    Teether cookies (or Zweiback) are basically a hard cookie, much like biscotti. Here's the recipe.
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  • What can I do to alleviate teething pain?
    Fortunately, teething doesn't last forever (although sometimes it seems like it). Unfortunately, treatment of teething pain is an inexact science.
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• Toddler Behavior
  
  

  • How can I get my 13-month-old son to take a bath?
    Ironically, this sounds very much like my daughter when she was his age. She began swimming at 18 months and went on to become a record-setting swimmer who loves the pool.
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  • Why can't my toddler walk on his toes?
    Children typically can't walk on tiptoes until they're at least 3 years old. But you can prepare your toddler for that time by playing a simple game.
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  • Why does my toddler have such bad balance?
    Balances occurring in a stationary position, such as standing on tiptoe, are known as static balances. Maintaining balance while moving is called dynamic balance.
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  • Our 18-month-old daughter has been a challenge since birth. She throws a tantrum for an hour or more, often out of the blue. Could she have a medical problem or social problem or is she a normal high-needs child turned toddler?
    Try the following steps: First, have her checked out by your doctor, and make sure that there are no known medical causes for her behavior. If there is a medical cause, then the doctor will treat it.
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  • How can I help my toddler stop crying?
    You apparently realize just what your toddler is doing and that it is natural for them to use crying and many other behaviors to influence and to meet their needs.
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• Toys & Playtime
  
  

  • How can I play more interactively with my 8-week-old baby?
    Babies from birth to 2 months old thrive on infant stimulation: general visual stimulation, general tactile stimulation and general auditory stimulation. Babies this age love repetition.
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  • Can play affect a child's personality?
    Many experts believe the adult personality is built upon the child's play. According to Playing for Keeps (www.
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  • Why is pat-a-cake the game parents always play with their baby? How do you know a game is a good one to play?
    Games such as pat-a-cake have lasted through the years because they work so well with, and offer so much to, infants.
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  • Can you recommend any games/activities to play with my baby that encourage him to move?
    Crossing the Midline: To encourage crossing the midline of the body (the invisible line running from head to toes and dividing the body into left and right sides), hand Baby desirable items in such a way that she has to reach across her body to retrieve them from you.
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  • I sometimes feel guilty when I just let my children play and do not join in. Should I always participate in their playtime?
    Your children will do just fine playing without you. Actually they'll do better than fine – for all kinds of reasons.
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• Young Mothers
  
  

  • What kind of support and information do teenagers need to breastfeed successfully?
    Breastfeeding and Teens: How are their needs different from other new mothers? Even though current statistics say that the number of teen pregnancies are declining (1996 rate: 98.
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  • Is it safe to pierce my toddler's ears?
    Ear piercing of the soft tissue of the lobe is very safe. There are no age restrictions.
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  • My son broke up with his college girlfriend and the mother of his child. Do I have a right to contact her and ask to be involved in my grandbaby's life?
    You have the emotional right but typically not the legal right. That said, I would start trying to build a relationship with her right away.
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