Posts Tagged milestone
Potty Training For Girls – The 3 Most Effective Methods
Posted by in Babies on February 27th, 2010
Potty training should be a fun experience and milestone in the life of a child. The reason why many parents experience the contrary is simply because they fail to prepare properly and don’t work according to a proven method. In this article I will help you to approach potty training in the correct way and avoid all the frustration from the start.
When the time comes for you to potty train your little girl, it is important to first choose the method that you are going to use before you do anything else. Once you have chosen a method, it becomes a lot easier to prepare for the big day. In this article we examine the 3 most effective methods of potty training for girls.
1. The “Nudist” Method
This method is cheap and easy, but very messy. One or more potties are introduced and after explaining what the potties are for, the child is allowed to walk around naked for 3-7 days. There will be many accidents and the purpose of this is to create a awareness of bodily functions with the child. The child will soon learn on her own that it is much more comfortable to use the potty than to have stuff running down her leg. I would only recommend this method if you can’t afford one of the 2 methods below.
2. The “Potty Routine” Method
This method is all about learning by repetition and routine. A timer is used and the child is taken to the potty at fixed intervals (for example once an hour and after meals) for about 3 days. With guidance from the parent, the child will soon learn what is expected of her during potty time and within a day or two she will know what to do when she needs to relief herself, without the timer. This method is very effective, but time consuming.
3. Dr. Phil’s One Day Method
This method is a little more expensive, but by far the most popular for girls (because it uses a special wetting doll). The basic premise behind this method is that the best way to learn something is to teach it. By teaching the doll to use the potty, the child will quickly potty train herself in the process. Since Dr. Phil demonstrated this method on his show a couple of years ago, it has become the most popular method for potty training both boys and girls.
While the One Day Method is the recommended way of potty training for girls, it is important to choose the method that you think best suits your child and her circumstances. Visit Potty-Training-Secrets.com for more information on how these methods work and how to get started.
Article Source: Potty Training For Girls – The 3 Most Effective Methods
Achieving a Happy Baby Birthday
Posted by in Babies on February 12th, 2010
Turning one year old is a milestone in your baby’s life. It is a must to celebrate it with loved ones. Just like any other celebration celebrating a happy baby birthday requires planning and creativity. Now is the best time to show the inner genius in you. Remembering that this celebration will create a lot of good memories you will cherish for a long time.
Planning is done at least 6-8 weeks before the exact date. This will give you a good self preparation and eliminate errors. This will give you sufficient time to collect canvass and gather supplies. It is also suggested that baby birthday planning be done with a friend so that you can have someone to countercheck everything. Having a checklist is also a major help. First, think of a theme. They will dictate almost everything – color, decoration, and even food. Concerning invitations, balloons, and cake, it’s better to do them at home and make them personalized. This will save you money instead of having them made at commercial shops.
See to it that purchasing party favors is also a part of your checklist. Giving away goodie bags with a lot of souvenir items will make your party even more memorable. Food is also another aspect to think about. For children’s party, hotdogs, marshmallows, and spaghetti are all time favorites. Another important part of a happy baby birthday is games. Have an enthusiastic host to lead the games. Make sure that you have also prepared some prizes for the winners.
Candies and simple toys are highly suggested. If you have extra cash, hiring clowns and magicians is also another option but of course, not mandatory. Of course, documentation is an absolute must.
To achieve a memorable baby birthday, always remember the golden rule: Preparation is the key! Regardless of how you celebrate your baby’s birthday, being with the family will always spell H-A-P-P-Y.
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Article Source: Achieving a Happy Baby Birthday
Your Baby’s Fourth Month – What Are the Things to Expect
Posted by in Babies on November 11th, 2009
The fourth month of your baby’s life has many new milestones. With continued development, there’s more your child can do, like interact with you. The following are things to look forward to:
Your baby will recognize a bottle or breast. Now your child will know you are trying to feed them when they see a bottle or breast. This recognition may make it easier during feeding times, since he or she may willingly cooperate with you and know what to do immediately. During this time, the baby is still only eating milk, so breast feeding or breast pumping is still important.
Your baby may sleep through the night…almost. By this time, your baby may sleep up to six hours at a time. This means you can get a decent night’s sleep! Shorter naps during the day are still to be expected, since your child will still spend most of his or her time asleep.
Your baby will roll over and sit. This may seem like something you’d teach your dog, but it’s a very important milestone for an infant. If your child hasn’t rolled over already, they should by now. Plus, they can sit upright with support, instead of just reclining.
Your baby will recognize colors. Now that the eyes are more developed, your child will like colored toys. You can move from black and white rattles to brightly colored ones.
Your child will be able to raise her head all the way up. This is a big milestone because it means your baby can look around a little bit when they want to. They can raise their head to see something new.
Your child will shove everything in his mouth. This is the age when a child starts exploring things orally. Be wary of what you leave in your child’s reach.
Your child will start babbling. Around this age, children start making nonsense noises. This is the start of your child’s speech. Feel free to make nonsense noises back and engage in baby talk.
Your child will cry over new things. In the early months, if your infant cried, it was probably because he or she needed something, like food or a new diaper. Now, these cries may be different. Crying could mean loneliness and a need for attention. It could also signal pain, discomfort, and even fear. These simple feelings and emotions are already starting to develop.
Michaela Wright has a huge passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with the online community. A mother of two, she spend most of her time updating her new site that provide more information about breast pump reviews and breast feeding pump.
Article Source: Your Baby’s Fourth Month – What Are the Things to Expect
Your Newborn Baby Fifth Month – Survival Tips and Guide
Posted by in Babies on November 11th, 2009
When your child hits the five-month mark, he or she has already gone through a lot of important changes. By this time, his or her vision is developing, babbling has begun, and muscle development has started. So, in the fifth month, there are a lot of things to look forward to.
Breast feeding continues, but not for much longer. Your baby is about to start teething, which means you’ll want to start introducing solid foods soon. This won’t happen in month five, though. If your baby does start teething, anticipate some fussiness while feeding. You should also anticipate some discomfort on your part, since Junior may want to suck – or bite – you harder. Provide cool toys, such as frozen baby rings, for your child to chew on to relieve the pain if teething begins.
Your child can see far. Your infant’s eyes will have developed enough for him or her to see all the way across the room. This means they can notice you from a distance. They can also examine their surroundings better, and they have a lot to learn by looking at new objects.
Your child starts taking what he wants. With the hand-eye coordination developing, your child will be learning to reach for things. He or she will also learn how to pull things to them. This means you need to be careful of what you place near them. They can reach out and yank potentially harmful objects to them, and they’ll probably shove those objects in their mouths.
Your baby will learn cause and effect. This is an exciting milestone because it means there is cognitive development. Your child will understand basic cause and effect. For instance, they may realize that if they push a toy, it falls down. Their understanding will be simple, but they will try new things to observe and learn this concept.
Small objects will be a special interest. Since smaller objects are easier to grab onto and pull around, your child will be really into them. Don’t leave anything your child could choke just sitting around. Keys, jewelry, pieces of food, and other objects are all potentially dangerous.
All of these changes are huge, but you should really prepare yourself for month six. Month five has some important changes, but the sixth month has even more. Your baby’s development is about to really start. Have your cameras ready because your kid is already growing up!
Michaela Wright is a full-time mom who loves to write and share her knowledge about baby sitting.
You can visit one of her sites to find out more about the latest breast pump reviews and breast milk pump.
Article Source: Your Newborn Baby Fifth Month – Survival Tips and Guide
This Common Scenario Could Explain Your Unexplained Infertility
Posted by in Pregnancy on October 27th, 2009
It can be frustrating to deal with what is commonly referred to as “unexplained infertility” when all around you there are happy couples that seem to have no problems in conceiving and having a child. Especially if you have been trying for less than a year, most doctors will tell you that you aren’t “technically” infertile since that one year milestone is when you are officially infertile.
A doctor might tell you that there could be many reasons why you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving…and your doctor would be correct in saying this. The reasons could be something as simple and seemingly insignificant as timing…and let me run this scenario by you for instance. What if you and your husband have been trying to get pregnant for several months and you try to do everything right. You eat right and have eliminated any sort of vice from you lives such as smoking or caffeine and your husband has even switched over from briefs to the dreaded boxer shorts!
You both have read up on infertility and you know that most women ovulate about two weeks after their period so you abstain from sex until about three days before you should be ovulating so your partner’s sperm count is good. But each and every month you are greeted with disappointment and you tell each other that next month will be the month for you. Meanwhile inside of your body…without you even knowing…you had ovulated 4 days after the last day of your period which would mean that the prime time for you to have intercourse was one day after the last day of your period….and well, your partner is a little squeamish about stuff like that.
One way for you to clue yourself in on when you will be ovulating would be to take your basal temperature each morning and keep a chart. This will help you pinpoint when you ovulate each month and help you to better estimate when next month you should begin “trying” again. Timing is everything when you are trying to get pregnant and the lack of proper timing will guarantee that you won’t become pregnant.
Just like the old saying goes….there is no “close” in horseshoes, hand grenades or getting pregnant. Close isn’t good enough and those little swimmers have to be there when you ovulate or it just isn’t going to happen.
Now, this is just one scenario and a simple example of what can be just not quite right if you are having difficulty falling pregnant. There are many more issues that can be keeping you from becoming pregnant…and that’s the bad news. It can be almost like finding a needle in a haystack. But the good news is that there are many couples who do become pregnant in spite of not only preexisting conditions that they not only know of but also those that they don’t know of.
There are couples who become pregnant in spite of low sperm count, PCOS, endomitriosis, bad sperm motility, tilted cervix, ovarian cysts and the list goes on and on. But what all these couples have in common is that they didn’t give up. They had a dream of having a baby of their own and they persisted in spite of being told that either the doctors didn’t know why they couldn’t fall pregnant or that they never would become pregnant. In spite of what anyone else said they wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
One such woman was Lisa Olson. In her book “Pregnancy Miracle” she chronicles her 14 year battle with infertility which included being turned away by fertility specialists and being told that she suffered from “unexplained infertility”…but she didn’t give up and for her faith she was rewarded with not one but two healthy pregnancies and two darling children.
If you are wondering what you can do to improve your chances of falling pregnant see what has worked for many other couples who have used Lisa Olson’s “Pregnancy Miracle” plan. In a test group most couples become pregnant within two to three months with the help of these techniques and Lisa Olson’s five pronged approach to helping you to overcome infertility. In addition those that used her methods were allowed 3 months of counseling with Lisa Olson herself. One on one support for any questions that they might have had concerning their particular situation or the book in general.
Go to Lisa Olson’s “Pregnancy Miracle” Homepage and see if her methods might work for you. Learn how you can benefit from 3 months of counseling with Lisa Olson as she helps you to overcome infertility and fall pregnant quickly and easily.
Article Source: This Common Scenario Could Explain Your Unexplained Infertility
So You Want to Get Pregnant – Tips to Help You Finally Conceive
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 7th, 2009
Bringing your own child into the world is described as one of, if not the, biggest milestone in your life. But for some couples, conceiving a child isn’t as easy, especially if they’re trying too hard to get pregnant. Tips that will help ease this process are not necessarily well known, but here some you can follow that will better your chances.
1). Relax!
Stress plays an extremely important role in many aspects of our health and this is a prime example of where worrying too much can hinder your progress. Some times, the act of trying to conceive can become like a job.
Studies have shown that contractions during a female orgasm can help sperm make its way to the uterus. As well, a mans sperm count tends to be higher if they’ve enjoyed their orgasm more. Keep the love in love making!
2). Have Sex At Least 3 Times A Week
It’s true that you won’t get pregnant if you’re not ovulating, however, very rarely can these things be predicted precisely. A lot of couples tend to not have sex when a woman doesn’t think she’s ovulating, but you may not always be aware when the right time is.
Which brings me to:
3). Get An Ovulation Prediction Kit
Some people like to use the “calendar method” to try and predict when they will be ovulating next. This is a very inaccurate way of doing this. Investing in an ovulation prediction kit that is much more precise can help you to determine when the best time to try and conceive is.
4). Have Sex BEFORE Ovulation
After a woman ovulates the egg will survive for 24 hours, where as sperm can live for up to 5 days. If you think you’re going to be ovulating soon, by having sex before the time of ovulaton you can increase the chances of the sperm reaching the egg.
5). Use Sexual Positions That Help Keep Sperm In
Avoid having the woman on top, as this lets gravity pull sperm out. Missionary is great, however, you might want to try putting a pillow under your hips to help keep sperm in longer.
Getting pregnant is one of the most beautiful and wonderful events in a couples lives, and it doesn’t need to be nearly as difficult as it can be for some.
Are you have problems conceiving? Then it’s time to take a look at some all natural approaches like the ones found at http://www.get-pregnant-fast.info that will help you to overcome infertility issues and get pregnant quickly using completely safe, and holistic methods.
Article Source: So You Want to Get Pregnant – Tips to Help You Finally Conceive
The Best Interactive Toys for Babies Three to Six Months
Posted by in Babies on September 1st, 2009
Now that your baby is three months old you have probably seen how much they have started to grow a little more interactive. By three months you have more than likely seen them start to giggle and show more facial expressions when you talk to them. By four and five months they are more mobile and are trying to mimic sounds that they hear on a regular basis. Your baby’s motor skills and vision are more developed by this age and they are ready for toys that are more conducive to their learning milestone.
Tummy time is very important to your baby’s muscle strength and an activity mat is perfect for mobility. There are so many different add-ons for the activity mat that your baby will never get bored with the same old objects. There are mobiles that can complement the activity mat and can hang overhead and encourage your baby to reach and grab. This also prompts them to lift their head and strengthen their neck muscles. Some mats come equipped with musical buttons and crinkle fabric that can make your baby squeal with delight! Unbreakable mirrors can line one side of the mat and can make you child think they have a playmate. Babies love looking at themselves in the mirror especially when they are beginning to rollover and crawl. You can see them trying to touch their reflection.
As your baby begins to approach the six month mark they will be really interacting with you and your voice. Reading to your baby is significant for their early language skills and social interaction. Soft books are great for your baby to play with and can have multiple purposes. Teething soft books have different textures to keep it interesting and have a plastic handle that is designed specifically for soft gums. That is a great two-in-one toy. Soft books fit easily in the diaper bag or purse and most brands can be washed in the washing machine. Soft books that facilitate family photos are great for baby who loves holding pictures of their family. Soft stuffed animals are good too but beware of choking hazards. Make sure to stay away from stuffed animals with buttons, string, or loose fabric.
Three to six months is when your baby really starts to noticeably progress physically and you want to make sure your baby has all the proper tools to help them reach each milestone. Movement is very crucial and the activity mat gives your child that freedom. Soon your baby will master the mat and parents can look into introducing their baby to the activity table. This is the age where they are putting together voice, words, and sounds and soft books play a very important role. Your baby is slowly learning your language and reading to your baby can speed the process. Pretty soon, you and your baby will be on the same page!
About the Author: Jim Ford is the President of KinderMark, a family owned and managed business which sells waiting room toys and waiting room furniture used in doctor’s offices, hospitals, auto dealers, dentists offices and libraries. Preschool toys such as an activity table and learning toys are favorites for pediatric offices. For more information, visit www.kindermark.com .
Article Source: The Best Interactive Toys for Babies Three to Six Months
Pregnancy Week 37 and Week 38
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 13th, 2009
Women across the world, who are 37 weeks pregnant, have begun making preparations for delivery. Planning for their babies to arrive is in the forefront of their minds. The natural process of getting things in order, for the newest arrival to the family has taken a center stage. At this time though, mother and child are continuing to develop and change as the big day gets closer. If you are 37 weeks pregnant, you will notice some new occurrences in your own body. Each woman will experience pregnancy differently, but a number of things are common to this period. At this time your cervix will begin to soften as your body prepares for the process of labor. You may have even felt some contractions.
Braxton Hicks contractions usually precede the real contractions. These are natural painful pangs that women at this stage experience. Women, who are 37 weeks pregnant, need to familiarize themselves with this stage of pregnancy. Since many things will change quickly, it’s important to know what to expect.
Some of the signs that pregnancy is near are things like spotting or even the breaking of water. Being aware of your body’s changes could be especially crucial now. Spotting, although not unusual, must be monitored. If it becomes extreme, quickly inform your doctor. And if a woman’s water breaks, she could potentially have only hours before her baby’s arrival. Getting to the hospital could be paramount.
Women, who are 37 weeks pregnant, are carrying babies who have changed a lot in this trimester. The baby is now able to practice sucking, turning, and breathing, all while inside the womb. This unborn child has officially reached the milestone of being a full term baby. He or she could be anywhere near 6.5 pounds.
If you are 38 weeks pregnant, you are truly coming to the end of your third trimester. It is possible to go into labor any day now, and anticipation is probably high. Moms are now experiencing even more sensitivity in their breasts, which may have begun to leak. Purchasing bra pads can help if this is the case.
Some expectant mothers who are 38 weeks pregnant even begin to dilate early. A mucus plug, that has been blocking the cervix, will now start to thin. Once it is completely worn away, it is followed by the breaking of water. This is a time to be particularly watchful at each visit to the bathroom.
Those women who are 38 weeks pregnant will find that they are having contractions periodically. This is another area of alert, since false labor is sometimes the case. Women need to time these contractions just to be sure they aren’t the real thing.
Babies at this phase of pregnancy could be as long as 19 – 20 inches. Their intestines have begun to fill with their first bowel movement post delivery. As anxious as the mother is to get done with the process, so too is her little one. Patience is the key now, since there’s not much longer to go!
You can find more tips about being 37 weeks pregnant at Aha Baby. You can learn about various ways to address various discomforts and other changes to your body during 38 weeks pregnant until your due date at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Pregnancy Week 37 and Week 38
Child Development: Milestones your child should reach between 12-23 months
Posted by in Babies on August 12th, 2009
Age 1
Most parents see their child’s first birthday as an important milestone as it marks the transition from baby to toddler. Your child will go through a period of rapid development in the 12 months between their 1st and 2nd birthday – and parents usually can’t wait for their little one to learn to walk and talk. But remember that children develop at their own pace, so try not to compare your child with others.
The expert view
‘Most children will take their first steps and say their first words by the time they are 18 months old,’ says Geraldine Butler, who is a health visitor and author of Teach Yourself Successful Potty Training. ‘Whether they are bottom shuffling, crawling or walking, many children will be mobile by their first birthday. This is the time to think about home safety, so that your child won’t come to any harm as they explore your home.’
Physical changes
You can expect your child to go through some dramatic physical developments over the next 12 months, as they learn to walk, run and climb stairs. Improved muscle strength and balance mean that your child will probably be able to stand unsupported for a few moments soon after their first birthday.
Around this time they will also learn how to pick up small objects between their thumb and index finger. This is known as the ‘pincer grip’ and will make it possible for your child to feed themselves, scribble with a crayon and build towers of blocks.
Communication
Most children will be able to use 1 or 2 words by their first birthday, 6-20 recognisable words by the time they are 18 months old, and will have a vocabulary of around 50 single worlds by the time they turn 2. Around this time, they may also start to put two words together, such as ‘Daddy work.’ As understanding develops before speech, your child will probably be able to follow simple commands from the age of 12-18 months.
Emotional development
Your child needs lots of love and affection to make them feel happy and secure. They are likely to have several close attachments – to their parents, grandparents and perhaps a trusted childminder.
Despite this, many children struggle with your absence – and this can mean anything from returning to work, to going out for a few hours or even leaving the room for a minute or two.
This separation anxiety usually peaks at around 18 months, but it can continue beyond this, so be sure to give your child lots of attention until they adjust.
Learning
Young children learn though play, so it’s important to give them lots of time to do this – even if it means repeating the same activity over and over again.
Don’t be surprised if your toddler rejects expensive or complicated toys in favour of simple household objects. Banging on pots and pans, shaking containers filled with dried rice, pasta or beans or playing with building blocks or stacking cups can improve their ability to handle small objects and teach them about everything from sounds and colours to shapes and textures.
Social skills
The typical 1-year-old is happiest with his or her parents, and can be shy around strangers or people that they don’t know well. Even more outgoing and confident children will look to your for comfort and reassurance, particularly in new or unfamiliar situations.
As your child approaches their 2nd birthday, they will start to show more interest in other children. However, don’t be surprised if your child isn’t keen on playing with other children straight away. It can take time to get used to being around others, particularly if your child is shy.
Challenges
Many children struggle with teething between the ages of 1 and 2. This can lead to disturbed sleep and can create problems with food if your child has a sore mouth.
If your child seems to be struggling, use teething gel or Calpol to ease any discomfort, and offer strips of chilled cucumber to help soothe their sore gums.
How to help
Children go through so many changes between their first and second birthdays that they will benefit from a good routine to help them feel safe and secure. Don’t feel you have to set too many strict rules, but a simple bath, book and bed routine can help to prepare your child for a good night’s sleep.
Louise O’Connell
Good to Know
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Article Source: Child Development: Milestones your child should reach between 12-23 months
