The post 10 Sleep Training Methods Every Exhausted Parent Should Try Tonight. #3 Works For Me appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Ever wondered why your adorable bundle of joy suddenly morphs into a wailing siren? Before you start questioning your parenting skills or Google diagnosing your baby with every ailment under the sun, let me throw you a lifeline.

Ready for a game-changer fact? Babies cry—a lot. Shocking, I know. They can ball their little eyes out for one to three hours a day!

Now, wouldn’t it be swell if babies came with troubleshooting manuals? “If crying, press here.” Unfortunately, they don’t.

But lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of 11 plausible reasons why your tiny human might be sounding the alarm. From hunger pangs to just needing some good ol’ cuddling—this guide’s got it all.

And because I know you’re probably reading this at 2 AM while rocking an inconsolable infant (been there), I’m going to make it worth your time.

11. Overstimulation: Signs Your Baby May Be Overwhelmed

Ever feel like your baby’s gone from zero to meltdown in a nanosecond? Welcome to the club.

Overstimulation happens when babies get more input from their world than they can handle. Think bright lights, loud noises, and that aunt who thinks it’s funny to play peek-a-boo for two hours straight.

Your little one might be saying (well, screaming), “I’ve had enough!”.

So what does an overstimulated baby look like?

Picture this: red-faced, crying like they’re auditioning for a soap opera, maybe even tossing in some jerky limb action or clenching those tiny fists.

And you thought your Monday was rough.

How do you spot the overload before it hits DEFCON 1? Does your baby suddenly turn into a limp noodle when Auntie Loud-Laugh enters the room? Maybe they start grimacing like they’ve just eaten a lemon every time the dog barks?

Here’s a pro tip. Watch out for signs like looking away or losing interest faster than I lose socks in the laundry. It’s their way of hitting the pause button on sensory input because frankly, it’s all getting too much.

Remember folks. We’re aiming for calm seas here—knowing these signs means sailing through choppy waters with ease.

And yes, sometimes that involves dodging those well-meaning yet overly enthusiastic relatives!

10. Diaper Discomfort: The Common Culprit Behind Tears

Now, let’s chat about something a bit more personal. Diaper discomfort.

Oh yes, it’s the real deal in the crying baby saga. Why? Well, imagine sitting in a wet swimsuit all day. Not fun, right?

Diapers—too tight or left too long—spell trouble with a capital T. We’re talking rashes that sing the blues louder than a midnight karaoke session gone wrong.

Wet or soiled diapers aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re party crashers for your little one’s good vibes.

Wet or soiled diapers aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re party crashers for your little one’s good vibes.

Now, you might wonder how often to play pit crew for diaper changes? Before every feed? After? Maybe during?

Here’s where things get spicy – prompt changes are key. Letting your bambino marinate in their own brew is a no-go zone for happy baby booties.

So here’s the kicker. Address that diaper distress fast to keep those tears at bay and smiles on replay.

And remember, each change is an episode in “Keeping Up With The Baby Comforts.”

Got diaper rash cream stocked up? Good! It’s kind of like armor against diaper drama and keeps those cute tushies happier than ever!

Who knew something as simple as keeping it dry down there could make such a blockbuster difference in your day-to-day parenting saga?

9. Burping Needs: Relieving Your Baby’s Discomfort

So, after tackling the classic ‘diaper drama’, let’s shimmy right into why your little bundle of joy might be more gassy than a late-night taco stand.

Ever wondered why your baby acts like they’re auditioning for a burp contest? Well, it turns out that burping is pretty much their full-time job post-mealtime.

Babies gulp air faster than a teenager downs pizza on game night, especially during feeding. This air party in their tiny bellies can turn them into fuss-central station.

The secret sauce to calming down this fussy fiesta? A good ol’ fashioned burp. Yes, helping your baby to burp is like hitting the mute button on their cry-fest.

But here’s the kicker. Sometimes they need help finding their inner belch.

It’s all about that upright feeding position and then coaxing those pesky air bubbles out before they start doing the cha-cha in your baby’s stomach.

Remember how you feel after chugging a soda too fast? Imagine that feeling but with no way to let it out.  Yikes!

So really, if you’re aiming for less crying and more smiling from both of you, mastering the art of the burp is key.

Who knew something as simple as a burp could bring so much peace and quiet?

8. General Discomfort: Uncovering The Hidden Reasons For Crying

Ever wondered why your baby turns into a mini scream machine for no obvious reason? Welcome to the club called general discomfort.

This mysterious land is where your detective skills are put to the test, minus the cool hat and magnifying glass.

Babies cry over everything from earaches, those sneaky mouth ulcers, to the dreaded diaper rash or even – get this – ulcers on their tiny penises. 

Babies cry over everything from earaches, those sneaky mouth ulcers, to the dreaded diaper rash or even – get this – ulcers on their tiny penises.

Now, guess what? Scientists have whipped up some tech magic that can tell us why our babies are crying.

No kidding! They say every cry is like a snowflake – unique and with its own story of bellyaches or teething terrors.

But good luck explaining that at 3 AM when you’re playing “guess why” with a wailing infant.

So, who thought being a baby was just about cute onesies and napping? Oh wait, they also run marathons in their cribs at night.

Point is, next time your little bundle of joy launches into full-on concert mode, remember – it’s not just hunger or sleepiness. It might be something sneakier causing that uproar.

7. Teething Pain: Recognizing And Easing Your Baby’s Discomfort

Oh, the drama of baby teething! Picture this. Your little bundle of joy suddenly turns into a drool monster, chomping down on everything in sight. What gives? Ah, the teething saga begins.

Those tiny white pearls making their grand entrance can be a real pain—literally—for your baby.

So, how do you play detective and spot the teething symptoms before your household turns into a scene from a horror movie?

First off, is your baby fussier than a cat in the water and gnawing on their fists like it’s Thanksgiving dinner?

Bingo! You’re likely dealing with teething discomfort. Swollen gums joining the party too? Yep, those are clear signs.

But wait, let’s debunk a myth right here – fever and diarrhea aren’t invited to this party. They’re crashing it from another cause.

Now for the golden question. How do you ease that gum pain that turns your sweet angel into a cranky gremlin?

Before you start googling ancient spells for relief – chillax! A simple rub on the gums or some over-the-counter remedies can work wonders.

And remember those cool teethers? They’re not just Instagram-worthy. They actually soothe sore gums too.

So, there you have it folks—navigating through the teething tempest with some humor and handy tips up your sleeve can save the day (and night).

Who knew being part-time gum detective could be this fun?

6. Tummy Troubles: Identifying Digestive Discomfort In Babies

Ever faced a baby who’s more upset than an internet troll on a slow connection day? That’s tummy troubles for you.

You’re trying to decode the cries, wondering if your little bundle has turned into a tiny detective issuing Morse code for “my belly hurts!” But how do you tell?

First off, let’s talk explosions – and I’m not talking action movies here. If your diaper duties feel like you’re in the splash zone at Sea World, we might be dealing with some digestive drama.

Vomiting? Diarrhea? More changes in those tiny diapers than plot twists in a soap opera? Bingo! Might be time to consider gastrointestinal infections or just an upset stomach signaling SOS.

And then there’s constipation. Ever seen a baby turn red as a tomato trying to go?

So, what gives with these tummy issues from team tiny tots?

Food allergies, overfeeding (because apparently there IS too much of even the good stuff), or something as simple as needing burping advice from the pros can throw their delicate systems off track.

Are they refusing food like it’s last season’s veggies or suddenly sleeping like they’re training for nap Olympics? Hello, signs!

Navigating through infant stomach pain is less about having all the answers and more about playing detective.

5. Attention Needs: Understanding Cries For Care And Connection

Let’s swing into something a bit more heartstring-pulling. Those cries for attention.

Yeah, your baby isn’t just working on their lung capacity. They’re shouting out for some good old-fashioned TLC.

Ever think your little one might be auditioning for a drama series with all that crying? Well, it’s actually their way of saying, “You, with the tired eyes! I need a hug!”.

So, what’s the deal with these attention-seeking cries? They’re not just throwing a fit to see how fast you can sprint across the room.

Nope. It’s their prime time way of connecting and feeling safe in this big wild world.

Think about it – wouldn’t life be grand if you could just wail and someone would immediately cuddle you?

But before you start thinking babies are master manipulators in diapers …. remember, this is all they’ve got!

No words or fancy hand signals here. Just raw emotion pouring out needing to be understood and comforted.

Now tell me, when was the last time simply being listened to made your day better? See where I’m going with this?

The next time the waterworks start because they missed your face (yes – it’s true!), take a beat and soak up that moment of pure needy love.

4. Sleepiness: Your Baby Needs Rest

Ever noticed your cute little munchkin turning into a fussy goblin? Could be they’re simply pooped.

These tiny humans, bless their hearts, can’t say, “I’m tired here!” Instead, they rub their eyes and yawn like it’s going out of style.

Oh, and let’s not forget the classic looking away move when you’re trying way too hard to entertain them with your fifth rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”.

Have you seen them get all jerky with their arms or cling to you like you’re the last cookie in the jar? That’s your cue. Nap time is calling.

Seriously though, if it’s been over 2 hours since their last snooze fest, chances are they’re crying because they need some shut-eye.

Who thought being adorable could be so exhausting? And there’s nothing quite like playing detective at 3 AM guessing why your baby turned into a night-time opera star.

Spoiler alert: They’re probably just tired.

So, next time your bundle of joy starts acting more like a bundle of chaos for no good reason, remember – maybe all that fuss is because they’ve been partying too hard in crib-town.

Trust me. Even babies need to catch those ZZZs to recharge for another day of being irresistibly cute!

3. Hunger: The Primary Need Behind Crying

So, you thought decoding baby cries was tougher than cracking the Da Vinci Code? Think again.

Hunger—it’s often the big boss behind those tearful tantrums. Babies, much like your favorite snack-hungry gremlin at midnight, have a belly-rumbling way of making their needs known.

Hunger strikes and bam!—your little one is in full-on protest mode until their tummy troubles are sorted out.

Hunger strikes and bam!—your little one is in full-on protest mode until their tummy troubles are sorted out.

Notice how they go from zero to chill after chowing down? Yep, that’s because feeding flips their mood switch faster than you can say “satiety.”

And get this. Crying post-feed might not be a hunger pang replay but could signal heartburn—ouch!

The twist here is making sure we’re not turning our cuties into overfed burrito babies by mistaking every whimper for hunger.

2. Illness: When To Worry About Your Baby’s Cries

Oh, the soundtrack of parenting …. baby cries! But hold on. Not all wails are created equal.

Ever heard a shriek that made you think, “Is this an audition for baby opera or a call to the pediatrician?”

Here’s the scoop on decoding those sobs into signs of illness.

Babies cry for an all-star lineup of reasons – hungry, sleepy, or because they’ve just realized they can’t eat their foot.

But sometimes, it’s more than just a cranky anthem. It’s your cue something’s up.

If your little star is crying harder and longer than their chart-topping usuals or throwing in some bonus features like fever or vomiting – ding ding ding – we might be looking at more than just drama.

Think about it.  When was the last time you cried because you were too warm? Exactly.

And persistent moaning or high-pitched screams? Yeah, that’s your sign to ring up the doc faster than you can say “doctor’s appointment.”

Not to freak you out but earaches, ulcers (ouch), and even colic could be crashing your calm like a bad surprise party guest.

Now onto figuring out why every evening feels like Groundhog Day with colicky cries…

1. Colic: Navigating The Challenges Of Colicky Cries

Ever felt like your baby is auditioning for the lead role in “The Never-Ending Cry”? Welcome to colic central, where the wails have you checking if there’s a hidden return policy!

Colic hits up to 30% of babies and boy, does it turn your evenings into prime-time drama from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Who needs Netflix when you’ve got a live show?

Here’s the scoop – colic isn’t just fussiness. We’re talking about crying marathons that last at least three hours.

So now what? You’re jiggling, shushing, swaddling …. contemplating building a soundproof nursery? Been there, done that.

It would have been great if babies came with mute buttons or at least troubleshooting guides, right?

Well, navigating this phase involves trial and error. Not to mention truckloads of patience.

Decoding Baby Cries

Who knew a tiny human could have such a massive repertoire of cries? It’s as if they know just how to keep us on our toes.

Becoming fluent in baby cry is kinda possible.

Who would’ve thought that all those hours of tear-filled serenades were actually crash courses in ‘Infant Linguistics’?

The thing is, once you start picking up on those hunger cues or realize that inconsolable crying might just mean it’s time for another round of burping, things get slightly less mysterious.

And nobody said playing detective with an upset baby was easy – but isn’t it oddly rewarding when you finally figure out what’s bugging them?

So, next time your little one starts their nightly opera, remember! You’ve got this!

The post 11 Plausible Reasons Why Your Baby May Be Crying appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Guess what keeps most new parents awake at night? Nope, it’s not the latest binge-watch series. It’s figuring out how to get their babies to sleep!

Shocking, right?

Here’s a fact: sleep training can teach your little night owl to snooze peacefully.

Ever wondered if there was magic involved in getting babies to sleep through the night? Well, spoiler alert: no wizards or spells here.

But don’t worry, I’ve got something better – sleep training tips that actually work.

This article walks you through 10 lifesavers that promise more Zs for both you and your babe. Trust me; your eyelids will thank you later.

And remember, patience is key, but so is laughter. Let’s conquer those long nights together!

Understanding What Sleep Training Is Not

Sleep training? It’s not ignoring your crying baby in the middle of the night. No way.

Think your kid will start snoozing eight straight hours like magic? Not happening.

Sleep training isn’t a secret potion for instant quiet nights. And forget about kicking back and relaxing; this is no one-and-done deal.

Got dreams of a perfect method that works for all kids? Dream on! Each tiny human is as unique as a snowflake in their sleep habits.

Before babies reach around 4 to 6 months, sleep training is a no-go zone – they’re just not ready.

Expecting overnight success? Brace yourself for some reality checks instead. This journey requires patience, consistency, and more trial and error than you’ve dared to try.

So laugh at those sleepless nights because soon enough, with the right approach (not neglect!), you’ll be crafting sleep patterns better than any bedtime story could promise.

The Right Age To Start Sleep Training: Around 4 to 6 months

So, your little bundle of joy has finally arrived. You’re knee-deep in diapers and wondering when you’ll get a full night’s sleep again, right?

Enter the magical world of sleep training—kinda like Hogwarts for babies but with less magic and more crying.

The golden window to start this adventure? Around 4 to 6 months.

Why then, you ask? Well, it’s all about the circadian rhythm—that fancy term that means our internal body clock. Babies start getting their groove around this age. They begin to understand the difference between day and night (thank goodness).

Plus, they’re at a stage where they can learn new tricks. Like sleeping through the night without turning it into an all-night rave.

But wait, there’s a twist!

Not every baby got the memo on this whole “sleeping” business. Some think nighttime is prime time for partying hardy in their crib. That’s where sleep training methods come swooping in—to save your sanity.

10. Cry It Out Method

Oh, the cry-it-out method. Sounds like a last-ditch effort at a wild party, right? But nope, it’s about babies and sleep. Ever stood outside your baby’s room counting the seconds before you caved? That’s this.

Think boot camp for sleeping. Only cuter because… babies. You put them down awake and let them figure out how to fall asleep on their own, crying included.

Harsh? Maybe.

Effective? Ask the legion of tired parents who swear by it like their morning coffee ritual.

Why do we even consider it? Because at some point, reading every sleep book feels like trying to decode ancient Greek while sleep-deprived. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

The gist is simple: Babies learn to soothe themselves back to dreamland without a cuddle or milk bar opening every hour.

With boundaries and consistency (and maybe some noise-canceling headphones for you), miracles may happen.

9. Check And Console Method

Ever tried the Check and Console method? Oh, it’s a game-changer for sleep-deprived moms. Imagine popping in to reassure your tiny human you’re still around without picking them up.

Genius, right? It’s like being a ninja who calms babies.

This method is all about balance. You check on your baby at set times but no cuddles are involved. Tough? Sure. But it teaches self-soothing like a champ.

You might wonder how often to sneak in. Start with every 5 minutes, then stretch it out. Your baby learns to catch those Zs on their own while knowing you’re there. Magic!

Consistent bedtime routine is key here – think bathtime and lullabies, and maybe even throw in some swaddle action if that’s your jam! And lights out should mean just that. Keep the room dark and cozy.

But let’s be real: tears will happen (yours too). Prepping mentally for this is half the battle.

8. Fading Method

Hear me out, fellow sleep-deprived warriors. Ever felt like a zombie doing a tightrope walk at 3 AM? Welcome to the club. The Fading Method is basically your new BFF if you’re into letting your baby learn to snooze without the whole “I’m losing my mind” vibe.

What’s the deal here? You’re playing the long game, easing back on how much you help your tiny human fall asleep. Think less ninja moves sneaking out of the nursery and more like being there but not all up in their grill.

So, you keep asking yourself between yawns, “Will this make my munchkin an Olympic sleeper?”

Short answer: Maybe.

Long answer: It’s about teaching them to catch those Z’s on their own turf, in their own sweet time.

Here’s where it gets real – patience is key. Imagine watching paint dry but cuter because it’s your kid figuring out sleep is actually pretty cool when they give it a try.

7. Importance Of Maintaining A Consistent Bedtime Routine

Ever tried wrangling a pack of squirrels at bedtime? That’s parenting without a routine. A consistent bedtime routine is like magic fairy dust for getting your little chaos creators to sleep land.

Why, you ask? Simple.

Kids thrive on knowing what comes next. It’s their comfort food, minus the calories! Bath, book, bed – repeat. It sounds like a snooze fest for us but trust me, it’s the toddler equivalent of binge-watching their favorite show.

And let’s be real. We’re not just talking about any routine here. We need one that screams “It’s sleepy time!” louder than a lullaby on max volume. Think dim lights, soft pajamas, and maybe a stuffed friend who’s ready to hit the hay too.

But hey! Here’s where it gets tricky: consistency is key. Skipping nights is like giving them an espresso shot before bed—chaos ensues.

6. Creating An Optimal And Safe Sleep Environment

Creating the perfect sleep space for your baby? Think cozy cave, not bustling Times Square. You want a room that whispers “snoozeville” in every corner. First off, ditch those neon nightlights.

Babies don’t need a mini-disco to doze off – they prefer the dull and boring.

Ever tried sleeping in a room as still as a library but as dark as your closet? That’s the gold standard here.

And about temperature – think neither Sahara desert nor Arctic tundra. A comfy cool is what we’re aiming for, where pajamas meet perfect.

Noise machines are like secret weapons – white noise can be a game-changer! But let’s not turn it up to rock concert levels. We’re lulling them to sleep, not starting a mosh pit.

Swaddles? Yes, please! These are your best friends for making babies feel snug without turning their crib into an obstacle course of stuffed animals and excess blankets.

5. Making A Plan And Sticking To It

Oh, making a plan and sticking to it. Sounds easy, right? Ha! If only babies got that memo. Here we are, trying to teach these tiny humans how to sleep by themselves. Like we’re some kind of sleep wizards.

Step one: Make a plan.

Seems simple enough. But then, life happens. Your baby laughs in the face of your beautiful, color-coded sleep training schedule. What’s next? Stick to it with the determination of a toddler refusing to eat broccoli.

Why do we even bother? Because deep down, we know this is the golden ticket to maybe, just maybe, getting more than three hours of sleep at a stretch.

So, you’ve read about all these methods—cry-it-out (sounds harsh), check-and-console (much nicer), fading (what even is that?). You pick one that doesn’t make you feel like a monster parent and decide this is it—the path to reclaiming your night.

4. Prep For Tears: Handling Emotional Resistance

Babies crying? Welcome to the wild ride of parenthood. Picture this: It’s 3 AM, and you’ve mastered the fine art of moving like a ninja so as not to wake up your little one. Suddenly, a wail shatters the silence.

Your baby’s not having it tonight. And guess what? Neither are you.

Brace yourself. Think of sleep training as baby boot camp for sleeping but without the drill sergeant yelling unless you count those cries as commands from your tiny boss.

Now, handling emotional resistance sounds fancy, doesn’t it?

But here’s the scoop – it’s all about staying strong while your heart does somersaults because your baby is putting up a fight against bedtime like they’re negotiating world peace.

Got tears? Of course! Here’s where we roll out the red carpet for Mr. Tissues and Mrs. Patience.

3. Debunking The Myth Of Babies Sleeping Through The Night

Think your baby will sleep all night long right away? Ha, think again. This myth about babies sleeping through the night is like believing chocolate doesn’t have calories—utterly dreamy but not real.

Babies? Sleeping eight hours straight? As likely as me missing my coffee—won’t happen.

Little humans just don’t work that way. Their tiny tummies need feeding often, and their sleep cycles are shorter than us grown-ups.

Expect waking up, folks. It’s not because you’re doing it wrong—it’s biology! And no, reading those perfect mommy blogs won’t change your night shifts.

So why do we even believe this nighttime fairy tale? Blame it on social media or that neighbor who swears her child slept through wars since day one. Reality check: every baby is different.

Some might gift their parents a full night’s rest earlier than others, but many will take their sweet time adjusting to our solar cycle dreams.

2. Managing Expectations And Practicing Patience

Oh, the joy of sleep training. Feels like trying to nail jelly to a wall, right? Here we are, ready to dive into the art of keeping your cool when all you want to do is scream into a pillow.

Because let’s face it: expecting a baby to catch on to sleep training overnight is like expecting a cat to bark.

Patience isn’t just a virtue. In this game, it’s everything. Think about it – your little human is learning something totally new.

Remember how long it took you to learn that TikTok dance? Yeah. And no one was crying when you messed up.

Now, managing expectations, oh boy! It’s less about aiming low and more about being realistic.

Your baby will not sleep through the night immediately after starting sleep training methods like fading or Ferber (ever tried explaining “graduated extinction” at playgroup without getting weird looks?).

They’re babies, not robots programmed for optimal sleep quality from day one so stay patient.

1. When To Seek Professional Help: Sleep Consultant Vs. Pediatrician

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes, despite all the parent tips and grandma’s advice, your baby’s sleep schedule is more unpredictable than a soap opera plot twist. So, when do you wave the white flag and call in the pros?

It’s simple: If your little night owl has you questioning your sanity or coffee can’t touch your level of tired anymore—it’s time.

Sleep consultants and pediatricians are like the dynamic duo of dreamland. Think Batman and Robin but for getting babies to snooze. A sleep consultant is like a personal trainer for Zs.

They come armed with strategies tailored just for your kiddo, from crying it out to less tear-filled tactics. They’re about setting up routines that stick.

On the flip side, pediatricians bring out the big guns when health issues might be playing peekaboo with your baby’s sleep.

Ear infections? Teething tsunamis? These docs have seen it all and can offer solutions or just peace of mind that you’re not missing something big.

So here’s my pro tip: Start with a chat with your pediatrician to rule out any health hiccups messing with bedtime. Then, if it turns out your babe is healthy but still throwing all-night raves in their crib—a sleep consultant could turn those zzz-less nights around.

Negotiating World Peace In Your Pajamas

Who knew getting a baby to sleep could feel like negotiating world peace in your pajamas? Let’s face facts: babies need to learn how to snooze on their own.

Bedtime routine consistency is your new best friend. Think of it as that comfy old sweater you can’t let go of.

An optimal sleep space is crucial—cool, quiet, dark equals sleepy bliss. Stick to your plan like glue. Changing strategies confuses everyone involved. Prep for some waterworks. Emotional nights are part of the deal.

So there you have it: sleep training demystified with ten battle-tested tips that promise some shut-eye (for both of you).

The post 10 Baby Sleep Training Methods That Moms And Experts Swear By appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Is your baby over drooling? Does your baby keep touching his or her gums? Is your baby getting more irritable than normal?

Every baby experiences teething differently from the time their first set of teeth emerges to the types of symptoms they may have.

So when does teething usually start? It really varies from one child to another.

However, according to WebMD.com (1):

“Teething usually begins around 6 months of age. But it is normal for teething to start at any time between 3 months and 12 months of age. By the time your child is about 3 years old, he or she will have all 20 primary teeth.”

When it comes to symptoms, expect your baby to have various teething symptoms.

According to pediatrician Deb Lonzer (2), chairperson of the Department of Community Pediatrics at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital:

“No more than a third of babies have any one symptom … one-third of the kids might drool, another third might be irritable, and another third might have trouble sleeping.”

Although the teething stage could be a very difficult time for your baby, you could help ease the pain. By being aware of the teething signs, you’d know how you could comfort your little one.

Here are the 10 teething signs that you should look out for with your baby.

10. Biting and gnawing.

A teething baby will gnaw and gum-down on anything. The counter pressure from biting helps relieve the pressure from under the gums and temporarily numbs the pain. (3)

To help relieve and ease the discomfort that your baby may be experiencing, your baby may be gnawing on anything and everything that he/she can get his/her hands on.

Be it toys, the edge of the table, or the rail of the crib, everything is fair game to your baby. Teething rings can really come in very handy for your baby.

Here is another classic tell-tale sign that your baby may be teething. Get those colorful, handy bibs ready as your baby will be doing some …

9. Heavy drooling.

The byproduct of a baby’s saliva production, drooling begins when a child is about 3 months old and lasts until he’s between 12 and 15 months old – more or less the same time period as teething. Drooling is a classic symptom of your baby’s teeth gradually pushing toward the gum’s surface, a process that can start months before the first tooth’s eruption. (4)

When your baby is teething, drooling is a common occurrence as the body creates extra saliva to lubricate the tender gums. Drooling may also be worse with some babies than others.

It’s definitely a good time to have bibs handy during your baby’s drooling stage.

Expect your baby to be putting their hands in the mouth quite often.

8. Gum-rubbing or finger-chewing.

Chewing helps to relieve the pain and pressure of teething, so you may notice your baby trying to soothe herself by chewing on her fingers. Try to keep your baby’s hands clean so that she doesn’t swallow any germs. (5)

During teething, your baby’s gums become tender and sore. As a result, your baby will have the tendency to touch their gums with their fingers to soothe them.

Some parents suggest using your clean finger or a cold teething ring to rub your baby’s gums for about a minute or two to help soothe the discomfort.

Aside from placing their hands and fingers in their mouth, your baby might also be doing this next symptom. It’s not just his/her gums that your baby will be touching …

7. Cheek-rubbing and ear-pulling.

Pain in the gums may spread to the ears and cheeks, particularly when the back molars begin coming in. This is why you may see your baby rubbing his cheeks or pulling at his ears. (6)

Experts think that babies do this to create counter pressure that eases of the discomfort and pain that they may be experiencing.

It’s more of an instinctive massage reaction to ease the discomfort.

Because of the heavy drooling, expect to see some skin irritation while your baby is teething.

6. Chin or facial rash.

If your baby is a heavy drooler, the constant contact with saliva may cause the skin around the chin and mouth to become irritated. Gently wipe your baby’s mouth and chin periodically throughout the day to help prevent chapped skin and rashes. (7)

The folks at WhatToExpect.com (8) suggest the following remedy:

“Patting away the drool will help prevent the rash. You can also create a moisture barrier with Vaseline or Aquaphor, and moisturize with a gentle unscented skin cream as needed. Have some nipple cream (like Lansinoh) on hand? It’s great for protecting tender baby skin, too.”

Because of the discomfort as a result of teething, mood swings may be quite an occurrence. Be a little patient as your baby may be showing a little bit of crankiness and grumpiness.

Don’t be surprised if your baby shows signs of …

5. Irritability and fussiness.

Your baby’s mouth will ache as that little tooth presses on the gums and pokes up to the surface, and, not surprisingly, it’ll probably make her feel out of sorts. Some babies may be irritable for just a few hours, but others can stay crabby for days or even weeks. (9)

As baby teeth starts to come out of the gums, your baby’s gums may become increasingly sore and uncomfortable. Hence, this may lead to fussiness and crying.

Just do your best to comfort them and give them some extra loving care.

If a baby’s gums are causing some (or a lot of) discomfort, don’t be surprised with this …

4. Decreased appetite or refusal to feed.

Uncomfortable, cranky babies yearn to be soothed by something in their mouths — whether a bottle or the breast. But the suction of nursing may make a teething baby’s sore gums feel worse. For that reason, teething babies are fussy about feedings (and get more frustrated as neither their discomfort nor their hungry tummies find relief). Babies eating solid foods may also refuse to eat during teething. (10)

Try to keep feeding your baby during regular meal times. If your baby appears hungry in-between meals, you can offer him/her something too just so your baby gets nourishment.

Now if your baby still keeps refusing to eat, call your pediatrician.

A lot of parents have observed this next symptom while studies have shown mixed results regarding this particular symptom. Just keep a close watch on your baby when he or she has a stuffy nose.

3. Cold-like symptoms.

Some experts believe teething can cause a slight runny nose and a minimal cough, but others say these symptoms are more likely due to the common cold. All agree that serious coughing and congestion signal a bona fide illness — and are not the result of teething. (11)

Some experts think that cold-like symptoms in teething babies may be a result of a baby’s attempt to alleviate pain by frequently putting their hands in their mouth or start chewing on their toys. These then exposes the baby to more germs, which results in colds.

Just make sure to notify and consult with your doctor if symptoms occur for more than two days.

Is your baby no longer sleeping like an angel? If yes, then your baby may be teething if he or she has been exhibiting these lately …

2. Wakefulness or not sleeping well.

Tooth eruption — when the tooth moves through the bone and gum — tends to come in stages, with more activity at night than during the day, so your baby may be more irritable then. (12)

When your baby is teething, you might observe that he/she may be waking up more often during the night. Some parents have also observed that babies tend to wake up more often when their molars start coming out. You may also find that your baby will tend to nap less and wake up earlier in the morning.

Lastly, the jury is still out on this next symptom.

There remains some conflicting evidence on whether low-grade fever can be significantly associated with teething.

1. Low-grade fever.

This is another sign doctors are sometimes hesitant to directly link with teething. Many parents, however, find their babies get low-grade fevers while teething. Notify your doctor if the temperature rises above 102 degrees F, or if the temperature remains elevated for more than two days. (13)

According to a study on the American Academy of Pediatrics mild temperature elevation is statistically associated with teething (14). However, another study (15) on its site finds that fever is not a normal teething symptom.

As a precaution, if your baby’s temperature remains elevated for more than two days, consult your pediatrician. Kevin Hale (16), a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says:

“Don’t assume that a fever is caused by teething, because there could be other things going on.”

What about diarrhea?

Although a lot of people think diarrhea is related to teething, there appears to be no scientific and statistical evidence (17) to support this. Some people think that the most likely cause of diarrhea during teething is extra saliva swallowed, which then loosens the stool. However, a more likely explanation is as follows:

“… during teething, the child begins to chew on any object or toy lying around. They even suck their fingers, thumbs and hands due to gum irritation. As the immunity levels are low, bacteria and viruses present on the surface of these objects get an entry directly into the body from the mouth. The body cannot fight off the bacteria or viruses and the result is a gastrointestinal upset, that is, diarrhea.” (18)

Please take note: In the event that your little one has a fever or a runny nose, do not simply dismiss these as signs of teething, especially if the symptoms last longer than 24 hours. Call or visit your baby’s pediatrician to rule out anything more serious.

It also helps to know more about your family’s teething history. If you had teethed early, your little one is most likely to follow suit as well. Keeping in mind your family’s dental history can help you anticipate the teething phase of your baby.

Teething is milestone in your baby’s life. However, it can make your baby very uncomfortable. There will be a lot of crying but you’ll survive it. Once you are able to identify the signs of teething, you can easily calm your baby down.

The symptoms of teething list presented were compiled based on a study presented on Pediatrics (19), which is the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

WebMD (20) recommends the following tips to help your baby feel better while teething:

– Use a clean finger (or cold teething ring) to gently rub your baby’s gum for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing, although they may protest at first.

– Provide safe objects for your baby to chew on, such as teething rings.

– If needed, give your baby an over-the-counter pain reliever that is labeled for his or her specific age. Read and follow all instructions. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.

Let’s help babies who are teething. Please share this with family and friends whose baby may be going through this very uncomfortable stage.

Can you think of other signs that a baby is teething already?

The post 10 Teething Signs To Look Out For With Your Baby. Keep A Close Watch On #4, #3, and #1 appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Every parent, sooner or later, will experience a child having a major meltdown. It’s not the best situation to be in. I can tell you that from my personal experience. Our little cute and sweet toddler can become that little monster having a hissy fit and make a major public scene that will make you wish to crawl under a table.

Have no fear, my fellow parents as we have some smart and quick fixes for you.

But first, you must understand what causes temper tantrums in order for you to get that edge when you are put in this potentially embarrassing situation.

Here are some of the major reasons your child may be having a tantrum from hell (1):

1. Toddlers can’t express themselves very well. Your 2- or 3-year-old may know a lot of words, but he doesn’t yet have the ability to construct complex sentences—or put words to all the emotions he’s feeling.

2. They are easily overwhelmed. Toddlers thrive on routine, and a change can really throw them off.

3. They want to do more than they can handle. Toddlers are naturally very curious—and are thrilled to discover they can suddenly do so many things on their own.

4. They don’t understand delayed gratification. Little kids live in the here and now, not in our cookies-are-for-after-dinner world. Not getting what they want, when they want it, is a top tantrum producer.

5. They think they’re the center of the universe. In the me-me-me life of a toddler, no one else’s needs matter as much as his own. That’s why sharing is so difficult.

Now that you have a better understanding of why toddlers are prone to having meltdowns, having an arsenal of strategies on how to deal with tantrums can certainly be very helpful.

Here is the list of the 10 smart ways to tame your child’s tantrum from hell:

10. Ignore the Kid.

The reason this works is fascinating: “During a tantrum, your child is literally out of his mind. His emotions take over — overriding the frontal cortex of the brain, the area that makes decisions and judgments,” says Jay Hoecker, MD, a Rochester, Minnesota, pediatrician. “That’s why reasoning doesn’t help — the reasoning part of his brain isn’t working … Once he chills out, then you can talk.” (2)

Some moms say that if you do not react to a toddler’s tantrum, the child may just give up. Put them in bed as eventually they tire and fall asleep.

A lot of moms swear by this and say it works.

If things are too much for your child to process, you might like to do this next one.

Just like us, if things get to be too overwhelming, we usually ask for space.

9. Give Your Child Some Space.

“Sometimes a kid just needs to get his anger out. So let him!” says Linda Pearson, a nurse practitioner and author of The Discipline Miracle. (Just make sure there’s nothing in tantrum’s way that could hurt him.) “I’m a big believer in this approach because it helps children learn how to vent in a nondestructive way.” (3)

If you are at home and your child is in a safe environment, just let him vent and tire himself out.

If your child is too focused on what is bugging him or her, maybe you might like to change your child’s attention.

Sometimes a little diversion does the trick.

8. Create a Diversion.

This is all about a deft mental switcheroo — getting your kid engaged and interested in something else so she forgets about the meltdown she was just having. “My purse is filled with all sorts of distractions, like toys — ones my kids haven’t seen in a while, books, and yummy snacks,” says Alisa Fitzgerald, a mom of two from Boxford, Massachusetts. Whenever a tantrum happens, she busts ’em out, one at a time, until something gets the kids’ attention. (4)

Giving your child something else to think about takes her attention away from the initial focus of energy.

Some moms have found success by simply diverting that focus by also starting a conversation about something that really interests their child.

Remember that your toddler’s vocabulary is still very limited so you might like to try the next option. It might help clear the situation better by asking your child questions.

7. Find Out What’s Really Frustrating Your Kid.

This trick is for tantrums among the under-2-and-a-half set, says Dr. Hoecker. “Children this age usually have a vocabulary of only about 50 words and can’t link more than two together at a time. Their communication is limited, yet they have all these thoughts and wishes and needs to be met.” (5)

Just be patient and start a conversation to find out exactly what is bugging your child.

Even with toddlers, communication and patience can help avert a tantrum from escalating.

Another way to pacify your kid would be to show a little bit of loving. Show your child a little bit more of love by giving …

6. Hugs.

“This may feel like the last thing you want to do when your kid is freaking out, but it really can help her settle down.” Ray Levy, PhD, a Dallas-based clinical psychologist and co-author of Try and Make Me! Simple Strategies That Turn Off the Tantrums and Create Cooperation says. “I’m talking about a big, firm hug, not a super cuddly one. And don’t say a word when you do it — again, you’d just be entering into a futile battle of wills. Hugs make kids feel secure and let them know that you care about them, even if you don’t agree with their behavior.” (6)

A simple hug can do wonders. It can change the dynamics of the situation.

Try it next time and see for yourself how this does wonders.

You might be surprised by these two tantrum triggers … Feeling tired and hungry usually brings out the beast in us. It also applies to our little cuties.

5. Offer Food or Suggest a Little R&R.

“Being tired and hungry are the two biggest tantrum triggers,” says Levy. Physically, the kid is already on the brink, so it won’t take much emotionally to send him over. “Parents often come to me wondering why their child is having daily meltdowns. And it turns out they’re happening around the same time each day — before lunch or naptime and in the early evening. It’s no coincidence! My advice: feed them, water them, and let them veg — whether that means putting them to bed or letting them watch a little TV.” (7)

With my little one, this usually is the case. We found out that my toddler gets really testy when she is hungry.

So whenever she gets into the testy mode, I give her some healthy snack and that usually pacifies her and brings her back to her usual happy, normal behavior.

Remember when your parents used to reward you when you were a child for good behavior?

Bribing, ahem, I mean rewarding your child still works so don’t forget to use this.

4. Give Your Kid Incentive to Behave.

Certain situations are trying for kids. Maybe it’s sitting through a long meal at a restaurant or staying quiet in church. Whatever the hissy hot button, this is the trick: “It’s about recognizing when you’re asking a lot of your child and offering him a little preemptive bribe. While you’re on your way to the restaurant, for example, tell him, ‘Alex, Mommy is asking you to sit and eat your dinner nicely tonight. I really think you can do it! And if you can behave, then when we get home I’ll let you watch a video.'” (8)

A lot of toddlers respond to positive reinforcement and rewards.

Just make sure you reward for good behavior and not bad ones though.

How does a hostage negotiator usually diffuse a tense situation? Keeping your cool and speaking calmly can help diffuse a major tantrum situation.

3. Speak Calmly.

This is a biggie — and is much easier said than done. But experts insist you must keep your cool during a child’s tantrum. “Otherwise, you’ll get into a power struggle and make the whole thing escalate. Plus, part of the reason kids resort to tantrums is to get attention,” Dr. Hoecker says. (9)

Look them in the eye and calmly talk with them to find out what is bothering them. Set an example for your kid and calmly talk the situation through.

Again, exercise patience and try to get your child to communicate with you.

Want to maintain a sense of sanity to a very public meltdown of your child? Having a sense of humor can also do the trick in diffusing a meltdown situation.

2. Laugh It Off.

Every parent dreads public tantrums, for obvious reasons. You worry other parents will think you’re a bad mom — that you’ve raised an out-of-control demon child. Your best bet, is to suck it up, plaster a little Mona Lisa smile on your face, and pretend everything is just peachy. And what are others thinking? “We know from studies that the only thing people judge is your reaction to the meltdown,” says Levy. “If you look calm and like you’ve got it under control — yes, even though you’re not doing anything to stop the fit — they think, Now that’s a good mom.” (10)

Try being silly with your child. That kind of distraction can direct his attention on you and can possibly bust that tantrum.

Try to get your child to giggle and see how this can change the whole dynamics of the situation.

Here’s another way of distracting your child and getting his or her attention into something else … Just leaving the scene of a meltdown can divert a child’s attention. It’s also very easy to do.

1. Get Out of There.

Getting kids away from the scene of the tantrum can snap them out of it. “It’s also a great strategy when you’re out and about,” says Levy. “If your child starts melting down over a toy or candy bar he wants, pick him up and take him either to a different area of the store or outside until he calms down. Changing the venue really can change the behavior.” (11)

The next time you feel the urge to spank your little one as a result of a tantrum going out of control, remind yourself to first stop and give it some thought. Don’t make a fuss out of it and model calm behavior.

Spanking is not a smart way to deal with a child having a tantrum. Spanking only reinforces with your kid that using physical force is okay cause their parents are doing it. It teaches the child to be afraid of his or her parents. It teaches the child that his or her parents will hurt them to keep them in line.

Instead, try using any of the above 10 ways to help pacify your child. These are better solutions that will positively impact your child in the long-term. In fact, here are 8 important reasons why you should not spank your child.

You can read more details about this well researched article by Shaun Dreisbach about how to deal with a child’s tantrums on parents.com.

Do you have other smart ways of dealing with a child’s tantrum?

The post 10 Smart Ways To Tame Your Child’s “Tantrum From Hell”. #5 Is Something I Swear By appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Were you spanked as a young child by your parents as a way to discipline you? Did it reform your behavior? Did it make you a better person or did it bring about feelings of resentment and anger?

These days, there remains a great divide among parents on whether parents should spank their kids. Here in the U.S. for example, even though spanking has become less popular over time, most polls still show parents favor and approve of spanking their children.

An ABC poll found that:

“Sixty-five percent of Americans approve of spanking children, a rate that has been steady since 1990 … Among parents with minor children at home, 50 percent report that they sometimes spank their child, while 45 percent do not.”

I happen to have grown-up in an age where spanking a child was okay. Yup, I was spanked and I hated it. I swore that my child would never have to go through such an unfortunate experience. Now in her teens, she has turned out to be a loving, well-behaved, responsible, and happy kid — a product of a no spanking household policy.

According to a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics, there are serious consequences to applying physical punishment to kids.

“Harsh physical punishment was associated with increased odds of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, and several personality disorders in 2% to 7% of those observed.”

Lina Acosta Sandaal, an expert in child and adolescent development and infant and early childhood mental health, has this to say about spanking:

“The statistics and multiple negative outcomes of children that are disciplined with corporal punishment are well known to those who work with children. Children’s Trends, a research group, found that corporal punishment increases negative outcomes in adolescence like low academic achievement, alcohol and drug use, and antisocial behavior. They also found that the older the age of the child, the greater the negative outcomes.” Source: GoodMenProject.com

With that, check out the list of 8 vital reasons why you should not spank your child.

8. It is too easy for a frustrated parent to cross the line from spanking to abusing.

Unfortunately, by the time the smoke clears, many parents have crossed the line from spanking to hitting, shaking, slapping and other forms of child abuse. Source: ActiveParenting.com

This is the reason why parents who advocate spanking suggest to NEVER spank your child when you are angry. Some parents suggest to calm down first and not spank when your emotions are high.

Of course, when you have calmed down, you probably have by then thought of a better approach to handle the situation than spanking.

We all want our child to build self-confidence. However, Spanking goes counter to helping your child build self-confidence.

7. Spanking makes a child feel helpless and damages self-esteem.

It’s hard to feel like you have any control when you are told that if you don’t stop crying, you will be hit again. It makes a child ask, “What is wrong with me?” It’s hard to feel loved or have any self-worth when even your cries for help are demeaned by the person who is supposed to unconditionally love and protect you. It’s a betrayal. Source: SheKnows.com

When kids get very emotional, crying is their way of dealing with hurt and pain. Sometimes it takes time for a crying child (especially toddlers) to really calm down. However, some parents really go overboard with spanking, thinking that the threat of more spanking can stop all the crying.

Again, it is best for parents to calm down and try to work out the issue without further spanking.

Young children tend to model after their parents’ way of doing things.

Any aggressive behavior by a parent on a child might be misunderstood by a child as something that is okay to do to others.

6. Spanking teaches aggressive behavior.

Kids who are spanked learn to handle some problems by hitting or threatening to hit. Others find that their parents are too big to get even with, so they take it out on other kids. Source: ActiveParenting.com

Toddlers are very impressionable. They tend to copy other people’s actions without fully comprehending the reasons for such actions.

According to parenting expert Dr. Michael Popkin:

“We have to teach children that violence is only OK as a measure of restrained self-defense and never a way to “punish” others for misbehavior.”

By doing so, young children will learn to understand that it is not okay to hit others to resolve conflicts.

Sure, spanking might solve the issue with the child at that particular time. However, a child’s feelings of resentment may lead to more misbehaving just to spite a parent to get even.

5. Spanking usually leads to more misbehavior.

The problem with spanking is that it does work … for the immediate misbehavior. Kids will “stop it this instant!” However, they also resent the spanking and seek out conscious or unconscious ways to get even. Source: ActiveParenting.com

A study featured on Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that:

“… children who acted out more often got spankings that led to more acting out and, in turn, resulted in more spankings.”

In fact, researchers of the study discovered even stronger evidence that spanking children before the age 1 year may be a “catalyst that starts the cycle.”

Building a close and loving relationship with our child is something we strive for.

Did you know that hitting a child does not help build a stronger relationship between you and your child?

4. Spanking can damage your relationship with your child.

Spanking puts an emotional wedge between parent and child. Children depend on their parents to care for them. They trust them and their authority. Authority based on fear makes children lose respect for parents. It is hard to respect someone that hurts you. Source: FamiliesOnTheGo.com

According to Dr. Michael Popkin, author of the best-selling parenting book Active Parenting:

“When you spank often, you create a climate of hurt and revenge that undermines much of the good in the relationship. You may be able to overcome this, but why take the chance when there are better methods available?”

Some parents have felt this emotion after giving their kids some spanking. In fact, parents have felt some guilt that they may have gone overboard with their disciplinary action.

3. Spanking often leaves the parent feeling guilty.

Most parents are aware that spanking is now a controversial parenting method. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics has come out against spanking. But even before this, many parents could sense that something was not right about hurting a child “for his own good,” and feel guilty afterwards. Source: ActiveParenting.com

Any parent who loves their child dearly is bound to also feel the hurt and guilt after spanking their child. As parents, we need to have confidence in our parenting methods.

If your approach to resolving an issue with your child brings about feelings of guilt, then you might like to look into better approaches of discipline or resolving issues that you will have more confidence in.

Frequent spanking has been found to cause this potentially troublesome long-term effect

It has been found that there is a direct correlation between mental illness and high incidences of childhood spanking.

2. Spanking can increase the likelihood of developing mental health symptoms.

According to this study, links have been found from later mental health diagnoses to higher incidents of childhood spanking for disciplinary purposes. I am willing to bet that when spanking your child, your intention wasn’t to create long-term psychological problems. Source: PsychCentral.com

Michele Knox, a psychiatrist who studies family and youth violence at the University of Toledo College of Medicine agrees with those findings.

Dr. Knox says:

“Spanking and other forms of corporal punishment have a huge variety of negative outcomes, and almost no positive outcomes. Those negative outcomes include aggressive behavior and delinquency in kids.”

Furthermore, research studies have found that harsh physical punishment in the absence of child maltreatment can also be associated with the following:

1. mood disorders
2. anxiety disorders
3. substance abuse/dependence; and
4. personality disorders

These research findings surely are worth thinking about as your child’s future may depend on how you instill discipline with them now.

If you think giving your child some whooping is the ultimate answer to misbehaving, think again.

Spanking is not the answer as there are other ways for you to deal with a misbehaving child.

1. There are many more effective methods of discipline.

The bottom line in all of this is that there are better ways to discipline kids in our modern society — methods such as polite requests, “I” messages, firm reminders, logical consequences, active problem-solving … These methods not only solve behavior problems but also help build such qualities of character as responsibility, cooperation, courage, respect and even self-esteem. Source: ActiveParenting.com

According to Dr. Bryan Carter, Ph.D., a pediatric psychologist and professor in the U of L Department of Pediatrics/Bingham Clinic, and director of the Pediatric Consultation Service at Kosair Children’s Hospital:

“While spanking may give the child a signal as to what NOT to do, it fails to teach the important skills of problem solving and decision making, that is, what TO DO.”

The above are just some of the few reasons why I don’t spank my child. I also think that you should not either.

There are much better ways to discipline a child which do not involve any form of physical harm. You can check them out here.

If you by any chance have the urge to spank your child, please pause and give it some serious thought. I’m sure you can do a better job of parenting your child without any form of spanking.

If you agree with this article, please do feel free to pass this along and let other parents know why spanking is not a solution for disciplining a misbehaving child.

What’s your position on spanking? Is this an acceptable form of discipline or not?

The post 8 Important Reasons Why You Should Not Spank Your Child. #2 Will Make You Think Twice appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Been there. Done that. Considering all the craziness that comes with potty training, most parents usually want to get it over with. That’s what makes the whole experience a little stressful (of course that’s an understatement) for both parents and toddlers.

Potty training is a major milestone not just for a child but also for the parents. Most experts say that children show interest in potty training by age 2 but may not be ready until they are 2 1/2 years old or older.

Potty training is not something you should rush into. According to Dr.Tanya Remer Altmann (1):

“Children learn to use the toilet when they’re ready. The process shouldn’t be rushed.”

Indeed, some toddlers don’t learn how to potty right away. If this happens to your little one, you really shouldn’t worry because Dr. Altmann has this to add:

“No child is ever going to go to college in diapers.”

Those are wise and comforting words from Dr. Altmann. Hence, you can stop worrying about potty training when your kid goes off to college.

However, in the meantime, here are common “words of wisdom” from moms who survived the potty training phase of their children:

“Be patient. Be extra, extra patient.”

Just keep in mind that potty training takes time regardless of whether your child is a boy or a girl. It also involves, believe it or not, a lot of creativity and imagination on your part. Your job is to make your child understand that when they need to go, they must take action and do their business in the potty.

Here are the 12 tried and tested tips from moms who swear by them:

12. The Potty Is Your Friend.

Get them acquainted with the potty. If you don’t already have a potty chair, make a big deal out of picking it out at the store, let them choose which one they like. Maybe let them decorate it or play with it with a stuffed animal. Leave it in the bathroom for a few months before you are ready to train so they get used to it. (2)

By doing so, your child gets to be very familiar with the potty chair. The potty chair becomes your child’s friend and not something that appears intimidating.

In addition to getting your child really familiar with the potty, also keep this next tip in mind.

11. Location, Location, Location.

We found that the kiddie lids that go on top of the toilet were too intimidating to use right away. (Plus, since they usually need a step stool, it can take too long for children to reach the toilet in time.) So I started my 2-year-old daughter with a mini-Elmo potty seat, which we kept in the living room since she spent the most time there. We gradually moved it closer and closer to the bathroom and eventually worked our way up to a Dora seat that went right on top of the toilet. (3)

By the way, it also helps if you have your child pick their potty training toilet seats. These days, there are a wide assortment of seat colors and cartoon themes to choose from. It truly makes it more fun for your little one.

The power of motivation and fun prizes, when done right, can do the trick. Who does not like surprises? Why not motivate your toddler with some bag of surprises …

10. Use Treats and Surprises.

Our daughter wasn’t very consistent with toilet training until we introduced the surprise bag. We got a bunch of inexpensive toys and stickers and put them in a colorful gift bag. Every time she used the toilet, we would clap and tell her what a great job she did and let her pick one surprise out of the bag. We kept it up for about a week and a half, and when the surprises ran out she just kept on using the potty. We continued to praise her and she quickly forgot the surprise bag. I can honestly say that toilet training was painless and quick with this method, and I plan to use it again with my next child. (4)

You can be more creative and make a treasure chest or box with your child to make them really excited about the concept of going potty.

If some adults can fall for the next solution. Chances are that your child can fall for this too … The age-old bribe is another motivating way to get your child potty trained …

9. Bribery Works If It’s Done Right.

Here’s the trick with bribery, mamas. First, it has to be something that your kids like – not what you like. For instance, if your child’s favorite candy is M&Ms, then that’s the bribe. You may prefer them to be bribed with carrot sticks, but those are boring to our little ones. So make the bribe something they can’t resist. Second, the bribe candy has to be where they can see it, hear it, and know that, without a doubt, they’re going to receive it if they do their business in the potty. Rewards work wonders if they’re given at the right time. (5)

You can have variations of bribing like giving more M&Ms or some ice cream if your child takes the initiative to go potty without you having to remind him about it. Just be creative.

Some moms say boys are a little bit tougher to potty train than girls so if you have a little boy, you might like to try this next tip …

The next potty training tip for little boys is actually quite fun so go ahead and try it.

8. Target Practice.

Getting my son to learn the standing-up thing was hard, so we turned it into a game. I put five Cheerios in the potty and told him to aim at them when he peed. Every time he did it right, he got to pick out a prize from a bag of goodies I picked up at the dollar store. (6)

You can even use fruity Cheerios or Fruit Loops so that your child can also learn about colors. Have them pick the color that they want to target to get them more motivated.

Have you ever thought of Daddy to help out with the potty training? To make things move along much faster, why not ask Daddy to set an example?

7. Have Dad As Part Of The Team.

Sometimes, dads can work their magic to get your little ones to do things that moms can’t. Use this power of dad to your advantage — and this will be especially helpful if you’re training a boy since dad has what he has. This was the case in my house during our potty training venture. I could tell and ask my son to use the bathroom until I wanted to pull my hair out, when his father told him to try and go, he went in effortlessly. (7)

Hey Dad, how about you try to target some of those Fruity Cheerios and show your son how it’s done? That should be a great time to bond. 🙂

The next tip on the next page is actually not for everyone but a lot of moms do swear by this method.

If you decide to use this method, be aware of the risks … be ready to clean up the mess this might cause. However gross and risky this tip might be, believe or not, moms do swear by it for its effectiveness.

6. No Undies.

Well, I let them run around the house naked, and it helped them make the connection between ‘I’m peeing,’ and, ‘I’m making a mess.’ Sometimes when kids are wearing diapers or pull-ups they don’t notice or care that they’re peeing and pooping. Yes, I had to clean up messes, but it really helped solidify the connection. (8)

If you try the above-mentioned tip, hopefully it won’t be too messy. Just make sure to protect your carpet and your couch before doing it.

The next tip does not involve the risk of getting messy but requires tapping into your child’s imagination.

Children love stories so stir up their minds with some fascinating story telling skills which moms are usually good at.

5. Little White Lies.

My middle son was stubborn when it came to #2 on the potty — absolutely refused, no matter the reward. So I finally told him that when we flush, the poop goes out to the sea to feed the fish — so if he didn’t go, then the poor little fish wouldn’t have anything to eat. My son, being the compassionate, sensitive little do-gooder he is, felt it was his mission to poop to “save” the fish. (After all, Nemo and Dory were counting on him!). (9)

Of course, it really helps if your child loves Nemo or loves little fishies. I’m sure you can come up with some other spin to the feeding the fish story.

Now if you tried the M&M bribe and it does not work, maybe you are missing a little something to make that technique work.

Some children, believe it or not, lose interest in M&Ms or candies. The key is finding a bribe that your child is really obsessed with.

4. Find the Right Bribe.

We tried Cheerios, M&M’s, potty charts, cheerleader rants and screams, but nothing worked. My son has always been obsessed with cars and trucks and luckily, the movie Cars had just come out. My husband scoured the local stores to collect all the figurines featured in the movie. We saw the movie, then we told my son that every time he went potty he’d get a car. It was magical. After 15 cars, he was totally potty trained. I’m sure Disney would be so proud. (10)

For my little girl who had a fascination for little rubber duckies, this worked like gangbusters.

It did not take her long to get potty trained as long as she was getting her prizes of various colored rubber duckies.

From low-tech, old-school potty training tips, this next hi-tech gadget mesmerizes kids in the toilet. This small hi-tech gadget definitely brings potty training to the next level.

3. Mesmerize Your Little One With This “Hi-Tech” Gadget.

We tried all kinds of bribes. My child just won’t fall for them. Then I stumbled upon this interesting gadget. Sometimes certain gadgets are invented for some other purpose but it turns out they work better when used for potty training! This hilarious gadget was invented just to help adults find the toilet bowl at night. Well, as it turns out, it works well for potty training too.

My potty-training hi-tech gadget is the Motion-Activated LED Toilet Bowl Light.

How long did it take for my child to get potty trained? Less than a week!

I swear by this fascinating gadget. In fact, I learned that other parents swear by it too. The awesome thing is … this works for both little girls and boys.

This must-have, fascinating gadgetry brings the spectacle of the magic kingdom right in your very own toilet bowl. Kids LOVE it … and so do adults!

When activated by motion, the gadget produces a colorful light show in your toilet bowl that mesmerizes kids and potty-trains them in no time. From my experience, this gadget elevates potty training to the next level.

It’s portable and will easily pop off and wrap around any bowl. It also makes nighttime relief an excitingly fun and memorable experience for the whole family! Another bonus: It also helps Dad from missing the mark at night. LOL

In case you are interested in getting this for your family, I got mine from Amazon.com. For the price of a couple of McDonald’s Happy Meals, you get to potty train your child. Here’s the link to my Motion-Activated LED Toilet Light gadget of choice. Check it out.

Even my mother-in-law decided to get a couple to help, as she put it, “target train” my father-in-law. LOL

Potty training is a big deal to your little one so don’t be stingy on this next tip.

Make sure that you become your child’s biggest cheerleader and supporter.

2. Heap on the Praise.

I’ve heard all the tricks — stickers, bribing with toys, special underpants. But you have to pick something that’s consistent with your parenting style. I didn’t use rewards elsewhere, so I didn’t want to start here. What did work: Lots of undivided attention, positive reinforcement, love, affection and pride when my kids were successful. Making a big deal about small steps of progress is key. (11)

Even have grandma, grandpa, aunts, and uncles (okay aunts and uncles might be overdoing it) give your child a call for a job well done.

Aside from being the biggest cheerleader for your little one, here’s what most battle-toughened, potty-training moms would say.

Make sure to take this to heart:

1. Be Patient.

Usually, children begin showing interest between the ages of 2 and 3. Keep an eye out for common clues, such as your child asking questions about the bathroom and toilet, staying dry for longer periods of time (indicating stronger bladder control), wanting to wear “big kid” underwear, or telling you when she’s soiled a diaper.

These signs of readiness may intensify gradually or, as Wisconsin mom Tracy M. found, appear quite suddenly: “One day she walked up to me, about three months before she turned three, and said, ‘Mommy, I want to wear undies.’ And since that day she has.” (11)

Just remember that your child will potty train when they are ready. When it comes to potty training, each child is different so exercise patience.

When things go bad, just add some humor to the situation as your child will eventually get up to speed with his potty habits.

You too can survive potty training so long as you find the right trick to get it done. Keep in mind that what works for other kids might not work for yours.

You really shouldn’t compare and feel so bad if things aren’t working out so well for you and your toddler. You need all the patience in the world. At the same time, you need to decipher the best time to potty train your toddler. Only you can tell when it’s the right time. You should always keep these tried and tested tips in mind.

Thanks to the parents who have shared their tried and tested potty training tips. I’m sure you’ll find some use for them too.

Do you have a potty training tip you can share?

The post 12 Tried And Tested Potty Training Tips Moms Swear By. #3 Worked For Me appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

With more toys designed with a baby’s learning and development in mind than ever before, parents are more confused than ever as to which learning toys they should get for their precious little one.

We have researched for you and are excited to present to you some of the best early-development toys in the market today.

Ranging from toys that require batteries to the simplest classic stacking toys, here are some of the best early development toys that you might like to consider getting for your baby.

15. VTech Move and Crawl Baby Ball, Orange

Keep your baby busy and learning with this motorized, self-rolling ball. With all its sound and lighting effects, 40+ sing-along songs, and fun phrases, your baby is bound to have a fun time crawling after and interacting with this ball that seems to have a mind of its own.

14. Baby Einstein Bendy Ball

Babies love the rattling sound made by the smaller ball that moves freely inside this easy-to-grab ball. This is perfect for developing your baby’s motor skills and provides multiple concepts to keep your baby curiously entertained.

13. Bright Starts Clack and Slide Activity Ball

With its spinning frog character, caterpillar bead chaser, squeaker, clacking rings, and spinning paddle with mirror, your baby’s curiosity and imagination are surely going to be stimulated. This easy-to-grab-and-play-with toy encourages motor skills development.

12. Infantino Textured Multi-Ball Set

These various easy-to-grab, bright-colored balls are soft and great for catching games with your baby. With their textured and various rolling characteristics, these are surely great to help your baby develop his or her tactile senses and hand coordination.

11. LeapFrog My Pal Scout

This soft, cuddly puppy plays songs and teaches your baby via various interactive activities. Pressing the paws gets “Scout” to play lullabies, learn songs, and other fun activities with numbers, animals, colors, and other surprises. You can even program your child’s name into the songs for better fun and learning.

10. Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball

This brightly colored and multiple-patterned gizmo is visually appealing to help develop your baby’s vision while its multiple textures engage a baby’s tactile development. Combined with the various sounds that it makes, this gizmo is bound to keep your baby fascinated and occupied.

9. Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks

The brightly colored hollow blocks allow babies to easily pick them up with their little hands. This classic early education toy is a great way for your baby to develop his or her problem-solving skills while learning about colors and shapes.

8. Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack Toy

You simply can’t miss this classic early development toy as it’s a great way to introduce your baby to the concept of stacking and relative sizes with the brightly colored rings. This toy always appeals to babies from infancy through toddlerhood. This stacker also plays a variety of fun music for your little one to enjoy.

7. VTech Baby Lil’ Critters Moosical Beads

This cute talking and singing stuff toy is sure to amaze your baby and keep him or her entertained with its 30+ playful songs, melodies, rhymes, sounds, and phrases. Huggable and made up of a variety of fabric textures, this lovable cow is also great for your baby’s tactile development. The push button interactivity also helps develop fine motor skills.

6. Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy

This infant toy and teether is a mesmerizing maze of brightly-colored tubes combined with a rattling sound that your baby will surely find engaging. Babies just love to grab and chew on this as it gives them a variety of ways to hold this toy while enjoying nibbling on a safe and soft puzzle of tubes that get it right where their teeth are coming out and their gums are hurting.

5. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

There’s never a boring moment with this motion sensor-activated exploration cube as soon as your baby gets their hands on it. With 14 interactive features that encourage motor skills development and 25 playful songs and melodies for your baby to learn and enjoy, there is no doubt that your little one will be busy exploring all that this learning cube has to offer.

4. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy

Watch your child become mesmerized by the colorful light patterns while listening to soothing classical music from Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, and other masters. With volume control included, this drool-proof “baby boom” box is easy for infants who are still working on their hand coordination to hang onto it.

3. Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym

Keep your baby fully entertained with this kicker of a play set. Your baby will enjoy getting rewarded with music every time he or she kicks the piano keys. With a variety of sounds, sights, and textures within your baby’s grasp and vision, expect your precious little one to become fascinated with this engaging classic playset.

2. Lamaze Freddie The Firefly

This colorful toy simply offers an outstanding plethora of sensory stimulation options for your baby. From clacking rings and fun jingle sounds to its various combinations of colors and textures, expect your baby to find different ways of getting entertained with this truly unique firefly toy. This also comes with a teething berry and a plastic mirror that will fascinate your little one especially when they see their reflection on it.

1. The First-Year Stacking Up Cups

One of the classic developmental toys ever invented, these 8 brightly colored stackable cups will always keep a baby busy. The bottoms are numbered and have differently shaped small holes (star, square, triangles, etc.) for water play. These cups can also be stacked upside down to create a little tower. This is a great toy for developing motor skills and logical thinking.

So go ahead. Let your baby learn and develop while they play and have fun with any of the above highly-rated early development toys.

Nothing compares to watching the joy in your baby’s face when they play with their new favorite learning toy. It’s worth it.

The post 15 Best Early Development Toys Every Baby Should Have appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

One of the best things about having a baby is … it’s shopping time! You have all the reasons to buy this and that. No one can stop you from doing it.

Even your family and friends will help you out on your shopping spree. Excited at the thought of you having a baby, they will surely end up buying a thing or two for you and your little one.

Having a baby benefits the retailers since everybody has an excuse to buy something. Surely, you will benefit from it as well. Who wouldn’t want all those gifts?

However, it’ll get to a point where you’ll end up with so much stuff. You will somehow wonder to yourself, “Do I really need all of these?“

The answer is, no! You won’t need all those stuff. There are actually 10 things you can do without for your new baby. Turn to the next page to learn more about these useless things you and your baby can do without.

Here are the 10 things you can do without for your new baby:

10. A Bigger House. You may look around your current living space and wonder where you’ll fit your baby and all his accouterments, but rest assured that he will fit into your abode seamlessly, because he takes up so little space!

9. Fancy Designer Clothes. Resist the urge to go on an expensive shopping spree buying baby designer clothes that she’ll outgrow so quickly, and that will no doubt be subject to drool, spit-up, and diaper blowouts!

8. Shoes. Hard-soled, restrictive shoes may actually impair the proper development of baby’s feet… so letting your little one walk in bare feet or soft-soled shoes or socks is healthier.

7. Stacks of Fluffy Blankets. Blankets are by far one of the most popular baby gifts, but few are actually safe and appropriate for wrapping up baby.

6. Toys/Videos/Stuffed Animals. The ultimate toy for a newborn? Your face and voice — which serve as the ultimate discovery zone and stimulating entertainment session for a newborn.

5. Crib. If you’re planning on co-sleeping with your baby, buy a co-sleeper instead of a crib. Discuss your sleeping arrangements beforehand, because a crib may not be something you need, even though it tops the list of newborn purchases!

4. Baby Laundry Detergent. Unless your pediatrician recommends otherwise, you can typically use the same eco-friendly, non-toxic, dye- and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent you’ve been using for your entire household to wash baby’s clothing and cloth diapers as well

3. Changing Table. You can use your bed to change your baby’s diapers. Just make sure to use a changing pad or waterproof lining when changing your baby’s diapers to prevent leaks and other icky stuff from getting on your bed.

2. Diaper Pail. Since there’s really no way to re-use a diaper pail after its intended purpose, make due without one. Take soiled diapers outside to your trashcan regularly to avoid household odors.

1. Baby Wipe Warmer. Whether your green diaper changing regimen includes reusable cloth wipes, or moistened biodegradable wipes, a baby wipe warmer needn’t be on your list of purchases.

It’s tempting to buy everything for your baby. However if you think about it, how could a little one need so much stuff?

According to Beth Shea, there’s really no reason to end up spending so much when the baby comes. To learn more details about spending wisely and avoiding the clutter when the baby comes, check out Beth’s insightful article here.

Have you bought all these things for your baby?

The post 10 Things You Can Do Without For Your New Baby. #3 Is Really Unnecessary appeared first on Oh My Parenting.

Choosing the right meals and snacks for your toddler can get pretty tricky. There are times when you just end up choosing one that’s readily available.

There’s really nothing wrong with that as long as what is available is something that’s healthy and nutritious.

Unfortunately, the food that’s readily available for your toddler is not all that healthy and nutritious. There are times when you just end up grabbing a biscuit. If it’s not a biscuit, it may just be a cookie that’s loaded with lots and lots of sugar.

Snacks are just as important as the three main meals. You really have to think about the kind of snacks to give to our toddler.

You have to be careful in choosing your toddler’s snacks. Here’s what healthychildren.org has to say about this:

Many children need a morning and afternoon snack, which should be timed so they won’t interfere with lunch or dinner. Snacks should include a satisfying balance of healthful foods.

Here are the 10 superfoods that you should feed your toddler as shared by Rachel Beller, R.D.:

10. Cabbage. It has a mild flavor and crunch that kids tend to like better than the usual salad greens. And cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, broccoli and kale contain phytonutrients known to lower the risk for many types of cancer, as well as improve digestion. It also helps clear harmful toxins from the body by triggering the release of enzymes whose job it is to whisk them out

9. Low-Fat Greek Yogurt. It contains healthy bacteria known to boost immunity and aid digestion, and has two to three times the amount of protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.

8. Tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes makes them even healthier because the heat releases the lycopene. Hint: Pairing tomato-y foods with a good fat, like olive oil, helps the body absorb more.

7. Tofu. Whole soy foods are an excellent source of lean protein and have potent anti-cancer benefits,” says Beller. “Tofu is great for young girls because it has a protective effect as their bodies and breast tissue are developing—which lasts into adulthood.”

6. Blueberries. They’ve ranked among the healthiest fruits for years (go, antioxidants!). Now research suggests that in addition to protecting against heart disease and diabetes and improving brain function, blueberries may also help reduce visceral “toxic” belly fat—a type of fat that has been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

5. Milk. Protein helps build brain tissue, while milk’s calcium keeps kids’ bones and teeth strong.

4. Nuts. Nuts are made up of healthy fats, which kids need for growth and development, as well as for heart health.

3. Fruit. To reap the nutritional benefits, aim to eat a variety of fruits, like berries, melon, kiwifruit and oranges.

2. Oatmeal. Research shows that kids who eat oatmeal are better able to concentrate and pay attention in school.

1. Eggs. Eating protein at breakfast helps kids feel satisfied longer (no mid-morning hunger pangs).

The challenge here is how to get your kids to eat nutritious foods for meals and snacks. That’s something you should really work on.

Your best bet is to start now. Introducing nutritious foods to your toddler now will help them develop better eating habits, as they grow older. According to an article on health.usnews.com:

Though it may not always be easy, helping young children develop healthy eating habits is worth the effort, experts say.

You can find more healthy food and snack options here. The good news is that you have more than just 10 vitamin-packed foods to choose from. With a long list of healthy food choices, you wouldn’t have to end up feeding your toddler cookies and junk food.

What do you usually feed your toddler for meals or snacks?

The post 10 Superfoods You Should Feed Your Toddler. #2 Might Surprise You appeared first on Oh My Parenting.