Baby Carriers - Should I Carry My Toddler?

The myth runs like this: 'Don't carry your toddler, it only spoils them.' In my role as a sling consultant, I have worked with parents who have challenged this myth and realised that carrying their toddler not only make sense to them on a practical level, it is also a wonderful gift they can give themselves and their child. For the myth to perpetuate we must accept it at face value, contrary to what we would have liked for ourselves when we were young and what we know of our children's personalities. With this article I want to create a pause in the process of accepting the myth and in that pause provide a challenge to the underlying assumptions. My position is this: Yes, you can carry your toddler without spoiling them.

From newborn to toddler

We carry our newborn for many reasons; to regulate heart beat and temperature, to ease colic, to encourage sleep, to calm, to attend to the needs of siblings, to bond. Add all these needs together and a very young baby may spend a significant amount of time being nurtured in a carrier. As they grow older and start walking, we have fewer reasons to carry them. They are obviously heavier and may outgrow their current baby carrier. Eventually, you may stop carrying them altogether, opting for a stroller instead. The assumption that they no longer need to be carried may lead to us missing their subtle emerging needs as toddlers.

Benefits

Toddlers love the change of perspective they get when carried high in a baby carrier. Experiencing the world from the same vantage point as mum builds confidence and understanding and opens up a rich interaction between you both. Toddlers are very curious about the world around them and constantly ask questions about what they see. If they are in a pushchair the opportunities to talk about what they can see are often missed. If they are being carried you can have a constant chat. This will help increase their language and understanding in a natural and enjoyable way.

When you reach the stage where your child wants to walk more it can be tricky managing this and they can easily get tired. But by having a carrier to hand your child can be easily picked up and taken down when necessary. There is no need to lug an empty pushchair around just in case it may be needed.

What to buy

I recommend soft structured carriers (SSC) to clients wishing to carry a toddler, although a supportive woven wrap is fine, too. For the purposes of this article I am sharing my insight on how to buy the right SSC. Toddlers get dirty and like to snack, so buy a baby carrier that can be wiped clean and machine washable. Choose a carrier that is appropriate for the size and age of your child. In addition, a baby carrier with an adjustable back panel for growth means your carrier can be used for longer and by people with a different body shape to your own. Many brands offer toddler versions of their baby carrier, this can be a useful starting point Remember, some brands offer fully adjustable carriers for baby through to pre-school carrying, so again, always check the age range.

You need to ensure that the carrier you use is supportive enough for both of you. For you this will mean a supportive waistband that can distribute the weight and wide padded shoulder straps. Because of the on and off nature of carrying a toddler choose a carrier that can be easily stowed or will fold into a pack that can be worn around your waist, ready for when needed.

Conclusion

There is an implied contradiction in the myth: it is OK to push them around in a stroller but carrying toddlers spoils them. Rather than accepting the myth and phasing out carrying their children when they outgrow the woven or stretchy wrap, I encourage parents to observe the ongoing and emerging needs of their children as they develop and to consider whether a different carrier type would help prolong carrying for them. If more people embraced toddler carrying it would become the norm and more children and parents would enjoy the practical and developmental benefits.

Wendy Sheard is a Trageschule trained sling consultant and owner of Precious-Bundle one of the UK's largest retailers of premium stretchy wraps and soft structured baby carriers. Wendy believes in the personal touch and offers pre-sales sling consultations, after sales advice and ongoing sling support for as long as you want it.

Toddler Craft Activities: More Than Just Glitter and Glue

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AppId is over the quota

Toddler craft activities are a firm favourite at Christmas, Halloween and Easter time. Home-made cards and presents a far more meaningful for grandparents and other relatives and friends than mass-produced presents.

However art time is actually very beneficial for your toddler's development. This article looks at all the various aspects of this.

The first benefit to the child of doing any craft activity is the opportunity to handle different materials. This helps their understanding of the world around them.

Next is hand-eye coordination. You may think that nothing really fundamental is happening as your child slaps some paint onto the picture she is creating. This is especially true if she seems to be daubing the paint all over the place! Wrong. Isn't she painting rather in the same way that she eats? Do you think that when your child handles a spoon nothing is being developed? Of course it is.

The third reason to do toddler crafts is that helps develop social skills. Depending on the setup and other children present, your toddler will be learning to turn take, listen to instructions and learned from watching others.

Craft activities develop language. You have numerous opportunities to repeat important verbs such as stick, draw, colour etc. Then you can encourage your child to describe what he has created. "Green car," "big dog" etc.

Toddlers love to control their world, and crafts give them a much-needed sense of mastering their environment. Is this a far-fetched statement? Let me give you an example. To make Halloween card for grandma, you can offer your child a picture of a pumpkin to decorate. The simple act of choosing which design allows your child to feel in control of their world.

Finally, toddler craft activities give your child some quality time with you. As parents, we are continually divided in how we spend our time - in today's modern world it's too easy to hand your child over to the babysitter in the corner (a.k.a. the television). Making a card or collage with your child forces you to stop focus 100% on that quality time you dream about but never seem to get round finding. Being creative is relaxing not only for your child, but for you. Life with a toddler can often be stressful, and what better way to unwind than to do something together. You never know, you might even let your child out to play as well!

Harriet Morris is a mother and spent 10 years teaching children with special educational needs. You can find some practical creative ideas if you visit toddler Christmas crafts and toddler Halloween crafts

Toddler Halloween Outfits: 3 Ways To Avoid Tears On 31st October

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AppId is over the quota

You might think that buying toddler Halloween outfits is just about color and design. However it is not the same as buying for an older child. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

If you go and blindly choose an outfit with no extra thought, you could have a disaster on your hands come October 31st.

Why do toddlers need special treatment for their Halloween costumes? Because in a nutshell, they are toddlers. So much is illogical about this age group, and they can upset the (bobbing) applecart so easily.

You can prevent a lot of problems if you think ahead about the potential hazards. Here are three of the main ones, with a few solutions.

Problem Number One: Logic Has Left the Building

You are just asking for problems if you expect your child to act in a logical way at this age. So if they choose an outfit two weeks before the 31st and love it, don't necessarily expect them to happily wear it on the big day.

The solution to this is to encourage your child to whether costume as much as possible before Halloween. Put it in their dressing up box. Wear yours as well. The point is to make the experience as normal as possible for them.

Problem Number Two: Halloween Itself

This season is such a national institution that we often forget that he can be pretty nerve wracking for young children. So one day, their world - formally full of fluffy toys and Barney - is now a place where ghosts, ghouls, skeletons and goblins running around shouting "Trick or Treat!"

Of course a lot depends on your child's personality. Some children are simply not fazed by Halloween, others are too young to really understand it. You can easily tone down the whole experience for your toddler by steering him towards more "gentle" costumes such as lion, pumpkin, tiger, cat, bee etc.

Problem Number Three: Can't Dress Up, Won't Dress Up

Some toddlers simply do not want to dress up for Halloween.

So do not force them to.

There is a middle ground... And it's called accessorising.

Sparkly wings worn with normal clothes, or a neckerchief and the swag bag create instant transformations into a bat and a pirate. Wearing any normal dark-colored clothes and adding face paints can transform your child into whatever you like!

So there you have three major problems that could upset your Halloween celebrations. It's important not to take your toddler's attitude personally. Remember that they are properly not used to big crowds, loud noises and the change in routine.

Harriet Morris is the founder of Toddler Ideas and a mom of two children. Visit her website today for more information on cheap toddler Halloween costumes and other outfits.

Safety Gates For Stairs: Keep Potentially Dangerous Places Out Of Reach For Your Toddler

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AppId is over the quota

If your baby will soon make the transaction to moving on his or her own, it's time to consider safety gates. In fact around the time your baby is starting to sit up is the ideal time to go shopping for baby gates and by the time your little one is crawling, it's too late!

When I had my first child, everything was so new to me and I literally was learning on my feet from day to day. By the time your child is making robbing movements which is the precursor to actually crawling, you realize you have to take a look around your home with a view to your child's safety when s/he starts crawling everywhere.

Stairs are the immediate danger that most homes have so it's important to keep them off limits to your child. There are many baby gates on the market to choose from. Check around with friends and family who have children. They can give you good advice regarding which product they choose and the advantage and disadvantages. Not only will you learn a lot but you may even be gifted with used safety gates. When children are old enough to navigate stairs and there are no other children planned, then baby gates are usually not needed anymore. Although they are great for keeping your dog off limits too! Not to mention if an inquisitive toddler is coming over to visit.

Basically these gates can be classified into pressure mounted ones and hardware mounted gates. Obviously the pressure mounted ones are great as you don't have to put any holes in walls or banisters. No brainer that these are the most common. These gates can be economical and they are also portable which is a good feature if you know you will be regularly visiting friends and family whose homes are not baby-proof.

The hardware mounted gates are attached to the door frame or wall with screws. They are becoming more popular and they are very sturdy and cannot be pushed open. Of course you will have hole marks in your wall or door frame but when you eventually remove the gates, a bit of putty in the holes will do the trick and next time you paint, these holes will be covered.

Another feature to check is whether you child can use the gates in any way to climb up or whether she can hurt herself by putting her feet/arms through the bars. Some gates are built with mesh for this reason.

With research, check with friends and family and at the store as well as online, you can definitely find great safety gates for stairs for your purposes.

Find out why a Safety Gates For Stairs are a real asset, especially for new parents. For more information visit http://safetygatesforstairs.org/

Tips on Travelling With a Toddler

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AppId is over the quota

As the Mother of 5 and grandma of 4 (and forever on a tight budget) I have spent my share of traveling with my bottom in the front window and my face in the back seat so I'm aware of the special frustration it is to travel with a child. Here are some tips to travelling with a toddler.

Before the trip:
Pack as many mix-and-match outfits as you are going to be gone days X2 (every shirt goes with every pant and a 2nd change for accidents for every day) plus two good outfits. Pack 1 pair of shoes that go with everything.
Hold off on getting diapers until you get to your destination and then buy a package. Either you'll use them all while you're there or you will bring home less and it's less to pack. Same for anything else like that (wipes, etc.). Just pack what you'll need on the trip, don't stock up before and have to pack it.
Pack an extra diaper bag with toys, snacks, and a wet washrag and dry hand towel (believe me you'll be happy you did!).
Pack a toy with a light or one that glows in the dark. So much fun in the car at night! No flashlights though...can't blind dad in the rearview mirror!
Hotels usually have portable cribs...call ahead and make arrangements. This will save you a sleepless night with a toddler lying horizontally between you and they will sleep better also.
Try Priceline/Expedia/etc. for a hotel. We've gotten 4 stars in downtown Atlanta for $65 a night. Be willing to settle anywhere in one general area and name your price and you will usually get a good deal.
Try to arrange having a playpen at your destination. I'm sure whoever you are visiting knows someone who has one. Your toddler may not like being in it for very long but it will give you a much-needed rest in between carrying him around or when your hands need to be free for a few minutes.

On the trip:
Try to keep your child's eating and sleeping schedule the same as at home as much as possible.
Travel at night...children usually sleep and you don't have to entertain as much. A little baby Tylenol about an hour before you leave to relax him and a warm bottle as soon as you're in the car helps. Soft music on the radio or just plain quiet (whatever works at home) is helpful.
Try this - hold your toddler until they fall asleep at home and instead of laying them in bed put them in a reclining car seat ready to go. If you're lucky you can strap it in and get on the road for a few hours before they even know it.
If you can't travel at night can you travel half way, stop, and then travel again? Have family or friends along the way? Is there someplace you've been meaning to see on the way? Breaking up the trip sometimes helps...you more than the toddler at times.
Dole out the toys a little at a time. We used to buy some new toys at the dollar store that the kids had never seen and then give them out one new one per hour. You may have to step that up for a toddler since they usually bore more easily but you get the idea. Once they are bored with a toy they make things miserable so never give them everything at once!
Try more unusual things to entertain your toddler...let him tear up paper, throw paper balls, bang on something, or pack your measuring spoons and cups. Anything that he doesn't usually get to do will keep him fascinated. My youngest son liked wax paper balls, of all things.
Let him color (yes, even at that age...if you're in the back seat with him he won't eat the crayons). My grandson was about that age when we taught him to "draw". He seemed amazed at the colors. Today he's 7 and draws complete comic books for himself!

PS. Take heart in the fact that most mothers feel frustration travelling with toddlers and most toddlers hate their car seats. You will both get through it. You are here to help your toddler figure out how to adjust to your family, not vice-versa. Your ears may be ringing but you are preparing him/her for many wonderful trips to come once they learn!

About The Author

Dee is the mother of 5 (ages 14-30), grandmother of 4, foster parent, Adoption Advisor, and Parenting Instructor with a little advice and humor to share. She invites you to share thoughts and stories of her family by visiting her blog, Laughing At The Storms.

(c) Copyright - R. Dee Waltz Shihady. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

An easy way to potty training your toddler

Children should be taught to get WC discipline at an early age. If they start to show interest, parents should allot to learn time for them. Potty training is very essential, a child learn to start discipline from there.

If your child begins to collect interest with a toilet or he no longer wear diapers will, it serves as a note to do training.

What do you think it, when you run out of toilet training

Every child can learn discipline if she would be guided to real training. There are however a few guidelines, how the training should do parents.

If a child to handle, you it should say to him. Give them some time, with the toilet or the potty Chair. This situation will develop an understanding of education a child, so that he can learn easily.

In addition, a child needs a break to get. If he not interested for a while feels, not by force him next. He can get tantrums if you force him, and you may end up facing him.

Do the actual potty training

After your child training is familiar, it is correct at the time that you do the training. When you start training, is the first thing you need to know your child's way of saying that he or she needs to pee. If it could not in fact say children, they can show characters and it is a good way to start the training.

Then, after some time, let them know what you really questions they do. The first thing to do if you want to potty training your child diapers for a while forget is. Let your child in cloth diapers running around him on the potty and if you think that nature is calling him, Chair sitting out with cloth diaper.

Here, you will receive the potty, consistent with the approach that you teach your child. A routine would be better to teach your child. They also respond to prices like food or a time to the play would get them motivated. Be sure always to follow that you teach a certain routine each time.

Your child can get the best motivation of you. With the right encouragement, a child of the potty help you interested to receive training more.

If you teach your child personally, always you remember to have patience. If a child commits a mistake, even for the umpteenth time, never treat him hard, because he lose interest in the training.

Are you looking for more tips on dealing with babies and all ensure and increase problems you in the first months as well as in the whole experience of children? Visit my blog, http://www.bringingupachild.blogspot.com/, where I have compiled instructions for children according to one the things I have learned from my own experience. It certainly make it easier for you!