Your aim is to have your baby not relying on sucking a dummy to sleep by four months. If after four months your baby still relies on it to get to sleep, you can get rid of this habit either slowly or abruptly. How you do this will depend on your baby’s personality, how much they are dependent on it, what you can handle and your environmental situation.
Slow withdrawal:
·Put their dummy in to settle them to sleep as usual
Watch them closely and slowly remove the dummy as your baby slows their sucking and gets sleepy
Put it back in if they start searching and mouthing around for it
Take it out again as their sucking slows
Put it back in if they start to look for it again, you may do this in and out process five or six times but this will slowly reduce as they get used to settling to sleep without it
Be persistent and consistent.
Quick withdrawal:
Before you take their dummy away, make sure they have been introduced to another cuddly toy at the same time as using the dummy. Use both for security for a few weeks before taking the dummy away
When it is time to free them from the dummy, do the same pre bedtime routine that they are used to but only give them the cuddly, not the dummy
Follow a settling strategy appropriate for your baby’s age group. This could involve leaving them to cry for a few minutes and going back to reassure them with a cuddle or a pat. Keep it up for an hour then just cuddle them to sleep. Give it a couple of days of consistency to work and seek further help if they are not settling
If you have a toddler who is still using a dummy there are a few other techniques you can try. Pick the one that you think would work best for your toddler:
Take them to a shop or zoo and use the dummy as currency (plus money of course) in exchange for a special toy
At Christmas or Easter Santa Claus or Easter Bunny can swap it for something special
Rub a little Tabasco sauce orfresh chilli or garlic (or similar) on the dummy tip
If your toddler relies on using a dummy day and night, take it off them for day time use for a few weeks and distract them into other activities before attempting the night
Always be encouraging that they are a big boy now and do not need it any more. Distract them into more fun activities involving you until the habit, insecurity and associations are gone. For a toddler this could take a few weeks and devoted time from you.
If it is time for you to get rid of the dummy then you may be interested inlearning more about this age group
If you like to include this article in your newsletter or website; you can, providing you include the following blurb with it:
This article was brought to you by Jan Murray, Private Child Health Consultant who is an internationally renowned expert in her field. Jan encourages parents in the area of infant sleep, nutrition, activities and family balance. She publishes regular ezine and blog articles to provide free parenting tips, tools and resources to educate and support those caring for young babies and children. For more online resources visit http://www.settlepetal.com
If you have recently had baby number two and things are getting a little tense with your toddler, then put yourself in your toddler’s shoes for a moment…
You are the centre of attention and have had every need met at the time you have usually demanded it. Cuddles when you need them, sitting on a knee to have stories anytime and food as requested, then all of a sudden your mummy goes away for a few days and life just isn’t the same. She brings back a little bundle that cries night and day and demands her instant attention. Your mummy seems tired and does not have the time to spend with you and gets cranky at things that normally wouldn’t have mattered. You find you have to do things that you know will make her give you attention.
This can be a difficult time for all but there are a few things that can be done in regards to your toddler that can help this situation be less stressful. These include:
· Try to avoid making any changes in your toddler’s life either two months before or two months after a new baby arrives. This could include things like toilet training, changing into a bed, starting day careand moving house
· Introduce your toddler to visitors as the big brother or sister not the baby as their little baby. This makes your toddler feel important
· Use a toddler feeding bag. This is a small collection of your toddler’s popular food choices (not junk), favourite books that they can look at alone or with you, puzzles that are age appropriate, a new toy from the baby, easy to use drink bottle of water and a short dance or music DVD. Have all these itemsin an easy to open bag or box that your toddler brings out only at baby’s feed time, then puts it away when feed time is finished
· Have your toddler fetch and carry things for you; it makes them feel important and a valuable member of the family team
· Don’t push your toddler away from being with you and the baby. Instead, help them to be involved by showing and encouraging them with the behaviour that you expect. Just telling your toddler to be gentle and not poke the baby’s eyes will not be enough. Show them how and where is acceptable to touch the baby such as stroking them on the head
· Read books together about families
· Give your toddler attention when the baby is up not only when they are asleep
· Keep your toddler’s life as routine as it was before the baby was born. If you do not have them in a routine, it will be time for you to establish one. FREE GIFT of Suggested Routines
· Give extra cuddles and make eye contact down at your toddler’s level as much as possible
· Understand that your toddler’s world has changed and for a while they may regress with more night waking, more toilet accidents (if previously toilet trained) and food refusal for a short time. Hang in there; keep your cool while encouraging acceptable behaviour; it will pass.
Learn more about the life on planet toddler in Being a Toddler eBook
If you like to include this article in your newsletter or website; you can, providing you include the following blurb with it:
This article was brought to you by Jan Murray, Private Child Health Consultant who is an internationally renowned expert in her field. Jan encourages parents in the area of infant sleep, nutrition, activities and family balance. She publishes regular ezine and blog articles to provide free parenting tips, tools and resources to educate and support those caring for young babies and children. For more online resources visit http://www.settlepetal.com
Is it nearly impossible to get them to listen to you?
Do you yell at your kids and then feel guilty about it?
I understand. It’s hard to feel good when your kids are driving you crazy. What if I told you that there are simple ways to solve these problems? The tools and tricks that I want to share with you are totally different. They work. They reduce your stress and bring more smiles to your family. If this interests you, please keep reading.
My name is Chris Thompson. I’m a father and an expert in communication strategies, language patterns, influence and persuasion. I created “Talking to Toddlers” as a tool for parents. It shows you exactly how to get the positive results that you want with your toddler or preschooler. I use these tools with my children, and I teach other parents to do the same. Now it’s your turn to learn these valuable tools.
Breast milk of course is the absolute best milk for your baby during the first one or two years but if this is not possible there are other alternatives; but which one do you choose?
In days gone by babies were given watered down ‘carnation milk’, ‘condensed milk’ or cow’s milk; some added ‘Pentavite’ for vitamins, some did not. Research has shown that these are not the best choices for babies and could even do harm.
Today in 2010, we are fortunate enough to have infant formula that has been researched, modified and tested and continues to be researched to provide milk closest to living breast milk. It is commercially synthesised therefore it will never reach the premium standard of natural breast milk but at least it has to be better than what our ancestors used.
Up until the age of 12 months a baby requires an infant formula for optimum digestion and nutrients.
There are many types and brands of milks listed under the age categories of starter (1), follow on (2) or toddler (3). ‘Starter’ and ‘Progress’ formulas are complete food substitutes but ‘toddler milk’ is like a vitamin in milk form and not a food substitute. ‘Progress’ (2) formulas have added iron and nutrients for increased growth and development requirements but if the ‘starter’ formula is better tolerated after six months and solid food has been introduced then it is not absolutely necessary to use.
Cow’s milk based infant formula – This is commercially modified cow’s milk to resemble breast milk and is suitable for most babies. It is not suitable when babies have a cow milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance or have parents who want to keep away from animal based foods. Some milks have now been further enhanced with added docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Omega – 3 fatty acids and prebiotics and probiotics for added immunity and digestion. Research is ongoing for even further refinements.
Goat milk based infant formula – This commercially modified goat milk contains slightly less lactose than cow’s milk with the protein similar to cow’s milk but forms a softer non clustered curd. These facts can make goat milk formula easier to digest for some babies.It is more rapidly digested therefore can be helpful for a baby with reflux.
Soy based infant formula – This milk is commercially made from the soya beans which have similar protein content to cow’s milk. It contains lactose. During processing the protein is isolated without its cofactors needed for digestion and metabolism and therefore is not a good choice for babies.
Lactose free infant formula (LF)- This milk is usually cow milk based and has no lactose. This formula may help babies who suffer from excessive wind, explosive poos and unsettled sleep patterns due to lower bowel pain.
Anti Refluxinfant formula (AR)- This is usually a cow milk based formula that has been thickened using either carob bean gum or maltodextrin (enzymatically derived from any starch but usually corn or wheat). This thickened milk is for babies who have difficulty keeping milk down. Depending on the thickening agent used this milk may not be suitable for babies who are lactose or wheat intolerant.
Protein modifiedcow milk infant formula (HA)- In this milk the cow milk protein has been broken down to make it easier for babies to digest and is an alternative milk for babies who have a primary risk of dairy allergy. Do not use if a baby has already been exposed to dairy through breast milk or another formula.
Protein free infant formula – An extensively hydrolysed 100% whey protein specialty formula for babies with a diagnosed dairy protein or soy allergy. Medical supervision is required for babies on this formula and in Australia is only available by script.
Casein dominant or whey dominant infant formula –Whey and casein are the proteins found in milk. Whey dominant formula is the most common on the market, is closest to breast milk and digested quicker than casein based. Very hungry babies are thought to do better on casein dominant formula.
After 12 months a baby’s gut is mature enough to progress onto cow’s milk or an alternative such as rice milk, oat milk, soy milk, goat milk or toddler milk. These milks are not natural or organic but the choice of which one to use is yours. Babies require full fat milk until at least 2 years old.
Goat milk has a similar protein in a comparable quantity to cow’s milk but forms a softer, non clustered curd and contains slightly less lactose, possibly making it easier to digest.It is more rapidly digested, therefore may be helpful for an infant with reflux or frequent positing. It is usually not tolerated by those who have a cow milk protein allergy.
Cow milk is a nutrient dense food when ingested in its raw organic form (breast milk or unpasteurised milk) but unfortunately vitamins and minerals are lost today with the pasteurisation and homogenisation process (heating it to make it better for us!) There is also a difference in milk produced from relaxed cows grazing in open fields of grasses and flowers to a mass produced commercially fed cow living in overcrowded cement floor stalls. Milk just isn’t the same milk as years past. Lactose free cow’s milk is also available.
Soya milk is made from soya beans and has the equivalent amount of protein to cow’s milk therefore it is not tolerated if allergic to cow milk protein. Research shows that processed soy can prevent the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The commercial processing involved in isolating the protein in soya beans leaves out the natural digestive and metabolism cofactors, deeming soya milk often difficult to digest.
Rice milk is made from brown rice, has no lactose and is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals, and is higher in carbohydrate and lower in protein and calcium. A suitable milk alternative when cow, goat and soy milks need to be avoided.
Oat milk is made from whole oats making it higher in fibre than other milks. It is usually calcium fortified and naturally sweet.
Toddler milk is marketed for toddlers 12 months to 3 years. Yes, it contains added nutrients and iron but if a toddler’s diet is adequate then this milk is unnecessary. It can be helpful for a poor eater as it increases iron into their diet which will improve their appetite as well as supplying a balanced amount of nutrients. Do not give more than the required milk intake as it is NOT a substitute to food.
A toddler will have tantrums. After all that is what they are known for!!!
Toddler’s are at an age where they are learning how things work and what sort of attention their behaviour will attract. This is normal however everything is harder to cope with when a person is tired. Most parents have probably experienced that in their own lives.
A day in the life of a toddler requires a feed, play, sleep balance to minimize fluctuating behaviour.
A toddler needs 5 meals evenly spaced over a day. All foods should contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. They should not be highly processed or contain refine sugars, preservatives and additives.
A toddler generally requires one or two sleeps during the day and 10 hours sleep overnight to function at their best.
When a child is given nutritious food at regular intervals and adequate rest their tantrums are much more short lived and easier to control allowing boundaries easier to establish and adhere to.
You can help your child make the transition from a cot to a bed when you and your child are ready. You will find this transition is the easiest to manage after your child turns 2 years old.
Below are some signs that indicate that it is time for your infant to move out of their cot.
·Climbs or falls head first out of their cot
·Thrashes around in their cot and seems unable to get comfortable
·Asks you for a “big bed”
·When they are toilet trained by day and then start to call out at night to use the toilet
· A new baby coming and the cot will be needed
Suggestions that can help your child move out of a cot and into a bed…
·Make the changes when there are no other changes happening in the child’s life
·If another baby is on the way, make the changes at least 2 months before or after their arrival
·They may like to help you chose the sheets
·Idea 1: Take away the cot surrounds and place the cot mattress on the floor in the same spot for a few days or a week before changing into the bed
·Idea 2: Bring the big bed into the same room as the cot, leaving cot assembled and start day naps and reading books on their new bed for a week before sleeping in it
·Have a calm and comforting pre-bedtime routine established before making the transition
·Have some of this on the big bed reading or chatting
·Tuck them in and ensure they know you expect them to stay in bed
·If they get out of bed, take their hand and walk them back to bed calmly and confidently, with no eye contact or conversation. Continue walking them back in this manner until they stay there. Do this consistently for 3 weeks before a new habit is established.
Food can have a significant calming effect on a body or an energizing effect. When you have children who do not sleep well, it is useful to understand what type of food fuels energy and what food fuels the release of sleep inducing hormones serotonin and melatonin.
The effect foods have on the body begins to occur about 30 minutes after they are eaten therefore it is beneficial to give a young child an appropriate snack or drink 30 minutes before you expect them to be asleep. This does not mean holding off their dinner but rather giving them a little something extra as well.
Red meat, sausages, ham, simple carbohydrates such as white rice, potatoes and white bread, butter and sugary foods are best given earlier in the day to avoid the increased energy effect. Brown rice and wholegrain bread are even better choices for helping a child sustain their energy levels.
Foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan are suitable for a child’s evening meal and pre bedtime snack because they promote sleep and control hunger. Here is a list of some dinner or evening snack suggestions for your child.
1. Wholegrain cereal with warm milk
2. Natural yoghurt and sliced apple
3. Wholegrain rice cake spread with avocado
4. Melted hard cheese on wholegrain toast
5. Cashew or peanut butter spread on a dry wholegrain and oat wheat-bix
6. Cottage cheese and tuna with avocado
7. Eggs and wholegrain toast fingers
8. Rice pudding made with brown rice
These foods not only encourage calmness and sleep but they are easily digested allowing the body to be resting rather than digesting a heavier meal overnight. Perhaps this information on food is worth thinking about for your own adult diet and not just that of your children.
A baby becomes a toddler at 12 months old. By this age they will have gained about triple their birth weight and by the end of their toddler stage at 3 years, they will have developed 90% of their adult brain.
In addition to physical growth, toddler-hood is a period during which your child will experience great social, emotional and cognitive development. The speed of growth in these areas may depend on the toddler’s position within the family (only child, older/younger sibling etc) as well as their exposure to experiences and sensory stimulation such as a stressful environment, general involvement in life or travel.
Toddlers are concrete thinkers…
For toddlers to be able to understand and talk about things, they need to physically see, touch and handle them. Just watching it on TV is not enough.
“When children play they approach experiences with interest, ownership, empowerment and possibility. If we remove play from children’s lives we remove a possibility for learning”.
Carla Rinaldi.
Below is a list of games and toys that will enhance a toddler’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
•Simple puzzles
•Link-up such as trains and trucks
•Stacking blocks and cups
•Put in and pull out such as shapes and buckets, pegs and bag
•Picture books with objects, animals, lift up and noises
•Knobs and buttons such as phones, cash register
•Play games that give them the opportunity to say ‘no’ (is dad under the bed?)
•Dress ups such as a box containing bags, hats, shoes and jackets
•Match up games; asking what thing is the same-colours and shapes
•Household activities with their own miniature tools such as sweeping, phone, bath doll, tool box
•Allow them time to play uninterrupted on their own
As I mentioned there is a lot of brain development that happens during these early years which comes about through the connection (synapses) between cells (neurons). These connections require appropriate sensory stimulation for their replication. A lack of brain usage or stimulation leads to fewer synaptic connections and neural pathways being developed.
The ability to learn in the future has a direct relationship to what you are preparing their brain for in these early years.
Taking your toddler shopping can be a fun experience for some and a nightmare
for others. This can be due to different reasons
1. Are they tired?
2. Should they have been fed before they went out?
3. Are they unwell or teething?
4. Does their personality prefer the quiet and not the crowds, lights, noises and smells?
5. Have there been a lot of changes in their life lately such as starting daycare.
Whatever the reason for poor behaviour when you are out shopping it can be distracted with a little effort. Try and get them involved.
Perhaps you could help them to …
* pick a specific coloured item out
* locate a certain item on the shelf
* get them to pass things to you
* ask them to place things in the trolley (not the breakables!!)
* spot different shapes
* sit in the trolley and write their own list
For a toddler life is learning through play and your job can be a lot more fun if you get involved.
As a parent myself I know there is always a million things to do and never enough time to do them in but a useful bit of information that I discovered was…
“Don’t rush your toddler.
Give them time to complete whatever it is they are doing. They may be in the middle of solving something very important.”
Try slowing your life down today and see if it makes a difference to your toddler’s behaviour.
Has anyone experienced positive behaviour in their toddler when they slowed down and enjoyed their toddler’s play experiences?
