Nanas Noows

Govt bans traditional cribs, blamed for dozens of infant, toddler deaths in last decade - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

2010-12-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

End of the road for the drop-side crib....farewell after many tragedies due to faulty siderails.

Govt bans traditional cribs, blamed for dozens of infant, toddler deaths in last decade - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Holiday Safety...

2010-12-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Holiday Safety...

Sleepy Baby: Hospital Essentials...

2010-12-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

Sleepy Baby: Hospital Essentials...: "http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40490920#40490920 If you are expecting the 'what to take to the hospital' is a definite list that..."

Age at First Pregnancy Associated with Breast Cancer Risk

2010-12-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Age at First Pregnancy Associated with Breast Cancer Risk

Disney’s Tangled: One Family’s Review

2010-11-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

Should you take your grandchildren to see this Disney movie...over the holidays?

Disney’s Tangled: One Family’s Review

Can Empathy be taught....

2010-11-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/fighting-bullying-with-babies/

Apparently empathy can be taught to school children. Babies can help teach older children empathy. This article has some video linked to it which show how babies offer their help to adults without any prompts.
Empathy in children can be damaged by caregivers not responding to them when they are in need or being physically or emotionally abused. The findings discussed in this article have implications for adults as well.

Sleepy Baby: Back to Standard Time...

2010-11-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

Sleepy Baby: Back to Standard Time...: "If you have a baby that still takes a nap you will have to do a little adjusting to get him/her onto the new time schedule. Probably this mo..."

Discipline: Stop Before Entering

2010-10-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Discipline: Stop Before Entering

Wonderful parenting blog...discipline is so difficult and every parent has their own issues with it.

How do we actually discipline in a way that is effective?

One of the keys is to be consistent with the rules of good behavior so that your child knows what is expected of him/her. This is not always easy but it is necessary for all the caregivers to be "on the same page" with the child's behavior expectations and the discipline rules.

Check out this blog and see for yourself.

Toddlers and the I-Phone...

2010-10-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Toddlers and the I-Phone...

You're Pregnant, Have a Drink

2010-10-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

You're Pregnant, Have a Drink

What do you think about this controversy?

The Fisher-Price Recall: More than 10 Million Products

2010-10-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Fisher-Price Recall: More than 10 Million Products

Katy Perry sings "Hot N Cold" with Elmo on Sesame Street!

2010-09-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Okay...do you find this offensive? Many parents did!

Be mindful of gratitude

2010-09-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Be mindful of gratitude

School Lunch Dilemmas???

2010-09-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

http://community.parenthood.com/_Dietitian-Offers-Advice-On-Packing-School-Lunches/video/404343/40337.html

School lunches... need ideas...here they are complete with video.

Kids and lunch and healthy all in one place.

Quick and Yummy Power Breakfasts

2010-09-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Quick and Yummy Power Breakfasts

Now that school has started it is so important to start your child out with a good breakfast as well as something that they will actually eat. Here are some great suggestions.

There really is no good excuse for a skimpy breakfast...yes it does take time but it will give your child a healthy start to his/her day.

Children need breakfast to give them the energy that they need to put into a day in school. Don't forget a healthy lunch as well.

Depression in Young Children...

2010-09-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Depression in Young Children...

Family Time....Meal Time....

2010-08-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Family Time....Meal Time....

Co-sleeping and more...

2010-08-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Co-sleeping...and more...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/9nsqoq/blogs.babble.com/family-style/2010/08/26/the-smartest-coolest-baby-bed-ever//r:f

For those of you who are interested in a co-sleeper that is a crib…bassinet and moses basket all in one this is worth looking into.

Attachment parenting is not for everyone but it is a concept that is certainly popular and has merit.

Take a look see for yourselves! Happy sleeping!

Involving Children in Food

2010-08-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

Involving Children in Food

I love this mom's discussion about how she is trying to involve her little ones in foods that are healthy and good for them. This is an awesome responsibility for a mom these days with all the choices out in the marketplace. It is certainly not easy.

If you enjoy the preparing of the food along with choosing the ingredients with thought and love this will impress your children and help them with forming their attitudes towards eating.

Enjoy this mom's story...

Breast Feeding and Medications

2010-08-02T20:07:00.001-07:00

As always a very good link to the March of Dimes with some helpful information for breastfeeding moms.
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7921

"Getting baby to give up bottle"...

2010-07-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

"Getting baby to give up bottle"...

Parents as Equals!!!

2010-07-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/parents-as-teammates/
Fathers are very important in children's lives and it is sometimes difficult for moms to share the # 1 spot in a child's world...read on!!!

Plugged in Parents...

2010-07-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Are you a "plugged in parent"? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/garden/10childtech.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&emc=eta1

How is this affecting your children. I have often thought about this as I watch moms pushing strollers and talking on their cellphones rather than interacting with their babies.

I remember that when I spent prolonged periods of time in the car with my little ones it was a time for interaction.

Many hours were spent talking, playing games, singing and listening to stories on tape. There were no cellphones, no DVRs.

So we had to interact and use our imagination to keep the long and short rides tolerable. There were not even earphones so no one could remain in their own world during a car trip.

Are we missing opportunities to interact with our children and grandchildren at home and on the "go" and is this having a detrimental affect on them and their ability to interact in the future???

Are we passing on our "soft addictions" to the kids in our care?

What are your thoughts???

Your senses and your baby!!!

2010-07-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

We have 5 senses that can help us care for our children. For more information check out the following link.

http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/using-your-5-senses-to-make-sense-of-your-baby-tick-s-body-signs

PhD in Parenting

2010-07-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

PhD in Parenting

Separation Anxiety – Your Child and Your’s

2010-07-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Separation Anxiety – Your Child and Your’s

Chocolate and Pre-eclampsia???

2010-07-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Chocolate and Pre-eclampsia???

Wearing a Toddler

2010-07-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

Wearing a Toddler

Study: Postpartum depression affects fathers too - latimes.com

2010-05-22T07:46:00.003-07:00

Study: Postpartum depression affects fathers too - latimes.com

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Study: Postpartum depression affects fathers too - latimes.com

2010-05-22T07:46:00.001-07:00

Study: Postpartum depression affects fathers too - latimes.com

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Top Toddler Fears - What Scares Babies and Toddlers Most

2010-05-04T18:48:00.001-07:00

Learn what tops the list of the scariest stuff for young children and how you can use playtime to conquer those worries.

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Baby's First Four Months Continued....

2010-04-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

Baby's First Four Months Continued....

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FilmInFocus - video - Babies The Trailer

2010-04-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

FilmInFocus - video - Babies The Trailer

Top Toddler Fears - What Scares Babies and Toddlers the Most

2010-04-12T06:06:00.001-07:00

"Read this on separation anxiety!!!"

"What happened to my well-adjusted child?" It can be frustrating and unnerving to see your toddler shrink in fear from the neighbors' friendly dog or burst into tears as you head out the door. Get more info on common fears and how to support your little one.

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Spring Holidays!

2010-04-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

This week celebrates Passover and Easter. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. See you next week!

Pregnancy and Depression

2010-03-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is a good article about depression that affects women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Sometimes the signs are so subtle that women feel that their feelings are just related to hormonal changes due to pregnancy...this may or may not be true. In any case depression can be debilitating and can get worse if not treated. It does not always require medication.
Depression can be controlled through medications, diet, exercise and with therapy depending on the type of depression and the seriousness of it. The important thing is to recognize it and get good help.
Check out the link below from the March of Dimes dedicated to the health of children.
www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_15663.asp

BabySteals.com | Quality, name brand baby and maternity products, one ultimate deal at a time until it's sold out!

2010-03-24T18:45:00.001-07:00

BabySteals.com | Quality, name brand baby and maternity products, one ultimate deal at a time until it's sold out!

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Discipline for Softies

2010-03-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Discipline for Softies

Graco Recalls Harmony(tm) High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

2010-03-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Graco Recalls Harmony(tm) High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

Parents: Use Extra Caution When Wearing Baby Slings

2010-03-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Parents: Use Extra Caution When Wearing Baby Slings

Reward or Punishment? How to Get the Behavior You Want - Parenthood.com

2010-03-16T17:47:00.001-07:00

Reward or Punishment? How to Get the Behavior You Want - Parenthood.com

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Baby and Toddler Nutrition – Rules for Feeding Children

2010-03-15T06:55:00.001-07:00

"This is a good web link for baby nutrition...and starting solid food."

Feeling overwhelmed by what you need to feed your newborn, infant, or toddler? Our pediatrician has taken the guesswork out of child nutrition!

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Toddler Development in Weeks 79 and 80: The Effects of Emotional Eavesdropping - Your Clever Toddler

2010-03-13T06:15:00.001-08:00

"This is a wonderful article on toddler's learning from eavesdropping on what is going on around them! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead tonight!!!"

Even when your child isn't being addressed directly, he's absorbing information from the conversations around him. Learn why that's helpful (but a little tricky) around now.

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Anxiously awaiting the birth of a grandchild!

2010-03-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I recently read a comment from a grandmother who was so anxious to become a grandmother that it was somewhat overwhelming to her. She was a woman in her early 50's who had been forced to retire due to an injury and now this grandchild was all important to her.
I began to wonder if this is a common phenomenon with grandmothers and their first grandchild. Is it peculiar to grandchildren born to daughters rather than to daughter-in-laws. Do we mistakenly refer to ourselves as "mama" sometimes, when alone and talking to our grandchild? If so why is this? Is it role confusion as we adjust to actually being a grandmother.
How does it feel when we first see our grandchild? How do we make the adjustment to being a grandmother when it seems like only yesterday we were holding our own child who has now just had her own baby.
Our children are always our children so how do we suddenly deal with the role of grandparent particularly grandmother? Is it difficult for some more than others? How is it for those grandparents who become the primary caregivers of the grandchildren for whatever reason?

On the flip side of this experience how do grandparents for whatever reason not develop a relationship with their grandchild? How do they stay away by their own choice. As parents themselves how can they deny their grandchild this relationship, what kind of parent were they and what kind of parent will their child be with them as parenting models? It seems to me that as parents we must model parenting skills for our own children and that includes being a good grandparent to our grandchildren. It is a belief of mine that grandparents must make the effort to stay in touch with their grandchildren and not expect their children to always be bringing the grandchildren for a visit and initiating contact. Children need family connections in their lives and in our adult wisdom we should try our hardest to provide this with no strings attached.
Try to balance parenting with grandparenting by remembering to not confuse the roles and by always respecting our grandchild's parents and their wishes.

Nana's Clinical Practice

2010-02-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a week in Rhode Island. It is truly wonderful to be by the sea for any period of time or anytime of year...in my opinion!
This year I am hoping to begin developing my private clinical social work practice more and more. My hope is to connect with more young mothers and work with child issues such as the early issue of sleep and its importance for a happy and healthy baby. With all that is now known through neuroscience and brain development a child's early stages become that much more significant in terms of future learning.I will continue to work as a mentor to new social workers as well.
As I progress along this goal...I hope that you stay with me both here and at www.babydreamzzz.com.
I am available on e-mail, skype, telephone and in person for consultations!
Have a great weekend. Lorette

Bedtime Routine Improves Sleep In Infants And Toddlers, Maternal Mood

2010-02-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Bedtime Routine Improves Sleep In Infants And Toddlers, Maternal Mood

Decode Your Child’s Cough

2010-02-19T08:11:00.001-08:00

"This is an excellent article about a child's cough and what it can mean! It gives you guidelines about what to observe about your child's symptoms and what to tell your pediatrician. Keep it handy with your pediatrician's phone number."

Diagnose your baby or child's cough using the tips in this helpful guide.

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Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
Today of course is Valentine's Day. I can think of no better way to celebrate than by considering your heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women...it is so important for us to know our numbers and get serious about our heart health.
You all should know your cholesterol levels, HDL and LDL, triglycerides, blood sugar, and waist size. All of these are important predictors of heart health.

Check out the website www.goredforwomen.org for helpful information and make sure to read the signs of a heart attack that are common to women.

Carry regular aspirin with you so that you can chew one if you experience what you think might be a heart attack. I know it tastes awful but it gets into your bloodstream faster if you chew it rather than swallow it whole. Timing is everything when it comes to heart attacks.

I had open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair 2 years ago...it was very scary to walk into Northwestern Memorial Hospital here in Chicago with my family at 5 a.m. in the morning knowing what I was in for that day. I had worked many years ago as a nurse in the Recovery Room with post-operative heart surgery patients and it was one surgery I knew that I never wanted to have. After having the surgery it turned out to be all that I had worried about...even with a most competetent cardiovascular team and great nursing staff. Knowing too much was not a good thing in my case.

What I do know for sure is that I would not want to have to have another cardiovascular surgery if I could at all help it! Keeping up with your heart health is very important.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

Nana

HealthyChildren.org - Putting Back-Sleeping Concerns to Rest

2010-02-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

HealthyChildren.org - Putting Back-Sleeping Concerns to Rest
This is a good article on "back sleeping" and any concerns that parents or grandparents may have! Check it out! Nana

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

2010-02-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

As much as we hate to think about it SIDS is the number one cause of infant death in the United States. According to Parents Magazine's article ninety percent of SIDS deaths occur in babies who are younger than 6 months.
Sleeping habits of the baby in your life are very important. In the last policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics in November 2005 on SIDs there were 5 Safety Guidelines.

Infants should be placed on their backs for sleep. This is non-negotiable according to AAP and has been recommended since 1992. The fact is that babies might very well sleep more soundly on their stomachs but that this could contribute to SIDS. It may allow them to not get enough oxygen and actually rebreath carbon dioxide which can be deadly.

This recommendation alone has decreased SIDS by more than 50%!

Share your bedroom with your baby during your child's first 6 months of life. Babies do not fall into such a sound sleep in the parent's room. They stir at the noises that the parents make and believe it or not these stirrings are protective.

Do not over dress your infant so that he/she is too warm while in bed as this causes a baby to fall into too sound a sleep and it can be difficult to awaken him.

Breastfeed. Breastfed babies are more easily roused from sleep that those that are formula fed.

Give your baby a pacifier. The reason for this is not clear. It maybe that the sucking action may keep the baby's tongue in the forward position which keeps the airway open.

It is also very important to make sure that other caregivers like grandparents follow these guidelines as well. According to AAP, in the US 20% of SIDS deaths occur while the baby is being care for by someone other than a parent.

A crib should be a safe place with nothing in it such as stuffed animals, pillows, comforters and loose blankets. Even bumper pads are not recommended unless they are very thin and well secured to the sides of the crib.

Don't be tempted to make the baby's room too warm either...if it is comfortable for an adult in a short sleeved shirt then it is good for the baby.

Of course check with your baby's pediatrician for direct advice as the above are opinions of the AAP and other sources. Your own doctor is always your source for guidance.

As always feel free to send your comments or questions. Have a great day.
Nana

Nannies and Babysitters

2010-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Sorry it has been such a long time since I've posted! But I have come across a wonderful website worth looking into if you have a need for a sitter or nanny when you travel or just on a daily basis. See for yourself by logging on to http://www.sittercity.com. You do not have to be a member to peruse the site. You must purchase usage if you wish to view more info about possible sitters.

I have also previously mentioned "Your Baby Can Read" as a product worth looking into for your child or grandchild. It is based on the growth and development of babies and the rate at which their brains are making lifelong neural connections. They can actually learn to recognize the written word and make the connection with the pictures and the actions associated with those words at a very early age.

I am quite impressed with the materials that are in this program and it is based upon what is currently known about brain development in babies and children. It is pricey and not for those who do not have the time to devote to the program but it actually does not take an enormous amount of time just a willingness to work the program on a daily basis. It is a great time to interact with the child in your life.

I hope that you all are enjoying the winter months and indoor time as best you can....reading is one of those things to do when we cannot be outside.
That is all for now!
Nana

Earthquake Strikes Haiti

2010-01-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

Earthquake Strikes Haiti

How Your Baby’s Developmental Changes Affect Sleep - Parenthood.com

2010-01-13T11:25:00.001-08:00

How Your Baby’s Developmental Changes Affect Sleep - Parenthood.com

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Toddler Development in Weeks 57 and 58: Why Copying Builds Relationships - Your Clever Toddler

2010-01-13T11:22:00.001-08:00

"This is nice information about our toddler grandchildren. Enjoy! Nana"

Reflecting your child's speech and copying her actions affirms her existence—it's actually the highest form of flattery for her! Learn why no toddler can resist the pleasures of mimicry and why it's the perfect way to build a relationship with any child, no matter her age.

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How Your Baby’s Developmental Changes Affect Sleep - Parenthood.com

2010-01-10T20:23:00.001-08:00

How Your Baby’s Developmental Changes Affect Sleep - Parenthood.com

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Toddler Development Weeks 69 and 70: Copying Behavior from the TV Screen - Your Clever Toddler

2010-01-06T19:44:00.001-08:00

"This is interesting information concerning toddlers and television! Discuss among yourselves! Nana"

Though your little one may just gape passively as you flip through the channels, there's a lot on the screen that he's absorbing right now. Learn why toddlers are especially susceptible to what they see on TV.

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Baby Toys :: Categories :: Kids Best Toys Online (Page 6)

2009-12-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Baby Toys :: Categories :: Kids Best Toys Online (Page 6)

Winter Holiday Safety Tips

2009-12-05T07:09:00.001-08:00

"This is a good reference for baby and toddler holiday safety!
Have a good weekend! :) Nana"

Learn how to find and eliminate potential dangers from holiday lights and decorations.

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Babyproofing Your Home: Advice and Tips for Baby Proofing Your House

2009-12-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

"This is good information for babyproofing your home for the "cruising" toddler. :) Nana"

Before your child begins to crawl, use this helpful checklist of household precautions to make your home a safe place for your growing baby.

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Baby's Sleep

2009-12-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

One thing that really has credence is the idea of "sleep training".

Sleep training sounds a bit harsh but essentially it helps exhausted parents by giving them the tools to use to actually get their little one to sleep through the night, take a nap and self-soothe so that when he awakens during the night he will be able to soothe himself back to sleep. It is really more or less about training the parents not the child. Parents are sometimes actually the problem when it comes to their little one learning to fall asleep and sleep through the night.

It is important to remember to establish a bedtime routine as soon as around 3 to 4 months of age. There should be a quiet time before bed like story time, perhaps a bath or a relaxing baby massage. It should be a time for baby to unwind with mom and dad or whoever is putting baby to bed.

It is also key for grandparents and babysitters to adhere as closely as possible to the bedtime routine as well. If you like to rock with baby make sure that when you put baby in his crib he is sleepy but still awake. Remember that baby will get used to falling asleep in some one's arms and then will want to do this as his routine.

It is my belief that when baby cries for more that a couple of minutes after being put to bed, someone should check on him to make sure he is alright and then leave him alone to go to sleep. Personally, I am not a fan of the "cry it out method", unless it is used when a parent is trying to correct a situation where perhaps baby has been falling asleep being rocked or held and you are now trying to establish a new routine by teaching him to self soothe.

It is well worth the effort to establish a bedtime routine early so that both parents and baby are enjoying some healthy sleep habits and happy wake times together.

Happy Sleeping!

; ) Nana

Cruising....

2009-11-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

I hope that your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one!
i find watching a little one learning to walk very very interesting and something that parents and grandparents cannot make happen any faster. It happens when baby is ready usually around the age of 1 year. There are those that walk earlier and those that walk later.
Do not get impatient if baby is in the later category. Baby has been preparing for these first steps since she was born believe it or not. She has been exercising even in utero while she was developing. Watching those first milestones happen was all in preparation for those steps. Sitting, rolling over, crawling and cruising all happen in their own time as babies muscles develop and strengthen during that awesome first year of life.
Cruising around the furniture gets baby ready to go off on her own....and then watch out!!! Here she comes!
Baby proofing is now a necessity!
Stay tuned!
Lorette

Toddler Safety

2009-11-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

When you just have to get something done it used to be acceptable to have a "playpen" in your house for just those times. But they simply don't exist anymore for various reasons. Television has never been a good "babysitter". So what do you do when you have to make a phone call or have to send an e-mail to someone?

Here is a great article that just hit the spot and works for me when I want to make sure baby is safe.
Hope you find it helpful.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
:-) Lorette

Toddler Development in Weeks 65 and 66: Why TV Is a Bad Babysitter - Your Clever Toddler

2009-11-23T18:54:00.001-08:00

"This is a great suggestion of how to avoid television when we have to just get something done!"

It's a surefire way to keep your toddler occupied while you finish up dinner, send one last email, and call back your daycare provider. But studies show that too much time spent viewing TV and DVDs may lead to attention problems down the ro

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Swine Flu Symptoms and Treatments for Families

2009-11-21T05:54:00.001-08:00

"This is good information concerning the swine flu and children."

It's no ordinary flu season: Swine flu is here. But how much havoc will the H1N1 virus actually wreak? And what do you need to do to stay healthy?

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Music for Toddlers

2009-11-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

It seems that as a grandma I am not as familiar with the music CDs that are available for toddlers these days. But I did come across this article about music that is fun to listen to for a long time to come.
I hope you all enjoy this one. Have a nice weekend.
Lorette

An Offbeat Guide to Kids' Music - Choosing Music for Babies and Kids

2009-11-20T12:11:00.001-08:00

Certain musicianship and production characteristics can help you build a library of music that both kids and adults will appreciate. A mom and music buff helps us select kids' songs that withstand the test of time.

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Baby Signing...

2009-11-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

It is believed that signing may improve language and vocabulary. We teach our little ones to wave good bye which is actually signing. It is very nice when a baby can sign instead of resorting to screaming for what they want out of frustration. Screaming seems to be a frustrated means of communication for babies. We know this because some of us resort to screaming ourselves.

Signing is not hard to teach to babies but it does take a certain amount of patience. It actually is an enhancement to baby's developing language skills. It is used alongside the spoken work and when baby is looking at you. So it also takes a certain amount of concentration for baby to look at you and take in what you are saying both at the same time.

Babies love to imitate so signing almost comes naturally to them at about 9 months when they begin to really babble and are trying to get your attention.

One of my favorite books for early signing is "My First Signs" published by Child's Play which is illustrated beautifully by Annie Kubler.

So try this with your little ones and enjoy this wonderful time together.

: ) Lorette

Interactive Baby

2009-11-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

Toddlers are developing their language skills quickly. Babies pick up the emotions behind the words that we use especially words like "No". The little ones can sense our feelings from the tone in our voices. So if we are arguing or yelling they do get a message...which is why they sometimes cry when they hear tones in our voices that evoke fear in them.

Between 12 and 18 months babies are really sponges with regard to vocabulary. It is really fun to begin to label things for him...not really labels but actually talking to him about the common objects he sees in his surroundings. I like to play a game while I am unloading the dishwasher...naming all the utensils and baby's dishes. So I get some thing done while baby is learning and sitting in the highchair safe and sound playing with some spoons and making delightful music.

As baby gets closer to 24 mos. he can understand simple questions... you can ask him if he wants more milk or crackers. He will be able to point out "doggy" or "ducky" in his favorite book. Although he may only be using about 50 words his understanding may include up to 200 words.

Between ages 2 and 3 baby may increase his vocabulary by 10 new ones per day. WOW!!! And this is when we hear some of the words that we say without realizing that baby is just waiting to surprise us by repeating these words oh so appropriately while they are playing. It is then that we realize how much they are listening to us.

Around 3 years old baby will understand adjectives and be able to sort objects into categories showing his understanding of nouns. He will understand verbs like run, walk, sit etc.

Understanding language development makes it easier for us to want to read to baby...it is never too early to read. Read often and interact by asking questions and answering them yourself at first so that baby begins to make connections with what he sees in pictures and words.

Repetitive rhymes and songs, animation in your speech, eye contact, speaking slowly and clearly all help baby turn babble into words.

I never did sign language with my children...but baby's understanding of language and his motor skills develop faster than his ability to speak. So it makes sense that signing would be a great way for baby to communicate at an early age.I am sure that you have noticed how much baby enjoys imitating you. Even as early as three months baby can imitate sticking out his tongue at you. Not to worry! Baby will forget this as he learns other behaviors. But it is fun to see them actually learn this imitated skill. Signing can help baby from becoming frustrated when they want something but as yet cannot verbalize what it is.

More discussion of signing to come....stay tuned.

Have a beautiful day. Lorette

Baby's Interactive Development

2009-11-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

Baby sounds are so intriguing! Right from the beginning parents and grandparents seem to be enthralled by all the sounds that baby makes.

The very first challenge is to try and figure out what these various sounds mean. During the 0-3 month period there are definitely different cries for different needs. There are also all those coos and vocalizations as well as smiles and grimaces in response to sounds. Babies at this age recognize familiar voices especially that of the mom who the baby has been listening to while in utero long before his birth.

During the 3-6 month period your baby and grandchild will begin making the consonant sounds such as "dada". You may wake up in the morning to your infant babbling to themselves in their crib...where they should surely be sleeping by now.

Sleep will be something that will deserve at least a week or more of blogs...there never seems to be enough of it to go around in a house with a new baby.

Baby develops a variety of sounds in their repetoire during 6-9 months. They also begin to imitate you in simple play. They recognize people and objects when named...so cute! And at around 9-12 months baby may begin to say "dada" and "mama". They begin to turn to the sound of their own name or nickname.

With all of this going on before our eyes we must keep up by activities that encourage language skills.

Check back tomorrow for suggestions to go along with the interactive milestones of baby's first year.

Enjoy today with your grand baby!--------------Lorette

Toddlerdom

2009-11-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

It has always been amazing to watch children develop. In my practice as a nurse and now as a social worker it is so important to acknowledge where a child is on the curve of growth and development.

Now that I am some one's Nana, I am witnessing all over again the miracle of growth and development from the total dependence of the newborn to the early toddler stage.

It so easy to enjoy if we simply provide the early toddler a safe environment to explore, simple toys, baby proofed surroundings and about 3 hours of closely supervised floor time per day. Of course not 3 consecutive hours unless you truly want to exhaust yourself and baby.

Play group activities are not even necessary but help the little toddler see other children the same age.

At this stage they really just parallel play but they are aware of each other and their first concept of sharing will start to emerge here. The toddler is very me oriented and this is normal...it is not selfish at all. First they have to discover themselves and gradually other children come into the equation as playmates...but for now things and themselves are their primary interest.

Thanksgiving and the holidays are coming...I hope you return for some more " noows".

For now.

Nana

P.S. Check www.babycenter.com for some very helpful information.

Nanas Noows

2009-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

You are reading the very first blog of Nanas Noows. This will be for anyone really, but especially for those of you who are "nanas" and want to keep up with your grandchild as he/she grows and develops. It will also try to help you to help your grandchild's parents by listening to and respecting their ideas of child raising no matter how frustrating that can be!

Did you know that the Maclaren strollers are having problems and many have been recalled. Please go to the Maclaren website to check this out if you own one of these strolllers.

Welcome again and continue to check in with us for more info as our blog develops.