Thursday, October 30, 2008

Toddler Entertainment

I just came across this fantastic book of 101 ways to entertain your toddler. You will certainly benefit from this Mom's writing. She is a mother of 5 children, and she knows what you need. If you have a few minutes of your day free from kids check it out.

Click Here!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I've put together some items from Amazon.com to help simplify your shopping searches. Please visit for great educational items for the early years. Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm starting right here on this site. Join in on some fun and educational shopping.. You can visit at http://astore.amazon.com/wwwtoddlertai-20

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Solo Time for Babies and Toddlers is a Positive Learning Experience by Connie Limon

Experts agree it is important for babies and toddlers to have time by themselves – solo time. Interaction with adults and peers is vital; however, it is just as important that your baby and/or toddler learn how to spend time by themselves. Some of the benefits of solo time include:

• Provides baby with a variety of learning opportunities
• Baby and/or toddler can explore his environment at his own pace
• Self-reliance
• Learns how to focus attention
• Learn from mistakes
• Strengthens identity
• Frees mom and dad to do tend to chores, make phone calls or just relax
• All the above experiences boost a child’s self-esteem

Children usually see themselves as a separate individual for the first time at around 8 months of age. Independent play helps a child become a friend to him and helps him to feel comfortable around other children.

A baby content to play solo is a great asset for parents as well. While your child is entertaining himself, mom or dad is free to do a chore, make phone calls, or just relax. Introducing your child to solo play is not just a matter of placing him in a room by himself and leaving him there.

Before you introduce your child to solo play, here are a few things you need to consider:

• Your child’s age and developmental stage (the older he is, the longer he will be able to play alone)
• Your child’s temperament (an even-tempered, calm child may be more willing to start solo play at a younger age than a feisty, demanding child.

To begin solo play:

• Establish an alone time period every day
• Put the child in a small area that has been childproofed
• Offer the child a few of his favorite toys or books
• Start playing or reading with him
• When your child is involved in an activity, remove yourself from his immediate vicinity.

If your baby is under one year old, do not leave him alone completely. Instead, sit a few feet away and offer words of encouragement every few minutes to help give your baby a sense of security. As your baby gets older, go to the other side of the room or leave the room entirely for short periods of time. Be sure to stay near enough to hear inside the room where baby is. Peek in regularly to ensure baby’s safety. Before you leave the room, talk to baby a little about what he is doing before you leave, and after you have peeked in on him.

Some children will stop playing as soon as you do. If this happens, try playing with him for a few seconds, then walk away for a few seconds. Return to play. Keep up this routine for a few days so your child understands when you leave, he can expect you to return shortly. Over time children become more interested in their toys than in your comings and goings.

If your baby cries the moment you are out of sight, try letting him initiate solo time. If he crawls into a nearby room, wait a minute or two before you follow him. If you need to leave baby for a few minutes, tell him you’re going and reassure him with your voice when he fusses rather than rushing back to him. It may take some time, but eventually your baby will learn being alone is not so scary.

It is not always the child who resists solo play. Sometimes it is mom or dad, who has received so much information about stimulating their children. If they are not stimulating some kind of activity every spare minute of the day they think they are doing something wrong and feel guilty.

The importance of quality time for parents and children cannot be overemphasized; however, parents should not take this concept to the extreme. It may be difficult to sit and watch your baby play alone. You just need to remind yourself that it is a necessary, positive learning experience for your child.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.babiesandtoddlers1.com About Babies and Toddlers is a collection of articles all about babies and toddlers available for information, education and FREE reprints to your newsletters, websites or blogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

An Addition To Baby's Security

Bringing up baby in today's world is so much easier than when I brought up my babies. Many of my kid's had security items, but none could ask for it without a whine or a tantrum.

My son became a father this year, and he is still teaching me things I don't know. I have learned so much from my kids, and I guess they are going to continue to teach their Mom. He and his wife are teaching their son Baby Sign Language. Of course, why not? I didn't know much about it, so I began researching why you would want to teach a hearing baby sign language.

Well, the kid's right again! It is absolutely the greatest thing! Why would anyone want to miss the first year of communication with their child? From birth the only form of communication babies have is crying. About 7 months later they begin to use gestures. This is usually where the security item shows it's true colors. They feel comfort in knowing it's in their hands. But what if he is thirsty? By learning sign language your child will be able to communicate his basic needs to you as early as 6 months. Just imagine the satisfaction of knowing just what your child is requiring, without tears and tantrums.

Search the net, you will find so much on this topic out there. It is so popular with parents, that I wish I had a young one myself to teach this to.

I am adding a link to this post, if you are interested in signing with your child, give it a visit.. I thought it was great information.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Best Baby Blankets

Okay, now I guess I come from the old school of parenting. Of all the security blankets that were held onto by my kids, none can compare to the blankets being sold today. I have been doing research daily on security blankets. It is amazing the quality of content out there. I visited a website today that I absolutely love. I had never heard about these blankets before, until I read an article about them, which I will be happy to share with you.

Visit the website, then check out the Max Daniel Baby Blankets! They are gorgeous! Wish I had one myself.

Here is the article, hope you enjoy it.


Luxurious Plush For Today's Baby By Melinda Franklin
Experiencing the comfort of the Max Daniel Baby Throws and blankets is something that Mommy can enjoy as much as baby! Max Daniel Baby's new Mommy Throws (72X 60) match many of the baby throws (36X32).

Max Daniel Baby is owned and operated by women in the United States. It, like many other businesses, has grown from a small business to a large operation that supplies upscale stores and boutiques with luxurious baby blankets. They also provide gifts to many executives in the movie industry and other high-profile industries.

Focusing on the trendy and luxurious baby throws, security blankets, burp cloths and the new Mommy Throws that have put Max Daniel Baby on the A-list of many celebrities today. They are made in the USA, and the quality or their material and craftsmanship cannot be beat. They are so gorgeous that you will almost be afraid to use them, but they machine wash beautifully. They are competitively priced for such luxury plush and satin
childrens throws and security blankets. Violet Affleck, daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, has a large selection of the Rosebuds and Satin throws in several colors. And the latest news-Jennifer Lopez is the newest celeb fan who has ordered custom items from Max Daniel Baby.

Their newest "STAR" to hit the town is their Mommy Throws. They offer these generously oversized (72X60) Mommy Throws in the Rosebud and Satin colors plus the Cheetah animal print. They make a great addition for any mommy who wants only the best for not only baby but for herself as well.

It's hard to select one favorite, so we actually have selected ALL of the animal pattern throws, security blankets and burp cloths. The Cheetah and "NEW" Leopard print throws are our favorites in the animal print group. They are plush on plush with a satin trim to finish the style. You have to applaud Max Daniel Baby for giving us these beautiful faux-fur, (no real fur is used) high quality animal print throws and security blankets. We give Max Daniel Baby further accolades for their animal patterned throws knowing that they donate 5% of net sales to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Be sure to take a look at the entire line of Rosebud and Satin solid colors, the Hotsy Totsy "Limited Edition" styles, the animal prints-Cheetah, Leopard, Zebra, Giraffe and Pony designs, and don't forget the Mommy Throws for the new Mommy and/or Daddy. All of the Max Daniel Baby Throws and Blankets make great shower gifts, gifts for new baby and mommy, birthday gifts for toddlers or any occasion that requires a "special gift" for a child.

Melinda Franklin of Tiny Tot Boutique, please visit http://www.tinytotboutique.com/ soon for all of the latest children's fashions.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Let's Face It - There Is Love In That Blanket!

So you've had your baby shower. You've gathered all the gifts, brought them home, and admired each one. Now you just have to wait for that special someone to come into the world.



You don't know it now, but one of these very gifts could be a tremendous help in your child's development. It may just be the one item that can give almost as much comfort and security as you can. When your child becomes attached to a security item, be it a blanket or a stuffed animal, it becomes very beneficial to his well-being.



It has been known that children who had security blankets as a child become much more independent adults. They are generally not anxious, or high strung. They have been able to release anxiety as a child, so that ability has been carried forward into their adulthood.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Can You Love That Dirty Blanket As Much As Your Child Does?

How can you love your child's security blanket as much as they do?


Take it from a mother of 2 beautiful children, grandmother of 3 awesome boys, and prior daycare provider of over 75 children, it can be done, and it is a wonderful thing!

It can actually be a parent's best friend also.
It stands in for you when you just can't get close enough at any particular time of the day or night.
It develops so much security, independence, and personality in your child that you just can't help loving it.

There may be times, if you look down, as your child is sleeping comfortably next to you on the couch, that your hands are attached to that little, yellow thing called "Blankie."Why is that? Could it be that it also serves as a little "security blanket" for you also? Of course it does. It makes you feel secure that your child is comforted by it.


If you have a blanket or comfort character in your family portrait, then you know exactly what I'm talking about:



That look of relief, as it is removed from the dryer.
The way it is held when watching TV.
The way the left corner is used to wipe away tears.
The way it can pick up every little piece of dust or pet hair in the entire house.
The way it lands of every page when you are reading your child a book.



But there is no greater comfort to any parent then the fact that their child feels secure with his friend. His fears are lifted, and his confidence is building. As your child grows, so will his confidence, and self-esteem. He will be able to conquer his fears alone, and you can thank his "Blankie", and yourself for giving him that sense of security during his infant years.