The Pros and Cons of the Cry It Out Method

The cry it out method is considered by some to be controversial. It is also called extinction sleep training, or Ferberizing. The idea is to let a baby cry for a period of time before they go to sleep. Parents who use this method must resist the urge to pick up and soothe their baby… for a little while. There are fans of the cry it out method and there are parents who strongly dislike it. What is the cry it out method? In 1985, pediatrician Richard Ferber presented a method of getting children to sleep. It was in his … Continue reading

Toddlers and the Flu Vaccine

Every parent, who has children under the age of five, quickly discovers that little kids are “germ spreaders.” One cannot be too surprised by this revelation. Toddlers, for example, tend to put things into their mouths, to pick their noses, and to strongly resists all parental attempts to wash their little faces and hands. As such, it is recommended that toddlers receive the flu vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) be given to children ages 2 through 8 years old. In addition, they recommend that kids between age 2 … Continue reading

Why you Should Read to your Baby

Do you read to your baby? The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines that recommend that parents read to their newborn infants. Some parents may not be doing that because it never occurred to them that babies benefit from being read to. There are some very good reasons for parents to read to their babies and young children! The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that parents who read to their children nurture not only their children’s literary skills, but also much more. They have put together some easy to read information that points out the benefits that come … Continue reading

Baby’s 9 Month Well Visit

So, yesterday, my baby had his 9 month well child visit at the pediatrician’s office. The 9 month visit is usually an easy one because no vaccines are involved. So, there was a lot of just talking and visiting with the pediatrician. My baby put on the charms. He was laughing and smiling like crazy at the doctor who has a habit of working hard to get the smiles out of my kids. He acts pretty silly at times, and that is something my kids love. We also discussed eating. Solids have been a little bit of a challenge for … Continue reading

What To Do If Your Toddler Acts Like A Baby

Did you know that toddlers sometimes regress and act like babies even if there is not an actual baby around the house? Whether the regression in your toddler’s behavior is due to the arrival of a sibling, a major change like a move, starting preschool or day care, a divorce, or even just simply feeling overwhelmed by being a big boy or a big girl it is perfectly normal. It is also okay for you to play along and baby your toddler by letting him or her drink water from a bottle, snuggle on your lap, have extra hugs and … Continue reading

Parents of Kids With Autism Don’t Always Trust Pediatricians

Parents have to place a tremendous amount of trust in whomever they select as their child’s pediatrician. Researchers found that parents of kids with autism often don’t trust their pediatricians, and, that some pediatricians doubt their own knowledge about treating autism. A new study validates what previous studies have found. It also backs up what many parents of children who have autism feel about their pediatricians. There is a certain amount of distrust happening. The research involved interviews with 20 parents who had children between the ages of three to five. The children had an autism spectrum disorder. It also … Continue reading

Do You Love Your Pediatrician?

In the last year, I had to switch pediatricians because of moving. I really liked my last pediatrician and was sad about having to make a change. I asked him for a recommendation, and he knew of a pediatrician that “a lot of people seem to like” that was super close to my house. So, I decided to go to him. Little did I know that my baby would have so many complexing issues. I’m kind of a stressed out mama a lot of the time, so his personality fit perfectly with me in that he is very laid back, … Continue reading

Food Allergies in the Breastfed Baby- A Frustrating Puzzle

My pediatrician says that I am in an elite group of people that struggle with food intolerances in the breast fed baby. I honestly don’t know how common, or uncommon it is, but I know that trying to figure out this complicated puzzle is not fun and can often lead to feeling frustrated and alone. I’ve shared before about my struggles with figuring out what was wrong with my second child and his tummy issues, and part of me feels robbed to have to go through it again. I feel robbed of a happy baby. I feel robbed of sleep … Continue reading

The Babyccinos Trend

After a hectic morning of diaper changes, playtime and finger rhymes, you just need a little pick me up at your favorite coffee shop. After all, being a baby is hard work. Sigh. That is right, I said baby. One of the hottest trends in both urban and suburban parenting these days is to take your toddler out for a babyccino. While you indulge in your favorite coffee drink, you baby can stay happily occupied with his or her own. Babyccinos have been around since well, since the fancy coffee baristas. Parents have been requesting a shot of warm milk … Continue reading

Could Too Much Milk Cause Colic-Like Symptoms In Your Baby?-Part II

While I’m no expert on this subject of overactive letdown and oversupply of milk, I’m excited to share this information with other Moms! I’m still trying to figure this all out myself, because my hope is that my baby who is suffering from the same symptoms I spoke about in Part I of this article, is actually having a problem with my supply, and NOT a problem with the foods I eat. However, in my case, I am currently cutting out dairy, soy, chocolate, corn, eggs, and nuts. I also have a prescription for an acid reflux medication if dietary … Continue reading