They say the eyes are the window to the soul. Having good eyesight is essential to everyone, especially to toddlers who are still in their early stages of development. Here is what you should watch out for and what to do about eye problems in children.

Signs and Symptoms of Vision Problems

There are numerous indicators that your toddler has an eye problem. The following are:

• Nausea
• Chronic headache
• Repeated squinting of eyes
• Constant eye rubbing
• Tilts head to see better
• Blurry eyesight
• Double vision
• Overly sensitive to light
• Yellowing of the eye or the pupil
• Has pus in either eye
• Eye pain
• Swollen eyes
• Crossed eyes (eyes do not work in unison)
• Extreme tearing
• Has difficulty seeing near and far

What You Can Do About It

Get An Eye Exam

Regular eye screening is very important to make sure your toddler’s vision is excellent. Experts recommend children ages 1 to 5 to have their eyes checked 3 times a year. If you think your toddler has an eye problem, bring him to your pediatrician. The doctor can suggest an eye care provider. The eye doctor will shine a small light into your toddler’s eyes to examine the pupils and eye alignment. The specialist may also use a special scope to check for deformities at the back of the eye. Your toddler may also be asked to look at an eye chart and read the letters or identify the pictures.

If a more comprehensive exam is needed, you will be referred to an optometrist to determine the problem and the appropriate treatment for your toddler.

Clean The Eyes Regularly

Regularly washing the affected eye with lukewarm water then applying cold compress can help clear the eye of any irritant that may be causing the problem.

Proper Diet

Another remedy to treat eye problems in children is to include fish rich in omega-3 such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, nuts and seeds (sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and walnuts), citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit, orange and strawberry), carrots and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce and spinach) in your toddler’s diet to supply his body the necessary amounts of vitamin A and C which helps enhance vision.

Vision Treatments

Eye problems can be cured by vision treatments. Placing an eye patch over the functioning eye so that the lazy eye is used more often can strengthen the muscle movement of the non-working eye. The eye doctor may also recommend an eye drop to correct the misaligned eye. If eye patches and eye drops do not work, your toddler may need to wear a special lens. When choosing lenses, make sure they are scratch-resistant and made of polycarbonate which is a sturdy, waterproof and lightweight material. Pick an eyeglass that is comfortable, preferably one with comfort cables and a nose guard. Surgery on the eye muscles is advised if patches, eye drops and special lenses do not work.

An eye problem in toddlers is difficult to recognize. Thus, it is very important for parents to be in the look out to prevent loss of vision.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also known as ADHD is a condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It has been a subject of constant debate for many years and there are plenty of myths and facts that surround this topic. This article will give you a better idea of what ADHD in children is really all about.

Myth # 1: Children can outgrow ADHD.

Fact: In most cases, children do not outgrow ADHD especially when left untreated. However, studies show that early intervention (therapy, a structured environment plus medication) can help reduce the symptoms gradually. But, early intervention cannot completely eliminate the condition. A child’s hyperactivity and impulsive tendencies may be gone when he reaches his teenage years but the inattentiveness remains.

Myth # 2: There is no known cause of ADHD.

Fact: It is true that the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, although experts suggest that ADHD is hereditary. If one or both parents of a toddler are diagnosed with this condition, there is a 70% chance that the toddler will have it too. Other causes include – exposure to lead, pesticides, smoke, alcohol and drugs (during pregnancy). Although many parents believe that eating too much sugar and junk food can cause ADHD, there is no evidence that food additives can increase higher activity levels.

Myth # 3: ADHD only affects boys.

Fact: There is no proof that boys are more likely to be affected. However, detecting ADHD is easier on boys since girls are only diagnosed with ADHD later in life, particularly once they start elementary.

Myth # 4: Toddlers with ADHD are not as smart as toddlers without the condition.

Fact: A toddler with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder develops certain parts of the brain 3 years later than those without ADHD. Hence, it is trickier to teach a child with ADHD because he has difficulty focusing long enough for the information to sink in. The child may also have trouble remembering and writing words. But, this does not mean he is lazy or less intelligent. In fact, it is believed that many famous people have ADHD.

Myth # 5: ADHD is a result of bad parenting.

Fact: ADHD is a biological disorder. Poor parenting skills are not liable for causing ADHD in children. But sadly, a lot of parents blame themselves as the reason why their children are diagnosed with such condition.

Myth # 6: ADHD medications are ineffective.

Fact: Majority of children with ADHD respond well to stimulant medication combined with forms of behavioural therapy. This medicine turns on neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and impulsiveness.

Myth # 7: ADHD medications are dangerous.

Fact: Stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are proven to be safe for children. It is also not true that children under ADHD medications are more at risk to take drugs as teenagers. In addition, the side effects of these medications can be reduced by doctors by lowering the dosage or switching to another brand.

The first step to understanding ADHD in children is separating fact from fiction. Use this information to serve as your guide.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the secret to having healthy teeth and gums. One way to achieve that is by having regular dental check-ups. However, kids and dentists do not always see eye to eye. If your toddler is afraid of the dentist, here are some tips to try that can help your child relax.

Start Early

The earlier a toddler visits the dentist, the better. Not only will this help acquaint your toddler with what to expect and improve your child’s comfort with the dentist but this will also prevent cavities and other oral health problems. It is best to start that visit after his first birthday or when the first tooth is visible.

Choose A Good Dentist

Having a good dentist is very important to ensure your toddler has a positive experience during his early years so that he does not develop a lifelong fear of dentists. Find a pediatric dentist (an oral care provider specially trained to handle children) that is friendly, patient, empathetic, engaging and has a good sense of humor.

Prep Your Toddler

Discuss the significance of going to the dentist but try not to reveal too many details. Keep a positive outlook and explain things in a casual manner. If he has questions, answer them straight to the point, but, never use the words “shot”, “hurt” and “painful” as you will only aggravate his fear. Just tell him that you are going to the dentist to count his teeth and check his smile.

Another way you can prepare your child is to read picture books about dentists (try Dora the Explorer’s Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit To The Dentist or Going To The Dentist (Usborne First Experiences) by Anne Civargi). Also, you might want to consider role playing the situation. Pretend that you and your toddler are going to the dentist. Ask your little one to be the dentist and you are his patient. Never bring your child to your own dentist appointment to expose him. Your child’s pediatric dentist’s clinic is different from your dentist’s.

Keep Your Cool

You may be as nervous as your toddler but you should never talk about your fear of the dentist to your little one. Remember, you are your child’s role model and once you show your anxiety, your toddler will probably pick up the feeling. Keep your unpleasant experience to yourself for now.

Time It Right

Schedule your appointment at a time your toddler is in the mood. Most parents go for a morning appointment when children are neither exhausted nor sleepy. Remember, a well-rested and well-fed child is a happy toddler and a happy child means lesser outbursts.

Show Moral Support

On the day of your appointment, stay close to your toddler. Let him sit on your lap on the dental chair. Hold his hand and talk in a low voice and say “It is okay honey. You can do it.”. Distract him by telling stories, asking him to take deep breaths or make him look at the photos on the wall. Once he is done, praise him for a job well done.

In addition, be sure to keep this tip in mind - never bribe your toddler just so he will stop fussing or crying. Doing so will only boost his fear. Plus, giving him a candy as a reward sends the wrong message after the dentist stresses that having strong teeth means avoiding sweets.

The only way to make sure your toddler is eating right is to strike a balance between what he is eating and what he should be eating. This toddler feeding guide will help you figure out what foods you should feed your toddler every day.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are very essential to your toddler’s diet. These are packed with fiber, vitamin E and magnesium which can help reduce your toddler’s risk of asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Toddlers need approximately 6 servings of whole grains per day. Serve your toddler bread, cereal, crackers, oatmeal, rice, muffins and pasta. These foods are very versatile since you can toast, spread sandwich filling, serve and mix them with other food.

Dairy Products

Dairy foods are packed with calcium and protein which are very important for the development of strong bones and teeth. The recommended intake is 4 servings per day. This could be a glass of whole-milk (at least 500 to 800 milligrams), soy milk, cereal, low-fat yogurt, fortified fruit juice, pudding and cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or string cheese).

Fruits

Fruits are the perfect healthy snack. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential to a child’s health. Give your toddler ½ cup diced fruit or ½ of a medium piece of fruit each day. Apple, banana, blueberries, cantaloupe, orange, seedless grapes, strawberries and watermelon are easy for a toddler to consume.

Vegetables

Vegetables are probably the most complicated food to serve to children. However, vegetables are a must in every individual’s diet because they are rich in nutrition and contain unique disease-preventing elements. To make vegetables more appetizing for your little one, choose small cooked veggies (e.g. lima beans, peas, corn) and slice boiled carrots, squash, spinach, eggplant, sweet potatoes and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. You can also serve these with your toddler’s favorite dip or add them to soups and pastas to ensure he gets 5 portions of veggies a day.

Protein-rich Foods

Protein contain nutrients such as vitamin B, iron and zinc that helps build and restore tissues in the body that children need to grow. Toddlers need about 2 servings of protein every day. Fish like cod, tuna, sardines and white salmon, meat, chicken, turkey, beef, tofu, beans, hummus and shrimps are the best sources of proteins.

Healthy Fats

Children need fats in their diets to be healthy. Healthy fats supply vitamin E, zinc and nutrients that are necessary for brain growth and formation of hormones. The key is to know which fats are good and bad. Saturated and trans fats are “bad fats” because they increase cholesterol and weaken the immune system. Monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats are “good fats” since they are good for the heart and one’s overall health. Foods that contain “good fats” include nuts (peanuts, pecans, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds), pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, tofu, avocado, peanut butter, olives and fatty fish (e.g. tuna, salmon and mackerel). The suggested daily intake of healthy fats for toddlers is 2 servings.

Keep in mind that this is just a guideline. Not everything on your toddler’s plate has to be a “super food”. As long as you offer a couple of servings of these foods every day, your child is guaranteed to get the nutrients he needs to be healthy and strong.

Valentine’s day is not just for couples, this day is for toddlers too. Valentine’s day is a wonderful time to teach your toddler about love, gratitude and empathy. Here are some fun toddler activities to try this Valentine’s day that will surely keep the two of you busy all day long.

Valentine’s Day Kiddie Party

Nothing makes this special day more extraordinary by holding a party. Make a list of children you want to invite. Send Valentine’s invitation cards. Plan your menu, music as well as the activities the children will be doing. Together with your toddler, decorate the room with heart-shaped or red and pink balloons, whirls, wall accents, drapes and cupids.

Homemade Crafts

Nothing is cuter and sweeter than homemade Valentine’s crafts made by your little angel. Of course, the classic Valentines card should be on top of your toddler’s to-do list. Spice it up by buying plain card stocks, patterned paper, buttons, ribbons, strings, doily, stickers, markers and crayons and then let him embellish it as he fits. Write a sweet verse on the card or cute one-liners such as “You are my Valentine.”, “Sealed with a kiss.” or “Cute as a button.”. and then ask him to sign his name.

Another great idea is to create homemade refrigerator stick-ons. Paint small wooden hearts or ask your toddler to swirl and slap finger paints on a white poster board and let it air dry. Then, cut out heart shapes and attach a double-sided tape on the back of each one and write a quirky sentiment. Glue the magnet on the back and you have a charming tool to display notes and photos.

Baking

Now is the best time to indulge your toddler’s sweet tooth (and yours as well). Whip up a charming and yummy treat together. Find a sugar cookie recipe and use heart shaped cookie cutters to form a heart and then have him decorate them with anything his heart desires (red frosting, edible marker, sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc.). While you are at it, tell your toddler how much you love him or how you are thankful that he is doing well in school.

Sing A Song

While you are doing things together, why not belt out a tune. Choose a fun song and change the words to a specific name and so on. Here are some songs you can sing with your little one:

Be My Valentine (to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb)

You’re a special friend of mine,

Friend of mine, friend of mine.

You’re a special friend of mine.

Please be my Valentine.

Heart (to the tune of B-I-N-G-O)

There is a shape, it stands for love,

And heart is its name.

H-E-A-R-T (3x)

And heart is its name.

Play Games

A day before Valentine’s day, cut out a bunch of colorful hearts. Hide them around the house and ask your toddler to look for them the next day. You can make a collage and hang it in his room once he has recovered them.

Or, you can also play “Memory Game”. Paste multi-colored hearts with notes such as “I love you.”, “Be mine.”, etc. (make sure you make 2 of each) in index cards. Place them face-down and then ask your toddler to find their matches. Use a timer to make it more exciting.

Valentine’s day is one special day to create memories with your toddler. These ideas will make your bonding and expression of love even sweeter.

Is your toddler having problems with his handwriting? Here are some tips on handwriting for kids you can follow to help improve your toddler’s penmanship.

Develop Fine Motor Skills

Practice your toddler’s grip by encouraging him to manipulate objects. Finger paint, use a hose to mist the plants, have him hold a spoon and fork or do craft projects that involve beads, beans, rice and shells. These activities help build your toddler’s fine motor skills and hand muscles essential in handwriting.

Have The Right Tools

Having the right writing tools can help hone your toddler’s handwriting. If he is struggling with a regular pencil, try a jumbo-sized pencil or better yet, a golf pencil which is smaller and lighter. A good eraser will be handy for erasing mistakes. Raised line papers will help your child learn correct sizing while alphabet books and tracing papers are great for outlining letters which helps him learn proper letter formation. In addition, supply your toddler with fun accessories such as pencil toppers, crayons, colored pencils, scented markers, gel pens and doodle pads to help him associate writing with fun.

Teach Proper Grip and Posture

Proper grip and posture are necessary in having a good handwriting. Show him the right way to write by sitting up straight and gripping the pen an inch from the tip. Index finger should be on top and the thumb underneath. The pencil should rest on the third finger and his non-writing hand must be at the top of the paper to keep the paper in place while elbow must be out and lightly resting on the table. After which, ask him to copy what you did.

Spot The Problem

Know the problem. Is your toddler having a hard time sizing letters, forming letters or lining words on the page? Knowing where your toddler is having the most difficulty is important so you know where to concentrate on.

Practice

Practice makes perfect. Start by making him write letter in groups of six. Ask him to make a set of swirls like cursive lower case “e’s”. Show him how punctuations are used in sentences. Ask your little one to write things for you. Dictate reminders, your home address, telephone number, shopping list. Write on a foggy mirror or give him a stick so he can write on a patch of mud. Another great idea is to help him write a letter or a short story. Giving him a diary is also a good technique to encourage your toddler to write.

Play Games

Hone your toddler’s spelling ability by playing fast-paced games. Take turns thinking of words that end with “-ight” or “-tion”. Play simple word puzzles, a game of hangman or anagram or ask him to jot down the things he sees in your home. See how many your little one can write correctly.

Most importantly, do not pressure your toddler too much if he still writes his “B” backwards even if you have been practicing for a week. Give him time and encouragement. Once your toddler gets the hang out of it, it will stick with him permanently.

Spending time outdoors is beneficial for your toddler’s development. There are tons of things you can do outside your home, you just have to think outside the box. Here are seven outdoor activities for kids you must try with your child.

Hopscotch Caterpillar

Add a twist to this classic outdoor game by getting out the colored chalk and help your little one draw a big circle with a face and antenna and then add 10 or 20 more circles using different colors of chalks to make a jumbo-size caterpillar. Invite your neighbour’s kids or ask every family member to join the fun and take turns running from one end to the other, skipping from circle to circle or hopping from the green to the red to the yellow circle. Use a stopwatch to make the race more electrifying.

Shadow Tracing

Use a sidewalk chalk to outline your toddler’s shadow and then let him move to another location and draw that shadow. After which, ask him to try and fit his body back in the traced form with his shadow or have him color the circles. This activity is an excellent learning experience that teaches your toddler about shadows and encourages exploration.

Catch A Critter

Pick an insect that interests your little one. Butterflies, grasshoppers, fireflies and ladybugs are child-friendly specimens. With an insect net, help your toddler capture the insect and put it in a plastic jar along with a small stick and some fresh leaves. Cover the container but be sure to punch a few small holes in the cover for air. Your toddler can squirt the lid with water every day, provide new leaves and clean the jar. Not only can this activity expose your toddler to the beauty of Mother Nature but this will also help him learn how to take care of animals.

Lawn Flicks

Make watching movies more exciting by holding it outdoors. Drape a white sheet from a clothesline and use a digital projector to play the movie (you can rent one from your local computer rental store). Lay a big blanket on the ground, bring some popcorn, drinks and pillows for a perfect outdoor movie night.

Walking

Ask him to tag along while you walk the dog. Play follow-the-leader and ask him to follow you by tiptoeing, hopping, sliding his feet or marching. Allow him to walk up and down hills. Walk around your neighbourhood or go to the park and while you are at it, play a game of “I Spy” or look at the sky and ask him what images and shapes he sees.

Let’s Get Physical

Outdoor play is entertaining and a necessary activity for toddlers. Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors and play a game of tag, hide and seek, kick ball, sack race, obstacle course or run around a sprinkler. This activity also ensures you and your toddler will get your daily dose of exercise.

Grow A Mini Garden

Stimulate your child’s inquisitiveness about the world by giving him his own pot of soil or a garden patch and let him decide what he wants to plant – a flower, herb or vegetable (e.g. marigold, basil, tomato or green beans). Put him in charge of watering his plant.

Being outdoors is a lot of fun and at the same time, very educational for toddlers. These easy outdoor activities will keep your toddler totally entertained without having to spend too much.

Stomach pains are often associated to stomach ulcer. Although this condition is more common in adults, children are at risk as well. Here is some information to help you better understand the causes, symptoms and treatment of ulcer in children.

Causes

• H. Pylori – Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that destroys the mucus that guards the lining of the abdomen and small intestine.
• Acid and Pepsin – A toddler’s delicate stomach is unable to defend itself from powerful digestive fluids, hydrochloric acid and pepsin that results to the formation of ulcer.
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Moderate intake of anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can break down mucus barrier that can cause ulcer and bleeding in children.
• Caffeine – Toddlers who love taking caffeinated beverages such as soda, iced tea, and energy drinks are prone to developing an ulcer since caffeine stimulates acid discharge in the stomach.
• Stress – Children who are often under emotional and physical stress due to a medical condition or a grave injury are susceptible to ulcer.

Symptoms

Ulcer symptoms are similar to the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Thus, it is very important to have the condition diagnosed by a doctor right away. Symptoms of stomach ulcer in children include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain (dull and achy)
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue
• Belching (frequent burping)
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Blood in vomit or stools

Treatment

Consult With Your Pediatrician

The doctor may perform an upper IG series (set of x-rays of the esophagus, tummy and small intestine) on your toddler in order to get a close-up look at your toddler’s gastrointestinal area. Your doctor may also refer you to a gastroenterologist who will perform an upper endoscopy (inserting an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) into the mouth and through the esophagus). This procedure is not painful but your toddler has to be sedated.

Medications

Antibiotics can be given to your toddler to eliminate bacteria in the body if ulcer is caused by a bacterial infection. H2 blockers (acid reducers or antacids) and acid pump inhibitors are used to decrease acid production if your child’s ulcer is due to stress and NSAIDs. In addition, doctors advise parents to avoid giving their children NSAIDs.

Modify Your Toddler’s Diet

Eliminating certain foods in your toddler’s diet is unnecessary unless a particular food aggravates your child’s stomach pain. Just be sure your toddler gets his daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Also, have him drink water (no caffeinated drinks) and reduce his intake of hot, spicy and acidic foods until his ulcer is totally treated and also 1 to 2 weeks after that.

At times, children with severe ulcers that do not react to treatment have to go through surgery to remove them, but this is very rare. In order to avoid this, make sure you seek professional help immediately if you suspect an ulcer so proper action can be taken.

Chicken pox in children is very common. In fact, it has been reported that 4 million children in the United States catch this infection annually. Here is a guide to help you understand this “children’s disease”.

What is chicken pox?

Chicken pox or varicella is a transmittable disease that is caused by VZV (varicella-zoster virus). Children under the age of 10 are the primary target of this infection. Small red bumps can emerge all over the body (some parts of the body are more affected than others) and these bumps will rapidly turn into clear liquid-filled blisters on a pink base which eventually turn into dry brown crusts. Chicken pox is infectious from 1 to 2 days before the rash starts until about 5 days after the rash appears. Your toddler can get chicken pox by direct contact or through the air.

Is chicken pox dangerous?

Generally, chicken pox is more of a nuisance for toddlers. But for toddlers with weak immune systems, the disease can lead to grave complications which can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms

Aside from developing 250 to 500 rashes (on average), here are other symptoms of chicken pox:

• Fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Mild headache
• Sore throat
• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal pains
• Dry cough
• Uneasiness

Treatment

Keep your toddler at home until he is no longer contagious to prevent him from spreading the illness and to give him time to recover.

To help alleviate the itchiness, give your toddler a cool compress or a cool bath every 3 to 4 hours. You can add a small amount of baking soda or colloidal oatmeal into the water for extra relief. Afterwards, pat (do not rub) the body dry and apply calamine lotion on the itchy spots.

Give your toddler acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help relieve discomfort. Never give your toddler aspirin as this can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but lethal condition that affects the brain and liver.

Prevent your little one from scratching and infecting blisters by trimming his finger nails or placing mittens or socks over his hands during sleep.

Serve foods and drinks that are bland, cold and soft so your toddler can still eat easily even if there are blisters in his mouth. Avoid anything acidic and salty.

Engage your toddler in quiet activities such as reading, playing video games and board games, listening to music, assembling jigsaw puzzles and such to keep him entertained and to rid his mind off his discomfort.

Give your child an OTC children’s antihistamine if your toddler is really in pain. Make sure you ask your pediatrician for the proper dosage.

Prevention

Have your toddler immunized with a chicken pox vaccine. It is 99% effective and only has few side effects. Doctors recommend that children receive this immunization twice - at 12 to 15 months old and a booster shot at 4 to 6 years old.

Chicken pox does not need medical treatment. However, if fever lasts for more than 4 days or your toddler develops a high fever, becomes dehydrated and rashes ooze pus or becomes warm, red and sore, call your doctor at once. Also, if you have questions about chicken pox, ask an expert for further information.

A toddler car seat is crucial to ensure a toddler stays protected in a vehicle. If you feel your toddler is ready to move to a booster car seat, here are some tips you must keep in mind when shopping for one.

Research

First and foremost, you have to do your homework before you buy. Check the internet for popular brands of booster car seats and customer reviews so you have an idea which brands are worth checking. In addition, take the time to visit SaferProducts.gov and NHTSA.gov. These websites allow consumers to check for product recalls and a manufacturer’s safety track record.

Choose Between A Backless or High-back Booster

A backless booster seat is affordable and has better lap-belt placement while a high-back booster car seat has a 5-point safety harness, offers more support and security and is more expensive (depending on the brand). Most parents prefer getting a high-back booster for younger children since it provides more comfort.

Get The Correct Size

Getting the right fit is very important when buying a car seat for your toddler. Consider the size of your toddler. See to it your toddler meets the height and weight range of the booster car seat. Most booster car seats have a maximum weight capacity of 40 pounds. Getting the correct size will ensure your little one stays secure and comfortable in the car.

Look For Safety Features

Your toddler’s safety is very important while on the road. Go for a booster car seat that has a 5-point harness that fits your toddler well to protect your child in the event of a collision, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system to make sure the booster seat stays securely attached, cushioned seat for a relaxing ride and a side impact protection to support your toddler’s head from side to side. Most importantly, make sure the booster seat is approved by ASTM (American Society For Testing and Materials) to ensure it has been tested and has met current safety standards.

Check Extra Features

Check out booster car seat accessories such as suspended toys, a cup holder, snack tray, extra storage compartment and removable padding for easy washing.

Test It Out

Test driving the gear is essential. Try out the model in your car to be sure it will fit in your vehicle. The booster car seat should be securely in place with very little sideways movement. Have your little one sit in the booster car seat to make sure it is snug. Press your hand onto the seat to gauge its comfort level. The belts, especially the shoulder traps should be tight yet snug, not slack. There should be no sharp edges, cracks, loose items and chipping paint.

Do not be in a rush to make the switch. If your toddler has not reached the weight limit, keep him in a child-restraint car seat. Choosing a booster car seat should be done slowly but surely. Taking your time can help you pick one that best suits your toddler.