Archive | February, 2013

Six Surprising Safety Hazards For Your Toddler

You may have bought the best childproofing gadgets to keep your toddler safe and sound. But did you know there are some safety hazards you may have ignored that can cause serious harm to your toddler? Check out these safety hazards you might be unaware of.

Bed

The bed is a place of rest, comfort and security. However, what many do not know is that a bed can be a potential safety hazard for children. How? Certain objects, bedcovers and toys can cause suffocation. Also, your toddler might fall off the bed if he tends to move a lot in his sleep.

Safety Tip: To prevent accidents, avoid putting stuffed animals, bumpers and too many pillows in the bed. Instead, place pillows and a thick blanket on the floor around the bed as an emergency landing pad. Better yet, purchase toddler bed rails to keep your toddler from falling out of the bed. Regularly check the condition of the bed. See to it there are no chips, protruding corners, sharp objects, creaks and that it is still strong enough to support your toddler.

Dishwasher

It is common for toddlers to explore their home. One favorite household item toddlers consider a toy is a dishwasher. Little wanderers find joy in dishwashers because they have racks, buttons and sounds. Unfortunately, a dishwasher gives your toddler easy access to knives, forks and other sharp items. His tiny hands can get crushed and he can swallow dishwashing soap which can burn the esophagus.

Safety Tip: Point utensils downward in the utensil container. Use a dishwasher child lock to keep the dishwasher latched when it is not in use.

Bags

A purse, shoulder bag, backpack, suitcase and pouch can put your toddler’s safety at risk. Your little one can choke himself if he plays with bag straps or gains access to the contents of the bag (lipstick, pens, coins, medications, etc.) and hurt his hands with the zippers.

Safety Tip: Always store your bag in a place that is out of your toddler’s reach (e.g. in a locked cabinet or closet).

Power Windows

A lot of accidents and deaths have been reported involving children and car windows. A toddler can lose or squeeze his fingers or injure his head if he puts his hand or head out the window then accidentally leans on the switch, causing the window to close on him.

Safety Tip: Use the lock control so your child will not be able to operate power windows. Never leave your toddler alone inside the car.

Car Seats

By this time, your toddler probably knows how to operate a car seat and he may try unbuckling himself without your knowledge. This makes him prone to danger in case you suddenly step on the break or encounter a head-on collision.

Safety Tip: The number one reason why toddlers unbuckle themselves in their car seat is because they are bored. Make car rides more exciting by playing his favorite songs or bringing a toy to entertain him. You can also try sticking some Velcro underneath the buckle or turn the belt buckle around to make it more difficult for your toddler to unlatch himself.

Balloons

Children love balloons. They are colorful and they float in the air. But once your toddler inhales them or chokes on them, it can lead to death. Why? Balloons, especially latex balloons can conform to your toddler’s throat and totally block the airway making it difficult for your toddler to breath.

Safety Tip: Opt for Mylar balloons instead of traditional rubber balloons. They are safer, do not pop and are recyclable. Do not let your toddler play or blow latex balloons. If a balloon pops, immediately dispose all the pieces.

Safety hazards are everywhere. But, by keeping an alert eye and following certain precautionary measures, you can safeguard your precious one from danger.

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The Benefits of Organic Food To Toddlers

Organic foods are the trend these days. Due to its increasing popularity, a lot of parents are divided between feeding their children organic food and conventionally produced food. So how can you decide which is good for your toddler’s health? It is actually pretty simple. All you have to do is to know the benefits of organic food to toddlers. Here is some information to help you out.

Reduces Exposure To Toxins

Feeding your toddler organic foods decreases his exposure to antibiotics, fertilizers, pesticides and growth hormones found in conventional meat and vegetables. Organic foods are grown untreated and do not contain any modified organisms. According to child health experts, children who are exposed to such toxins at an early age are more susceptible to develop medical problems and developmental delays. This is because their immune systems are still immature, making their small bodies collect deadly levels of pollutants quicker.

Offers More Nutrition

Studies have proven that organic foods are more nutritious as compared to commercial foods which is extremely beneficial in boosting a toddler’s cardiovascular and digestive system. For instance, organic milk has more antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (a substance that helps fight-off cancer) because the cows eat high levels of fresh grass, grass cover feed and clover pasture.

Minimizes Illnesses

Because organic foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals and do not contain any chemicals, a toddler’s risk of developing allergies and other diseases (e.g. asthma, cancer and skin disease such as eczema) are significantly reduced.

Makes Introduction of “New Foods” Easier

Toddlers can be picky eaters. Your little one might be hesitant to try out something new especially if it is green and tasteless. Organic foods help your toddler transition to new foods at his own pace. Untreated cranberries, organic graham crackers, organic yellow squash, baby carrots and asparagus are perfect examples of finger foods your toddler can try and accept in his daily diet.

Organic Food Tastes Better

Toddlers crave for food that are appetizing. With organic foods, you will not have any problem making your toddler eat because fruits, vegetables and meat are fresher which means they taste better.

Good For The Teeth

It can be very difficult to control your toddler’s desire for sweets. But with organic foods, you can take control on how much sweet your little one can eat every day. Organic foods do not contain additives such as artificial sweeteners, food dyes and other ingredients that can cause damage to your toddler’s teeth. Colorful, nutritious frozen pops made from organic yogurt, organic banana covered with sunflower seeds and organic yogurt topped with granola are perfect treats that will satisfy your toddler’s sweet tooth without harming his teeth and health.

The advantages of organic food are evident. So do not be afraid to try this option. Not only are organic foods healthier, tastier and makes feeding easier but it will be better for your child, your family and Mother Nature.

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Food Poisoning Treatment – A Guide For Parents

Food poisoning can also strike children. This occurs a few hours after consumption of contaminated food. Most cases of food poisoning resolve after one to two days. Here is a guide on food poisoning treatment to help parents remedy this illness.

Identify The Symptoms

First of all, you need to assess the symptoms of food poisoning. These include vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, queasiness, stomach pains or cramps and lethargy. It is important that you do this to ensure immediate medical attention is not required.

Maintain Good Hydration

Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of liquids. This will help replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes in the body preventing dehydration and wash out toxins from the body. You may let him take smalls sips of water, tea, ginger ale, apple juice, broth or an electrolyte oral solution such as Equalyte or Pedialyte (as long as your pediatrician recommends it) frequently throughout the day. However, avoid offering carbonated and sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice as this may aggravate your toddler’s condition.

Monitor The Fever

If your toddler’s temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, you may give him over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen (e.g. Tylenol or Motrin). Make sure you read the label or ask your doctor for the proper dosage. If your toddler does not get better after taking the medication or his temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, go to your pediatrician immediately.

Keep Your Toddler Comfortable

If your little one is vomiting, have him lie down on his side to minimize the risk of aspiration (accidental inhalation of vomit into the lungs). Keep his area at a room temperature. Extreme cold and heat can worsen the symptoms.

It is also important that you limit or remove distractions. Keep the TV volume down, avoid entertaining visitors for now, do not let him play vigorous activities or anything that can stress your toddler out. Encourage your toddler to read or play quiet games (e.g. jigsaw puzzles, stacking blocks, drawing, etc.) in bed. Play soothing music. This will allow your little one to relax without getting bored.

Monitor Your Toddler’s Diet

Since your toddler’s digestive system will still be weak and sensitive from the symptoms, do not give him solid foods for at least 24 hours. Stick to soft foods or the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Once the symptoms have stopped, you may slowly introduce solid foods again. Serve small portions of food that are mild on the stomach such as cereal, crackers, skinless chicken breast and light soups. Stay away from acidic, dairy, fatty, greasy, spicy and sweet foods for 3 to 7 days.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Make sure your toddler gets complete bed rest for 24 hours or until the symptoms are gone. Adequate rest enables the body to deflect energy to the problem and to recuperate from the stress and energy necessary to fight against the infection.

Food poisoning normally goes away in a few days. But, if food poisoning last longer than five days or your toddler shows signs of dizziness, dehydration, discolored hands and feet and decreased urination, see your doctor. Your toddler might have to be hospitalized for a few days to receive IV rehydration.

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How To Discipline A Toddler Without Feeling Guilty

Feelings of guilt are natural in parenting. But, it will not do you or your child any good. Fortunately, there are methods you can follow on how to discipline a toddler that will not leave you feeling guilty.

Set Rules and Stick To Them

Just like everyone else, children need boundaries. Talk to your toddler about your rules. Make him understand them clearly. For instance, do not just say “You are not allowed to open the front door.”. You have to explain to him the possible dangers he will face once he goes out of the house on his own. It is very important that you are consistent in your discipline. Do not put your toddler on a time-out for pulling his sister’s hair and then disregard the same behaviour the next. If he knows what to expect from you, not only will he be less likely to misbehave but you will not feel so guilty when he does and when giving him a consequence.

Give Yourself A Time-out

It is very common for parents to start yelling when their children are unruly and then feel awful about it afterward. Whenever you are angry at your toddler, take a break, count to ten or go outside and come back when you have calmed down. Having a clear mind helps you make good decisions when disciplining your toddler and you are less tempted to react in a way that can hurt or frighten your toddler (e.g. spanking, using bad words).

Ignore It

Learn how to pick your battles. All too often, toddlers misbehave not because they are being rowdy but because they want to exercise their freedom. Choose not to get mad over small issues. Ignoring the tantrum or misbehaviour is the best way to discipline a toddler without the guilt, especially if you are in public. Just let it go and eventually, your little one will stop whatever he is doing once he realizes you will not give him any attention.

Cut Your Toddler Some Slack

Say “no” every time and your toddler will see you as a mean mommy. If your toddler threw his peas because he does not like his food, control yourself from reprimanding him. Let him have his way sometimes. After all, your child needs to make mistakes so he can learn what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable. Plus, always telling your toddler what to do will only leave you feeling guilty.

Keep It Fun

You do not have to be strict to make your toddler obey you. Look for creative ways to enforce rules. For instance, if your toddler does not want to brush his teeth or make his bed, turn it into a game by setting an egg timer and tell him the target is to complete his task before the timer goes off.

Recognize Good Behaviour

Whenever your toddler behaves or does something good, provide positive reinforcement. If your little one cleaned his room without being asked, do not just praise and say “You did a good job honey! Mommy is going to buy you a new toy.”, but encourage - “That was so kind of you. Thank you baby!”. The latter gives encouragement to repeat the behaviour without expecting any reward.

Guilt-free discipline will make things much easier for you and your child. It will help your toddler misbehave a lot less and regain your proper train of thought.

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Creative Ways To Get Your Picky Eater To Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are important to a toddler’s health and development. However, a lot of children loathe eating them. If your toddler is one of them, here are a few strategies that can help you make your picky eater eat fruits and vegetables minus the food wars.

Hide Them

Try concealing fruits and vegetables into your toddler’s favorite foods. Do not feel guilty about being sneaky. After all, you are doing this to ensure your toddler gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs to thrive. For example, you can grate some carrots into the spaghetti sauce or mash and add them to macaroni and cheese. If he loves pizza, puree some squash and blend them into the pizza sauce. Add finely chopped vegetables to soups, between lasagna layers or mix them into meatballs. Scramble pureed broccoli or cauliflower into eggs. This way, your toddler is still able to eat his favorite dishes while eating something healthy without him knowing it.

Switch Them

Use soy sausages instead of pork links. Add spaghetti squash to angel hair pasta and then smother with sauce. Substitute taco meat for packed veggie crumbs. Another great idea is to include mushrooms into pasta instead of hotdogs. Moreover, do not just stick to ice cream and other treats for dessert. Spice them up by offering your little one some chocolate covered strawberries, banana pudding, oatmeal cookies with raisins or fruit cake.

Bake Them

Almost all toddlers love baked goodies. Take advantage of that and make some muffins. Instead of adding chocolate chips, add some fruits and veggies such as apple and zucchini to make apple and zucchini muffins. Add white-bean puree in cookie recipes or a pack of frozen spinach into brownie mix. Add beets in chocolate cake. Your toddler will not hesitate taking a bite because the goodies still tastes sweet.

Shape Them

Excellent presentation makes food more appetizing so why not experiment with them to make sure your picky eater gets his daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Use cookie cutter shapes to create pancakes in the shape of his initials, cut eggplant, carrots, mango and watermelon into a star, heart, moon, circle and other fun shapes. Arrange cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, celery, potatoes, corn and other colorful fruits and veggies to form a smiley face, house, sun, etc.

Blend Them

Children love smoothies. You can try mixing almost every fruit and vegetable in a blender and add some ice cubes for a cool and healthy beverage. You may try mixing some milk to make it a little sweeter.

Dip Them

Toddlers love dipping things. The next time your toddler wants to munch, slice some baby carrots, celery, lettuce, apples, pears, bananas and peaches to make a vegetable or fresh fruit salad. Place some yogurt, cream cheese, low-fat cheese, tomato sauce or a cup of ranch dressing into a small bowl and let your toddler dunk away.

Finally, for these tips to be effective, you have to eat fruits and vegetables yourself. Practice what you preach. If your toddler sees you eating them with gusto, the more encouraged he will be to include them in his daily diet.

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Daycare Centers – Making It Work For You and Your Toddler

Daycare centers are the most institutional form of childcare. These establishments have a qualified staff, friendly atmosphere and a good educational program fit for toddlers. For these reasons, a lot of parents prefer putting their children in a daycare. Here are some pointers on how to make this option work for you and your toddler.

Help Your Toddler Get Accustomed To The New Environment

Change scares people, especially toddlers who thrive on consistency. Being outside the comforts of your home can frighten your toddler. Hence, it is important that you introduce changes gradually. To ease your toddler’s transition, stay with your little one for the first few days of class with his new caregiver. Most daycare centers allow this to help make the adjustment process easier for the children. Once your toddler is used to his new surroundings, leave for a short time. Then you can extend the time that you are apart.

It is also a good idea to read books or watch videos about starting daycare a few weeks before the class starts so he has some idea what to expect, who he will see and so on.

Provide Comfort Items

A lovey can work as a transitional object which offers a toddler security and familiarity. This can be a teddy bear, blanket, a t-shirt with your scent on it, a small album of family photos or any item that reminds your toddler of home. Make sure you pack at least 1 or 2 comfort items in his bag so he can hold it or look at it whenever he likes.

Connect With Your Toddler

See to it you schedule some bonding time at the end of the day to reconnect with your little one. Talk about his day. Ask him about the fun things he did. Listen to his stories. If he brings home an artwork, take time to look at it, appreciate and ask questions about how he made it. Do not forget to tell him that you missed him and wished you stayed with him during the day. Cuddle him, give him a big hug and a kiss and tell your toddler how much you love him. Your toddler will value the quality time which also helps assure him that you will always be there for him even if you have to be apart for some time.

Build A Good Relationship With Your Toddler’s Childcare

Most of all, make an effort to create a good relationship with the daycare center. This play a huge factor on how successful this childcare option will be for the both of you. Know the daycare center’s policies. Pay your fees on time. Get to know the staff, especially your child’s caregiver. Inform them of your toddler’s routines, any special medical condition, emergency contact numbers or any concerns you have. Make sure your toddler is well-prepared for class – extra clothes, writing and art supplies, etc. Pick up your toddler on time.

A daycare center is an excellent childcare option where toddlers stay safe and enhance their leaning while at the same time allowing parents to go back to work or take a short breather. These tips will ensure you keep your end of the bargain and make everyone happy.

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Toddler Cold Prevention Tips

Common cold is one of the most widespread childhood illnesses. Catching a cold is no fun. Here are some toddler cold prevention tips to help you protect your toddler.

Wash Your Hands

This is the most important cold prevention tip. Encourage your toddler to wash his hands often especially after playing, after using the bathroom, before meals and each time he gets his hands dirty. Have him wash his hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or while singing “Happy Birthday”. Make sure you keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy in case soap and water are unavailable.

Cover Your Nose and Mouth

Millions of germs are expelled in the air when a person sneezes. Thus, it is very important that you teach your little one to cover his nose and mouth when sneezing. Have him use his elbow or sneeze into a tissue.

Hydrate

Limit your toddler’s intake of sugary and caffeinated beverages such as soda and iced tea. These drinks can deplete calcium (the most abundant mineral in the body) and weaken the immune system, making your toddler more susceptible to catching a cold. Make sure your toddler drinks at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Fluids, particularly water, helps flush out toxins in the body.

Eat and Sleep Well

See to it your toddler is eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. They are loaded with nutrients that help strengthen the immune system. Health experts recommend children to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Getting plenty of sleep is also effective in preventing colds. Sleep can boost your child’s immunity to help fight-off cold viruses.

Get Fit

Exercising builds up immune cells in the body so encourage your toddler to be active. Walking around the neighbourhood, playing physically demanding games and riding a bike for 30 minutes every day can effectively boost immunity. Plus, exercise is also beneficial for your toddler’s overall health.

Bundle Up

Keep your little one dry and warm, especially during cold season. Your toddler can catch a cold from getting chilled. Pick clothes made of polyester to keep moisture off the skin. Dress him in a second layer of clothing such as a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, socks, hat, mittens and closed shoes or snow boots.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Give your toddler his own cup, spoon and fork, plate, toothpaste and the likes. This will protect your child from getting the virus if someone in your family has a cold.

Clean Your Home

Rhinovirus (virus that leads to common cold) can live up to 3 hours on surfaces. Hence, you should make it a point to clean your home regularly. Use a sanitizing spray to disinfect high-germ items such as doorknobs, countertops, toothbrush holder, bathroom faucet handle and other commonly used household items.

Limit Exposure

Keep your toddler away from people who are sick, including yourself. Kissing and touching the eyes, nose or mouth after being around an individual with a cold are the fastest way to transmit cold viruses.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Common cold is very contagious and can be dangerous. Thus, it is best for you to take preventive measures to keep your toddler cold-free and healthy.

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Heart Murmur In Children

A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. It sounds like a hissing, whooshing or gurgling noise. It is not uncommon for children to have one at some time or another. Here are some information to help you better understand heart murmur in children.

Types of Heart Murmurs

  • Innocent Murmurs – a harmless sound common in healthy children that is caused by blood flowing through a normal heart (no indications of a heart problem)
  • Abnormal Murmurs – a toddler with an abnormal heart murmur normally has other symptoms of a heart problem due to congenital heart defects

Who are at risk?

Toddlers with a family history of a heart disease and those who were exposed to alcohol, drugs, certain medications and illnesses (e.g. diabetes, rubella infection) while inside their mothers’ womb are at risk of developing abnormal heart murmurs.

Causes

The exact cause of innocent heart murmurs is unknown. But, according to health experts, extra blood flow through the heart can result to innocent heart murmurs. Abnormal heart murmurs are caused by congenital heart disorders such as heart valve disease, holes in the heart, rheumatic fever and endocarditis (swelling of the inner lining of the heart and valves).

Signs and Symptoms

An innocent heart murmur does not cause symptoms. However, if a toddler has an abnormal murmur, he may display the following signs:

  • Bluish skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Poor appetite
  • Exhaustion
  • Vertigo

How is heart murmur evaluated?

Your toddler’s doctor will check his pulse and blood pressure and use a stethoscope to listen to his heart to gauge whether a murmur is innocent or abnormal. To check the murmur, the doctor will consider the following clues – how loud it is (rated on a scale from 1 to 6, 6 being the loudest), what pitch it is (high, medium or low pitched), when it happens and for how long, where the sound is heard and if the noise changes if your toddler changes his body position.

If the doctor diagnosed the heart murmur as normal, you do not have anything to worry about and treatment is not needed. If the doctor believes your toddler’s heart murmur is abnormal, the expert may recommend you to a pediatric cardiologist who will perform additional tests such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG) which accounts the electrical activity of the heart or an ultrasound to examine and create an image of the heart.

Treatment

Treatment for abnormal heat murmurs depend on the type and severity of the problem. Generally, treatment is unnecessary since regular check-ups can help monitor the condition over time. But, if the heart murmur is severe, your toddler may have to take medications to control the heartbeat or undergo surgery or catheterization to correct the defect.

Most heart murmurs are safe and it is normal for your toddler’s heart to beat very fast at times especially when doing physically demanding activities, crying or if your little one has a fever. But if you are really worried, talk to your child’s doctor, just to be sure.

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Disciplining Children Without Using Threats

Parents have a hard time controlling their emotions once they are irked with their children. Hence, they result to using threats in the hope of correcting their toddlers’ bad behaviour. However, threatening will only backfire. Here are some tips on disciplining children without using threats.

Talk To Your Child

Communication is the best way to discipline a toddler. Instead of telling your toddler you will spank him if he does not clean up the mess he made, talk to your toddler in a calm yet firm manner and in words a toddler can easily comprehend. Help him understand that cleanliness is very important and that he should be responsible for everything he does. Set a clear expectation. Give him simple rules and let your child know that there will be consequences once he breaks them.

Decide On A Consequence

Giving a consequence is more effective than using threats. But, be sure you are consistent or otherwise they will become ineffective. Choose a consequence you think will work on your toddler. For instance, you can put him on a time out. Leave him in a quiet room for a few minutes (you can go to other room so you can still keep a close eye on your toddler) and once the two of you are calm enough, you can talk about the problem. Or, you may also withhold privileges such as watching TV, playing video games or playing with friends.

Change Your Words

The next time your toddler misbehaves in the grocery store, instead of saying “Stop running now or I will take away your toy.”, try, “Baby, can you help me find the cereal you like?”. This distracts him from the negative behaviour and offers a positive alternative.

Give Your Toddler Freedom

The more you threaten your toddler, the more he will rebel. Allow your little one to be independent. Give him options. If you want him to clean up his room, instead of saying “No dinner until your room is tidy”., you can say something like, “I want you to pick up your toys and return them in the toy chest. Do you want to do that before or after dinner?”. It gives your toddler a choice while making your expectations clear.

Ignore The Misbehaviour

Toddlers are attention seekers. However, giving your toddler the attention he is looking for each time he misbehaves only increases the misbehaviour. If your toddler is whining because of a toy you did not buy, ignore his complains. Once he realizes you will not give in, he will eventually stop.

Provide Positive Reinforcement

It is very crucial that you give your toddler plenty of love and affection. Giving him a hug or a kiss after a consequence will help your little one understand that you love him but his behaviour is not acceptable.

Most importantly, do not lose your cool. Restraining yourself from using threats can be difficult especially if you become impatient with your toddler. But, if you remain calm, your toddler will also feel calm which makes disciplining your child a lot easier.

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Fun Toddler Activities For Your Child’s Play Dates

Play dates are an essential part of a toddler’s life. It serves as an entertaining and educational activity at the same time. Try some of these toddler activities to make your toddler’s play dates a blast.

Outdoor Outing

If the weather permits, let your toddler and his playmates walk around the block or meet at a park. Give each toddler a plastic pail and ask them to collect things such as pine cones, leaves, sticks or anything that interests them. Once they are done, have a show and tell. Or, why not play a game of “I Spy”. Describe interesting things or spots as you go like a shiny red car, a bird’s nest, falling leaves and so on and then ask them to find the object or spot you are talking about.

Playdough Date

If you do not mind cleaning up a little mess, this activity will be perfect for your toddler’s play date. You can either buy some playdough in different colors or make edible playdough in yummy flavors such as chocolate or peanut butter. Add some cookie cutters and other objects to help them squeeze, mold and build them.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are one of the best ways to enhance a toddler’s creative skills. Set out some craft materials such as paper, paper plates, magazine cut-outs, glue, crayons, yarn, markers, paint and the likes. The children can make their own masterpieces and enjoy every minute of this activity. Let them take home their artworks or give them a simple award as a memento of their fun play date.

Construct and Pretend

Place a blanket over a clothesline or table to create a play tent. Have some large cardboard boxes for the children to crawl in and out of.  Give each toddler grocery boxes to sit in and pretend to drive a car, sail a boat or fly an airplane or spaceship.

Meet At A Restaurant

Take the play date outside the house and hold it at a restaurant with an indoor play area such as McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr. or Burger King. They can have lunch, snacks or some ice cream. The toddlers will definitely enjoy sliding and climbing in the play area while you can catch up and have some bonding time with the moms.

Storytelling

Reading is a perfect activity to end a fun play date. Ask the children to form a circle and give them pillows and blankets to make the activity more intimate and comfortable. Pick one or two good books such as “The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear” by Don and Audrey Wood or “Big Red Barn” by Margaret Wise Brown. When you are done, your toddler and his playmates can share their favorite characters, their own endings and the lessons they have learned.

Play dates are beneficial in a toddler’s overall development. These play date ideas will keep toddlers busy and happy while giving parents an opportunity to mingle.

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