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Surprising Facts About Asthma In Children

Asthma is an inflammatory illness in the airway. This condition is not new for parents with toddlers. But, did you know there are hidden facts about asthma in children? Below are surprising facts about asthma in children every parent needs to know to help their precious ones breathe easier.

Fact # 1: A toddler who had eczema as a baby has a higher risk of developing asthma later.

This fact is the most surprising facts about asthma in children. There is a strong connection between eczema and asthma. Doctors call it the “allergic march” – children who have eczema as an infant go on to develop allergies (often food and airborne allergies) and then asthma. However, the risk of your toddler developing asthma later can be minimized by treating hay fever with medications and allergy shots or immunotherapy.

Fact # 2: Exposing a toddler to certain environmental factors can lead to the development of asthma.

Certain environmental factors can trigger asthma symptoms such as being near a traffic-related area where pollution is very high. A toddler exposed to pollution and high levels of ozone has a bigger chance of getting asthma. Other environmental factors include – tobacco, perfumes, cleaning fluids, wood smoke, dust mites (a very common asthma trigger), mold, seasonal weather changes (especially when pollen levels are higher), animal dander as well as indoor swimming pools (the chlorine in pool water can cause a toddler’s airway to experience changes which can lead to asthma).

Fact # 3: A toddler who does not wheeze can still have asthma.

If your toddler has a chronic or ongoing cough, it may not be a persistent cold or a symptom of allergy. Recurrent bronchitis can also be an indication of underlying asthma. Coughing is one common symptom of asthma but other factors can cause a cough so an accurate analysis is necessary. To do this, you toddler’s doctor may perform a test called spirometry to gauge the volume of air your toddler can breathe out forcefully into a tube. The doctor will listen for wheezing (narrowing of airway), coughing and shortness of breath which comes from the muscles in the airways narrowing and from the swelling of the lining.

Fact # 4: A toddler with asthma can perform various activities.

It is not true that asthma can limit a toddler’s activities. All too often, parents limit their children to do certain things to prevent asthma attacks, but this is not necessary. In fact, doing various activities such as sports and exercises can improve an asthmatic toddler’s condition. As long as right medication is used at the right time, adequate rest and healthy eating habits are observed, a toddler with asthma will be fine.

Fact # 5: Mild cases of asthma in children should not be taken for granted.

Toddlers with mild asthma may not suffer as much as children with full-blown asthma but it is still very important for parents not to let their guard down. A toddler with asthma, mild or severe can easily develop upper respiratory illnesses which can aggravate the condition. A parent should also be cautious about exposing the toddler to foods with sulphites such as packaged fruit jams, canned vegetables and baked goods and certain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Fact # 6: A toddler’s asthma action plan must be constantly re-evaluated.

According to pediatric pulmonologists, a toddler who has persistent asthma has to have a written asthma action plan. This asthma action plan must be reassessed with your toddler’s doctor at least 2 to 4 times a year. Young children are also required to use a peak flow meter to help figure out how well their asthma is being controlled. This should be done every morning before a toddler takes his medications. The record must be shown to the doctor so the doctor can adjust a toddler’s asthma action plan accordingly.

Fact # 7: Asthma is often referred to as Reactive Airway Disease.

Some doctors do not directly diagnose a toddler of having an asthma condition for two reasons – the toddler is too young to undergo examinations that can help detect asthma or the toddler has very sensitive airways but the doctor is unsure if it is asthma and it may be something the toddler will outgrow before adulthood.

Asthma is a very widespread childhood disease in the United States. There are a lot of facts about asthma in children but the seven facts mentioned above are unknown to a lot of parents.

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How To Buy Potty Training Products

Potty training can be scary and overwhelming for toddlers. But thankfully, you can make this phase calm and as fun as possible with a little help from potty training products. Here is a guide on how to buy potty training products to make potty training mess-free, pleasant and a success for both you and your toddler.

Pick A Fun Potty Chair and Seat

Sitting in a toilet can be very nerve-wracking for toddlers. Why? Because toilets are huge, cold and noisy. To help your little one go without the fuss, buy your little one a potty chair. Pick a potty chair that is made of plastic and preferably one in your toddler’s favorite color or one that features your toddler’s favorite character (e.g. cartoon characters, superheroes, princesses and forest designs are well-loved by young children). A potty chair that plays songs or cheers for your toddler can also encourage your toddler to go to the potty often. Buy at least 2 potty chairs as you will need them in different parts of your house.

Once your toddler is used to using a potty chair, he is now ready to transition to a potty seat. Choose one that is of your toddler’s size and is a perfect seat over the regular toilet seat. Again, pick one with a cute design so your toddler will enjoy sitting on it.

Find A Sturdy Step Stool

Your little one will need a step stool to help his feet reach the floor while using the regular toilet as well as help him reach the sink for brushing teeth and washing hands. Choose a step stool that is durable, one with rounded corners, a non-skid rubber surface and large, strong rubber feet to prevent the step stool from slipping on the floor. In addition, pick one that comes in fun colors or designs and see to it it is very easy to clean.

Invest In Potty Training Pants

Another potty training product every toddler must have are training pants. This comes in very handy for any trips out. There are two types of training pants – disposable and cloth. Disposable training pants are recommended because they are made for a toddler so he can effortlessly pull them on and off on his own. However, they are very similar to diapers so your little one may not be able to feel when he is wet which can prolong the potty training process. On the other hand, cloth training pants enables a toddler to feel when he is wet so he is able to go and use the potty on time. The only downside to cloth training pants is that they require washing.

Again, choose a “big kid underwear” with your toddler’s favorite character on it to motivate your toddler to potty train.

Do Not Forget The Potty Training Friend, Books and DVDs

Another effective way to help your toddler potty train successfully is to have a potty training friend and books and DVDs about potty training. A potty training doll can help your toddler learn how to use the potty as well as help your little one overcome any potty training fears so he can enjoy this journey.

Opt for potty training books with colorful illustrations and those that come with fun accessories such as stickers. Potty For Me! by Karen Katz, The Potty Train by David Hochman and First Look and Find: Elmo’s Potty Book are popular titles of potty training books. For potty training DVDs, pick one that demonstrates the process of going to the toilet through silly dances and singing in the most tasteful manner as possible. Animal characters are a favorite amongst toddlers.

Check Reviews

Do not forget to check for customer reviews before you buy potty training products. This is to make sure that the potty training products you will choose can deliver and are helpful for your toddler.

Make Sure The Products Are Safe

Most of all, see to it that the potty training products you wish to buy are in excellent condition. The potty chair, potty seat and training pants must be brand new. There should be no damages such as holes, cracks, chipped paint and sharp edges. If you are buying second-hand potty training books, DVDs and a doll, make sure they are not worn out and do not have any damages as well.

With the help of these potty training products, training your toddler to use the toilet will be very easy and enjoyable.

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Understanding Pet Allergies In Children

Allergies in children are widespread. In fact, it is one of the most common childhood diseases. Household pets are considered a common source of allergies in children. Here is a guide to help parents become more informed of the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of pet allergies in children.

What causes pet allergies in children?

Pet allergies in children are an immune reaction to the pet’s dander – a gooey substance made up of saliva and very small skin flakes. Toddlers may also be allergic to the animal’s saliva, urine or feces. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, heredity can also make an individual more susceptible to allergies. If one or both the parents of a toddler have allergies, then there is a big probability that the toddler will also be allergic to something.

What are the signs and symptoms?

It is very important for parents of young children who have pets at home to be aware of the potential symptoms of an allergy to a pet. Here are the indicators that a toddler is allergic to an animal:

•    Stuffy nose
•    Itchy, red or watery eyes
•    Sneezing
•    Coughing
•    Wheezing
•    Rashes, hives and the development of a full-blown asthma (for severe cases of pet allergy)

Symptoms of pet allergy may even transpire even when a toddler is not in close proximity with the animal since the allergen can be found all over the indoor environment. Hence, it will take some work to figure out whether it is your pet or something else that is causing the problem.

Diagnosing The Problem

If you are not sure your household pet is causing the problem, you may want to take your little one to an allergist to help identify the source of irritant. An allergist will perform a thorough evaluation of your toddler’s medical record and complete a physical examination. A skin or blood test is also good for assessing your toddler’s level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies as it relates to particular allergens. Skin testing is better as it delivers quicker and more precise results than blood tests. After 15 to 20 minutes, the allergist searches for bumps or marks like small mosquito bites that show an allergy.

Treating Pet Allergies In Children

Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for pet allergies in children. But, there are some things you can do to minimize the symptoms. Removing the pet from your home is the most common solution. Your allergy doctor may recommend a saline nasal rinse that contains antihistamine if it is a mild respiratory infection. Allergy shots can also be used if the symptoms persist even after getting rid of the pet and taking medications. Allergy shots can help reduce the symptoms and desensitize the immune system.

Preventing Pet Allergies In Children

Minimize Contact

You might have to give your pet up if your toddler is suffering from pet allergy. But if this is not possible, you can keep your pet outdoors. Make sure your pet does not come into your toddler’s bedroom. Another idea is to find a pet that is more allergy-friendly such as a fish, turtle or cats and dogs that shed less frequently to minimize pet dander.

Change Your Toddler’s Clothes

Change your toddler’s clothes after he plays with your pet. Wash his hands immediately. Make sure he takes a bath every night before going to bed so as to keep allergens from tracking into his room.

Install A Filtration System

Install a filtration system around your house to remove the pet allergens circulating in the air. Get one with a MERV rating of 12 in the heater and air-conditioning unit. See to it you change the filter every 3 months to keep the air in your home clean throughout the year. In addition, it is also a good idea to leave the fan on to create a whole-house air filter to remove the particles that may trigger pet allergy.

Clean Your Home Regularly

Another way to prevent pet allergies in children is to clean your house frequently. Invest in a vacuum cleaner with advanced filtration system to remove dander as well as dust mites, molds and other allergens in the air. Dust appliances and furnitures. Remove your carpets as they can trap pet dander and replace them with smooth flooring such as vinyl, linoleum or hardwood.

Pet allergies in children are very common and it can make a toddler’s life difficult. But, with the help of this information, parents now know how to manage them and make life easier for their toddler and the entire family.

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Treatment For Whooping Cough In Children

Whooping cough is a very common childhood disease. Also known as pertussis, this disease affects the upper respiratory tract and is very contagious. It starts with cold-like symptoms such as mild fever and coughing that becomes more pronounced with frequent coughing fits especially at night. When not treated at once, this can cause severe damage and can be life-threatening. For this reason, it is very important for every parent to know the treatment for whooping cough in children. Here are some tried and tested tips from the experts.

Consult With Your Pediatrician

The first thing parents should do when treating whopping cough in children is to consult with a pediatrician. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection; therefore, it can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can also prevent the infection from spreading. The doctor can prescribe you one which your toddler will have to take for two weeks. In addition, your pediatrician may also suction mucus from the respiratory system and give extra oxygen.

Get Plenty of Rest

At home, see to it that your little one gets plenty of rest. Let your toddler rest in bed and avoid letting him play physically demanding activities. Adequate rest will help your toddler boost up his immune system. To keep your little one from getting bored, do quiet activities such as listening to music, reading a book, drawing or completing a jigsaw puzzle.

Hydrate, Hydrate

Another very effective treatment for whooping cough in children is water. Whooping cough can cause a toddler to get dehydrated; hence, it is very important that you make sure your toddler is getting enough liquid in his body to replenish the lost fluids. Water, oral rehydration solution, soups, fresh fruit juice and tea are great sources of fluids that also provide nutrients.

Use A Cool Mist Humidifier

Run a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in your home, especially in your toddler’s bedroom. A cool mist humidifier can treat whooping cough in children as it helps loosen up respiratory emissions and relieve irritated lungs and nasal passages to help with your little one’s breathing and ease his discomfort.

Offer Small Meals

A toddler with whooping cough will have a poor appetite and may vomit because of the coughing. So, feed your toddler smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Smaller meals are easier to digest than heavier meals. For instance, instead of feeding your toddler three regular meals, switch to six smaller meals.

Avoid The Irritants

Keep your sick toddler from irritants that could aggravate his condition. You can do this by cleaning your home frequently. Sterilize your toddler’s clothes, linens and toys. Make hand washing a habit not just for your toddler but for you and the rest of your family as well. Avoid exposing your toddler to people, especially those who are also sick. In addition, see to it your toddler is not exposed to tobacco smoke, aerosol sprays, fireplaces and other substances that can irritate his respiratory tract.

Give Your Toddler Pain Relievers

If your toddler has symptoms such as fever and sore throat, medications such as children’s acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) and ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin) can be effective in relieving your toddler’s uneasiness. But, do make sure you ask for your pediatrician’s go signal first as well as the recommended dosage before giving them to your toddler.

Never give your toddler aspirin or cough suppressants. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome – a rare but lethal disease and suppressants can hamper your toddler’s ability to heal.

Use Nose Drops

If your toddler’s nasal passageway is blocked due to mucus, you can use a nose drop to clear the passageway to help your toddler breathe more comfortably. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist what nose drop your toddler can use.

Go To The Hospital

If the above methods for treating whooping cough in children are ineffective, then your little one may need to be admitted in the hospital. Toddlers are more likely to get hospitalized because they are at a greater risk of incurring complications such as pneumonia, sinusitis and lung collapse. Your toddler will be observed and thoroughly examined. Intravenous (IV) fluids may also be given to prevent dehydration.

With the appropriate treatment, you can make sure that your toddler recuperates quickly from his bout of whooping cough. Also, if your toddler has not been vaccinated, then it would be best to make an appointment with your toddler’s pediatrician so your precious once can be immunized with the whooping cough vaccine.

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Causes, Signs, Treatment and Prevention of Frostbite In Children

The cold season is a time for viruses to spread which causes colds and flu in children. However, it can also cause frostbite in children. Frostbite can be very painful and uncomfortable for toddlers. Thus, it is very important for parents to know about frostbite in children. Here is a guide that will help you learn the causes, signs, treatment and prevention of frostbite in children.

What causes frostbite in children?

Frostbite in children is basically caused by exposure to very low temperature which exposes certain areas of the body such as the ears, nose, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes to extreme cold which can become frozen. This is because the skin and the body tissue beneath freezes. A toddler’s skin becomes very cold, then numb, hard and pallid. Toddlers are more at risk of incurring frostbite because of their sudden drops in body temperatures when in the outdoors.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The following are some common signs and symptoms of frostbite in children:

Skin Discoloration

The most common indication that a toddler has frostbite is when the skin exposed to extreme cold turns red and inflamed. If the skin is exposed for a long period of time, it will then appear to be white or purplish in color (looks like a bruise).

Skin Cracks or Has Blisters

A part of the skin that has been frostbitten feels odd when you touch it. Some toddlers may experience cracking and blistering which can be very discomforting. The skin can also appear shiny and puffy or flaky and hard to touch.

Strange Skin Sensations

A toddler with frostbite might feel a burning or prickling sensation. As the frostbite exacerbates, the toddler might feel numbness and the pain might subside but this just actually means that the frostbite is aggravating.

Speech and Dexterity Problems

Another sign of frostbite in children is when a toddler has trouble speaking due to the loss of body heat. You may also notice a toddler having difficulty with his dexterity.

How is frostbite in children treated?

If you notice that one or more of these symptoms are experienced by your toddler, then it is very essential that you follow these tips for treating frostbite in children.

Warm The Body

Warm the body as soon as possible without placing heat directly on the affected areas. Do not touch your toddler’s affected skin. Instead, move your toddler to a warm location. Remove his wet clothing and dress your toddler in dry and warm clothes. Wrapping his body with a blanket can also help.

Seek Medical Help

Immediate medical attention is necessary as your toddler is at risk of infection or permanent tissue damage. The doctor will be able to prescribe good recommendations for treating your toddler’s frostbite (e.g. applying topical creams or skin grafting for severe cases). The doctor will also check for hypothermia (extreme low body temperature).

Re-warm Affected Areas Gradually

For superficial or minor cases of frostbite, what you need to do is to re-warm the affected parts slowly. You can gently tuck your toddler’s hands under your armpits. Applying warm compress also helps. You can also immerse your toddler’s fingers and toes in lukewarm (not hot) water – about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Giving your toddler something warm to drink such as milk, tea, water or soup can also provide comfort.

A word of advice: Never rub your toddler’s fingers or use a heating device (e.g. hairdryer) to warm the affected areas as this will only increase the damage in the skin tissue.

How can frostbite be prevented?

Supervise Your Toddler Outdoors

Letting your toddler play during cold weather is perfectly fine. But, do make sure to keep the time he spends outside short, say 15 to 20 minutes. Make it a point to check his face, ears, fingers and toe every so often so you can check for signs of frostbite.

Dress Your Toddler For The Weather

Another way to prevent frostbite in children is to dress toddlers appropriately. Meaning, you have to make sure you dress your little one in layers. Have your toddler wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, jacket, scarf, hat, mittens, socks and well-fitting boots.

Keep Your Toddler Dry

See to it your toddler stays dry outdoors. Whenever he gets wet, remove wet clothes at once because moisture draws off heat from the skin.

Always be vigilant during cold, windy days. Wind makes the skin lose heat faster, which enhances your toddler’s risk of frostbite.

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Stomach Ache Remedies For Toddlers

Toddlers often suffer from stomach aches. This can be due to food allergies, gas, indigestion or infections. Parents should keep a close eye on their toddlers to determine the cause of their child’s stomach ache. If the cause seems to be mild, it can be treated at home. Here are simple but very effective stomach ache remedies for toddlers.

Apply Heat

One of the best stomach ache remedies for toddlers is warm compress. Ask your toddler to sit or lie down and then place a hot water bottle or a washcloth dipped in hot water to the stomach for 10 minutes or more. Heat increases the blood flow to the skin’s surface which can relieve the pain.

Drink Ginger

Ginger is a great home remedy to give to toddlers with stomach ache. Ginger contains gingerol – a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the production of free radicals which can be harmful to the body, decrease constipation and nausea and neutralize stomach acids. To prepare ginger tea, grate a small piece of ginger and squeeze out its juice. Mix ¼ teaspoon of ginger juice with warm water and ½ teaspoon honey.

Sip Chamomile Tea

Give your little one a cup of chamomile tea (one cup of water per teabag). Chamomile tea is a very good home remedy for minor stomach aches because it has anti-inflammatory and calming properties which can lessen stomach discomfort. It soothes the muscle of the upper digestive system, alleviating the contractions that move food from the tummy and small intestines which can help ease abdominal cramps and spasms.

Offer Lemon Juice

Squeeze a small amount of lemon juice to a glass of warm water. This fresh fruit juice can help with digestion, relieving a painful stomach ache effectively and naturally.

Drink Plenty of Water

See to it your toddler drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Most often, cases of stomach ache in toddlers are caused by acidity imbalance. Drinking water can help reduce the imbalance. Let your toddler drink water while sitting down (not lying down) and in small sips every 30 minutes. Gulping down water in one go can cause more discomfort.

Offer Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are also one of the most effective stomach ache remedies for toddlers. Fennel seeds help boost up muscle and tendon movement in the tummy, getting rid of excess waste and promote healthy digestion.

Give A Massage

Giving your toddler a massage can also help treat stomach ache. Apply a few drops of essential oil such as lavender and mint to the stomach and then lightly massage in a circular, clockwise motion.
Or, you can also rub your toddler’s foot. Hold your toddler’s left foot with the palm of your right hand and place your left hand underneath the ball of the foot and apply a solid, even pressure with your thumb. Move slightly forward and repeat. Switch hands and repeat from right to left with the thumb of your right hand until you cover the middle of the arch.

Snack On Yogurt

Yogurt is full of natural healthy microorganisms that can help cure stomach ache. The good bacteria can help break down food, treat tummy cramps as well as diarrhea. Give your toddler a bowl of yogurt with live cultures to snack on. Yogurt is tasty so you will not have any problems serving it to your little one.

Serve The CRAP Diet

Offer your toddler the CRAP diet if he is suffering from stomach ache because of constipation. CRAP stands for cherries, raisins, apricots and prunes. These foods are rich in fiber which can regulate bowel movement. Make sure you puree these foods first before serving it to your toddler to prevent choking. Serve a half cup of any of these fruits 3 to 5 times a day.

These natural and homemade remedies can successfully treat stomach ache in toddlers. But, if your toddler’s stomach ache continues more than five days or if he loses his appetite, develops a fever, vomits and is easily exhausted, it is time to call the doctor.

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Treatment For Hay Fever In Children

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to airborne elements such as mold and pollen. Hay fever is very common in children. It attacks children during later summer or spring. Although this is not a serious illness, it can cause toddlers discomfort which can affect their participation in everyday activities. Here is a guide about the treatment for hay fever in children.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the most commonly used medications for treating hay fever in children. It is available in both pill and liquid form. Antihistamines obstruct histamine (which the immune system generates during an allergic reaction), reducing runny nose, sneezing and itching. However, some over-the-counter antihistamines are ideal for treating mild or occasional symptoms but may cause drowsiness in toddlers. In addition, toddlers who develop hay fever must take a daily antihistamine for at least 2 months to keep the symptoms under control. Make sure you ask your toddler’s pediatrician first before giving this medicine to your toddler.

Sinus Rinsing

Another treatment for hay fever in children is sinus rinsing. In sinus rinsing, a bulb syringe is filled with saline solution to clean a toddler’s nostrils. The salty water flushes allergens from your toddler’s nose. It can be used every day, either on its own or together with other hay fever remedies. You can purchase a bulb syringe and saline packets from your local pharmacy. Or, you can also make your own saline solution by mixing 8 oz. warm water, ¼ tsp. kosher or pickling salt and ¼ tsp. baking soda in a clean container.

Prescription Nasal Sprays

Prescription nasal sprays can treat or prevent nasal irritation, itchiness and congestion from hay fever. Health experts recommend prescription nasal sprays as they can be safely used for long-term treatment. But, you should never use an OTC nasal spray to treat your toddler’s hay fever as this can exacerbate the symptoms.

Decongestants

Giving a toddler decongestant is another option for treating hay fever. Decongestants are available in nasal spray, pill or liquid form. They can help ease congestion in the nasal passageway and sinus. However, decongestants should only be used for a short period of time as they can cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia and increased blood pressure in toddlers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy also known as allergy shots is another effective treatment for hay fever in children. This is done by frequently injecting the toddler with small quantities of the allergens that cause hay fever symptoms. Immunotherapy treatments normally last 3 to 5 years to desensitize the body from allergens and to build up the toddler’s immune system. This form of treatment is recommended if a toddler’s symptoms continue even after trying medications and if the toddler has allergy triggers that are difficult to avoid.

Ice

Another effective option is to place a few ice cubes in a moist washcloth over a toddler’s eyes for at least 10 minutes. The ice can alleviate itchy and swollen eyes. This treatment is best done before a toddler’s bedtime to help the child sleep easier.

Avoid The Triggers

Of course, any form of hay fever treatment will not be effective if you do not limit your toddler’s exposure from the triggers. In order to do this, you must - keep windows closed at night. Remove carpets from your toddler’s room. Sanitize your home regularly. Wash your pets every week and keep them in your backyard. Place allergy filters over air vents. Buy allergy-proof covers for your toddler’s pillows, mattress and stuffed toys. Teach him to wash his hands frequently. Give him a bath before bedtime. Keep your toddler inside your house early in the morning and during hot, dry, windy days (when mold and pollen counts are high) as much as possible.

If you have more questions about hay fever or if you notice unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your toddler’s doctor.

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The Best Potty Training Books For Children

Potty training toddlers is probably one of the most challenging responsibilities of parents. Toilet training is an integral part of a toddler’s development. One way to make this possible and easier for you and your toddler is by reading about potty training. Here is a list of the best potty training books for children.

I Want My Potty by Tony Ross

This is a book to read to your toddler, especially if she is a girl. I Want My Potty is about a princess who encourages toddlers to use the potty because she is tired of wearing diapers. The little princess realizes that using the potty is the best way to free herself from the diapers through trial and error.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

Taro Gomi’s book explains that all creatures - great or small (including young children) need to poop. It first illustrates how different animals make different kinds of poop and then shows toddlers how humans poop first in diapers and eventually in the toilet.

Time To Pee! by Mo Willems

Mo Willems is popular for his sense of humor and cool illustrations. Time To Pee! is a picture book that tackles going number one. Your little one can surely relate to this book because it explains how toddlers find the toilet terrifying so he offers a step by step toilet training guide that will teach your toddler a thing or two about using the potty while providing entertainment at the same time. It gives encouraging advice such as “Please don’t ignore it.” and “Don’t panic! Don’t fret!”. Plus, it gives reminders to flush, use toilet paper and wash hands.

What To Do With A Potty? by Marianne Borgardt

This one is a classic bestselling potty training book for children. This book is an interactive pop-up – perfect for introducing potty training to your little one. It features fun pops and pull-up tabs and stunning pictures making this book a priceless treasure in your toddler’s library.

My Big Boy Potty by Joanna Cole

This is a simple story that is easy for toddlers to comprehend yet very interesting. It is about a boy named Michael getting his first potty, learning how to use it and being triumphant in the end. It covers the essential information toddlers need when learning about and experiencing potty training. Plus, it also features a small section of valuable tips for parents at the end of the book.

Too Big For Diapers (Sesame Street) by Random House

Another popular potty training book for children is Random House’s Too Big For Diapers. It is a board book that is very short and simple, perfect for your toddler’s short attention span. The character – Baby Ernie is too big for diapers, hence he is ready to try out his brand-new potty. This book teaches toddlers that potty training is a process and may take a few tries before they can master it by themselves.

The Potty Train by David Hochman and Ruth Kennison

This potty training book is very entertaining. It has colorful pages and a very cute storyline. Your little conductor will want to jump aboard the potty train, bid diapers goodbye and get off at Underpants Station all while singing “Chugga-Chugga Poo Poo.”.

Potty by Leslie Patricelli

If you are searching for a sweet, straight to the point potty training book, this should be your top choice. Potty features adorable and clear images and few words. It allows you to make up your own stories. Plus, it is humorous without being gross – a book that your toddler will value as you read it over and over again.

Every so often, children need a dose of wit, direction and motivation to move the potty training process along. These potty training books for children could really make the task of teaching your little one how to use the potty quite simple.

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A Parent’s Guide To Eye Care For Toddlers

Those warm toddler eyes are not just a window to his soul, they are also essential to his cognitive growth. Hence, it is important to take good care of them. You can do this by following this guide to eye care for toddlers.

Clean With Care

The skin around your toddler’s eyes is very thin and delicate, so you have to be very careful when washing your toddler’s face. Softly scrub, never rub around your toddler’s eyes when giving him a bath. If you see dried-up remains on your little one’s eyelashes, again do not rub it. Instead, damp a soft washcloth in lukewarm water and then lightly remove the crust. In addition, use a no-tears shampoo when washing your toddler’s hair to avoid hurting his eyes.

Make Eye Exams A Part of Your Toddler’s Check-ups

See to it that eye exams are a part of your toddler’s routine medical care. Eye examinations are very important to make sure that your toddler’s vision is in excellent condition as well as to determine possible eye defects. It is good to catch visual problems early so as not to limit your toddler’s absorption of knowledge through vision.

Observe Your Toddler

Another way you can take care of your toddler’s eyes is to keep a close eye on your little one. Observe if your little one is having trouble with his eyes. Some signs you should watch for are – frequent squinting, difficulty seeing people and things from a distance and if your toddler’s eyes look crossed at times. If you notice these symptoms, your toddler might have a vision problem and a visit to a pediatric ophthalmologist is necessary for a more thorough assessment.

Childproof Your Home

Look around your home and check if there are any items that can hurt your toddler’s eyes. Cover the sharp corners of tables with a shield cushion or edge cushion pads. Make sure that there is nothing sticking out from the walls. Remove potential eye-pokers such as pencils, pens, sticks, toys and even household cleaners. Store them in a locked container and place it in a cabinet your little one cannot access.

Shade The Eyes

The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause damage to your toddler’s eyes as well. Whenever your toddler goes outside, see to it that he is wearing a hat or a cap and toddler sunglasses to shield his peepers. Choose toddler shades with UVA and UVB protection, is unbreakable and with scratch-proof lenses. If your toddler takes part in contact sports, have him wear protective eye wear with a band to keep the eyewear in place as he runs, jumps or skips.

Teach Basic Eye Care

It also very important to teach your little one basic eye care tips for toddlers. Make it clear that he should refrain from rubbing his eyes and to never read in the dark or when the vehicle is moving. Teach your toddler how to hold books properly (at about 14 inches distance).

Reduce Screen Time

Limit the time your toddler spends in front of the TV, computer and iPad. Too much screen time is never beneficial for toddlers, not only does it impede with their development but it can also cause eye fatigue. Allow him to face the screen no more than 2 hours a day. He should be in a well lighted room and at least 3.5 meters away from the screen.

Encourage A Healthy Diet

Feed your toddler foods that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids which help protect eyes and vision. Carrots, broccoli, spinach, apricots, kiwis, oranges, salmon and sardines are loaded with these so make sure your toddler gets his daily servings.

The eyes are two of the most active body parts. So make sure you follow this guide to eye care for toddlers so your little one can continue looking and learning things with a 20/20 vision.

Posted in Child Health Issues, HealthComments (0)

How To Dispose Old Medicine

Medicines play a significant role in treating illnesses and conditions. But, no matter how beneficial they may be in treating sick people, they can also be very harmful when they are no longer needed or expired. Want to know why? This is because there is a very big threat of toddlers getting their hands on old medicine that is casually thrown everywhere. Thus, it is very important for parents to be aware that there are some ways on how to correctly dispose old medicine. Here is a guide that can help.

Read The Medication Label For Instructions

The most important tip on how to dispose old medicine is to check the label for disposal information. Make sure you carefully comply with the disposal directions on the label. If you are unsure how to discard your old medications, you can either contact your pharmacist or check out the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) website for a list of medications with special disposal directions.

Look For Take-Back Medicine Programs

There are different options to throw away old medications. Your first option is to call your pharmacy and ask if they provide the “take-back medicine” service. Most pharmacies offer a take-back medicine program. This option is a good way to get rid of old medicines from the home and decreases the chance of family members, especially toddlers to accidentally take the medicine. However, some pharmacies only offer such program once or twice a year while others do not partake in the program. If your nearest pharmacy does not offer it, ask around to check if there is another pharmacy in your area that has it. You may also get in touch with your county or city government’s household trash and recycling service to find out if there is a take-back program in your area or visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website for details on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Events.

Search For A Waste Disposal Program

Your second option is a waste disposal program. Go over the yellow pages or make a call to your local hospital and ask if they can recommend dangerous waste disposal companies. Most of these waste disposal companies will take old medicines. You may need to pay the waste disposal company but at least you can have peace of mind that your old medications will be properly discarded.

Throw Away Old Medicines In The Trash

If the two options above are not available in your area, then you can throw away your old medicines in the household trash. You can do this by following these simple steps:
•    Remove the old medicine out of its container.
•    Take out the label on the original package before throwing it in the trash.
•    If the medicine is solid, crush or grind it and mix with water.
•    Wear gloves and then place the old medicine in a sealed plastic bag along with coffee grounds, sawdust, dirt, kitty litter or anything that would make the medicine inedible.
•    Place the container in another sealed plastic bag and then throw the bag in your household trash. See to it that you place the trash can where your little one cannot reach it.

Never Flush Old Medicines Down The Sink or Toilet

Never use your toilet or sink to dispose old medicine. Parents are no longer allowed to flush medicines down the toilet or pour them down the sink. This is because medications that are flushed down can end up in the water supply which can contaminate the water and slip through water infiltration systems which could cause more damage to the health.

As you can see, there are many options of disposing old medicines so there is no excuse for throwing away old medications carelessly. Remember, knowing how to dispose old medicine the right way is very important in keeping your toddler safe from any health hazard.

Posted in Doctors & Medication, HealthComments (0)

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