Does your child sit on the floor with their legs rotated out to the sides, feet pointing in front of them? Is this their preferred pattern of sitting on the floor? Is it, in fact, the only position your really ever see them use on the floor? Well then, you have yourself a W-sitter.…… Continue reading Why is W-Sitting Such a Big Deal?
Month: January 2015
Toddler “Jeopardy”: Why we Phrase Directions in the Form of Questions
“Would you please clean up this toy so we can get our next one?” When my toddler client shakes her head and smiles, I have to smile too. What was I thinking? I gave her a choice to clean up or not, and she chose, as they say in the Indiana Jones movies, wisely.…… Continue reading Toddler “Jeopardy”: Why we Phrase Directions in the Form of Questions
Swaddle With a Blanket or a Swaddle Garment? How to Decide What is Right for Your Family
You have decided to swaddle your baby, and you read the book/watched the DVD/had a private consultation with me. You know why swaddling helps your infant calm down, fall asleep, and stay asleep. But what do you actually use for swaddling? Two choices appear: the blanket or the manufactured garment. Swaddle blankets can be muslin,…… Continue reading Swaddle With a Blanket or a Swaddle Garment? How to Decide What is Right for Your Family
Baby Wearing for Premature Babies
As a nationally certified Happiest Baby on the Block educator, I think that baby wearing is a great way to nurture your preemie, and I approach this topic as I do all the Happiest Baby training: parents need to know why wearing their baby is helpful and why correct technique matters so much. The government’s…… Continue reading Baby Wearing for Premature Babies
The Easy Way to Buy American-Made Products for Your Baby And Our Economy
I know that this is not the whole answer to raise all economic boats. But I also know you will be shopping anyway, so I thought it would be nice for you to know that some of your favorite manufacturers (and some smaller guys too) are creating American jobs and make great toys, clothing, and equipment…… Continue reading The Easy Way to Buy American-Made Products for Your Baby And Our Economy
Toilet Training Strategies for Children With Autism and Sensory Processing Issues
These strategies have worked for a wide range of children on the spectrum and/or those with sensory processing issues. Every child is different, but the following techniques are the best I know for most families: Time potty time about 20-30 minutes after meals and snacks. The act of digestion and drinking should stimulate urination and…… Continue reading Toilet Training Strategies for Children With Autism and Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory Processing Issues And Toilet Training Your Toddler: The Overview
Toilet training is never fun. At it’s best, a sweetly cooperative child quickly connects urges with actions, and parents deal with an occasional accident. In a few short weeks or months, you feel free to go anywhere without extra clothes, creme, wipes and diapers. Not when a child has difficulty processing sensory information. Sensory processing…… Continue reading Sensory Processing Issues And Toilet Training Your Toddler: The Overview
Napping Often and Well Enhances Your Baby’s Mind
The BBC website recently (1/12/15) ran a short piece entitled “Regular Naps Are The ‘Key to Learning’ by James Gallagher. Great review of recent British research on linking learning and nap time. Definitely take a look and read what he has to say about what pre-nap behavior and what long nap duration does for young…… Continue reading Napping Often and Well Enhances Your Baby’s Mind
Try a Dream Feed to Lengthen Your Newborn’s Sleep at Night
Imagine that you know an easy way to send your baby into a longer and more restful sleep. But guess what? You have to wake him up to do it. Welcome to the world of the dream feed. The dream feed concept is not my own, but it is one of the most useful strategies…… Continue reading Try a Dream Feed to Lengthen Your Newborn’s Sleep at Night
Why Would Your Daycare Refuse To Use Happiest Baby on the Block?
Recently I taught a mom to use the Happiest Baby on the Block techniques to calm her 11 week-old son. He was soon a very easy baby to settle, and was sleeping very well. When she tried to explain these new strategies to her high-quality daycare providers, she was brushed off. They have “their ways…… Continue reading Why Would Your Daycare Refuse To Use Happiest Baby on the Block?