Nutrition

Feeding your toddler

I am blessed with a picky eater, this is one of my biggest challenges. Some days I wonder if my picky eater is the same at daycare as he is at home. At daycare he drinks milk, no problem, but at home, he constantly refuses to drink milk. I get so excited if, and when, he does drink milk because I'm terrified that him drinking only apple juice will affect his teeth in the future.

Nathan’s main menu: Egg whites, corn on the cob, avocado, fries, liquid yogurt, cheese, yogurt melts, apple juice, apple sauce, and fruits. When Nathan refuses food, I give him PediaSure to drink.

It is completely normal, for toddler's to like certain foods one day and refuse the same foods the next. It is a constant battle, but it will eventually change.

I decide take Nathan to the pediatrician because he would refuse food all the time. I was told that as long as I'm still breastfeeding him, he is drinking milk, and he is receiving vitamin D, he is healthy. I just need to keep giving him fluids, so he does not get dehydrated.

Question:

1. My son refuse to eat meat except for eggs, what do you suggest I do?

center, b. (2015). BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. Retrieved from BabyCenter. (2015). BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. Retrieved fromhttp://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to- handle-a-picky-eater_9199.bc

Night Waking

Why does my son wake up in the middle of the night? How do I get him to sleep through the night?

If your child used to sleep through the night, and now wakes up twice or more, it could be for a number of reasons - your baby could be hungry, cold or hot, or having a nightmare. It could also be separation anxiety or not napping throughout the day. It is normal, and common, for toddlers to wake in the middle of the night, but in time this cycle can be broken.

What to do about it:

• Establish a day time nap schedule.
• Your baby maybe sleep deprived, so try putting your baby to bed earlier.
• Established a bedtime routine and be constant.
•  Introduce a comfy blanket, stuffed animal or even one of you shirts for you child to sleep with.
• Do not rush in and pick them up as soon as they start crying

Question:

1. How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?
2. At what age do babies start sleeping through the nignt?

 Heidi. (2015). What to Expect. Retrieved from http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/behavior/night-waking.aspx

Caring for a Toddler

My son Nathan is growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday he was lying there and pushing around on his belly, crawling around, and out of nowhere, just starts running around and rearranging the house. But in spite of all that, I appreciate every moment of it and I cherish the time I have with him now.

At this stage, he is at a point where he wants to learn, as he is developing physically and socially. He will repeat and imitate the people around him - especially his grandmother. He loves to play dress up, doing crafts and putting puzzles together. He loves sing-a-longs like Mother Goose Club Nursery Rhymes and Bubble Guppies.

At nineteen months, Nathan is stacking up blocks to build towers, he uses them to count, and he loves scribbling on paper, thank god he have not yet figure out that he can draw on the walls. At this stage he does not sit still, he is always on the move and his favorite word is mine, everything is mine.

At this age, toddlers will give you the most information such as, how they like to be comforted and held, and how they like to sleep. Nathan has now started to potty train, and sometimes if he has an accident he will let you know if his diaper needs to be changed.

Baby Must-haves for the First Year

What do you need before your baby arrives? 

• Car seat/stroller
• Health and safety
• Diapers/diaper bag
• Clothing
• Sleeping
• Bottles/breast feeding bottles and pump
• Soothers, toys and entertainment
• Infant swing

Someone told me to buy a swing for my baby, and I didn't at first, but when I did, it was the best investment of my life. Some babies are not a fan, but if he or she is, it will settle them and they will fall asleep.

My son Nathan asleep in his swing

My son loved the swing. Some days I wish he could still fit in it, but he doesn't. Now, my baby loves to cuddle, and when its time to sleep, you have to rock him for a long time - which gets tiring - go for a drive or take him for long walks.

center, b. (2015). BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. Retrieved from BabyCenter. (2015). BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. Retrieved fromhttp://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to- handle-a-picky-eater_9199.bc

Product Review - Lotion vs. Olive Oil

When my baby was born, he had very dry and flaky skin. His doctor said it was because he was overdue; others would say it’s because the mother did not drink enough water while she was pregnant. 

(Johnson & Johnson, 2015)

What causes dry skin?

• Hot baths
• Weather
• Not using lotions
• Dehydrated
• Harsh bar soap
• Eczema

Dry Skin Products

Lotion - Now that my son is a bit older, in the summer I just use the Johnson & Johnson lotion twice per day after a bath and before bed. 

Olive oil - The olive oil on it own tends to be oily and not as much when mix with the Johnson & Johnson lotion. This combination works best in the winter time when the skin gets dry the most form the harsh cold weather. In the winter, I would apply this combination two times per day before daycare and after daycare.

Whatever the reasons were, I found that the Johnson baby lotion was not working alone, so I decided to mix it with olive oil, so he would still have that baby smell and in just three weeks my baby had nice soft skin.

Benjamins olive oil and Johnson & Johnson baby powder

Question:

1. Does your baby have dry skin?
2. What products do you used?

Overview

I think most moms use Johnson & Johnson baby products on their babies. As a first-time mom this product was my first choice to get for my precious bundle of joy - their product smells great and feels good on the skin.

My son Nathan is 18 months old and Johnson & Johnson baby products are still my first choice.