Baby, Baby Still Sick

Continuing with this weeks topic of toddlers and colds, I wanted to post two websites links that I found very informative and helpful. 

FYI http://www.babycenter.com/ is a great website for all things baby, toddler, and mom. All articles are factually based and creditable.  

1. "Top Cold and Flu Myths- and the Facts on Keeping Your Child Health" by Karen Miles 
http://www.babycenter.com/0_top-cold-and-flu-myths-160-8211-and-the-facts-on-keeping-you_1448773.bc

This article describes some of the most common myths and assumptions about colds and young children. Topics range from over counter medicine usage, to flu shots, impacts of daycare and even address milk mucus issues. A very interesting and insightful read. 

2. Video: How to Use a Bulb Syringe to Clear Baby's Mucus
http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-to-clear-your-babys-mucus_10357065.bc

This is a MUST watch for all mothers, guardians or caregivers. The video gives the proper procedure to remove mucus from your child's nose with a bulb syringe. This can be a difficult task, but following the doctors methods will ensure more successful removal of unwanted mucus. 

Make sure to check out the REVIEW TAB.  I recently posted about one of my favorite symptom killers for toddlers, Cold n' Cough a natural medicine. Also be sure to look in the ARTICLES TAB, I posted a couple links to websites for at home remedies to reduce toddlers symptoms. 

Sickie, Sickie, Baby

Recently my daughter and I had a cold. I picked her up from daycare one afternoon and was greeted by a little boy with snot dripping down his nose, covering his lips. Immediately I thought to myself, “Oh  lord Jens going to be sick next”! Couple days later her nose became runny, she was coughing and sneezing.  I kept her quarantined the entire weekend. She was showing signs of improvement, so we did a little shopping.  Jen and I were visited the farmers market and a couple retail stores. We were gone for no longer than three hours. Later that evening Jen felt very warm, so I took her temperature. 

The thermometer screen read 100.7. My heart beat increased drastically and my mind began racing. "is she ok? hope its not anything serious! please be a cold, please be a cold"

I know that anything over 102 is consider high and can be extremely dangerous. That helped to calm my nerves knowing that her temp was lower. Jen has had a couple colds before, but it’s always kind of scary. I like to be as prepared as possible; after all things can get real bad real fast.   

Here are some of the symptoms I look for when I think Jen is sick.

          

     

Missing Mom

Sorry I have been MIA for this past week. This weather change has got my daughter and I sick. We are feeling so much better now! Look out for new post next week. Until then enjoy these funnies I found below!

TV's Child pt. 2

Here is what I do to create healthier TV viewing behaviors for my daughter.

1. Monitor Jen’s TV watching. After all it’s not a babysitter. I am strategic when planning her daily activities. Try including a wide array of activities for variety of time lengths. You can always redirect them to something or away from something else.

2. Watch TV with Jen.  What she watches I watch. You can encourage interaction, by asking questions and discussing words or phrases that he/she repeats. Pay attention to make sure the child is not exhibiting “zombie” like behaviors.

3. Limit Jen’s TV watching. We all have those instincts, so use them. Do what you think is appropriate for your lifestyle and family. Obviously excessive TV watching is not good. Set time limits that allow moderate TV watching by your child.

4. Monitor TV show content. Little pictures have big ears. Kids are smart and can grasp concepts that may seem above their heads. Be aware of the nature of shows that you child is watching as well as the shows that you watch around your child.  Make sure it is shows appropriate for the age group.  

5. TV is never a substitute. Electronic devices should never be used in place of other development activities.  Reading, drawing, block building, and playing outside are examples of fundamental activities that will enrich your child’s motor and language abilities as well as improve balance and flexibility. There should be a balance and children should participate in various types of activities throughout the day.

Hope this helps!

TV's Child

“More Dora”! My 2-year old daughter, Jen exclaimed! As she watched the credits roll Jen is amped with excitement for another episode, a new adventure with Dora. Jen has recently discovered Dora, but she watches a slue of shows from Calliou, to Mickey Mouse, Barney, Sesame Street. Recently I have noticed that she is beginning to recognize and relate to these characters, even singing along with the theme songs. After witnessing this I begin to ponder.   Is Jen watching too much TV?  How much is too actually too much?

So I began researching. Here’s what I found………  

American Pediatric Association (APA) originally, “Recommended no TV for children age two and under. Children older than two should not watch more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming”. Seriously? This has got to be a joke right? Unfortunately, it is not. Thinking back, while speaking to Jen’s pediatrician at her 18 month checkup, she suggested the same and I thought to myself, “okay lady, this is not even a slight possibility”! The 2011 article, “How TV Effects Your Child” on kidshealth.org describes the APA’s logic behind this recommendation. It explains that, “The first two years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development.” I understand the logic and whole-heartedly support healthy development of children 110%. But, this recommendation, you must admit, it is pretty unrealistic.