ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Everyday Storage: Organizing Kids Toys, Books and Morehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/18/organizing-kids-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/18/organizing-kids-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/18/organizing-kids-toys/#commentsFiled under: , ,

organizing kids toys

Use baskets or bins to store toys. Credit: MCT

Clutter follows kids like flies follow a summer picnic. But experts say getting your child's stuff in order doesn't have to be a chore if you develop a system and stay on top of it.

No matter where the problem area in the home exists, tackling clutter is a three-step process, says Cincinnati-based professional organizer Stephanie Denton. Those steps, she tells ParentDish, include:

  1. 1. Clear out: At least once a year, go through everything and toss broken, torn or worn-out items. Move off-season items to the basement or attic.
  2. 2. Contain: Once everything is sorted, set up a storage system.
  3. 3. Maintain: Keep the system going. The system fails if you don't routinely put things in their place.
Denton says it doesn't make any sense to buy organizing tools such as containers until after the clearing out process is complete. At that point, she recommends taking a close look at what's left and figuring out the right sized container for it.

All those little Lego pieces would be lost in a deep toy tub, but they can be stored in mesh drawer systems with ease. Create separate storage for puzzles, doll clothes, race cars, puppets and other toys. A preschool classroom is a good model to look at when you begin to organize a playroom. Think about separate containers for dress-up, board games and reading. Attach a picture or label every drawer and basket to make clean-up time easier.

Stuffed animals, dolls and even winter mittens can be slipped into over-the-door shoe hangers for easy organization. Hang them on the back of a door wherever space is tight, and it adds instant organization, Denton says. For video games, Denton re-purposes bulk CD spindle cases for easy and portable organizing. Put the video game discs on the spindle that has a protective cover and save the instruction booklets in a freezer bag stashed nearby.

If books are taking over, try standing them up in a plastic tub, like those used to wash dishes, so your child can flip through the books easily. Group them by color or subject to help your child put them back in the right place.

"As long as everything does have a place, you don't have to think so much about cleaning up," Denton says.

If you know where something goes, you're not as invested mentally at clean-up time and the whole process goes quickly.

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]]>clutterEvergreeneveryday storageorganizingorganizing kids toysstoragethe-container-storeEllen Rooney MartinMon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 ESTNursery Style Ideas That Don't Cost a Fortunehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/04/nursery-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/04/nursery-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/04/nursery-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

removable wall art

Removable wall art lends versatility to a nursery's decor. Credit: Kenziepoo, Flickr

Decorating a stylish nursery doesn't have to require dipping into your child's college tuition fund. To help keep costs low, but style high, ParentDish asked some design pros for a few secrets to create a contemporary look for your baby's room.

First, think about color, which has gotten more sophisticated in recent years. Pink and blue have been replaced by silvery greens, pale yellows, grayish lavenders and even straight gray tones.

"It used to be more cutesy or gender specific," says Esther Sadowsky, owner of Manhattan's Charm & Whimsy. "Now parents want things to go with the rest of the apartment."

Los Angeles designer Sarah Barnard says parents are more fashionable than ever before.

"They're probably not going to be satisfied with a cartoon theme," she says.

One way to jazz up the walls without making a long-term commitment is to use stick-on art such as Wall Pops. Designers, including Sadowsky, love this type of wall art because it can add instant interest and color to a wall and then be peeled right off in a couple of years when you or your child gets tired of it.

Check out craft stores like Michaels and even Home Depot for supplies. Wall Pops come in funky, vintage prints and bright colors that can be combined in many nursery-friendly ways.

When it comes to furniture, think long-term. As hard as it is to imagine, your baby will be out of diapers and moving from a crib to a bed before you know it.

"My opinion is that it's very expensive if you have to buy two rooms of furniture for the same child," says Northbrook, Ill.-based designer Jeff Smoler. "I try to do to it so all the furniture has a dual function."

He recommends a chest of drawers with a detachable changing table and a crib that converts to a youth bed.

Barnard says many parents now want their nursery to be environmentally friendly, too. She recommends second hand furniture, low VOC paints, natural bedding supplies (such as organic cotton sheets and blankets) and even natural latex crib mattresses for nurseries because she believes natural products are healthier for babies. She doesn't want anything that gives off that "new car smell" in a baby's room.

If you insist on buying new furniture, Barnard suggests spending a little extra and buying something well-made that can be passed down to a future generation.

Related: Making your child's room unique

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]]>baby styleBabyStyledecorevergreenideas for nurseryNurserynursery beddingnursery ideasNurseryDecorEllen Rooney MartinMon, 04 Apr 2011 11:30:00 ESTLosing Pregnancy Weight: 5 Diet Tipshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/losing-pregnancy-weight/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/losing-pregnancy-weight/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/losing-pregnancy-weight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

losing pregnancy weight

To lose pregnancy weight, start your day with oatmeal and an apple. Credit: Getty Images

Celebrity moms seem to step right back into their pre-baby jeans moments after giving birth. But for most of us, getting rid of the baby weight takes time.

Even fitness pros have to work hard to lose weight after a pregnancy. Two experts tell ParentDish they have new respect for moms trying to get back into shape after having their own children.

However, Lindsay Brin, owner of St. Louis-based Moms Into Fitness, and Kara Mohr, owner of Louisville, Ky.-based Mohr Results, say there are a few secrets to getting back into your favorite jeans.

First : Remember it took nine months to gain the weight, so plan on it taking just as long to lose it. It's a battle to turn off the pregnancy and breastfeeding eating, but with these tips you can control some of it.

  • Never start your day off at a drive-through. An unhealthy breakfast can lead to unhealthy food choices for the rest of the day. "I tell people to eat oatmeal and an apple for breakfast," Brin says in a phone interview. If you're in a hurry, grab an oatmeal bar for the road.
  • Use the plate method. Make sure half your plate is covered with vegetables, one quarter of it with protein and the other quarter with whatever you want. Making sure your meals are veggie focused is not only healthier, but it means fewer calories, too.
  • Don't eat two dinners. Eating with your kids and then eating again when your spouse gets home is a sure-fire way to keep the weight on. Try sitting down with a cup of flavored tea while the kids eat, so there's a sense of ritual, and then eat your meal sitting down with your spouse later.
  • Skip the BLT diet. Moms can add a tremendous amount of calories through a series of bites, licks and tastes, says Mohr. She says cutting that out helped one of her clients lose eight pounds.
  • You bite it, you write it. Keeping track of everything you eat during the day may sound overwhelming. But the "you bite it, you write it" method makes it easier to keep track of calories, Mohr says in a phone interview. It also makes you more aware of the food you're eating throughout the day,not just at mealtime.
The baby is more important than the jean size, so don't beat yourself up by comparing yourself to the latest star who is showing off her post-baby body.

"They're paid to look good," Brin says. "And they have to put in hard work, too."

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]]>baby weightdietevergreenlosing pregnancy weightlosing weightEllen Rooney MartinFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 ESTGreat Foods to Eat During Pregnancyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/31/foods-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/31/foods-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/31/foods-during-pregnancy/#commentsFiled under: ,

foods during pregnancy

Nuts make a healthy and filling snack during pregnancy. Credit: Getty Images

Pregnancy can be a confusing time when it comes to eating. Sometimes, the very thought of food makes you queasy. Other times, certain foods (potato chips!) have never tasted so good.

To find out how to satisfy your cravings, ParentDish spoke with Allison Tannis, co-author of "The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy." Along with the prenatal vitamin your doctor prescribed, her top 10 list includes:


1. Almonds are filled with with calcium, protein, fiber and magnesium and a handful can stave off midday hunger.
2. Apricots are a good source of iron and fiber in your morning oatmeal, in granola or eaten by the handful.
3. Brewer's Yeast, sprinkled on popcorn, is full of B vitamins for energy.
4. Ginger is a great anti-nausea food you can sip in teas or add to stir fries. For a treat, try nibbling on small amounts of candied ginger.
5. Kiwi is high in vitamin C and is delicious when added to a fruit salad or sliced and eaten along with any meal.
6. Popcorn helps fight nausea. Making your own popcorn, as opposed to microwave packages, lets you control the amount of butter and salt.
7. Salmon is a terrific source of omega 3s, is low in calories and is a source of protein that is critical to the baby's development.
8. Spinach and other dark leafy greens are packed with nutrients and a good source of fiber.
9. Water and ice are crucial to staying hydrated during pregnancy. There's no need to drink extra calories in sports drinks and calorie-loaded treats from your coffee place. Water quenches thirst and can fill you up before a meal.
10. Wheat germ is a source of fiber, minerals and energizing B vitamins. Sprinkle it on yogurt or cereal, bake it into muffins or use it in place of breadcrumbs when coating fish or making meatballs.

Make sure to choose from a wide variety when picking out fruits, vegetables, low fat proteins, grains, nuts, seeds and dairy products. If you are planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to eat for you and your baby.

"Just eat as close to the normal form of the food as possible," says Elisa Zied, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Highly processed foods can lose many of the nutrients you need during pregnancy, so stick to fresh cheese over cheese flavored crackers, or a piece of fruit over foods with fruit added.


Related: Does eating for two mean eating double meals?

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]]>eating-healthyevergreenpregnancypregnancy foodspregnancy-dietpregnancy-nutritionEllen Rooney MartinThu, 31 Mar 2011 10:00:00 ESTHow to Make Snack Time Healthy and Funhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/30/-healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/30/-healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/30/-healthy-snacks/#commentsFiled under: ,

children snack time

Fruit before cookies when it comes to snack time. Credit: Getty Images

It's tough to please everyone at snack time. Parents want their kids to eat healthy food, while kids often push for chips and soda.

But experts tell ParentDish the middle ground is attainable with minimal eye rolls from your children.

Elisa Zied, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, tells ParentDish she tries to empower her two children to make good choices at snack time without prohibiting sugary or salty treats.

Zied suggests offering less processed foods, such as cheese sticks, yogurt, fruit, popcorn, nuts, seeds, whole grain crackers or granola bars. After kids have eaten a healthy snack, you can offer them a couple of cookies or a 100 calorie pack of their favorite chips.

This kind of routine at snack time helps kids understand portion control and how to eat an appropriate balance of foods, Zied says, adding that parents should read food labels to portion out cookies, chips and other treats.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers its own snacking suggestions for different age groups. For instance, preschoolers might like graham crackers dipped in yogurt, whole grain crackers or mini rice cakes and sliced fruit, according to MyPyramid.gov. This site also includes tips on portion control and exercise.

The ADA lists great snack ideas on its website, eatright.org, as well. Try smearing a scoop of frozen yogurt on two graham crackers and add a sliced banana for a tasty sandwich. Another suggestion: Mix together peanut butter and cornflakes in a bowl. Shape into balls and roll in crushed graham crackers. AOL Health also offers after-school treat options that keep kids healthy, active and satisfied.

When kids snack right before dinner, parents may worry their appetites will be ruined. But if the snacks come from one of the major food groups, just consider them a part of the meal, Zied says.

She also tells her kids that eating more fruits and veggies will make them feel better overall, and they'll have more energy when playing their favorite sports.

So, go ahead and offer your kids a snack, just try the healthy one before the cookies.

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]]>evergreenhealthy snakcshealthy-eatinghealthy-snackssnack timesnacksEllen Rooney MartinWed, 30 Mar 2011 16:30:00 ESTEating During Pregnancy Doesn't Mean Double Mealshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/eating-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/eating-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/eating-during-pregnancy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

eating during pregnancy

Cookies? Yum, but fresh fruit is a better option during pregnancy. Credit: Getty Images

Sure, you can eat more when you are pregnant. But don't think you are eating for two, despite the time-worn axiom.

With all the cravings and anxiety that come with pregnancy, it's easy to get carried away. But gaining too much weight can be harmful for you and your baby, doctors and nutrition experts agree.

Under the current guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy, women are now advised to gain less overall weight, says Dr. Jeffery King, director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and General Obstetrics at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

During pregnancy, you only need an average of 300 to 400 extra calories per day until the baby is born, King tells ParentDish. That's about the equivalent of a bowl of puffed grain cereal with skim milk and some dried fruit -- not an entire eggs, bacon and hash browns breakfast.

Pick foods that are lower in calories with a high health benefit. Low fat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, certain kinds of fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains such as popcorn or oatmeal are all good choices for your diet during pregnancy, says Elisa Zied, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

"I do think, in terms of nutrition, you can still think in terms of eating for two, but not as far as calories," she tells ParentDish. "You want to gain weight, but it shouldn't be at an alarming rate."

Gaining too much weight can lead to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and complications at delivery that may necessitate a cesarean section, King says.

"Women should be in a state of health before, during and after the pregnancy," he says.

Eating a wide variety of foods gives you the best chance of getting the proper nutrients for yourself and the baby.

"Eat a well-balanced diet that covers all the food groups," he tells ParentDish. And be sure to take your prenatal vitamins, too.

Pick and chose where you want to cut back, Zied suggests. If you want ice cream, skip the high fat milk in your coffee. Or, if you want a fruit yogurt, skip the cookies that day. Eating lots of junk food, such as cookies, candy and chips, deprives you of the extra nutrition you need during pregnancy for you and your baby.

"A lot of pregnant women think 'I can eat as much as I want,' " Ruth Frechman, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, tells ParentDish. "You want to have a normal weight gain."

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]]>eating during pregnancyeating too muchevergreenhealthy-dietpregnancypregnancy weightweight-gainEllen Rooney MartinTue, 29 Mar 2011 15:30:00 ESTCool Baby Carriers Free Up Your Handshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/25/baby-carriers/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/25/baby-carriers/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/25/baby-carriers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

baby slings and carriers

Baby slings and carriers keep your hands free. Credit: Getty Images

It wasn't that long ago that parents were constantly lugging babies around in detachable car seats -- not any more. When you need to get something done and your new baby wants to be with you, try an infant carrier.

There are lots of cool options that can free up your hands, while keeping your baby safe and close to you.

"I use my Ergo when I go grocery shopping rather than a car seat in the cart, " says Jessica Morrison, a sales associate at Boston's Tadpole. "If I need my hands free to get my 3-year-old into preschool, or the baby wants to be with me while I'm cleaning or doing laundry, it's great."

Morrison tells ParentDish in a phone interview that she uses the Ergo for her 7-month-old and wishes she had it when her 3-year-old was a baby.

"I even used it when my son was 2 -- we went on a light hike," she says.

The Ergo has a waist strap, in addition to shoulder straps, and the weight of the baby is mainly on your hips, making it easier to carry the child longer, according to Morrison.The Ergo allows a baby to be held in front of you, on your hip and also on your back when they get older.

Of course, infant carriers aren't entirely new. The classic Baby Bjorn, which holds babies in front, has been a staple since 1961. But in recent years, parents have been offered a growing number of options from which to choose.

Some parents prefer fabric slings to hold their baby close and keep their hands free, Target spokesperson Jana O'Leary tells ParentDish in a phone interview. Hotslings and Munchkin's Jelly Bean are fabric slings that are top sellers in Target stores and can be found at reasonable prices, she says. The colors and prints, reversible on the Jelly Bean style, are fashion-based and appeal to busy parents.

"A lot of parents like to use the slings for newborns because they are in a reclining position, they're close to you and you can snuggle the baby as it curls into you," Morrison says.

She admits, as a nervous first-time mom, she was not as comfortable with some of the sling options, but says many people she knows have no reservations and love their slings.

Whatever you decide, be sure to do a test run in the store with your baby before you buy.

"Be aware the first time you try it, your baby will scream," Morrison says. "But I think persistence pays off. All of them feel a little awkward at first because you're not holding your baby."

She urges moms to keep an open mind, because the right infant carrier offers comfort, safety and, most importantly, freedom.


Related: An eco-friendly baby carrier

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]]>baby carriersbaby slingsBabyBjornergo backpackevergreeninfant carriersEllen Rooney MartinFri, 25 Mar 2011 16:30:00 ESTGetting Kids to Dig Gardeninghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/23/getting-kids-to-dig-gardening/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/23/getting-kids-to-dig-gardening/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/23/getting-kids-to-dig-gardening/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gardening with kids

Let kids help with planting. Credit: Getty Images

You don't have to hire a baby-sitter when you head out this spring to plant -- little ones can help your garden grow.

You're ready to dig into gardening as a family as soon as your child understands dirt is not for eating, Sarah Pounders, education specialist for the National Gardening Association, tells ParentDish. She knows from experience: Her toddler helps her out in her own Houston garden.

Herbs grown in containers are a great way to introduce your child to the pleasures of the garden because they grow fast and offer all kinds of scents and colors to pique your child's curiosity. Be creative with containers -- anything from an old shoe to a wagon can hold plants as long as there are drainage holes for water at the bottom, Pounders says.

Mint is a hearty herb that grows easily and has a child-pleasing scent when picked. Remember, children like to touch plants, so don't expect a perfect garden. You might even want to plant your child's garden off to the side from your main gardening area because young hands like to pull plants out of holes, sometimes a little too early.

Pounders says her carrots never made it to the table because her daughter pulled them out too early when she saw the tops turn orange.

If you want to really dig in the dirt, consider planting seeds or young plants in rows. Planting seeds is fun, but spacing them far enough apart can be hard with tiny seeds. Try cucumber, beans and sunflowers -- all have big seeds that your child can easily plant.

Pounders suggests a variety of options for kid-friendly gardens:

  • Pizza garden: Plant tomatoes, basil and parsley.
  • Rainbow garden: Plant a wide variety of colors.
  • Soup garden: Grow different root vegetables for the soup pot.
  • ABC garden: Pick a plant that begins with a letter from the alphabet.
  • Sunflower house: Plant sunflowers in a square to grow your own play house.
"You can't help but be successful when you plant lettuce or marigolds," Greg Stack, author of the University of Illinois Extension program's "My First Garden," tells ParentDish. "Maybe you can grow your future salad."

He recommends giving children different seed catalogs and letting them cut out pictures of what they want to grow. Then, you can order the seeds or go to a plant store to pick out your first plants.

Gardening teaches discipline to your children while they wait for the plants to grow, water them, stake them and even weed them, Stack says.

"It's just like having a pet, but you don't have to walk it," he says.

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]]>gardeningGardeningWithChildrengardenskids-gardensplantingEllen Rooney MartinWed, 23 Mar 2011 10:00:00 ESTHow to Make Friends With Fellow Momshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/15/make-friends-with-moms/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/15/make-friends-with-moms/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/15/make-friends-with-moms/#commentsFiled under:

make friends with moms

Moms who cook together stay together. Credit: Getty Images

Once you get home with the new baby, making friends may be the last thing on your mind.

But going from office worker to parent can take a toll on your social life. Finding other moms to pal around with can ease the stress of being a new parent and make home life more fun.

"You really need women who are going through the same experience as you," says Marla Paul, author of "The Friendship Crisis: Finding, Making and Keeping Friends When You're Not a Kid Anymore" (Rodale, 2004). "Becoming a new mom is a huge change in your life and can be very isolating."

Get online. The Internet can be a great place to find friends when you simply can't get out of the house. CafeMom.com helps women connect with other moms who have similar interests, issues and even children. For instance, if you have a son born on New Year's Day, you can find other parents with baby boys born on holidays.

Get moving. When you are ready to get out, join a fitness class geared toward moms. Strollercize is an exercise program available online and in some cities for moms pushing strollers who want to get fit. Many park districts have a variety of programs for new moms, as do libraries, music stores, book stores and coffee shops.

Get cooking. Spending time in the kitchen is another way to make new friends. Everyone talks about what to make for dinner, says Allison Bermack, co-owner of cookingwithfriendsclub.com. She says setting up a cooking date with someone can provide meals for the week and build a friendship.

"The dinners don't have to be fancy or complicated," Bermack says in a phone interview. "A lot of things are really, really simple to make. If you have time for lunch or even coffee with a friend, you can cook in that time, too," she says.

It's also important to maintain those pre-mom pals, Paul says.

"They will keep you in touch with who you were before you had a kid," she says. Just be careful not to talk about the new baby nonstop and when you ask them about their lives, really listen.

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]]>cookingevergreenfriendshipmaking-friendsmom-friendsstroller-fitnessEllen Rooney MartinTue, 15 Feb 2011 16:00:00 ESTHow to Store Your Child's Treasured Itemshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/10/how-to-store-your-childs-treasured-items/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/10/how-to-store-your-childs-treasured-items/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/10/how-to-store-your-childs-treasured-items/#commentsFiled under: ,

storing your child's treasured items

Store treasured artwork properly. Credit: Getty Images

You know those adorable little pink cowboy boots your daughter outgrew, but you can't bear to get rid of? Before you stuff them back in the closet, experts say there are better ways to preserve childhood treasures like artwork, clothing -- even boots.

Sort it: Start by deciding what you want to save, which is a process in itself. Before sticking that painting in a box, be sure you want to spend the time, energy and money to save something long term, says Pamela Macleod, president of Organized From A to Z in Englewood, N.J. She tells ParentDish that parents should ask themselves tough questions: Do you really need to save every piece of artwork from kindergarten? Could someone else wear your daughter's beloved holiday dress?

Store it: Next, consider the amount of space you have to store things long term.

"Consider the elements," Olescia Hanson,spokesperson for The Container Store, tells ParentDish. "The garage, attic or basement -- you do not want that because of temperature variations and moisture."

Be sure you have sturdy, acid-free archival boxes. The boxes are strong enough to withstand years of protecting and stacking on a closet shelf. Wrap each item in a separate piece of acid-free tissue paper and place it in a box without crowding.

Make sure clothing is clean and stored separately from shoes or boots. Be sure to pack shoes or boots with clean packing material or even plastic shopping bags to preserve their shape, Macleod suggests. For the most sentimental clothing, like christening gowns or a Bar-Miztvah suit, consider having your dry cleaner preserve them to prevent yellowing.

Label it: Don't forget to label the boxes with something like "Claire's artwork, age 6" or "Brandon's baseball uniform, size 5-6." Macleod says parents are often amazed how quickly they forget what's inside different boxes.

There are options for the space-squeezed, too. Consider taking a digital picture of your kindergartner's favorite artwork. Have your child hold it and smile. Then you can frame it, no storage required.

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]]>archival boxesevergreenstorageThe Container StoreEllen Rooney MartinThu, 10 Feb 2011 10:41:00 ESTSippy Cups: Is Your Child Ready?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/sippy-cups/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/sippy-cups/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/sippy-cups/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


sippy cups

There are lots of options when it comes to sippy cups. Credit: Getty Images

Sippy cups can be a sanity-saving bridge between the bottle and a cup, and they can give your child a bit of independence at a tender age.

Sometime before their first birthday, typically when they are around 9 months old, children may be able to hold a sippy cup and drink from it, says Ying Tarantino, marketing manager for Chandler Ariz.-based Boon Inc.

"Sippy cups are a great transition from bottle to cup," Tarantino tells Parentdish. "It's a great item until they are ready to take on a cup."

When babies can hold a cup up to their lips and drink from it, they are ready to use a sippy cup. Some things to think about include whether the cup is made using bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical used to harden plastics and prevent bacterial growth that some sippy cup makers have moved away from. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents look for ways to avoid the chemical with infants and young children.

Most manufacturers recommend washing the cups in the top rack of the dishwasher and discarding them at any sign of wear. Based on your child's preferences, you can choose from models with handles, no handles, thermal, stainless, soft lip, firm lip and, of course, a variety of colors and designs.

Once children are around 3 or 4 years old, they may be ready for a traditional cup and a new transition starts. But, until then, you don't have to worry about wiping up any spilled milk.

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]]>bpaevergreensippy cupsippy-cups-bpatoddler-cupstoddlersEllen Rooney MartinWed, 09 Feb 2011 10:00:00 ESTToddler Beds: How to Choose the Right One for Your Childhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/04/toddler-beds/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/04/toddler-beds/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/04/toddler-beds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

toddler beds

Consider adding rails when setting up your child's toddler bed. Credit: Getty Images

Finding the right time to move your child out of the confines of a crib and into a toddler bed depends on a variety of factors, but if you do it right, everyone will get a good night's sleep.

The big move often happens when baby number two is on the way, says Dr. Paul Horowitz. That might be OK, as long as your child is 18 months old or older, and can safely get into and out of the new bed on his or her own, says the Valencia, Calif.-based pediatrician with Discovery Pediatrics.

A key issue in determining whether your child is ready for a big bed is the height of the new bed. The closer to the ground, the better, Horowitz says.

It also helps to make bedtime a regular routine with the goal of getting your child to sleep. Beds should be for sleeping, not playing, and a child needs to know to remain in bed unless they have to use the bathroom.

"A lot of families try to make beds or bedtime more entertaining than it should be," Horowitz cautions.

Other experts recommend waiting until the child is much older to transition to a toddler bed. Jodi Mindell, author of "Sleeping Through the Night," (Harper Collins, 2005) tells ParentDish she strongly recommends waiting until as close to age 3 as possible.


"It takes a lot of behavioral control to stay within those imaginary boundaries," she says. "There also has to be a cognitive understanding of the boundaries."

Even with a new baby on the way, Mindell says there's no immediate need to move the older child to a big bed. For several months at least, newborns can sleep in a bassinet and don't need a crib. Consider borrowing a crib if your child is not ready to make the move.

There are a variety of toddler bed options available, and finding the right one depends on a number of factors. Some parents may chose a toddler bed that uses the same mattress as the crib -- familiar crib sheets can provide comfort during the transition for your child. Some of these beds are closer to the ground than a traditional bed.

Parents who are moving their child to a traditional twin bed should consider not using a bed frame until the child is older, or should use removable railings for any child under 5, because they can easily fall out of bed.

"You need railings no matter what, because kids fracture their collar bone falling out of bed," Mindell says. Even if you think your child never moves while sleeping, put up railings anyway, she says.

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]]>bedtimebedtime-routinesevergreensleeptoddler bedtoddler bedsEllen Rooney MartinFri, 04 Feb 2011 15:00:00 ESTGreat Ideas for Easy Dinnershttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/05/great-ideas-for-easy-dinners/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/05/great-ideas-for-easy-dinners/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/05/great-ideas-for-easy-dinners/#commentsFiled under: ,

easy dinners

Get dinner done. Credit: Getty Images

Grocers know that desperate look in the eyes of frantic and time-starved parents. That's why most supermarkets carry lots of ready-made meals and easy-to-prepare dinners in their stores.

But if those don't appeal to you, it doesn't hurt to ask store employees for ideas, either.

At Whole Foods, for instance, most employees have worked in the food business and can direct you to a quick, satisfying meal, whether it's made from scratch or popped into the microwave, says Scott Crawford, Atlanta-based regional prepared foods coordinator for the company.

For the time-challenged, Crawford tells ParentDish in a phone interview, there are bagged salads and pre-cut veggies you can add to salads, soups and pasta dishes and bottled sauces and marinades. Or, you can grab something from the prepared food case.

One main ingredient, many possibilities: Rotisserie chickens offer all sorts of possibilities for easy dinners. Crawford says he and his family regularly buy two at a time. He says they eat one that night for dinner, and, a few days later, he might add the shredded meat from the second chicken to a bagged salad with goat cheese and dried fruit for a tasty dinner.

He also recommends splitting your meatloaf recipe in half. Use one half for dinner that night and form the rest into meatballs that can be stored in the freezer for dinner down the road. They can be cooked and tossed with jarred marinara sauce and served over pasta or as a meatball sub.

Get the right tools: A crucial piece of equipment for harried parents is a slow cooker, according to Crawford and Trish Kazacos, corporate nutritionist for Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans.

Kazacos tells ParentDish she prepares extra stew in the morning, and then freezes the leftovers for another meal when she's crunched for time. She has also stocked her freezer with Lean Pockets, which she likes because they offer nutritious whole grains and her school-age sons love them without noticing they're healthy.

Seek ideas online: Recognizing the need to help parents, many grocery stores and food companies, including Wegmans and Whole Foods, offer last-minute dinner ideas on their websites. SuperCook.com allows you to type in what you have on hand and then offers recipe ideas based on those ingredients.

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]]>dinnerevergreenlast minute dinnerspastaquick dinnerswhole-foodsEllen Rooney MartinWed, 05 Jan 2011 14:00:00 ESTDate Night In: Fun Ways to Include the Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/date-night/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/date-night/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/date-night/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

date night

Spend time with the kids on your date night in. Credit: Getty Images

OK, so it's not a five-star restaurant or a Broadway play. But if you can't find a babysitter or you're feeling a bit pinched for money, at-home date nights can be fun and romantic -- even if the kids tag along.

"It's so important to have date night because when you have children you can build your whole identity around them," Lindsey Rietzsch, the Utah-based author of "How to Date Your Spouse," says in a phone interview with ParentDish. "You're still a couple and not just a family. You need to model a healthy relationship for your children and grow as a couple."

She recommends including the kids in the date night and creating specific themes:

  • Box Car Drive-In Date: Have the kids decorate cardboard boxes to look like cars, while you find a larger box that you and your spouse can sit in together. After the boxes are decorated, "drive" them into the TV room and park, drive-in movie-style, with Mom and Dad's car in the back. Serve finger food, turn on the movie and cuddle while kids watch the movie in their own cars.
  • Snow Blast: This a winter date where the kids help build a snow fort in the yard -- or a cozy blanket fort inside. Serve dinner and hot chocolate in the fort, tell ghost stories and pay attention to one another in the cozy confines. Later, roast marshmallows by a fire pit or indoor fireplace. The kids will fall asleep early from sheer exhaustion, leaving time for parents to relax by the fire.
  • Family Restaurant Date: Your kids can set up a "restaurant" with menus they create with crayons and paper listing items they can prepare. Keep it simple: anything from peanut butter and jelly to microwave burritos, Rietzsch says. You and your spouse should get dressed up as though you were going out to dinner. Let the kids take your order, serve you and clean up when you're done.
  • Let Fate Plan Your Date: For this one, each family member should write a couple of suggestions on pieces of paper for three different categories: a place in the house, main dishes and desserts and finally games. Put all suggestions in separate jars and pick one from each. Date night could mean eating lasagna and ice cream for dinner in the attic while playing Chutes and Ladders.
  • Dance Club Date: Transform your family room into a dance club with your favorite music. Kids love to dance -- and the activity wears them out. Set up a "bar" to make smoothies or chocolate shakes, and be sure to record the event on video. After the kids go to sleep, you can slow dance the rest of the night away.
Regardless of which date you choose, it's important to prepare for some time alone with your spouse when the kids finally pass out. Have candles and soft music ready so you can unwind together.

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]]>at-homedate nightDateNightevergreenfamily-funEllen Rooney MartinMon, 03 Jan 2011 12:27:00 ESTCelebrating New Year's Eve at Home, Family Stylehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/28/celebrating-new-years-eve-at-home-family-style/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/28/celebrating-new-years-eve-at-home-family-style/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/28/celebrating-new-years-eve-at-home-family-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Celebrate New Year's Eve in different time zones. Credit: viZZZual.com, Flickr

As your family grows, wild New Year's Eve celebrations out on the town are likely to be passed up in favor of Dick Clark and quiet nights in. But staying home doesn't have to be dull. You really can have a fun time with the kids. Here's how:

  • Go international. Want to get little ones to bed early? Pick a favorite international city and create a celebration with food, games and decorations to celebrate New Year's Eve in Paris, Tokyo or Cape Town. Picking simple foods -- egg rolls, dumplings or sticky rice balls and tea -- can introduce your child to a new part of the world and allows you be creative, too. Let kids bang on pots and pans to celebrate "midnight" like they do in China, says New York City party planner Linda Kaye.
  • Get cooking. For older kids, try a Julia Child-inspired cooking night. Each member of the family can prepare one part of dinner, depending on their ability. Juice up the video camera and have each child describe what they are making, TV chef style. Meatballs and a veggie platter are easy and fun things for kids to prepare. At midnight, everyone can sit down to the feast and watch the video together.
  • Take a look back. For non-cooking types, try a newscast instead. The news set could be at the dining room table, and an "anchor" could interview each family member about what happened that year. Your daughter could describe the year in sports, and your son could remind everyone about vacation, the new dog, a wedding or school events. Use a tablecloth made of newspapers and serve a buffet of chicken fingers, chips and drinks. Watch the video at midnight as you sip sugar-rimmed glasses of lemonade.
  • Get funky. For a dress-up party, set up a nightclub in your home. Have everyone dress in festive clothing and decorate with silver and gold balloons, streamers and tablecloths. A karaoke machine will prompt most kids to sing, or play 'name that tune' with an iPod or stereo. "Bubble machines are another fun thing for kids on New Year's Eve," Washington, D.C.-based party planner Tony Scurry tells ParentDish.
  • Frost it festive. Children of any age will enjoy decorating cupcakes on New Year's Eve. Make cupcakes in advance for younger children and set them out with a variety of toppings. Let children dip their cupcake in different bowls of frosting and then top with crystal sugar, sprinkles and even sparklers. "Kids love dazzle and excitement," Scurry says. Have a contest for most creative, most festive or most bedazzled cupcake.

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]]>at-homeCelebrationEvergreenjulia childJuliaChildNew Years EveNewYearsEvewhole familyWholeFamilyEllen Rooney MartinTue, 28 Dec 2010 13:00:00 ESTBody Piercing: Is Your Child Ready?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/08/body-piercing/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/08/body-piercing/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/08/body-piercing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Body Piercing Photo

Does your teen want a navel piercing? Credit: Corbis

It might be hard to imagine your perfect child with a pierced ear, much less a pierced tongue or navel. But in the event they ask you before they pierce, doctors say the same health rules apply for babies, teenagers and adults.

Some parents want their infant's ears pierced, but most doctors suggest waiting until they are at least a few months old.

"I prefer to wait until the child is old enough to care for the piercing on her own," Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann tells ParentDish. The California-based pediatrician will pierce an infant's ears if the parents request it and the baby has had both 2- and 4-month vaccines.

Toddlers are hard to deal with because of the squirm factor and they may have dirty fingers and play with the earrings, which can lead to infections.

"Wait until your daughter asks for it or has demonstrated that she is responsible enough to care for them on her own," Altmann says.

Whether you are piercing an ear or a navel, it's important that the instruments used are sterile to prevent infections. Same for the skin -- it needs to be prepped by cleaning before piercing.

Teenagers are trickier, of course. It's important to communicate, and, if you're lucky, you may be able to compromise, particularly with a younger teen. Altmann suggests using incentives like a second hole in one ear in exchange for keeping grades up.

While the chances of infection are lower if piercings are done in a doctor's office, it's just as likely that your son will show up one day with a pierced eyebrow performed by a friend. Chances are, nothing was sterile.

"In teens, I've treated infected piercings not only in their earlobes, but other pierced body parts," Altmann says.

Serious infections can result from unsterile piercings, Dr. Amy Derrick tells ParentDish. She emphasizes that it's important to keep the area that is pierced clean.

"Children tend to think of piercings as temporary, but there can be permanent complications from piercings," says Derrick, a dermatologist in Barrington, Ill.

Chipped and broken teeth are common with lip, tongue and mouth piercings, she says. Make sure your children know about the possibility of infection, scarring and broken teeth before they head to the piercing parlor.

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]]>evergreennavel-piercingpiercedpierced-earspiercingsEllen Rooney MartinWed, 08 Dec 2010 15:00:00 ESTHow to Fight the Colic Baby Blueshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/04/fighting-the-colic-baby-blues/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/04/fighting-the-colic-baby-blues/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/04/fighting-the-colic-baby-blues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colic affects 25 percent of babies. Credit: Getty Images


Nothing kills the bliss of being a new mother quite like colic, a condition marked by hours of constant crying that afflicts 25 percent of all babies.

Experts say they routinely see mothers near the end of their ropes, wondering what they did to cause their baby so much misery, and that study after study has shown no known specific causes. Even the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis says numerous studies have failed to find a cause for all that wailing.

It's not allergies, lactose intolerance, maternal anxiety, spicy food, rich food or the birth order of the child. It's also not mom's fault. Colic can occur equally in boys and girls and the number of children afflicted has remained constant over the years.

Brown University has a colic clinic that families go to for help after exhausting every other option. It offers medical and mental health professionals to the families.

"We treat colic as a family issue," says Barry Lester, director of the Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk. "The thing to remember is this will end."

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]]>babiescoliccolickycryingevergreenEllen Rooney MartinTue, 04 May 2010 15:00:00 ESTCreating a Will, Choosing Guardianship is a Must for Parentshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/26/creating-a-will-choosing-guardianship-is-a-must-for-parents/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/26/creating-a-will-choosing-guardianship-is-a-must-for-parents/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/26/creating-a-will-choosing-guardianship-is-a-must-for-parents/#commentsFiled under: ,

Creating a will is something all parents should do. Credit: lrargerich, Flickr

The baby has arrived, the room is decorated and you've got diaper changing down pat. But have you created a will?

It's a question that may strike you as maudlin, but experts say every parent should have a will and make guardianship decisions. As unpleasant as it sounds, if you don't get it in writing, a judge will be left to decide who raises your child if the unthinkable happens.

Draining as the process might seem, creating a will and guardianship papers is pretty easy to pull together.

First, find a lawyer. Check with family, friends or even a local parenting list serve for recommendations and make an appointment. Lawyers are necessary because of the legal nature of the will and guardianship papers.

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]]>evergreenguardianship papersGuardianshipPaperswill and guardianshipWillAndGuardianshipwillsEllen Rooney MartinFri, 26 Mar 2010 09:00:00 ESTHow to Set a Nap-Time Routinehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-set-a-nap-time-routine/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-set-a-nap-time-routine/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-set-a-nap-time-routine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rubbing eyes? Time for a nap. Credit: jamiesdesigns, Flickr

Figuring out your baby needs more sleep can be a humiliating experience, as anyone with a screaming child in the grocery store or on an airplane can attest. Coming up with a nap time routine has a big payoff: a few hours of peace for mom and dad and a happier baby.

So how do you make it happen? Experts say there are a handful of telltale clues that your child needs a nap before they completely fall apart. Classics like fussiness and rubbing of the eyes are two obvious symptoms. But keep an eye out for when they lose interest in playtime or get frustrated with toys -- both indicators that it might be time for some shut-eye.

They may not be able to tell you themselves, but you can learn to read the signs of a nap calling.
"A lot of what we're talking about is paying attention to your child," says Dr. Jeffrey Cain, chief of family medicine at The Children's Hospital in Denver.

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]]>evergreenfussy babiesnapnap timenapsNapTimesleepEllen Rooney MartinWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 ESTApple Audit: Child Labor Took Place in Some Factorieshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/01/apple-audit-child-labor-took-place-in-some-factories/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/01/apple-audit-child-labor-took-place-in-some-factories/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/01/apple-audit-child-labor-took-place-in-some-factories/#commentsFiled under:

An audit by Apple -- maker of the iPhone -- found 15-year-olds were working in some of its factories. Credit: Justin Sullivan, Getty


That new iPhone might be lots of fun and oh-so-chic. But it turns out it might have been manufactured by children.

Apple, a company that has carefully crafted an image as king of cool, says that during an audit of its suppliers, the company found at least 11 workers were 15-year-olds toiling in factories that supply Apple, according to the London Telegraph.

Most Apple products are put together in China, but the company did not say where the underage workers were located.

At the time of the audit, the minors were no longer working underage nor were they working at the factories, according to Apple's report. The company also has suppliers with factories in the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and the Czech Republic. Workers in the faulted factories were supposed to be 16 years old and are now in compliance, according to the report.

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]]>Applechild laborchild labor lawsChildLaborLawsiphoneitunessweat shopSweatShopEllen Rooney MartinMon, 01 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST