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/Parents Can Help Babies Speak First Wordshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/babies-first-words/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/babies-first-words/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/babies-first-words/#commentsFiled under: , ,

babies first words

They'll be texting before you know it. Credit: Corbis.

Children typically say their first word at 9 or 10 months, but it's not uncommon for children to be closer to 1 before they start talking.

If you have concerns about the way your child's language is progressing, discuss it with your pediatrician, recommends Rebecca Resnik, a child psychologist in Chantilly, Va. Often, the doctor will find fluid in the child's ear or some other problem related to hearing, she tells ParentDish.

If the doctor has concerns, he or she will likely refer you to a specialist. Most communities have specialized professionals who offer early intervention services for kids before they start school, she says
.
"Getting kids early is so much better," Resnik says.

When evaluating your child, the doctor will consider more than whether he or she is speaking, Dr. Lisa Asta, a pediatrician from Walnut Creek, Calif., tells ParentDish.

Pediatricians look to see whether kids are understanding what's said to them, if they are trying to communicate non-verbally and what sounds they are making, she adds.

"If children don't point at things; don't try to get you involved," she tells ParentDish, "that's worrisome."

Asta says she usually advises parents to encourage talking by not anticipating their child's every need.

"Avoid meeting their needs before the children can identify it," she says.

Asta offers the following tips for helping kids talk:

  • Make children communicate with you when they want something. Do not serve them breakfast or put on their shoes until they communicate that they want those things -- either verbally or with pointing.
  • If your child always points at what he or she wants, pretend to misunderstand for 15 or 20 seconds. Then use the word of what the child wants in a sentence. Say something such as, "You want your teddy bear," and then hand over the bear.
  • Talk conversationally to your child, pausing to allow time for response.
  • Regularly read to your children.
  • Point to objects in books and name them.
  • Don't use baby talk.
  • Speak slowly and clearly to the child.
  • Talk to your child about what you are doing and use related vocabulary words.
  • Praise kids for attempts at speech. Smile and nod while they try and talk.
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]]>babies first wordsbaby talkingbabys first wordcommunicating with babyevergreenspeech-therapyMelissa Kossler DuttonTue, 29 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTStroller Buying Tips: Consider Safety, Ease of Usehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/07/stroller-buying-tips/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/07/stroller-buying-tips/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/07/stroller-buying-tips/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

stroller buying tips

Safety is important when buying a stroller. Credit: AP

Choosing a stroller can seem overwhelming unless you've determined what your needs are, so we talked to some experts to get stroller buying tips for parents.

Many first-time buyers opt for a travel system, says Joan Muratore, program leader at Consumer Reports magazine. Travel systems are designed to accommodate a car seat. Parents can snap the car seat onto the stroller frame, which allows them to move the baby from car to stroller without waking it, she says.

Some strollers are meant to serve children from infancy through toddlerhood. It's important that those strollers have a seat back that fully reclines and something that blocks the leg openings so an infant can't slip out, Muratore says. The amount of recline is important for babies who cannot hold up their heads.

Many companies make jogging strollers designed for parents looking to exercise with the stroller. They have three wheels and are built for speed rather than maneuverability, Muratore says.

Jogging strollers are not necessarily the best choice for day-to-day use, she added.

Parents expecting twins or having a second child may need a double stroller. Some double strollers seat the children next to each other, while others put one behind the other. The tandem strollers are generally better for children of different ages because they often can accommodate a car seat. Double strollers can be heavy and cumbersome, so push them around the store a bit before choosing one.

Once you've determined what type of stroller you need, it's time to figure out what features are most important to you. Consumer reports ranks strollers based on weight, maneuverability, ease of use and safety.

Most people opt for lighter strollers because they are easier to push and load into a car or onto public transportation.

Try to find a stroller that pushes easily. Look at how well it takes turns or goes up and down curbs. A wide stroller may be more cumbersome in stores or crowds.

The simpler the stroller is to use the better, Muratore said. Consumer Reports likes strollers with easily adjustable harness straps, a one-touch brake, adequate storage and that are easy to collapse and will stand up once folded.

Storage, snack trays and cup holders also are important considerations. Make sure the storage is reachable even when the stroller is reclined.

Choose a stroller with a smooth fabric and minimal piping or decorations because it will be easier to clean. Most strollers don not offer removable seat covers.

Important safety features include a five-point harness that a child can't undo, good brakes and a sturdy frame.

When you buy a stroller, make sure you send the ownership card back to the manufacturer, says Sarah Chusid, a program director with Kids In Danger, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving children's product safety.

"It's the only way they can reach you about a recall," she says.

She also recommends checking with the Consumer Product Safety Commission about product recalls.

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]]>choosing a strollerChoosingAStrollerdouble strollersDoubleStrollersjogging strollerJoggingStrollerpicking a strollerPickingAStrollerstrollerstroller buying tipsStrollerBuyingTipsstrollersstrooler adviceStroolerAdvicetravel systemTravelSystemMelissa Kossler DuttonMon, 07 Mar 2011 13:55:00 ESTPrepare Big Brothers and Sisters for a New Siblinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/04/prepare-big-brothers-and-sisters-for-a-new-sibling/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/04/prepare-big-brothers-and-sisters-for-a-new-sibling/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/04/prepare-big-brothers-and-sisters-for-a-new-sibling/#commentsFiled under: , ,

prepare for new sibling

Credit: Getty Images


Preparing a child for the arrival of a sibling requires more than buying a "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" T-shirt.

It's necessary to explain the new baby's role in the family, says Laurie Kramer, a professor of applied family studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Describe the baby as "a new person in our family who we're going to love and who's going to love us," Kramer, who studies what makes successful sibling relationships, tells ParentDish. Let the child know the baby will have "its own set of needs and thoughts" and explain to a child that a sibling is a lifelong friend, Kramer adds.

She also recommends teaching the older child social skills that will help him or her get along with a new brother or sister.


"It's important that they've got all the tools they need to establish a good relationship with a younger sibling," Kramer says.

Children who know how to invite other children to play or are able to say that they want to play alone tend to have better relationships with their siblings, Kramer says. It's also helpful to teach kids to communicate a wide range of emotions so they can express their feelings about the new addition to the family. Problem-solving skills and the ability to empathize with another's feeling also are useful, Kramer explains.

It's important to have conversations with a child about what it means to be a big brother or big sister, says Deborah Schoch, the childbirth educator at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J. Parents should help their children start to see themselves as siblings, she tells ParentDish.

Schoch encourages children to express their feelings in pictures and stories. She also counsels parents to give kids practical advice about how babies eat, communicate and act.

"Give them an idea of what babies can and can't do," Schoch says. "Let them know they have to be gentle in the beginning."

Bringing youngsters on a tour of the hospital will help prepare them for the birth of the sibling. It's comforting for kids to see where Mom will go when she has the baby and to meet the people who will take care of her, Schoch says.

After the baby is born, moms should find some special activities they can do with the older siblings. Even simple things like sharing a snack or reading a story will help the older child feel important.

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]]>big brotherbig sisterevergreenhaving a babynew babynew siblingprepare for new siblingPrepareForNewSiblingMelissa Kossler DuttonFri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 ESTCar Seats: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Child Safehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/02/car-seats/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/02/car-seats/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/02/car-seats/#commentsFiled under: , ,

car seats

Check your owner's manual before purchasing a car seat. Credit: Getty Images

When it comes to choosing car seats for your kids, start your research in the garage.

The first thing parents should do is consult their car's owner's manual and examine the contour of their backseat, says Stephanie M. Tombrello, executive director of SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.

The manual will offer information on how and where to install the seat in the car, she says, adding that the angle and depth of the back seat are especially important when choosing infant seats because babies need to be riding at a particular angle.

Although many states only require parents to keep a child in a rear-facing seat until the child is 1 year old and weighs 20 pounds, safety experts urge parents to keep children rear facing until they are at least 2.

"Riding rear facing is five times safer than forward facing," Tombrello says.

Car seat manufacturers are making it possible to follow the recommendation by making rear-facing seats that can accommodate children up to 45 pounds, she says.

They also are making the seats deeper to give children more leg room, adds Lorrie Walker, training manager and technical adviser for Safe Kids Worldwide.

The higher weight limits mean children can use harness-style car seats longer before moving into a booster.

State laws vary about when children can start riding in booster seats, but Walker tells parents to keep their children in them as long as possible. Her organization recommends children use booster seats until they weigh between 80 and 100 pounds and are about 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Don't let your children or other parents pressure you into relaxing your car seat standards, Walker says. Her organization also recommends children ride in the back seat of a vehicle until they are at least 13 years old.

"You want your child who's 7 to be just as safe as when he was a newborn," Walker says.

Tips for choosing and using car seats:
  • Look for car seats with straps that are easy to tighten and adjust.
  • Always read the instruction manual of a car seat while installing it.
  • Do not allow the car seat straps to sag. You should not be able to pinch the fabric between your fingers.
  • Car seats are installed tightly enough when you cannot move them more than an inch to either side.
  • If you have two children in car seats, place a rear-facing car seat on the side and a booster or forward-facing seat in the middle.
  • Replace car seats after a crash. (Many car insurance companies will pay for replacement seats after an accident.)
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]]>booster seatscar safetycar seat safetycar seatsCarSeatsconvertible-car-seatsevergreenMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 02 Feb 2011 12:00:00 ESTStart a Fitness Plan to Lose Baby Weighthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/26/lose-baby-weight/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/26/lose-baby-weight/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/26/lose-baby-weight/#commentsFiled under:

lose baby weight

Trying to lose the baby weight? Push it! Credit: Getty Images

We know, we know: It took nine months to put on all that weight, it takes time to take it off, as well. But it isn't always easy.

New moms are often overtired and opt for poor food choices that make it difficult to lose weight after giving birth, says Helene Byrne, founder of befitmom.com.

When trying to get fit after pregnancy, pay attention to what you're eating and what you're doing, and consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. Most doctors recommend waiting six weeks after giving birth before exercising.

Byrne recommends moms follow three "80 percent" rules:
  1. When dishing out portions of food, eat 80 percent of your usual serving. It's a small step that can make a difference, she tells ParentDish.
  2. Stop eating when you're 80 percent full. This helps you avoid overeating.
  3. Make sure 80 percent of the foods you eat are really nutritious. This helps you manage your intake of less healthy foods.
Byrne, a personal trainer, also recommends moms take brisk stroller walks for 40 minutes a day. It's important to go 40 minutes because the body will begin to burn fat after 20 minutes, she says.

Walking is a great starting point for getting fit, agrees Nancy Karabaic, owner of High Energy Fitness in Silver Spring, Md. But as your baby ages and you find yourself becoming stronger, it's OK to start a more physical program, says the personal trainer who teaches classes to new moms.

"Exercise should not be strenuous in the first six weeks," she warns.

She usually suggests cardiovascular work and strength training. It's possible to do these types of exercises at home with minimal equipment, Karabaic says.

Combine walking on a treadmill or pushing a stroller with sit-ups, bench presses, seated bent rows, bicep curls, tricep presses or extensions, up rows or shrugs, alternate shoulder raises, squats, lunges or leg extensions and leg curls with ankle weights.

Do one set of 10 repetitions each. If you're not horribly sore within the next two days, you can increase to 12 repetitions. If that doesn't cause excessive soreness, try 15 repetitions the next time. If you're unsure how to perform the exercises, visit acefitness.org.

When choosing a weight, pick one that lets you feel like you could do one or two more after completing 10 repetitions -- but you're glad you don't have to.

Group your exercises so you're working your upper body one day and your lower body the next. Do not exercise the same muscle groups every day. As you get more proficient, increase the difficulty of your workout by adding more weight or more repetitions.

Karabaic also suggests doing abdominal work. Start with five regular crunches and five side-to-side crunches, adding one each day until you're up to 20 of each type. Remember to stretch after exercising, she says.

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]]>baby weight gainevergreengetting fit after pregnancylosing weightMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 ESTBabies Start Walking at Different Paceshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/24/babies-start-walking/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/24/babies-start-walking/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/24/babies-start-walking/#commentsFiled under: , ,

babies start walking

Baby's first steps. Credit: Getty Images

The timing of one of baby's most anticipated milestones -- the first step -- varies greatly from child to child.

The average age for babies to start walking is 12 months, says Dr. Irwin Kash, a pediatrician at Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, Fla. But it's not uncommon for babies to start walking as early as 9 months or as late as 15 months, he adds.

Whether a baby walks early or late typically doesn't signal anything about his or her development, says Amanda Wodzisz, a nurse and supervisor at the Primary Care Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

"All kids are different," she says. "A lot of times parents are in a hurry. It's not a big concern."

And Kash tells parents not to worry if their babies initially walk with their feet pointed in or out.

"It's usually harmless," he says. "It usually fixes itself."

Doctors are more likely to worry if a baby does not start sitting up between 6 and 9 months, Wodzisz says.

If walking is an "isolated delay," rather than one of several delays, it's less of a concern, Kash says.

It's a good sign if a child is continuing to learn new skills such as rolling, crawling and pulling herself up, the experts say. Usually, children just need additional time to start taking steps.

There aren't any exercises or games that will help a child start walking sooner, Kash says.

However, when children start pulling themselves up, parents can hold them up or hold their hands and help them walk, Wodzisz says.

"Support them when they're standing on their feet," she says. "It helps leg muscles develop."

If a child is not walking at 17 months, Kash says, he would start looking for reasons why. Reasons vary from poor muscle tone to spinal cord issues, which, he says, are very rare.

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]]>babies walkingbabys first stepsevergreenfirst-stepslearning to walkvideoMelissa Kossler DuttonMon, 24 Jan 2011 12:00:00 ESTTraveling in the Third Trimester? Consult Your Doctorhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/21/the-third-trimester/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/21/the-third-trimester/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/21/the-third-trimester/#commentsFiled under: ,

Make sure you consult your doctor before traveling in your third trimester

Should you travel in the third trimester? Credit: Getty Images

Although most healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women stop traveling between 36 and 38 weeks, it's worth asking your caregiver if you're interested in taking a trip when you're in your third trimester.

Most practitioners will make a decision based on an individual's health and pregnancy, says Dr. Melissa Goist, an obstetrician and assistant professor at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

"Flying or long (car) trips are not significant health risks," she says.

The real risk of traveling late in pregnancy is being away from your caregiver, says Leslie Ludka, a nurse-midwife and director of the Cambridge Birth Center in Massachusetts.

"There's a chance of not being in the place where they want to deliver," she says. "That's the biggest risk."

The concern is greater if a patient is taking a cruise, because she may be at sea for long periods of time and because many ships visit developing countries, Goist says. Most cruises stop pregnant women from traveling after their 24th week of pregnancy, she says.

If you do plan to take a cruise, find out what kind of medical care the ship offers, Ludka advises.

As for car or plane trip in your third trimester, it's important not to stay too sedentary, both experts say. Whether riding in a car or sitting on a plane, move around as much as possible. Staying active is easier by car because you can stop somewhere and take a short walk. If you're on a plane, try walking in the aisles or flex your legs, Goist suggests. She also recommends wearing support hose to prevent any circulation issues or blood clots.

It's also important to drink plenty of fluids while traveling, Goist says. She recommends drinking water and juice because it will hydrate you better than coffee or soda.

Before leaving for a trip, determine where you would go for medical care if your labor should start while you're away from home. It's also a good idea to ask your doctor or midwife to provide you with a copy of your medical chart or other relevant medical information. The information will be useful to a practitioner if labor begins while you're gone, or if you need medical assistance.

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]]>evergreenflying while pregnanttaking a cruise while pregnantthird-trimesterthird-trimester-traveltravel during pregnancyMelissa Kossler DuttonFri, 21 Jan 2011 16:28:00 ESTTips for Starting Your Baby on Solid Foodhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/baby-solid-food/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/baby-solid-food/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/baby-solid-food/#commentsFiled under: , ,

baby solid food

If you start feeding your baby solid foods too early, they won't know what to do with it in their mouths. Credit: Getty Images

Although many parents hope feeding babies solid foods will help them sleep through the night, doctors say not to rush it.


Babies need to be physiologically ready to swallow and digest foods, says Dr. Martin Sherman, a pediatrician with Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Meyers, Fla.

"Some babies who are hesitant are not developmentally ready," he says.

Typically, babies are able to handle solid foods between 4 and 6 months old, Sherman says.

"If you try too young, they can't figure out what to do with (the food) in their mouths," adds Amanda Wodzisz, a nurse and supervisor at the Primary Care Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

If the baby seems uninterested in solid food, wait a few days or a week and try again.

Doctors used to tell parents to give babies cereal as their first food, but they're becoming less strict about that, Sherman says.

"There's very little reason to do that," he says, adding that it's OK to start with fruits or vegetables.

The more important thing is to offer one food for three or four days without introducing something new. Doing this helps parents detect whether their child has a food allergy, he says.

Give solid foods before breast-feeding or offering the child a bottle, Wodzisz says. She also suggests making sure the first foods are thin and that you always use a spoon. A typical first meal would be a few tablespoons of watery cereal, she says, and solid foods can be offered at any time of the day. As babies become used to eating a solid meal, you can offer one several times a day.

As the baby's food intake increases, his milk intake will decrease, Martin says. A baby's milk intake could decrease from about 32 ounces a day at 6 months to about 12 to 16 ounces at 1 year, he says.

And don't be discouraged if your baby starts to seem like a picky eater as he or she gets older, Wodzisz says.

"You have to introduce foods 10 to 15 times before they like it," she says. "It takes multiple exposures."

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]]>baby-foodevergreenfeedingfirst foodspicky-eaterssolid foodsMelissa Kossler DuttonThu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:00 ESTHow to Address Violent Behavior in Childrenhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/how-to-address-violent-behavior-in-children/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/how-to-address-violent-behavior-in-children/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/20/how-to-address-violent-behavior-in-children/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

violent children

If a child tries to find a solution to his or her violent behavior, it's more likely to stick. Credit: Getty Images

When parents catch their children acting violent, they need to address it.

Allowing a child to kick, hit, bite or hurt another person without consequences can cause a child to become violent in a worrisome way, child behavior experts say.

"You have to make it very clear that it's not acceptable," says William M. Buzogany, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Dousman, Wis. "You have to break the cycle. If he can get away with it, he's going to do it again."

But in addition to disciplining a child, it's also important to have a discussion about what violence is and why your family doesn't tolerate it, adds David Lowenstein, a psychologist in Columbus, Ohio.

After an incident, ask the child to come up with a better way to address his or her feelings, Lowenstein suggests. Spend some talking about what happened, why it was wrong and how to do better the next time, he says.

If a child tries to find a solution to his or her behavior, it's more likely to stick, Lowenstein says.

It's also important for parents to follow through with threats and punishments, he says, adding that if you tell a child you're taking his or her cell phone away for a month, you've got to do it.

Parents should worry if a child shows no remorse for violent behavior, Lowenstein says, and that parents need to help their children develop a conscience.

"We can breed (violence) by not giving (children) a sense of responsibility," he says.

Violent behavior that becomes repetitive, chronic or harmful also is cause for worry, Buzogany says. When you notice a problem, talk with the child's teachers to see if he or she is having issues at school, he says.

It's a good idea to discuss concerns with a pediatrician or family doctor before consulting with a psychiatrist.

Parents have to walk a fine line between seeking help "way too quickly" and waiting "until there's some serious trouble," Buzogany notes. "You don't have to go to a psychiatrist right away," he says. You want kids to "take some responsibility for their behavior."

He also recommends counseling before trying to use medication to change behavior.

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]]>disciplineevergreenhittingkickingviolent behaviorviolent childrenMelissa Kossler DuttonThu, 20 Jan 2011 12:00:00 ESTWhat to Do When Breast-Feeding Issues Arisehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/06/breastfeeding/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/06/breastfeeding/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/06/breastfeeding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Breast-feeding

In the beginning, breast-feeding isn't easy for every mom. Credit: Getty Images

Although it's not uncommon for women to initially have difficulty breast-feeding their babies, many new mothers are surprised by the issues that can occur.

"Breast-feeding is natural," says Cathy Carothers, co-director of Every Mother, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that provides lactation training for health care professionals. "But sometimes it takes both Mom and baby a little time to get comfortable learning how to do it."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moms breast-feed for the first year of a baby's life.

Carothers says mothers should hold their babies skin-to-skin immediately after birth. Placing the baby near the breast allows the child to "hear Mom's heartbeat, feel her skin, smell her special scent and find their way to her breast all by themselves," she says. "Babies who latch by themselves often latch well, and milk production begins quickly."

If a baby has difficulty latching, seek help from a lactation consultant, adds Liz Brooks, secretary of the International Lactation Consultant Association. Lactation consultants can work with you at the hospital -- and after you've gone home -- to ensure your baby is nursing properly, she says.

Brooks and Carothers offer the following tips to help mothers address these breast-feeding concerns:

  • Pain when the baby latches on: It's not uncommon for a woman to experience nipple pain for five to 10 seconds when a baby latches on. Any pain that lasts longer than that is a sign of trouble and should be brought to the attention of your pediatrician, lactation consultant or obstetrician.
  • Concerns that baby isn't getting enough milk: Moms can count the number of wet and dirty diapers to be sure baby is getting enough. Newborns should have two to three dirty diapers a day. A good rule to remember is that babies should wet as many diapers as they are days old in the first few days. By the time the baby is a few days old, mom's breasts should feel full at the beginning of the feeding and softer when she is through feeding.
  • Itchy, pink, red, shiny or burning nipples or shooting breast pain after feedings: These are symptoms of thrush, a common and harmless yeast infection in a baby's mouth that can spread to your nipples during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for treatment, which is usually anti-fungal medication.
  • Breast pain or redness, chills, fever or body aches: These are symptoms of mastitis, a breast inflammation usually caused by infection. It's most common during the first six months of nursing. It can develop if the breasts are not being emptied regularly or from a plugged duct. Women often feel tired. The condition is usually treated with rest, lots of breast-feeding and an antibiotic prescribed by a physician.

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]]>Breastfeedingbreastfeeding helpevergreenmastitisthrushMelissa Kossler DuttonThu, 06 Jan 2011 11:18:00 ESTUltrasound Basics: Standard, 3D or 4D?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/06/ultrasound-basics-standard-3d-or-4d/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/06/ultrasound-basics-standard-3d-or-4d/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/06/ultrasound-basics-standard-3d-or-4d/#commentsFiled under: ,

ultrasound

Some independent facilities offer 3D and 4D ultrasounds as pregnancy keepsakes. Credit: Getty Images

When scheduling an ultrasound with your obstetrician during a routine pregnancy, don't think of it as your baby's first photo.

Most health care providers use standard ultrasound equipment that renders a two-dimensional look at the growing fetus. Although more sophisticated equipment exists -- and eager mothers might seek it out -- it's generally not available in a typical doctor's office.

For doctors, ultrasound is a medical tool designed to check the development of the growing fetus, says Dr. Alfred Abuhamad, president-elect of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Obstetricians use ultrasound -- or sound waves that are converted into pictures -- to look for congenital physical problems and to check for multiple pregnancies.

"It's very helpful," says Abuhamad, who also serves as chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va. "It allows us to look at the baby -- really treat the baby as a patient."

Doctors normally don't recommend a three-dimensional ultrasound, which uses sound waves sent at different angles to provide a more detailed image, or four-dimensional ultrasound, which relays an animated or moving 3D image of the fetus, unless they see something during a standard ultrasound that merits a closer look, Abuhamad says.

Three-dimensional ultrasounds, he says, offer a clearer picture of the face and organs if the doctor is concerned about abnormalities. Doctors sometimes use 4D ultrasounds to get a better look at a baby's heart, he adds.

In recent years, independent centers have begun offering 3D and 4D ultrasounds for women as a keepsake of their pregnancy. The packages, which typically cost $120 or more, are not covered by a woman's insurance.

Abuhamad and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists discourage women from going anywhere but their doctor's office for an ultrasound.

"Obstetric ultrasound is best obtained through standard prenatal care," ACOG states on its website.

The worry is that these companies may not employ professionals with medical backgrounds and women may receive inaccurate information about the condition of their babies, Abuhamad says.

"You don't know how competent the people are that are performing these (procedures)," he says.

On its website, ACOG also cautions women that "not much is known about the effects of repeated exposure to ultrasound."

Women typically get two ultrasounds during pregnancy -- one at eight to 12 weeks and another around 20 weeks.

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]]>3d ultrasound4D ultrasoundsevergreenultrasoundMelissa Kossler DuttonThu, 06 Jan 2011 10:35:00 ESTHealthy Snacks: Tasty Ideas for Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/healthy-snacks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

healthy snacks

Healthy snacks are an important part of a kid's diet. Credit: Getty Images

As any plastic baggie-toting parent knows, healthy snacks are an important part of a child's diet.

Not only do snacks ensure that kids have enough energy to get through the day, but they also help kids get their daily nutritional requirements. That's why snacks should be as healthy as possible, says Mary Trotter, a dietitian with Nemours Health & Prevention Services in Newark, Del.

She encourages parents to prepare healthy snacks and serve them at the kitchen table.

"Snacks really should not be offered in front of the TV," she says. "It really is another meal -- a time to visit with parents or siblings."

If your children are reluctant to eat healthy snacks, tell them it will make a difference when they are playing soccer, tennis, baseball or whatever their interest is, says Elisa Zied, past spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

"Don't talk about it terms of health," says Zied, author of "Nutrition at Your Fingertips." "Tell them filling your body with a lot of foods that have beneficial things can help you perform better."

If your children have been in the habit of eating junk food, try offering them a similar -- but healthier -- alternative, says Trotter.

Substitute:
  • Granola bars for donuts
  • Popcorn for potato chips
  • Sorbet for ice cream
  • Dried cherries or mangos for Fruit Roll-Ups
  • Seltzer with a splash of juice for soda

Other healthy snacks ideas:
  • Fruit: Don't forget about canned, frozen and dried fruits with no added sugars. Try freezing grapes or buy frozen blueberries, strawberries, peaches, mangoes and melon. But be careful when offering fruit leather or snacks because some brands of fruit snacks are more like candy than fruit. You can also get kids to help make a fruit salad and use a variety of colored fruits to add to the appeal.
  • Vegetables: Serve with low-fat salad dressings, store-bought light dips, bean dips, guacamole, hummus, salsa or peanut butter. Also, try to make a salad or set out veggies like a salad bar and let the kids build their own salads.
  • Soy: Edamame are fun to eat and easy to serve. Heat frozen edamame in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Healthy grains: Though most kids eat plenty of grain products, too many of those grains are cookies, snack cakes, sugary cereals and other refined grains that are high in sugars or fat. Serving mostly whole grains is a good idea. It provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains.

Correction, January 5, 2011: The original article incorrectly stated that Eliza Zied is the spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. She is a past spokeswoman.

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]]>healthy snackhealthy snack foodhealthy snack ideashealthy snackinghealthy snackshealthy snacks for k...healthy snacks for kidsHealthySnackHealthySnackFoodHealthySnackIdeasHealthySnackingHealthySnacksHealthySnacksForK...HealthySnacksForKidsMelissa Kossler DuttonTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:30:00 ESTBaby Kicking Like Crazy? It's a Good Thinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/29/baby-kicking-like-crazy-its-a-good-thing/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/29/baby-kicking-like-crazy-its-a-good-thing/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/29/baby-kicking-like-crazy-its-a-good-thing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kicking baby

It's good when baby kicks. Credit: Getty Images

While a baby's kicking may cause some discomfort for expectant moms, health care providers see it as a good thing.

Movement is a sign of a "nice, healthy, active baby," says Dr. Melissa Goist, an obstetrician and assistant professor at The Ohio State University.

"As obstetricians, we are happy with that," she says. "There's no amount of kicking that's too excessive."

Kicking isn't associated with any health problems for Mom or baby, adds Cindy Farley, a nurse-midwife and teacher at the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University.

"I'm not aware of any disorder" associated with the issue, she says.

The real cause for alarm, the sources say, is when babies stop moving.

Many practitioners recommend women do fetal kick counts as a way to check on their babies' health. Most recommend eating a light snack or drinking some juice, and then sitting or lying in a comfortable position. While you're relaxing, count the number of times the baby moves. Women should typically feel eight to 10 movements in an hour, Goist says.

There's nothing that can be done medically to alleviate any discomfort from kicking. Applying counter pressure or switching positions might help, Farley says. Swimming also is a good way to feel better during pregnancy, she adds.

Although babies start moving their limbs around eight weeks, women typically feel the first kicks around 18 weeks, Farley says.

Complaints from expectant mothers tend to come later in the pregnancy when the baby is larger and stronger, Goist adds.

"It's especially noticeable while you're in your third trimester," she says. "There's less room for the baby, so its movements are more significant."

If you have a concern about the extent of your baby's movement, discuss it with your care provider, Farley says.

"You don't want to be out there worrying unnecessarily," she says.

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]]>baby kickingevergreenfetal kicksfetal-developmentfetal-kick-countsMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 29 Dec 2010 20:20:00 ESTHow to Stock Your Family First Aid Kithttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/29/family-first-aid-kit/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/29/family-first-aid-kit/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/29/family-first-aid-kit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Don't skimp on the bandages. Credit: Corbis

When cuts and bruises call for more than a kiss, parents need to be prepared. That's why safety experts recommend parents keep first aid kits at home, in the car and in the diaper bag.

"This is not being overcautious," James Judge, advisory council member for American Red Cross tells ParentDish. "This absolutely is smart parenting."

Having a first aid kit on hand gives parents more confidence and fewer reasons to panic when children get hurt, Judge says.

ParentDish asked Judge and Jennifer Huebner, AAA's manager of traffic safety programs, for their recommendations of what should be included in a first aid kit.

After purchasing or assembling a kit, families also should take their own special needs and medical conditions into consideration, both experts say. If a family member has a severe food or bee allergy, the kit should include an EpiPen. Families with small kids should consider adding children's pain reliever to the kit. It's also useful to include a hand sanitizer and it's important to regularly restock the kit after items have been used.

A first aid kit for a family of four should include:
  • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 by 9 inches)
  • 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
  • 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards by 1 inch)
  • 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
  • 5 antiseptic wipe packets
  • 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
  • 1 blanket
  • 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
  • 1 instant cold compress
  • 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves (size large)
  • 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
  • Scissors
  • 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
  • 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (3 by 3 inches)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 by 4 inches)
  • Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
  • 2 triangular bandages
  • Tweezers
  • First aid instruction booklet
  • Any medicines or equipment related to a family's particular medical condition
Diaper bag first aid kit should include:

  • Tweezers
  • Various-sized bandages
  • Small scissors
  • Children's pain reliever
  • Bulb aspirator
  • Extra wipes
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Instant cold compress

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]]>diaper bagemergenciesevergreenfirst aidfirst aid kitsafetyMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 29 Dec 2010 19:10:00 ESTBedwetting Usually Stops Without Alarms, Medicine or Parents' Helphttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/28/bedwetting-usually-stops-without-alarms-medicine-or-parents-he/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/28/bedwetting-usually-stops-without-alarms-medicine-or-parents-he/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/28/bedwetting-usually-stops-without-alarms-medicine-or-parents-he/#commentsFiled under: , ,

bedwetting

Don't fear bedtime. Credit: Getty Images

Although experts recommend discussing bedwetting with your pediatrician, parents don't usually need to worry. Sooner or later, a child's brain and bladder will develop further and communicate at night better.

Until then, says Dr. Howard Bennett, a clinical professor of pediatrics at George Washington University Medical Center, there's not much anyone can -- or should -- do to speed up the process.

Bedwetting is common among young children, says Bennett, the author of "Waking Up Dry." Thirty percent of 4 year olds and 20 percent of 5 year olds are bedwetters. Each year, 15 percent of children who are older than 5 stop wetting the bed without parental or medical intervention.

Doctors typically don't intervene until a child is 6 or older and is motivated to stay dry during the night, he says. Until then, Bennett and Dr. Mark Wolraich discourage drawing too much attention to the problem. If a child becomes embarrassed about it, emphasize that many children wet the bed and that it's often a genetic condition, Bennett says. If a parent experienced bed wetting, he could share his experiences with the child.

Above all, children should never be punished for wetting the bed.

"If it's not creating a disturbance, it's helpful to wait it out," Wolraich, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, says.

While many doctors suggest limiting fluids in the evening, Bennett avoids this approach because it's not very effective and children may view it as a punishment. Instead, he recommends encouraging kids to drink more during the day, which creates more urine. By having to hold it during the day, children will practice controlling their bladders. Parents can wake their child for bathroom breaks during the night if it helps, Bennett says.

As children age, doctors may prescribe alarms to wake them when they start to urinate while sleeping. The alarm trains the brain to wake the child up when the body has to urinate.

Finally, as a last resort, some doctors prescribe desmopressin, a medicine that makes children create less urine. However, many kids relapse when they stop taking the drug, which is why the medication is unpopular except for vacations, sleepovers or other special occasions.

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]]>bedwettingevergreenpotty trainingwaking up drywetting the bedMelissa Kossler DuttonTue, 28 Dec 2010 10:00:00 ESTFostering a Sense of Wonder Helps Kids Become Spiritually Curioushttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/10/fostering-a-sense-of-wonder-helps-kids-become-spiritually-curiou/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/10/fostering-a-sense-of-wonder-helps-kids-become-spiritually-curiou/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/10/fostering-a-sense-of-wonder-helps-kids-become-spiritually-curiou/#commentsFiled under: ,

spiritually curious kid picture

Is your child spiritually curious? Credit: Corbis

When the Rev. Matthew Johnson-Doyle's 3-year-old daughter asks questions about death, the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford, Ill., responds to all of them.

For Johnson-Doyle, the conversations are an opportunity to encourage his daughter's spiritual growth.

He shares his own views about dying as well as those of other faiths. He's not afraid to tell her that he doesn't have all the answers.

"It's better to say we don't know," he tells ParentDish. "I tell her: 'We just keep trying to figure it out."'

If you address spiritual questions with children, they will be OK with a lack of concrete answers, adds Carrie Brown-Wolf, author of "Soul Sunday: A Family's Guide to Exploring Faith and Teaching Tolerance."

"We really don't know, and kids know we don't know," she says. "So to ask questions along with them is an honest approach."

Involving kids in discussions that have no answers will help their spirituality evolve, she says.

Fostering spirituality is key to helping kids grow into caring, imaginative and motivated adults, adds Karen-Marie Yust, an associate professor of Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Va.

"Spirituality is important because children need a sense that the world is bigger than they are," she says. "Spirituality is the capacity to wonder about things around you."

ParentDish sought advice from numerous religious experts on how to feed children's spiritual curiosity. Here are their tips:

  • "Take a moment to teach children how to listen to others speaking. We need to listen as much as we talk," Imam Yahya Hendi, Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
  • "Be intentional about doing things to help others and let children know we do this because this is what we believe Christ taught us to do," Diane Smith, children's ministry strategist for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Richmond, Va.
  • "Help a child develop a sense of the other -- as in not everybody is the same as I am. The sense of other leads to empathy and sympathy, and leads to respect for diversity," Shirley Morgenthaler, distinguished professor of education at Concordia University Chicago, which is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
  • "Spend time together in nature," Catherine Stonehouse, dean of the school of practical theology, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Ky.
  • "Don't pretend to know everything. That's the opportunity to work together to look for answers. The child will see that the parent is always searching, and that's a gift," Philip Gorrasi, associate superintendent for mission effectiveness for the Archdiocese of New York.
  • "Give children a sense of the variety of the world. Helping them see the variety of possibilities in the world gives them lots of material to wonder about," Karen-Marie Yust, author of "Real Kids, Real Faith: Practices for Nurturing Children's Spiritual Lives."
  • "Expose them to as many faiths as possible. Even if you and your partner share the same faith tradition, affirm (children's) innate curiosity by introducing them to various faith traditions," Steve McSwain, author and interfaith speaker.
  • "Avoid dogma that children should follow something because 'I said so.' Introduce children to spiritual practices in day to day life, such as prayers or recitation of Holy verses to begin the day, mentally chanting God's Name during routine activities, talking about our day to God before going to bed, etc., so children can first-hand experience spiritual purity and divinity," Bhavna Shinde Hurley, Forum for Hindu Awareness in Fairfax, Va.

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]]>Melissa Kossler DuttonFri, 10 Dec 2010 10:00:00 ESTGirl, You'll Be a Woman Soon: Parents Get Help Talking Puberty, Sex With Daughtershttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/27/puberty-in-girls/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/27/puberty-in-girls/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/27/puberty-in-girls/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

puberty girl picture

Nervous about the puberty and sex talk? Get professional help. Credit: Getty Images

Who can forget talking about the birds and the bees with Mom and Dad?

Or maybe that topic was too taboo for your parents to even touch.

Chances are if they broached the sex talk at all, they were red-faced and unable to make eye contact. Those who couldn't muster the courage to speak relied on books or pamphlets -- or worse yet -- the health teacher.

Many of today's mothers want to do better with their own daughters, not to mention the fact that it's harder to avoid the subject when pop culture is constantly gyrating with in-your-face sexual images. More and more moms are now attending classes and consulting with professionals when it's time to tell their daughters about pubic hair, menstruation and intercourse. Hospitals around the country have begun offering "transitions" classes for mothers and daughters to help jump start The Talk.

"It's scary for parents," says Kathy Pickus, one of the founders of dotgirlproducts.com, which provides products and information to help girls better understand their period.

Kristen Chase, author of "The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex," says taking about sex is one of the most challenging parts of parenting.

"Talking to kids about the birds and the bees isn't the most comfortable thing for parents," she tells ParentDish.

Parents still get sweaty palms and tongue-tied when it's time to broach these topics, adds Dr. Chrystal de Freitas, a pediatrician who offers classes for moms and daughters in San Diego.

"The mothers were just dying for this information," says de Freitas, who also offers advice on her website, healthychats.com. "They don't mind talking about periods, but they're always afraid of that dreaded question, 'Where do babies come from?' "

Janice Sherman says she was "in total denial" that it was time to start discussing puberty with her almost 11-year-old until her friends told her about de Freitas' classes.

"It empowered me to talk about it in an educated way," the San Diego mom tells ParentDish. "I don't think it was fun. But I think it was worthwhile."

Many mothers are reluctant to discuss the issue with their girls because "they don't want to damage their innocence," de Freitas tells ParentDish. She prefers to look at it as "breaking their ignorance" and recalls her own mother offering her some sketchy details and then asking her to share them with her cousin.

"And she was a nurse," de Freitas says.

Many of the moms who enroll in the puberty classes offered by Affinity Health System in Appleton, Wis., say they had similar experiences as girls.

"We give the grandmas a pass on that. That was the culture of the day," instructor Lori Deering tells ParentDish.

After hearing about how her mother's mother handled the topic, 11-year-old Makenzie Boettcher says she was "proud" of her mother, Cindy, for signing them up for the class.

"The class was very enjoyable," the Appleton, Wis., fifth grader tells ParentDish. "At first, I was kind of nervous, and then I calmed down."

Most of the girls leave the class smiling and mothers are "relieved," Deering says, adding that she finds today's mothers are eager for "an opportunity to open up the lines of communication" with their daughters.

"Steering your teenage daughter through the minefield of puberty is difficult and open communication doesn't always happen," adds Sonia Neale, author of the blog "Therapy Unplugged" and the book "Death By Teenager."

She sees the classes as a way to give kids information "without being the actual embarrassing party disseminating all that yucky facts of life business. The added bonus to all this is that you get to sit back and watch your daughter squirm when all the disturbing words like periods, tampons, breasts, pubic hair and sexual intercourse are mentioned."

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]]>menstruationsex talkSexTalksexualityMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 27 Oct 2010 12:00:00 ESTKids Hungry for TV Cooking Showshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/16/kids-hungry-for-tv-cooking-shows/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/16/kids-hungry-for-tv-cooking-shows/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/16/kids-hungry-for-tv-cooking-shows/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lidia's Italy food network

Anna Messer, 13, chops an onion during one of her family's cooking classes. Credit: Daphne Burdeaux


When Stacie Billis turns on "Lidia's Italy," her favorite cooking show, her 3-year-old son, Isaac, usually stops playing and starts watching, too.

"I've been surprised by how engrossed he becomes," says Billings, a Brooklyn, N.Y., mother of two.

But her son isn't the only tyke tuning into cooking programs.

Every month, 12 million children ages 2 to 17 watch the Food Network, according to Bob Tuschman, general manager and senior vice president of programming for the network. He says kids like the shows because the programs are visual, creative and colorful.

"It makes sense that kids love this," Tuschman tells ParentDish.

Continue reading Kids Hungry for TV Cooking Shows

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]]>cooking showsCookingShowsfood networkFoodNetworkkids and cookingkids and cooking showsMelissa Kossler DuttonThu, 16 Sep 2010 17:00:00 ESTPotty Training Requires Preparation, Patience and Praisehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/26/potty-training-requires-preparation-patience-and-praise/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/26/potty-training-requires-preparation-patience-and-praise/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/26/potty-training-requires-preparation-patience-and-praise/#commentsFiled under: ,

Potty Training Requires Preparation, Patience and Praise

Be patient with your child when potty training. Credit: Getty Images

When it's time to potty train, it's all about the three "P" words: preparation, praise and patience.
Prepare your children for toilet training by providing them with books on the topic and the words your family uses to describe bathroom functions.

Introduce children to the potty slowly. Start by setting them fully clothed on a closed toilet seat. Eventually, let them sit on the potty at times when they are likely to go -- early in the morning, after a meal or about 45 minutes after they've had a drink.

"It's best to do some figuring out of the child's patterns in advance of the situation," says Linda Sonna, a psychologist and author of "Early-Start Potty Training."

Continue reading Potty Training Requires Preparation, Patience and Praise

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]]>accidentsevergreenpotty trainingPottyTrainingToiletTrainingToiletTrainingBoysMelissa Kossler DuttonThu, 26 Aug 2010 06:00:00 ESTNo Cellphone? Unplugging on Family Vacationshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/14/parents-its-ok-to-ask-kids-to-unplug-for-family-vacations/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/14/parents-its-ok-to-ask-kids-to-unplug-for-family-vacations/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/14/parents-its-ok-to-ask-kids-to-unplug-for-family-vacations/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tune into family, turn off the iPod. Credit: Corbis


When Aaron Bryant told his son he could not bring his iPod camping, the 13-year-old was surprised.
The youngster was expecting to listen to music during the car ride.

His dad had other ideas. "I turned the radio off, and we talked," says Bryant, who lives in Austin, Texas.

Bryant, who left his cell phone and laptop at home, planned the outing as a time to connect with his son without the interruptions of technology.

"I was getting bogged down with a lot of work," says Bryant, who owns a records management consulting company. "I went with the intention of getting away."

Bryant didn't pitch the trip that way to his son, though. Instead, he told him about all the fun things they would do while they were camping.

"It's all about how you sell it," says Bryant, who has custody of his son on weekends. "It turned out good. He learned more about me as a father. How much I love him. How much I care about his future."

Continue reading No Cellphone? Unplugging on Family Vacations

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]]>family vacationFamilyVacationunplugging kidsUnpluggingKidsvacation with kidsVacationWithKidsMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 14 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST