ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Wait it Out: Babies Born Before 39 Weeks Face Health Risks, Experts Warnhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/wait-it-out-babies-born-before-39-weeks-face-health-risks-expe/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/wait-it-out-babies-born-before-39-weeks-face-health-risks-expe/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/wait-it-out-babies-born-before-39-weeks-face-health-risks-expe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Credit: Getty Images

You plan your work schedules, your vacations, your children's playdates, your weekend entertainment and pretty much every other event in your life, so why should it come as a surprise that you want you want to schedule your baby's delivery, too?

The problem, NPR reports, is women are scheduling C-sections or being induced sometimes a few weeks before their baby's due date for reasons ranging from wanting their baby born on a specific date to just being sick and tired of being pregnant.

That's just not cool, experts tell the news source, pointing to studies that show infants who arrive before 39 weeks face a greater risk for health problems.

"It's now really well-documented in national studies that the risk of the baby having to require intensive care in a neonatal intensive care unit - even the risk of infant death - is increased when the baby is born as little as two weeks before the due date," Ed Donovan, a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, tells NPR.

A woman's projected due date is can be two weeks off, according to the news source, meaning a baby born at 37 weeks may really only be 35 weeks along. Also, Donovan tells NPR, not all babies develop at the same rate.

"Just because the lungs are mature doesn't mean that the other organ systems are mature," he tells NPR. "A baby born three weeks early with mature lungs may not be ready to eat because the brain's not fully developed."

So the message here? As a current March of Dimes campaign states, "Healthy babies are worth the wait."

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]]>c-sectionsinduced laborlabor and deliveryplanned birthpregnancypregnancy healthscheduled birthLesley KennedyFri, 22 Jul 2011 13:00:00 ESTIt's So Hot Outside: Tips on Keeping Kids Safe in the Summer Heathttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/its-so-hot-outside-tips-on-keeping-kids-safe-in-the-summer-hea/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/its-so-hot-outside-tips-on-keeping-kids-safe-in-the-summer-hea/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/its-so-hot-outside-tips-on-keeping-kids-safe-in-the-summer-hea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Yep, we know: It's hot out there. Like, really, really hot. Like, so hot you really don't want to step outside of your air conditioned bubble. But how much TV can you allow your kids to watch before you just break down and decide to brave the heat index and head outside?

Be sure you follow some expert advice on keeping your kids as cool as possible, WGN in Chicago reports.

"Young children are especially vulnerable to heat because they produce more heat at rest, they have a higher body surface area to mass ratio and they absorb more heat," Dr. Karen Sheehan of Children's Memorial Hospital, tells the TV station. "They don't sweat as well as adults. An adult and adolescent who are healthy, it takes about four days to get used to this type of weather, but for a kid it's about two weeks and that puts them at much more risk."

First up: the car. Just don't leave your kids in there. Even for a few minutes as you run into the store.

"We've only had our in-car thermometer in for about 20 minutes, if that," Jessica Choi of Safe Kids Illinois tells WGN. "We've already got a difference of 10 degrees. Its 10 degrees hotter in the car than it is outside."

Next: Keep kids away from open windows, especially on upper level floors.

"If you need to open windows, open from the top down," Amy Hill, injury prevention manager at Children's Memorial, tells WGN. "Also, move furniture away from the windows so kids can't crawl on top and fall out. That's what happens most often, people don't think about the couch being near the window. They crack the window for some circulation and the kid climbs up and falls out. It's a huge problem in Chicago."

And, as always: Don't take your eyes off a child playing in a swimming pool.

"It's important for parents and caregivers to remember that babies and toddlers can drown in one inch of water," Hill tells WGN. "Empty all buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after you are done using them."

Hmmm...Maybe one more episode of "SpongeBob" wouldn't really be that bad.

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]]>child safetydrowningheathot carsopen windowssafety advicesafety tipssummer heatLesley KennedyFri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00:00 ESTTraining a Dog to Live With a Baby, From Cesar Millanhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/training-a-dog-to-live-with-a-baby-from-cesar-millan/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/training-a-dog-to-live-with-a-baby-from-cesar-millan/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/training-a-dog-to-live-with-a-baby-from-cesar-millan/#commentsFiled under:

Cesar Millan gives advice for approaching the sometimes difficult task of training your dog to live with your newborn.

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"Your Dog Is Not Misbehaving" - Cesar Millan
If you think your dog is misbehaving, it could just be that he's bored! Find our what Cesar suggests in order to keep him entertained.

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]]>cesar milandogsmarlo thomaspetspets and babiesthe editors at MarloThomas.comMon, 18 Jul 2011 12:00:00 ESTMom's Spanking Fuels Toddler's Aggressionhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/11/moms-spanking-fuels-toddlers-aggression/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/11/moms-spanking-fuels-toddlers-aggression/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/11/moms-spanking-fuels-toddlers-aggression/#commentsFiled under: , ,




Dear AdviceMama,

I take care of twin 18-month-olds, a boy and girl. The mom has started "disciplining" them with spanks and timeouts. As a result, the girl frowns and hits -- I feel she is acting out what she sees, and trying to process it, since I don't believe an 18-month-old understands this kind of "discipline." She is also acting aggressively with her brother, which starts the whole "discipline" cycle over again. How can I help this young family find a better way to deal with the twins' growing assertiveness?

Signed,
Concerned

Dear Concerned,

Toddlers are inherently uncivilized, and need to be gently taught what is and isn't appropriate as they learn to interact with the world and with one another. But the word "discipline" actually means "to guide or instruct." True discipline isn't about punishment; it's about teaching children right from wrong with patience and understanding.

Children who are disciplined with anger and force often demonstrate the behaviors you are observing in this little girl. Kids mimic the behavior of adults; if the grownups caring for these toddlers spank or shout when their children don't do what their parents want, their youngsters will behave aggressively when another child isn't doing what they want.

Having worked with thousands of parents and children, I can say with confidence that there are alternatives to using aggression or timeouts to get children to cooperate. Kids want to please parents when they feel lovingly connected. But young kids -- especially toddlers -- have poor impulse control and find it hard to act with restraint when they're agitated or upset.

It would be helpful if the mother of your charges understood some basics about child development. Eighteen-month old children are in an enormous growth spurt as they expand their capabilities while simultaneously dealing with the constant frustration that comes from being restricted in what they can do. By managing her toddlers' encounters with the things they can't do or have, Mom will minimize those moments when frustration (her daughter's and her own) turns into aggression.

Let Mom know that you sympathize with the challenge of raising two active little ones. She'll be more open to your suggestions if she doesn't feel judged, so help her know that you're on her side, rather than criticizing her parenting style.

Ask Mom if she's seen her daughter acting out with aggression. If she hasn't, give her some examples of what you've observed. Find out if she is willing to try a different approach when her daughter's frustration turns into hitting, biting or pushing. Most parents admit to feeling badly about resorting to timeouts and spankings and would use other methods if they were effective.

Offer to work with Mom to experiment with alternatives to timeouts and spankings. One strategy is to avoid problems by making sure this little girl isn't over-stimulated, hungry or tired. Toddlers need plenty of down time, rest, good food and opportunities to experience success; a little one who's wired, worn out or constantly frustrated is more likely to turn aggressive.

Pay attention to how things are going when the children are playing, and use distraction before things get bad. By noticing when this little girl is getting fussy, you and Mom can help avoid her acts of physical aggression by giving her something else to do or engage in. Toddlers usually have very short attention spans. It should be fairly easy to shift her focus onto a snack, book, song or toy before she reaches her melting point.

Also, make sure these twins have time to play alone, so they aren't constantly having to navigate one another's moods and rhythms. You may find this little girl is more out of sorts just before a meal, or right after waking up from a nap. If that's the case, address her need for a quiet, slow wake up or a pre-lunch bite of something nutritious to help prevent her from falling apart.

If your little toddler does hurt her brother, comfort him first, and then take her aside and simply say, "Hitting isn't OK." Show her what she can do when she's mad and help her feel understood: "You wanted that toy. You wanted it. You were mad that he was playing with it." Help her cry, pout, or hit a pillow to get her mad feelings out. But, generally speaking, it is far better to prevent problems with 18-month-olds, than to punish them for impulse control that is beyond their developmental capacity.

Thank you for caring so much for your charges to have asked this question. Please watch for more on the subject of discipline in upcoming columns.

Yours in parenting support,
AdviceMama

AdviceMama, Susan Stiffelman, is a licensed and practicing psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in developmental psychology and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. Her book, Parenting Without Power Struggles, is available on Amazon. Sign up to get Susan's free parenting newsletter.

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]]>babysitterchild disciplinechildrendisciplinespankingtimeoutSusan Stiffelman, MFTMon, 11 Jul 2011 11:00:00 ESTBaby Teething: Surefire Soothershttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/21/baby-teething/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/21/baby-teething/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/21/baby-teething/#commentsFiled under: , ,

baby teething

Teething symptoms generally start between 3 and 12 months. Credit: Getty Images

Just when new parents start getting the hang of having an infant, baby teething starts, sometimes throwing life with baby into a tailspin. Teething symptoms generally start between 3 and 12 months, and, while it will be about two years before all of a child's baby teeth come in, the discomfort of baby teething usually goes away when the tooth breaks the skin. Of course, with 20 baby teeth to grow in, pain from different baby teeth coming in can last several months. Baby teething is inevitable, and will likely mean a fussy child. Here are some tried-and-true methods of easing the pain:


Apply cold to the gums: An icy cold temperature is soothing on gums sore from baby teething. A moist frozen washcloth or even a popsicle (you can make them out of plain water if preferred) will work, but can be messy; the best bet is a freezable teether, such as the Munchkin Fun Ice Soothing Ring Teether ($3.99 from diapers.com). This teether is specially made for freezing, and stays soft, even when ice-cold. If you'd prefer a cold teether filled with purified water rather than non-toxic gel, the Natursutten Chill-it Teether ($11.99 from diapers.com) is water-filled to be chilled in the refrigerator.


Ask about topical teething gels: While mothers of older generations may insist that nothing is better for baby teething than a little whiskey on the gums, even a tiny amount of alcohol is not recommended for babies by experts. For temporary pain relief from baby teething, an over-the-counter topical oral anesthetic gives more of a numbing effect than alcohol, anyway. Consult your child's pediatrician first, and only use gels designed specifically for infants.


Massage the gums: No teething gel, or just want to take a break from using it when teething symptoms pop up? Wash your hands thoroughly and massage baby's gums gently with your finger. Do this while holding and rocking the baby to calm her further -- the "cuddle hormone" released when the baby has skin-to-skin contact with a parent is believed to physically minimize pain, at least to some extent.


Pain relief drops: Your child's pediatrician may recommend administering baby acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin), especially if he has the baby teething symptom of a fever. These types of pain relievers can ease baby teething pain for a couple of hours. Never give a baby or child aspirin, however, and always check that any pain reliever, which comes in a dropper for infants, is specific to your child's age.


Baby teething symptoms usually don't require a visit to the pediatrician; as your baby gets closer to or begins teething, discuss recommended treatments during regular checkups. Call the doctor if teething symptoms are severe or last for several days, if baby teeth don't appear by 12 months or if you have other concerns.

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]]>Baby Teethingthe editors at ParentDishTue, 21 Jun 2011 10:00:00 ESTHealthy Eyes for Baby: Why an Exam During Baby's First Year Is Importanthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/baby-eye-exam/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/baby-eye-exam/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/baby-eye-exam/#commentsFiled under: ,

A new program is making sure infants in the U.S. have a comprehensive vision exam before their first birthday. See why it's important to get your baby an exam.



More videos from FoxNews.

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]]>baby eye exameye examthe editors at FoxNews.comThu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 ESTDiaper Rash: Get the 411 on Preventing and Treatinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/diaper-rash/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/diaper-rash/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/diaper-rash/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've been through the diaper stage before, you know the saying "as soft as a baby's bottom" doesn't apply when diaper rash is involved. Get the 411 on preventing and treating diaper rash from Thebump.com.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

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]]>diaper rashdiapersJessica SamakowMon, 06 Jun 2011 05:59:00 ESTAutism Questions Answered by Doctorhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/29/autism-questions-answered-by-doctor/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/29/autism-questions-answered-by-doctor/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/29/autism-questions-answered-by-doctor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Watch a video on detecting signs and symptoms of autism.
autism questions

Parenting a child with autism raises many questions. Credit: Corbis

As a doctor and a parent of a child with autism, I get a lot of questions in my practice (and in my email inbox) from other parents of children who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know that I have been reading and giving careful thought to each of your concerns. Here are a few of the latest questions that have been sent to me.

Q: I have twins and one is standing on his own and the other one stands, but not on his own. How would I know if that's the first sign of autism? You said on the news you saw your son was acting different. What did he do or not do? When do these signs start? What should I look for? -Amber

A: Amber, I understand your concern. However, just on the basis of your description that one of your twins is having some delay in standing, it does not appear he meets the criteria for autistic disorders. Many infants at the age of 8 months have variable delays in walking, and that work up should be followed with your pediatrician in regards to his motor strength.

Autism, on the other hand, relates more in delay of speech, attention to surroundings and interaction within the family. I welcome you to check out the rest of the Fox News Health section for more information. I am glad that you're asking questions so early on in your child's life because I do believe that parents are the first ones to sense that there may be something wrong with their children -- and the earlier you intervene -- the better the outcome will be.

Q: Dear Doc, I am a police detective here in New Jersey, and I have a son with autism. We have been in early intervention for about a year now, but he turns 3 this June so as you know he is headed to my local district's pre-school program. My son sounds a lot like how you described your son. He has a lot of eye contact with us and a few tics but the worst part is he doesn't talk. I love my son so much, and I just don't know if we are making the right choices for him. It drives this tough detective to tears many nights. I just feel lost in the sea of information. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. -Clint

A: Clint, I empathize with you. But you know, I always try to look at the glass half full. Early intervention is important, and home tutoring is vital. I don't know exactly where you live in New Jersey, but the Valley Program in Bergen County is one of the best. This program is run in many towns in Bergen County and as a resident of Jersey you have the right to have your child in the best program that fits his needs, even if your own school district offers similar services.

Q: Hi Dr. Manny, I live in Australia and have four boys. My second son, now 27 years old, has autism and an intellectual handicap. Danny lives with us at home and will do so until I can no longer care for him. He is affectionate to me but has self-injurious behavior quite often, and this totally determines the course of his life and limits his horizons. We've tried various medications including antidepressants and Risperidone, but he actually does much better med-free and has been so for several years now. Please let me know if you come across any techniques or methods to control or decrease his self-injurious behavior. - Mandy

A: Mandy, thanks for your question. I hope and pray that your son finds the peace he needs. I know that you have tried Risperidone; however, I prefer Abilify because it controls the hyperactive phase of psychological irritability much better. I advise you to consult with your family doctor for more information on Abilify to decide whether or not it's the right choice for you.

Q: Last Saturday my brother-in-law came to talk to me about how good you are and that you have an Autistic son just like mine. My son Lucas was diagnosed with autism last year, and I wanted to ask you what your opinion is on ABA therapy versus the Son-Rise method. Thank you so much, and like always, you are the best! - Marta

A: Marta, thank you for your kind words. I have to say that I believe ABA therapy has had the best success in treating autistic children, especially very early on. ABA, short for applied behavior analysis, encourages and improves social behaviors by using experimentation to identify variables that will cause changes in behavior. In a 2007 report, the American Academy of Pediatrics said the benefit of ABA-based interventions in autism spectrum disorders has been well documented and that "children who receive early intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make substantial, sustained gains in IQ, language, academic performance, and adaptive behavior as well as some measures of social behavior." Overall, I believe the data on ABA is quite strong, and the majority of doctors around the country who work with autistic children are more experienced with ABA therapy.

The Son-Rise method, for those who are interested, is more focused on relationships and creating a calming, accepting environment for autistic children, where parents mirror the child's repetitive behaviors such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping.

For more answers to your health-related questions, please email drmanny@foxnews.com.

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]]>autismautism questionsthe editors at FoxNews.comFri, 29 Apr 2011 18:00:00 ESTYour Baby: Going Green From Head to Toehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/going-green/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/going-green/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/going-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,

going green

Credit: Corbis

From organic food to eco-friendly fashion and hybrid cars, more and more people, including new parents, are "going green" these days. But, with so much information out there, the lifestyle change can often be overwhelming.

"There are certain things that are obvious," said Dr. Benjamin Kligler, a board-certified family practitioner and director of research at the Continuum Center for Health and Healing in New York City. "For example, watching fish consumption because of mercury is a great place to start from keeping your baby from toxic exposure."

According to the Food and Drug Administration, moderate seafood consumption (12 ounces a week) during pregnancy is OK as long as fish known to be high in mercury, such as shark and swordfish, are avoided.

As many parents know, a good part of the pregnancy is spent getting the nursery ready. This may involve everything from painting to stripping floors. If that's the case, Kligler suggested getting out of the house.

"If there's construction going on in your house, mothers-to-be should probably move out during that time," he said. "Also, use low-volatile oil content paints. The paint doesn't have as much solvents, it's easy to find, and it's only about five percent more expensive than regular paint."

The bottom line -- be aware of what kind of chemicals you're exposing your body to.

"Things get exposed through the skin," Kligler noted. "It's not just about what you eat."

Once the walls are painted -- it's time to furnish the nursery. One must-have "green" item is the mattress, according to pediatrician Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care.

"The first thing I would choose is an organic mattress because a baby's face is so close to the mattress all day."

If you're wondering what the difference is between an organic mattress and a conventional one -- it all comes down to the chemicals. Some of the materials used to make synthetic mattresses include: Flame retardants, polyurethane, foam, polyester, plastic and formaldehyde, noted Greene. He also stressed that children sleep on mattresses for more than 12 hours a day so using a green mattress, free of chemical additives, is important.

Going Organic

Another huge part of going green is what you put in your mouth and your child's mouth.

"If there was one time in a life to have organic food, it's from conception through that first year of life," said Greene.

Here's a list of his Top 5 essential organic foods:

1. If you're going to eat beef, make sure it's organic to avoid all the growth hormones.

2. Organic milk is also a must because of the pesticide and antibiotic use. Some studies have also found organic milk has more antioxidants and healthier fats compared to regular milk.

3. Organic potatoes. Regular potatoes have the highest average amount of pesticides of any produce item -- even after peeled and washed, noted Greene.

4. An apple a day -- but, only if it's all-natural. Apple trees are often sprayed with organophosphate pesticides, which are actually nerve agents used to kill insects. Exposure to this agent can alter brain function and kids are the most susceptible.

5. Soy also falls under this category. Most of the soy crop planted in the United States is genetically modified (87 percent). So it's a good idea to always buy organic soy.

When it comes to breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, both Kligler and Greene strongly agree that breast-feeding is the best option. But, for those moms who opt to bottle-feed, there are a few green guidelines to follow.

"Breast-feeding isn't right for everybody, so if you're not going to do that, organic formula is a good way to go," Kligler said.

And what kind of bottle you put the formula in is also very important.

"I do suggest using a bottle that is bisphenol-A (BPA) free, said Greene. "Studies in animals have found it's very clear that BPA is an endocrine disrupter."

Up next on the list -- household cleaning products.

"Go into your cabinets and throw out everything that has a long list of ingredients you can't understand," said Kligler.

Once you've accomplished that task, it's time buy some new supplies.

"Go for environmentally friendly products," said Greene. "Studies have shown during pregnancy the use of certain cleaning products can lead to a higher risk of asthma."

Greene, who's a father of four, practices what he preaches. He told FoxNews.com that his family uses cleaning products from the Shaklee Corporation, a company that has been producing natural cleaning products for the last five decades. Shaklee's Get Clean household line offers everything from disinfecting wipes to dryer sheets, which are all made from "pure" ingredients.

Last, but not least -- diapers.

"Some people get really obsessed with diapers," said Greene. "But when you calculate the whole thing out (whether you're using cloth of disposables), it's about equal to burning 54 gallons of gas. That's all the diapers for an entire year. So, you can relax a little bit. There are a lot of things that have a bigger environmental impact."

The big take home message, according to Greene, "There is not a separation between the environment and us. Everything you breathe in, eat and put on your skin has an effect."


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Celebrities Who Promote Breastfeeding
132-Pound Toddler
Best and Worst Easter Treats

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]]>Going greenGreeningthe editors at FoxNews.comFri, 22 Apr 2011 09:30:00 ESTDo Alternative Cures for Colic Really Work?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/08/cures-for-colic/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/08/cures-for-colic/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/08/cures-for-colic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cures for colic

There is no straightforward cure for colic. Credit: Getty Images

A new survey of scientific research confirms what doctors have been telling sleep-deprived, stressed-out parents about alternative treatments for colicky babies: There's just no straightforward cure for colic.

"Nutritional Supplements and Other Complementary Medicines for Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review," published in the April 2011 issue of Pediatrics, identifies more than 1,500 relevant studies published in electronic databases through February 2010 -- and found just a handful that were well-designed, says Ari Brown, pediatrician, AAP spokesperson and author of the "Expecting 411" book series.

And even in the most promising studies, alternative treatments worked for some babies, but not others.

"The CAM (complementary and alternative medicines) therapies investigated did not significantly reduce the symptoms of colic, and further research is needed in finding a successful treatment," the authors conclude.

Even so, some things seem to work better than others. The CAM study review found fennel extract, herbal tea (with chamomile, licorice, fennel and balm mint) and a sugar solution were most effective in relieving symptoms of colic; other treatments, like probiotic supplements, massage and reflexology, had inconclusive results.

If your babe is suffering from colic, Brown first recommends this standard of care:

  • Mark your calendar. Prepare to cope with your colicky baby until she's 3 months old.
  • Get moving. Some babies seem to respond to motion. Go for a car ride or put your little one in the stroller.
  • Cry for help. Line up help from good friends and family to help tend to your baby during her unhappy hours. Colicky babies suffer more abuse than non-colicky babies because the constant crying is so stressful for parents.
In spite of the lack of compelling data for CAM therapies, Brown also recommends gripe water, a ginger and fennel solution that can relax the intestine and ease a baby's discomfort (commercial versions, such as Colic Calm and Little Tummys, are labeled with dosing information) and probiotics. Known to help the intestines break down food, probiotics seem to bring relief to some babies.

In one study cited in the review, 95 percent of parents whose colicky babies received probiotics reported an improvement in colic, compared to just 7 percent whose babies received Mylicon, Brown says.

Still, she cautions parents to first make sure their child truly has colic. Reflux, heartburn and milk protein allergies are often mistaken for colic because they, too, make for such an unhappy baby. She also recommends against looking for miracle cures on your own.

"If there's something you want to try, definitely run it past your child's doctor," she says.

While colic can be maddening for parents, there is one comfort.

"Your colicky baby will be fine," Brown says. "There's no correlation between colic and disposition later in life. They do turn out to be really nice kids."

Did your baby suffer from colic? If so, what helped? Click to comment!

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]]>coliccrying babiestreatments for colicthe editors at iVillage.comFri, 08 Apr 2011 16:00:00 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 ESTIrish Names for Modern Babieshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/17/irish-names-for-modern-babies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/17/irish-names-for-modern-babies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/17/irish-names-for-modern-babies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lots of Americans have Irish grandmothers named Bridget and Grandpa Patricks, moms named Eileen or Kathleen, uncles or dads called Sean.

But now, in time for St. Patrick's Day, there's a new generation of Irish names. With deep Gaelic roots, these names have been revived in modern Ireland and have started to immigrate to our shores, as well, sometimes with the help of a celebrity.

To make these names easier to understand for Americans, stick to Anglicized spellings -- they're on the right side of the slash. Or, use the Irish original and help with pronunciation; there's a guide in parentheses. These names are so beautiful, they're worth the effort.

Girls

Aine/Anya
Aislinn/Ashlyn
Aoife (Ee-fa)
Juno
Maeve
Niamh/Neve
Orla
Quinn
Saoirse (Seer-sha)
Tiernan

Boys

Ciaran/Kieran
Cillian/Killian
Cormac
Declan
Eamon (Ay-mun)
Finn
Lorcan
Oisin/Osheen
Ronan
Rory (works for girls, too)

Pamela Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz are the creators of nameberry.com.

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]]>baby namesBabyNamesirish namesIrishNamesnamesnamesakesPamela Satran and Linda RosenkrantzThu, 17 Mar 2011 13:00:00 ESTTry This: How Do You Go From a Crib to a Big-Kid Bed?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/try-this-how-to-go-from-a-crib-to-a-big-kid-bed/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/try-this-how-to-go-from-a-crib-to-a-big-kid-bed/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/try-this-how-to-go-from-a-crib-to-a-big-kid-bed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



To the child-free world, moving a toddler from crib to bed might seem like a small step, but these moms prove that it is really a giant leap for babykind.

And, when it comes to accepting or resisting the transistion, there is no typical behavior. Some babies use their monkey-like strength to climb out, while others cement themselves to their sheets and never want to leave.

Pediatric sleep disorders expert, Dr. Deborah Lin-Dyken, suggests waiting until the baby is about 3 years old to make the transition, although some will be ready at as young as 18 months.

One mom recounts her toddler climbing back into the crib when her baby brother arrived. If you can relate to the sibling struggle, Dr. Lin-Dyken recommends making the switch "at least six to eight weeks before you're due" so that your toddler does not feel like the new baby is taking over. However, if the older sibling is not ready for a big-kid bed, it might be better to borrow another crib instead of forcing the older child out, she warns.

What did you do to make the transfer? Did it work?

Looking for family meal ideas? Get tips from other parents at KitchenDaily.

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]]>AdvertiserTue, 01 Feb 2011 14:00:00 ESTStupid Questions People Ask Adoptive Parents, and Our Smartass Answershttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/stupid-questions-people-ask-adoptive-parents-and-our-smartass-a/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/stupid-questions-people-ask-adoptive-parents-and-our-smartass-a/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/stupid-questions-people-ask-adoptive-parents-and-our-smartass-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Adoptive parents

Actually, there is such a thing as a stupid question. Illustration by Dori Hartley


As we say goodbye to National Adoption Month, let's close on a positive note. If you're an adoptive parent, this list will give you great answers to the most ridiculous questions you will ever get. If you're not an adoptive parent, think of this list as a reminder of when to adopt a think-before-you-ask moment.

1. Are those your real children?
*No, they're robots from the planet Mergatroid who landed here overnight. Careful, they may zap you with their bacteria-building laser gun.
*Is that your real brain or a loaner from the moron store?

2. Where is their real mother?
*With your husband.
*Out on parole next month. I'll give her your address.

3. Are they orphans?
*Why yes, didn't you catch their cameos in "Annie?"

4. Are your children related?
*Yes, to your father.
*Yes, they're siblings. You know, like your parents.

5. What do they eat?
*Idiots who ask stupid questions.
*Oh, goodness. Am I supposed to feed them?

6. Why didn't their mother have an abortion?
*Why didn't your mother have an abortion?

7. Can we touch their hair to see what it feels like?
*Sure, for $100.

8. Were they abused?
*Do you consider stupid comments and questions abuse?
*Yes, someone hit them upside the head with a 2-by-4. Here, let me show you how it feels.

9. Did they eat monkey (kid from Africa), rice (kid from China), borscht (kid from Russia), rice and beans (Central/South America)?
*Yes, because they're walking stereotypes of [insert nationality], just like you're a walking stereotype of an American idiot.

10. Where/how did you get them?
*I think it was somewhere in a TSA patdown line.
*On sale at Macy's. Black Friday. Buy one get one free.
*Have you ever heard of the store Buy Buy Baby?
*Ebay.
*On the corner over there. I think there's some left if you want some.
*Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had a few left over, so ...
*From the International Association of None of Your Damn Business.

11. Were they in an orphanage? If so, where and for how long?
*No, they were actually placed in a traveling, government-run circus.
*Yes, it was the hard-knock life for them, 'stead of kisses, they got kicked.
*Only until Fagin taught them how to pick pockets.

12. Do they come from Haiti? It's good they escaped the earthquake.
*Yes. All the other third-world disaster victims had been snatched up already.

13. Why did you adopt them?
*Because I wanted to gray faster, like you!
*Angelina was busy and Madonna couldn't take the bad publicity.
*Somebody's gotta do the household chores and it's not gonna be me.
*I'm starting a home mail-order business. Free labor!
*It was between them and a Chia pet, and all my plants end up dying.

14. Couldn't you have your own children?
*Sure, but it kinda seemed so ... 2009.
*Sure, but whenever I run into you, for some reason I'm unable to perform in the bedroom.
*What, and wreck this perfect body with saggers and stretch marks like you did? Hello?
*Yes, but God and I agreed that this isn't the right time for another Messiah.

15. Do you know anything about their real parents? Are they alive?
*Nope. I killed them. [Laugh madly.]
*I probably shouldn't say this, but, she's a well-known public figure and he's well, let's just say very important. [Say this in hushed tones.]

16. How much money did they cost?
*Less than the cost of your cosmetic surgery.
*I got the discount ones, so it wasn't too bad actually.
*They were in a basket with a note that said, "Free! Take 'em!"
*I got them for selling subscriptions to Mother Jones.

17. Don't you feel sorry for birth mothers?
*Yes, yours in particular.

18. Do they know who their real parents are?
*Yes, the ringmaster and the bearded lady.
*Honestly, does anyone?
*No, do you?

19. Do you have an open adoption?
*The offer is always open for them to return to the Big Tent.
*Absolutely. We swap children every two years with a sweet family in Ohio.
*Sure, we're going to have a seance tonight.
*Do you have an open marriage? Your husband said it was an open marriage. Gosh, I hope he was telling the truth. I would hate for you to be hurt by someone's boorish insensitivity

20. When will you take them to see their real parents?
*When the circus comes to town again next summer. They've promised us free tickets.
*Not until we're sure we wanna keep them.
*When they realize that we are just impostors, their fake parents.
*Thought you'd never ask. How's next Tuesday?
*Gee, what do you suggest? Did you ever meet your real parents, or were they moved to another zoo?

21. Did you get to "pick" them?
*There wasn't much choice after you eliminated the World's Shortest Man from consideration.
*Yes, we found a pick-your-own baby farm.
*Yep, like lint off your sweater. Here, let me get that for you.
*No, they fell right off the tree.

22. What do they call you? Mom?
*They've already adopted the American practice of, "Hey, you."
*'Mom' seems to have that motherly ring to it, which is kind of cool being that I'm their mom.
*They call me mom for the same reason people call you dumb ass. It just fits.

23. Did they have diseases when they came to America? Do they have diseases now?
*Only one. It's a strange jungle disease only communicable through a high-five. Hey, you didn't happen to ... ? Oh, never mind.
*They have foot-in-mouth disease, which I believe they caught from you.

24. Do any of them have HIV?
*Do you?
*No, you can't have sex with them.

25. Do you feel like you "missed out" on having your own children?
*Yes, morning sickness, extra baby weight and painful labor are all on my Christmas list this year.
*No, these little wonders fill that empty void that was my terrible, unsatisfied life of doom and gloom.
*There are worse fates. Just ask your parents.

26. Why did you wait so long to have children?
*We were too busy drinking, drugging and dancing naked on bar tables.
*Most people don't realize schizophrenia becomes more manageable in middle-age.
*You soured me on the whole concept of humanity until I realized not everyone is an imbecile.

27. Do they speak English?
*Only when they swear.
*Yes. You should try it sometime.

28. When they arrived, did they know how to use the toilet?
*Yes, of course, because it's easier than reaching the faucet. [Pause here so they can think about what you just said.]
*Don't worry. They won't try to flush you. I explained to them the different kinds of turds.

29. Why don't they have birth control in that country?
*They want rich Americans to take their children away. It's a master plan to bring down the United States.

30: Do they still speak (Swahili, Chinese, Spanish, Russian)?
*Only at school. It gets them special ESL accommodations. We're trying to game the system.
*That and five other languages, all fluently.
*Yes, and they're teaching me several new ways to tell you to $#@! off!

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]]>adoptionadoptive familiesAdoptiveFamiliesthe editors at ParentDishTue, 30 Nov 2010 08:00:00 ESTTips for Divorcing Parentshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/29/tips-for-divorcing-parents/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/29/tips-for-divorcing-parents/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/29/tips-for-divorcing-parents/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A lawyer by the name of Joshua Ketover sent over these tips via his publicist. We typically don't reprint press releases, and we are certainly not endorsing this guy since we don't know him, but his advice seemed timely, given that celebrities are breaking up left and right these days.

Having been down this road, we reviewed this list and it's pretty solid. So, yeah, the divorce process sucks, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Here are Ketover's tips on how to keep the kids as sane as possible while you're riding the break-up roller coaster:

DOs:
1. Keep life as normal as possible. Coordinate with the other parent to ensure your child's routine is maintained with little disruption.
2. Reinforce the idea that the divorce has nothing to do with the child. That both parents love the child very much.
3. Communicate with the other parent regularly about the child's needs, concerns, etc. Both parents have a right to know and both should work together to achieve what's best for the child.
4. Make each parent's individual time with the child a positive experience when getting the child ready to visit or to return from a visit. This can be done by saying how much fun it will be on leaving for a visit or talking about how much fun it was upon returning.
5. Acknowledge the reality that children are perceptive. They pick up more than you would think. As a result, do be careful about what is said in their presence.

DON'Ts:
1. Never speak ill of the other parent to or in front of the child. This is known as "alienating affection" and has dire consequences, including affecting custody.
2. Never discuss details of the court case with the child. A child should not know anything other than the fact that the parents are divorcing. Any details shared with the child, irrespective of her age, can have dire consequences including affecting custody.
3. Never argue in front of the child. Raising the level of stress already present in the child's life as a result of the divorce can have lasting psychological effects on the child.
4. Do not try and make the child favor you by plying them with gifts. Not only can it be considered an attempt to alienate the child from the other parent, it also creates a detrimental dynamic between you and the child.
5. Do not use the child to communicate messages, carry letters or give support checks to the other parent. The child should not be involved in the business of divorce.

And, for a lighter moment, while we can't endorse this guy either, we did have a good laugh from his honesty.

See more funny videos and Funny Videos at Today's Big Thing.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishFri, 29 Oct 2010 16:27:00 ESTPostpartum Depression Is Motherhood Hellhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/28/postpartum-depression-is-motherhood-hell/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/28/postpartum-depression-is-motherhood-hell/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/28/postpartum-depression-is-motherhood-hell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I had postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder with the birth of my first child in 2001. I know what it feels like to see all the other new moms around you happy and glowing while you feel like a miserable monster. Because of how much it truly sucked, and how alone and ashamed I felt, I started my blog Postpartum Progress, which is now the most widely-read blog on postpartum depression and other mental illnesses related to childbirth.

One of my PPD survivor friends, Deborah, recently sent me a link to an article on all the things that change when you have a baby. Every single one of the dozens of things listed is blissful and joyous. Every. Single. One. There's nothing about difficulties, fear, regret, diaper blowouts, sore nipples, fat pants, scary thoughts or babies who won't nap. Here is a sampling of the happy list:

  • "You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms."
  • "The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices."
  • "You respect your body ... finally."
  • "You become a morning person."
  • "Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power."
Not me, sister. I can hardly connect to any of the stuff on that list. My list would've included things like:

  • "You cry all the time."
  • "You can't sleep or eat."
  • "You keep worrying about you hurting your baby."
  • "This is the worst you've felt in your entire life."
That would have made more sense and, I'd venture to say, at least 20 percent of all new mothers would agree with me. These moms are incapable of smelling the metaphorical roses, wonder whether they ever should have had a baby in the first place and feel disconnected from their new lives as mothers. Deborah said the article made her want to scream. In her email to me, she wrote, "Not one dealt with the serious struggles of being a new mother. They are sickly sweet and serve to make someone having a hard time feel even worse about themselves."

Yep.

It's not our fault. We aren't selfish, nasty characters. We have a real, clinical illness that's the most common complication of childbirth. Once we get help, we're usually just fine. In the meantime, though, reading lists about being superhuman while going through PPD is heartbreaking.

Now, I'm the first one to say how my children are absolute heaven. I love them ceaselessly and I truly believe there is nothing else on this earth I can do to top having them. Really. They rock my world. But, this is only after being successfully treated for my postpartum OCD by a psychiatrist. Being a new mom was absolute hell.

I'm glad that many new moms smell those roses. I just want the mamas out there who don't experience these things to know one thing: I've got your back.

Join Katherine every Wednesday here on ParentDish.

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]]>babiesmotherhoodparentingpostpartum depressionPostpartumDepressionpregnancyKatherine StoneThu, 28 Oct 2010 18:00:00 ESTHow to Childproof Your Windowshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/08/how-to-childproof/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/08/how-to-childproof/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/08/how-to-childproof/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Do you have a minute (OK, a minute and eight seconds?) Good. Now watch this video on window safety from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and then walk around your house and do what you need to do to childproof your windows. Got it? Great. Glad we had this talk.

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]]>childproofingthe editors at ParentDishFri, 08 Oct 2010 12:42:00 ESTIs My Favorite Baby Name Really Off Limits?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/30/is-my-favorite-baby-name-really-off-limits/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/30/is-my-favorite-baby-name-really-off-limits/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/30/is-my-favorite-baby-name-really-off-limits/#commentsFiled under: ,


My last name is Ritz. My husband and I really like the name London but every time I make a name poll, everyone scoffs at the combination because they say it sounds like a hotel. Would this be something you really think she would be teased about in life, and would it be so bad?

- Mrs. Ritz


With the surname Ritz, you have a lot to be thankful for. Your name is short and easy to spell and pronounce. It's flexible to match with many name styles. It has positive associations. The many families with names like Crumpacker, Slutz and Pincock dream of being in your shoes. But the one thing you can't go puttin' on the Ritz is a place name.

Tough love time: everyone says London Ritz sounds like a hotel because it is a hotel. (Their afternoon tea is legendary.) I'm sorry. I know you've come to me hoping that my expert opinion will override those nameless poll respondents. No matter what I say, though, they're giving you a realistic preview of how the world would greet a little London Ritz.

Yes, dear readers, I do hear you yelling "But what about Paris Hilton? Isn't that the same thing?" It is, but sadly Ms. Hilton only makes matters worse for this name. It's all too easy to picture a female impersonator doing a Paris sendup under the stage name London Ritz.

Mrs. Ritz, your snappy little surname will be a great match for many other names with a sound and feeling similar to London. (Try Linden, Alden and Logan for a start.) Name teasing may not be the end of the world, but why invite it if you don't have to?


Has a surname cramped your style? Share your experiences here. And if you have your own question to Ask the Name Lady, drop her a line!

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]]>baby namesBabyNamesParis HiltonParisHiltonsurnamesweird baby namesWeirdBabyNamesThe Name LadyThu, 30 Sep 2010 11:40:00 ESTWarning: Stop Using Infant Sleep Positioners Immediately or Risk Suffocation Deathshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/29/warning-stop-using-infant-sleep-positioners-immediately-or-risk/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/29/warning-stop-using-infant-sleep-positioners-immediately-or-risk/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/29/warning-stop-using-infant-sleep-positioners-immediately-or-risk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Parents are warned to stop using infant sleep positioners immediately. Credit: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer alert today to warn parents to stop using infant sleep positioners, citing reports of 12 infants -- ages 1 month to 4 months -- who suffocated to death after being placed in the devices.

Most of the infants suffocated after rolling from a side to a stomach position; some of the infants suffocated on the device itself, while others succumbed after being trapped between a sleep positioner and the side of a crib or bassinet, according to CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

In addition to the reported deaths, the CPSC has also received dozens of reports of infants who were placed on their back or sides in sleep positioners, only to be found later in potentially hazardous positions within or next to the devices.

"The deaths and dangerous situations resulting from the use of infant sleep positioners are a serious concern to CPSC," Tenenbaum said. "We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners, so that children can have a safer sleep."

The two main types of infant sleep positioners are flat mats with side bolsters or inclined (wedge) mats with side bolsters (see above).

Both types of sleep positioners typically claim to help keep infants on their backs, thereby reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There is, however, no evidence to support this claim, according to Dr. Rachel Moon, Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Task Force.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend any of the products that claim to protect against SIDS," Moon says, "Because, to our knowledge, none of these do actually protect against SIDS; there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims."

In addition, the FDA has never cleared an infant sleep positioner to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS. Over the years, the FDA has approved 18 sleep positioner devices -- all of which had made claims of helping to reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and/or preventing plagiocephaly -- also known as "flat head syndrome."

At this point, however, it has become clear that the risks of using infant sleep positioners outweigh the benefits, says Moon, so consumers are warned to immediately stop using the devices.

The FDA, which has jurisdiction over consumer products making medical claims, has contacted the manufacturers of the 18 approved infant sleep positioners and asked them to stop making these devices; the agency will also be contacting retailers to ask them to stop selling the devices, according to Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner.

Sharfstein advised that today's public health message is seen as the quickest way to get the warning out the consumers, so that they immediately stop buying the fatality-causing products. However, in the future, the FDA may issue for products that have not voluntarily been removed from the market; the agency will also be investigating reports of other, unapproved sleep positioning devices, as well as any other devices out there that claim to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS.

The CPSC, FDA and AAP warn parents to:
  • Stop using sleep positioners. Using a positioner to hold an infant on his or her back or side for sleep is dangerous and unnecessary.
  • Never put pillows, infant sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib.
  • Always place an infant on his or her back at night and during nap time. To reduce the risk of SIDS, the AAP recommends placing infants to sleep on their backs and not their sides.
Visit the CPSC's website for information about the agency's Safe Sleep initiative, which advises parents on how to help their kids sleep safely.

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]]>aapalertcpscfdarecallsidsSudden Infant Death SyndromeSuddenInfantDeathSyndromeHoney BerkWed, 29 Sep 2010 15:46:00 ESTTransitioning From Bottle-Feeding to Sippy Cuphttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/20/transitioning-from-bottle-feeding-to-sippy-cup/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/20/transitioning-from-bottle-feeding-to-sippy-cup/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/20/transitioning-from-bottle-feeding-to-sippy-cup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


bottle feeding

Is it time to get rid of the bottle? Credit: Getty


Whether you're breast-feeding or bottle-feeding your child, deciding when to transition to a sippy cup can be difficult. While the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages breast-feeding until your child is at least 12 months old, there are no set guidelines when it comes to how long to bottle-feed babies.

Suri Cruise was still drinking from a bottle nearly a week before her 4th birthday, leading experts to debate whether it was time for the celeb-u-tot to transition from the bottle to the sippy cup.

Dr. Jennifer Shu, pediatrician and co-author of "Food Fights," told Usmagazine.com last fall that Cruise should have been weaned off the bottle by her first birthday.

"By the time kids are 9 months old, they have the physical development and mouth coordination necessary to be able to drink out of a sippy cup or a cup with straw," she told the site. "That development comes pretty early."

While it's easy to criticize, transitioning bottle-feeding babies to a sippy cup isn't always as simple as it sounds. Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and author of "The Happiest Toddler on the Block," told USmagazine.com that bottles "may serve as an emotional security device."

Continue reading Transitioning From Bottle-Feeding to Sippy Cup

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]]>bottlebottle feeding babiesparent-dishsippy cuptransition from bottleDebbie BookstaberMon, 20 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST