Book Recs for Appeasing Picky Eaters

How Much Sleep?

Ever wonder how much sleep your kiddo should be getting? Here's an estimate:

- 1 Year Old: 13 to 14 hours including 2 naps (1 to 1 ½ hours each)

- 1 ½ Years Old: 10 to 13 hours including 1 to 2 naps (1 ½ to 3 hours each)

- 2 Years Old: 10 to 13 hours including 1 nap (1 ½ to 3 hours)

Parting With Paci

Need help getting your little one to let go of their paci? There are tons of helpful hints out there, here's one more . . . Try this book! The Paci Pixie is a rhyming book about a fairy who gives kids the courage to let go and pass on their pacis to new babies.

Kid Friendly Websites

There are a few websites out there that are actually appropriate for toddlers. They feature your child's favorite characters and encourage them to learn. And we're pretty sure computers aren't going anywhere, might as well start them off early. Here are a couple sites we love:

xPBS Kids xxxxxxxx Sprout xxxxxxxx Disney Junior xxxxxxxxxxx VeggieTales xxxxxxx Star Fall

Improve Your Play Dates

Here are a few ideas to make play dates even more fun!
- Incorporate a Craft: Check out our Feelin’ Crafty page for some great ideas. This is especially nice around holiday times, make crafts for friends and family.
- Take a Treat: Try hosting a Chocoholic Playdate, a Sneaky Chef Party or do some Cookie Decorating.
- Have a Theme Playdate: Pick a favorite character, such as Elmo, and have an Elmopalooza. Choose a color theme and have everyone wear blue and bring a blue snack. Have a playdate based on a favorite book, generally picked by the hostess and read the book aloud. When the weather gets warm enough, go swimming or have bubble mania in your backyard.
- Fun with Clothes: Host a Match My Mommy playdate where the moms and kids wear matching clothes. Have a Pajama Party! Have some fun with a Clash of the Kids playdate, where everyone dresses mis-matched and tacky.

Picky Eater?

It seems that every toddler goes through a picky phase - some phases are longer than others. Here are some tips and tricks, from other Moms, for getting your little one to eat:

- Feed your kid while they are in the bath tub. A lot of times they are having so much fun they forget that you are shoveling applesauce or peas into their mouths.

- It can also work to hand them a toy while they are in the high chair. Distraction feeding works.

- Some books say that you should all sit at the table to eat and that is good when your child is a good eater, but what if your child isn’t? Try leaving the kid in their high chair alone and stepping out of the room. Make sure you can still hear them in case they need you. They may cry or whine for a couple of minutes, but generally if they are hungry they will start to eat. Some kids just need to get rid of all distractions...including us parents.

Seasonal Toddler Tips

Here is a quick list of musts to have on hand during cold and flu season: Boogie Wipes, Vapor Vath, Nose Aspirator, Thermometer and a whole lotta love.

Funny Book Rec

Tired of the same old boring parenting books? Check out Naptime Is The New Happy Hour for a fresh new look on the subject:

A Recent Study...

. . . in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that some toddlers with autism can boost their communication skills significantly by participating in a parent-involved program called More Than Words. Visit hanen.org to find a More Than Words program near you.

Check Out This Site

AllergyEats.com – This site locates nearby restaurants that accommodate your kid’s allergy or intolerance. It offers menus, nutrition information and reviews.