Bathing Your Toddler Keeping Bathtime Both Safe and Fun

It seems that every toddler knows, or at least thinks, that being dirty is a thousand times better than being clean. There are so many fun things that you can do to get dirty � you can build sand castles and mud pies, roll down grassy hills, sit on the pavement or dirt, paint, and oh so many more things. What is there in getting clean that is fun?

It can be difficult to bathe your toddler. He may not even feel like getting wet. Sometimes you may feel like you have to trick or bribe your toddler just to get him near the bathtub.

Luckily, bath time can be fun these days. There are all sorts of toys that your toddler can play with while you are bathing him. There are even soaps that lather in colors rather than just white to make your toddler want to wash and not just play. There are toys that float on top of the water or even move across the water when wound up. There are so many fun bath toys, like bath crayons (for drawing on the tub. Don't worry, it washes away) and other fun items that your child may never want to get out. Sometimes kids even enjoy the �raisin-effect� that happens when they�ve been in the water too long.

There are, though, some safety issues when bathing your toddler. Make sure the water is a good temperature before allowing your child to get in. Always tu on the cold water first and then the hot. You do not want to leave your young toddler alone in the bathtub. Bring in the cordless phone with you, so that you won�t have to leave the bathroom to get it.

When bathing your child, you definitely do not want them to slip. There are fun shapes and all sorts of gripping tape that you can put on the bottom of your tub. You can also put spout guards over the spout to keep your child from hitting her head on the metal. Spout guards can be very cute and your child will love them.

When shampooing your child�s hair, use a mild shampoo that will not hurt if it gets into your child�s eyes. To prevent it from getting into your child�s eyes, buy a shampoo visor which protects your child�s eyes from the soap.

Bathing your toddler can be fun if you keep bath time safe.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on fur boots and fashion please visit Baby Clothes and Accessories.

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Breast Feeding And Jaundice

Jaundice is a result of buildup in the blood of the bilirubin, a yellow pigment that comes from the breakdown of older red blood cells. It's normal for the red blood cells to break down, although the bilirubin formed doesn't normally cause jaundice because the liver will metabolize it and then get rid of it in the gut. However, the newbo baby will often become jaundiced during the first few days due to the liver enzyme that metabolizes the bilirubin becoming relatively immature. Therefore, newbo babies will have more red blood cells than adults, and thus more will break down at any given time. Breast milk jaundice There is a condition that's commonly referred to as breast milk jaundice, although no one knows what actually causes it. In order to diagnose it, the baby should be at least a week old. The baby should also be gaining well with breast feeding alone, having lots of bowel movements with the passing of clean urine. In this type of setting, the baby has what is referred to as breast milk jaundice. On occasion, infections of the urine or an under functioning of the baby's thyroid gland, as well as other rare illnesses that may cause the same types of problems. Breast milk jaundice will peak at 10 - 21 days, although it can last for 2 - 3 months. Contrary to what you may think, breast milk jaundice is normal. Rarely, if at all ever, does breast feeding need to be stopped for even a brief period of time. If the baby is doing well on breast milk, there is no reason at all to stop or supplement with a lactation aid. (word count 280) PPPPP

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The Family that Eats Together Stays Healthy Together

Recent studies have shown that not only do children like to sit down at the dinner table and eat a meal with their parents, but they are more likely to eat a well-balanced, nutritious meal when they do. But with the hectic lives we seem to lead these days, getting the family all together in the same place at the same time can be a difficult chore. Between work schedules, after-school activities, errands, and the like, it seems we have less and less time. But with a few simple ideas and some planning, meal time can be an enjoyable and treasured family time. Designate no less than one night per week to have a sit-down meal with your family. Sunday nights are usually a good choice for this because you have more time to relax and the weekend chores have been completed. Involve your children in the meal planning and preparation. This gives them a strong sense of self and the foundation for a lifetime of healthy meal planning and preparation. Make sure the television is off, and make it a rule that all phone calls go to voice mail or the answering machine during the meal. Take this time to visit with one another and enjoy one another's company. This is a great time to reconnect and find out what events happened this week. Take your time eating, and teach your children how to do the same in the process. Eating slowly is a healthy habit. Don't jump up and start clearing dishes and putting things away until everyone is done eating and talking. On those days that you can't sit down as a family, try to make a habit of sitting down and chatting with them while they are eating, instead of rushing around catching up on the chores. This shows them you're interested and that you care and want to be and involved and important part of their every day life.

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