How much impact TV has on children depends on many factors: how much they watch, their age and personality, whether they watch alone or with adults, and whether their parents talk with them about what they see on TV. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming. To minimize the potential negative effects of television, it’s important to understand Read more...

Millions of parents have the same question every year,” Is my child ready to start Kindergarten? Ready to move on to the next grade?” Normal development in the early elementary years varies widely. For a child’s readiness for school is based not only on their age and intellectual readiness, but also on their physical, emotional and social maturity. No child will excel in all five areas. Parents must assess each child’s capabilities as a whole. The question of school Read more...

Fish are good sources of essential vitamins, such as niacin, and minerals, such as selenium and iodine. Although most people should be eating more fish for their health, there are maximum levels recommended for oily fish and crab (and some types of white fish), see How much oily fish? in Oily fish, shellfish and omega 3. Also, again for health reasons, adults should have no more than one portion of swordfish, shark or marlin a week. This is because these fish could contain high levels of Read more...

Birthday Parties for children are getting more elaborate and original everyday. Sometimes a kids birthday party with a simple theme just isn’t enough. If you are one of those people who like to create kids birthday parties that are special and unique, parties that your guests and children will remember forever, then these ideas should help get you on your way to a most unforgettable birthday party. Nowadays, however, it seems that parents will overextend their budget and go into debt Read more...

We do all love chocolate. In this day of saturated versus unsaturated fats and monitoring cholesterol levels, chocolate candy has taken a bad wrap. A little research into the notional value of chocolate brings some revelations over which candy lovers everywhere can rejoice – chocolate can be good for us. In a 2006 study titled “Chocolate Milk as a Post-Exercise Recovery Aid,” by Jason R. Karp, et al., published the results of this study suggest that, “chocolate milk, Read more...

Broccoli is an excellent choice for babies. It is member of the cabbage family and is extremely nutrient dense. Broccoli is best given to an infant between 8-10 months old. If your baby has had any digestive issues, it would be best to introduce broccoli into the diet later rather than sooner. Broccoli can be served to babies raw as long as you are sure to cut the stems off. Raw stems can be difficult for babies to chew and can be a choking hazard. Cut broccoli into small pieces but keep it Read more...

Thumb sucking is the childhood habit of putting the thumb in the mouth for comfort or to relieve stress. Babies and young children derive the feeling of security and relaxation when sucking their thumbs or fingers. The activity is normal for infants and toddlers, but should decrease by ages three to four and stop by age five. Parents tend to be more concerned with thumb sucking than is actually warranted. Thumb sucking can affect the healthy development of teeth and mouth, which may cause Read more...

It seems normal for everyone to use a pillow when they go to sleep. You might even think it’s the only way you can sleep comfortably, however, when you are talking about a baby you would be wrong to think they can’t sleep without a pillow. How old does a baby need to be before you are able to give them that beautiful pillow that matches their crib bedding? Well unfortunately you really should wait until they are out of a crib and into a toddler bed. Doctor’s also say around Read more...

Many foods are listed as they may pose a certain health risk for baby but not necessarily an allergy risk. They have an immature ability to produce the necessary enzymes to break down some foods such as egg white, cow’s milk, berries or chocolate. These foods and others, which have skins or seeds, should not be fed to a infant up to twelve months of age. Food listed below has been researched and compiled from various medical authorities such as private pediatricians, the AAP, the AAFP, Read more...

Somewhere between milk and steak you’re going to need to introduce your little baby to vegetables. Vegetable is given to the babies when they are ready to get solid food, which is amount 6 – 8 months. Vegetables contain so many vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary to good health that it’s important to ensure your baby is eating enough of them. Vegetables should be introduced after cereal and before fruit. Fruits in certain forms can be healthy but some little buggers Read more...