Uncategorized | My Baby All The Way

February 11, 2021March 17, 2021

Mist Away the Stuffy Nose Blues!

As the owner of this website, I have searched out some special deals for some of the products and services mentioned herein. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own. Full disclosure.

…

Have you ever had a stuffy nose and tried to sleep? Or, how about having bad allergies or a cold, and even after taking antihistamines you still cannot breathe through your nose? I think I am pretty accurate to answer yes for you on these questions. Although not everyone suffers from allergies, everyone does get the common cold every now and then. Babies are no exception and when they get sick, the whole house will lose sleep. I want to tell you about the Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier that works with or without the Vicks inserts, and how it will “mist away the stuffy nose blues!”

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

What is a cool-mist humidifier?

A cool-mist humidifier is a device that sends moisture into the air. The cool mist somewhat lowers the room temperature and it is safest for children. There is no risk of a child getting burned if the unit gets knocked over.

I want to mention that there are warm-mist humidifiers on the market as well. The warm-mist will increase the room temperature and the warm-mist humidifiers are capable of dispersing essential oils too. The risk with this type of humidifier is if the unit gets knocked over by a child, he or she may suffer burns from the extremely hot water.

Getting back to the cool-mist vapor, let’s take a look at how it will help a stuffy nose and congestion with a cough.

How will the cool-mist humidifier help my stuffy nose and cough?

When your nose is stuffy whether it is due to a cold or an allergy, it is because the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses are inflamed. This can occur with colds, flu, allergies, or irritants in the air such as tobacco smoke or car exhaust.

Cool-mist humidifiers release moisture in the air which in turn adds moisture to your sinuses. This moisture helps to reduce some of the swelling that has occurred in your nasal and sinus passages and therefore will help you breathe through your nose much better.

Adding moisture to the air, especially during the winter months, is essential for your sinus, nasal, and airway passages. Not only does this moisture help your nose, but it helps with those horrible dry coughs. The same idea applies in that irritants whether they be from a virus, bacteria or an airborne irritant can cause swelling in your bronchial tubes thereby causing a “cough.”

Of course, there are medications for these ailments, but for the purposes of this article, I will focus on the humidity portion of the treatment for these problems.

Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

The Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier is one that I have and use at my house. I have used this when I had an upper respiratory flu and I will tell you that it worked like a charm!

Before I started using this, nothing worked and I had little to absolutely no sleep. This unit comes with 1 Vicks VapoPad and I used it in the unit. What a difference it made! Within about 10 minutes I felt my throat become moist and my nasal passages began to open. My dry cough was leaving and I was able to get a good night’s sleep.

Check out the video here by clicking this link.

This humidifier by Vicks is a filter-free cool mist vaporizer and is very easy to use. The Vick’s vaporizer has a 1.2-gallon tank that will give up to 33 hours of soothing mist. Vicks cool mist humidifier is quiet, making it great for your bedroom or your baby’s nursery.

One thing I would like to point out is that if you are going to use this on a regular basis, I strongly suggest you clean it as the manufacturer recommends. Click here to see the video on how to clean the humidifier.

Click the link below to check the price and to get yours today!

Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, Medium Room, 1.2 Gallon Tank – Visible Cool Mist Humidifier for Baby, Kids and Adult Rooms, Bedrooms and More, Works with Vicks VapoPads

VapoPads soothing sleepytime comfort

Now a little about some extra comfort measures. Vicks has made “inserts” that go into the area on the side of the machine next to the dial. These vapor pad inserts are made especially for the Vicks cool-mist humidifier.

The ingredients of these pads are Glycol, Eucalyptus Oil, Rosemary Oil, Camphor, and Lavender. The Eucalyptus Oil provides a wonderful vapor that is known for helping to open up the sinuses. The Lavender scent has an awesome calming effect as well as being very soothing. The combination of these oils produce a wonderful and perfect sleeping environment.

Click the link below to check the price and get yours today!

Vicks VapoPads Baby Rub Waterless Vaporizer Pads – Pack of 2

I used this myself and it really was soothing, comforting, and helped me to sleep. I highly recommend using these inserts with your cool-mist vaporizer for you and your baby!

My concluding thoughts

Whether you are just looking to add a little more moisture to the air or if you or your baby are sick, Vick’s cool-mist humidifier with the inserts is the perfect solution. These humidifiers or vaporizers can be placed in the baby nursery, your bedroom, or anywhere you need to have the added moisture. I know you will be very glad you purchased this as it is worth every penny!

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Always yours in searching the best for our babes,

Evelyn

February 5, 2021March 17, 2021

What is a Stroller Glider Board?

….

Have you ever been out on a walk with your baby and toddler (or older child) and your child started whining saying “I’m tired!?” How about being at an amusement park such as the zoo or Disney World? There is a solution to this problem and I recently discovered an awesome attachment for your stroller. It is a way for your little one to enjoy going along and adds some adventure for him. I will give you the answer to “what is a stroller glider board?” in this article and tell you why it will be an important piece to add to your stroller accessory items.

What exactly is a stroller glider?

The stroller glider is also known as a stroller skateboard and is a terrific invention. This is something I wish I would have had when my kids were little, it would have saved a lot of frustration and headaches.

So let’s get to it and answer that question. The stroller glider is a device with a platform, has wheels and for the most part, looks like a skateboard. It attaches securely to the stroller in the back.

The platform is raised up so you will not trip on it and yet your child is right there in front of you. This makes for a great solution because your child does not have to walk and will love gliding along.

The dimensions

This “skateboard” is 17.5 x 11.8 x 4.8 inches, so it is a pretty good-sized platform for your child to stand on. Yet, it is high enough for you not to trip on.

Weight limit – beware

The manufacturer states that this glider will hold up to 70 pounds, however, I have seen that many people say it is more like 55 pounds. So I would say that at the 55-pound mark, stop using, just to be safe.

Compatibility to strollers

Per the manufacturer, the stroller glider/skateboard is compatible with 95% of the different strollers on the market. I have a prior post “A Baby Jogger (Run with It)” and tell you about a jogger stroller that you can attach this glider to as it is compatible with this model.

Here are some other options as well. You can find out about these other stroller/travel systems here.

Be ready for those walks

Click here to check the price and to purchase! Stroller Glider Board – A-Ride-Along Stroller Accessory

Some additional ideas and safety precautions

I just wanted to put some additional ideas out here regarding safety precautions.

There is always the chance that your child could fall off the stroller glider/skateboard. You want to be sure to protect his or her head and knees and elbows.

For starters, the Joovy Noodle Helmet is available through Amazon and comes in x-small, small and large sizes. There is a size for every child. Also, it comes in 7 different colors.

You can check it out here!

For those elbows, Bosoner Kids/Youth Knee Pad Elbow Pads is an excellent choice for those elbows and knees. This set includes knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. It comes in a variety of colors to suit every child’s preference.

Click here to check the price and to purchase yours now!

Bosoner Kids/Youth Knee Pad Elbow Pads

My concluding thoughts

If you have more than 1 child and like to travel, take trips to the malls, or enjoy taking long walks, the Stroller-Glider Board is something you should have for your stroller. It will not only benefit you but your child will absolutely love it. I highly recommend getting the protective helmet, knee, and elbow pads too because you never know if your little guy or gal is going to fall.

I hope you enjoyed this review and found it to be of good help to you.

Questions or comments?

Please leave your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Always yours in looking for the best for our babes,

Evelyn

January 30, 2021March 17, 2021

What is the Best Baby Food Maker?

…

Somewhere between 4 and 6 months of age, your baby will be ready for solids. This is determined by you and your pediatrician and mostly your baby! Some babies seem to be ready for solids at 3 months of age, but it is not recommended because it may contribute to food allergies down the road. If you are a mom who is particular about the foods you give to your family, then I suggest purchasing a baby food maker to ensure your baby gets nothing other than the purest and best food possible. In this review, I will tell you about a very affordable, very popular baby food maker and answer the question, “What is the Best Baby Food Maker?”

What is Evla’s baby food maker?

The baby food maker I am going to tell you about was made and designed by parents just like you and me. So, they had everything in mind as we would such as practicality, ease of use, cleaning, and reliability.

It is called, Evla’s Baby Food Maker. This device is very easy to use and creates fresh, healthy, homemade baby food very easily. The baby food maker is a multi-function food processor that steams, blends, reheats, and defrosts along with sterilizing and it is self-cleaning!

The Evla’s baby food maker has 7 settings!

Steam
Auto blend
Manual blend
Auto clean
Sterilize
Reheat
Defrost

How does it work?

Using this device is so easy. Start with filling the water tank with approximately 7 ounces of water and secure the tank with the cover. Plug the machine in and press the power button for 3 seconds. You should hear a beep and the control panel will light up.

Remove the stirring cup from the unit by rotating it clockwise and lifting it out. Remove the lid by turning clockwise.

Cut up your vegetables and place them into the steaming basket. The steaming basket sits in the stirring cup. Replace the lid.

Note: Do not overfill the steaming basket.

Next, place the stirring cup in the unit, twist it to lock in place, and turn it on. Make sure the lid remains in the closed position.

Press the steam button and the steam cycle will start. The default steam time is 15 minutes. This can be adjusted up or down by using the time increase or time decrease buttons.

Once the steaming process is complete, you will hear 5 beeps.

Next, you will want to blend the food you have just steamed. Remove the stirring cup from the unit and remove the lid.

Remove the steaming basket and empty the contents back into the stirring cup. You may want to add or remove a little water to match the food consistency for the texture you want.

Reattach the stirring cup lid and return the stirring cup to the device securing it with a turn. Double-check that the lid remains in the closed position.

Press the auto blend button and when the auto blend cycle is complete, you will hear a beep, Or, if you prefer to manually blend, press the manual blend button on and off (pulsating blend) until you have reached the consistency you prefer.

Cleaning and maintenance

Evla’s baby food maker is designed to self-clean! Yes, you saw that right!! Cleaning up is always the absolute worst part of any cooking duties. I know I sure do hate that part.

So, how does this wonderful little machine self-clean? I will tell you.

First, take the stirring up and rinse it out at the sink. Fill the stirring cup with clean water up to the max cleaning line. Attach the spill-proof cover and re-attach the stirring cup to the device as you did before, making sure it is secure by turning it to lock in place.

Press the “clean” button and you will hear a beep when the cleaning cycle is finished. This takes around 45 seconds.

Remove any excess water and leave the unit to air dry.

Also, after every use empty the water tank, clean, and dry it out.

Sterilize

Before its first use and at regular intervals, it is recommended that you fully sterilize this device.

Fill the water tank up to the max line. You can place other items such as pacifiers, in the steaming basket for sterilizing too.

Place the stirring cup into the unit and secure it. Press the sterilize button. The sterilizing process lasts around 10 minutes and will beep 5 times when finished.

Why I think this food processor is the best

I think this little appliance is the best because it has 7 different functions, cleans itself, is super easy to use, and does not take much space on the kitchen counter. It is reasonably priced for all that it delivers.

This is the only baby food maker that I know of that comes with 6 reusable food pouches.

The Big Book of Organic Baby Food is included free! This book gives you recipes for making organic baby food.

Baby food processor — As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Organic baby food is the best for baby

In a prior post, I wrote about organic foods and baby foods in detail. Please feel free to check it out and click on the title, “What is Organic Baby Food?” to learn more. Also in that post, there is a link for a cookbook for making baby food, however, that same cookbook is included with Evla’s baby food maker when purchased here from Amazon.

Using organic vegetables and fruit in this food processor is one way to guarantee that your baby is getting the best possible purest food there is. I really cannot say enough good things about it. You really can’t be too careful when it comes to what you are feeding your little one!

The ratings are 4.8/5 stars!

According to Amazon, their customer reviews globally are an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars!

Wrapping it all up

My final thoughts on this neat little appliance is that it is the very best buy for your baby food-making needs. It has the most capabilities/features and you get an organic baby food cookbook as well! I don’t think it gets any better than this!

Please click on the link below to check the price and to purchase!

Evla’s Baby Food Maker

Questions or comments?

Please leave your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will respond to you as soon as I can!

Happy baby food making,

Evelyn

January 28, 2021March 16, 2021

Graco DuoGlider: Why It is The Best!

As the owner of this website I have searched out some special deals for some of the products and services mentioned herein. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own. Full disclosure.

…

There is nothing like holding your baby in your arms to swing and cradle him. However, even though we would love to be able to do this all day long, life simply will not allow us to do that all the time. Sooner or later we have to put the baby down and get on with our day in one way or the other. So I have the answer to keeping your baby soothed as if you are cradling him in your arms. And, I am going to give you 5 reasons for the Graco DuoGlider: why it is the best!

The Graco DuoGlider

Pictured above is the Graco DuoGlider and I cannot say enough about this cradle/swing. Oh and where do I start?

I will start with telling you that whether you are a caregiver or a parent, you will find this to be the perfect solution for your baby. It does not take up much room so if you are limited in space, you will love this.

You will find that not only does this cradle glide, but it swings as well. You can put this just about anywhere in your house. Take a look at the size of this and you will see.

The dimensions of this cradle/swing/glider are: 28 x 25 x 26.5 inches.

The age range is from newborn to 4 months of age with the weight capacity of 30 pounds.

Reason #1 : Comfort

This neat little glider has a very cozy seat with a thick, plush insert (removable) that just makes you want to crawl in there with your baby! It also has a 3-position recline.

If your baby falls asleep while in the elevated position, you don’t have to wake him up to lay him down. All you have to do is lower the seat to flat with the recline lever.

Reason #2 : It comes with a mobile

Attached is a moveable mobile for your baby to look at with cute little animals. I say moveable because when you need to pick the baby up, just swing the mobile out of the way. It’s as simple as that!

Reason #3 : Rocking your baby

When you rock your baby either in your arms or sitting in your nursery glider, you use a back and forth motion very gently until he falls asleep. Well, the DuoGlider uses the same motion as you would and adds a few little extras.

Reason #4 : Those “extras”

Those extras are 2-speed vibration and 6 swinging speeds. In addition, this glider plays 10 different soothing classical melodies and if you choose, you can switch to 1 of 5 different nature sounds.

Also, I want to mention that there is a timer on this swing. The reason behind this is to save battery life if you are using the battery option. Just set the timer and it will shut off at the designated time.

There is a 3-point harness which will secure your infant in this glider to keep him safe and give you peace of mind.

Reason #5 : Battery or plug-in

Here is an option that I really like and that is the option to plug it in! Even though battery run items may seem to be more convenient, it is not so convenient when the battery runs dead and your baby wakes up!

It is nice to have both options though just in case you take this to someone’s house and you are not near an electrical outlet.

Click on the link below to check the price. You can purchase yours here too!

Graco DuoGlider (Rascal)

My conclusion and recommendations

If you have a newborn baby or a baby younger than 4 months and are looking for that perfect cradle, I highly recommend the Graco DuoGlider for you. Not only will your baby absolutely love it, but you will too!

Graco is one of my favorite and most trusted brands for baby items and furniture. They have built a foundation of trust all across the United States and they are one of the world’s most recognized and trusted baby gear companies.

Graco has been creating baby essentials for over 65 years! You always want to go with a company who has been around a while and who has an awesome reputation – Graco has just that!

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Always yours in searching for the best for our babes!

Evelyn

January 26, 2021March 16, 2021

Best Playpens for Babies

….

Are you the parent of a baby who is approaching 4 months of age? Are you thinking about what safety measures you should be taking when putting your baby down? Well, I have a couple of ideas for you to consider. They have been tried and true and as a mother/grandmother and nurse, I highly recommend you take a look at these best playpens for babies! You will never regret it!

Baby’s safety is always first

When our babies are newly born to about 3 months of age, they do not move around much. Before you know it, your little guy or gal slowly but surely begins to move around more and more. By about 4 months, you move him to the crib from the bassinet.

Ok, but what about the rest of the day? How in the world can you get anything done while the baby is awake? How do you keep him safe and out of trouble? A playpen is the answer!

The number one thing that is most important is that your baby is safe! Little ones are quick and accidents happen even faster!

Obviously, life doesn’t stop after having a baby and household chores still need to be done. Using a playpen is not a cruel thing to do, it is the safe thing to do. Place the baby in the playpen with a few favorite and safe toys and you know he is safe and sound. It just makes life so much easier for you and safest for baby. We cannot always sit and watch the baby all the time every day.

Joovy Room² Playard

The Joovy2 Playard is the playpen of my first choice. I personally purchased this about a year and a half ago as I watch my grandson on a regular basis. I love this playpen!

So, here are some details about this Joovy 2 (the 2 means squared) playard. First of all I want to say that it is very roomy. It is about 50% larger than other playpens and has over 10 square feet of play space! If you have twins or another little one, there will be more than enough room for both of them.

This playpen has mesh on all 4 sides so you can see your baby from any angle and your baby can see you.

It is 35 inches tall, so this will accommodate your little one for a long time.

The pad for the bottom comes with a nice fitted sheet. It is 100% cotton so it will feel nice for your baby.

There are 2 wheels on this playpen. You can lift one side and wheel it around to where you want it.

There is a travel bag that comes with it so you can fold it up and take it wherever you go.

The Joovy 2 Playard has a 2-year warranty which is more than most other brands offer!

I highly recommend this playpen for you and your baby and invite you to check it out here and get one for yourself!

Get yours here!

Baby Playpen,Playpens for Babies, Extra Large Playpen for Toddlers,Kids Safety Play Center Yard with gate, Sturdy Safety Baby Fence Play Area for Babies, Toddler, Infants

The Extra Large Playpen for Toddlers is my second choice for one of the best playpens available. This one is very roomy too!

The size of this playard is 59″x71″x27″ so you can see just how much room there is for your baby to safely play.

This also is made of mesh sides and has a waterproof bottom made of fabric so you can wash it. Take this playpen anywhere – grandma’s house, parks, outside on the patio or deck or just use it at home.

This playpen does not fold up, you have to assemble it. You need to make sure you follow directions carefully so it is put together correctly for sturdiness.

Two drawbacks

There is no padding for the bottom of this playpen so if you want it to be cushioned, you have to buy a pad for the bottom. This makes the playpen set a little more pricey than the rest.

The other drawback is that it is not a fold-up and carry. You have to assemble and disassemble each time you want to use it, unless you are setting it up for use at home.

Playmat for the extra-large playpen

I recommend the Baby Care Play Mat to go with the extra-large playpen. If you have hardwood floors, you are going to want to have some cushion for your baby in case she stumbles while trying to stand up. I have pictured it below.

The size of the mat is 72.8 x 0.4 x 49.2 inches and will fit in this playpen.

It is important to say that this mat is hygienic and hypoallergenic and is non-toxic. This mat can be used not only for baby but for you or anyone else in the family for let’s say, floor exercising, stretching, etc.

Also, be sure to check my home page on the right sidebar for an Amazon Baby Registry. The Extra-Large Playpen and the Baby Care Play Mat would be a great gift idea for someone to get you and your baby.

Other ideas for play yard

In my other post titled “Baby Play Yard (Should You Use One)?”, I have another option, a gated area for baby to play. Click here to read about it and check this play yard out!

Final thoughts

There is no better way to keep your little one safe than the use of a playpen. It has been a great asset for me at my house and I know it will be for you too! Getting one of these playpens is an investment you will never regret. It will allow you to have some of your own time to get things done without having to worry about what your baby is getting into!

Questions or comments?

Please feel free to leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Always yours in searching for the best for our babes!

Evelyn

January 22, 2021March 16, 2021

Teens and Braces (What To Know)

…

Do you have a teenager at home who has braces? Are you finding that your teen is having difficulty caring for her teeth with those braces? Well, I can tell you that I was in your shoes not all that long ago and I want to share with you what I have found to be true and of great help. The Waterpik Complete Care Toothbrush and Water Flosser works the best for teens and braces. I will tell you about it here and encourage you to get this for your teen….and yourself.

Importance of good dental care

The importance of good dental care every day cannot be stressed enough. Our teeth should not only make for a great smile, but there are many more health reasons why we should keep our teeth clean and free from debris.

Keeping your teeth clean and free of food particles is extremely important in preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease (disease of your gums). There are many types of bacteria in the mouth and when the food particles stay too long, the bacteria “eats” the food particles and begin to start the tooth decaying process. This causes “bad breath” and is an obvious clue as to what is happening.

If you do not brush your teeth, this process of tooth decaying goes to the gums and starts the gum disease process. This not only causes a severe gum problem, but results in loss of bone, teeth and leads to other diseases.

This is even more crucial if you have braces on your teeth. The braces make it very difficult to clean the teeth properly. So, how do you do it? How can you brush your teeth effectively and get in between the teeth to remove the rest of the food particles that the brush cannot reach?

I have a solution and I can tell you that I was faced with the same questions when my son had braces. He would get so frustrated when trying to brush his teeth and then flossing was even worse!

Brushing and flossing

Brushing and flossing your teeth should be an absolute routine for everyone. This should occur in the morning and before bedtime – at the very least! It is recommended to brush and floss after each meal especially if you have braces on your teeth.

Food particles can not only get stuck in between the teeth, but also in the braces. This is where the challenge really is!

So, what did I do to help my son with his oral care while having braces on his teeth?

I bought a Waterpik for him to use with the oscillating toothbrush and it worked like a charm! All I can say is WOW, I couldn’t believe it.

When he used that, all kinds of stuff came out and I was so glad to see him using it and his frustration was gone. I am going to tell you a little more about this great tool for brushing and how it really cleans your teeth.

Using the Waterpik

This Waterpik system, the toothbrush, and the “water flosser”, is by far the easiest and most effective way to clean your teeth. Also, I want to mention that it is the #1 brand that dental professionals recommend for brushing and flossing your teeth – especially when you have braces.

The Waterpik flosser gets to places that string floss could never reach. It also is the best for treating periodontal pockets and cleaning implants and dental work such as crowns, bridges, and veneers.

When you are ready for flossing, fill the reservoir with warm water and set it on the base. Select the tip and click it onto the handle of the flosser. Start with the lowest pressure setting and you will want to lean over the sink. Place the tip in your mouth and turn it on.

Close your lips enough to keep the water from splashing and aim the tip at the gumline. I recommend you start at the back of your mouth, top teeth and aim at each tooth base/gum line all the way around to the other side. Then, do the same for the lower teeth.

When you are finished, remove the tip using the eject button and place the unit back onto the base.

You will not believe how much stuff you will see falling to the sink! String floss just cannot do the same job and it cannot reach where it needs to go because of the braces.

Waterpik CC-02 Complete Care 9.5 Oscillating Electric Toothbrush + Water Flosser

The Waterpik Complete Care 9.5 water flosser and an oscillating toothbrush is your best buy for a tooth brushing and water flossing system. The toothbrush is small and round and it rotates around for brushing the teeth.

This toothbrush design is also recommended by dentists for people who have braces. You can use this effectively for brushing because of its size and you can reach the areas of each tooth better.

Then, of course, there is the water flosser which you use after brushing.

Some people prefer to floss first and then brush and some prefer to floss after. Either way works, as long as you do it. That’s the important part.

The water flosser

The water flosser has 10 settings ranging from 10 to 100 PSI for a custom clean and delivers 1400 water pulses per minute. That’s impressive.

The toothbrush

The toothbrush has 3 different cleaning modes: high, low, and massage with a round brush head that uses a rotating, oscillating action.

The reservoir

The water reservoir holds 22 ounces of water and has a flow control feature that provides 90 seconds of water capacity.

The reservoir is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

What’s included?

There are 5 water flosser tips, 2 brush heads, a toothbrush travel case, tip storage case, and a 2-year warranty!

Here is the link for you to purchase yours now and make your teen’s day!

My final thoughts

I highly recommend this Waterpik for you and your family as it has been a great asset for my family as well as for myself. You will be very pleased also when seeing the dentist as you will be commended on an awesome job of keeping your teeth clean, and this goes for your teen as well!

Questions or comments?

Please leave your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will reply as soon as possible.

Thoughtfully yours,

Evelyn

January 19, 2021March 16, 2021

What is a Toddler Bed?

….

Sometime around 1 1/2 to 2 years of age, your toddler will be trying to climb out of his crib. This is the time you are going to have to make a decision to transition him from a crib to a bed. What you don’t want to do is to put him in a regular full size bed. He definitely will not be ready for that just yet. The best way to transition him to a bed is to use a toddler bed. You might ask, “what is a toddler bed?” and that is what I will explain to you here and I will give you some ideas to meet that need. So, here goes!

The signs of readiness for a bed

The signs that your little guy or gal is ready for the transition to a “big boy or big girl bed” are as follows:

Attempting to climb out of the crib (the biggest sign)
Your little one is potty training
The crib is too small (your toddler has outgrown it)

Making the move to a toddler bed

Before starting the transition you want to consider the bed. A toddler bed should be low to the ground and have a bedside rail. When you set it up, make a big deal out of it to your little one. Get him or her excited about this new “big girl/big boy” bed.

For the bedding, it’s a great idea to pick their favorite cartoon characters or movie characters for the sheets, pillow cases and comforter. They will love it!

Keep your bed times consistent as well as all other routines like bath time or story time. The only change should be their new bed.

Also, make sure your little one has his favorite teddy bear or other favorite stuffed animal with him at bed time.

The floor around the bed

If the floor is a wood floor, put something down to provide cushion in case your toddler falls out of bed. You can use something like a comforter or a couple of blankets folded up and placed beside the bed.

Guard rails

Guard rails are a very good idea even if you have carpeting or padded the floor. Children of this age can be very restless sleepers and so it is a good idea to have these guard rails. If your bed does not have them, you can purchase them and install yourself.

Safety during the night

Before you start using the toddler bed, go around your house as you did when your little first began to be mobile. Look at everything to see if it is “toddler proof.”

Are there any book shelves that can be tipped over? What about the dressers, are they secured against the wall? Bathrooms pose a safety hazard because of all the obvious – shaving razors, shampoo, soap, mouth wash etc. Put all these items out of reach or secure with a cabinet lock. I have an article I posted called “A Baby Gate and Babyproofing Your Home” and I have some recommendations on what to buy to babyproof your house.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008

When you purchase a toddler bed you want to make sure it meets all of the safety standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). These standards are as follows:

The surface coat of paint on the bed must not contain more than 90 ppm (0.009 percent) lead.
The lead content limit must not contain greater than 100 ppm (0.01 percent) of total lead content in any accessible part of the bed.
There are 8 phthalates (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity) that the CPSIA has set limits to not contain more than 0.1 percent .
Testing and certification – toddler beds must be tested by an accredited third party laboratory accepted by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for compliance with the toddler beds standard and all other applicable children’s product safety rules, including the lead paint, lead content, and phthalate content limits.
Product and outer package labeling requirements – toddler beds must be marked with specific labeling information. This includes a tracking label, product registration card.

Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed

The Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed is a toddler bed that meets all of the safety standards as mentioned above and is a perfect choice for that transition bed.

It is made of pinewood and the paint used meets and exceeds the CPSC standards. Only eco-friendly, child-safe water-based paints are used on this bed.

The Austin is low to the floor and comes with a guard rail so you won’t have to purchase it separately.

This bed has a wooden support mattress rail so you will not need a box spring mattress.

The toddler bed uses a crib-sized mattress and I recommend the Dream On Me non-toxic, Greenguard certified standard crib mattress.

Five different colors to choose from

The Austin comes in 5 different colors/finishes and they are:

Pebble grey (pictured above)
Blush pink
Espresso
Black
White

The Austin specifications

54 L x 30 W x 29 H inches.

The dimensions of the safety rail are 22 1/4 x 8 3/4 inches.

Purchase your Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed here!

Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed

Purchase your mattress here!!

Additional note for the mattress above. This mattress comes with a mattress cover so there is no need to purchase a cover separately.

Additional information

If your child is not quite ready for a toddler bed, I have written about a 3-in-1 convertible crib in a prior post. This convertible crib can be used as a crib, then to a toddler bed and then to a day bed. If you would like to read more about it and take a look at it, click here and you can check it out.

My final thoughts

I hope you found this article to be of good help to you in making your decision to transfer your toddler to a bed. It can be a very exciting time for your little one and yet a bittersweet experience for you as the parent. Your little guy or gal is growing up! It is hard to let go of each stage and I totally get it! We all want to keep our babies little, but yet we are proud of each step/milestone they make in their lives.

Questions or comments?

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them for me in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you!

Yours in searching the best for our babes,

Evelyn

January 13, 2021March 16, 2021

Children and Asperger’s Syndrome

…

Asperger’s Syndrome used to have a classification and diagnosis of its own. But in recent years it has been determined that it actually belongs under the classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Asperger’s syndrome is a very complex disorder and every individual who has it may be very different from another. I want to give you a general idea about children and Asperger’s Syndrome and recommend a communication device to help with your child’s ability to communicate with others and improve his or her socialization skills.

Please note that this article is in no way to be taken as medical advice nor for diagnosing purposes. If you suspect your child may have Asperger’s Syndrome, take him or her to your doctor for evaluation and further direction.

A type of autism

Asperger’s syndrome has been studied by mental health experts and they have discovered that this disorder actually shares a lot of the same characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. So, they have classified it under autism as autism is made up of a group of mental health issues.

Some common symptoms of Asperger’s

The symptoms of this syndrome can start early in life, later childhood or early adulthood. For the people who are not diagnosed until later childhood or early adulthood, they are usually high-functioning and have very high IQ’s.

The more severe forms of Asperger’s are neurodevelopmental (impairments in the nervous system functioning that affect behavior, cognition, or motor skills) disorders and are usually present from infancy to early childhood. These children do not reach milestones as other children do because of an impairment in their cognitive skills (thinking, reasoning, or remembering), behavior and motor skills.

One of the most common signals seen is a child will not make eye contact. He or she will not show emotions and will speak in a monotone type of voice.

The children with this disorder can be very repetitive either in their speech or in their actions. They will do something over and over again. Also, this child will speak about 1 particular item and talk over and over again about it.

A child with Asperger’s will most likely have problems with socializing and with communication.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome can be tricky as this disorder is very complicated and has many variables. There is no standardized test for this and many times a child will go undiagnosed until adulthood. This is because there are several screening devices in current use, each with different criteria, the same child could receive different diagnoses, depending on the tool the doctor selects.

If your child is suspected to have Asperger’s, your doctor will call in a mental health specialist team such as a psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician and a psychiatrist. Because diagnosis is very complicated, having these health care professionals working together as a team is the best course of action to take.

How do we help a child with social and speech skills?

Every child who has Asperger’s is unique and treatment of each child will vary. For the most part, each one will need help with social skills and communication skills. Let’s take a look at help for social skills first and then communication assistance.

Social skills are usually taught by a therapist either one-on-one, in a group or both. Children will learn how to interact with others and express themselves appropriately. The child will learn best by observing and copying good behavior from you the parent and others in their circle of trust.

The therapist will involve the parents to teach them what social skills were taught to their child so they can continue the methods at home. In addition, many families of children with Asperger’s will see a counselor to help them deal with the challenges of living with someone with Asperger’s.

Speech-language therapy is another area of treatment. This will improve a child’s communication skills which in turn improves social skills. Speech therapy for the child with Asperger’s will be different from speech therapy for others. This is because a child with this syndrome has already developed speech, and it is different. So the speech therapy for children affected with Asperger’s will focus more on communication.

Communication device

Many speech therapists will use what we call an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device to help a child with Asperger’s communicate. These devices use a combination of pictures, written words, and spoken language. The therapist will show the parent how to use these devices as well as the child.

Not being able to communicate would cause anyone to become stressed and upset. Now think of a child with Asperger’s if he or she cannot communicate what they feel or need or want. It is no wonder that that child would begin to “act out” and be really upset. This is where the AAC device can completely change this scenario.

I have another article about communication boards for children. If you would like to see another device, click this link for “communication board for children.”

AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator

The AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator is an AAC and is a great communicative assistive device. This SuperTalker is customizable to meet your child’s needs. It has a surface that is very sensitive to touch and will detect the lightest of touches.

There are eight recording levels that give you the ability to record up to 64 unique messages. The SuperTalker is switch accessible which means you can connect one switch to each message location for direct message playback or use one switch to step through each message location in sequence.

Free app

The AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator comes with a free app:

AbleNet Symbol Overlay Maker (app requires an iPad with iPad OS 13 or newer).

You can quickly and easily create printable picture symbol overlays for your device with the free app which allows you to really customize this device.

The SuperTalker FT requires 4 AA batteries (not included).

To find out more about this communication device and to purchase, click this link.

AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator — (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

Final thoughts

I have worked with many children who had autism and Asperger’s and I would say these kids just need all your love and attention and don’t forget patience! You will see how far lots of love and patience will take you both!

I truly hope you found this information of great help and that you take advantage of this great communication device for your child. It will make a world of difference in both your lives!

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Always yours looking for the best for our babes,

Evelyn

December 28, 2020March 16, 2021

Communication Board for Children

…..

Approximately 8,000 babies in the United States are diagnosed with CP (cerebral palsy) each year. What exactly is CP you might ask? In this article I will address CP, what it is, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated and recommended assistive equipment for cognitive function and communication. I will introduce you to an assistive device known as a communication board which will help your child learn and communicate with others.

What is cerebral palsy (CP)?

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of posture and movement (difficulty in controlling the muscles) due to damage or injury to the brain. This brain damage can happen before, during or after birth. The area of the brain that has been injured determines the type of neuromuscular (affecting the nerves and muscle) disability.

Five types of CP

There are 5 classifications of CP and I will list them followed by a brief explanation.

1. Dyskinetic CP also known as Athetoid CP: This accounts for approximately 20% of cases of CP. It is characterized by abnormal involuntary movement and may involve all the extremities as well as the face and neck. The movements increase with stress and anxiety.

2. Spastic CP: This accounts for approximately 50% of cases of CP. It is characterized by excessive tone in the voluntary muscles, hypertonic (rigid) muscles, exaggeration of deep tendon reflexes and contractures (shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints). In other words, exaggerated reflexes, floppy or rigid limbs, and involuntary motions.

3. Ataxic CP: This type of CP is characterized by a loss of coordination, loss of equilibrium (balance) and inability to control movement.

4. Rigid CP: This type of CP is relatively rare in children. It is characterized by rigidity in all muscles – flexors and extensors. In a child with tremors, the tremors are apparent at both rest and during movement.

5. Mixed CP: Those diagnosed with mixed CP have damage to the motor control centers in several parts of their brain.

Warning signs of CP

Identifying infants at risk for cerebral palsy includes looking for these warning signs.

Poor head control after 3 months of age.
Stiff or rigid arms or legs.
Pushing away or arching back.
Floppy or limp body posture.
Cannot sit up without support by 8 months.
Uses only one side of body, or only the arms to crawl.
Speech and swallowing impairment – gagging or choking when fed.

Persistence of extrusion reflex – thrust tongue forward after 6 months of age – usually disappears by 3-4 months of age.
Picture of spasticity – scissoring (legs crossed, toes pointed), fists clenched, forearm flexed, upper arm pressed against wall of chest, head extended and back arched.

How is CP diagnosed?

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed by your doctor using EEG, CT or MRI along with blood tests and a thorough neurologic examination. The EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain. The EEG results allow doctors to quickly assess whether there are abnormal patterns. Any irregularities may be a sign of seizures or other brain disorders. The computed tomography (CT or CAT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans allow your doctor to see bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body.

Persistent primitive reflexes (newborn reflexes), abnormal muscle tone and posture along with abnormal motor development are seen in a child with cerebral palsy. The goal of managing the child with CP is early recognition and intervention to maximize the child’s abilities.

Associated disabilities of CP

Approximately half of children with cerebral palsy have some degree of developmental delay and other disabilities. Epilepsy or seizure disorder is also among the problems associated with CP. Other than epilepsy, learning problems, poor attention span, hyperactivity, hearing or visual loss and emotional problems may also be seen. I believe that many of these emotional problems may be because of frustration in the inability to communicate his or her needs or wants.

Therapeutic management of CP

Cerebral palsy often is not diagnosed before the child is 2 years old. A multidisciplinary health care team approach is necessary to meet the many needs of the child with CP. This team includes the child and family, a pediatrician, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, nurse, speech and hearing therapist, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist and educators.

All of these health care specialists work together with their treatments, therapies and medications to maximize the child’s quality of life and comfort. Of the many therapies a child with CP will receive, a communication device is an essential part of the plan of care. This device will not only be used in school, but will be part of the child’s daily life. He will not only learn how to communicate but can also play games for entertainment too. He will absolutely love this!

Speech and communication

An important part of recognizing CP in a child is paying attention to developmental milestones. Delay in reaching the milestones is one of the key indicators of cerebral palsy. School and community nurses are in the best position to work with families and children with CP. Many of these children will need both learning and physical adaptations as they enter school.

For the most part, children with CP are educated in the regular school program with assistive devices, such as the communication boards or computers. The communication board is a tool that the child will use for speech and communication.

The Amazon Fire Tablet for kids is another great option that you can use for your child. I invite you to check out my post. Click here for the Amazon Fire Tablet to read more.

GoTalk 9-Plus with Overlay Software CD

The GoTalk 9-Plus with Overlay Software CD is a communication board that is very easy to use with high sound quality and is lightweight yet very durable. This device is referred to as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) aid and is used by many who have speech and language challenges forming longer, more complete thoughts.

This communication tool has a measurement of 9” x 12” x 1-1/8” and requires 2 “AA” batteries which are included.

It has a 45 message capacity which has 9 keys times 5 recording levels. This also has 3 “core” messages that remain constant on all levels.

Ideal for beginner users

The GoTalk 9-Plus with Overlay Software CD is a communication device that a child’s therapist and teachers will be using as a speech and communication aid for the child with CP. They will also be working with parents to show them how it is used and to continue working with their children with it for consistency and reinforcement.

This device comes with overlay software CD which is used for custom templates to suit the needs of the child. You can learn more about it here and purchase if you desire.

My final thoughts and recommendations

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, then I recommend you check out the GoTalk 9-Plus with Overlay Software CD communication board for your child. Through Amazon, it comes at a slightly lower price compared to other outlets. It is a middle-of-the-road communication device which means it is neither the cheapest nor is it the most expensive. It has many features and enough storage to handle all communication needs. I have placed another link below for your convenience.

Purchase your GoTalk 9-Plus here!

GoTalk 9-Plus with Overlay Software CD

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you in a timely manner.

Always looking for the best for our babies,

Evelyn

December 5, 2020March 15, 2021

Top 2 Baby Bottle Warmers

…

Every new mom should have one of these. This baby bottle warmer is not only just a bottle warmer but is also a baby food warmer.

Heating that bottle

When your baby is crying and you know he is hungry, you need to get that bottle warmed fast! There is nothing worse than trying to get that formula or breast milk warmed up while trying to console your baby and needing it in a hurry. I sure do remember those days.

Quick heating

When you come home from the hospital with your newborn, you should make sure to rest as much as possible every moment you can. You will be up around the clock for at least the next few months and every bit of help you can get is really important. That is where this lovely machine can help. This is a quick heating bottle warmer which is a great feature when you need that bottle fast! Especially for those 2 am feedings.

A little more about this wonderful machine:

It has a nice compact design and does not take up much room on the counter.

2 settings ensure bottles are safely heated to the right temperature:

1) Steady Warm for breastmilk to preserve its nutrients and

2) Quick Warm for formula and baby food

Heat baby food

Another great feature is you can warm your baby’s food in this device. I have seen bottle warmers in my life, but never one like this. This would have been a major lifesaver for me back in the day.

Get your baby bottle warmer here:

Baby Brezza Safe & Smart, Electric Baby Bottle Warmer and Baby Food Warmer

Here is a great baby bottle sterilizer with multiple functions!

NUBITE Baby Bottle Warmer Sterilizer,Fast Heating Baby Milk Warmer,Baby Food Heater,Breastmilk Defrost Warmer,6-in-1 Double Bottles Warmer for Infant Formula with Appointment&Timer, BPA Free

A small appliance that serves multiple functions! This baby bottle sterilizer has a 4-in -1 multi-function ability.

1- Warms milk

2-Defrosts

3- Warms formula

4- Sterilizes

Comparing the two devices

Both of these baby bottle warmers warm the baby bottles, but the difference is that the Baby Brezza warms the bottles and baby food only, and the Nubite not only warms milk but defrosts, warms formula/breast milk, and sterilizes.

Whether you require a bottle warmer or a bottle warmer and a sterilizer, either of these little machines are going to do the job for you.

Click on each of the links for additional information and to purchase!

Get your bottle warmer and/or sterilizer here!

Baby Brezza Safe & Smart, Electric Baby Bottle Warmer and Baby Food Warmer

NUBITE Baby Bottle Warmer Sterilizer,Fast Heating Baby Milk Warmer,Baby Food Heater,Breastmilk Defrost Warmer,6-in-1 Double Bottles Warmer for Infant Formula with Appointment&Timer, BPA Free

I hope you have enjoyed this review of these two awesome appliances for warming your baby bottles and all the many added features contained in one device.

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Evelyn