BABY & TODDLER
Polls and Tips for Baby and Toddler Years
Let's help each other navigate the tricky baby and toddler years. Ask and answer questions about life with little ones.
Fine Motor Activities for Kids
Dressing dolls, especially barbies. When my kids were really little this usually involved me sitting and playing/dressing dolls with them and then they gradually learned to do more and more on their own.
An OT told me this one: use small writing utensils such as golf pencils and broken crayons. This helps prevent children from grabbing the utensil with a fist and encourages the correct pencil grasp.
Potty Training Rewards That Worked for Our Kids
What helps Granddaughter is Jelly Beans. They are a favorite.
Matchbox/Hot Wheels cars
What were you glad you packed in your hospital bag?
Disposable toothbrush: a toothbrush I'm willing to use for a couple nights then throw away at the hospital before I return home.
A lightweight robe. Cozy and comfortable, presentable enough for wearing around the hospital, and easy nursing access.
What babyproofing tips do you have for new parents?
I discovered that a heavyweight hairband looped around both door handles was just as effective (if not more!) at keeping my cabinet doors shut than those cabinet latches made specifically for baby proofing. Plus, they were way easier (and less annoying) for me to take on and off, making it more likely that I'd always keep it on. This only works on certain handles, though, like pull bars and knobs.
Sturdy stair guards at the top and bottom of the staircase are a must once baby starts moving around!
What non-lullaby songs do you sing to put baby to sleep?
Everything will be alright bob marley, you are my sunshine,
Amazing Grace
What are your best cleaning & organizing tips for families?
I have a full set of cleaning supplies (sponges/cloths, gloves, cleaning solutions/products) - in each bathroom and the kitchen, so whenever I have five minutes I can quickly wipe down a sink, toilet, counter, etc without needing to hunt anything down.
Robot vacuum! We have a Coredy robot and it gets plopped in various rooms almost daily. I’ll section off an area periodically and let it do all of the work for me. Our kids love picking up for it so they don’t have to sweep so it’s almost effortless for me and even has a mop option for our model. It’s not amazing but helps tremendously!
What are some fun water table ideas and activities?
Frozen toys. Take small toys that will fit in an ice cube tray, fill it with water and freeze. Add these ice cube treasures to the water table for kids to uncover. They can use a spray bottle or dropper filled with water, dunk them or pour water all over them for the big reveal!
Play Sink or Float. This simple toddler science experiment is a favorite at our house! Collect items that can safely get wet (utensils, plastic toys, fruit, rocks, etc.), then take turns placing them in the water table to see if they will sink or float.