Top 10 Things To Consider When Choosing Toys For Your Baby

1. Is it Made of Safe Materials?

Free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC?  For the safest toys, check out  

HealthyStuff.org/Toys 

2.  Is the toy Age Appropriate?  

3.  Will the baby actively engage with the toy or sit passively and watch the toy do something?  

4.  Does the toy encourage creativity and imagination?  

 

5.  Can the toy be used in many ways?

6.   Will the toy interest your baby for more than just a few weeks?

7.  Some of the best toys are the simplest- wooden spoons, pots and pans, measuring cups, and the boxes special toys arrive in!

8.   Search for items of different weights, materials, textures, flexibility, sizes, shapes, colors, and smells. Your baby thrives on variety!

9.  Is the toy durable and is it easy to clean?

10.  Is the toy simple?  Avoid complicated toys that may frustrate your baby. 

  

Remember, It isn't what a toy does, it is what your baby can do with the toy that matters!

(This is re-posted from the Day One Center)

Positions To Decrease Reflux

A Tum e Time mom passed this information on reflux along to me.  She found it on kellymom.com

• Positioning:
• Reflux is worst when baby lies flat on his back.
• Many parents have found that carrying baby in a sling or other baby carrier can be helpful.
• Avoid compressing baby’s abdomen - this can increase reflux and discomfort. Dress baby in loose clothing with loose diaper waistbands; avoid “slumped over” or bent positions; for example, roll baby on his side rather than lifting legs toward tummy for diaper changes.
• Recent research has compared various positions to determine which is best for babies with reflux. Elevating baby's head did not make a significant difference in these studies [Carroll 2002, Secker 2002, Craig 2004], although many moms have found that baby is more comfortable when in an upright position. The positions shown to significantly reduce reflux include lying on the left side and prone (baby on his tummy). Placing the infant in a prone position should only be done when the child is awake and can be continuously monitored. Prone positioning during sleep is almost never recommended due to the increased SIDS risk. [Secker 2002]
• Although recent research does not support recommendations to keep baby in a semi-upright position (30° elevation), this remains a common recommendation. Positioning at a 60° elevation in an infant seat or swing has been found to increase reflux compared with the prone (tummy down) position [Carroll 2002, Secker 2002].
• As always, experiment to find what works best for your baby.

A New Pilates Mat Class For Mamas AND Babies in Oakland!

Friend on Facebook Forward to a Friend Classes start Tuesday 12/6 For the month of December class will be donation-based. Come experience a little lengthening and strengthening with other Mamas. Time will be offered for socializing and connecting after each class. Alley 49 Somatic Arts is a mind-body centered wellness studio offering Pilates, Yoga, and Massage in North Oakland's Temescal district. Check us out at www.alley49.com Or visit us in person: View our location on Google Maps

New Pilates Mat Class for Mamas & their Wee Ones   Tuesdays 11:00-12:15 Alley 49 Somatic Arts 482E 49th Street Oakland, CA 94609 415.418.8357 Join Jessica and lil' Lulu bird for some stretching (of achy muscles), scooping (of stretched out abdominals), and strengthening (of bodies and spirits) in this all-levels, baby-friendly mat class for all you Wonder Woman mamas who could use a little TLC.   We'll be starting with the fundamentals, so don't worry if you're new to Pilates or feeling a little soft around the middle. Class will be both safe and challenging for all postpartum bodies, with modifications offered for Diastasis Recti and C-sectioned abdominals. And of course, this is a mama-centered class, so lateness, fussy babies, and nursing breaks are par for the course. Come prepared to open, strengthen, relax, and invigorate in our intimate somatic arts space. Babies of all ages are most welcome. We hope you can join us! love from, Jessica and Lucinda Bliss Lucinda Bliss In her five short months, Lucinda has brought her fair share of love and laughter to the world. She is also an expert at Teaser (an intermediate Pilates move, you had better believe it.) This is Lucinda's first gig as a Pilates instructor. Jessica Damon New mama and lover of bodies in motion, Jessica is also a dancer, choreographer, and certified Pilates instructor. She has worked with a wide-range of bodies, and specializes in injury rehabilitation, sports-specific conditioning, and general fitness. She is co-owner of Alley 49 Somatic Arts.

Dads at Tum e Time

Well, it happened.  This month topped the number for amount of Dad's who attended in one class.

I was so touched that families arranged their schedules so partners could come and play.

Thanks to all the families! 

Here are some photos from the last Oakland class:

Toys For The Holidays

In my 4th class of the Tum e Time series I talk about using things from around the house to play with.  Although the stores are brimming with choices, so are the rooms in your house and the paths in the local parks.

I had to laugh when I stumbled upon this article from GeekDad on the Wired website.  It speaks to exactly this....enjoy, laugh, and make this holiday a joyful one with just the basics.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/01/the-5-best-toys-of-all-time/all/1

Many blessings for the holidays and new year.  May you have many parenting adventures.

See you in 2012!