Toddler Learning/Teaching -- Books, CDs

Sree (India):

Usually kids learn and grasp faster, so pointing and identifying objects colors and stuff together will help in learning quicker even if it is everyday objects.. like green tree, blue cup, red shirt, white teeth.. whatever.. identifying color, object texture all going together.. this along with lot of one-on-one time books and visuals aid in making learning fun.. rather than rote.

Board Books For Learning
Colorful, sturdy, tear resistant, able to wipe clean books which are good to read and to play for the kids.

Vicky's
Sterling
Visual Dynamics
Vicky's books have painted pictures where as the others have photos which are bright and color and easy to identify with and remember later on.. (personal opinion). but kid identifies all of them be it art or photo, so go for your pick.

These books are available with wide range.. alphabets, animals, veggies, fruits, shapes, colors, vehicles, flowers.. you name it they have it, just look around when you go out.

Touch and Feel Books by Bright Baby, McMillan...

Baby Eistein DVDs.. A set of 4 for colors, vehicles, wild life, and farm animals for the ages 6 months and above.. amazing clarity and the puppets and  babies.. kid is hooked to them, unsure of availability here got them from US.

Sesame Street Learning DVDs, charts are good too.. I like the charts because they are laminated, wipeable and reusable sheets.

Little Genius Wooden Learning Games..
I like the puzzles, blocks, abacus, stackers, bead shuttlers and spirals to keep the kid engrossed and also help in aiding coordination and manipulation, color identification, etc. 100% satisfied.. I get them in Om Arts and Prints Vja.

Magic Slate.. the magnetic doodle board, similar to doodle pro but costs less

Animal Toys.. the rubber toys available in packs like farm animals, wild animals, aquatic animals etc.. which come in small, medium large sizes, I personally preferred medium size which cost somewhere between 35 to 100 rs/- available in almost all the kid stores.. once the kid has learned not to lick or swallow we can introduce them.

Play-Doh , non toxic play doh to make shapes and teach colors, etc.

Washable, nontoxic Crayons


Telugu Rhymes DVDs
Chinnari Chitti Geetalu
Chinnaari baala siksha, etc.
Tenali Rama, paramaanandayya sishyula kadha.. Chota Bheem, Birbal, Vikram Betal and a few moral stories.

Lakshmi Kalyani (United States):
"I can Read" series to read.
Big Board First 100 Words (Bright Baby)"

Vidya Eda (United States):
My Review::::::::::

Books:-
.............
books lo chaala varieties ye unnayi

...My first words ani pillaliki basic words tho start cheyadaniki baa upoyoga padathayi
ilantivi bathtime chadivevi kuda untayi vallaki interest kalagadaniki

...alagey animal sounds vi books like animals pictures untayi nd if u press them u can hear what sound they make nd also what animal it is

...baby faces book...this book helps your child learn to recognize emotions by naming what each child is feeling in the pictures

...baby signs book okati

...rhymes books

...potty training books

...colours, numbers, alphabets, shapes books

...small one sentence story books

...body parts book to help them in recognising head,shoulder,knees nd toes

...tranportation book

...the toddlers busy book which consists of creative games and activities

...Fisher Price Let's Go to the Zoo Lift the Flap book which helps in knowing the animals as well as counting them nd the sounds they make nd also what the babies of each animal called as

...farm animals book

...things that go books

...i spy books

...big nd little books

...feelings book

...abt manners/behaviour

...teeth nd its care abt brushing,visiting dentist,saying no to candies

...abt sharing

...colouring books

...stickers book to entertain them in reading nd appreciating

...Know Ur Series Books from India containing opposites/flowers/flags/alphabets/number

s/rhymes/colours/wild animals/domestic animals/insects or amphibians/tables/human body/safety/shapes/manners

ivi 15 books untayi nd very helpful nd hard cover books...nenu india nunchi vachetappudu techa nd khyati used to love them reading

...clean up time books

...brenestian bear books....ivi khyati deggara most of the collection 35 books unnayi nd she likes each nd every book..very informative in teaching them with the help of stories

...teaching abt weeks and months book..ivi manaki school charts available aye shops lo untayi with charts so kids ki interest vasthundhi as we daily change the day and also it mentions to change the weather also

...puzzles/mazes/dot-dot connection books which help them in concentrating nd gives sharpness to the brain

 Pushpa (United States)

First each letter ki sounds nerpinchanu..this they learn in no time...actually nenu shradhdha ki oka dvd techchanu and she learnt in just 2 days!  idi vachchina taravata, u can get leappad or any similar system...adi first read chestadi and adi choosi pillalu follow ayipotaru....nuvvu oka system konte chalu, library lo daaniki kavalsina cartridges chala untayi...okati bore ayiopote inkoti techchukovachchu...and ila reading konchem vachchina taravata u can start getting level 1 books from the library...anni collections bagovu...konni untayi, very small books with only few number of words in the book and more picutures...naaku aa series peru gurtu ledu, but shradhdha aa books valla chala baaga pick chesindi..aa taravata valla speed ni patti u can switch to higher level!   Samples here.

Archana (United States):
Happiest Toddler on the Block Videos.

Kumari (United States)
baby einstein first baby book of number
baby einstein alpha books board book set.
very hungry caterpillar board book (bedtime stroy), good
First 100words bright baby board book
First 100 words animal board book
colors,shapes,

dvds
best -leapfrog(teaching words,letter factory best with in one week kids learn them)
baby einstein -world of colors
Aquadoodle for painting, a good nonfussy kit to learn.

Moisturizing Dry Skin/Winter Care For Kids - Mom Reviews

Sree (India) :

No vigorous massaging, nalugu during winter.  also keep combing the hair of the kid every day after bath with a soft comb so that it does not crust over and also not get tangled.

If in the habit of applying oil to the skin, apply a good half-hour to hour before the bath, let it sink in and then give bath with mild soap.. and do not use very hot water in spite of being winter, keep the water temperature lukewarm and do not take a lot of time for bath..

After the bath, do not rub or dry vigorously, just pat dry and when the body is still moist with water (tadi-podigaa), just patting away the water droplets, apply a dab of moisturizer liberally over the skin.

Kids suffering from allergies/skin conditions like eczema have skin which cannot retain moisture for long in spite of supplementing, so clean up with wet (nonfragrant tissues) or warm water and apply the cream evenly over the skin multiple times and ensure that the skin does not get dry.. it can vary from 5 to 6 times or above in case of extreme dry conditions.

Take the advise of a physician before trying or applying topical steroidal creams to the skin..

The types of skin of the kids might vary and some may respond to some and some dont but by and large appropriate and multiple applications at the time of flare of any cream should do good.

Cetaphil.

This one is for fragrance free and good for dry skin conditions, which I use when there is a flareup of rash on the body.  I also find that cream version of it is a bit more greasier and useful than the lotion when there is an outbreak of rash.

This is the lotion form of the same..

We also get lightweight moisture treatment for regular use, so when there is no flare I go with that for regular use irrespective of the season.

There are cleansers and soap bars also from the same brand which can be used in combination if it works good for the kid's skin.

I did not get this particular item in AP anywhere, since it worked good I get it from US when someone can manage to bring it.

J and J (Indian manufacture)

This maybe good if all is well with the skin but in extreme dry conditions, I found it of little use.

Vaseline Intensive Care

In case we do not have access to Cetaphil such as in AP, India, I found this as an okay alternative than the others available in the market like J and J, Himalaya.  In desperation, when she had flare I even tried applying Nivea cream which did keep the dryness away but then Revathi sent me another pack and back to Cetaphil.

Meera (United States)

Dry skin/flaking in babies is a very common problem. Use Cetaphil lotion right after bath. Bath alternate days or once in 3 days must be enough in this cold climate, nothing much is needed. You can give him sponge bath if u want, in between. You get bodywash also in Aveeno which is moisturizing wash. Try that one. It won't dry his skin. And do not apply Vaseline.. what the doctor says is right if you apply Vaseline at such an early age, the skin pores will get blocked and will produce even more oil.. you keep the kid moist not greasy.

Rashes/eruption in the scalp/head and hair is cradle cap ..it is kind of baby dandruff but does not look like it completely... But it is red bumpy, and flaky.  It will increase if you apply oil to it...

Cetaphil will work good for overall moisturization

1. Finally..apply cetaphil right after bath.
2. Give him bath alternate days.
3. Keep the humidifier running at all times.
4. No sunnipindi at all.
5. Do not apply oil to the hair... take a soft combing brush and comb of the crust very slightly.. if it is too hard, the crusting then better leave it alone...

Majority of it will go away between 3 to 6 months, so do not worry.

Soumya, Kumari, Shruthi, (United States):
Aveeno.
Baby Aquaphor.
Cetaphil.

Pinxav..  for diaper rash.. available over the counter good for diaper rash (Pushpa, US).

Febrile Seizures/Convulsions

Febrile seizure is associated with fever in children. A myth about FS is it usually occurs when the temperature spike from normal to really abnormal range like 103 or 104. Even though it is true in some case, not necessarily for all children, it can occur anytime a child is under infection.
The research shows that there is nothing we can do to prevent a FS, but that doesn’t mean you as a parent have to sit there and wait for it to happen.
Try to avoid exposure to infections.
If you child has fever:
Dress him in light cloths; don’t use heavy blankets and other stuff.
Give him paracetamol and ibuprofen every three hours alternating between the two
Make him sleep, don’t deprive him of sleep. Sleep slows down the brain activity.
don't do anything else please.

Most children outgrow the FS by age 5 so don’t worry too much.

There are different types of FS.

Here is a link to the different types of FS.

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/types/index.cfm

Neurologist

Need to see a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy.
You also have to do an EEG test on the kid's brain in sleep deprived, sleeping, photo sensitivity, normal conditions.
With the EEG you can make sure there is no underlying abnormal wave pattern in the brain that may lead to epilepsy or other conditions in the future.


When a FS occurs

You need to stay calm
Remove dress
Put the kid in side position
Don’t put anything in the mouth, because the mucous or saliva should flow freely out of the mouth. Other wise the baby will choke in his own saliva.

Notice the FS pattern and you need to inform this correctly to you neurologist.

If it doesn’t stop in 5 mins.. Take the kid to Emergency..

Snoring Queries

1) Does this have a relation with wheezing?
-There is no relation of snoring with wheezing.
2) Does this snoring need medical attention?
-Snoring can be because of various causes. In children, adenoids is one cause and it needs medical attention. Sleep apnoea is another cause in children. Obesity could also be a reason for snoring.
3) Will this breathing problem subside with these medicines?
-Breathing problem in an asthmatic child can be controlled by medications.
4) Does ear wax formation cause the nasal block as well?
-There is no reelation between ear-wax and naal blockage.

Snoring can be cured by:
-Treating the underlying cause.
-sometimes by changing the posture of sleeping
-reducing obesity
-singing. Its has been observed that practicing singing for about 25 min daily tones the soft palete and reduces snoring.

Play-Doh Tips

If the play-doh becomes hard and begins to break.. add very little water to it and press the dough for a little while until it retains its normal soft feel.

Keep it in closed container once the kid is through with playing.. once in a while if you feel it is getting harder, just a little water does the magic.

Good Parenting Guidelines

If A Child Lives With. . .
by Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Vomiting vs GER -- Dr. Sanjay Replies

Excessive vomiting in spite of burping.

It seems to be a case of gasto-esophageal reflux (GER) to me, which can even be confirmed by a nuclear GER scan. It is not uncommon in small children, esp. Infants.

When to intervene, even if it’s positive ?
If Child is not gaining weight or symptoms are that much, to cause even respiratory symptoms.
At that stage may be some medication (antireflux/antacids) may help in decreasing that.
Even if you don’t give any medicine, it’s going to improve with time, may be by one year.


Do not worry much. Just follow simple instructions, which you are already doing, like
- Burping longer for 30 mintues after each feed.
- Use a pillow (to elevate his head), whenever he is lying on bed.
But if symptoms persists, and worsening, may be its time to go for GER scan and medication.

Abacus Versus Vedic Math - A mom review

Abacus Versus Vedic MAth

Abacus - A system of amthematics that allows us to do additions and subtractions easily with some core formulae.

target audience - any child who knows how to add and subtract.. best standard UCMAS.

Disadvantage - if a child has to attend regular school math (non abacus) after knowing abacus they will use that trick and write the answer.

the normal process and steps will be missed (tis human nature fo find answers the easy way) .... if your child is patient and will do both where applicable please feel free to join.

PErsonally - i have not joined hitu because he is always in a hurry to finish - so his math wil go for a toss.......

VEDI MATH - a system of mathematics that a child can understand only after grade 5 (sq roots, cube rooots etc are also covered).

Extremely useful since the child will know - whwere to use it and where not to..

typically many students derive the answers using this process and then compare their final answer to this - so their scores in math are always good.

EXTREMELY imp for comeptetive exams like eamcet where its multiple choice and timing is an issue.........

MAny centres but its not for kindergarden and primary schoolers.......

HOPE this helps....... 

 

Courtesy:  Uma Duddu

Diaper Bag Suggestions - Mom Reviews

Praneetha (United States)

Skip Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag - Blossom

Below are the points i find the bag very useful:
1. It looks trendy, stylish and very chic.
2. It has ample space for all the needs for a baby.
3. It has two insulated pockets for the bottles , in each pocket it holds 2 bottles ( i use brown's and playtex ventaire wide bottles - so this shd accommodate any 2 bottles) and 2 side pockets where u can keep the flask/sippy cup.
4. It has 2 zippers on the top where u can keep ur personal belongings or something tht u need to grab right away... they are pretty spacious too.
5. Inside the bag I usually keep 4-5 diapers, wipes, his food, his snacks, one extra dress for him, a recieving blanket, washcloths, sometimes even a spare dress or a top for me depending on where we are going - STILL THE BAG DOESN'T LOOK STUFFED .
6. U have a compartment on the backside of the bag for the diaper changing pad and its good there...
7. Best part about this is, it has one knee length shoulder(just in case ur husband wants to access the bag) handle and 2 normal size handles for ur convenience..
If you don't want the single strap, u can take it off and they have provided with 2 extra buckles inside the bag.. these buckles u can strap onto any stroller,shopping cart, any trolley easily - this benefits u bcoz u need not carry the bag all the time or keep the bag under the stroller n dig for stuff when u need... this way the bag is hanging right in front of u and u can access easily.

Sree (India):

Baby Master (spacious and roomy)

 1. I personally use Baby Master bag which is a medium size bag, not the extra large stuffed looking one.. pale English colors with predominant yellow pattern, which is the kid's favorite color.

2.  I liked its pricing, very less and looks very trendy, costs just around 300 rs/-, got it from Big Bazar, Vijayawada.

3.  It has 6 compartments in all, 2 at the side to hold the wide-size 9-oz Ventaire bottles also, so can easily hold normal ones.  Can hold a wide sipper in the front pocket.

4.  Can hold the hospital record and bills etc in one exclusive velcro compartment.

5.  Can easily accommodate a couple of dresses to change, a baby blanket, first aid kid, towel, diapers and even a couple of comfort toys without actually looking stuffed up and also an additional compartment to store up the soiled clothes.

6.  Basically, above all I love its compact size and easy compartments to organize and look for.  It can be carried in two ways one long removable strap which can be modeled to backpack or just hang along and one usual small straps easy for the helping aide to carry around.  On top of it, it handles rough usage, kid keeps dragging it around, stores her stuff in them, learning zipping and unzipping on it and still it is holding up, so for me it is a paisa vasool item.

PS:  It was not an intentional purchase but something fancy that caught my eye for a steal and hence it is.. otherwise, the good old bags in India do just fine.

Keerthi (India):

General Utility Bag

I have no specific diaper bag designated for that specific purpose, in fact that concept is something which is alien to a lot of people out here in India.  I use a bag that I got from a jewellery shop which is in blue n pink colors and looks very cute, so it is set for the purpose of baby bag.  It can hold up to 3-4 diapers, dress, his sipper (insulated), water bottle, towel, napkins, food/snacks, my purse.  In other words, just a normal handbag which serves the purpose of a diaper bag :).

Usha Jasti (United States):

  

From Pottery Barn Kids, similar to the skip hop ones.

The bag is stylish..:) does not give a feeling of carrying a diaper bag and was comfy too.  It has a long handle so it could be worn cross the shoulder and it is very helpful when carrying the baby as the bag falls sideways and there is an extra handle which allows it to be worn as a school bag on the back.. Personal engraving is a plus for these bags.

  Meera Girija (United States):

Compact Hobo Diaper bag

 I am using this bag for almost six months now. I am a first time mom and use it on a regular basis for all sorts of trips. It is a messenger bag model diaper bag.
Pros:
It is trendy and won't look like a diaper bag at all. Even men won't feel bad wearing it. It has adjustable strap, so can be worn sidewise, diagonally and can also be hung to the stroller. The color is vibrant and modern. Will pass for a school bag. Has 2 insulated compartments that can fit 2 wide or regular bottles. Has microban protected lining. It has 4 interior pockets, that can fit upto 4 diapers each. Has a good changing pad that has 2 pockets for taking diaper and wipe along with u to rest room , instead of carrying the entire bag.
Cons:
I read other people's reviews that it ripped off soon and had bad construction. I have been using it pretty roughly and so far no issues. Since it is a compact bag, it becomes a little small after the diapers start getting bigger in size and when u have to carry additional clothes or other stuff.

Altogether it is a smart bag for everyday use. If you need a big roomie bag, this not the one for you.

 Divya (United States):

Lots of storage space to carry everything baby needs, like diapers, toys, feeding bottles, bowl,spoon, burp cloths,receiving blanket,extra dress...
i even take 12 oz formula box/tin in it sometimes... 2 small bottles of nursey water,2 gerber food(fruit/veggie), n 4-5 ready to use formula bottles.....
It comes with a matching little brag book to show off baby's special moments.

# Bag opens wide for easy access.
# Inside organizer pockets.
# Zipper closure at the top.
# Two external bottle holder pockets.
# Two sturdy flexible handles with metallic hardware.
# Includes matching changing pad.
# Mini brag book holds 24 photos. Acid-free pages.
# Easily wipes clean.

but
as it looks like a regular handbag u'r husband can't hold it when needed..
..i stuff too many things in it...so difficult to carry for long time....

finally its gud and suggest others to buy it...if u alone can carry for long time without u'r husband's help

Visa (USA):

I had planned Pooh theme for the kid's nursery....so I bought a character themed diaper bag @ babiesrus. I tried searching for the model and they no longer carry it. I could carry a lot!!! really a lot in the bag!
The bag had a compartment for wet and soiled clothes, diaper station and three other compartments. I could fit in a set of clothes, formula, snacks, bottles, spare nipples and liners, Tylenol (is a must...) pretty easily.

Cons... the only thing that bothered me was that I had to compromise the stylish look for a character themed one...otherwise no problems with anything.

I used it for 2 to 2.5 yrs and it had lived itz life....I had to discard it recently.

Now am carrying a backpack with the kid's name engraved on it. Though he'z out of diapers, I still carry his water, snacks and a set of clothes and pull ups :)

Diarrhea in Toddlers

Toddler’s diarrhea is common between 1-3 years, which we often linked with teething. Actual cause for it is not clear, probably your daughter is having same thing. It usually doesn’t need any treatment, it goes by itself gradually.

When to intervene?
If your child develops any blood or mucus in stool.
If she has fever.
If she develops any dehydration.


If the kid has received full course (5 day) antibiotics already, it’s unlikely to be infective diarrhea.
Well you can still wait if it is decreasing gradually, otherwise get one stool examined (both routine and culture), anytime you feel its worsening.