Much attention has been devoted to the dangers of suction drain entrapment since the passage of the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act in 2007. The dangers of entrapment are significant, and anti-entrapment drain covers should be in place, but drowning presents an even greater risk as the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 5 in the U.S.  Statistics from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that hospital treatment for near-drowning is required for thousands of children each year. With the right steps, drowning is preventable.

Parents watch their children, especially during the toddler stages — but it’s impossible to watch them every second of every day, and a couple of seconds is all it takes for toddlers to come into harm’s way. There are times when a parent is distracted by cooking, doing laundry, checking email, taking a shower or other routine activities such as answering the phone or front door.  Ultimately, kids  are drawn to water like a magnet.

It’s vital to have layers of protection in place between your home and pool. Studies in areas where isolation fencing is mandatory, such as Western Australia, have proven that isolation fencing saves lives. Isolation fencing separates the pool from the home, either surrounding the pool or enclosing all doors leading from the home, to protect children who get out the door from moving beyond the patio. For above-ground pools, a smaller fence and gate surrounding the steps or ladder can prevent toddler access.

When a child gains unauthorized access to a pool and drowns or suffers permanent injury, it’s a terrible tragedy. It can also be a liability issue when the injured party is a visitor. You can improve the safety and security of your pool or spa with isolation fencing with self-closing, self-latching gate hardware by D&D Technologies.

“D&D’s MagnaLatch is the No. 1 selling child safety gate latch in the world,” says D&D Technologies’ Senior Vice President Jim Paterson. “Unlike common gravity latches, MagnaLatch has a built-in key lock, eliminating the need for a separate padlock. It won’t jam, is self-latching and vertically and horizontally adjustable. Our gate hardware is formed of super-strong engineering polymers with stainless steel components, so it won’t rust — ever. And it carries a limited lifetime warranty. With TruClose hinges, no external closing spring is required, and the homeowner can easily adjust the gate closing tension after installation with the twist of a screwdriver.”

Pool barrier codes require pool gates to be self-closing and self-latching, and to open away from the pool. D&D has two lockable MagnaLatch styles so the release can be mounted at the code-required height, typically 54 or 60 inches above the ground. Consult your building department for local regulations.

Pool safety advocacy groups like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommend several layers of protection to ensure that homeowners can experience the pleasures of swimming pools and feel an added degree of assurance that their children, grandchildren and visitors will be safe.

“We believe in promoting ‘The Safer 3,’ a program developed by the Swim for Life Foundation,” Paterson says. “This means safer water — including fencing and other safety devices such as alarms around the pool; safer kids — including adult supervision and swim skill attainment; and safer response — meaning adults should know CPR and rescue breathing, and a cordless phone should be kept poolside so that adults never have to leave the area to answer the phone while children are swimming.”

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends that a “water watcher” be designated for safety when children are in the pool, to maintain eye-to-eye contact at all times. Toys or floating chlorine dispensers that look like toys should never be left in the pool area.  Most people don’t realize that toddlers are top-heavy, so are at a higher risk of falling into water while reaching.

“With isolation fencing and ‘The Safer 3’ in place, your family can look forward to years of safe relaxation and enjoyment of your pool,” Paterson says.

Paterson notes that rust free gate hardware by D&D Technologies is now available through pool stores, fencing contractors and on-line, and many hardware and home improvement stores carry the company’s products under the Stanley or National Hardware brand. For more information, visit www.ddtechglobal.com or www.ndpa.org.  For more information or a free “Pool Safety Kit” call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292 or e-mail mwilliams@ddtechusa.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Parents are rightfully concerned about their children’s respiratory health. Add to that the recent concerns over the safety and effectiveness of children’s cold remedies and now many parents are thinking twice before opening the medicine cabinet to treat their little ones.

A new survey conducted in March 2009 by Harris Interactive shows that while 90 percent of parents claim to be at least somewhat knowledgeable about the possible dangers associated with over-the-counter cough and cold medicine for children, 62 percent still give these products to children when they are experiencing cough and cold symptoms.

“It’s very concerning to me that so many parents are still giving their children these OTC cough and cold products with the possible associated dangers and the question of their effectiveness in children,” says Marcela Dominguez, MD, certified family medicine physician, Orange County, Calif.

While the FDA is now recommending parents not give OTC medicines to children younger than 4, more parents than ever are looking for ways to proactively support their children’s respiratory health and immune systems. Keeping kids healthy has become the universal objective rather than awaiting illness and then attempting a rescue.

“Evidence shows that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines likely don’t work for very young children, and can, in fact, create potentially lethal side effects,” says Dr. Bob Sears, a noted pediatrician. “Overdosing and side effects of cough and cold medicines send about 7,000 children to the emergency room each year.”

Just last fall the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine released survey results that found 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children were using complementary and alternative medicines. The new Harris survey shows that the desire to use these remedies is high and that the public might be using natural remedies more if the products had credible information (a proven track record and clinical testing) to support their claims.

Staying healthy is the safest approach and easier than you think. Here are some tips to keep your kids breathing easier, naturally this summer:

Tip 1:  Use a saline solution to flush noses. Look on the Internet for directions on how to do this, or use a premade kit that includes a squeeze bottle or a Neti pot, available at many drug stores.

Tip 2: When your child plays outside, remove his clothing when he comes in. You might consider showering children to rinse pollen from their skin and hair. Close doors and windows at night or any other time when there are high pollen counts.

Tip 3: Use natural, non-drug remedies to keep kids healthy such as Sinupret for Kids. This helps promotes healthy drainage in the upper respiratory tract, improves airflow in the nose, and supports healthy mucous flow in the nose and sinuses.

Tip 4: Take a multivitamin to support overall health. There are many chewable options for children that taste great.

“While natural, herbal remedies have been in use around the world for generations — Sinupret has been a staple in Europe for 30 years — they are just coming into their own in the United States,” Sears says. This syrup is not a drug, but is a natural remedy for healthy sinus, respiratory and immune support in children ages 2 to 12. It does not contain stimulants, caffeine, ephedra, pseudoephedrine, codeine, steroids, narcotics or gluten.

“Parents are looking for a natural and safe approach to support their kids’ respiratory health, and they need to know if the herbal remedies they are considering have a long track record of effectiveness and lack of any harmful side effects,” Sears says.

Sinupret for Kids syrup is now available at more than 25,000 retail locations across the country, including Wal-Mart. Visit www.SinupretForKids.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

While braces are more attractive than they used to be, most teens are still a bit anxious about getting them. “My daughter wanted to know if wearing braces would be painful, how often she would have to see the orthodontist and how she would floss. We both had a lot of questions,” says Lisa McCoskey, mother of 16 year-old Grace.

“I’m involved in lots of school activities and worried that braces would only get in the way,” says Grace.

Parents can help make teeth straightening a positive – and effective – experience for their teen by taking a few simple steps.

1) Talk it out.

Talk to your teen about the importance of correcting their teeth now so they don’t have problems in the future. Explain why you or other family members had braces and how it has benefited you in adulthood. Ask the orthodontist as many questions as necessary. And, make sure you both understand how to care for the corrective method you and your doctor choose to get the best results.

2) Consider your options.

“You can still select metal braces that sit on the surface of the tooth, or you can consider clear, removable braces like the new Invisalign Teen, which is virtually invisible and does not interfere with teens’ desire to be ‘braceless’ for milestone events like prom, senior pictures and interviews,” says Ohio-based orthodontist, Dr. Dan German, of German and Burke Orthodontics.

This option, which was developed with the help of leading orthodontists who understand the unique needs of teens, consists of a series of clear aligners that fit over the teeth and are switched out about every two weeks. “Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations and custom fitted to gradually and effectively move teeth into place without metal wires or brackets,” explains German.

When compared to metal braces, the clear aligner option has many benefits. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the system usually requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments and no “emergency” visits for broken wires or brackets.  Metal wires and brackets can cause irritation or even accident-related injuries, especially for teens involved in sports. Clear aligners are made of lightweight plastic that sits smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, you can eat, brush and floss as you would normally. Invisalign Teen aligners feature a Compliance Indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge generally whether their teen is wearing them as much as they should be.

“The teen patients that I’m treating with this option also appreciate that the aligners can make spaces between teeth appear smaller or disappear completely beginning the first day,” says German. “Self-esteem has such paramount importance to teens that any immediate improvement in aesthetics is a motivating factor that aids with compliance throughout treatment.”

3) Decide on an orthodontist both you and your teen feel comfortable with and engage the doctor and staff during appointments.

Don’t be afraid to meet with several orthodontists and check references to find one both you and your child connect with. Some orthodontists specialize in certain types of procedures. One might have more experience working with aligners and should be considered if you decide on this option.

Grace and her mom chose Drs. German and Burke as their orthodontists, asked plenty of questions, and decided to try Invisalign Teen. “It’s cool because your teeth are getting straighter, but people don’t even notice that you have them,” says Grace.

“The relationship between a teenager and a parent can be challenged when the parent forces the teenager to wear braces,” says German. “Teens appreciate that the parents are making an effort to care for them in a manner that is sensitive to their desires and lifestyles.”

Nearly a million people have used the Invisalign system to correct common issues like overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, cross bite and overbite. For more information, visit www.InvisalignTeen.com to find an experienced orthodontist near you.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Nursery No-no
For most expectant mothers, decorating the nursery is an exciting project to complete in anticipation of the new addition. However, when choosing the perfect shade to splash the walls, recruit dad, grandparents or friends to help with this part. Nearly all paints — even environmentally friendly versions — emit fumes and it is unknown what their effects are on the baby. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women avoid newly painted rooms (and their harmful odors) for at least two days after the job is done.

Bath Safety
As the “baby bump” continues to grow, the excess weight around the mid-section will shift a mother-to-be’s center of gravity, making her very unstable and increasing the risk of slips and falls. And, according to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause (66 percent) of all nonfatal home injuries — with the bathroom being a main culprit due to water and slick surfaces. Luckily, there are many updates to the bath that can provide added comfort and security.

For help getting in and out of the tub or shower, the Home Safety Council recommends installing grab bars. SecureMount Grab Bars from Home Care by Moen are an ideal choice since they feature a unique anchor installation system that allows homeowners to install grab bars quickly and easily anywhere on the wall — without the need for a stud — for the ultimate in safety and peace of mind. Plus, they are available in a variety of styles and finishes to beautifully coordinate with the rest of the bathroom. In addition to grab bars, a shower chair may be an additional consideration. Products such as Home Care’s new Premium Shower Chair offer comfort, convenience and safety while performing showering tasks, such as washing hair or shaving legs.

Feline Frets
While Fluffy may be a best buddy, her litter box is a “must avoid” for pregnant woman due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a microscopic parasite that often resides in cat feces. Don’t fret, however, this doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your cuddly kitten. Be sure to keep litter in rooms where moms won’t be exposed and let someone else in the household take over the chore of cleaning the litter boxes.

Call a Maid . . . or Not
Unfortunately, most cleaning products are safe during pregnancy, so expectant status isn’t necessarily a green light to hire a maid. However, there are many things to consider that will keep mom and baby-to-be safe from harm. First, always ensure there is good ventilation and avoid using any products that say “toxic” since they have solvents that could harm the baby. Sites such as www.greenhome.com list the latest lines of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Or, for added peace of mind, just use a combination of baking soda and vinegar as a cleaning solution for just about anything in your home.

Begin to Baby-proof
Once the baby arrives, he will be mobile before you know it. So, take time now to baby-proof your home. Take an inventory of sharp corners, cabinets with dangerous objects and electrical outlets; then purchase and install the necessary safety items, such as corner pads, outlet inserts and cabinet locks to keep baby safe. Next, look for any breakable items that are low enough to be reached or heavy objects up high that could topple over. Inviting friends’ babies and toddlers over is a great way to “test” the baby-proofing efforts.

Pregnancy should be a joyous time in the lives of parents-to-be, so ensure nine months of health and happiness with these few tips. For more information on bath safety products, visit www.homecare.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In fact, a new study shows that in the past year three out of four parents faced at least one situation in which they were not entirely sure whether or not to keep their child home from school when he or she had a cold.

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and Triaminic developed “Sick Day Guidelines” to provide parents with the key signs that they should consider keeping their children home from school, including:

• A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Vomiting
• Symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school, such as excessive tiredness or lack of appetite; productive coughing or sneezing; headache, body aches or earache and a sore throat

Parents should keep their child home until his or her fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication. Colds can be contagious for at least 48 hours. Returning to school too soon may slow the recovery process and expose others unnecessarily to illness.

The Sick Day Guidelines, which also provide tips for helping to prevent colds and relieve cough and cold symptoms, are available to approximately 14,000 NASN members who reach 16 million children and their families across the country.

Parents may also be unsure about how best to relieve their child’s cough and cold symptoms following recent news about changes to children’s over-the-counter cough and cold product labeling and the new recommendation to not use these products in children under the age of 4 in the United States.

“The mission of school nurses is to support the health and educational success of children,” says Amy Garcia, executive director of the National Association of School Nurses. “Our members often get questions from parents who are confused about how best to handle their child’s cold. That’s why we felt compelled to extend our support to the home and provide parents with a resource that can help them make confident decisions when their child is sick.”

To view the complete Sick Day Guidelines or learn more about the campaign and helpful reminders on using children’s cough and cold medicines appropriately, visit www.nasn.org or www.triaminic.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – With spring around the corner, kids, tweens and teens across the country will doff sweaters for tank tops and jeans for shorts. And as a parent, you may feel more conscious than ever of our society’s preoccupation with body image and how it affects your child.

Just as concerning as the rise in childhood obesity is the rising number of children — even very young children — who are obsessed with being thin.

“We see children as young as 6 years old complaining that their stomachs stick out, or bragging about having the chicken pox because it means going to bed without dinner, which means fewer calories,” says Carolyn Costin, director of The Eating Disorder Center of California and the Monte Nido Treatment Center. “Kids see their moms and dads dieting and they want to diet too, even if they don’t need to.”

While not every child dissatisfied with his or her appearance will develop an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, a poor body image can have a serious, long-term impact on a child’s emotional well-being. So how do you help your daughter or son develop a healthy, realistic body image in a society obsessed with thin and beautiful?

Costin offers some advice:

Know the Signs of a Problem

First, parents need to be able to recognize when their child might have a serious problem. While the majority of young people with eating disorders are female, health professionals are seeing a rise in the number of boys and young men suffering from eating disorders and poor body image.

Your child may have a problem if he or she:

* Believes if you aren’t thin you aren’t attractive.
* Thinks being thin is more important than being healthy.
* Does anything to make themselves appear thinner — buying clothes, cutting their hair, taking laxatives or starving themselves.
* Feels guilty after eating or punishes herself after eating fattening foods.
* Counts calories and severely restricts calorie intake.
* Is obsessed with weighing himself daily or sometimes multiple times each day.
* Believes you can never be too thin.
* Thinks that being thin and not eating are signs of will power and success.

How to Foster a Healthier Body Image

The single most important way parents can help their children develop a healthy body image is to lead by example, Costin says. Children who hear their parents criticize themselves for being too fat will be more likely to think poorly of their own bodies.

“Avoid saying negative things about your own or other people’s bodies, and work hard at promoting healthy body esteem,” she says. “This may be difficult, especially if your own mother was not a good role model of a healthy body image.”

If you suspect your own body image and habits are not providing a healthful role model for your child, ask yourself if you would want her to imitate your dietary and exercise habits or self-image. Would you send her off in the morning with nothing but a cup of coffee? Would you tell him to have a bad day if he gets on the scale and has gained a pound? “Your answers may surprise you,” Costin says.

Help children find constructive ways to be healthy, including maintaining a good diet and regular physical activity. Share healthful pursuits, such as learning to cook nutritious meals together, with your child. But be sure to go out for ice cream too; balance is the key. Help with and praise creative endeavors, and applaud small but meaningful internal accomplishments, like her ability to remain calm, his quick wit, his sense of humor, her empathy for others.

Stay alert to changes in eating habits and body image and be prepared to intervene. Parents need to actively help their children find constructive ways to feel successful, accomplish something and earn the respect, attention and admiration so important to teens.

If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, seek help immediately. Log on to www.montenido.com or www.CarolynCostin.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – School-age children would rather do chores, take a test or do homework than have to stay at home sick, according to the recent MedImmune Parent-Child Influenza Survey conducted by Harris Interactive. Being sick, they say, makes them feel bored, annoyed, gross and even sad. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates 38 million school days are missed each year by kids sick with the flu – that’s a lot of unhappy children.

Parents can help kids avoid missing school because of the sniffles, aches and pains associated with the flu by making sure they get a flu vaccination every year as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is even more emphasis on this for the 2008-2009 season, as an advisory panel for the CDC recently expanded its flu vaccination recommendations to include all school-age children through 18 years of age. And, they recommend kids be vaccinated as soon as vaccine is available for the season.

“Unfortunately, while many parents are aware that they can have their children vaccinated against the flu, according to a recent flu survey, too few parents think their children need to be,” says Dr. Norman “Chip” Harbaugh, a pediatrician with the Children’s Medical Group in Atlanta. “It’s important that parents understand that the flu can be a serious illness and they should act now to vaccinate their children.”

If flu vaccine is available at your health care provider’s office when your kids go in for back-to-school check-ups, sports physicals or annual well-child visits, see if you can check flu vaccination off of your “to-do” list for the fall. Many offices and clinics may already have a supply of the needle-free, nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal), which is approved for eligible people 2 to 49 years of age and has been shown to help provide protection throughout the flu season, even when administered early. By vaccinating during already-scheduled visits more children can be protected, which is especially important given the expanded flu recommendations.

Regardless of which kind of influenza vaccine option you choose, the important thing is to get vaccinated — every year. This is especially important for young children, who are twice as likely as adults to get the flu each year. The flu is more than just a cold, it’s a contagious disease that can be easily transmitted from person to person. In addition to fever, sore throat and headache, flu symptoms may also include fatigue and muscle aches that can last for more than two weeks.

Visit www.FluMist.com for more information on FluMist availability in your area as well as important safety information and complete prescribing information

Simplify Flu Vaccination

• Get vaccinated at already-scheduled visits to your healthcare provider. Can’t squeeze in another office or clinic visit to get an annual flu vaccine? If vaccine is already available, parents can have their child vaccinated at back-to-school check-ups, sports physicals and annual well-child visits.
• Participate in a school-based vaccination program when offered. Many schools host flu vaccination programs for students and communities, so check to see if that is an option for your family.
• Know your vaccine options. Did you know there is a needle-free flu vaccine for eligible people two to 49 years of age? FluMist (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal), like all vaccines, is not for everyone, so check with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is the best option for you and members of your family. Visit www.FluMist.com for information on availability in your area as well as important safety information and complete prescribing information. It’s important to note that children less than 24 months are not eligible for FluMist. FluMist should not be given to people with asthma or children under five with recurrent wheezing.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Important Safety Information
FluMist is a live weakened influenza virus vaccine approved for the prevention of certain types of influenza disease in children, adolescents and adults 2 to 49 years of age. FluMist may not protect everyone who gets it. FluMist is for intranasal administration only.

FluMist is not right for everyone. FluMist must not be given to: people with history of hypersensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin or arginine; people with life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations; and children and adolescents receiving aspirin or aspirin containing therapy.

Children less than 24 months are not eligible for FluMist. The following people may not be able to get FluMist, or may be able to get it only in certain situations: people with asthma or active wheezing, or children less than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing; people with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome; people with a weakened immune system; people with long-term medical conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes; and pregnant women.

If you or your child falls into one of these groups, be sure to tell your healthcare provider. They will decide if FluMist is right for you or your child.

Most common side effects were generally mild and included runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever.

Please see complete Prescribing Information for FluMist, call (877) FLUMIST (877-358-6478) or visit http://www.flumist.com for additional information.

(ARA) – It’s easy to become sleep-obsessed when you’re a new parent. Not only are you dealing with your own sleep deprivation and trying to help your baby develop a sleep routine, there’s the compelling question of just where your bundle of joy will bed down.

Do you put her in a bassinet? Does he sleep best in his bouncer or car seat? Can she fall asleep on her own in a crib? Or do you co-sleep? No matter where you choose to put your baby to sleep, safety and success must be your main concerns. Your decision will be easier if you know a few basic facts about infants’ sleep habits, safe sleeping practices and bedding options.
First, says Dr. William Sears, a renowned infant sleep expert, don’t be confused or frightened by recent headlines of safety recalls for a specific brand of bassinet. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a safety warning regarding a type of convertible bassinet manufactured by the now-defunct Simplicity Inc. of Reading, Pa. The warning applies only to those products, not to all bedside sleepers and definitely not to those produced by Arm’s Reach Concepts, makers of the acclaimed Co-Sleeper brand.

A safe co-sleeping bassinet is designed to attach snugly to an adult bed, leaving no gaps, bars or openings that could potentially entrap an infant. The Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper bassinet safely allow mothers to have quick, easy access to their infants, and enjoy the closeness of a co-sleeping arrangement, without actually having the baby in bed with them, Sears points out.

Studies show that at least 50 percent of all American parents co-sleep with their infants at some point. Research by Dr. James J. McKenna of the University of Notre Dame’s Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory, shows that safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related problems.

Co-sleeping may not always be what your little dreamer has in mind, however. Plenty of babies prefer to nap in a car seat or bassinet. While many will happily fall asleep on top of a willing parent, others prefer the quiet of their own crib. Wherever your baby sleeps best, be sure to follow basic safety when putting her down.

• Always put babies to sleep on their backs, per the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation. Since its launch, the “Back to Sleep Initiative,” which taught parents that babies are safest sleeping on their backs, has helped reduce SIDS deaths by more than 50 percent.
• Babies sleeping in a car seat should never be left alone – in the car or in the house. If your little one dozes off on a drive and you don’t want to disturb her, use the kind of car seat that easily detaches from the base. Bring the seat and baby inside the house and place them on the floor where you can easily see them and keep a close watch.
• Choose bassinets, cribs and bedside sleepers that meet the CPSC’s high safety standards. Cribs or bassinets with bars should have no more than 2 3/8 inches between bars or slats, according to federal standards.
• Wherever your baby sleeps, don’t put anything in the bed with her. That means no stuffed animals, blankets or pillows. These and other items may cover her face and obstruct her breathing.
• Never put your baby to sleep in an adult bed alone. If you choose to co-sleep, opt for a Co-Sleeper bassinet, a small, separate bed with one open side that fits up snugly against your bed. “The Arm’s Reach Concepts Co-Sleeper bassinet is a safe product which I fully endorse and which I recommend to patients in my pediatric practice,” Sears says.

To learn more about Arms Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinets, visit www.armsreach.com or call (800) 954-9353.

Courtesy of ARA Content

While a safe and loving home is one of the most valuable things we can provide for our children, five other parenting pointers come from Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician and co-author of “Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality.” Dr. Jana’s recommendations to parents are given to help babies grow up to be “healthy, wealthy and wise.” These pointers don’t involve great sacrifices, going to extremes, or even spending a lot of money. Their impact, however, is guaranteed to be invaluable.
Breast milk — the true first breakfast of champions
Commonly referred to as the ideal food for babies and recommended throughout the entire first year of life by the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk has risen to its current level of popularity for very good reason. Breast milk has the unrivaled ability to provide babies with a nearly perfect mix of valuable nutrients. Factor in the added benefits of passing along extra protection against infection and allowing for plenty of built-in time to bond with your baby, and it’s easy to see how breastfeeding is unquestionably one of the best ways to give your baby a head start in life.

Alphabet soup — boosting your baby’s brain power with DHA and ARA
From day one, we find ourselves on a parental quest to provide our children with nothing but the best — taking every opportunity we can to foster good hearts and sound minds. Enter the omega fatty acids DHA and ARA. Thought to be important nutrients for infant brain and eye development and function — not to mention DHA’s strong association with heart health — and it is no surprise that these essential fatty acids have found their way to the heart of the discussion when it comes to infant nutrition and health. And with a body of supporting evidence that seems to be growing nearly as rapidly as your baby, there is every reason to believe that including these fatty acids in your baby’s diet is one of the easiest and smartest ways to get your baby started on the fast track to lifelong good health. Fortunately, these so-called good fats are found naturally in breast milk and also in DHA- and ARA-supplemented infant formulas.

Books for babies — read all about it
Instilling in your child an early love of reading, and simply savoring the time you spend reading books together each day, can bestow upon you the magical ability to open your child’s heart and mind to the world around her. It is often said that children spend the first several years learning to read, and the rest of their lives reading to learn. Sure, stray drool and teeth marks will inevitably find their way onto the scene at first, but that’s the reason board books were created! While you are waiting for your child’s page-turning skills to develop and attention span to grow, take heart in the fact that reading aloud to even the youngest of babies can offer rich rewards. With each turn of the page you share, you will be helping your child take one small baby step toward lifelong success … even when the pages are upside down and flipped back and forth out of sequence.

Take a TV timeout
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the first few years of a child’s life are crucial when it comes to the growth and development of his brain, so it is fortunate that parents are afforded the opportunity to shape their child’s experiences and control what he is exposed to. That said, be aware that your television runs the risk of overshadowing your efforts. No doubt about it, television watching is tempting, even for the very young. While high-quality, educational television designed specifically for children may well prove to be a positive resource, too much of what today’s children are allowed to watch is accompanied by constant exposure to an adult world of “sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll” (not to mention gratuitous violence and a dizzying array of tantalizing commercials), making TV a veritable parenting minefield. Until more research determines the effect that television watching has on young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to stand behind its recommendation of no television for children under the age of two. If you do on occasion choose to tune your toddler into television, make it a point to guide your child each step of the way by choosing age-appropriate shows or videos and to limit the amount of time spent in front of the TV. You can also make the experience more interactive by watching alongside your child and discussing what you watch.

Car seats — handling with care in the car
After committing ourselves to doing our best when it comes to feeding, reading to, playing with, and comforting our children from the day they are born, it only makes sense that we’d want to do everything in our power to protect their safety. And given that today’s parent spends more time than ever on the road and on the go, it should come as no surprise that selecting and properly securing your infant in a car seat rounds out this list. Which car seat is best? The one that fits your baby, that fits securely in your car, and that you will commit to using correctly each and every time your baby is in the car. And for those of you truly committed to giving your baby a true head start in life, be aware that by following the current recommendation to keep your baby rear facing for as long as possible as determined by the limits of the car seat (but until at least one year and 20 pounds) and by looking for a seat with added side impact protection, you are providing your baby with extra head protection and therefore, protecting your most valuable investment.

Courtesy of ARAcontent