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Happy Father’s Day to all you wonderful dads out there. I hope you get to spend a wonderful day with your family. On a personal note I want to wish my husband a very happy 1st Father’s Day!
Tomorrow is the big day, time to celebrate all the dads out there. Dads can be hard people to buy gifts for. Often the "toys" that dad really wants are way to expense! If you need some help finding a special gift for your special dad (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg) here are a few suggestions:
- A tree to plant with the kids. Dad and the kids can plant the tree together, take care of it and watch it grow. Years from now he can look at that tree and remember a very special Father's Day.
- Tools. Dad's love tools. Think of some handy work your dad really loves to do and buy a tool that will make the next project a little easier.
- A hammock to put up in the backyard. What dad doesn't love to relax in the backyard while the kids run around having fun!
- Blow up pictures of all the kids and frame them in a nice frame for dad's office. You can even have each kid write a special message next to their photo.
- A family trip to the park for a nice picnic, some games, and relaxing as a family.
The ideas really are endless. The best gift for any occasion, including Father's Day, is something that really captures the recipient. Think of something your dad loves and pick a gift that has something to do with that love. Most importantly make your dad feel loved and special.
Many pregnant women suffer from a very common problem during pregnancy, constipation. It often begins early in the pregnancy and can be a burden throughout most of the pregnancy for some women. Constipation of often an early sign of pregnancy for many women.
What causes constipation during pregnancy? One of the major triggers of constipation during pregnancy is the hormone progesterone. Progesterone slows down the digestive system during pregnancy often causing changes in your bowels including constipation. There are a few other things during pregnancy that certainly don’t help matters either. They include an increased intake of iron for some women who are on prenatal vitamins or iron supplements and the pressure from your growing uterus on your intestines. Fortunately there are things you can do to ease this common pregnancy complaint.
So what can you do to help ward off constipation during pregnancy or to help “move things along” if constipation has already set in:
- Eat high fiber foods throughout the day, every day. Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. At least 6-8 glasses is recommended.
- A glass of fruit juice a day, especially prune juice can be helpful.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don’t put off going to the bathroom. If you have to go, go. Putting it off can cause constipation or make already existing constipation worse.
- If constipation is a real problem and natural methods don’t work, talk to your prenatal caregiver about an over the counter laxative or stool softener.
Constipation is a real pain no matter when it happens, but during pregnancy it can become a real bother. Try to avoid constipation in the first place if you can by following a healthy diet rich in high fiber foods, regular exercise, and a regular bathroom schedule. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have questions about constipation during your pregnancy.
Now that schools have started letting out for the summer it is time for great family fun. Many families will hit the road for vacations this summer, kids will go to camp or the local pool or the park to have a little fun. As your kids head out to make great memories remind them of the summer safety rules and how to stay safe while they play so they can enjoy the fun all summer long.
Family Day Trips: trips to the zoo or amusement park can be nerve wracking, especially if you have little ones who like to run off. They also make for great family memories.
- Set up a safe place where everyone should return to if you get separated.
- Make sure your children have id, an id bracelet, etc can be very helpful if your child gets lost.
- Make sure everyone has hats, cool clothing, and sunscreen to prevent sunburns and overheating.
Trips to the Pool: the pool can pose a lot of hazards for little ones, but are so much fun too.
- Sunscreen, hats, water, and cool clothing will help keep sunburns away and keep the kids from getting overheated.
- Set rules about where the kids are allowed to go, ie only the shallow end of the pool, or the kiddie area.
- Make sure everyone knows exactly where your “spot” is and the rules about returning to the “spot”
- Monitor children closely, if they are getting overheated, appear to be over doing it in the pool, or choke on water at all get them out to sit quietly in a cool area.
Day Camps: a great way for your kids to get away on their own.
- Set ground rules about safety, including sun safety, play safety, water safety, etc.
- Make sure the camp has all necessary contact information for you or other emergency contacts.
- If your child is on medication make sure the camp counselors are aware of when it should be taken, side effects, etc.
- Send your kid with sunscreen, a hat, and cool clothing to help keep over exposure to the sun at a minimum.
The fun and sun of summer make for great family time. Heading to the pool, the park, the zoo, or where ever the summer takes you can be a fun and exciting for all. Set a time to sit down as a family and go over all the rules, safety tips, etc that you want to remind your children of. If your kids know all the rules and know how to keep themselves safe summer injuries and accidents can be kept to a minimum.
Schools out, go out and have together as a family!
Caring for your child's teeth begins even before he gets his first tooth. Tooth decay can begin while the teeth are still embedded in the gums and haven't risen to the surface yet. Making sure your child's gums are kept clean can help prevent early tooth decay and helps your child become comfortable with dental hygiene early on. Continuing to care for your baby's teeth as they begin to sprout will help keep them clean and free of decay, as well as setting the ground work for good dental hygiene throughout life. Infant dental care is just as important as early pediatric care. Talk to your pediatrician about what they recommend and find a good pediatric dentist for your child when the time comes for that first dental visit.
Caring For Your Baby's Teeth
Before The Teeth Arrive: Before your baby gets her first tooth you should begin good dental hygiene. This can be done by simply wiping her gums several times a day. Pay particular attention to times of the day when she has just eaten and will be going down for a nap. It is also not recommended that you put your child to bed with a bottle. The formula or breastmilk will pool in his mouth which can lead to tooth decay.
Once The Teeth Begin to Sprout: Once your baby gets her first tooth it is time to break out the tooth brush. There are many infant tooth brushes on the market. Look for one that has a small head that will easily fit in your baby's mouth and a handle that is comfortable for you to hold. Brush your baby's teeth twice a day. It is not necessary (or recommended) to use toothpaste at this time. Now is a good time to begin to introduce this activity into your child's bedtime routine so they get used to brushing their teeth before bed.
As More Teeth Arrive and Your Child Gets Older: As your child gets older and gets more teeth it is very important to keep up with the good dental hygiene that you began earlier. The introduction of fluoridated tooth paste is recommended at age 2 years. Be careful not to use too much toothpaste, only a pea sized amount is recommended at this age. Monitor your child closely to ensure he doesn't swallow too much toothpaste. There are non-fluoridated tooth pastes on the market designed for children. Using one of these toothpastes first can help your child get used to using toothpaste before you introduce the fluoridated kind. Talk you your pediatrician or dentist if you have questions or concerns.
The First Visit To The Dentist: Most parents take their child to the dentist for the first time once he has most of or all of his teeth. There are differing points of view regarding when you should take your child to the dentist for the first time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at age 3 years unless there are some problems identified. The American Dental Association recommends the first visit at age 6 months to 1 year. Talk to your pediatrician and dentist to get their recommendations and make a decision that works for you and your child. Getting your child used to the dentist early can make those trips to the dentist a little easier later in life.
Every child is different and will get his or her teeth at a different rate. Some babies get teeth as early as 3 or 4 months while others still don't have any teeth by their first birthday. Talk to your pediatrician about your child's specific dental care needs. Starting dental care early means your child is more likely to have continued good dental hygiene throughout his life.