A Healthy Little Note: Issue #4
Hey!
Hope you've had a great couple weeks with your little one, and I'm back with five new tips to help make your next couple weeks even better!
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1. HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR LITTLE ONE OUT OF SLEEPING IN YOUR BED
Ready to reclaim your bed after a couple years of enduring nightime kicks in the face and elbows in the stomach from your little one?
Don't worry, it's possible to have a smooth transition that will give both of you a better night's sleep - and won't cost you any snuggles in the process!
Here's how to approach making the big move:
• Talk to your little one about the change and choose your words carefully. Instead of making it about wanting your bed back, make it exciting for THEM! Present it as a milestone ("You get to sleep in your own bed!") and something for them to get excited about. Let them pick out their own sheets or other things to feel more in control. But don't reveal the plan to them too far in advance - you don't want them to get anxious about the day.
• Make the bedroom environment comfortable. If your little one isn't used to hanging out in their room, spend some time there before the transition playing, reading books, or dressing up. Let them get used to their room as being a place for more than just sleeping.
• Ease into the transition. Don't expect things to be perfect the first couple nights - it takes time. But it helps to put a good routine in place like spending time in their room and slowly removing yourself from it. And don't forget to have a plan in place for when your little one inevitably wakes up and comes out of the room - the last thing you want is to slip back into them ending up in your bed!
• Let them have their feelings about the change. Your little one might have something to say about the change and that something might take the form of tears and tantrums. It's ok, let them express themselves, acknowledge their feelings, and make them feel understood. But that doesn't mean you have to let them back in your bed.
• Be consistent! I'm sure you've heard this before (especially from me), but the more times you allow your little one to crawl back in your bed the more of a mixed message you send. Your kids will test you, and it's important to establish that you'll stick to your word because that's ultimately what will provide them with the safety and security they need.
Want to discuss your child's specific situation?
Go here to schedule a FREE 15-minute call with me and we can chat about it!
Or, just reply to this email with any questions you have and I'll be happy to answer.
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2. HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR INFANT SLEEPS SAFELY
This American Academy of Pediatrics report shares some important guidelines about how to make sure your infant is in a safe sleeping environment.
It's worth a read if you're a parent who worries about your baby turning over in their sleep. As the report explains, "Once an infant can roll from supine [back] to prone [front] and from prone to supine, the infant can be allowed to remain in the sleep position that he or she assumes."
So basically, if they can roll, just let them be. Otherwise you're just likely to wake them up for no reason!
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3. WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE AN ADULT
So funny, so true. This hilarious video comes from Mommy Dearest Inc and perfectly sums up the slippery slope that is parenting!
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4. FIVE COMMON PROBLEMS THAT ARE OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED AS ADHD
ADHD is being over diagnosed and this Harvard Medical School article breaks down some of the most common problems that are confused with ADHD.
They include hearing problems, learning or cognitive disabilities, sleep problems, depression or anxiety, and substance abuse.
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5. A HEALTHY LITTLE RECOMMENDATION: THREE PRODUCTS WORTH YOUR MONEY
Boogie Wipes
A must-have for cold and flu season! Don't bother with tissues, these boogie wipes will save your little one's nose from getting red and raw. We go through them like water - they're also a great wipe for clean hands or sticky messes on the go!
Munchkin Sippy Cup
Tired of leaky cups? Here's the answer. You can hold it upside down and nothing spills out!
Sassy Disposable Sacks
You know those really stinky diapers? Hold your nose and throw them in this powerfully scented bag to minimize your gagging. Also great when you take the dog for a walk!
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That wraps up this issue!
Hope you enjoyed it and I'd LOVE if you shared it with your friends on social media or spread the word on the local Mommy gossip circuit - thanks!
Susie
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