Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends using pacifiers for infants up to six months of age to reduce the risk of SIDS or as pain relief for minor medical procedures? It’s true. But, how do you know which are the top pacifiers for your child or what type is considered to be good pacifiers?
Size of Pacifier
Make sure that the pacifier is the right size for the age of your baby. If the pacifier is marked for a newborn, you will need to replace it as the baby grows. If an older infant sucks on a pacifier that is too small, they could choke.
Usually, around 3 months of age, it’s time for an upgrade. Look at the packaging to determine the size. They are marked based on the child’s age in months.
Whatever pacifier you use needs to have a shield that is at least one and a half inches across. The shield should consist of firm plastic and offer ventilation holes or be molded from one solid piece of material with a soft nipple.
Shape of Pacifier
The shape of the pacifier is a matter of preference. Some infants prefer one shape over another. Try out several kinds to find the one your baby likes best.
Orthodontic Pacifiers
If a pacifier is marked, “orthodontic” it means that it encourages your baby’s top and bottom jaw to be in the correct position when sucking so as not to interfere with mouth development.
Silicone, Latex, or Rubber?
Many parents prefer the natural rubber nipples since no chemical additives are used to manufacture them. However, silicone nipples do not break down and fall apart as rubber ones can. Latex pacifiers are eco-friendly but also tend to break down faster than silicone nipples. Additionally, some babies have an allergy to latex.
Additional Safety Considerations
To make sure the pacifier is completely safe:
Never tie a pacifier around the baby’s neck, hands, or other extremities since it is a choking risk or could turn into a tourniquet cutting off circulation.
Never use the nipple of a bottle as a pacifier since it could lodge in the baby’s throat and cause choking and is not sealed off, so the baby is sucking in air that can cause gas.
Check the pacifier from time to time to make sure it’s not deteriorating, and replace it frequently.
Find a pacifier that is dishwasher safe, and clean it frequently by boiling at first and then cleaning with soap and water as the child grows older.
Bottom Line
Pacifiers help soothe an infant to sleep and comfort them when it’s not time for feeding. The AAP recommends using a pacifier during the first few months of a baby’s life. The trick is finding the best baby pacifiers for your infant.
How to wean your child off a pacifier is often a challenging task for parents. After all, the soothing sucking most likely provided more than comfort to the baby — it probably gave you some moments of peace as well. Ridding your little one of the sucking device requires knowing when to wean off a pacifier and a whole host of patience.
When To Wean the Pacifier
Timing is everything when it comes to pacifier weaning. The Academy of Pediatrics AAP actually recommends pacifier use for up to six months during sleep times to help reduce the risk of SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, after your baby turns one year, they no longer recommend using a pacifier since it has been associated with developing middle ear infections. AAP recommends weaning from the pacifier sometime during the second six months of life.
Dentists have weighed in on the opinion as well. Most dentists agree that it is best to wean away from the pacifier after the first year of life so it doesn’t become an issue with swallowing patterns, tongue positioning which guides the upper and lower jaw growth and developing cross bites.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry AAPD recommends that children put an end to their non-nutritive sucking habits by the time they are 3 years old or younger. Breaking the pacifier habit by 2 or 2.5 years is best.
Steps for Weaning From Pacifier
While some kids have no problem ditching the pacifier, others are very attached. The actual process of ridding your baby’s mouth from the soothing sucking aid can be extremely tedious and tricky.
Some tricks that have worked for other parents include:
Positive Approach
Always stay encouraging throughout the entire pacifier weaning process. Do not scold the child. Instead, offer praise when they are not sucking.
Modify the Nipple
Start by cutting off a small sliver of the tip of the nipple. Slowly and gradually, cut off more as you go. Eventually, the baby will find that the pacifier no longer provides comfort.
Replacement
Replace the pacifier with another soothing item, like a small blanket or stuffed animal. While this method may simply transfer the attachment, it is at least taking away the physical problems that the pacifier can cause.
Count Down
If the child is old enough to understand, discuss with them a day or timeframe when they will need to give up the pacifier. Count down with fun stickers and excitement.
Party Time
Host a going-away party for all the pacifiers in the house. Make sure it’s not a sudden, surprise party! Talk about it ahead of time, so the child has time to prepare.
Bottom Line
While babies develop a need to suck before they are even born, hanging onto the pacifier well into their toddlerhood can cause some dental or ear infection issues. Know when and how to wean your child off their pacifier, and be sure to give yourself a pat on the back when it’s all said and done.
One of the most important things is encouraging positive behavior in children. Doing so will help your children learn how to behave properly and make good decisions, both now and in the future. There are a few key things on how to instill positive behavior in my child.
1. Be a Role Model
Children learn best by example, so it’s essential to set a good one. If you want your children to be honest, demonstrate honesty yourself. If you want them to be kind, show them kindness. Being a positive role model will encourage your children to adopt their positive behaviors.
2. Encourage Positive Behavior With Praise
When your children behave in a way you want them to, let them know. A simple “good job!” or “thank you for being patient” can go a long way toward reinforcing positive behavior. This is important because it lets children know that their good behavior is noticed and appreciated.
3. Discourage Negative Behavior With Consequences
Just as it’s important to encourage positive behavior, it’s also important to discourage negative behavior. If your child exhibits bad behavior, such as hitting or throwing a tantrum, provide an appropriate consequence. This could mean a time-out, loss of privileges, or even a simple verbal warning. The important thing is that your child knows that there are consequences for their actions and that negative behavior will not be tolerated.
4. Be Consistent
It’s essential to be consistent with encouraging positive behavior and discouraging negative behavior. If you only praise your child sometimes, they may not understand what they did to deserve it. And if you only give consequences for bad behavior occasionally, your child may not understand why they’re being punished. You must be consistent in both instances so that your child knows what to expect and can learn from their mistakes.
5. Listen Actively
You can listen actively by paraphrasing, making eye contact, and using facial expressions to show you are interested. You should also avoid interrupting the speaker. This type of listening is crucial because it shows that you value what the other person says.
6. Encourage Communication
It’s important to encourage communication with your child to feel comfortable expressing themselves. This means listening to them when they want to talk and asking questions to show that you’re interested in what they have to say. It’s also vital to avoid lectures, as this can make children feel like they’re not being heard. Encouraging communication will help your child feel valued and respected and make it more likely that they will come to you with problems or concerns.
Bottomline
Following these tips will help you encourage positive behavior in your child. Remember, raising children is a difficult task, but by instilling positive behaviors early on, you’ll set them up for success both now and in the future.
Kids Kingdom Early Learning Center is a great place to send your children if you want them to learn how to behave positively. We are experts at encouraging good behavior, and we will make sure that your child knows what is expected of them. In addition, Kids Kingdom provides a fun and safe environment where children can explore and learn. Looking for a positive place to send your child, look no further than the Kids Kingdom Early Learning Center. Visit their website today to learn more.
Children develop difficult behavior for many reasons. Some children are born temperamentally more challenging than others. Family conflict, poor parenting, and exposure to violence, drugs, or poverty can make children more prone to difficult behavior — many children who have experienced abuse or neglect display behavioral problems.
Some children act out because they have special needs that aren’t being met. Others are trying to get attention, power, or revenge. But all children need love, limits, and guidance. Handling a difficult child can be exhausting, and it’s important to take care of yourself, too. Here are some tips on how to deal with a child that’s being difficult
1. Try To Stay Calm
It’s hard to think straight when you’re angry or upset. If you need to, take a break. Go for a walk, listen to music, or call a friend. By staying calm, you’ll be better able to handle the situation.
2. Find Out What’s Going On
There might be a reason for your child’s behavior. Are they hungry, tired, sick, or feeling left out? Once you know the cause, you can try to solve the problem. Also, keep in mind that sometimes children misbehave just because they’re kids.
3. Set Limits
Let your child know what behavior is and isn’t acceptable. Be consistent with your rules and the consequences for breaking them. For example, if your child hits someone, they might need to apologize and break from playing with others.
4. Reward Good Behavior
When your child does something you like, praise them. This will encourage your child to keep up the good work. You can also offer rewards for following rules or reaching goals. For example, your child might get a sticker for staying calm instead of throwing a tantrum.
5. Avoid Power Struggles
Yelling, threatening, or hitting will only make the situation worse. These tactics can also damage your relationship with your child. If you’re losing your temper, walk away and take deep breaths. It’s OK to ask for help from your partner, a friend, or a professional.
6. Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to deal with your child’s behavior, talk to your child’s doctor or a counselor. They can help you figure out what might be causing the problem and how to solve it. Try to talk to someone who has experience with children and knows about behavior problems.
Difficult behavior in children is usually a phase that will pass with time and patience. But some children might need professional help to overcome their challenges. If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, talk to their doctor. With the right support, your child can learn to cope healthily.
Bottomline
At the Kids Kingdom Early Learning Center, we believe that all children have the right to be treated with respect and understanding. We know that it can be challenging to handle a difficult child, but we are here to help. Our experienced teachers will work with you and your child to find solutions to behavioral problems. We also offer counseling services for parents who need extra support. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your family.
How does routine play a role in child development? If you haven’t given this much thought, you should. Families with a routine are more likely to be organized and function together to accomplish goals or have fun. Routines establish expectations of what should be done and how often. Children are members of a family that thrive off of structure and consistency. Routines are good for children for several reasons.
Why Is Routine So Important for Children?
Daily routines are different for every household, but there is a consensus on their benefits. Here are some benefits of a daily routine.
It helps children get on a schedule. A consistent routine allows children to develop positive behaviors, like having a more consistent sleeping schedule and better behavior at school.
More bonding with family. Children with a routine understand what is expected of them and are more likely to create better relationships with their families.
Creates expectations. Children with routines understand that there are rules in the house, and there will not be a power struggle with the parents.
It creates more confidence and independence. Your children will not have to rely on you for activities like brushing their teeth or putting pajamas on. Children have greater pride in not having to rely on you for help all the time.
Form healthy habits. Children on a routine will create good grooming habits and wisely manage their time. They will also develop self-discipline as they get older. Routines also help reduce stress and prevent your child from getting sick as often.
Routines can also be fun. Don’t always think of routines centered around chores that you need to do around the house. For example, Saturdays might be your day to take your children to the park or go out for ice cream.
Ideas for Making a Quality Daily Routine
Good daily routines are ones that effectively suit your family. Generally, they have three components. They include:
Well planned. The daily routine needs to be well-thought-out and discussed with your family. Each person should understand the role they play.
Consistent. Routines need to be done every day in order for them to be effective. For example, your children might know that they have to get their backpacks ready for school on Sunday nights.
Predictable. Routines also need to follow the same steps each time. For example, your children might know that they need to set the dinner table each night.
You’ll need to adapt the routine depending on your child’s age, but all routines have the same components. So start using a routine to take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer.
