Swaddling

In the US it is common to see young babies wrapped tightly with their arms held close to their body. Swaddling advocates say it mimics the tight hold of the womb. Claims are made that swaddling reduces the startle reflex resulting in better sleep and an easier transfer from arms to bassinet. Not to mention…

Read More

Baby’s Nutritional Needs – 12 Months +

We welcome, support, and recommend chest feeding as long as it suits the mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) states from age 12-24 months up to 30% of children’s calories can come from human milk, however that is not a reality for most children in the United States. If you’re feeding and enjoying…

Read More

Baby’s Nutritional Needs – 6 to 8 Months

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to start your journey into food. After age six months, neither human milk nor formula have sufficient iron for baby’s nutritional needs. The extra calories and density of solid food may help your child to stay full longer and sleep in longer chunks. During this age, food will be…

Read More

Baby’s Nutritional Needs – 0 to 6 Months

Young babies do not need solid food. From a nutritional standpoint babies are getting all they need from their human milk or formula. It is also not recommended to give young infants water. Infants up to age six months do not need water and it could interfere with their sense of hunger and satiation. Solid…

Read More

Baby Wellness

Pregnant and preparing for motherhood so many new questions come up that I didn’t grapple with as a teacher. I know all about babies. I know all about early childhood. I know about teaching, learning, building emotional intelligence, supporting secure attachment, behavior challenges, sleep, food, potty learning. The birth and chest feeding part we’re certainly…

Read More

Introducing Solid Foods

There are many different practices and theories regarding table food. Like most things in parenting, there is not a right or wrong way. We recommend introducing table food at around six months of age. We recommend real food for young children. Many pediatricians prefer families start with cereal and it can be a good option…

Read More

Transitioning from the Bottle to A Cup

Shortly after introducing table food we recommend introducing a cup with water. While giving children an open cup is ideal, it’s simply not practical for most situations.  Most families choose to use a sippy cup that cannot spill for convenience. Many different brands of sippy cups are available. Usually a cup with a soft plastic…

Read More

Helping Your Infant Accept a Bottle

There are many bottles and nipples available. Many parents have different bottle preferences and each bottle has many claims. We do not have a bottle preference. Many different bottles work for children. We do recommend always using the same bottle and nipple when possible. If you frequently switch the type of bottles or nipples, children…

Read More

Understanding Accreditation and Regulation in Early Childhood

Each state has their own requirements for operating a child care center. There is no uniform child care regulations so it is important to understand the regulations in your state. Virginia – Child Care Licensing In Virginia, child care centers are licensed by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Licensing regulates basic health and safety…

Read More