Kids tend to grow quickly so their preferences and tastes change tremendously. If today your daughter’s favorite personage is SpongeBob, most likely that tomorrow she will be going ape over Cinderella. So don’t rush with gratifying short-term whims by opting for wallpaper with SpongeBob face, rather opt for a neutral backdrop that can be spiced up with multicolored textile, vinyl wall stickers, curtains, DIY elements, etc.

Your little girl’s room should be comfortable without getting boring. It should exudes her personality and interests. It should create an opportunity for her to be creative and have fun, and serene enough to get ample of rest and sleep that she needs.

Full of wonder and fairy-tale qualities, there’s such magic throughout a toddler’s imagination. Mermaids, pixie dust and fairies hidden around every corner, expressing that creative mind is part of the fun of styling and designing a little one’s bedroom.

Fun & Functional

Hitting the books might be a chore, but in a room as fun as this, homework time just might get a little easier. A large desk and office chair, with storage bins beneath, create a work zone. But when it’s time for fun, ample seating, a fun color scheme, and whimsical touches turn this room into a space for giggling with friends.

No Pink Here

Breaking away from traditional girl colors, this room has a modern vibe with its shades of orange — ranging from sherbet to pumpkin — and shocks of electric blue. Girl appeal is added with floral prints, which are graphic rather than flowery, keeping with the modern design.

Bright

If you’re princess really loves hot pink, then you’re sure to get inspired by this bright design. Just look at all the mixes and matching facets!

Timeless Black And White

Toddler girls bedrooms do not have to be covered in pastels or striking colors always. A more sophisticated approach is to use the classic hue of black and white, and geometric patterns. In this nursery, using stripes of black on white walls creates a playful vibe that echoes to the bed slated style and white mattress. Bold patterns and cheerful colors were added to quilt, pillow cases and area rug for instant interest and theme, that way you can easily change it when your child’s tastes changes.

Garden Gate

A garden themed bedroom for your little sweetheart is a fun and whimsical way to design her room with. Start with a garden gate wall mural in soft, muted colors for a soothing tone. Add French-inspired furnishings or accent items for a beautiful, girly appeal.

More Storage, More Fun

Leave the floor for playtime and more creative activities. Use wall-mounted ledges and rails to store art supplies and toys. It will not only keep her room clean, it can also serve as a colorful display. Choose colorful bin baskets to add fun and playful element in the room. An accent wall treated with blackboard paint doubles as a place to draw is a perfect treat for those little artistic hands.

The post Decorating Room for Toddler Girl – Room Ideas appeared first on Baby Strategy.

Who says boys’ bedrooms can’t be stylish? We’ve selected our favourite ideas, schemes and tips for boys’ bedrooms that look great while remaining practical. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect nursery, create a vibrant play zone or overhaul your teen’s den, you’re bound to find something to fire up your imagination.

If you have a young child, it’s highly likely that you’ll want to opt for bright colours. Feature walls with fun print children’s wallpaper or wall stickers are a great way to liven up a scheme (and are sure to be a hit with the kids). Traditional colour palettes such as blues and reds are the classic option, but don’t be afraid of zingy yellows or calming pastel shades if you want something a little different.

Of course, nautical themes remain an established choice for young boys. Don’t be afraid to, um, push the boat out with porthole designs or printed curtains to make the room pop. Remember, stripes are good for adding interest and won’t be outgrown as quickly as more childlike motifs, which makes them a good bet for slightly older boys.

If your son is sporting mad, you can renew the age-old football theme with the addition of vintage football tables and cool posters (perhaps restricted to a painted feature wall). Then again, elegance and tranquility could be more your – and your son’s – style. Traditional sleigh beds, muted pastel tones and painted floorboards are the way to go to achieve this. Oh, and wooden floors are great for practicality, while a rug will up the cosines factor.

Whatever look you go for, and whatever age your boy, storage space is paramount. Whether it’s hanging, modular or under-bed, somewhere to hide all those school books, toys and clutter will save on headaches. Open-backed shelving also makes for a great room divider if you have two children sharing. Likewise, modern bunk bed designs or built in beds are a great space-saving solution and can often be designed with extra storage solutions in mind.

A child’s surroundings can have a huge impact on how they grow and develop, so parents always try to make their children’s living spaces as comfortable and fun as possible within their means. I’m not sure my parents could have afforded an indoor treehouse, but I still had plenty of pictures and bright, colorful artwork up on my walls. Sleeping in a bed that looks like a pirate ship or a princess’ wagon, as one can imagine, would probably fill a child’s life with endless hours of joy.

Of course, arguments can be made for and against these designs. Sure they all look pretty cool, but how safe is a children’s room with ladders, ropes, and strange out-of-place edges? There are plenty of opportunities here for kids to hurt themselves, depending on their age and how much they like to horse around, so these designs may not be for everyone. And as much as we like providing for our children, spoiling them rotten is also a bad idea!

Create Mini Art Galleries

The wonders of great artwork! Walls adorned with gallery-style wall decor are popping up, and the best part of this fun trend is that it celebrates all styles of art and doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Collect Pieces Over Time

Use individual pieces accumulated over time instead of buying a matching furniture set. Not only is it an excellent way to save, but in the case of Evyn’s nursery, it achieves a colorful and eclectic look, layering in the new with the old.

Break Out the Sewing Machine

A plain, boring glider becomes super chic with the addition of new cushions in a trendy, graphic pattern. Throw in a few colorful pillows for added back support and this nursery essential suddenly becomes and a real showstopper.

Just for Boys

Shades of blue pair with green to create an amphibian-theme room, perfect for the boy who is forever catching frogs and turtles, and asking, “Can we keep him?” A wall mural evokes a by-the-pond look, and durable cotton bedspreads and pillowcases will stand up to rough boy antics. Consider using built-in shutter shades on windows rather than bulky curtains.

Like a Kid in a Toy Store

Why invest in knickknacks to develop a theme when toys can be your decorating accents? Fill shelving units or built-ins with toys, games, and books. Favorite trains and cars become artwork when displayed on shelves. Look for baskets or bins that match your color scheme to corral building blocks and smaller toys. Place them along the shelves or under the bed for organization and pops of color.

Potential for Change

Tan and beige walls pair well with red accents. But, when a shake-up is needed, the red cushions and curtains can easily be switched out with green, blue, or any combination of hues. The neutral walls, cabinets, and furniture can stay put, even if a brand-new color is ushered in. The subtle stripes on the walls keep the neutral background far from boring.

The post Toddler Room Ideas for Boy – Finding the perfect Room Decoration appeared first on Baby Strategy.

Back pain is often a fact of pregnancy life — doctors say at least half of pregnant women will experience it at some point during their pregnancy. The pain, while definitely a source of distress, is usually not a sign of any danger to either the mom or baby. But there are some cases that are important to get checked out.

Types of Back Pain in Pregnancy

There are two common types of back pain in pregnancy:

• Lumbar, or lower back pain
• Posterior pelvic pain.

For obvious reasons it is useful to know the difference between the above two types of back pain in pregnancy and labor pain, which is also felt in the back during pregnancy.

Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy (Lumbar Pain)

Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located at and above the waist in the center of the back. This lower back pain in pregnancy may or may not be concurrent with pain that radiates into your leg or foot.

Pregnancy Pelvic Pain

Posterior pelvic pain (in the back of the pelvis) is four times more prevalent than lumbar pain in pregnancy. It is a deep pain felt below and to the side at the waistline, and/or below the waistline on either side across the tailbone. Such pregnancy pelvic pain may be experienced on one or both sides.

Common Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy

Generally speaking, APA says the following are to blame for back pain while pregnant:

• An increase in hormones makes your ligaments more flexible, reducing the stability of the pelvis and back. Over-mobility of these areas is often to blame for lower back pain during early pregnancy.
• Increasing your body weight by 25% to 30% in a short amount of time is a lot for the body to handle. This can lead to sore muscles, ligaments, etc.
• The added weight also shifts your center of gravity forward, stressing the tissues of the back.
• Many also change their posture to support the belly, leading to strain and pain in the upper and/or lower back. The pregnant lady waddle adds insult to injury. Get some quick tips for good posture.
• For some, simply being pregnant is stressful, plus those midnight trips to the bathroom interrupt sleep. This also takes a toll on the body.

A preexisting history of back pain associated with structural issues like scoliosis or injury can make a woman more prone to back pain when she is pregnant, as can carrying multiples.

Thankfully, back pain goes away quickly post-pregnancy for most women.

Tips for Getting Rid of Back Pain During Pregnancy

• Properly activate your deep core muscles {including gently doing a kegel while zipping and/or hugging your baby}
• Stand tall {avoid slouching, use those core muscles to hold your body up}
• Avoid locking your knees {locking your knees instantly puts more pressure into your lower back – so stop doing that!}
• Sleep! Exhausting can increase body aches
• Minimize stress {important for you mentally, physically and your baby}
• Nourish your body {eat foods that decrease inflammation, lots of veggies, omega 3 fish oil, and avoiding processed foods, find out more when you sign up for my Digital Prenatal Program}
• Strengthen your glutes {strong glutes and hamstrings can relate to better posture and a stronger back}
• Avoid staying in one position for too long {try getting up and doing 20 squats every 30-minutes}
• Move your body every single day {get out and walk}
• Included the exercises below everyday in your pregnancy exercise routines

The post Back Pain during Pregnancy – Types, Causes and What to Do appeared first on Baby Strategy.

Rules to Eat By

Get enough folic acid Ideally, you need 400 micrograms of this B vitamin daily before conceiving. Because sufficient intake in the first trimester reduces neural-tube defects such as spina bifida by 50 percent to 70 percent, you should increase the dose to 600 micrograms when pregnancy is confirmed. Recent research suggests that supplementing with folic acid for a year before pregnancy and in the second trimester may also reduce the risk of preterm delivery.

Don’t “eat for two” As many as half of women gain too much weight during pregnancy. The upshot: an increased risk for preclampsia, gestational diabetes and delivery of either a preterm or a too-large baby.

Eat your fish Getting enough DHA (found in abundance in seafood and flaxseed) is one of the most important things you can do for your and your developing baby’s health, nutritionists say. DHA is the omega-3 fatty acid that can boost your baby’s brain development before birth, leading to better vision, memory, motor skills and language comprehension in early childhood. Eat at least 12 ounces a week of low-mercury fish, or take a DHA supplement (both are safe).

Avoid alcohol Behavior problems, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and aggressive behavior in children can result when mom drinks during pregnancy. No amount of alcohol has been shown to be safe.

Get adequate iron During pregnancy, your iron needs nearly double, to about 30 milligrams per day, to support your 50 percent increase in blood volume and promote fetal iron storage. Iron transports oxygen, and your baby benefits from a healthy supply. To boost absorption, combine iron-rich foods with vitamin C; for example, load your chicken burrito with salsa.

Ban bacteria To protect your baby from harmful bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli (any of which can, in severe cases, cause miscarriage or preterm delivery), steer clear of soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk, as well as raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. Keep your fridge below 40° F, and dump leftover food that’s been sitting out for more than two hours.

Don’t diet while you’re pregnant

Dieting during pregnancy could be harmful to you and your baby. Many eating plans designed for weight loss would leave you low not only on calories, but also on iron, folic acid, and other important vitamins and minerals.

Weight gain is one of the most positive signs of a healthy pregnancy. Women who eat well and gain the & appropriate amount of weight are more likely to have healthy babies. If you’re eating wholesome foods and slowly adding pounds, you can rest assured things are most likely on track.

Keep in mind that when you put on your pregnancy weight may be as important as how much you gain. Healthcare providers recommend that you gain the least weight during the first trimester – roughly 1 to 5 pounds – and then gain roughly a pound a week in the second and third trimesters. (Talk with your provider if you’re carrying twins or if you’re underweight or overweight at the start of pregnancy – your recommended rate of weight gain might be different.)

Pregnancy diet misconceptions

Morning sickness

When a mother-to-be is experiencing morning sickness, the biggest mistake she can make is thinking that if she doesn’t eat, she’ll feel better, Krieger said.

The exact causes of morning sickness are not known, but it may be caused by hormonal changes or lower blood sugar, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can bring on waves of nausea and vomiting in some women, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

And “it’s definitely not happening only in the morning,” Krieger said. “It’s any time of day.” It’s better to eat small amounts of foods that don’t have an odor, since smells can also upset the stomach, she suggested.

Food cravings

It is common for women to develop a sudden urge or a strong dislike for a food during pregnancy. Some common cravings are for sweets, salty foods, red meat or fluids, Krieger said. Often, a craving is a body’s way of saying it needs a specific nutrient, such as more protein or additional liquids to quench a thirst, rather than a particular food, she said.

Eating for two

When people say that a pregnant woman is “eating for two,” it doesn’t mean she needs to consume twice as much food or double her calories.

“A woman is not eating for two during her first trimester,” Krieger said. During the first three months, Krieger tells women that their calorie needs are basically the same as they were before pregnancy, because weight gain is recommended to be between 1 and 4 pounds in this early stage of pregnancy.

Krieger typically advises pregnant women to add 200 calories to their usual dietary intake during the second trimester, and to add 300 calories during their third trimester when the baby is growing quickly.

Weight gain during pregnancy

“Weight gain during pregnancy often has an ebb and a flow over the nine months,” Krieger said. It’s hard to measure where pregnancy weight is going, she said, adding that a scale does not reveal whether the pounds are going to a woman’s body fat, baby weight or fluid gains.

When it comes to pregnancy weight gain, Krieger advises mothers-to-be to look at the big picture: During regular prenatal checkups, focus on that the baby is growing normally rather than worrying about the number on a scale.

The total number of calories needed per day during pregnancy depends on a woman’s height, her weight before becoming pregnant, and how active she is on a daily basis. In general, underweight women need more calories during pregnancy; overweight and obese women need fewer of them.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for total weight gain during a full-term pregnancy recommend that:

• Underweight women, who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5, should gain 28 to 40 lbs. (12.7 to 18 kilograms).
• Normal weight women, who have a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, should gain 25 to 35 lbs. (11.3 to 15.8 kg).
• Overweight women, who have a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9, should gain 15 to 25 lbs. (6.8 to 11.3 kg).
• Obese women, who have a BMI of 30.0 and above, should gain 11 to 20 lbs. (5 to 9 kg).
• Rate of weight gain

The IOM guidelines suggest that pregnant women gain between 1 and 4.5 lbs. (0.45 to 2 kg) total during their first trimester of pregnancy. The guidelines recommend that underweight and normal-weight women gain, on average, about 1 pound every week during their second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and that overweight and obese women gain about half a pound every week in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Twins

The IOM guidelines for pregnancy weight gain when a woman is having twins are as follows:

• Normal weight: 37 to 54 lbs. (16.7 to 24.5 kg).
• Overweight: 31 to 50 lbs. (14 to 22.6 kg).
• Obese: 25 to 42 lbs. (11.3 to 19 kg).

The post Pregnancy Diet – Misconceptions, Healthy Eating During Pregnancy appeared first on Baby Strategy.

When you’re pregnant, there are a lot of new things to think about, especially when it comes to healthy eating. You may need to drop some long-established eating habits and learn how to walk a fine balance between getting enough nutrition for your baby, and avoiding foods that can harm the both of you.

Foods to Avoid When You’re Pregnant

Why are some foods off-limits when you’re pregnant — but fine if you’re not? First, changes to your immune system now make you more vulnerable to food-borne illnesses. What would’ve meant stomach upset before could mean serious complications now — from dehydration to miscarriage.

So to be safe, avoid the common culprits of food-borne illness:

Eggs

Because raw eggs may be tainted with salmonella, a bacterium that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, watch out for restaurant-made Caesar salad dressing, homemade eggnog, raw cookie dough, and soft scrambled or sunny-side up eggs — any dish in which the eggs (both yolk and white) are not cooked completely. “If eggs are cooked, the risk is gone,” adds Madeleine Sigman-Grant, PhD, maternal child health and nutrition extension specialist at the University of Nevada.

Sushi

With the exception of California rolls and other cooked items, sushi is not safe when you’re expecting, either, because it may contain illness-inducing parasites.

Salad bars and prepared salads

Salads are often prepared with fresh fruits and vegetables, making them one of the healthiest meals you can eat—so you may be surprised to learn that you will need to avoid salad bars and prepared salads at delis and cafeterias. “There are several concerns here,” says Krieger. “Has the temperature been consistently less than 40 degrees? Has the food been sitting out for less than two hours? And is there any unpasteurized cheese in the food?” If the answer is yes to any of these, the food may have been exposed to Salmonella, Listeria, or E. Coli. It’s much safer to prepare your own salads at home, after giving the leafy greens a thorough wash.

Undercooked meat and raw fish

Say goodbye to rare steak and sushi while you’re pregnant. “Bacteria and other pathogens thrive in undercooked meat and seafood,” says Krieger, so expectant women need to take extra care that their meats are heated to a high enough temperature. “You will need to cook meat to at least 145 degrees and leftovers to at least 165 degrees.”

Alcohol

Most experts agree that women should avoid alcohol during pregnancy to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Some doctors say an occasional glass of wine is fine, but the CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General still advise against it. Though there’s no evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol will harm a baby later in pregnancy (the most dangerous time to drink appears to be later in the first trimester), there’s also no evidence that it won’t hurt the baby. Krieger’s take: “Avoid all alcohol during all trimesters of pregnancy.”

Unpasteurized Juice

Stay away from juice (like cider) sold at farm stands; it may not have undergone pasteurization, a processing method that kills bacteria and toxins. Though the majority of milk and juices sold in stores today are pasteurized, there are still some brands on shelves that aren’t, so read labels.

Other foods are unsafe due to possible contaminants that can harm the fetus:

Some Varieties of Fish

Fish, which boasts omega-3 fatty acids that help baby’s brain development, is a great meal choice right now. But some varieties should be shunned due to high levels of methyl-mercury, a pollutant that can affect baby’s nervous system. These include swordfish, shark, and tilefish — all big species that live longer, accumulating more mercury in their flesh. (You may want to avoid these fish entirely during your childbearing years because your body stores mercury for up to four years, Ward advises.)

In fact, most types of fish contain traces of mercury, so you’ll want to limit your weekly consumption of safer varieties too. According to the newest guidelines from the FDA, you can enjoy up to 12 ounces a week (roughly two meals) of lower-mercury fish such as salmon, catfish, pollack, shrimp, and canned light tuna. Of those 12 ounces, only 6 should come from canned “white” albacore tuna, which tends to contain more mercury than light tuna. If you’re eating fish caught in local waters, check online with your state’s department of health for advisories (if you can’t find any information, limit yourself to 6 ounces).

Foods to Eat When You’re Pregnant

Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is very important. During this time, your body needs additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In fact, you may need 350–500 extra calories each day during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. A diet that lacks key nutrients may negatively affect the baby’s development. Poor eating habits and excess weight gain may also increase the risk of gestational diabetes and pregnancy or birth complications.

Dairy products

Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a great choice for pregnant women. Dairy products help meet increased protein and calcium needs. Probiotics may also help reduce the risk of complications.

Legumes

Legumes are great sources of folate, fiber and many other nutrients. Folate is a very important nutrient during pregnancy, and may reduce the risk of some birth defects and diseases.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for the growth and differentiation of cells in the growing fetus.

Salmon

Salmon contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and eye development in the growing baby. Salmon is also a natural source of vitamin D.

Eggs

Whole eggs are incredibly nutritious and a great way to increase overall nutrient intake. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient for brain health and development.

Lean meat

Lean meat is a good source of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline and B-vitamins, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy.

Fish liver oil

A single serving of fish liver oil provides more than the required amount of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin A. Fish liver oil may be particularly important for women who don’t eat seafood.

Berries

Berries contain water, carbs, vitamin C, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and plant compounds. They may help pregnant women increase their nutrient and water intake.

Whole grains

Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins and plant compounds. They are also rich in B-vitamins, fiber and magnesium, all of which pregnant women need.

Avocados

Avocados contain high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, folate and potassium. They may help improve fetal health and relieve the leg cramps that are common in pregnant women.

Dried fruit

Dried fruit may be highly beneficial for pregnant women, since they are small and nutrient-dense. Just make sure to limit your portions and avoid the candied varieties.

Water

Drinking water is important because of the increased blood volume during pregnancy. Adequate hydration may also help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

The post Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat When You’re Pregnant appeared first on Baby Strategy.

You may be wondering whether a training urinal is just another piece of baby gear that will end up in the junk pile with the rest. While some parents love training urinals, others think they are a complete waste of time.

Experts have all sorts of theories and make all sorts of promises about how to potty train as fast as possible. Ultimately, however, your child will go at their own pace and all you can do is help the learning process go more smoothly. Once they’re ready, products to make potty training easier can make a big difference as you work toward a diaper-free future. Items like kid-size potties, a watch to remind them when it’s time to “go,” and disposable seat liners for public toilets could be the answers to your potty training prayers.

Lets take a look at the arguments for using a training urinal

Pee like Daddy

Children learn by imitating their parents. If your little boy has seen Dad pee standing up then he will probably want to go to the toilet the same way. Your little boy will be much more enthusiastic about potty training if he can go to the toilet the same way that Dad does.

He has to learn sometime

Whether you like it or not, one day your little boy is going to pee standing up. He might as well learn how to aim while young. It is much less embarrassing to clean up after a boy who is potty training than one who is much older.

Makes potty training easier

Everyone is different and some boys take to potty training a lot quicker if they are able to pee standing up.

While a urinal is a nice to have item it is not essential and you will still be able to potty train your little boy using a regular potty.

Types

Toddler urinals come in many types, from very simple to a stand alone flushing urinal for your toddler’s use. The simplest and cheapest toddler urinals attach to your regular toilet and either lift up to protect the toilet tank and seats while deflecting the stream of urine into the toilet bowl, or attach to the side of the toilet at your child’s height and must be emptied into the toilet bowl by an adult. However, you can also choose a separate child-size urinal that either sets up on a stand or is attached to your wall. Some can actually be flushed, but all will still require emptying and cleaning.

Hanging training urinal

This is the most basic type of urinals for kids. Generally, it is one piece of molded plastic that has a hook at the back of the urinals. You use the hook to attach the urinal to your toilet. It is quite easy to install and use and does not have a lot of features. Just what the baby needs to do what daddy does and how he does it. Once your baby is done with fighting his imaginary fires, you can unhook the urinal potty and empty it. If the baby is old enough, they can even empty it themselves. Pretty simple.

The benefits attached to the use of this potty training urinal include the fact that it is easy to use and also easy to empty. It does not have a lot of pieces so that also makes it much easier for you to clean without the hustle of trying to get to the nooks.

The basic design also comes with a couple of flaws that you should be aware of before you make the purchase. The potty training urinal has to be removed every time an adult wants to use the toilet. Chances are you might have to make a couple of dramatic runs to the bathroom when your baby gets there and finds you forgot to replace the urinal before they do it all over the floor. Also, the potty can only be mounted at the height of the toilet so it might take some time before the kid is able to use it comfortably.

The Suction Cup Training Urinal

The suction cup stand up potty training urinal is slightly advanced and has a better user experience because it has more features it offers the baby. At the rear of the urinal there is a series of suction cups. The cups allow you to mount the potty at any height and better yet, in a variety of surfaces. It makes this urinal for kids highly portable. In most cases, the product comes in two different pieces. One is the base station that connects to the wall and the other is a plastic urinal that detaches for easier emptying.

Most of the benefits that are attached to this potty training urinal is courtesy of the suction cups. One of these is the fact that you can mount the potty at any height so your baby does not have to wait until they’re tall enough to be able to use the product. You can also attach it to different surfaces making it more portable.

Because it has more pieces, it is harder clean and the use of suction cups is slightly worrying because they are not the best at clinging on surfaces. But they’re still great urinals for toddlers.

The Standing Training Urinal

Of all the urinals for kids, the standing training urinal has to be among the best there is. It does come with premium price tag but plenty of benefits to offer as well. The standing training urinal is the best option if you want to give your baby the most lifelike urinal experience during the training experience.

All standing training urinal have a larger size and because of this, they have a larger urinal catcher area. Ideally, that would mean that there is a lower chance that the baby will miss and hence less cleaning for you. Because they can support themselves, they can also be used almost anywhere as long as there is a flat surface. A good number of parents prefer to use them outdoors.

The standing urinals for kids happen to be the most stable training urinals and have a larger aim for the growing boy. The fact that they can be used even in the outdoors is also a huge bonus. However, the size comes with a downside since it means that it takes up more space in your bathroom. It is also the most difficult of the three to empty.

The post Choosing the Best Baby Boy Potty Training Urinal appeared first on Baby Strategy.

Everybody has a theory about potty training! Seriously, ask the guy who made your triple soy latte this morning. Even that guy has a theory. From throwing a potty training party to whipping out M&Ms as incentives to just letting your kid take the lead – there’s a ton of advice.

The truth is – it probably depends on your child. But whatever route you take, you need the right tools. And that means finding the best potty chair or potty seat (or maybe both). Go ahead and google the options and you will be so overwhelmed, you’ll give up and just order plane tickets to the Caribbean.

Potty training is hard enough so let us help you. We reviewed some of the most popular potty training seats out there.

The Two Types of Potty Seats

Stand-alone

These are just small chairs with a hole and a removable pot for cleaning. They are particularly good for children just starting out with potty training because they’re extremely stable, easy to use and don’t require any climbing or flushing. They’re very portable and can be moved between bathrooms or even taken to a relative’s house when visiting. On the negative side, they do have to be emptied and cleaned. Choices within this category include:

• Chairs that play a tune.
• Chairs featuring cartoon characters.
• Folding travel chairs with handles.
• Extra-stable chairs, some with seatbelts, for special needs children.

Toilet adapters

Also known as toilet seat reducers, these fit over the big toilet and make the seat smaller. These adapters help children transition to the big toilet, and waste can be flushed away immediately. They may be more difficult for children to use in the early stages of potty training and usually require a step stool to make the potty more accessible. Some interesting choices in this category include:

• Padded potty seats.
• Potty seats with handles for extra security.
• Flip-up seats that stay on the toilet.
• Seats with built-in steps.

In Dr. McVittie’s opinion, as both a mom and a potty seat expert, it doesn’t really matter what type of seat you choose as long as it interests your child.

“Eventually children have to make the transition to the big toilet,” says Dr. McVittie. “That may be easier if they start out there with some type of adapter. But regardless of what method you choose, your child will eventually make that transition. They’re not going to be going off to college with their potty chair.”

Choosing a Seat for Your Child

A child should have some input into what type of potty chair he or she uses, but, cautions Narmin Parpia, founder of Potty Training Concepts, a parent first has to decide what works in their home and then can give options to find out what’s right for the child.

For example, Parpia says, if you have several small children, a flip-up potty seat that stays attached to the toilet between the lid and seat is probably a good choice. This keeps the child (or mom) from having to put the seat on the toilet every time it’s time to go. Or, if you have only one bathroom, you may be better off with a portable potty chair that can be used in an alternative location.

Also, don’t be afraid to change potty seats if it isn’t working out. Memory Mason, of Atlanta, Ga., used one potty seat for her son, who is now 8, but has purchased a different model entirely for her 2-year-old daughter.

“My 8-year-old felt unstable on the toilet adapter potty chair he used, so I now have one that’s lower to the ground and, as a bonus, is small enough to be portable,” says Mason.

Stability is one of the top tips cited by both Dr. McVittie and Parpia, particularly when a child is transitioning to the big toilet. A stool is a great thing to have around for this transition. It helps with climbing up, supports little feet when they’re sitting on the potty and can help your child reach the sink when she’s done.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to show your child how to go to the bathroom alone so you don’t have to drop everything every time he or she announces: “I have to go!” The easier the potty chair or seat is to use, the more quickly that goal will be reached.

The post Potty Training Seats Types – How to Choose the Right One appeared first on Baby Strategy.

Girls tend to be potty trained about three months earlier than boys, but this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. If she has older siblings, she may learn earlier than a first-born.

One of the most effective potty training tips, especially for girls is to take them underwear shopping. As with boys, underwear that has cartoon characters on it works the best.

Girls also have a stronger desire then boys to stay clean and not wet their underwear, so it’s very common for a girl to tell her mommy if she needs to go right from the start.

Choose your time carefully. It’s best to avoid starting training when big changes are coming up, such as starting at nursery or the arrival of a new sibling. She may feel too overwhelmed to tackle a new challenge. Waiting until she’s settled down will help to get potty training off to the best start.

If your child has started saying “no” to everything, bear in mind that it’s just a phase. She’ll get through it, so you might want to delay potty training until it’s over.

What will I need to potty train girls?

The first step is to buy a potty. Involve your little girl in picking a potty she likes – this will help her to enjoy sitting on her potty. She may feel more secure on a potty than on a normal toilet and it means she can easily get off and on.

Books and DVDs about potty training will also help to make it a fun learning experience for her.

If she is ready to get rid of nappies then take her shopping for her first pair of knickers. Let her pick the ones she wants and make it a big event for her, celebrating how much of a big girl she is.

How should I start potty training?

Make sitting on the potty a part of your child’s daily routine, perhaps when dressing in the morning and before the evening bath. Don’t expect her to sit there for long; at first she may only stay there for a very short time – you are simply getting her used to the potty.

Toddlers learn by imitation, so letting her see you go to the toilet will make things a lot easier for her. Obviously she may ask why Mummy sits down and Daddy stands up, so be prepared to talk about the differences between boys and girls.

Be clear and consistent

According to Teri Crane, author of popular toilet training book “Potty Train You Child in Just One Day,” adults should always be clear in their communications with their daughters about potty training, and consistent in their language and schedules. Crane told diaper and pull-up company Huggies that many little children think concretely. In other words, if you ask your daughter if she wants to go to the bathroom, she may think you are asking if she wants to walk in there, not if she needs to use the toilet. Be thoughtful of the language you use and understand that it may take awhile for your daughter to realize what “going to the bathroom” means.

Help her relax

Many little girls want their parent, guardian or caregiver to stay with them when they go to the bathroom, and you never want to leave a child in the bathroom alone. FamilyDoctor.org, the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, suggested that adults read or talk to their daughters to help them relax and feel comfortable on the toilet. Some girls may end up feeling anxious or get off the chair if you leave them alone, and many little ones may need encouragement.

Common problems when toilet training older girls

The ideal age to start potty training a girl is between 18 and 24 months, this is the period girls start to get a stronger desire to be clean, therefore showing more interest in the potty.

It’s common for older kids, girls aswell as boys to be afraid to release bodily fluids and solids. This can be quite frustrating for the parents, but it is important to hide this frustration from your child. All you can do in a situation like this is to be encouraging and very supportive. It’s times like this when making a huge deal out of every success can do a lot of good to the training process.

Older girls can experience conflicts between wanting to be a baby and wanting to be a big girl, which can cause them to have fits and tantrums even over the most basic instructions. Girls are harder to train once they’ve reached reasoning age and begin to manipulate rewards.

With all this being said, teaching girls how to use the potty is still easier than training boys. Personally I hope these tips will aid you in successfully training your little daughter and get rid of diapers for good.

The post Potty Training for Girls – How and When to Start appeared first on Baby Strategy.

The key to potty training success is starting when your son is ready. If you begin before this, the process will take longer to complete.

He may be ready at the age of 18 months, or it may not be until he is four years old. Boys tend to stay in nappies for a few months longer than girls. If he has older siblings, he may learn faster than if he was a first-born.

If your son is ready to start, focus on timing. If he’s just changed his nursery or has a brand new sibling, it may not be a good time. He may be less open to change, or feel too overwhelmed to tackle this new challenge. Waiting will ensure that you get potty training off to the best start.

Have a Dude Show Him the Way

Face it. Sometimes it’s just easier for Dad to show his son exactly what to do. Oftentimes Mom is on potty duty, or in the case of single moms like me, there is not a male role model in the home 24/7. “On average, boys take longer to potty train, largely because Mom is usually in charge of the process,” says Singer, mother of two boys. “And try as we might, we can’t model peeing while standing all that well.” As a single mom I feel like there’s no harm in letting my son watch me, since he tends to mimic me in other everyday situations (brushing hair and teeth and slipping on socks). However, I know it’s cool for him to have a guy around (like my two awesome brothers). Singer agrees: “It’s best to have Dad, a grandfather, uncle, or older brother show your son how it’s done.”

Try Naked Time

Let your child peruse your home…naked, or in just a T-shirt. Because he’s not wearing a diaper or underwear, he’ll have no place to put his pee or poop; he needs to put it somewhere—in the toilet would be a good idea! When he does put it in the potty, make sure you both have a look (yuck, I know, but the visual is important.) Make flushing a huge deal by pointing at the swirling water and acknowledging the cool whooshing sound.

Sit or Stand: Let Him Decide

Your son, like my 2-1/2-year-old, might be showing signs that he’s ready to potty train, alerting you with a full diaper. Now what? Does he sit, or stand and aim? Relax — whether he sits or stands — the goal is that he goes. Singer recommends introducing both options. “Boys should start out with whatever they are most comfortable doing. If he starts out sitting, he can always switch to standing when he’s more adept at using the toilet.”

Be Patient

As eager as you may be to ditch the diapers, many moms stress the importance of delaying toilet training until your son is ready. Amanda G. shares, “There really is no right age. Just keep your eyes open for signs of readiness.” Jessica D. agrees: “My little boy is a little over 3-and-a-half, and he just now decided he wanted to potty train. . . . He will do it when he is ready; just be patient and give lots of encouragement.” Common signs of potty-training readiness (which generally appear between age 2 and 3) include asking questions about the bathroom and toilet, staying dry for longer periods of time (indicating stronger bladder control), wanting to wear “big kid” underwear, or telling you when he’s soiled a diaper.

Give a Reward (and Get Creative!)

Stickers, stamps on the hand, bubbles or a single M&M are all good potty prizes. Kick it up a notch by taking your child to the dollar store so he can pick out a super-special potty prize for a training milestone like the first full day in undies or staying dry overnight. Food prizes like a pizza party for dinner or ice cream sundae bar for dessert (set out sprinkles, gummy bears and cherries in bowls, and let your child create his own sundae) are also great ideas. If you don’t want to spend money, look around your house for an art project you can do together and display it so he can show off his “potty prize.”

How should I deal with potty-training accidents?

Stay calm and remember that it’s all part of the process. The more he uses the potty, the better he’ll be at it.

Even children who have used the toilet successfully for months occasionally have accidents. Telling your child off for wetting his pants might mean more months of nappies, rather than fewer.

Dress him in loose-fitting clothes that he can easily take off. But if he still still wets his pants, don’t overreact or punish him. Nothing can disrupt potty training faster than making a child feel bad for having an accident.

The post Start Potty Training – Potty Training Tips for Boys appeared first on Baby Strategy.

Once you’ve made that big decision to start a family, you probably don’t want to wait, right? If you’re hoping to get baby on board as soon as possible, one of the best ways to get pregnant fast is to put a little planning into your baby making. Since getting pregnant is all about timing, you need to figure out the ideal moment for that egg to meet the winning sperm. If your timing is off, you’ll have missed your chance to get pregnant for that cycle. Don’t worry though—we’ve got helpful tips on how to get pregnant fast, and even better, we promise to make the process informative and fun. Read on and get one step closer to that positive pregnancy test.

When is the best time to have sex if we’re trying to conceive?

You’re most likely to conceive if you have sex during the two days before you ovulate and on the day of ovulation. That way, it’s more likely there will be a healthy supply of sperm in your fallopian tubes when an egg is released.

How can I tell when I’m ovulating?

Read our article on predicting ovulation to learn more about the following three ways you can estimate when you’ll ovulate:

• If your cycle is the same number of days each time, you can try using our ovulation calculator to estimate your fertile window each month.
• You can use an ovulation predictor kit to test your hormone levels throughout your cycle, and the test will indicate which day you’re most likely to ovulate.
• You can track ovulation symptoms, such as changes in your basal body temperature and cervical mucus.

Sex positions for getting pregnant

You may have heard that some positions, such as your partner on top (missionary position), are better than others for getting pregnant. In fact, there’s no evidence to back these theories up. Experts just haven’t done the research yet.

What experts have done, though, is use scanning to show what’s going on inside when you’re doing the deed. The research looked at two positions: the missionary position and doggy style. (Doggy style being when you’re on all fours, and your partner enters you from behind).

Common sense tells us that these positions allow for deep penetration. This means that they’re more likely to place sperm right next to your cervix (the opening of your womb ).

The scans confirm that the tip of the penis reaches the areas between the cervix and vaginal walls in both of these positions. The missionary position allows the penis to reach the area at the front of the cervix. The rear entry position reaches the area at back of the cervix.

It’s amazing what some experts spend their time doing, isn’t it! Other positions, such as standing up, or woman on top, may be just as good for getting sperm right next to the cervix. Or they may make no difference at all. We just don’t know yet.

Ways to increase your fertility

To take measures into your own hands to boost your fertility and help increase your chances of getting pregnant, try the following expert tips.

Meet with your doctor

Your ob-gyn can talk to you about your overall health and suggest any necessary lifestyle changes to help you get pregnant fast. It’s also a good idea to meet with a doctor if you have a family history of infertility, since some fertility issues may be hereditary, says Dawn Stacey, M.Ed, LMHC (licensed mental health counselor).

Take vitamin

Your ob-gyn can prescribe a prenatal vitamin or tell you about the right over-the-counter one for you to buy. You also might want to take folic acid (or a prenatal vitamin with folic acid), which greatly lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in baby. Foods like strawberries, spinach, beans and orange juice are also high in folic acid.

Live a healthy lifestyle

That means maintaining healthy exercise habits, so you’re not at either extreme—over- or underweight. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and manage stress to reduce tension and anxiety (consider trying yoga, meditation or acupuncture).

Visit your dentist

Gum disease is linked to underweight and premature babies. And once you’re pregnant, your mouth and teeth may go through the ringer. Your dentist can make sure you’re in good oral hygiene standing before you get pregnant.

Ways you might be hurting your fertility

You may have to give up a few things in the name of baby making. If you’re trying to conceive put the following habits on hold.

Don’t drink or smoke

Just skip these habits for the sake of your fertility and developing baby. While there’s no evidence to show that an occasional glass of wine can affect your fertility, consider playing it safe and passing on alcohol when you’re trying to conceive. And definitely ditch the drinks once you are pregnant—there’s no known safe level of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. It’s also best for both partners to quit smoking if you want a healthy baby and pregnancy. Smoking is linked to increased risk of miscarriage, it makes you prone to ectopic pregnancies and lowers the quality and number of sperm.

Watch the java

Don’t break into a cold sweat at the thought of losing that morning pick-me-up. You don’t have to cut out caffeine completely. Stick to one to two eight-ounce cups a day; too much caffeine may lead to fertility issues.

Avoid strenuous exercise

Staying fit with moderate activity is fine. But overdoing it with vigorous and extreme exercise (think marathon running) may mess with your menstrual cycle and lead to infertility.

Check on your medications

Some prescription meds can make it harder to get pregnant or may be unsafe once you’re pregnant. Review your meds with your doctor before you start trying.

Skip the lube

They may make you more comfortable, but some lubricants can make sperm more likely to die before they reach the egg. Try a lubricant that’s “sperm-friendly” or consider canola oil. Or, maybe you just need to take the foreplay up a notch to pump up your own natural lubrication.

Don’t douche after sex

This sabotages your chances of getting pregnant and puts you at risk for pelvic infection. You should also avoid long runs, saunas, hot tubs or any activity that raises your body temperature right after you have sex.

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