Moms in the Know® - A Guide for Families in Charleston

Ages Birth to 2

If you have a chunky baby, try Luvs diapers. They’re cut a little larger than the other brands.

Place a towel or blanket under the baby’s car seat to protect your seats, then, just throw the towel in the wash when it gets dirty.

We love the Bumbo seat, however, it is being recalled due to it falling off of high surfaces. If you choose to continue to use the Bumbo, do so carefully and keep it on the ground.

Choking Hazards for children under 4: raw vegetables, candy, nuts and seeds, raisins, spoonfuls of peanut butter, popcorn, gum, hot dogs, grapes, and berries.

Most children get attached to a blanket or some other “transitional object” between the ages of 8 months-12 months. The American Academy of Pediatricians actually recommends providing a child with a “transitional object” to help with their insecurity issues. And don’t be concerned if your child holds on to it for years. He will eventually lose interest.

Children don’t usually begin playing collaboratively with other children until around the ages of 21/2- 3 years old. So don’t worry if your child seems to be a loner or not friendly.

It’s a good idea to take a CPR and first aid class. Check with your local hospital or call the American Red Cross at 843-764-2323 ext. 358.

Don’t forget to get your children’s feet measured often. The medical community recommends shoe fittings for children every three months, beginning at about 12 months of age.

With obesity and eating disorders becoming prevalent, remember not to use food as a reward, pacifier, or punishment.

Having a hard time getting your children to participate in the holiday family photo? Here are some quick tips - be quick, patient, shoot at eye level, get up close, and let them take a few shots of you!

My favorite national parenting magazine is Parent & Child from Scholastic. The articles are always relevant and easy to read. And it lacks the cutesy fluff of other parenting publications. www.scholastic.com/parentandchild.

I found the Baby Whisperer to be the best baby guide for my newborn. I recommend it to all my new mom friends.

Try to avoid changing your baby’s diaper prior to feeding. This can prevent a second diaper change after feeding.

Buy baby clothes a year in advance when stores have clearance sales or end of season sales. Planning ahead can save you lots of money in the long run.

Teething babies love frozen bagels. They are easy to grip and provide a healthy snack. Frozen fruit works well, too.

We put wet bath toys in a plastic basket with holes so the water can drain which cuts down on the mildew.

Can’t get rid of a pesky diaper rash? Try Boudreaux’s Butt Paste for diaper rash and many other common ailments. Available at drug stores or call 1-800-368-RASH.

Keep baby from slipping down in a highchair by attaching non-skid tub appliques to the back and seat of the chair.

Hang a clear shoe bag on the door of the nursery room closet. Use it to keep nail clippers, nose bulb, diaper rash ointment, q-tips, etc., and everything is easy to see.

HALOS is a Charleston organization that provides support and resources to children who are abused and neglected and served by DSS. They can always use baby items, financial support, or volunteers to help meet the needs of these children. www.charlestonhalos.org.

Always keep disposable diapers stashed in a seat pocket in the car. You will be prepared for all those emergency diaper changes when you forget the diaper bag, and they are terrific for drink spills in the car because they suck up the liquid in no time!

When potty training, carry a potty in the car and line it with a pull-up. When your potty trainer has to go, the pull-up absorbs everything and you just throw the pull-up away at your next stop.

I keep a camera in my purse at all times. And some good advice from a dad of 4 was to keep your camcorder around and available at all times, like on the mantel – that way you are always ready for those important moments… because you might forget one day.

To make certain your car seat is attached safely and securely, call your local fire station. Some fire fighters have car seat fitting certification. You can also call Babies R Us and ask about their program for properly securing car seats.

“Breast Friend” Nursing Pillow works much better than other nursing pillows! It helps support the baby, giving moms a free hand, and places baby’s head in the right position. It velcros around Mom and has a pocket to keep handy items nearby.

Avocados are the perfect baby food! High in nutrients and fat that babies need.

La Leche League of Charleston offers monthly meetings in Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley. Pregnant women, mothers, and babies welcome. Also, ask about the toddler meetings for babies 6 months and older. Call 843-971-6632 or visit their website at www.lalecheleague.org for more information.

BabyNet is South Carolina’s Early Intervention Program for children, newborn through age three, who are experiencing disabilities or developmental delays. A developmental delay can be seen in a child who cannot do the things that other children his or her age can do. BabyNet has no income requirements. Eligibility is based totally on the needs of the child and anyone can make a referral. For more information, visit their website at www.scdhec.gov/health.

Having trouble getting your boy toddler in the carseat/stroller, etc.? I buy matchbox cars (5 for $1) and give him one to distract him when trying to get situated. Works every time but watch for choking parts.

Time to get rid of the pacifier? Try putting a pin prick in the end of it. Your baby/toddler/child won’t get the sucking sensation and may not be interested anymore.

When it’s time for booster seats, buy them from a restaurant supply store. They’re a little more expensive than the flimsy plastic ones, but they’re more durable and don’t move around.

Cream of wheat is a good source of iron. One little bowl contains almost half of what you need all day. Great for moms and babies.

I found that foam mattresses are best for my baby cribs. They are lightweight (easy for frequent sheet changes) and plenty firm.

The best purchase I made for my nursery was an upholstered rocking chair. It’s comfortable for nursing, reading, and cuddling with baby.

Nursing the baby is a perfect time to read a book to your toddler. It will prevent your toddler from getting into everything and he/she won’t feel neglected.

Little toppers is an ingenious little invention. It is a spout you screw on your water bottle to make it easier for your little ones to drink. Littletoppers.com

Sassy makes disposable diaper trash bags that come in a handy, small container- perfect for traveling.

I had the windows tinted in my car. It reduces the heat inside the car in the summer and keeps the sun from getting in my children’s eyes.


		Ages Birth to 2 If you have a chunky baby, try Luvs diapers. They’re cut a little larger than the other brands. Place a towel or blanket under the baby’s car seat to protect your seats, then, just throw the towel in the wash when it gets dirty. We love the Bumbo seat, however, it is being recalled due to it falling off of high surfaces. If you choose to continue to use the Bumbo, do so carefully and keep it on the ground. Choking Hazards for children under 4: raw vegetables, candy, nuts and seeds, raisins, spoonfuls of peanut butter, popcorn, gum, hot dogs, grapes, and berries. Most children get attached to a blanket or some other “transitional object” between the ages of 8 months-12 months. The American Academy of Pediatricians actually recommends providing a child with a “transitional object” to help with their insecurity issues. And don’t be concerned if your child holds on to it for years. He will eventually lose interest. Children don’t usually begin playing collaboratively with other children until around the ages of 21/2- 3 years old. So don’t worry if your child seems to be a loner or not friendly. It’s a good idea to take a CPR and first aid class. Check with your local hospital or call the American Red Cross at 843-764-2323 ext. 358. Don’t forget to get your children’s feet measured often. The medical community recommends shoe fittings for children every three months, beginning at about 12 months of age. With obesity and eating disorders becoming prevalent, remember not to use food as a reward, pacifier, or punishment. Having a hard time getting your children to participate in the holiday family photo? Here are some quick tips - be quick, patient, shoot at eye level, get up close, and let them take a few shots of you! My favorite national parenting magazine is Parent & Child from Scholastic. The articles are always relevant and easy to read. And it lacks the cutesy fluff of other parenting publications. www.scholastic.com/parentandchild. I found the Baby Whisperer to be the best baby guide for my newborn. I recommend it to all my new mom friends. Try to avoid changing your baby’s diaper prior to feeding. This can prevent a second diaper change after feeding. Buy baby clothes a year in advance when stores have clearance sales or end of season sales. Planning ahead can save you lots of money in the long run. Teething babies love frozen bagels. They are easy to grip and provide a healthy snack. Frozen fruit works well, too. We put wet bath toys in a plastic basket with holes so the water can drain which cuts down on the mildew. Can’t get rid of a pesky diaper rash? Try Boudreaux’s Butt Paste for diaper rash and many other common ailments. Available at drug stores or call 1-800-368-RASH. Keep baby from slipping down in a highchair by attaching non-skid tub appliques to the back and seat of the chair. Hang a clear shoe bag on the door of the nursery room closet. Use it to keep nail clippers, nose bulb, diaper rash ointment, q-tips, etc., and everything is easy to see. HALOS is a Charleston organization that provides support and resources to children who are abused and neglected and served by DSS. They can always use baby items, financial support, or volunteers to help meet the needs of these children. www.charlestonhalos.org. Always keep disposable diapers stashed in a seat pocket in the car. You will be prepared for all those emergency diaper changes when you forget the diaper bag, and they are terrific for drink spills in the car because they suck up the liquid in no time! When potty training, carry a potty in the car and line it with a pull-up. When your potty trainer has to go, the pull-up absorbs everything and you just throw the pull-up away at your next stop. I keep a camera in my purse at all times. And some good advice from a dad of 4 was to keep your camcorder around and available at all times, like on the mantel – that way you are always ready for those important moments… because you might forget one day. To make certain your car seat is attached safely and securely, call your local fire station. Some fire fighters have car seat fitting certification. You can also call Babies R Us and ask about their program for properly securing car seats. “Breast Friend” Nursing Pillow works much better than other nursing pillows! It helps support the baby, giving moms a free hand, and places baby’s head in the right position. It velcros around Mom and has a pocket to keep handy items nearby. Avocados are the perfect baby food! High in nutrients and fat that babies need. La Leche League of Charleston offers monthly meetings in Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley. Pregnant women, mothers, and babies welcome. Also, ask about the toddler meetings for babies 6 months and older. Call 843-971-6632 or visit their website at www.lalecheleague.org for more information. BabyNet is South Carolina’s Early Intervention Program for children, newborn through age three, who are experiencing disabilities or developmental delays. A developmental delay can be seen in a child who cannot do the things that other children his or her age can do. BabyNet has no income requirements. Eligibility is based totally on the needs of the child and anyone can make a referral. For more information, visit their website at www.scdhec.gov/health. Having trouble getting your boy toddler in the carseat/stroller, etc.? I buy matchbox cars (5 for $1) and give him one to distract him when trying to get situated. Works every time but watch for choking parts. Time to get rid of the pacifier? Try putting a pin prick in the end of it. Your baby/toddler/child won’t get the sucking sensation and may not be interested anymore. When it’s time for booster seats, buy them from a restaurant supply store. They’re a little more expensive than the flimsy plastic ones, but they’re more durable and don’t move around. Cream of wheat is a good source of iron. One little bowl contains almost half of what you need all day. Great for moms and babies. I found that foam mattresses are best for my baby cribs. They are lightweight (easy for frequent sheet changes) and plenty firm. The best purchase I made for my nursery was an upholstered rocking chair. It’s comfortable for nursing, reading, and cuddling with baby. Nursing the baby is a perfect time to read a book to your toddler. It will prevent your toddler from getting into everything and he/she won’t feel neglected. Little toppers is an ingenious little invention. It is a spout you screw on your water bottle to make it easier for your little ones to drink. Littletoppers.com Sassy makes disposable diaper trash bags that come in a handy, small container- perfect for traveling. I had the windows tinted in my car. It reduces the heat inside the car in the summer and keeps the sun from getting in my children’s eyes.