NYC Preschool Philosophies: Which One is Right for Your Child?

When researching preschools, many parents think about location, schedule, and tuition when deciding where to enroll. Yet there are also major educational philosphical differences that should be considered . The school’s program philosophy has a lot of to do with the kinds of learning goals the school emphasizes, how the teacher interacts with the students, … Continued

First Choice Letters…Are They Important

First Choice Letters…. Are they important? When applying to nursery school, you may hear park bench rumors that you will only be accepted if you submit a “first choice” letter. You may be saying to yourself, “what is a first choice letter?” A first choice letter basically states to a school that if the school … Continued

Crying and Colic

Colic There is little anyone can do to soothe and quiet a baby with colic, which makes it one of the most frustrating experiences for new parents. Experts estimate that as many as 25 percent of babies have colic, yet they are still puzzled at its causes. Colic is defined as a period of prolonged … Continued

Sleep – Tips for a Great Sleeper

1. Add White Noise. This is truly a must-have sleep item and well worth the investment. White noise helps comfort small babies and cancels out household noises. Our favorite is the Marpac™ sound conditioner, available in our online sleep shop (www.dreamteambaby.com). Use it every time your child sleeps, day or night, and bring it with … Continued

Introducing Solid Foods

Things to remember: Introduce one new food at a time. Wait 2 – 3 days between new foods to watch for an allergic reaction. Choose only whole fat products such as whole milk, yogurt and cheese. Low-fat products can be given after the age of two Avoid hot dogs, grapes, popcorn, hard candy and nuts … Continued

Sleep Tips: Typical Sleep Schedules by Age

AGE TYPICAL SLEEP SCHEDULE 0-4 MONTHS Varied. Generally, after 8 weeks, a child naps after every two hours of awak time during the day. 4-6 MONTHS 7am – wake up for the day 9-10am – nap1 12-1pm – nap 2 3-4pm – nap 2 7pm – bedtime 6-15 MONTHS 7am – wake up for the … Continued

Discover the Secrets of the Exceptional Cranberry, presented by Ocean Spray

Discover the secrets of the Exceptional Cranberry, presented by Ocean Spray Pop-Up Bog, Rockefeller Center, New York City Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 6:30-8:30pm Every fall, Ocean Spray sets up a pop-up bog in the middle of Rockefeller Center. We get an opportunity to wear our waders and step inside the bog to enjoy Ocean Spray … Continued

Toddler Nutrition

How to Keep your Kids Hydrated When the mercury’s rising and temperatures seem to regularly get above 90, it’s important  to keep your kids-and yourself–hydrated.  (Fyi, being thirsty is a sign that you’re already dehydrated.) Keep in mind that children need a lot of water because they are so active, and they need even more … Continued

Discipline Do’s and Don’ts

Research consistently shows that the best way to promote positive behavior and to reduce misbehavior is by practicing positive discipline. What parents can do to increase good behavior Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for teaching good behavior, by giving positive feedback about the specific behavior you like.  for example, when your … Continued

Safety Tips for Infants

Safety Tips for Infants Infant Choking Babies choke on food and toys, slip under the water in the tub or a pool. If your baby is ever choking you’ll want to know what to do. Below is a guideline that will explain the Infant Heimlich but please don’t rely on it as your sole source … Continued

Breastfeeding: The First 6 Weeks

Breastfeeding: The First 6 Weeks (or, what you don’t remember from Pre-Natal Class!)You spent 9 months focused on labor and delivery. Now give yourself some time for the breastfeeding learning process, for both you and your baby. After all, neither of you have done this before! Breastfeeding takes time and you learn it by doing … Continued

Preparing Your Baby’s Bottle

Cleanliness first. Wash your hands thoroughly. If you’re using liquid infant formula, clean the can lid and shake the can well before opening. MIXING INSTRUCTIONS: Your baby’s health depends on carefully following the label instructions: Ask your baby’s doctor about the need to use cooled, boiled water for mixing. Ask your baby’s doctor about the … Continued

Seven Steps To Potty Training

Since my recent post about beginning Potty Training 101 on my son, a lot has happened. The experience was much easier than I expected. My two year old son (born in July, potty trained in August) is now out of diapers! (But for napping and nighttime). I’m going to tell you how I did it, … Continued

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, affecting one in every 800 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome are born with three copies of chromosome 21 (another name for Down syndrome is trisomy 21) giving them 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Individuals with Down syndrome have decreased mental abilities and health problems, … Continued