Whether your child is just starting to walk or deep into the terrible twos, parents of toddlers can all agree that parenting just got a lot more interesting — and fun.
Discuss and share advice on all things toddler like potty training, language development, and dealing with all kinds of new behaviors.
We are thinking of transitioning our 14mo to a floor bed and would love some feedback. Right now, we close the door of her bedroom for nap time and at night but I am wondering what happens when they wake up. I am sure she will be knocking on the door which is not really the idea of the montessori bed. Thanks :)
My son started hitting other kids unprovoked and started taking toys away from other kids. How can I stop this behavior? Or what are some reasons you all might think this might be happening?
I agree with Vee. It could just be trouble communicating or expressing emotions. To the extent that you can, I would just get on his level and tell him that hitting hurts or that it’s time for his friend to have that toy or whatever the case may be. It’s tough at that age to get the message across. Redirection can also help. Rest assured this is a totally normal phase, even though I know it can... More
My 22 month old has mastered both holding to go to the bathroom at night and during naps and she is now going to the potty as soon as she wakes up but we can’t get her to go or I guess I haven’t “caught” the right time for her to go during the rest of the day. Any advice? What were your tricks? Is putting her on the potty every fifteen minutes necessary?
Naked from the waste down will teach her (and you) when she's got to go/going. It takes them a few days to learn the sensation and get to the potty. I highly recommend the "OH CRAP" book. Her methods are pretty common sense and have worked well with my son who is the same age as your daughter.
Hello! New to the Winnie app. My son is going to be 2 in November. He has always been small in size (in the 1st and not on the curve for weight and height) but it’s becoming more noticeable as all similar aged kids are so much bigger. He isn’t a picky eater, but 75% if his food goes on the floor. We will no longer let me help him with the spoon or fork and takes two bites of something and then ... More
We got a large silicone tray with 3 separate areas/bowls built in. We told him, “food stays on the table” several times and also designated one of the divots as the place he can put food that he doesn’t want to eat. Give him small amounts on the tray. Literally a bite or two, not an entire meal at once. If he throws food. He leaves the table. No discussion, no whining, no more chances. Be clear... More
I was never on the growth curve as a child. Somehow I made it to 30 with a daughter of my own (who's an overachiever and actually has a percentile). Unfortunately for you/your anxiety, the attitude towards you helping him will get worse before it gets better. 2-4 year olds are just learning they can do things for themselves and really want to be more independent. Let him feed himself. He... More
We just moved to a new house and want to know if kiddos go through adjustment periods. Our LO has been acting so different since the move and we'd like to understand or help him feel better.
He's been super sensitive, cries about almost everything. He was waking up crying from his naps like he was scared. He's eating a bit less. Oh and I feel like he's super clingy or needy. Today is day 3 at the new place and he was acting a little bit more normal but I guess that's cause we are almost back to his normal routine. Things we did: We moved a week after we closed... More
My baby is 12 months old and refuses to eat solids, he just likes some purees like zucchini and carrots. He doesn't like any meat I make for him, only likes the processed jar. Ver often I make purees of an entire meal and doesn't eat it. He does not like new textures and anything with strong flavor. He would take the majority of fruits with oatmeal. I need some advice, I don't know... More
I am having a tough time with my 3 year old. She doesn't sit on the potty seat yet.
I highly recommend the "OH CRAP" potty training book.....there is even a section that addresses older kids potty training issues (ie those over 30 months). BUT the biggest thing is that you have to be willing to commit fully......ie, not just "try"....potty training. You have to really commit to it for the duration. Good luck!
I’m flying with my 3-year-old and 5 month baby. This will be my and their first time flying. It’s only an hour long flight, but I’m still feeling pretty nervous. Any tips? I’m specifically worried about their ears hurting.
My little guy is 10 months and is exclusively breastfed aside from solids. For solids, he has 3 meals a day (we do babyled weaning) and loves it. I’m still nursing him 5-6 times a day. When can I start cutting out nursing/bottle? I prefer not to replace with cows milk.
Up to one year the main source of nutrients and calories are coming from breast milk. Usually at that age by themselves they nurse less since they have other interests. However you do not need to replace the breastmilk with anything else, nor drink nor milk. All they need is a balanced and healthy diet. Keep in mind that the world health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to age 2 and ... More
Thanks! That’s really helpful. My goal is to breastfeed for a year but I’m realizing unless I proactively wean him it definitely seems like he’ll keep going. Good to know about the World Health Org’s recommendation..
Please share any tips or tricks for sleep training a 3 year old. We just changed her crib to a toddler bed so she can get down from her bed now! Any tips would be helpful!! She needs me to sit or lay by her bed in order to fall asleep, & is waking throughout the night now! Thanks!!
Three is the perfect age to begin teaching the life skill of staying in bed. First step: learn the reward - what does your child want? Second step: link it to what you want. Third step: pre-frame Fourth step: Follow through This is a two step plan: First during the night time routine. “Timmy, would you like me to read you one story, two stories, or three stories” Timmy chooses thre... More
My daughter and I are taking a 2 hour flight in about a month. This is the first time I am taking my 19 month old (age at departure) on an airplane... A few questions I have are as following: 1) How can I get her ears to pop as we depart? 2) What are some things to keep her entertained (that the airport won't charge me a ridculous price for)? 3) Sitting on lap vs. having her own seat? Has ... More
Unless she's had chronic ear issues she most likely won't have much problem on the plane. Encourage her to drink, eat or use a pacifier during take off and landing, which can help them pop their own ears. In regards to entertainment..... honestly the thing that works best for us is snacks. I make a bento box of kid friendly snacks and choosing what he wants to eat is free entertainment.... More
We just took our 21 month old daughter on her first flights and I packed a variety of snacks and activities for her to have on the plane (gold fish, fruit snacks, graham crackers, etc). The snacks really helped for popping her ears, as well as her sippy cup of water. For activities I borrowed a friends iPad and loaded it up with toddler friendly games (that didn’t require WiFi). I also went to ... More
My son is 18 months and a lot of the time he’s great but he constantly messes up everything in his path. Anything clean is now a mess. I understand that that’s just toddler behavior, but when it’s coupled with not listening to me AT ALL (read: having to ask him to come over to me 50 billion times to put sunscreen on) my patience starts getting fried. I know I need more sleep at night because my... More
I have a 16 month old and I'm pregnant. I've been having similar issues with my patience then one day just last week my stern mommy voice and facial expression changed. Its stern and effective. Works on my son, dogs who are extremely stubborn, and my husband. Find your voice! Also come up with a compromise with your husband. It takes a village and although we as women are tough bitches ... More
Totally. I’m glad you posted this, the trail of disaster wherever they go is so exhausting! Some things I’ve tried: 1. I packed away most of the toys so there is less to clean up... heard it’s better to have less toys out anyway. 2. Take them outta the house and let them make a mess somewhere else! The yard, the playground, etc etc... let them have their “creative” outlet elsewhere. Or paint... More
My 2 year old son had a fever yesterday and that's pretty much gone now but last night and tonight he woke up shivering and with a dry cough. His throat feels swollen but not sure what I can do for this at home before I decide to take him to urgent care. Any recommendations?
Hey everyone. I’m in need of serious help. How do you guys get your toddlers to behave in public? Especially stores?? My two year old gives me such a hard time and it’s gotten to the point where I absolutely refuse to take him to the store with me. Any advice??
If he’s not too heavy, put him in a carrier like an ergo. Then involve him as much as possible in the errand by talking to him, asking his opinion about what to get, etc. so he’s not bored. Snacks are helpful, too! Definitely avoid errands when he’s likely to be getting tired. Solicit help, if possible, so one person can focus on him and another on the errand. Maybe shop with another mom friend... More
I involve my 21 mo old as much as possible. If it’s Target or any grocery store that has the little “car” cart, I always try to get those since he loves riding in those and will actually stay in the cart! I try to time any store outing to snack time so he’s entertained with a snack. Definitely avoid during times he’s likely to be tired or wanting a full meal. I talk to him the whole time and po... More
Solids Just wondering if this is a thing...I’m really hoping so. Starting around 8-9 months my baby no longer will willingly let me feed her first few bites of puréed food. I have to sneak in bites until she remembers she likes it then she’s okay. She willingly eats finger foods that she can feed herself. Is this normal??
I haven’t gone through this yet, but I’ve heard from some pretty respectable moms that starting your kids on soft solids (avocados, bananas, etc.) earlier teaches them to chew before swallowing and helps them feel like they’re just like any other person, which might be the issue here; sometimes kids just want to feel like a human person and eat what the rest of the family eats. I have a feeling... More
Birthday gift ideas for 2 year old girl? She loves stuffed animals but we have plenty of those. She likes her nails painted so child friendly nail polish is already on the list. Any and all ideas welcomed :)
My 16mo cries and screams about everything. Big or small. Sometimes it seems fake...sometimes it’s real. But I’m SO DONE. I’ve got a lot of things working against me so I can’t chalk it up to one thing. My kid hasn’t been sleeping great (molars,still nursing) she also wants to be held all the time. If I put her down all hell breaks loose. Have I caused this behavior by feeding into her crying? ... More
At what age did you let your babies taste adult food? Not fully let them eat it but let them taste it?
Any moms have advice, suggestions, or tips on potty training? Also when did you start? My LO is 17 months. And when should I start thinking about pull-ups?
I'm a week into the "Oh Chap" method with my son (he's almost 23 months) and it's going great! He was naked from the waist down for close to 3 days, and we're into loose pants or briefs only right now. He is using diapers just at night (and for his daily nap) as he doesn't have that level of control yet. Pulls ups are basically just fancy diapers....they aren't... More