Toddlers: 24 Months+

Pool vest

sohappy14 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:51:41 GMT

What is a good life jacket for the pool? I thought the puddle jumper. I bought it for my almost 30lb lo and the arms were at his wrists after getting wet. Then he slipped and his head went forward and under water. He is really only in the baby pool 1.5 feet and I'm within an arms reach if him, but I want to feel safe and not be on complete top of him. He's 26 months. Every other mom there was sitting in a chair by the pool...I was literally following him around. Granted, some of the kids were prob 3 and I guess things change in a year, but still...thanks!!

What am I missing?

smittysmiles — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:18:25 GMT

About two months ago we transitioned DD from her crib and room to a full sized bed (with rails on both sides) and a new room. For the first month nap time and bedtime were fairly easy. She's always "chatted" herself to sleep, and that continued when we moved her.

But the last 4 weeks. Ugh. It is a battle of the wills with her. Some nights she cries and cries when I put her down. Sometimes she calms down quickly. Other nights she is in hysterics and it requires me going up there until she falls asleep. Some nights she wakes up in the middle of the night crying and I end up getting in bed with her for the rest of the night.

I thought maybe her molars were coming in - no sign of them. I thought maybe it was the fact that it was a new room, but by now, and with the inconsistency of her crying, I'm not so sure. We've tried everything from CIO, to progressively moving farther away incrementally over a few nights, to me laying with her until she falls asleep. We have a bedtime routine. I talk to her to tell her I'm just downstairs, etc.

We've been a bit inconsistent with our methods, but over the course of the four weeks have mostly have done some sort of COI routine. So I'm not sure if we have to go back to strict sleep training again, if there's a reason behind it that I'm missing... or what. Anyone have any suggestions or similar experiences?

small or large party?

ladylisalt — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:41:05 GMT

Did you do a small or large party for LO's 2nd b-day. Traditionally it appears that the 1st b-day is the one to go all out. Just curious what other people were doing. I think we are going to go smaller. My friend had a good point though, she said, we have to go to everyone else's parties so I am inviting everyone to ours.

Can your early 3....

Skye412 — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:17:44 GMT

button/unbutton buttons?

Cut a sheet of paper in half?

I was just looking at a milestone sheet - my son just turned 3 - he was on or ahead with most milestones, but definitely behind on the two above.

I know kids all develop at different rates, but I feel bad because I don't tend to work with him on fine motor as much (daycare does do a lot of coloring, painting, etc).

We have an Elmo doll with the button, zipper, etc, and he is just starting to unbutton Elmo's large button (definitely not solid with it yet).

And he can snip paper, but I don't think we're anywhere near cutting a paper in half.

favorite gifts for a 2 year old?

ladylisalt — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:38:09 GMT

Looking for recommendations since my DS will be turning 2. He has a lot of toys so I want to be choosy on a few new ones. Recommendations please.

Sibling Age Gap

muttpups — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:15:14 GMT

What is the age gap between your LOs? What are some pros and cons of the age gap? Our DS is 25 months and I go back and forth about when to try to have another one. I always wanted our LOs to be fairly close in age, but that just hasn't been in the cards for us so far. My brother and I were almost 6 years apart and were very different growing up and didn't really have a close relationship. Even as adults we are not very close. I'm sure that is not how it is in every family, but it is something I think about.

I'm just looking for some pros and cons that you see with your LOs being close or far apart in age.

TIA!

Confession- bribed DS with soda

Lisadi — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:02:30 GMT

Yesterday I was outside with DS and it was getting past lunch time. He was having fun, but I was getting hot and preferred to make and eat lunch inside. I asked him if he was interested in xyz for lunch. He said yes. I told him we should go inside to eat. Whining and "no's" followed. I tried mentioning different toys he could play with inside during lunch. No go. Short on ideas I blurted out that he could taste daddy's soda (a forbidden fruit). He dropped his outside toy and marched inside. Once inside I tried to distract him, but he was hell-bent then on the soda. I poured some in a 3 oz. plastic dixie cup that I'm using for when he drinks without a sippy- maybe 1 - 1.5 oz. He tasted, but did not drink. I tossed the rest.

So, I know bribing's not great. It's not my preferred method, but it got him inside to eat lunch and nap. The alternative would have been to just pick him up and deal with the crying. I've had to do that on occasion, when leaving the park for example, but I hate to do that.
I know that I need to read up on more toddler parenting books- maybe even a super nanny one. My toddler's pretty well behaved, but like my development books say, the 2nd 6 months for 2 year olds is filled with a lot of negativity. It was seemingly overnight. I guess I've been so spoiled with his agreeableness, that I don't feel quite prepared for this.

I told DH this, and he reamed me this morning. He went on to say how soda can lead to childhold obesity, etc. Mind you, he drinks a soda for breakfast and another before dinner. He willingly feeds DS ice cream, frequently.
DS was still nursing until recently, is served water with meals and to drink. On occasion he has had the apple juice that is half juice, half water in the 3 oz. dixie cup for practice. He does o.k. eating veggies- all food groups really.

So, yeah, not the greatest. But, really, is this ream-worthy?

For anyone else who has occasionally bribed, here are some commiserating articles:
- http://www.parents.com/blogs/fearless-feisty-mama/tag/bribing-toddler/

- http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/01/15/bribing_your_kids_the_experts_say_not_to_do_it_but_is_there_another_way.html

Diapers at night potty training?

ilba2011 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:22:18 GMT

How do you guys handle nighttime potty training do you put diapers on?

Moms of 2+ kids

honeybee111 — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 03:40:26 GMT

OMG, how do you do it???

DD is 3, and DS is only 2 weeks, so I'm new at the whole juggling kids thing, but I almost cried right now out of panic. I was doing bedtime routine with DD, and DS was sleeping. DS woke up crying. I went to pick him up. When I came back, DD had had an accident(I think she's regressing a little bit in potty training since DS came along), and she was crying and upset about it. I put DS down to help her get cleaned up. DS started screaming because he was hungry. I ended up doing a crappy job brushing DD's teeth while holding DS, then sitting and nursing DS while reading DD a bedtime story. Now, both kids are asleep, and I am worn out by the last half hour.

Oh, DH was cleaning up in the garage. I could have told him to come in and help, but I kind of wanted to try it on my own, since there will be evenings when it's just me and the kids when DH works late. Up until now, we've been passing the kids back and forth, which I think works best, but won't always be possible. How do you handle two kids for bedtime routines?

Your favorite"Honest Company" brand products

ladylisalt — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:01:12 GMT

I have a coupon and wanted to try something from this company. Anything you tried and liked or use now?

Advice Regarding Family and Faith (XP)

sschwege — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:29:23 GMT

My MIL is a very religious, spiritual person. Is always talking about how raising her children in the faith was the most important thing, etc. Before we started having kids we went to church most Sundays. It is something I have always enjoyed, and feel centered and at peace there. After DD was born we weren't quite as consistent, but still went frequently. Basically DH and I would take turns entertaining DD, so at least one of us could be listening/praying. Now that DS is here I just feel like when we go to church all we do is color, I BF, etc. I want to start going more frequently when the kids get older, but right now, I just feel like I'm going through the motions. We still pray with DD before her nap, bed, before dinner, talk about our faith, but recently we have only been going to church when we are with DH's parents.

Recently my MIL asked me how often we go to church and I was honest and said, "The last time we went was when you were in town." Ever since she has been talking to DH about church more than before. Saying, "Even if you have to take the kids alone, then do that." "Even if you have to go by yourself, do that." I'm not the one keeping us from church, if DH said, "Let's go" I would. We just haven't made it a priority recently.

Anybody else dealing with pressure from family members regarding religion? Any nice way of saying, these are our choices, not yours? TIA

Sexless Marraige

txbutterfly — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:35:20 GMT

I once saw a talk show where they said if you have sex less than once a month then you are in a sexless Marraige. Well I can count on one hand the times we have had sex since DS was born he's 24 mos and we have a 4 yr old. He has never wanted it much even before kids it was like once a week, if that. I know he's not cheating so please don't say that. He has gotten a physical and it tested testosterone and they said all his levels were normal. I don't know what's wrong but I'm getting depressed about it. I like to think Im an attractive girl but it makes me feel so unattractive that he never initiates. I have tried to initiate and gotten turned down several times he says he's tired, etc and I just can't anymore. He says he's a morning person and the kids always wake us up so evening are our only time to do it. I'm sorry but he could make an effort at least sometimes. We love each other just no romance. Is this normal?

Naps and a three year old

DynoMight — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:37:23 GMT

My three year old ( turned 3 May 1st) will not take a nap on a regular basis. I have tried reading him a story or three, we potty, have a drink, etc. We try the same time every day. By 7pm he's normally overtired and grumpy if he hasn't napped. I've tried doing quite time for an hour so he can have some down time and his little sister can take a nap without him making all kinds of noise but he keeps getting up and coming to where I am. I don't know if it's time to stop napping or if I need to get more strict with him about napping. I think he still needs to nap because if we try to go do anything in the afternoon when he hasn't napped, it's a disaster.

Pronouns

hmontty — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:13:35 GMT

I know "my" is an adjective technically, but it is sort of functionally similar to pronouns in that it is a word that can move from one person to another nonspecifically, and so cognitively it's sort of similar in concept...if you understand what I mean.

I'm wondering, then, if you would consider the use of "my" as "pronoun" use. My daughter today said "My banana," and when I asked her if she said "my," she repeated the word and put her hands on her chest, so I am sure that's what she meant.

I haven't yet heard her use real pronouns, but just wondering what you guys think.

Long car trip advice

KaylaO1024 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:30:01 GMT

We are taking a 12 1/2 hour drive in a few weeks with our DS who will be 3 in October. My initial plan was to leave around 7pm and drive all night with hopes that he will sleep most of the night. Now I'm wondering if we should leave in the morning and drive all day or break the trip up a little bit and stay at a hotel (which my husband really doesn't want to do). Has anyone ever taken this long of a car trip with a toddler? What do you think the best option is?

Also, any other car trip advice will be greatly appreciated. This is our first vacation with him so I'm pretty anxious.

Gaining weight!

mlamping — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:24:30 GMT

Hello,

I am a lurker, and I hope you can help me. My dd is 2.5 and is 30 pounds. She has been the same weight since 18 months or so. We tried to feed her high calorie foods but she does not gain the weight. She is very active and I think burns its during her day. She is tall at 37 inches. My pedi thinks I should feed her more, but I am trying and it is not working.

Any ideas of how to have her gain weight. I think she is fine and healthy but the doc keeps telling me her weight should be changing.

Thanks for your advice.

26 mos. Everyday meltdowns...

Mrs.Salt&Pepper — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:55:32 GMT

I am just wondering what other's children are like. My daughter seems more intense than your average 2 year old. For about a month now, she just hasn't had a good day. Every single day she melts down, about the most random things, and usually it is multiple times a day. Today I was surprised because she had a great day, and I thought to myself, wow! finally a peaceful, happy day. Well, I thought too soon cause bathtime just erupted into a crazy scream fest where my husband finally came and took over because he knew I was gonna lose my marbles too.

I don't know if this is the typical "terrible twos" or what. She has the shortest temper and it's crazy. She also has a rather extensive vocabulary, so I don't understand why she doesn't just ask for help when something gets difficult. If she has a hard time with something, for example, her pant leg is scrunched up around her knee and she wants to pull it down but can't, she immediately starts screaming and freaking out. I try to tell her, "it's ok, sweets, just ask for help and I can help you" but it hasn't clicked for her yet I guess.

Sorry for the debbie downer post. Just wondering what your days have been looking like. This bi-polar like phase is sad. :(

Potty Training Question

Mumma2B — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:29:17 GMT

Potty Training Insight: So we started potty training my daughter (turned 2 last month) on Saturday. She is doing pretty well considering we are only on day 3. This morning however she told DH she had to go pee pee and sat on the potty but when she pee'd (and it was a big one) she cried. Is this normal or could she have a UTI?

Yesterday she seemed to say she had to pee all the time and we were running her to the toilet like every 10 mins but she didn't pee. I'm wondering if maybe it hurts or if this is just part of the process of understanding her body.

2year old pooping issue

jlpev — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:12:02 GMT

My son is 2 1/2. He has just recently started having trouble pooping. He will say it hurts and will shake or squat down. It started after having my DD 3 weeks ago. It has happened 3 times. His diet hasn't changed. I feel terrible!!! I hate that its hurting him. Any suggestions???

How long is too long in a crib?

KariB509 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:19:07 GMT

My son just turned 2 on May 19. I'm absolutely terrified to move him from his crib to a bed (it's actually a convertible crib, so I'll just be taking the rail down to make a bed). He's never been a very good sleeper. He was 9 months old before he finally started sleeping through the night. Now he's fairly easy to put down but I'd say on average he still wakes up at least one night a week. With that being said, you may now understand my fear. When we remove the rail on his crib, making it into a bed, he will undoubtedly get out of bed (and yes, he knows how to open his door). I don't know how in the world I'm ever going to get him to stay in his bed and sleep. Any suggestions? How long is too long to keep him in a crib?

Thanks!

Life jacket question

dmathis10 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:55:00 GMT

I hope this isn't a stupid question...
I know Puddle Jumpers are US Coast Guard approved life jackets. Does that mean its OK to use as a life jacket on the lake while in a boat? We use the PJ for DD in the pool but have a lake outing planned for next weekend. I wasn't sure if I need to get her a different life jacket for that. We will be riding on a boat and may take her for a little spin on the jet ski.

XP- Oct 13: Night training, getting up in MOTN?

crunchymama11 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:32:28 GMT

My DD is 2, and has been day-trained for about 6 weeks. As long as she pees before nap, she stays dry at nap-time too (yesterday she stayed dry for her 3 hour nap!). She also will not pee in her nighttime diaper if she is awake. Her diaper is really wet in the morning.

I know she is still young, and it could take a long time to night train. But the last 2 nights she is waking in the MOTN and early before her wake-up and I hear her on the monitor saying "pee-pee, pee-pee". Should I go in there and let her go potty in the MOTN? Or just wait until she can stay dry all night? I don't particularly want to get up multiple times a night to take her potty, but I don't want to miss a night-training window, either. Any thoughts appreciated!

Travel and pack n play

sohappy14 — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:52:32 GMT

Does anyone still have their 2 year still sleep in a pack n play? I m going to the beach for a weekend with all beds and didn't know if the pack n play is too small now. He still sleeps in a crib but thought maybe he'd be ok in pack n play 2 nights. He has an extra matress in there to make in more comfortable! I may have to try the bed if the pack n play doesn't work. Just not sure he'd fall asleep there on his own

Biting all of sudden, almost 3 year old

ktrn — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:22:12 GMT

Hi Ladies, My DS has started biting all of a sudden- past 3 weeks maybe, randomly either biting me, my mother or his baby sister. DD is almost 1 year old and he hasn't done that to her before and he is biting really really hard. He bit me today on my chest and I almost bled. And it wasn't even out of frustration- I was carrying him to my bed out of the bath tub, kissing him telling him how much I love him and he was smiling then bam! I punished him for it and he was crying then started acting out a bit, I gave him a lecture how biting hurts, we don't do that, we love each other, we should do things that make each other happy blah blah blah, I'm just not sure what's causing it though. No changes that I can think of off the top of my head, same routine, same amount of time with mom and dad etc.

Any ideas? I want to work on prevention. Thanks so much, its really stressing me out!

discovering "privates"

exhausted8 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:58:09 GMT

Hi there! I think I have posted an introduction on this board before but I never came back

Anywho, While I was on maternity leave I decided it was a great time to potty train DS1. He did wonderfully and has only had a handful of accidents in the past several weeks. In the beginning I left him naked from the waist down all day long until he was consistently going on his potty. Now, he takes his pants off and goes to the potty as needed.

That sounds great and all, but he has become obsessed with being naked and exploring his genitals. I know that this is normal behavior and it was to be expected, but to this extent?

He is using "potty" as an excuse to take his pants off all the time. And as soon as I try to put his pants back on, he will cry "potty" again knowing that I won't deprive him of going to the bathroom. I must put his pants back on him 20 times a day (He is NOT going to the bathroom this often, just taking off his pants)

If his pants are off, he is touching his penis. Always. He takes his toys and put his penis on things, like his little toy trucks or anything else.

I have even caught him taking anything that is cup shaped and peeing in it!! (yesterday, it was a plastic scoop thing) Why is he even thinking to do these things? I can't understand it! I keep explaining to him that his peepee is for going potty only and that it is not a toy and he needs to keep his pants on like a big boy but I get no where.

I understand that boys discover themselves and this is a natural thing, but I rarely see him without his hands on his penis anymore, and I have a 7 week old to care for while trying to deal with this..

Please if anyone has any experience with this, or advice to give I am all ears!!

ETA: Wow, this got long. I apologize for that!