Babies can act like cavemen at the dinner table and be perfect savages even at their own birthday party. They will do it when they are angry; they do it to show their love. Reasons aside, teaching them proper table manners will be the first step towards the lifelong discipline and etiquette that should sooner-not later-be second nature to your child. Remember, the more disciplined and consistent you are, the more disciplined and consistent your child will be. Breaking the rules from time to time may only serve to confuse your child.
Here are some basic table rules you also need to follow. Children can only learn by example:
• Make sure meals are quiet-no lecturing at the table.
• No arguments and raised voices.
• No playing with food. Gently but firmly discourage your baby from throwing food around at the table.
• Use gentle and clear words such as 'please' and 'thank you' to ask for anything desired.
• Offer babies small portions at regular intervals and show appreciation when they 'clean' their plates.
• Familiarize your baby with eating with forks and spoons. The best way to do this is to let your child see you using them.
At the Restaurant
• Order your child's food first to prevent long waits. This will prevent your child from becoming bored or impatient.
• Make sure your baby is well rested and hungry when you arrive at the table.
• Don't reprimand your child in public.
• Take your baby for a short stroll if you notice any signs of crankiness.
Well-behaved children are a joy to have around you. On the other hand, misbehaved children are a constant source of worry, trouble and unhappiness. Therefore, parents need to encourage good and balanced behavior in their children not only for their own benefit but also for the benefit of the children themselves and the society in which they are being brought up. Find more articles related on tips to help you discipline your toddler in a positive way without being harsh or cruel.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Introduce Your Toddler To Music
Make them dance.
Make them swing.
Make them feel they can do anything.
Yes! Music is fun for your kids and a great way for you to connect with your toddlers. Many parents observe that it's never too early for children to start learning music. Some can go in for basic formal training at age 3.
Here are some of the great things that music can do for your children:
• Experts recognize music as a positive developmental stimulus for growing children.
• Music gives children movements that lend confidence and stride to developing children.
• Music can be a learning tool too as children are more susceptible to learn their words and pictures when they are set to the rhythm of music.
• Music lessons for older toddlers are known to increase their brainpower.
Follow these few tips to help your toddler get started on music:
• Play classical music in the morning and keep it on for longer hours.
• Avoid grunge and hard metal music.
• Be spontaneous and break out into song and dance once a while.
• Start your kids off with the piano, as there is no special fingering that they need to master.
• Toddlers love reggae music and songs with a bit of narrative. Buy lots of that stuff for their listening pleasure.
• Keep music as an integral part of your child's life.
Remember also that you have a choice over what kind of music your child listens to. If you don't want to hear Barney or Raffi, don't buy their music or put on their TV shows. There is plenty of other great music, some old and some new, that your child will love.
Make them swing.
Make them feel they can do anything.
Yes! Music is fun for your kids and a great way for you to connect with your toddlers. Many parents observe that it's never too early for children to start learning music. Some can go in for basic formal training at age 3.
Here are some of the great things that music can do for your children:
• Experts recognize music as a positive developmental stimulus for growing children.
• Music gives children movements that lend confidence and stride to developing children.
• Music can be a learning tool too as children are more susceptible to learn their words and pictures when they are set to the rhythm of music.
• Music lessons for older toddlers are known to increase their brainpower.
Follow these few tips to help your toddler get started on music:
• Play classical music in the morning and keep it on for longer hours.
• Avoid grunge and hard metal music.
• Be spontaneous and break out into song and dance once a while.
• Start your kids off with the piano, as there is no special fingering that they need to master.
• Toddlers love reggae music and songs with a bit of narrative. Buy lots of that stuff for their listening pleasure.
• Keep music as an integral part of your child's life.
Remember also that you have a choice over what kind of music your child listens to. If you don't want to hear Barney or Raffi, don't buy their music or put on their TV shows. There is plenty of other great music, some old and some new, that your child will love.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Dad's Guide to Raising Over-Scheduled Kids
We all want to make sure our kids have enough experiences so that they know where they can really shine. This in turn may provide the direction for a fulfilling life. Sometimes, however, in our zeal to show them new things, we either allow them or push them to take too much on at once. Here are a few warning signs that your child is overbooked and over-extended.
1. You find that you can't find time on their schedule to spend time with them. If your son or daughter needs his or her own copy of Outlook, you may have a problem.
2. His or her school grades are falling.
3. Your child has a hard time entertaining himself on his own.
4. Extracurricular activities start to overlap. For example, the basketball game is at the same time as the piano recital.
5. Your child seems anxious, irritable or over-tired.
How to get your child off the treadmill? Here are a few suggestions.
* First of all, don't pull the plug all at once. It's important for a child to know they need to follow through on their commitments. Look for natural breaks in the action to eliminate an activity.
* Interview your child. What makes her excited? What does she really want to do in her spare time? A frank discussion may surprise you. You may find she does some things just to please you or because her friends do it. If you can find things that really make her shine, you're on the right track.
* Consider dividing her activities up in two groups. Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, the author of The Overscheduled Child, recommends diving activities in to "must do" and optional categories. Must do might include swimming classes at six or seven years old because you feel this is a swim safety skill that must be acquired. Once you have that list (and keep it short for any given season), allow your child to pick what goes into the optional pile, while keeping an eye on how many activities you have going on.
The American Academy of Pediatrics in the January 2007 issue says that over-scheduling is most pronounced in the nine-to-twelve years age group but it can occur at any age. They suggest that, despite a trend toward pushing kids to do more to aid in their development, kids need more play and family time. As with adults, life-balance skills have to be learned and it might be time for a lesson.
1. You find that you can't find time on their schedule to spend time with them. If your son or daughter needs his or her own copy of Outlook, you may have a problem.
2. His or her school grades are falling.
3. Your child has a hard time entertaining himself on his own.
4. Extracurricular activities start to overlap. For example, the basketball game is at the same time as the piano recital.
5. Your child seems anxious, irritable or over-tired.
How to get your child off the treadmill? Here are a few suggestions.
* First of all, don't pull the plug all at once. It's important for a child to know they need to follow through on their commitments. Look for natural breaks in the action to eliminate an activity.
* Interview your child. What makes her excited? What does she really want to do in her spare time? A frank discussion may surprise you. You may find she does some things just to please you or because her friends do it. If you can find things that really make her shine, you're on the right track.
* Consider dividing her activities up in two groups. Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, the author of The Overscheduled Child, recommends diving activities in to "must do" and optional categories. Must do might include swimming classes at six or seven years old because you feel this is a swim safety skill that must be acquired. Once you have that list (and keep it short for any given season), allow your child to pick what goes into the optional pile, while keeping an eye on how many activities you have going on.
The American Academy of Pediatrics in the January 2007 issue says that over-scheduling is most pronounced in the nine-to-twelve years age group but it can occur at any age. They suggest that, despite a trend toward pushing kids to do more to aid in their development, kids need more play and family time. As with adults, life-balance skills have to be learned and it might be time for a lesson.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Babysitter Games for Kids
Babysitting is a job that requires endless energy. Either you keep the kids occupied or they keep you on your toes. Keeping them occupied is not so simple, however. Kids lose interest in a toy or an activity sooner than you think. Moreover, boredom makes kids whiny and irritable. Babysitter games come in handy here. There are plenty of such babysitter games and activities, which are interactive, educative, and fun.
If you are taking care of more than one child, the following group activities can be organized.
• Red Light, Green Light: Traffic rules can be taught early through this babysitter game. One child stands with arms outstretched and gives red and green light signals which have to be followed by the rest standing at the other end. Children are required to run on a green signal and freeze on a red signal.
• Duck Duck Goose: The kids are made to sit in a circle. One child walks around tapping each one’s head saying duck or goose. On "goose," the child tapped (goose) must run after the tapper around the circle and reach his seat before the tapper; else, the kid will have to sit in the middle of the circle.
• Hide and Seek: One child searches the rest who hide within a defined area. The kid found first searches the rest and the game continues until all the children are found.
• Treasure Hunt: A popular babysitter game for kids above the age of three, it involves hunting for a treasure (any object) in a defined area. The child who finds it first wins. You can make it even more interesting by giving clues.
There are some babysitter games which can be played in groups or even with a single child.
• Simon Says: In this game, “Simon” gives instructions and everyone follows. Whoever fails to follows the commands is ousted and the most accurate player wins.
• Paper Bag Guess: Familiar objects in the house are collected in a bag and the children take turns feeling the object and guessing what is it.
• Silly Faces: Funny faces make kids laugh no end. Ask the kids to stand in front of the mirror and let them make scary, happy, sad, and crazy faces.
• Food Creations: Lunch time can be playtime also. Use fruits and other healthy foods to create interesting shapes and lifelike characters. You can make the kids eat by amusing them at the same time. Involving older kids can be even more enjoyable.
If you are taking care of more than one child, the following group activities can be organized.
• Red Light, Green Light: Traffic rules can be taught early through this babysitter game. One child stands with arms outstretched and gives red and green light signals which have to be followed by the rest standing at the other end. Children are required to run on a green signal and freeze on a red signal.
• Duck Duck Goose: The kids are made to sit in a circle. One child walks around tapping each one’s head saying duck or goose. On "goose," the child tapped (goose) must run after the tapper around the circle and reach his seat before the tapper; else, the kid will have to sit in the middle of the circle.
• Hide and Seek: One child searches the rest who hide within a defined area. The kid found first searches the rest and the game continues until all the children are found.
• Treasure Hunt: A popular babysitter game for kids above the age of three, it involves hunting for a treasure (any object) in a defined area. The child who finds it first wins. You can make it even more interesting by giving clues.
There are some babysitter games which can be played in groups or even with a single child.
• Simon Says: In this game, “Simon” gives instructions and everyone follows. Whoever fails to follows the commands is ousted and the most accurate player wins.
• Paper Bag Guess: Familiar objects in the house are collected in a bag and the children take turns feeling the object and guessing what is it.
• Silly Faces: Funny faces make kids laugh no end. Ask the kids to stand in front of the mirror and let them make scary, happy, sad, and crazy faces.
• Food Creations: Lunch time can be playtime also. Use fruits and other healthy foods to create interesting shapes and lifelike characters. You can make the kids eat by amusing them at the same time. Involving older kids can be even more enjoyable.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pregnancy And Folic Acid
Planning a baby? If your wife is trying to get pregnant, getting plenty of folic acid is important to help lower the risk of a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
What is Folic Acid and why should my spouse take it?
Folic acid is a B vitamin, which helps the body make healthy new cells. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, all women need folic acid. When a woman has enough folic acid before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.
Be sure your spouse gets enough folic acid every day. She should start before she gets pregnant. Folic acid is needed during the first few weeks, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. And half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are not planned. That is why it's so important to start taking folic acid each day, even when she is not planning to get pregnant.
Folic acid might also have other benefits for men and women of any age. Some studies show that folic acid might help prevent heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and possibly Alzheimer's disease.
How much folic acid should your spouse take?
Following are the conditions outlined by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services which will help you determine how much folic acid your spouse should take.
• She is able to get pregnant. She should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day
• She is pregnant. She should take 600mcg of folic acid every day.
• She is breastfeeding. She should take 500mcg of folic acid every day
• She has had a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly and wants to get pregnant again. She should talk with her doctor, and ask for a prescription for a higher dose of folic acid. She should take 4,000 micrograms (4,000 mcg) starting at least one to three months before getting pregnant and during the first 3 months of pregnancy. That's 10 times the normal amount! But don't let her try to get the larger amount by taking more than one multivitamin or prenatal vitamin a day. She could get too much of another vitamin that could harm her or the baby
• You spouse has had a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly. She is not planning to have another baby. She should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
If you are about to start a family with your spouse, you will often hear about family planning. But what really does it mean? Family planning is often understood as prevention of pregnancy.
What is Folic Acid and why should my spouse take it?
Folic acid is a B vitamin, which helps the body make healthy new cells. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, all women need folic acid. When a woman has enough folic acid before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.
Be sure your spouse gets enough folic acid every day. She should start before she gets pregnant. Folic acid is needed during the first few weeks, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. And half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are not planned. That is why it's so important to start taking folic acid each day, even when she is not planning to get pregnant.
Folic acid might also have other benefits for men and women of any age. Some studies show that folic acid might help prevent heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and possibly Alzheimer's disease.
How much folic acid should your spouse take?
Following are the conditions outlined by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services which will help you determine how much folic acid your spouse should take.
• She is able to get pregnant. She should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day
• She is pregnant. She should take 600mcg of folic acid every day.
• She is breastfeeding. She should take 500mcg of folic acid every day
• She has had a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly and wants to get pregnant again. She should talk with her doctor, and ask for a prescription for a higher dose of folic acid. She should take 4,000 micrograms (4,000 mcg) starting at least one to three months before getting pregnant and during the first 3 months of pregnancy. That's 10 times the normal amount! But don't let her try to get the larger amount by taking more than one multivitamin or prenatal vitamin a day. She could get too much of another vitamin that could harm her or the baby
• You spouse has had a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly. She is not planning to have another baby. She should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
If you are about to start a family with your spouse, you will often hear about family planning. But what really does it mean? Family planning is often understood as prevention of pregnancy.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Birth Control Pills and HIV
Will birth control pills protect us from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?
Some people are misled to believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).
It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.
If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you should never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently - which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don't be embarrassed.
Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.
Some people are misled to believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).
It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.
If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you should never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently - which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don't be embarrassed.
Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Top 7 Useful Tips for Valentine's Day
1. Make Valentine's Day a Family Affair: Use the Valentine's Day holiday to discuss with your kids the nature of romantic love, and your feelings for their mother. Open up to them, and share your feelings deeply, so they can see you as a complete person, not just a dad. This may seem sappy, but your relationship with your wife is the most important role model for romantic love and partnership for them as they grow up.
2. Planning a Valentine's Day Gift for Mom Can Be Educational: Engage the kids in brainstorming a long list of gifts you might buy or create for mom NOT as a mother, but as a gorgeous woman who loves romance. Estimate the prices and/or the time it will take to make the items. Model the skills of brainstorming, planning, deliberating, sticking to a budget, being creative, and analyzing the impact of a gift. (Suggested by Susan Singh, St. Paul Minnesota).
3. Use Valentine Gifts as a Way to Find Out About Your Kid's Life in School: If the kids are old enough discuss with them what they are thinking about doing for Valentine's Day, if anything, for their friends/sweethearts at school. This will be a good opportunity to get them to open up about issues or problems they might have ("a teachable moment").
4. Once Upon a Time in a Magical Place Called "Before Kids": Bring out photos of the old days when you were dating your wife, and share with the kids stories of how you were as a young boy and man. This kind of sharing will help them open up and learn lessons about love indirectly through modeling.
5. Valentine's Gifts for Important People around You Teaches Graciousness: Invite your children to nominate some other men or women in their lives (cousins, uncles, neighbors, and friends) who they admire and love, and prepare homemade Valentine's Day gifts or cards for them, flattering their looks and gracious manner.
6. A Romantic Song Can Be the Best Valentine's Day Gift for Him or Her: Choose some favorite romantic songs and ask the kids to learn the lyrics and melody so you can all sing it for mom at a special moment.
7. Be Your Own Shakespeare or Jerry Seinfeld on Valentine's Day: Make up a play or skit where the kids play you and your wife when you first met, and when you became engaged. Have your children playact the roles, and improvise new lines, as needed.
2. Planning a Valentine's Day Gift for Mom Can Be Educational: Engage the kids in brainstorming a long list of gifts you might buy or create for mom NOT as a mother, but as a gorgeous woman who loves romance. Estimate the prices and/or the time it will take to make the items. Model the skills of brainstorming, planning, deliberating, sticking to a budget, being creative, and analyzing the impact of a gift. (Suggested by Susan Singh, St. Paul Minnesota).
3. Use Valentine Gifts as a Way to Find Out About Your Kid's Life in School: If the kids are old enough discuss with them what they are thinking about doing for Valentine's Day, if anything, for their friends/sweethearts at school. This will be a good opportunity to get them to open up about issues or problems they might have ("a teachable moment").
4. Once Upon a Time in a Magical Place Called "Before Kids": Bring out photos of the old days when you were dating your wife, and share with the kids stories of how you were as a young boy and man. This kind of sharing will help them open up and learn lessons about love indirectly through modeling.
5. Valentine's Gifts for Important People around You Teaches Graciousness: Invite your children to nominate some other men or women in their lives (cousins, uncles, neighbors, and friends) who they admire and love, and prepare homemade Valentine's Day gifts or cards for them, flattering their looks and gracious manner.
6. A Romantic Song Can Be the Best Valentine's Day Gift for Him or Her: Choose some favorite romantic songs and ask the kids to learn the lyrics and melody so you can all sing it for mom at a special moment.
7. Be Your Own Shakespeare or Jerry Seinfeld on Valentine's Day: Make up a play or skit where the kids play you and your wife when you first met, and when you became engaged. Have your children playact the roles, and improvise new lines, as needed.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Your Dad
Valentine's Day is the time to express our feelings for the people we love. It is thus a great occasion to acknowledge our love for our dads-for all that they do for us. Selecting a gift for your dad need not be difficult. If you know your dad well, you can easily select a Valentine's Day gift for him that will be meaningful to him.
Here are some general tips on selecting Valentine's Day gifts for him:
1. Ask your dad what he would like: Items generally advertised as ideal for dads may not necessarily be the best for your dad. Specifically keep in mind your dad's likes and dislikes while looking for a Valentine's Day gift for him. The easiest way would be to ask him. You could do this indirectly by suggesting some gift ideas and asking him what he thinks about them.
2. Learn about his hobbies: What can be better than a Valentine's Day gift for him that has something to do with his hobbies? Whether it is a carpentry tool set or a telescope, you can be sure he will use your gift often.
3. Give him something with you in it: Your dad will love whatever you give him because it is from you. After all, you do mean more to him than anything else. The best Valentine's Day gift for him would be something you have made. It could be a bookrack that you made especially for him or a sweater that you knit for him.
4. Join him in what he likes: Do something with your dad that he will enjoy, whether it is accompanying him to a movie or joining him for a game of chess.
5. Give him a gift certificate: If you are still not sure about the ideal Valentine's Day gift for him, simply gift your dad a gift certificate that will allow him to pick up a gift of his choice. Do offer to go around with him and help him to select it.
Here are some general tips on selecting Valentine's Day gifts for him:
1. Ask your dad what he would like: Items generally advertised as ideal for dads may not necessarily be the best for your dad. Specifically keep in mind your dad's likes and dislikes while looking for a Valentine's Day gift for him. The easiest way would be to ask him. You could do this indirectly by suggesting some gift ideas and asking him what he thinks about them.
2. Learn about his hobbies: What can be better than a Valentine's Day gift for him that has something to do with his hobbies? Whether it is a carpentry tool set or a telescope, you can be sure he will use your gift often.
3. Give him something with you in it: Your dad will love whatever you give him because it is from you. After all, you do mean more to him than anything else. The best Valentine's Day gift for him would be something you have made. It could be a bookrack that you made especially for him or a sweater that you knit for him.
4. Join him in what he likes: Do something with your dad that he will enjoy, whether it is accompanying him to a movie or joining him for a game of chess.
5. Give him a gift certificate: If you are still not sure about the ideal Valentine's Day gift for him, simply gift your dad a gift certificate that will allow him to pick up a gift of his choice. Do offer to go around with him and help him to select it.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts
Valentine's Day celebrates romance. It is only natural that you celebrate the occasion by giving your spouse a romantic Valentine's Day gift. However, this is often not as simple as it sounds. Many dads find it very difficult to think up something appropriate and relevant.
Here is a list of some romantic Valentine's Day gift ideas:
1. Have a candlelight dinner-with a difference: A quiet candlelight dinner is a popular romantic Valentine's Day gift. However, instead of going to the same old restaurant again, how about adding an exciting twist to this? You can arrange to do this in your home or even set up the table in your lawn. You can even be adventurous and plan your dinner on a beach, with the waves lapping your feet and the brilliant night sky overhead.
2. Make up a song for her: Compose a song for your spouse. It is important that you write the lyrics and score the music yourself. Record this and play it for her. "Don't worry, even if you are a bad singer, you can be sure she will be touched.
3. Do something novel: Doing something you have never done before can be exciting. Surprise your spouse with an opportunity to do something new, like going up in a hot air balloon. With you by her side, it is sure to be a very romantic Valentine's Day gift for her.
4. Have a joint massage session: Ever thought of gifting your spouse a spa massage certificate? Instead, arrange to enroll both of you for massage lessons. You can then practice it on each other and perfect your skills-the perfect romantic Valentine's Day gift for both of you.
5. Buy her some lingerie: Either take her along to shop for it or buy it as a surprise her. Either way it is sure to make a sexy romantic Valentine's Day gift.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Precautions with Pets during Pregnancy
If you have pets in the family, it is natural that you will have concerns regarding them during your spouse's pregnancy. Fortunately, you need not rush to offer your pet for adoption. Discuss with your vet any risks that your pet may pose for the baby and take adequate steps to eliminate them before bringing the baby home.
These are some of the precautions you might have to take with your pet:
Dogs
• Retrain your dog to modify any of its habits that could be a problem once the baby arrives.
• Teach it to distinguish between its own toys and those of the baby.
• Once the baby arrives, continue to show attention to your pet as before to avoid jealousy.
• Do not leave your dog alone with the child.
Cats
• Have your spouse tested for toxoplasmosis immunity to avoid infecting the baby.
• Do not let your spouse change your pet's litter box.
• Do not leave the cat alone with the baby.
Birds
• Inform your spouse's doctor about your bird and discuss precautions you may need to take.
• Have a pet bird examined beforehand to rule out the risk of infection to your baby.
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
Exotic pets
• Inform your spouse's doctor about your pet and discuss precautions you may need to take.
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
• Do not allow pets such as reptiles, amphibians, or tarantulas near the kitchen or area where you prepare your baby's food.
• Do not let your baby handle your exotic pet.
These are some of the precautions you might have to take with your pet:
Dogs
• Retrain your dog to modify any of its habits that could be a problem once the baby arrives.
• Teach it to distinguish between its own toys and those of the baby.
• Once the baby arrives, continue to show attention to your pet as before to avoid jealousy.
• Do not leave your dog alone with the child.
Cats
• Have your spouse tested for toxoplasmosis immunity to avoid infecting the baby.
• Do not let your spouse change your pet's litter box.
• Do not leave the cat alone with the baby.
Birds
• Inform your spouse's doctor about your bird and discuss precautions you may need to take.
• Have a pet bird examined beforehand to rule out the risk of infection to your baby.
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
Exotic pets
• Inform your spouse's doctor about your pet and discuss precautions you may need to take.
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
• Do not allow pets such as reptiles, amphibians, or tarantulas near the kitchen or area where you prepare your baby's food.
• Do not let your baby handle your exotic pet.
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