ML Interest Tag: young-kids

Parenting Expert Explains Why ‘Do Not’ Doesn’t Work with Toddlers

by Kate Loweth

“Do not poke your brother in the eye!” “Do not throw your food on the floor!” “Do not run through the parking lot!” If any of these seem vaguely familiar to you, chances are you have a toddler. Kids in this age group are typically pushing the limits, which can lead parents to use a lot of “do not” phrases to try and correct bad behaviors. But if your kid isn’t responding to these statements as you think they should, they might be at a developmental stage where they just don’t understand what some negative words mean.

That’s right, kids between the ages of two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half often haven’t developed the language skills necessary to comprehend these “do not” phrases, according to parenting expert Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta. If you’re raising your voice and yelling, “Do not open the fridge!” there’s a good chance your tot will stop what they’re doing because they understand that your tone means they’ve done something wrong. But they don’t necessarily understand that you don’t want them to open the fridge. So when they keep doing it, you get frustrated—and they get confused.

@drchelsey_parenting

♬ original sound – Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta

Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta shared an easy way to find out where your toddler is in their language development. “You need two objects that they know the words for, like a strawberry and an apple. With a giant smile on your face and in an empty room, I want you to say, ‘Give me the one that’s not a strawberry,’ and I want you to see that the vast majority of children are going to give you the strawberry every single time.” If your kid gets it right and hands you the apple, she suggest finding someone who’s not a parent and doing the exercise again to see how your toddler responds. “Witnessing your own child not understand the word ‘not’ is probably the most powerful way to move you into positive opposites.”

If you need a refresher on the idea of “positive opposites,” check out this TikTok from Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta that explains how positive phrasing works better with young kids than words like, “no,” “not,” “stop,” and “don’t.” The basic idea is that if you want to say something like, “Don’t run away from me,” you’d instead use a positive phrase like, “We all hold hands in the parking lot.” It’s easier for kids to understand this positive statement.

Reframing the language you use with your toddler takes a little practice, but when you understand their level of development you can better understand what tactics work best to give your kid the best chance to succeed. And, of course, get the behavior you want. It’s a win-win.

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5 Things ER Pediatricians Would Never Let Their Kids Do

by Teresa Douglas

Climbing trees, riding bikes, learning to skateboard: Childhood is a time for experimentation and pushing boundaries. And, like all ages and stages of raising kids, one person’s idea of good old-fashioned fun is another person’s worry. However, some things are never a good idea, so we asked ER pediatricians and other emergency and critical care physicians to set the record straight when it comes to activities that are simply unsafe. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Swim Alone

“Never allow a child to swim alone, no matter how old. This one is definitely at the top of my list of things I’d never let my child do. As a pediatric emergency medicine [doctor], I have seen drowning in children of all ages in all types of bodies of water—deep and shallow,” says Dr. Christina Johns, Senior Medical Advisor at PM Pediatric Care.

Refusing to let your kids swim alone might make you as popular as the Grinch at Christmas, but statistics back up this rule. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning in a pool, body of water, or bathtub is the leading cause of death in children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for children aged 5-14. 

The tween in your life might argue that they’ll wear a life jacket, but stand your ground. Life jackets (also called Personal Flotation Devices or PFDs) are (literal) lifesavers. However, if you’re alone, it’s still possible to drown while wearing one. According to CDR Kim Pickens, U. S. Coast Guard Reserve Operation BoatSmart Project Officer, in the article The Other 20%–When Wearing a Life Jacket Is Not Enough, “the more comfortable PFDs—those labeled as Type III or some Type V PFDs—will not turn an unconscious victim face up, at least not consistently. What most such PFDs will do (all but manually activated inflatables) is bring the person, whether unconscious or not, back up to the surface, enabling those nearby to quickly bring the victim to safety.” But that will only work if there’s someone around to get the tween’s face out of the water.

Bottom line: Supervise your crew when they swim, use life jackets in large bodies of water, and make sure the junior paddleboarders and canoers in your life always go out in a group.

2. Go Helmetless

“My child always wears a helmet when biking, roller skating, and skiing to protect her from head injury. As a pediatric EM physician and head injury researcher, I see the very serious consequences of unhelmeted head injuries and am vigilant in protecting my daughter (and her brain) from preventable injury,” says Angela Lumba-Brown, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. 

With more than 26,000 children visiting an ER yearly for head injuries, wearing a helmet is a no-brainer. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of head injuries by about 85% and facial injuries by about 65% among bicyclists.” Wearing a helmet is like using a seatbelt. You hope never to need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there in an accident. 

Children are less likely to complain if their caregivers are wearing helmets too. Adaira Landry, MD, MEd, emergency medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, gets the whole family involved in safety. “We always ride bikes and scooters with helmets. This risk of head and face injury is nonzero for young kids who are still learning balance and speed,” she says.  

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using specialized helmets. Buying multiple helmets might sound like overkill, but activity-specific head gear “protect[s] your head from the kind of impacts typically associated with a particular activity or sport.” In other words, a bike helmet won’t protect your little hockey hero from a puck to the head. So get the right tool for the job.

Bottom line: As Dr. Landry says, “When it comes to raising adventurous children, there is a balance between excitement and risk. I want my kids to be daring and face challenges—and that can be done safely.” Helmets keep kids safe and are cheaper than reconstructive surgery.

3. Ride Forward Facing in a Car Before Age 3

“I would never let my two-year-old toddler ride in a forward-facing car seat–all babies and young toddlers should be in a rear-facing car seat up until they’re three years old or until they reach the weight and height max of their seat. Despite their cries and protest, keeping them rear-facing may mean the difference between life and death in an accident,” says Alok Patel, MD, a pediatric hospitalist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

Car accidents are the second leading cause of death in children aged 1-4, after drowning. National Safety Counsel advises drivers to keep “…3-year-olds in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. Once children outgrow the height or weight limit for their rear-facing car seat, they should ride in forward-facing car seats with a harness and tether.”

Bottom Line: Don’t switch to a forward-facing car seat too soon.

4. Get within Reach of Hot Liquids

“When my children were toddlers, I was pretty vigilant about scald burns from hot coffee and soup. I had my antennae up all the time, with my eyes constantly darting back and forth between the child and the hot beverage,” says Alan Schroeder, MD, pediatric critical care physician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

According to the American Burn Association, “In children under five years of age, approximately 27-60% of scalds occur from cups/mugs/tableware containing hot liquids; most commonly from a pull-down (48%) or spill (32%) mechanism.”

Small children lack the lived experience and impulse control to prevent a scalding injury. Add in immature motor skills, and you have an accident just waiting to happen. Young children also have thinner dermal layers than adults and will sustain a more severe burn at a lower temperature. Scald burns make up 35% of overall burn injuries admitted to U.S. burn centers; of that number, 61% are in children under five years old. 

Most of us would never leave hot food or drinks within reach of an unsupervised toddler. But if you have a tablecloth or table runner, Daddy’s coffee is just one pull away. Consider packing these items away until the kiddos are a little older.

Bottom line: The U.S. Fire Administration advises parents and caregivers to keep children three feet away from anything that can get hot.

5. Drive (or Ride on) an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

“I’d never let my child ride an ATV (especially without a helmet and full body protective padding, which I see all too often). Unfortunately, very young children, even under 10, operate these vehicles, which can cause major traumatic injury in the blink of an eye,” says Dr. Johns.

We get it; there’s nothing quite as thrilling as racing across a field in an ATV. And it can seem like harmless fun if you keep your little speedster on a deserted stretch of road. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 16 not be allowed to operate them. ATVs have killed thousands of kids and seriously injured at least a million more. Adult ATVs can weigh almost 600 lbs; the lightest youth-sized ATVs clock in at a little over two 200 lbs. That’s too much machine for your average nine-year-old to control.

Driving an ATV safely requires the same skill level and quick thinking as any other motor vehicle. If you wouldn’t let your tween drive the family car, don’t let them get behind the wheel of an ATV.

Bottom line: Dr. Johns’ verdict is that ATVs are “Too much of a risk for too little a reward, says the pediatric emergency medicine physician, me!”

Related: 11 Items Doctors Say Every Parent Should Carry

 

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7 Things Not to Say (or Do) to a Pissed-Off Kid

by Maria Guido

Remember the little being who followed you everywhere, depended on you for everything, and probably thought you could do no wrong?  Well if that little being is now a big kid, you’ve likely noticed that none of that applies anymore. Gone are the days of the child you created gazing at you lovingly, wanting only to be by your side. Enter a small human who is finding their independence, experiencing changing hormones for the first time, and coincidentally, finding everything you do annoying.

This is not an easy time for parents. But you’d do yourself a favor to remember that it’s an even harder time for kids and be careful not to poke the bear. The tween years are a time when parents really need to be the adult in the room, and sometimes that requires disregarding your feelings and carefully communicating with your child. Here are a few things you should never say or do when dealing with a pissed-off kid.

1. Don’t tell them, “It’s not a big deal.”

Your tween should be given the space to have feelings and react to things. Saying “it’s not a big deal” invalidates those feelings.  According to Dr. Lauren Allerhand PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, “The absolute number one thing is validation. Our emotions are a communication tool. They let the other people know how we feel and help us get our needs met.” Foster a safe space for your child to tell you what’s bothering them without feeling belittled or brushed aside. This is the kind of reinforcement we crave even as adults.

2. Don’t take things personally.

As our kids grow up, they grow into their independence, which is a good thing. But it’s totally normal for parents to feel rejected at times. When your child lashes out or needs their space, don’t take it personally. “All too often parents personalize some of the distance that occurs and misinterpret it as a willful refusal or maybe oppositional behavior,” says Catherine Steiner-Adair, a Harvard psychologist. “This is a time when children really start to have secrets from us, and parents who have a low tolerance for that transition—they want to know everything—can alienate their children by being too inquisitive.”

3. Don’t match their anger with anger.

It can be difficult when your child becomes angry at the drop of a hat or seems to overreact to the smallest inconvenience. But it’s super important to remember that your growing child is less equipped to handle big feelings than you, as an adult, are. “The prefrontal cortex, which is the part of our brains involved in problem-solving and impulse control, isn’t fully developed until your mid-to-late 20s. Adolescents are also flush with hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which can have a significant impact on mood,” Dr. Allerhand says.

4. Don’t try to control your child’s emotions.

Has anyone ever effectively been able to control your emotions? The answer is probably “no.” So why do we sometimes expect that we can control the way our kids feel? “It’s okay and natural for a child to be angry at times, as long as that anger is expressed appropriately,” advises Empowering Parents. “So, do not ask, ‘How do I prevent my child from getting angry?’ Instead, ask, ‘How do I get my child to behave appropriately when they get angry?'”

Related: 9 Tween Behaviors Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

upset tween talking to dad
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5. Don’t tell them to “calm down.”

This doesn’t work with toddlers, it doesn’t work with young kids, and it doesn’t even work with adults. “It tells the child that expressing emotions is not accepted or appropriate. It tells the distressed child to stop because they are ‘too much,'” says Rachael Snyder, a clinical psychotherapist specializing in teen anxiety, depression, and trauma. “There are adults who hold in or bottle up their emotions because, at one point in their life, they were told it’s not OK to express those.”

6. Don’t center your own feelings.

Yes, your teen watched the entire season of The Baby-Sitters Club after repeatedly refusing your excited invitations. Then you may have said, “Why did you watch this without me when I’ve been begging you to watch it with me for months?” At which point your tween rolled their eyes at you, sighed like they’ve never been so inconvenienced, and marched back to their room. This could easily devolve into a fight, and it’s a good time to remember that your tween doesn’t hate you or hate spending time with you. Step back and resist centering yourself.

7. Let them vent.

As a parent, it’s hard not to try to make things right. We’re so used to tending to the needs of our infants, toddlers, and young children that we have a hard time recognizing when they’ve grown out of that necessity. Think about yourself here and how often you just need your friends and family to be a sounding board for what you’re going through. Give your kids the benefit of this—and allow them to vent to you without attempting to “fix” whatever is wrong.

Related: 9 Ways to Build Trust with Your Tween

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Should Kids Be Able to Reach Their Own Snacks?

by Dahlia Rimmon, MS, RDN

When I was a kid, I remember all our snacks and goodies being stashed away in the top drawers of the kitchen cabinets. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, my (brilliant) mom strategically placed them there for a reason. Since becoming a mother myself, I completely understand why snacks should be kept out of reach of younger children.

As a dietitian and mom to three kiddos under five, I’ve come to understand the importance of boundaries in parenting, especially for toddlers and young children. Boundaries provide a framework that guides them when they’re still learning how to make decisions. Boundaries create a sense of security but also clearly define which behaviors or actions are acceptable and which are not. Plus, setting limits reinforces structure, daily routines, schedules, and a family rhythm.

If you’re on social media you’ve probably seen countless momfluencers post picture-perfect examples of their well-stocked and easy-to-reach snack drawers in the pantry or on the bottom shelf of the fridge. While I’m all for an organized kitchen, I’m not a fan of keeping snacks within reach for young kids. When snacks are easily within reach, kids are likely to grab and munch on them simply because they’re there. Their decision to snack may not be driven by hunger but rather out of habit, or because they see a sibling opening a snack drawer, or because they’re hyped up over their ability to make a snack choice. Toddlers and young kids haven’t quite mastered the ability to judge when it’s actually a good time for a snack. That’s why it comes down to parents to help them learn by stepping in and setting boundaries, like keeping snacks out of reach.

My snack drawer philosophy all boils down to The Division of Responsibility, a term first coined by registered dietitian Ellyn Satter. It’s the concept that caregivers and children have different jobs when it comes to eating. Caregivers are responsible for deciding which foods to offer, when to offer them, and where to offer them. Kids decide whether they want to eat and how much they want to eat.

You might be wondering why this is such a big deal, especially if you were a kid who had free reign in the goodie drawers. Here’s why keeping snacks within reach can be problematic:

They don’t have strong impulse control

Young kids aren’t the best at knowing when it’s time to eat. I’m not saying they’ll always eat when they aren’t hungry, but if there’s a snack drawer right there, it’s pretty tough for them to resist the impulse to grab a snack. It’s like putting a temptation right in their path and expecting them not to give in. So if your kiddo starts munching on cookies when they’re not actually hungry, a habit can form pretty quickly. Over time, constantly snacking can mess with their ability to tell when they’re genuinely hungry or full, making them rely more on external cues (like convenience or boredom) than their own hunger signals.

It will mess with mealtimes

Snack drawers are typically stocked with, well, snacks! You know, those individually wrapped bags of crackers, granola bars, or fruit leathers—basically, all the good stuff. I mean, can you really picture a toddler waiting 30 minutes until dinner when there’s a crunchy, sweet, or salty snack right in front of them? Constant grazing from the snack drawer might mean they’re less hungry when mealtime rolls around, messing with their appetite and making it harder for them to eat balanced, nutritious meals.

Let’s be clear: just because I’m not a fan of a snack drawer doesn’t mean I’m anti-snack or in favor of strict limitations. It’s actually quite the opposite. I love snacks and there’s no shortage of snacking in our household. But it’s all about timing and setting boundaries. I offer snacks during snack time, which falls in between meals. I’m not restricting snacks; I’m creating a boundary around them. While I don’t believe in snack drawers for young kiddos, I believe in teaching kids about food, their bodies, cause and effect (like understanding hunger and avoiding tummy aches), and making decisions—all within a carefully contrived set of boundaries. This sets them up for success if you decide to introduce a snack drawer for older kids and tweens when they might be better equipped to make food choices.

It’s not that we don’t believe in our kids, or trust them. They just need a bit more guidance in the early years. And they’ll thank you one day. Just ask my mom.

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YouTube Channels You’ll Feel Good about Letting Toddlers Watch

by Nicole Johnson

While research indicates that infants and toddlers under 18 months shouldn’t have any screen time, for most parents, especially working parents, that isn’t a reality. Our advice? Ditch the parenting guilt and focus on quality when it comes to screen time. Our list of the best YouTube channels for toddlers highlights those that engage and entertain with fun and educational content (zero unboxing to be found). These channels challenge little minds and also encourage moving little bodies, so, when you do need to utilize a screen, here’s what your toddler should be watching.

The Snack Town All-Stars

Join in on the fun with Banana, Apple, Orange, and, Grape. These animated healthy snacks sing fun songs about eating good foods and there are even soothing lullabies for naptime. One of the most popular videos is Stay Healthy Shake, which encourages kids to get up and move. We love this for the times when you need a quick 15 minutes.

Blippi

With his orange glasses, suspenders, and bowtie, Blippi has taken the toddler world by storm. His educational content teaches young kids about everything from colors to numbers. Blippi’s whimsical and exaggerated mannerisms and the simple-to-follow lessons are brought to life with age-appropriate props and backgrounds. This not only appeals to toddlers but also keeps them engaged and entertained while they are learning.

PBS Kids

With live streams of many PBS kid shows like SUPER WHY, Daniel Tiger, and Rosie’s Rules, the PBS Kids YouTube channel offers educational and engaging content for toddlers. There are also full episodes of the newer PBS show Work It Out Wombats, which focuses on computational thinking. The show focuses on three main characters who also happen to be wombat siblings navigating an apartment complex and solving problems along the way.

Sesame Street

This YouTube channel features episodes from the long-running, award-winning children’s show. The compilations and themed content around important holidays and events are not only educational but interactive, too. Toddlers will love seeing all their favorite Sesame Street characters from Elmo to Grover sing and dance. With over 23 million subscribers, the YouTube channel is as popular as the show many parents grew up with and are now eager to share with their own children. 

Related: Movies for Toddlers That Aren’t Too Scary (and Will Hold Their Attention)

Gabby & Friends 

After revealing a surprise, real-life girl Gabby grabs her stuffed cat and says a few magical words. She then becomes a tiny animated figure who goes on adventures in her amazing dollhouse. Kids can watch full episodes of the Netflix show, Gabby’s Dollhouse, on the YouTube channel. They can also enjoy videos of simple crafts, songs, and educational content like learning the colors of the rainbow. Parents can enjoy some special bonding time with their toddlers during the crafting videos because young kids won’t be able to do these by themselves. 

Ms. Rachel Songs for Littles

With over two million subscribers, Ms. Rachel’s soothing and melodious voice provides toddlers with lessons on letters, sounds, and numbers. The preschool teacher was inspired to create her channel after her own son was diagnosed with a speech delay. With a special focus on language development, Miss Rachel focuses on providing kids with an interactive experience they can follow along with. Her puppet sidekicks Herbie and Georgie also grab kids’ attention.

Danny Go!

According to the website, this YouTube channel is geared toward kids from 2-7. With catchy and fun songs like The Dinosaur Dance and Fire and Ice Freeze Dance, Danny Go! encourages kids to get moving by showing them simple dance moves they can easily do. There are a cast of regular characters like Mindy Mango, Tiny Danny, and scientist Pap Pap who provide movement breaks and educational lessons against colorful and engaging backgrounds. 

Related: 40 of the Very Best Books for Toddlers

Super Simple Songs

This YouTube channel with more than 37 million subscribers appeals to toddlers with its simple and classic songs. Many videos feature old-school puppets or animated characters that will entertain and engage kids who will love singing and dancing along. From classic nursery rhymes like Humpty Dumpty to age-old songs like Skidamarink, this channel will keep your toddler on their toes. 

CoComelon

With musical repetition and bright colors, this channel is perfect for toddlers. The repetition helps them to build their vocabulary and acquire early literacy skills with the use of nursery rhymes and songs. CoComelon also teaches toddlers about colors and numbers, and provides other important life lessons.

The Learning Station

This channel is fun and educational, focusing on everything from early literacy development to social and emotional learning. One of the most popular songs, Herman the Worm, has racked up 117 million views. Kids love the simple melody and silliness factor of the goofy song. 

Related: 41 Giggle-Inducing Jokes for Toddlers

Storyline Online

This literacy program features some of the most popular and entertaining celebrities reading kids’ books. Presented by the SAG-AFTRA foundation, kids will love the lively reading where celebs do a variety of voices and get truly animated. Parents may want to watch alongside their kids to see celebrities from Oprah to Jennifer Garner. In one particularly enticing entry, the late, great Betty White reads Harry the Dirty Dog.

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Mom & Former Paramedic Warns Parents About Cucumber (Who Knew?)

by Christina Marfice

When we talk about high-risk choking hazards for toddlers and young kids, there are certain foods we’re conditioned to think of right away: whole grapes, hot dogs, pieces of raw apple or carrot. But one mom is shining a light on a food we don’t tend to think of: cucumber. As a former paramedic, she says it’s a serious choking risk—but she also has tips for what you can do to feed your young kids cucumbers while also keeping them safe.

Nikki Jurcutz, a mom of two, went viral for a video where she explains why cucumbers can be a sneaky choking hazard.

@tinyheartseducation

Cucumbers aren’t talked about much when it comes to choking, so I wanted to shed some light so you feel more prepared. How do you prepare cucumbers for your little one? #cucumber #introducingsolids #startingsolids #firstfoods #chokinghazard

♬ sometimes all i think is you – أدريانا

“Cucumbers aren’t talked about much when it comes to choking, so I wanted to shed some light so you feel more prepared,” she wrote. In the video, she demonstrates why cucumbers are so dangerous: they’re hard, slippery, and easily break off into chunks that can be the perfect size for a young child to choke on.

To make this refreshing summer snack safe, Jurcutz shared, cut it into long, thin strips. This makes it easier for toddlers to hold and bite into, without the risk of chunks breaking off.

In a follow-up video, she shared a few more options: you can steam them until they’re soft and then purée them, grate them, or cut them into slices for older kids with more advanced chewing abilities.

@tinyheartseducation

Replying to @rae_mccarthy Grating cucumbers is a great wat to make them more safe for your little one. Here’s some other ways you can prepare cucumbers to reduce the risk of choking 🥒 #cucumber #introducingsolids #startingsolids #chokinghazard

♬ sign of the times – 𝐥 𝐨 𝐯 𝐞 𝐲 𝐨 𝐮

And if you need a refresher on how to make sure foods are safe for little ones, this video demonstrates the “squish test,” an easy way to separate safe snacks from choking hazards.

@tinyheartseducation

Every parent should know this hack 🍎🍌 Whether you are baby led weaning or your little one is ready for finger food, the squish test is a great way to ensure you give your bub foods that are safe to reduce the risk of choking. Foods that are round, hard, slippery and the size of an airway = increase the risk of choking ‼️ The squish test helps you identify if the food is too hard so you can modify it to make is softer and safer ✅ Introducing solids can be so overwhelming which is why I partnered with our incredible Paediatric Dietitian, Amy to build a course that helps you prevent choking, allergies and also gives you all the information to guide you through introducing solids with your little one, confidently. Link in bio to learn more ❤️ #introducingsolids #startingsolids #babyledweaning #fingerfoods #newparents

♬ original sound – CONTENT CREATION TIPS

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14 Must-Try Travel Hacks for Trips with Babies

by Jane Putnum

Repeat after me: Getaways with young kids are not a vacation, they’re a trip. Now that you’ve set the right expectations, check out these baby travel hacks that will make your trip a little less work and a lot more enjoyable for you and everyone else involved. Whether you’re flying with a baby to an all-inclusive or taking a road trip, these are the keys to a good getaway.

photo: iStock

1. Plan activities.
For older babies who are active and stay up for longer stretches, plan simple activities to pass the time and keep them engaged. One idea: Bring a water bottle filled with pom-poms for your little one to take out and put back in. You can also bring interactive books to hold your babe’s attention.

2. Ship diapers and wipes to your destination.
You have enough stuff to squeeze into suitcases. Use a service like Amazon to send diapers and wipes ahead of time to your destination, whether it’s grandma’s for the holidays or somewhere tropical. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask them if they’ll accept deliveries prior to your arrival.

3. Nurse or feed your baby during takeoff.
This is an important one. To help your little one deal with pressure changes in the cabin during takeoff (and landing!) that could make them uncomfortable, nurse or give your baby a bottle at that time. The sucking distracts your child and alleviates much of the discomfort.

4. Request a portable crib in your hotel reservation.
Most hotels will offer a portable crib at no extra cost. Request it in your reservation, so you can make other arrangements if the hotel informs you they can’t provide it. Pro tip: Bring your own crib sheets with you. They won’t take up much space in your luggage and will be soft and smell familiar to help your child drift off to sleep in their new location.

photo: iStock

5. Baby-wear to keep hands free.
Definitely bring your baby carrier or wrap. This frees up your hands for carrying luggage and other important items, like handing your ID and boarding pass to TSA. Plus, being close to you will likely keep your baby calm and happy in unfamiliar, sometimes stressful, environments. If you’re traveling by car, keep your wrap on or your carrier easily accessible, like on the floor right by your baby’s car seat, so it’s quick and easy to put on at every stop.

6. Wear a badge to hold your ID, ticket, and baby’s birth certificate.
You know those clear name-card badge holders they distribute at conferences, with a lanyard? Use one of those to hold your license, boarding pass, and baby’s birth certificate. No digging through your purse or running the risk of it falling out of your pocket. Simple, accessible, and no fuss.

7. Simplify the car seat situation.
If you’re flying, you can usually check your car seat at the ticketing desk for no charge (call ahead to confirm with your airline). Make sure they put a plastic bag over it (you can also purchase a sturdy bag for your car seat online). Or, if you want to eliminate the hassle of bringing it with you, arrange to include a car seat in your rental car. If you’re taking ride-sharing services, check their app to see if they offer cars with car seats in that area.

8. Pack odor-blocking diaper sacks.
A blow-out at 30,000 feet or in the middle of the desert with no trashcan in sight doesn’t have to be a total disaster. Pack Arm & Hammer diaper dispenser bags or even just plastic grocery bags to mask the smell of the dirty diaper. Nobody wants to lug a stinky diaper around or assault others’ noses, but at least this will make it a little more pleasant.

9. Pack a baby essentials kit.
Keep a pacifier, wipes, sanitizing wipes, and other essentials easily accessible, in your purse or diaper bag. This goes for flights and road trips. When there’s a mess or a howling baby, you’ll want to access these items as quickly as possible.

tips for traveling with a baby

 iStock

10. Bring snacks—for baby and you.
Pack simple, low-mess snacks for your baby, like puffs or pouches. And it’s important for you to stay fed as well. Pack protein-filled snacks to keep you energized during your travels and a decadent treat as well. If drama ensues, you’re going to want the good stuff to help you through it.

11. Keep extra clothes in your carry-on bag.
Keep an extra outfit for baby and a shirt for you in your carry-on or diaper bag for air and car travel. The goal is to keep it easily accessible so when a blowout, spit-up, or other potentially outfit-ruining scenarios happen, you can solve it without having to wait for landing and checked baggage retrieval.

12. Think location, location, location for the hotel room.
When you book your hotel room, ask for it to be away from the elevators, pool, and vending/ice machines. While you can’t control if the hotel room is perfectly noise-free, choosing your room carefully will help make it a quiet space.

tips for traveling with a baby

iStock

13. Pack a sound machine to help baby sleep.
Increase the quiet factor in your room by bringing a small, portable sound machine with you to mask noise from other rooms. Don’t want to haul something else with you? Download free white noise or wave sounds to play from your phone or tablet.

14. Do a thorough check of the hotel and car before leaving.
This is one of those tips for traveling with a baby that you’ll thank us for later. Before checking out or returning the rental car, look under beds, under seats, the trunk, and glove compartment, because something will likely be left there. And always double-check that your baby’s favorite lovey and stuffie is with you at every transition and location change.

Make sure to capture all the travel moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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9 Must-Watch Earth Day Movies for Kids That Teach Them to Honor the Planet

by Common Sense Media

Ready to go green for your next family movie night? Then you’ve come to the right place. These Earth Day movies are full of beautiful images and powerful themes about nature and the environment. Want more choices? Check out Common Sense Media‘s entire list of family and environment-friendly films to find even more family movies perfect for your budding eco-friendly crew.

WALL-E
Although this winning Pixar adventure is thoroughly charming and, yes, romantic, the youngest viewers may get a little restless during WALL-E's atmospheric, virtually dialogue-free first half-hour. They'll still enjoy it, but—unlike older kids and grown-ups—they won't be that impressed by how much is said with so few words. But the action (which includes some robot fights, weapons being fired, explosions, and chase scenes) picks up soon enough. Underlying the whole thing are strong environmental messages: Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about what you're doing to the planet (and yourself).

Age: 5 & up

Stream it on Disney+

Island of Lemurs Madagascar is an Earth Day Movie

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar
This is a 40-minute IMAX film about the unique biodiversity of the island of Madagascar, particularly the lemurs. Although there are references to certain lemurs being endangered, there's no violence—except some potentially threatening wildfires—to scare off younger viewers. Despite the brevity of the documentary, audiences of all ages will learn a great deal about lemurs and their importance to Madagascar and the world. This is a great family-friendly nature film to see while at a museum or any theater with an IMAX screen.

Age: 5

Rent it on Amazon

Dr Seuss: The Lorax
This 1970s animated version of the iconic Dr. Seuss book tells a timeless story of humanity's relationship with the land, water, air, and animals that will appeal to kids. There are instances of cartoonish violence as the Truffula Trees are chopped down—Seussian machines abound—but the lesson imparted by the Lorax as he speaks for the trees and all of nature should spark positive discussions on what can be done to protect our planet.

Ages: 5 & up

Schoolhouse Rock! Earth is a good Earth Day movie for kids

School House Rock! Earth
Parents need to know that heavy issues, such as our oceans being poisoned, our planet in peril, and our weather patterns spiraling out of control, might weigh on sensitive minds. But such is the state of our planet that our children are inheriting, sadly. On the other hand, great practical ideas and catchy tunes make this DVD an important educational tool, encouraging families to make changes in their homes to reduce the impact on the environment.

Age: 5

Rent it on Amazon

Arctic Tale is an Earth Day movie for kids

Arctic Tale
Though this film is basically kid-friendly and introduces kids to the idea of environmentalism with a light, engaging touch, there are parts that may be disturbing, especially for kids six and under. For example, a male polar bear nearly captures (and eats) one of the cuddly baby bears with which viewers may identify. In another scene, while trying to save Seela the walrus from a predator, her sweet "aunt" dies and her carcass is eaten in full view.

Age: 6

Stream it on Hulu

Bears
Parents need to know that the wildlife documentary Bears is family-friendly overall, but a few moments/scenes might be too tense and potentially scary for preschool-aged viewers. None of the animals die, but there are several scenes in which the lives of the mother bear and her cubs are in danger, and in one it seems like a cub has been eaten by an adult male bear. Other threats include predator males, a gray wolf, and the environment itself—all providing for dramatic sequences. Children who can get past that part of the movie will learn a good bit about the brown bears of Alaska and get a close-up look at how mama bears treat their cubs.

Age: 6

Stream it on Disney+

Disneynature Earth is a good Earth Day movie

Earth
This stunning nature documentary portrays how animals around the world are born, live, and, yes, die. Although there aren't any grisly shots of predators ripping apart their prey, there are disturbing scenes in which animals are chased and attacked. In a few cases, the predators win; you see them grip their catch with their teeth, but then the scene quickly changes. Other than those possibly upsetting scenes—plus another in which an animal dies of starvation and exhaustion—the film is appropriate (and educational) for kids of all ages. It's worth noting that the movie uses footage from the acclaimed TV series Planet Earth, so if you've seen that, you've seen the images included here.

Age: 6

Buy it on Amazon

March of the Penguins
This popular documentary includes stunning but also occasionally disturbing imagery of penguins walking, mating, and dying. Morgan Freeman narrates as the penguins make their annual march from the Antarctic shore in Antarctica. Some penguins die along the way, and others freeze during the long winter as they huddle to protect pregnant females and then eggs and babies, and still, others are killed by predators.

Age: 6

Rent it on Amazon

To the Arctic is a good Earth Day Movie

To the Arctic
To the Arctic is an educational 3-D nature documentary about the animals that thrive in the world's harshest climate. Filmed in IMAX, the movie puts a special emphasis on polar bears and the plight they face as global warming continues to extend the arctic summer season. There's nothing objectionable in the documentary, but some very young kids might be disturbed by the tense scenes when a male polar bear pursues a mother and her cubs or when the white cubs get bloody from eating freshly hunted seal meat. The narrator also explains that some cubs and caribou newborns have died because of the elements or starvation. Since the documentary is only 45 minutes long, it's just the right length to educate and entertain kids about life in the arctic's frozen world.

Age: 6

Stream it on HBO Max

Common Sense Media is a leading independent nonprofit organization offering the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for everything kids want to watch, play, read, and learn. The ratings, reviews, and information are unbiased and provided for free to help families and educators make great media and technology choices.

 

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Ride-On Toys for Toddlers Who Have Energy to Burn

by Kate Cartia

Toddlers are non-stop. We know, we know. That’s not exactly news, especially if you’re the parent of one, but it’s worth saying. They have energy to burn; so much that we seriously wish we could bottle it. Their exploration urges are off the charts and they’re learning how to move and use their bodies in different ways. Of course, we’re always looking for toys that combine learning and fun, and ride-on toys for toddlers are high on the list. They cover all the bases and help our little ones to focus their energy in one place. That’s a win across the board.

These are the kinds of toys that encourage movement, imagination, and play, all while teaching motor skills, coordination, and then some. If you’re considering a ride-on toy, you’ll definitely want to make sure that they’re age-appropriate (but you knew that already), offer a sturdy build, and have a smooth ride, preferably for both indoor and outdoor play. Luckily, our list of ride-on toys for toddlers below have all of that plus the cutest designs ever. Cars, trucks, animals, and beyond—they really thought of everything with these. We even included options for toys that can transform as they grow and can be used along with you as the driver. Keep reading to see them all!

Little Tikes Truck

little tykes blue ride-on truck toy
Little Tikes

This truck from Little Tikes has a drop-down tailgate and a removable floorboard for growing toddlers. With rugged truck tires, matching grill, and opening-and-closing doors, this is the truck for hard-working toddlers and all their cargo.

Little Tikes Truck ($85.19)—Buy Here!

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Unicorn

unicorn 3-in-1 scooter, buggy, and ride-on toy
Skip Hop

From a magical ride-on to a wagon with storage to a glide-along scooter, Eureka Unicorn from Skip Hop is one toy that'll grow with them. The handlebars are adjustable, too! Also available in Darby Dog.

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Unicorn ($46.49)—Buy Here!

Pewi Walking Buddy

two children playing with the pewi toddler ride on toy
YBike

For riding, pushing, sitting, and supported walking—this versatile design works with your kiddo’s developmental stages. Help improve their balance, coordination, confidence, strength and spatial awareness. No wonder it has an almost 5-star rating from Amazon reviewers! Available in pink, red, and blue.

Pewi Walking Buddy ($54.95+)—Buy Here!

Retrospec Cricket 2 Balance Bike

light blue tricycle
Retrospec

A well-loved favorite among parents and their littles, the Cricket 2 is a 4-wheel (yes, 4!) balance bike for babes 12-24 months. The non-slip wheels and easy-to-control steering (with built-in limits to avoid sharp turns) make this a sturdy and comfy option for their first bike. Available in multiple colors.

Retrospec Cricket 2 Balance Bike ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Baghera Speedster Ride-On by Pottery Barn Kids

pink toddler ride on car
Pottery Barn Kids

How. Darling. Is. This? We can't get over this 1950's-inspired ride-on car, not to mention the cushy seat and easy steering. It comes in this pink or grey. Is it licensed by Bentley Motors? Of course. 

Baghera Speedster Ride-On by Pottery Barn Kids ($200.00)—Buy Here!

Mercedes G-Wagon Push Car

white ride-on mercedes G-wagon car for toddlers
Maisonette

If your kiddo is more of a modern soul, you can't go wrong with this sleek G-Wagon. It can also be used as a walker or a stroller for you to push. This baby comes equipped with removable safety guardrails, a stable backrest, and a footrest to keep them feeling sturdy and confident. 

Mercedes G-Wagon Push Car ($69.00)—Buy Here!

Wheely Bug Plush Hedgehog

hedgehog toddler ride-on toy
Maisonette

This friend is anything but prickly. Hedgehog is ultra-sturdy and soft, right down to the covered handlebar, so you can worry less about spills and bumps and they can work on their coordination (while having a blast).

Wheely Bug Plush Hedgehog ($93.00)—Buy Here!

smarTrike 3-in-1 T1 Toddler Scooter

smarTrike

The Swiss-designed smarTrike T1 includes a toddler seat, TPR rubber foot deck, hand grips, and rear brake, all made to create a smooth ride for your kiddo. With 3 adjustable stages, the T1 grows with them until they're a full-blown scootin' machine. Available in blue and pink.

smarTrike 3-in-1 T1 Toddler Scooter ($79.99+)—Buy Here!

Little Tikes T-Rex Truck

Little Tikes

Have a dino fan on your hands? The T-Rex Truck from Little Tikes is about as close to dinosaur wrangling as you can get. With options to power it on their own or let you push/pull wagon-style, it's another ride-on toy that'll keep them playing as they get bigger.

Little Tikes T-Rex Truck ($73.48)—Buy Here!

The Original PlasmaCar

little boy riding a red ride-on PlasmaCar toy
PlasmaCar

For little ones 3+, the PlasmaCar is where it's at. No gears, batteries, or pedals—just their bodyweight works to propel this car with a wiggle of the steering wheel. It's a multiple award-winner for a reason! Available in several colors, too.

The Original PlasmaCar ($84.17)—Buy Here!

Ice Cream Truck

ice cream truck toddler ride-on toy
Spark Create Imagine

This cute ice cream truck features a horn that lights up and makes sounds, a secret compartment with 6 scoops of ice cream, 3 cones, and 3 toppings, and a secret compartment to store it all.

Ice Cream Truck ($39.97)—Buy Here!

Snail Ride-On Buggly-Wuggly

red snail toddler ride-on toy
Target

You won't mind having this bug in your house. This cute ride-on squeaks and beeps as kids ride around the house and hold on to the two sturdy eyes to steer. It's designed to ride smoothly on flat surfaces and even has a storage compartment.

Snail Ride-On Buggly-Wuggly ($25.99)—Buy Here!

Bluey Interactive Ride-On Play Car

Bluey-themed ride on toy for toddlers
Voyager

Bluey has us all hooked, so you really can't go wrong with the Bluey Ride-On Play Car. It uses a 6V4AH rechargeable battery that can be conveniently charged with the included wall charger and has a max speed of 1.5mph. It's best for little ones 2+.

Bluey Interactive Ride-On Play Car ($119.99)—Buy Here!

Fisher-Price Cruise Along Scooter

teal vespa-inspired toddler ride-on toy
Fisher-Price

The Cruise Along Scooter from Fisher-Price is a musical ride-on toy scooter with a realistic design, turn-key clicker, and motion-activated learning songs, sounds, and phrases for young kids. 

Fisher-Price Cruise Along Scooter ($29.99)—Buy Here!

'Paw Patrol' Skye's Mighty Jet Ride-On

little girl riding a Paw Patrol themed toddler plane ride-on toy
Amazon

Inspired by the hit motion picture, Paw Patrol team member Skye is ready to take off on this jet ride-on! There are fun sounds, a super sturdy design, and the wings even fold down during 'taxiing' down the runway. 

'Paw Patrol' Skye's Mighty Jet Ride-On ($27.99)—Buy Here!

Rocket Robot 3-in-1 Ride-On

light green robot-themed toddler ride-on toy
POCO DIVO

Is it a rocket? Is it a robot? Either way, it's got a comfy seat, a smooth ride, and also comes in red. Whether they use it as a walker, rider, or pulled cart, Rocket Robot delivers.

Rocket Robot 3-in-1 Ride-On ($54.98)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

 

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