Top stories this week

• 1.  Naptime Solutions
• 2.  Teething 101
• 3.  Separation Anxiety
• 4.  Morning Sickness Survival Guide
• 5.  Coping with Toddler Tantrums

1. Expert: Elizabeth Pantley June 30th, 2008
   	What is the best way to potty train my child?
   	Potty training your child can appear to be a complicated, difficult undertaking, but I have good news: As a parent educator and four-time veteran of the toilet training process, I know that potty training can be simple and, yes, even fun. The first step is to know the facts: Most children become physically capable of independent toileting between ages two-and-a-half and four. It takes three to 12 months from the start of training to daytime toilet independence. Nighttime dryness is achieved only when a child's physiology supports this–you can't rush it. The age your child masters toileting has absolutely no correlation to future abilities or intelligence. There isn't one right way to potty train–any approach you use can work if you are pleasant, positive and patient. A parent's readiness to train is just as important as a child's readiness to learn.   Here are a few tips to help make the process work for you:   Create a potty routine–have your child sit on the potty when he first wakes up, after meals, before getting in the car and before bed. If your child looks like he needs to go–tell, don't ask! Say, "Let's go to the potty." Your child must be relaxed to go: try reading a book, telling a story, singing, or talking about the day. Make hand washing a fun part of their routine. Keep a step stool by the sink and have colorful, child-friendly soap available. Expect accidents and clean them up calmly. Matter-of-factly use diapers or pull-ups for naps and bedtime. Either cover the car seat or use pull-ups or diapers for car trips. Visit new bathrooms frequently when away from home. Praise him when he goes! Elizabeth Pantley Elizabeth Pantley a mother of four and the best-selling author of eight parenting books, including: The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The No-Cry Discipline Solution. She is also a contributing author to The Successful Child with Dr. William Sears. Based in Washington, Pantley is the president of Better Beginnings Inc. (a family resource and education company) and a parenting expert for a variety of publications including: Parents, Parenting and Redbook. (www.pantley.com) www.pantley.com/elizabeth

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2. Expert: Dr. Jennifer Shu June 15th, 2008
   	My newborn falls asleep during feeding and then wakes up hungry after a short nap–how can I get her to eat more so she’ll have more rest?
   	Newborn infants typically feed around eight to 12 times per day and will be able to go longer in between meals as they grow. By 10 weeks, most babies will take four to six ounces of breast milk or formula at a time–sometimes even more. Remember, however, that a baby's stomach is about the size of her fist, so she shouldn't be expected to eat too much at each feeding. By about four months, many babies do the majority of their feeding in the day and the bulk of their sleeping at night, so short daytime naps are not unusual.  For infants who seem to eat small amounts very frequently through the day, here are some things to consider: Could there be a problem with the baby's digestive tract? Talk to your pediatrician and make sure your baby is growing normally. Let your doctor know if your baby vomits or has problems with urinating or bowel movements. Are you feeding the baby at times when she's not truly hungry? A fussy baby who wants to sleep more may still take a bottle if offered. This could interrupt longer naps and might make her less hungry when it's time for a real feeding. Avoid the temptation to feed your baby just because she is crying. A pacifier or clean finger (yours or the baby's) might do the trick. Some babies (usually newborns) fall asleep easily at the breast or bottle and need a little encouragement to continue. Techniques to keep baby awake include gently stroking her feet, changing her clothes or diaper, and (if drastic measures are needed) giving her a bath before finishing off the meal. Patterns of short feeds and naps can be normal in many babies who are transitioning from the newborn period to a more "grown-up" routine. Keep following your baby's cues: feed her when she's hungry and allow her to sleep when she's not and eventually she will settle into a better pattern. Jennifer Shu, M.D., F.A.A.P. is a board-certified pediatrician in Atlanta. Her passion is educating parents on all topics relating to children. Dr. Shu is editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Baby & Child Health: The Essential Guide from Birth to 11 Years and co-author of the award-winning book Heading Home with Your Newborn and Food Fights, both published by the AAP. www.jennifershu.com

   newborn, wakes up hungry, falls asleep during feeding, infant, feeding, fussy baby, digestive tract

3. Expert: Dr. Jennifer Shu June 2nd, 2008
   	My five-month-old brings up his milk every time he has a bottle. Why does this happen and what should I do?
   	Many babies have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux, which can cause them to spit up anything they eat or drink. This reflux is caused when the muscle at the top of the stomach hasn't fully matured and can't keep down all the contents of a baby's digestive tract. Most babies will outgrow this condition by their first birthday. In the meantime, there are some things parents can do to help:   Avoid over-feeding your baby. Consult with your doctor to make sure he is getting the right amount of breast milk or formula. Feed your baby upright, not while he's lying down. Keep your baby upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding. Burp your baby halfway through a feeding if he needs it. Avoid tight diapers. Avoid putting your baby in a car seat inside the house. If your baby takes formula, ask your pediatrician if switching to a hypoallergenic formula might help. If your baby isn't growing well, refuses to eat, or seems very uncomfortable, talk to your pediatrician to see if any medication or special tests might be needed. Jennifer Shu, M.D., F.A.A.P. is a board-certified pediatrician in Atlanta. Her passion is educating parents on all topics relating to children. Dr. Shu is editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Baby & Child Health: The Essential Guide from Birth to 11 Years and co-author of the award-winning book Heading Home with Your Newborn and Food Fights, both published by the AAP. www.jennifershu.com

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4. Expert: Elizabeth Pantley March 10th, 2008
   	My baby cries a lot - could he have colic?
   	If your baby cries inconsolably for long periods every day, particularly at the same time each day, he may have colic. Researchers are still unsure of colic's exact cause, but some believe it's related to the immaturity of a baby's digestive system. Whatever the cause, colic is among the most exasperating conditions that parents of new babies face. Colic occurs only to newborn babies, up to about four to five months of age. Look for patterns in your baby's crying that can provide clues as to which suggestions are most likely to help. Then experiment with some of the ideas in this list: If breastfeeding, feed on demand (cue feeding), for nutrition as well as comfort, as often as your baby needs a calming influence. If breastfeeding, try avoiding foods that may cause gas in your baby, such as dairy products, caffeine, cabbage, broccoli and other gassy vegetables. If bottlefeeding, offer more frequent, but smaller meals; experiment with different formulas with your doctor or health care provider's approval. Hold your baby in a more upright position for feeding and directly afterwards. Experiment with when, and how often, you burp your baby. Invest in a baby sling or carrier and use it during colicky periods. Give your baby a warm bath. Hold your baby with her legs curled up toward her belly. Massage your baby's tummy, or give him a full massage. Lay your baby tummy down across your lap and massage or pat his back. Elizabeth Pantley is a mother of four and the best-selling author of eight parenting books, including: The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The No-Cry Discipline Solution. Based in Washington, Pantley is the president of Better Beginnings Inc. (a family resource and education company). www.pantley.com

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5. Expert: Alan Greene, M.D. February 11th, 2008
   	How do I find a pediatrician who’s up-to-date on the latest research and best practices when it comes to caring for kids?
   	As you did when choosing an ob/gyn, you want to find a pediatrician who is top-notch medically. Here are three questions you can ask to gauge a physician's perspective on some common pediatric concerns: 1. What is the best way to treat infant eczema? A better first approach to using steroids or prescription drugs is often to reduce exposure to eczema triggers (such as soap, bubble baths and synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester), or to gently moisturize the skin with an emollient cream or lotion. Well-informed physicians are more likely to treat the cause rather than just the symptoms and will opt for the gentlest treatment possible. 2. What advice do you give to parents about introducing solid foods? Specifically ask for the pediatrician's advice about introducing whole grains, fresh tastes, or organic foods. Your pediatrician should be conscious of nutrition and care about establishing the healthiest possible eating habits for your child. 3. How do you recommend treating ear infections? If they say that all ear infections should be treated with antibiotics, they may be behind the times. The Academy of Pediatrics now teaches that, in many situations, ear infections will heal better on their own, thus reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. (But pain relief should be given for the ear pain.) And, from the comfort of your home, you can learn a lot about some physicians and their practices by looking at their websites–many pediatricians have them now–and by talking to other parents. Dr. Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green, is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of California San Francisco. In addition to being the founder of www.DrGreene.com, he is the Chief Medical Officer of A.D.A.M., and the Pediatric Expert for WebMD. He is the Chair Elect of The Organic Center and on the Advisory Board of Healthy Child Healthy World. Dr. Greene is a practicing pediatrician at Stanford University's Packard Children's Hospital.

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6. Expert: Dr. Jennifer Shu January 28th, 2008
   	My baby's skin is dry, red and irritated-looking - what should I do?
   	There are many causes of dry or irritated skin in babies, including: cold or dry air; sensitivity to lotion, soap or clothing; too much bathing; baby acne; and eczema. Here are some general guidelines for dealing with the problem: 1. Give it a little time. Sometimes dryness will improve if you stop using soap or rough washcloths. 2. Make it wet. Apply a sticky moisturizer (such as Aquaphor, Eucerin and Vaseline) frequently during the day. Products marketed as "baby eczema creams" may also help. If you've just bathed your baby, apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp. If your baby is prone to dry skin, you may need to apply moisturizer regularly to prevent it from becoming dry again. 3. Soften rough spots. If a moisturizer isn't doing the trick, you may need something stronger, such as an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (which comes in 0.5% and 1%). These can be used for a few days to treat the most red or irritated areas, which often clear up within a week of twice-daily applications. After that, applying a moisturizer at least once daily can keep the skin from getting worse. If it doesn't get better, see your doctor so you can try something else before the irritation worsens. 4. Do some detective work. Is your baby scratching or has he tried a new food or product recently? Certain foods, exposure to some animals, detergents, or fabrics can cause skin problems. If your child's dry skin seems to come and go, keep a diary so you can look back a day or two from when the irritation started. Also, keep your baby's nails clean and short so he'll be less likely to infect any broken skin. 5. Call for help. It's easier to treat dry, irritated skin when the condition is still mild. As soon as you feel your efforts aren't working, get your doctor's advice. Jennifer Shu, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician in Atlanta. Her passion is educating parents on all topics relating to children. Dr. Shu is editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Baby & Child Health: The Essential Guide from Birth to 11 Years and co-author of the award-winning book Heading Home with Your Newborn and Food Fights, both published by the AAP. www.jennifershu.com

   baby, dry skin, skincare, baby moisturizer, eczema

7. Expert: Alan Greene, M.D. January 1st, 2008
   	Are cloth diapers more environmentally friendly than disposable?
   	Any parent who has tossed a diaper in the trash knows overloading landfills are an ecological issue. But what about the energy, water and chlorine involved in laundering cloth diapers? The truth is, both cloth and disposable diapers have a negative effect on our planet. Studies show disposable diapers, home-laundered cloth diapers and commercially laundered cotton diapers have a similar overall environmental impact - but there are things you can do to reduce it. For disposable diapers, the most significant impact occurs during manufacturing, so choose brands that focus on green manufacturing methods. And almost all diapers are recyclable, so use the green bin instead of the trash. For home-laundered cloth diapers, the primary impact comes from the electricity used in washing and drying, so make sure your machine is marked "Energy Saver" and avoid peak wash times such as 5 to 7 p.m. For commercially laundered diapers, the biggest impact comes from use of fuels and electricity. Choose a company that is close by to reduce fuels and emissions during transportation. For green-savvy parents, the best choice is hybrid diapers with a washable outer pant and flushable refill. Brands such as gDiapers (gDiapers.com) are a good option (Julia Roberts even uses them) and come in fun colors, such as goodwill green and global blue.   Dr. Alan Greene is a pediatrician at Stanford University's Packard Children's Hospital, author of Raising Baby Green and Chair Elect of The Organic Center. www.DrGreene.com

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