The One-Month Check-Up: Well Baby & Well Mama

The first few sleepless weeks have passed and it is time for that one-month well-baby visit to the pediatrician. If you have taken your baby in for weight checks or for a visit a day or two after your discharge from the hospital, you may be more familiar with the drill. If not, there is no need to worry. The hardest part is getting out the door and to the office on time. As check-ups go, the one-month is an easy appointment and it is great to see the progress your baby has made in just a short period of time.

After you arrive and are taken back to the exam room, you can expect the nurse to ask you to strip down your little one, diaper and all, to be weighed. The nurse will also measure your baby's head circumference and length. All three measurements will be charted for future reference in monitoring your child's growth. You'll re-diaper your baby and swaddle her in a blanket to keep her warm.

When the pediatrician comes in, he will usually spend some time talking with you about how things are going at home. This will include questions about how your baby is eating and sleeping, about numbers of wet and dirty diapers, about her temperament, about how you are feeling and managing, as well as how as any siblings are adjusting to having a new baby at home. This is your opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and be reassured that you are doing a great job. To make the best use of this time, it is helpful to come with notes as to feeding schedules and amounts, any abnormalities or issues you've noted at home, as well any questions you have about what to expect in the next month.

As for the physical, the pediatrician will perform a head to toe exam. Among other things, he will listen to your baby's heart and lungs, check for signs of hip dysplasia, ensure that the umbilicus and, if applicable, circumcision are healing properly, and do a basic vision and hearing check. If there are any specific items of concern that were noted at the hospital or in previous examinations, your pediatrician will also revisit those items. Common issues at the one month check-up include hernias, diaper rash, cradle cap, and feeding and sleep problems. If your baby did not receive an initial Hepatitis B vaccination at the hospital, the pediatrician or nurse may administer the first dose at this visit.

That's it. You'll dress your baby and off you'll go, armed with additional information and, hopefully, a little extra confidence in your parenting skills to get you through the next month.

Gifts for the Little Boys in Your Life

Gift buying for toddlers does not have to mean a painful stroll through the big chain toy store. Some of the best gifts for little boys can be picked up as you go about your regular errands and are quite fun to buy. Also, there is no need to worry about current trends. The best gifts and toys are often the very same ones that we all played with when we were young. If you are looking for the perfect gift, consider the one of the following suggestions:

Books - A little one can almost never have too many books. Look for titles in the board book format for those boys that need extra durability, or for other formats for those that are ready to be a little more gentle with their things. Classic children's books will be enjoyed for years, first as they are read to the toddler, then as they begin to read on their own.

Art supplies - A small tote with some basic art supplies is a gift that encourages creativity and avoids adding to the probably already overflowing toy box. Look for things that are not overly messy and where complete projects can be created with the included items. Stickers, pads of construction and drawing paper, and age appropriate crayons or markers are all great choices.

Building toys - Good for hours of fun, blocks and other building toys are not quickly outgrown. Wooden unit blocks, Duplo (large format Lego blocks), and Kid K'NEX are all available in starter sets sufficient to build towers and creations to your toddler's heart's content.

Trucks, cars, trains and airplanes - Many little boys can spend hours racing little Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars around the floor. Small themed sets of vehicles are often quite inexpensive and good for lots of individual or group play.

Classic board games - There are quite a few "no reading required" board games that are great fun for a little one and their parent, grandparent, or caregiver. Consider the classics, like Candy Land and Hungry Hungry Hippos, as they have stood the test of time for a reason. Also sure to please are games from the Cranium line.

Puzzles - Good quality puzzles can entertain a toddler for quite some time while promoting brain and motor development. Sturdy wooden puzzles, like those sold under the Melissa & Doug brand, will stand up to years of use and fun.

A gift receipt is always nice to include, but, if you stick with the basics and have fun shopping, it probably won't be needed.

Activity Kits for Travel with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Airplane and car travel with toddlers and preschoolers can be a challenge. Packing a variety of snacks and drinks as well as putting together an activity kit can make a huge difference in the number of gray hairs you’ll gain by the time you reach your destination. Designate a carry-on or backpack and fill it up a few days before you depart. Consider some of these favorites:

Printable activities—Do an internet search for “printables” and print out a bunch of pages in a variety of themes, attach to a clipboard with a plastic ziptop bag of age-appropriate crayons, colored pencils, and markers for a large, inexpensive supply of “work” for your older toddler or preschooler. Coloring pages, mazes, and other activities are readily available and can be selected for their relevance to your trip.
Klutz books—Look for these activity kits and books at Border’s, Michael’s, Amazon.com, toy stores and all sorts of other places around town. The books come with different types of activities and the materials necessary for them. Look for the Chicken Socks label for the books for smaller kids. Don’t forget to check the packaging and cut any fasteners before tossing them in your bag and be sure to throw an extra ziptop bag or two in with the books to collect any extra loose pieces quickly.
Crayola Model Magic—This modeling clay product comes in very small foil packages, has less of an odor than Playdough, and isn’t as sticky. Pick up a variety pack, open one or two packs at a time and just toss when finished. Model Magic hardens in about a day, so it is not good for a long time, but it is great for limited use.
Chenille Stems—Good old pipe cleaners are a super light, versatile addition to your travel activity kit. They can be made into all sorts of things, cost very little, and weigh almost nothing. If you find that the ends are a little sharp for small hands, simply fold over and twist a few times to secure the end of the wire.
Wikki Stix—Oddly entertaining, Wikki Stix are wax covered string that are moldable and stick to some surfaces. Use them to make animals, letters, and three dimensional creations. You can usually find them at craft stores.
Magnetic Drawing Boards—The mini Magna Doodle and Etch-a-Sketch models are nice, small additions to your bag, create no mess, and are infinitely reusable.

Pack up a variety of things when little eyes aren’t looking and bring them out one at time, saving the best, most novel items for as long as possible. If you are feeling up to it, package the items in small treat bags or lunch bags so that unwrapping the surprises can be part of the fun.

Happy Traveling!

Blogging...

This is attempt number two at a blog. I hope to put forth some insight into life as a stay-at-home mama of two --or at least burn off some steam by writing. If anyone happens to see this, drop me a comment. I'm happy to hear from you.

Happy Earth Day!