A Healthy Little Note: Issue #2

Hard to believe, but it's been two weeks since I sent you my first Healthy Little Note!

It was awesome hearing how many of you enjoyed it and I'm back with another batch of five tips for you and your little one, so let's get this party started...

1. HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO DROP A NAP

I got a great question this week from a near and dear friend/client and want to share my answer with you.

Her little one (an adorable 16-month-old boy) seems ready to drop down to one nap a day which is a blessing (more awake time!) and a curse (less quiet time!).

But she's not sure if it's the right time to do so or how best to do it?

Here's how to figure that out.

The first step is to figure out if your little one is REALLY ready to drop a nap!

 
Just because a nap isn't taken for 3 days in a row doesn't mean the nap is dropping. Your little one might be going through a developmental leap.

These leaps - like walking (physical) or talking (cognitive) can disrupt nap times (and possibly night time) as the new skill is being practiced.

So, if this is happening, keep offering the nap time for at least 10-14 days.

If your little one goes this extended period of time without napping, then they’re ready for the big time! (Or at least to drop to one nap a day.)
 
But if naps still happen 3-4x a week during this period, then your little one still needs a nap. 

If the naps only happen 1-2x a week during this period, then it’s time to transition to one nap.

But HOW?

To learn that, check out my post about how to drop a nap.

Want to discuss your child's specific situation?

Go here to schedule a FREE 15-minute call with me and we can chat about it!

Or, just reply to this email with any questions you have and I'll be happy to answer.
 

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2. HOW TO GET YOUR LITTLE ONE EXCITED TO CREATE ART

Does your little one like to draw? They will after they check out this Art for Kids YouTube channel.

My kids - who weren't previously that into art - were totally drawn in by these videos (no pun intended!).
 

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3. EVERY LESSON LEARNED FROM 8 WEEKS OF RAISING A DAUGHTER

If you're a Dad, you're going to love this. If you know a Dad, you need to share this with them.

Ryan RIley is a new father who wrote this post chronicling everything he's learned about parenting after eight weeks with his daughter and it's a fun read.

I got a kick out of these truths and even a little sentimental.
 

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4. HOW TO BREAK YOUR TODDLER'S BAD TV HABITS

This Popsugar article about how to break your toddler's TV addiction made me think of my own situation.

I used to let me kids watch a show after dinner or after they got a bath and pjs, but it soon turned into a nightmare.

They were so mesmerized and numbed by the TV, that our post-show tradition became an epic meltdown. Something had to change.

So we cancelled the early evening show and after a night or two of protests and a couple tears shed, we've NEVER looked back.

Now, they actually look for something DO (imagine that?). We play a game together or they find something to do together on their own.

Try it - it's also a great way to connect with them right before bedtime and fill up their "tank" so to speak.
 

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5. A HEALTHY LITTLE RECOMMENDATION: THE BEST BASICS FOR YOUR NURSERY

If you're setting up a new nursery, here are a few must-haves:

Marpac-Dohm Sound Machine

White noise is essential to your little one's sleep - it helps them stay in a deeper sleep longer.

What's great about this Marpac-Dohm is that it offers no other sounds but true ambient white noise which is all you want!

No ocean waves, heartbeat, or lullaby music, which actually activate brainwaves rather than keep them at rest and can wake your little one up during a lighter active sleep stage.

Plus, I also love this one because it stays on all night long!

There's even a mini one for traveling!

Nest Cam

No need to sift through all the video monitors out there before you pay an arm and a leg for one. I've done the research and this Nest Cam is by far the best.

Naturepedic Lullaby Crib Mattress

This is the mattress I used with my littles and I couldn't have been happier!

I'm sure they'd recommend it as well if they had a newsletter in which they recommended things which they don't...yet.
 

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That wraps up this issue!

Hope you enjoyed it and I'd LOVE if you shared it with your friends on social media or spread the word on the local Mommy gossip circuit - thanks!

Susie

PS - You can send people here to subscribe to get the next Healthy Little Note!