If you’re still breastfeeding, you may be wondering when you’re going to stop. Many moms start their breastfeeding journey with an arbitrary end date in mind, often around the six months or one year mark. But what happens when that end date comes and goes and your baby still seems more than happy to keep breastfeeding? Extended breastfeeding (breastfeeding for over twelve months) offers many benefits to both mom and toddler. Here are just some of the amazing benefits of breastfeeding a toddler:

1. Nutrition

Your toddler will still be getting plenty of nutritional value from breast milk long into the second year. Your milk doesn’t become nutritionally lacking as soon as that first birthday candle is blown out, instead it continues to offer your child plenty of nutrition. When you have been breastfeeding for over a year, your breast milk contains higher levels of fat and energy content, making it the perfect fuel for your growing toddler.

2. Comfort

Breastfeeding isn’t just about nutrition, it is also a vital source of support for many breastfed babies. Bumped heads, scary dreams and poorly tummies can all be breastfed away thanks to the comfort provided by this closeness. If you continue breastfeeding, you’ll continue to be able to use this as your go-to whenever your child needs comforting. It’s lazy and easy and lovely – what more could you want?

3. Connection

Now that your baby is getting older, you may be spending more time apart. Perhaps you are increasing your hours at the office, heading back to work or picking up your social life again. Whatever you’re doing, breastfeeding can provide you with the perfect way to reconnect with your toddler after some time apart. If you’re still feeding in the night, it also provides you with a great opportunity for nighttime connection. As your toddler grows more independent, you may at times feel somewhat disconnected from her, but breastfeeding gives you a foolproof way to reconnect.

4. Immunity

Your child still has an immature immune system and this leaves her at an increased risk of catching colds, viruses and tummy bugs. Breastfeeding will continue to offer your child a boost of antibodies and immunity from your own immune system.

5. Food

There are few things more stressful than having a poorly toddler. When you have a poorly toddler, it’s worrying to see them lose weight when they’re off their food. A breastfed toddler will probably continue to breastfeed throughout an illness, even when she doesn’t want to eat solid food. This can give you some peace of mind that your child is getting at least some nutrition to help her stay strong and fight the infection.

Are you planning to continue breastfeeding into toddlerhood?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Now that your baby is approaching one year of age, you’re probably desperate to know what his first word will be. In fact, if he’s an early talker, you may already know. Over the next few months, your baby will be developing language skills and learning new words. This will happen naturally, but there are things you can do to compliment this natural process. Here are a few things you can do to teach your one year old to talk:

1. Repeat words

Perhaps unsurprisingly, repetition is important for helping your baby to grasp new words. You should make an effort to repeat words throughout the day. This could be as simple as saying the word ‘drink’ when you pass your baby his sippy cup or naming the toys he is playing with. Hearing the words over and over again will make it easier for him to learn the names of things.

2. Take your time

If you want your child to learn to talk, you need to provide him with the opportunity to practice new words. This means you need to stop second-guessing him, finishing his sentences and answering for him. Instead, take your time and wait to see what he has to say.

3. Always respond

Your child’s early attempts at conversation are important and you can build his confidence by responding positively. Always chatter back to your baby, even when you have no idea what he’s saying (this will happen a lot, it does not mean you’re a terrible mom). Expand on what your child tells you. Your child may master simple words soon and you can repeat these words back to him and include them in a sentence. This will help him to understand the next stage of language development.

4. Cut out background noise

Turn the television off, switch off the radio and spend some time each day really focused on your baby. You might be surprised to discover just how much you miss when you’re distracted by background noise. Give your baby your complete and undivided attention and strike up a conversation.

Has your baby said his first word yet?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

When it’s going well, mothering is fun, rewarding, joyous, awe-inspiring. But there are times when moms need a little inspiration to keep going – to feel like we’re making a difference in the world and that all of our efforts are worth it. Affirmations help us put the power of positive thinking to work in our own lives.

Take the following affirmations and put them around your house – on your bathroom mirror, your dresser, the changing table, the fridge, inside a kitchen cabinet door. When you feel the need for connection with other mothers or a pick-me-up when your day’s not going well, read one quote and keep it in mind throughout your day. Repeat the affirmations to yourself as a prayer to get through your more challenging days.

1. My mothering is helping my baby grow and thrive.
2. I can handle any problem I face. Adversity makes me a stronger mother.
3. I am slowing down to be present with my baby throughout the day.
4. I am not afraid to ask for help if I need it.
5. I love my baby.
6. A fussy baby is not a reflection on my mothering.
7. I give love freely to my baby, and freely accept my baby’s love and trust.
8. I am learning to parent with confidence.
9. Each day, I am a better mother.
10. I trust my intuition.
11. I am a calm island for my baby in a stormy world.
12. I am in harmony with my baby.
13. No mother is perfect. Each day I am learning something new.
14. Mothering my baby is joyful and filled with wonderful surprises.
15. I appreciate my baby and my life each day.
16. My baby is unique, and my mothering is tailored to meet his or her needs.
17. My baby accepts my flaws without judgment, helping me accept them, too.
18. I am strong, and grow stronger in my mothering each day.
19. I believe in myself as a mother.
20. I am a good mother.

What are your favorite mothering mantras? What can you add to the list?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Potty training is probably one of the most dreaded toddler milestones. Well, that and the terrible twos. On the one hand, you’re probably keen to put diapers behind you. And yet, on the other, you know there will be a lot of bodily excretions to clean up before you get there.

There isn’t a universal approach to potty training. What works for one child may not work for another. This can be frustrating if you’re hoping to speed up the process and start enjoying a diaper-free existence. Luckily, these five fool proof tips will help you on your way without driving you potty (sorry):

1. Wait till he’s ready

As a parent, it’s understandable that you want your child to do things at the same time as his peers. This applies to potty training as well. As soon as a few of his friends can handle underpants, you want your child to reach the same milestone. In reality, however, it doesn’t work like that. All children are different, and your child will be ready when he’s ready. Not when his friends or cousins are ready. If you want to know whether your child is ready, look out for the following signs:

• soft, formed poos
• no longer poos during the night
• has dry periods of at least an hour or two
• ability to pull pants up and down with little or no help

2. Make it fun

Potty training doesn’t have to be stressful. Try not to think of it as training, but as guiding. Let your child choose a potty and some brand new underwear, and explain why he’s getting them. Put the potty in the bathroom, but make sure there are toys and books nearby to keep him entertained during toilet trips. If your child has a predictable routine, you may have a good idea of when he’ll need a poo. If this is the case, stay close to the potty during those times.

3. Communicate

Talk to your child about potty training. Even if he can’t yet say the words himself, hearing and understanding ‘poo’ and ‘wee’ will make potty training that little bit easier. Make sure you regularly ask him whether he needs a wee. It’s easy for kids to ignore the signs or delay a trip to the bathroom, by reminding him regularly you can reduce the risk of accidents. Even if he’s not saying it in words, your child may already be subconsciously communicating with you when he needs to visit the bathroom. You may notice him fidget or dance a little when he needs the toilet. Keep an eye on your child so you can suggest a visit to the potty if you notice any of these signs.

4. Be positive

Accidents will happen, it’s inevitable. The important thing is to stay positive and not react negatively to any mishaps. A simple, “Oh dear! Let’s get a cloth,” is fine, there’s no need to say more than that. Toddlers are all about independence, so will be working towards the potty training goal just as hard as you are. Accepting that accidents happen will make the process easier.

5. Take it one day at a time

There will be good days and bad days. On the bad days, your sofa might get covered in poo. Young children are prone to regressions during times of upset, and this applies to potty training too. If your child is under the weather, going through a developmental leap or feeling anxious, you may find that the number of accidents increases. In fact, your potty prodigy can suddenly start wetting himself on a regular basis. Don’t worry, you’re not going backwards. It’s just a regression, and things will be back to normal before you know it.

Are you about to tackle potty training? What trips and tricks do you have hidden up your sleeves?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Although breastfeeding is a great way to give your baby the nutrients he needs, at some point you’ll decide it’s time to wean your baby. If you are wondering when you should consider weaning your little one, you’re the best judge of when the time is right.

Keep in mind, doctors usually recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing to nurse even after introducing solids for at least the first year of your baby’s life. But there is no hard and fast rule that you have to wean your baby by her first birthday. If you and your baby are both still comfortable breastfeeding, continue to do so.

But in some cases, you may feel both you and your baby are ready to wean. Your baby may show signs she is losing interest in nursing. For example, if she acts indifferent or cranky when nursing, she may be giving you a hint. In some instances, when babies start to eat solid foods, they may naturally nurse less. Also, after a year, if your milk supply is decreasing or nursing is becoming increasingly difficult to juggle with work, you may feel ready to wean.

When you do decide the time is right, it’s important to wean your baby slowly. If you wean too quickly, it can lead to engorgement. It can also be traumatic for your baby to wean cold turkey, and he may resist taking a bottle or cup of milk.

To make the transition smoother, slowly taper off. For example, drop a feeding or nurse for less time during each feeding. See how your baby reacts to a gradual decrease in nursing. Consider weaning to the point of only nursing at bedtime.

The amount of time it takes to completely wean your baby varies. Some babies don’t seem to mind the change and quickly make the switch while others may take a bit more time. Be patient and follow your babies lead.

Keep in mind, if you’re weaning your baby before the age of one, switch from breastmilk to formula. After the age of one, you can slowly introduce your baby whole milk. Whether you want to give your baby a bottle or cup is up to you.

You may feel a little bittersweet about weaning your baby. While it will be nice to get your body back, you might miss nursing and that special time with your little one. It’s also normal to feel a little nostalgic about your baby growing up. But a big part of parenting is learning to let go of each stage and embrace the next one.

written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

You might be surprised to learn that beyond providing for your child’s basic needs, not much of what you do in these early years is predictive of how your child will perform in the school years. Not much, that is, except for reading.

Beginning a nightly routine of reading to your baby from as young as birth is one of the best ways to develop language skills and spark your little one’s imagination. Plus, the earlier you begin reading to your baby, the more likely you are to nurture a love of reading that will endure well into the future.

So if you don’t have them yet, here are 10 bedtime books you should be adding to your personal library to choose from during that nightly bedtime routine:

1. You Are My I Love You, Maryann K. Cusimano: This sweet and rhythmic board book reads like a poem and features adorable illustrations.
2. Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown: This classic from 1947 belongs on every child’s bookshelf.
3. Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak: Made into a movie, this children’s book calls for a dramatic reading that will have your kiddos completely engrossed in the story.
4. On The Night You Were Born, Nancy Tillman: Another rhythmic read that has pages which almost read like lyrics, On the Night You Were Born aims to spread the same message that many of Tillman’s books are focused on: you are loved, and so very, very wanted.
5. The Napping House, Audrey Wood: Following a pattern that children will delight in, this is a book that also allows for all kinds of interactivity throughout the reading. For instance, teach kids to put their finger to their mouths and say, “shhhhh,” every time the line, “Where everyone was napping,” is read.
6. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Martin Jr.: Kids love repetition, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear provides just that, alongside covert lessons on color and animals.
7. I Love You, Stinky Face, Lisa McCourt: This book will have your kids laughing at the various imaginings of a little one who is clearly trying to delay bedtime.
8. Guess How Much I Love You, Sam McBratney: Another classic that will have your little ones reveling in just how much they truly are loved.
9. Tickle Monster, Josie Bissett: Tickle Monster is a fun and lively book that will have your kids giggling in anticipation. Just make sure you plan on reading a more mellow book after this one!
10. Llama, Llama, Red Pajama, Anna Dewdney: The tale of Baby Llama’s bedtime panic is sure to have your kiddo cuddling tight just before lights out.

Have a favorite bedtime book? Please tell us, we’d love to hear what it is.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

That first year of new parenthood goes by in such a blur, and before you know it, your tiny newborn is suddenly blowing through clothes sizes and leaving toys behind.

Not to mention, you’re no longer wearing your maternity jeans anymore either (though… you may miss that elastic waistband).

So as your stockpile of boxes filled with outgrown baby stuff (and now too big maternity wear) increases, you’ve probably found yourself wondering what you should do with it all. Well… there are a few options.

1. Keep: If you’re not sure you’re quite done with your family building just yet, it’s probably a good idea to keep whatever you have the room for to store. After all, that stuff wasn’t cheap, and the truth is—most people don’t get baby showers for a second or third little one. So while you may have received a lot of generous gifts the first time around, the expectation is often that you keep those items for future children. And you don’t want to have to start from scratch with the next baby unless you have to.
2. Hand Down: Maybe you have a good friend or relative who is about to have a baby of their own, and you love the idea of your baby’s clothes being put to good use by a friend’s baby. In that case, hand-me-downs are always deeply appreciated and it can be a lot of fun to see the items you loved so much getting loved again. Of course, with hand-me-downs, there isn’t usually an expectation of getting those items back. After all, kids can be rough on things, and it can be hard for new parents to keep track of what was given to them by whom. So if you have a special sentimental attachment to anything, you probably shouldn’t give it away. This is an option reserved only for those items you are ready to say “goodbye” to.
3. Sell: When it comes to baby gear, there is almost always a market for selling your used items online. Craigslist or eBay can be a great resource for getting rid of that swing, bouncer, and exersaucer. Baby consignment stores are another great idea, usually willing to take baby clothes off your hands for cash or store credit—store credit that can be used to pick up clothes in bigger sizes for your growing little one. The same options exist in a lot of places for maternity clothes as well.
4. Charity: Charity shops or organizations are also willing to take unwanted clothes or toys. Make sure they’re in good condition and clean, and you’ll find that your local charity will be grateful to receive them. This has the added benefit of knowing your items are going to a good cause.

The good news is, no matter what you decide, there is always someone willing to take those extra items off your hands when you’re ready!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.