Toddler Care Tips Iowa

1. Make sure you have the proper gear. If you're just caring for a toddler for a few hours, you probably won't need much more than a diaper bag and a bottle or sippy cup. But if you will be caring for the child for a longer period of time, there are some additional items that you will definitely need.
   
   Properly fitting car seats are required by law for all young children. If you must drive with a toddler in your car, make sure that the car seat is strapped securely into your car. Also, make sure the five point straps are tight enough to secure the child in case of an accident. If you have an older toddler, you may be able to use a portable car booster seat (state laws vary), but make sure that the car seat belts can harness the child properly.
   
   Young toddlers often still sleep in either a crib or a toddler bed. If the child is not used to sleeping in a regular size bed, don't try to introduce it at your house. Young children roll and flail a lot in their sleep, and the child could roll off of the bed. If the child must sleep in an adult size bed, use bed rails so that he or she can't roll out.
   
   
2. Keeping a toddler occupied. One of the most fun things to do with toddlers is to play with them. Toddlers love to explore and learn new things. You can read books to the child, color with crayons, do simple puzzles or play with learning toys.
   
   Try not to park the toddler in front of the television set. Although there are many wonderful television programs on nowadays for toddlers and preschool-aged children, young toddlers should not watch a lot of television. In fact, many doctors recommend that children under the age of two years old watch no television at all. Of course, a toddler's television viewing habits are really up to his or her parents.
   
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Author: Victoria Miller