The New Parents Guide Blog

Do you give your children multivitamins? How about mineral supplements, fiber supplements, or essential fatty acids? How do you know what vitamins to give your children–and in what quantities?

The best place to go for advice is your child’s pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner. Before your next well-child visit, why not read Vitamin Wars, an article by a doctor and mom of four. Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann understands what it’s like to try to gauge the nutritional needs of a child who insists on eating only grilled-cheese sandwiches, Cheerios and bananas.

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Kids:  they want to be just like grownups, doing everything grownups do. Some kids want to be like grownups so much that they’ll even ask for foods they wouldn’t dream of touching–just because a grownup is having it.

That’s how it is with my younger son and sushi. His older siblings love it. He wants to love it, but he doesn’t. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop him from wanting to order sushi when his older siblings have it.

Youngsters who want to feel sophisticated but don’t yet have a sophisticated palate will appreciate Rachael Ray’s recipe for Candy Sushi. It’s easy to make from Rice Krispies, Twizzlers, Fruit Roll-Ups and marshmallows. Even more fun than eating Candy Sushi is making it together with your child.

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We brought you the news about the Nap Nanny Infant Recliner recall in December, but we’ve just learned that the recall has now been expanded.

Originally the manufacturer had not recalled this item and it was up to individual retailers to voluntarily recall it. At this time, Baby Matters of Berwyn, PA is out of business, but the CPSC recommends that parents stop using this item with their babies. Five infants have died in these recliners. Selected retailers will accept returns:

• Amazon.com
• Buy Buy Baby: Toll-free at (877) 328-9222
• Diapers.com: (800) 342-7377
• Toys R Us/Babies R Us: (800) 869-7787

If you purchased a Nap Nanny from some other retailer, the CPSC urges you to simply discard the product, making sure that it can never be used again, as it presents a substantial hazard to infants.

It’s more and more common for couples to face fertility challenges these days. Many families experience what’s known as secondary infertility, or difficulty conceiving after a first pregnancy. Secondary infertility is, in fact, part of the reason for the wide intervals in my own kids’ ages.

When you suspect you might be having fertility issues, it’s wise to consult your OB/GYN. But don’t go to the doctor empty-handed–bring along some data about your fertility cycles. It’s amazing what doctors can conclude about your cycle from simple observations that you can make every day.

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My husband and I have both worn glasses, full-time, since middle school. We’re pretty amazed that only one of our kids has needed glasses–and those are only for schoolwork. We faithfully bring our children to the eye doctor on a regular basis, just to be sure.

June is Child Vision Awareness Month, so this is a good time to make sure you get your child’s eyes checked before preschool starts in the fall. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a pediatric ophthalmologist. Their offices and equipment are child-friendly, and the exam is virtually pain-free. If there is a family history of eye problems or your child was premature, he may need to be checked more often, but a good time to start is at the age of 3, with a followup at age 6.

Read more about Early Warning Signs of Eye Problems in Children.

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In honor of Father’s Day, encourage Dad to put his feet up and let the kids take over the yard work.

When that’s all done, head out for a round of golf.

Why not head out to the lake for a little fishing? Bring your tackle box and make sure to stay quiet so you don’t scare away the fish!

Then head to the workshop to build something cool–maybe a playhouse!

Make Dad his favorite dinner in the kitchen.

Top off a day full of fun with some homemade Snow Cones.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads from all of us at The New Parents Guide!