NEW ARTICLE: Night Sleep in Babies Linked with Better Cognitive Skills

This is a great article from Mamapedia about the importance of night sleep for your children. Babies and children should be getting 11-12 hours of night sleep for healthy brain development.

"When is your baby sleeping? According to a recent study, babies who get most of their sleep at night--as opposed to during daytime naps--do better on tests of executive functioning, including impulse control, mental flexibility and working memory, compared with kids who sleep less at night. This research boosts what studies have been finding--that early childhood sleep plays a key role in the development of higher-order cognitive processes, which may later contribute to emotional and social adjustment and achievement in school. "These results raise the possibility that infant sleep affects developing brain structures [associated with higher-order cognitive processes] in the first two years of life," the authors of the study write, "thereby setting in motion a cascade of neural effects that may carry substantial implications for later executive functioning." The "restorative features of sleep may be especially prominent in the frontal cortex, which is one of the most active and most densely connected brain regions during wake time, and may thus require more recuperation during sleep," the researchers explained."

NEW!! GROUP COACHING!!

Now offering GROUP COACHING! If you know 5-8 moms that are facing challenges with parenting - or are simply not enjoying being a mom as much as they should be - please let me know! Group Coaching can be a great way to meet other moms and to gain insight through another's perspective. Contact me at adshillito@yahoo.com for more information.

NEW ARTICLE TO READ

This is a great article to read based on research by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Read on to learn how a consistent bedtime for preschoolers may give kids a developmental boost!

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/639826.html

SAN DIEGO INFANT SLEEP WORKSHOP!!

I will be holding another 3 Day Sleep Solution Infant Sleep Workshop in San Diego this June! This workshop is for babies 6 months - 2 years old. It will take place off in Carmel Valley in San Diego, Tuesday, July 13th 7-9pm. The workshop will be 2 hours and will include instructions on how to implement the 3 Day Sleep Solution and get your little one sleeping soundly through the night. If your baby seems fussy, relies on "sleep crutches" to fall asleep, is a "finicky" eater, isn't sleeping 12 hours through the night or taking two naps a day lasting approximately 2 hours each.....then this workshop is for you! Email me at adshillito@yahoo.com to register. $40 per person or $65 per couple.

Picky Eating & The Truth About Juice

Lately, I have had more than a few moms asking for help with their "Picky Eater".
Why are children picky eaters? Why do some children who were previously wonderful eaters now suddenly turn up their nose at everything and anything you put in front of them? These so called "Picky Eaters" are usually between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. As we moms all know, these are the fun filled years in which our darling angels are continuously exploring their autonomy, testing boundaries, and trying to control their little worlds. In fact, the only things that a toddler can actually control (which they often figure out faster than we do) is what goes in and what comes out.
Here are few practical tips to help with the picky eating phase - but please find solace in the fact that no toddler has EVER starved themselves to death. This too shall pass!

* Remember that this is a power issue, not a food issue. The more you engage in the struggle the bigger the fight becomes.

* Make the decision to eat about them, NOT about you. Your child shouldn't eat because it will "Make mommy so happy!" or "Daddy will be so proud!" They should know that their decision to eat is necessary because it is good for their body and important for their health.

* Cook only 1 meal. You are not running a short order restaurant. Offer a variety of choices in that meal - a protein, a vegetable or fruit, a starch, etc. Serve a variety of meals throughout the week (not just butter noodles or chicken nuggets every night). Even if a certain food is passed over once or twice....keep offering it.

* Do not engage in bartering, bargaining, or bribing when it comes to food and eating.

* DO NOT OVER HYDRATE YOUR CHILD!!! This is a big one. Your toddler only needs half their weight in fluids per day. If you fill them up on milk and juice throughout the day, they won't be hungry for actual food. (See the information and links to facts about juice below)

* Your child should stay seated for their meals for a certain (reasonable) period of time - either until the family as a whole is done or a predetermined time. Even if they don't eat anything, they should stay at the table until they are properly excused. If they don't eat anything for their dinner, offer a glass of milk before bed to get them through the night.

* Find creative and fun ways to serve your little one. Make eating into a game or find funny ways to make their food look like animals, cars, or other entertaining objects.

* If you are worried about your toddler not receiving the nutrition they need during this period, be sure they take a multivitamin and possibly a supplement. I personally like the Animal Parade brand. They have a green veggie supplement that actually tastes good!

JUICE FACTS:

"The high sugar content of fruit juices is often not realized—many fruit juices have a higher sugar (fructose) content than sweetened soft drinks; e.g., typical grape juice has 50% more sugar than Coca Cola." Wikipedia

Check out these links for more interesting information on juice:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=24

http://www.hookedonjuice.com/

SAN DIEGO SLEEP WORKSHOP

Hi everyone! I'm holding an Infant Sleep Workshop Sunday, April 11th at the So Childish Boutique. Please pass this info along to anyone you know who may be having sleep issues with their baby (4 months - 1 year old).


The 3 Day Sleep Solution by Davis Ehrler Infant Sleep Workshop April 11th 11-1pm at the So Childish Boutique in San Diego, CA. At 4 months old and beyond your baby can - and should - be sleeping independently 11-12 hours a night and napping over an hour twice a day. If you are having sleep issues with your baby 4 months-1 year old, this workshop is for you! Given by Infant/Child Sleep Consultant Andrea Shillito of Blissful Babies. $40 per person/$65 per couple. RSVP to adshillito@yahoo.com by April 1st.

5 Baby Sleep Myths

Myth #1 Some babies are just poor sleepers: If your baby is a "poor sleeper" it is because you have made them that way. Sorry! Harsh - but true! Parents - with good, yet misinformed, intentions - keep their babies from learning to sleep independently. An important skill. They promote unhealthy sleep crutches and then continue to reinforce those habits, never giving their child the opportunity to form healthy sleep habits.
Myth #2 Early bedtime means early to rise and Late bedtime means late to rise: Sleep begets sleep. If you put your baby to bed too late, they will actually end up waking earlier and not getting the deep REM sleep their little bodies and brains need for healthy development. Early bedtimes are best for your little ones!

Myth #3 Formula helps babies sleep better: Most women's breastmilk is the same consistency of formula. Therefore, the formula does not fill up the baby through the night any more than breastmilk.

Myth #4 Babies can't sleep through the night until 6 months or older: Your 4 month old baby can and should be sleeping 11-12 hours through the night and taking 2 naps of over an hour and a third catnap throughout the day. 14-16 hours of total sleep in a 24 hour period.

Myth #5 Big babies sleep better: Wrong. Babies who have been given the opportunity to learn how to sleep unassisted, sleep well. Big or small.

2 Ways to Become a Happier Parent

I found this article on Yahoo today. It once again talks about the importance of routines in a family to facilitate a peaceful, secure, and happy household. Children need and thrive on routines, and it makes the job of the parents a much easier one as well. I teach my clients that their "Daily Routine" is the foundation of their home. It is the first thing I help a family implement, and with that one step we often solve the majority of issues that the parents are facing.

Read on and become a "Happier Parent":

http://health.yahoo.com/featured/84/two-simple-ways-to-be-a-happier-parent/

Contact me for a consultation if you need help implementing successful routines into your family's life!

adshillito@yahoo.com

The Importance of Schedules & Routines

Here is an article taken from babycenter.com which explains why having a schedule and routine for your baby is so important.

Why should I have a schedule for my baby?

A baby's needs aren't that complicated — food, sleep, play, and love pretty much sums it up. But knowing what your baby requires when, and how much of it, can be a real challenge. Not to mention balancing your baby's needs with your own and those of older children and other family members.

Many parents find that getting into a regular routine or schedule with their baby makes life much easier: It's almost like developing a personalized how-to manual for your child. As a parent, you'll have a predictable pattern for your days with your little one. And your baby will know what to expect — for example, that she gets a bottle after her morning nap, then playtime or an outing.

"Babies like to know that [certain things will happen] at a certain time each day," says pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, editor-in-chief of The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones.

"When they're not sleep-deprived or hungry, it makes for a much happier baby. By meeting your baby's basic needs, you put her in the best frame of mind — and body — to learn about and explore her new world."

An added bonus: When you're ready to try leaving your baby with a sitter or caregiver, the transition will be easier. Your baby will be reassured by her usual routine, and your caregiver will be able to anticipate her hunger, sleepiness, or desire to play or go out.

When can I start?

Experts disagree on when and how to establish a routine — and even on whether you need a set schedule for your baby. (See "What are my options?" below.) But many pediatricians, including Altmann, say that babies are ready for a general schedule between 2 and 4 months of age.

Most infants' sleeping and feeding habits become more consistent and predictable after three or four months, says pediatrician Marc Weissbluth, author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. You may want to take this opportunity to encourage your baby to follow a more defined schedule.

No matter which approach you take, it's essential that your baby's well-being come first. That means following the advice of your baby's doctor, plus your gut feeling and common sense, to determine what your baby needs when — no matter what the schedule says.


Routines and Schedules for Children
by Rexanne Mancini

Children need and crave routine. Routine helps establish security and peace in a child’s life. A bedtime routine will establish good sleeping patterns. A dinnertime routine establishes the importance of family interaction, homework schedules will help your child get their homework done on time and with little fuss.

Routines are an ideal way to keep your family and children calm, secure and at ease with life’s variables.

Children will thrive with schedules that are easy to understand and accomplish, yet flexible enough to change if circumstances warrant. We do not want to rule our families with an iron fist, adhering to “the schedule” without compromise; however, good routines will keep your family organized and will establish an environment of tranquility for all family members.

Babies especially thrive on routine. They will become secure and happy with strict adherence to their daily feeding and sleeping schedules, which are, ultimately, their most important routines.

Little children need routines and schedules in order to learn how to manage their time and attention. When they know what we expect of them, they learn to comply with the rules without question. This allows children to feel more confident by understanding their roles in the family.

Did You Know?

Parents lose an average of 200 hours of sleep the first year of their child’s life? If you break that down, that is equal to not sleeping the entire month of February. This is not necessary.

By age 4 months OVER half of babies are sleep deprived?

Lack of sleep is directly correlated to ADD, ADHD and obesity in children?

Sleep habits created in infancy follow a person throughout their lives?

A child under the age of 6 months should sleep between 10-14 hours per night?

Children under the age of 6 months should be taking two 1 hour naps a day?

SLEEP IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPING BRAIN?


Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep in your child’s life and in your life