Top parenting stories this week

• 1.  Why Babies Smile
• 2.  Changing from Two Naps to One
• 3.  Morning Sickness Survival Guide
• 4.  The Breastfeeding Detox
• 5.  How to Rekindle your Relationship

What To Do When Your Child Has Stomach Flu

Your guide to coping with a sore tummy

by: Sydney Loney

tomach bugs are common in kids–if your child is attending nursery school, going to daycare or simply hanging with friends at at a playdate, there's a good chance he'll eventually end up with the stomach flu. Here's what you need to know:

1. Make Toothbrushing FunBabies should start brushing their teeth as soon as they show through. Now imagine you're a baby and are experienceing toothbrushing for the first time. It can be intimidating to have anyone – even a parent – stick a foreign object in
   February 9th, 2013
2. When do Babies get Teeth?Your baby wants to put everything in her mouth – so she must be teething. Not necessarily, says Dr. Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green. Here’s how to tell if a visit from the tooth fairy is imminent, or if something else
   January 28th, 2013
3. Baby TalkWhat new mom hasn’t wished her baby could just tell her what she needs? Well, it turns out your baby can talk. The problem is, you just don’t understand her language. Here's how to decode baby talk and learn to communicate with your babyl Deciphering
   January 21st, 2013
4. Is Your Baby on the Right Track?Does your baby blow you away with how fast he’s learning to do cool stuff, like hold his head up by himself? Milestones are developmental stages that (usually) happen naturally. Here are the main ones to watch for – and what you can do
   January 3rd, 2013
5. Five Best Baby ToysThere's a fine balance between having enough toys to stimulate your child and suddenly finding your home overtaken with clutter. The good news? Less is more when it comes to toys. "When children have too many toys, they bounce from one to the
   December 16th, 2012
6. How To Make Your Own Baby FoodIntroducing solid foods is an important step in your baby's development. While there is nothing wrong with feeding your infant jarred baby food, many
   December 2nd, 2012
7. Circumcision ChoicesThere are so many choices to think about when it comes to deciding whether or not to have your infant son circumcised. Religion, healthcare, pain, and tradition are all at the forefront of parent's thoughts when making this important decision. While
   December 2nd, 2012
8. How to Swaddle a BabyThere’s a reason all newborns are swaddled in the hospital: babies love to sleep when they're swaddled in a blanket. Why? A tight swaddle inhibits their startle reflex by gently restricting arm and leg movement, helping babies have longer, uninterrupted
   November 18th, 2012
9. Halloween Safety TipsHalloween is a fun time for kids and adults alike–even toddlers can have a blast when it comes time to trick-or-treat. But, as with everything, "safety first." Here's how to keep your tiniest ghosts and goblins protected while having fun on Halloween. 1.
   November 1st, 2012
10. Keeping Kids Safe on HalloweenHalloween should be scary, but it should be good scary. Here are six ways to keep everyone safe and having fun this Halloween. 1. Creative costuming Cumbersome costumes make it hard for kids to move around safely, so avoid long capes,
    November 1st, 2012
11. Best Tips For Potty TrainingGoing from diapers to totally trained can take your toddler anywhere from three to six months or longer. Here are some of the best tips for potty training from one of Canada's leading parenting experts. When to start toilet
    October 13th, 2012
12. Does Your Baby Have Separation Anxiety?If you leave the room and your baby cries as if you’ve left the country, she may be suffering from separation anxiety. First of all, don’t worry that you’ve somehow spoiled her–nothing you’ve done has “made”
    September 16th, 2012
13. Kids VitaminsNo matter how hard we try to ensure our kids eat a healthy, balanced diet, the reality is many children aren't getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. Here's how the right vitamin supplements can boost your kid's health. Do babies need
    September 2nd, 2012
14. Healthy, Allergy-Free Birthday CakesJust because it's a celebration doesn't mean you can't sneak in some nutritional value. Here's how to make your child's next birthday cake nutritious, delicious and allergy-free: The healthiest cake flavors Cakes than contain fruit
    August 19th, 2012
15. Moving Baby From Crib to BedMoving your baby from crib to bed can be an exciting time for kids and a stressful time for parents. Here's how to make sure everyone gets a good night's sleep: When should you move your baby from crib to bed? There is no precise
    August 7th, 2012
16. Outdoor Activities for BabyGetting outside with your baby is a mood enhancer for both mom and baby. The outdoors are also a great way to stimulate your baby and boost her brain power. Now sure where to start? Here are five ways to introduce your baby to the great outdoors.  1.
    July 21st, 2012
17. Baby Tantrum TamersYour baby's first tantrum can come as a shock, but don't take it personally. Baby tantrums are normal and, once you recognize the triggers, you can prevent the screaming from starting in the first place. Why baby tantrums are different from
    July 8th, 2012
18. Baby's Developmental MilestonesWe all want our kids to have the brains of Einstein, the coordination of Michael Jordan and the grace of a prima ballerina, but just because your baby reaches a milestone ahead of schedule doesn't mean he's headed for greatness. (If he's a little slower
    June 24th, 2012
19. Baby Finger Food RecipesSelf-feeding is an exciting developmental milestone for both mom and baby, but serving the wrong size or texture of food can put your little one at risk of choking. A few simple tips can help you take the fear out of introducing finger foods. How
    May 15th, 2012
20. Teach Your Baby to TalkYou probably can't wait to have a real conversation with your baby, but you'd be amazed at how much you can say to one another long before she says her first word. Whether you're chatting verbally or trying your hand (literally) at baby sign language,
    March 15th, 2012
21. Babies and PetsYour cat or dog may not have blinked an eye when you brought your baby home from the hospital, but now that she’s crawling all over them, it could be a different story. Here’s how to keep them both safe. Give your pets some space If
    January 28th, 2012
22. Homemade Baby Food On-the-GoJust because you're away from home doesn't mean your baby needs to eat out of a jar. Here's how to prepare baby meals in motion. Make homemade purées to go For easy homemade fruit and veggie purées, simply cook fruit
    January 26th, 2012
23. Why Your Baby Needs ToysWhen it comes to baby toys, is wood better than plastic? Dora better than Sponge Bob? Turns out toys are important for your child’s development – here's how to choose the best ones. How toys teach your baby Babies
    December 8th, 2011
24. Choose the Best Shoes for your BabyBefore your baby starts to move, anything that keeps his feet warm and toasty will do. But once he starts to crawl and climb, you need to pay more attention to his footwear. Here’s how to find the best fitting shoe for your baby: Buy
    November 30th, 2011
25. Is Your Child a Picky Eater?Frustrated by your picky eater? Don't worry, your toddler isn't destined for a life of chicken nuggets and white bread. Here's how to handle a picky eater. Why are some kids picky eaters? Most toddlers are particular when it comes
    November 24th, 2011
26. When Can You Add Spice to Baby Food?When it comes to baby’s first food, the blander the better – at least in those first few months. Here’s a look at some common questions parents have about when to add herbs and spices, and which ones are better for your baby. Does
    November 11th, 2011
27. Get Your Baby to SleepIf your baby isn't sleeping, neither are you. Here's what you need to know to make sure you both get enough rest. Why babies need sleep Sleep plays a huge role in a baby's development. And babies with good sleep patterns turn into
    October 19th, 2011
28. Baby's First ThanksgivingDon’t feel your baby has to celebrate Thanksgiving with a jar a pureed sweet potatoes. Any baby who has started solids can share in
    October 10th, 2011
29. Is Your Child Afraid of the Water?You’ve planned a fun day at the pool; unfortunately, your child won’t go near the water. Here’s why children become fearful and how to help them enjoy splashing around. Why Children Become Fearful Children
    August 27th, 2011
30. Does your Baby have Colic?Few things are more stressful than an inconsolable baby. If your baby cries for hours on end and you’re ready to tear out your hair, it could be colic. Here’s what you can do. Help for Colicky Babies The
    August 27th, 2011
31. Plan the Perfect NurseryIs there anything cuter than baby décor? We think not. But before you head out on a baby bedroom shopping spree, check out our time-saving tips for planning the perfect nursery. The Planning Stage The drawback to stocking up
    August 27th, 2011
32. Introducing New FoodsToddlers often turn up their noses at unfamiliar foods, but it’s important not to give up, says Lianne Phillipson-Webb, founder of Sprout Right Nutrition in Toronto. Here’s how to get your children eating new foods that are both fun and
    August 27th, 2011
33. Learn to Read your Baby's Sleep SignalsA baby who stays awake when her body craves sleep is often an unhappy, fussy baby. Over time, the pattern develops into sleep deprivation, which further complicates and interferes with her developing
    August 27th, 2011
34. Coping with Ear InfectionsEar infections are very common in infants and toddlers and most children will have at least one ear infection before they reach three years old. Here’s how to tell if your infant’s ears are infected: How can you tell if it’s
    August 27th, 2011
35. Does Your Baby Have Eczema?If your baby’s smooth skin is marred by a bumpy red rash, it could be eczema. Eczema is common in infants–about 20 percent of young children develop the aggravating skin condition. Here’s why it happens and how to relieve the itch. Why
    August 27th, 2011
36. Do Your Nipples Hurt When you Nurse?You've proably been told (over and over) that "breast is best," but it's hard to bond with your baby if breastfeeding is painful. If your
    August 26th, 2011
37. Medicine for KidsThe rules surrounding cold and flu medications for children seem to change every year–here's what you need to
    August 26th, 2011
38. Cold and Flu PreventionWinter's not over yet. Here’s how to keep your family cold and flu-free. Wash hands often “Washing hands is the best way to keep infection free,” says Dr. Anne Matlow, a medical advisor at SickKids
    February 15th, 2011
39. Healthy Lunchbox IdeasWhether your child is off to preschool or starting kindergarten, getting her to eat a healthy lunch can be one of your biggest challenges. Here are a few tips to help make your child's lunch healthy and fun. Choose a Cool Lunchbox Let
    December 21st, 2010
40. The Safest Toys for Your BabyThere have been a number of toy recalls lately–everything from toddler tricycles to inflatable balls. Here’s what you need to know about finding the safest toys for your baby: Toy safety checklist Always consider the safety
    December 21st, 2010
41. Creating the Perfect SleeperWhen children aren’t sleeping, parents aren’t sleeping. That lack of sleep affects every minute of every day for every person in the family because lack of sleep isn’t just about being tired. Sleep plays a role in
    December 21st, 2010
42. Should You Let Your Baby Cry?Does it takes forever for your baby to fall asleep? Does she only fall asleep if you feed, rock, carry, swing, take a ride in the car, or perform other elaborate rituals? Does she wake frequently throughout the night? Here’s
    December 21st, 2010
43. Holiday Sleep SchedulesTis the season for fun and festivities. But too many late-night soirées can make for a grumpy, tired toddler. Here’s how to find the balance between holiday fun and sleep, so you can enjoy the season with a happy, well-rested child. Holiday
    December 21st, 2010
44. Is your baby in pain?Scraped knees and the occasional ouch are probably part of your child’s regular routine, but how do you know when her pain is something a kiss can’t make better? “Kids often aren’t able to express where, or how badly, it hurts,”
    September 14th, 2010
45. Newborn Baby MassageNewborn massage is a great way to bond with your baby and enhance communication through touch. But baby massage has many more benefits. Just five to 10 minutes of gentle daily touch can stimulate digestion, boost immunity, and prepare your baby’s
    August 26th, 2010
46. Babies who BiteBiting is normal in young kids and doesn’t mean your child will grow up to have behavioral problems, says Jennifer Kolari, author of Connected Parenting. Here’s what to do if your baby is a biter. Why kids bite •
    August 26th, 2010
47. Summer Health HazardsFrom heat stroke to bee stings, here are five common health hazards threatening to spoil your kids’ summer fun–and what you can do to prevent them. 1. Sunburns Prevention: There are three important things you
    August 26th, 2010
48. Introducing Solid Foods to BabyWhether you're perusing jars of purée in the grocery store or planning to mash up some freshly cooked sweet potato, here's what you should know before giving your baby her first spoonful of solid food. When to start Most experts
    July 14th, 2010
49. Help Toddlers Cope with Separation AnxietyHeading off to daycare or preschool for the first time is a huge milestone in a child’s life. Some children happily run off to play, but others simply superglue themselves to your leg. If you have a superglue kid, here are some ways to help him
    July 7th, 2010
50. How to Shop for Your Big Kid's BedMoving from a crib to a big kid bed is an important milestone for your toddler, but it can be daunting for parents. Here’s how to make the transition
    July 7th, 2010
51. Tummy Time for BabiesTummy time is important because it prevents flattening of the head and enhances motor development. “Tummy time teaches babies to push up on their arms,” says child development expert Lora Lesak. Motor development occurs from head to toe,
    July 7th, 2010
52. What to do When your Child is Left-HandedBarack Obama isn’t the only famous left-hander. Four of the last five U.S. presidents have been left-handed. (The righty was George W. Bush.) In fact, a large percentage of the world’s creative geniuses, ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to
    May 18th, 2010
53. Homemade Baby Food On-the-GoMaking baby food is healthy and economical. At home, it’s easy; but traveling or dining out doesn’t mean you need to resort to pre-made, jarred food. Just follow our tips for making baby food to enjoy on the go. Invest
    May 18th, 2010
54. Preparing your child for a trip to the hospitalWhether it’s for a routine procedure or a mad dash to the ER after a playground mishap, here’s what you need to know to make your child’s trip to the hospital less of an ordeal. Explain what’s going to happen ahead
    May 18th, 2010
55. Your Top Five Food Questions AnsweredWhen it comes to what to feed babies and when, a lot of parents worry about doing the wrong thing. “It’s not an intuitive process,” says Dr. Jeremey Friedman, chief of Paediatric Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
    April 27th, 2010
56. Encouraging Your Child to Eat a Variety of FoodsIs your child a picky eater? Here are a few tips that can help you expand his taste buds and encourage him to enjoy more food
    April 27th, 2010
57. How to Get Your Child to Sleep at BedtimeBedtime can be the most challenging time of the day for a couple of reasons. First, kids don't get tired, they get wired, which means they are more likely to be wild, aggressive, teary, cranky or just plain silly when it’s time to settle down
    April 27th, 2010
58. Coping with a Crying BabyI haven’t met a parent yet who doesn’t feel a tug at their heart strings when their child cries. At the same time, I think most parents understand that
    April 27th, 2010
59. Is Your Baby Gaining Enough Weight?Babies come in all shapes and sizes, but parents often worry that their infants aren’t gaining enough weight. Here’s how to tell whether your baby is eating enough–and what to do if you’re worried about her weight gain. How
    April 27th, 2010
60. Why Babies SmileIt’s hard not to feel overjoyed when your baby gazes adoringly into your eyes and flashes a brief, but unmistakable smile. But is she really trying to
    March 3rd, 2010
61. Ten Ways to Save Big on Baby GearWhen it comes to buying baby products, there’s a lot to choose from–and there’s a lot of stuff you can live without. Here’s how to get high-quality, safe baby gear without spending a bundle. 1. Get more mileage from
    January 20th, 2010
62. Keeping Kids HealthyAs a pediatrician and mom, I know the flu often favors little ones who aren’t overly concerned about catching a bug when they’re jumping into a ball pit at an indoor playground. Fortunately, in addition to getting them the flu vaccine,
    January 20th, 2010
63. At What Age Should Children Start to Watch Television?It’s hard to find an infant or toddler who hasn’t watched at least some TV, but is it good for them? Here’s how to decide when it’s okay to let your baby first watch TV and how to get the most from children’s television
    January 20th, 2010
64. Green Ways to Keep your Baby CleanIf you're thinking of going green, your baby's body wash is one of the first places you should start. "Infant's and children's immune systems are less-developed than an adult's, making them more vulnerable to pesticides and chemicals," says Eden Somberg,
    December 22nd, 2009
65. Surviving Toddler Power StrugglesIt can happen anywhere, at anytime–your child wants something and you say "no." Before you know it, the arguing and negotiating have ramped up and you're in the middle of a power struggle. Fortunately, there is a fast way to fix the situation
    December 22nd, 2009
66. Stroller ShoppingWith so many brands to choose from, it's easier to buy a new car than a pram to push your infant about town in. But thinking about your lifestyle and living space ahead of time will ensure you choose the best buggy for your baby. Here are a few things
    December 22nd, 2009
67. Preventing Food AllergiesFood allergies can be an underlying cause of many childhood illnesses such as skin ailments, digestive issues or respiratory problems, but in many cases you can minimize, or even prevent, the onset of an allergic response. Here's what you need
    December 22nd, 2009
68. Introducing Solid Foods — Beyond the BasicsWhen it comes to introducing solids details like when to start new foods and how much to give your baby can be confusing.
    December 22nd, 2009
69. Handling Temper TantrumsActing out at age one can be very different from the screaming sessions that occur a year later. Here's how to handle temper tantrums at all ages: Handling Temper Tantrums: 12 to 18 months Why Temper Tantrums Occur:
    December 22nd, 2009
70. Checklist of Early Child DevelopmentWhile it's fun to track your child's milestones (see first-year milestone guidelines at end of article), you shouldn't obsess if she is a week or two late in getting to one. "Milestones are averages and should be used as a general guide," says Pam
    December 22nd, 2009
71. Attention-seeking ToddlersIt can be frustrating when your child constantly interrupts you, but attention-seeking is a common toddler trait. Here’s how to teach them when it’s okay to interrupt­–and how to do it politely. 1. Teach when
    December 22nd, 2009
72. What Happens When your Child Needs SurgeryEvery parent hopes their child will be healthy, but the reality is children get sick and sometimes need surgery, requiring an anesthetic. "We probably anesthetize 18,000 infants and children a year," says Dr. Larry Roy, chief of the Department of Anesthesia
    December 22nd, 2009
73. Early Childhood Dental CareMost babies get their first tooth around six months and their last primary molars before they turn three. Your child will keep these "baby"
    December 22nd, 2009
74. Hitting, Kicking, Biting and Hair Pulling Children resort to aggressive behaviors because of a lack of wisdom and self-control–it is not a sign that they are hateful or mean. Here's how to teach your child to handle his frustration and anger in appropriate ways. 1. Intercede
    December 22nd, 2009
75. Helping Children LearnChildren are born with marvelous imaginations and a keen desire to explore the world–here's how you can help them hone those skills for a lifetime of successful learning. How to Teach Infants and Toddlers at their Level Children
    December 22nd, 2009
76. Helping Your Toddler Make FriendsStudies show that children with friends have a greater sense of well-being, higher self-esteem and fewer social problems than children without friends. Here’s how to help your child find healthy, fulfilling friendships. The importance
    December 22nd, 2009
77. When to Start Sleep TrainingThe first month of life is exhausting for parents, says Dr. Cathryn Tobin, author of the Lull-A-Baby Sleep Plan. Your baby can’t tell the difference between day and night and needs to be fed every two to four hours. When it comes to
    December 22nd, 2009
78. Safe Co-sleeping with Baby The family bed, co-sleeping, shared sleep–no matter what you call it, it means that your baby sleeps with you, or very close to you. Co-sleeping is popular with parents (particularly nursing mothers) of young babies who wake throughout the night
    December 22nd, 2009
79. Why Reading To your Baby is ImportantAs I sat reading Goodnight Moon night after night to my unresponsive one-month-old, it was difficult to convince myself this classic was actually for his benefit. But experts recommend reading to your newborn from day one. "They won't understand
    December 22nd, 2009
80. Nightmares, Night Terrors and Nighttime FearsIf your child’s sleep is disrupted by nightmares and fear, it can affect her mood, behavior, health, memory and growth. Here’s what you can do to solve these common childhood sleep disrupters: Nightmares Children spend
    December 22nd, 2009
81. Changing from Two Naps to OneMost children switch from two naps to one between ages 12 and 24 months. Here’s how to tell if your child is ready to drop his morning nap: Why babies need two naps The question of two naps versus one is about
    October 18th, 2009
82. Summer Sleep SolutionsWhether you’re spending the day at the beach or heading off to yet another summer BBQ, chances are your child is no longer on a regular sleep schedule. Here’s how to maintain nap and bedtime routines so your child gets enough sleep in the
    August 25th, 2009
83. Toilet Training in a DayThis one-day toilet training method was created by Wendy Sweeney after she toilet trained her first son just before his third birthday. After she trained a few more of her children (she has six in total) and helped with toilet training in her neighborhood,
    August 25th, 2009
84. Naptime SolutionsNaps are important for your child's health and development. A nap refreshes a child so she can maintain her energy for the rest of the day. Studies show that children who nap are more adaptable, have longer attention spans and are less fussy than those
    August 13th, 2009
85. BPA, Phthalates, Cold Medicine–Is your Child at Risk?These are tough times for kids under two. Some of their coolest toys have been taken away, they have to be extra careful about what they put in their mouths and now they've been told they shouldn't indulge in many baby bath products. What's a kid (or
    August 13th, 2009
86. Toddler Nutrition - Making Healthy Meals for KidsThe toddler years are an important time in your child's development, says Joanne Saab, a registered dietitian and co-author of Better Baby Food. "And because it's a time when children are generally still willing to explore new foods,
    January 17th, 2009
87. Help your Toddler Stay in his BedThe patter of little feet on the floor is never a welcome sound after lights out. "It's natural for a toddler or preschooler to search out his parents in the middle of the night for comfort and security," says sleep expert
    October 15th, 2008
88. Turn the Terrible Twos into Something TerrificYou're no longer operating in a totally sleep-deprived state and rarely have spit up on your clothes, but now your child is beginning to voice her concerns, needs and wants with actual words–and sometimes more forcefully than others. Occasionally,
    October 10th, 2008