Common toddler mealtime problems and tips to overcome them

a fussy Asian child at mealtime

Mummies, daddies, and grandparents, we salute you. Parenting and grandparenting are never easy tasks, and each passing minute can be a struggle if you can’t seem to find a suitable method.

Folks currently looking after their child or grandchild, you will quickly agree that there are toddler mealtime problems that require solutions. Allow us to identify some of these common issues and share with you tips to overcome them!

Food is always all over the floor

Toddlers are usually defined as children aged one to three. For young kids like that, it’s easy to be faced with a mess if they’re left alone during mealtime.

Do not be too quick to raise your voice because your little one’s coordination isn’t fully developed just yet. Be glad that they are attempting to feed themselves, albeit a little messy. A quick tip would be to place a plastic sheet right below their high chair or at the dining area so you won’t have to worry about the floor being greasy during clean-up time.

Sitting still is out of the question
a child running away during mealtime

Image Credits: childrensnutrition.co.uk

Is your toddler too fidgety and always wandering around during mealtimes? Children who are aged two and above may find sitting still a challenge.

But now’s the age to introduce mealtime routines to make your life a little easier going forward. The last thing you want to do is shout and scream and justify it as a style of discipline. Also, turning on YouTube videos to keep your child occupied should be a last resort. To make eating time an enjoyable activity, chat with your child and watch them respond to you.

Taking their own sweet time

Child-rearing is definitely not a walk in the park. Likening the process to a warzone is as accurate as it can be. We know that you don’t have all the time in the world to watch your toddlers eat for an hour. Hence, set time limits.

For a good gauge, mealtimes for these littles ones should not exceed 20 minutes. Some children like to “store” food in their mouths without slowing. A gentle nudge every five minutes is a proper habit to instil for such kids. Remind them in advance before their 20 minutes is up, so they are aware that it’s time to quicken the pace and finish their serving.

Fussy over certain foods
a child refusing to eat vegetables

Image Credits: nytimes.com

As we come to a close, be aware that even adults are fussy over certain foods like vegetables. However, keeping it entirely out of their diet is also not advisable. There are two ways to approach this problem.

First up, you can slowly introduce these foods in small portions. Shower your compliments generously when they manage to eat them. If it doesn’t work on your child, you may try to blend these greens and mix them up with their favourite foods. Be careful not to overdo it since certain food smells in large quantities can be overpowering for a young one.

Mealtimes don’t have to be a struggle if you can heed the above advice. Try it and improvise along the way to see if it works for you?

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6 BABY ESSENTIALS SAVVY MOMS SHOULD BUY IN BULK AT GIANT & COLD STORAGE ONLINE STORES

There are several reasons why buying baby essentials in bulk is a genius idea. For starters, baby supplies are expensive and buying in larger quantities often saves cash. Secondly, running out of baby supplies can be uncomfortable for your little bub. You do not want to run out of formula milk at the wee hours of the night!

During the current pandemic, purchasing your baby essentials online is the way to go. There is no need to brave the crowds or carry the bulky cartons home. Fortunately for you, you can enjoy massive savings from September 16 to 22, 2021 by shopping at Giant and Cold Storage online stores. Save up to 70% with their online exclusive carton deals. Brands on promotion include Similac, Pampers, Mamypoko, and more of your favorites.

If you need to purchase these essentials urgently, delivery can be arranged as early as the next day. What’s more? You can save more money with the free delivery when you purchase above S$59. Less time shopping in-store means you can devote more time at home with your beloved one! 

What are you waiting for? Check out some of the featured products below.

STOCK UP ON DIAPERS

Did you know that babies go through a whopping 3,000 diapers a year? Buying in small packs can cost you a lot. Once get a grasp of your baby’s diaper needs, you can go ahead and buy in bulk.

BOSOMI WONDER PANTS BOY/GIRL 4 X XL26
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Available at Cold Storage and Giant

With 100% cotton materials and its upgraded absorption power, Bosomi Wonder Pants protects your baby’s skin while blocking leaks.

PAMPERS BABY DRY TAPES 4 X M64
43% OFF – $54.70 PER CARTON (U.P. $96)

Available at Cold Storage and Giant

Pampers Baby Dry Tapes has three extra absorption channels to lock away and distribute wetness for a better sleep. Best of all? You can get a free Star Wars Bottle worth S$14.90.

MAMYPOKO AIRFIT PANTS 4 X XL38
30% OFF – $72 PER CARTON (U.P. $103.80)

MAMYPOKO EXTRA DRY PANTS 4 X L38
30% OFF – $54 PER CARTON (U.P. $77.60)

Available at Cold Storage and Giant

MamyPoko is the leading diaper brand in Japan. Both diapers have soft and stretchy material to fit around the waist and prevent leakages when your baby moves.

STOCK UP ON MILK

Newborns start off with three ounces of formula milk every three hours. This bumps up to about eight ounces for each of the six daily feedings by the time your baby is 6 months old. Buy affordable formula milk by purchasing in bulk.

FRISO GOLD 2’-FL GROWING UP MILK STAGE 3 6 X 900G
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Available at Cold Storage and Giant

This is the natural choice for tiny tummies. Made from high-quality NOVAS Signature Milk sourced directly from their own farms in the Netherlands, it has a distinct characteristic of small molecules with soft structure. In combination with Friso’s LockNutri™ Technology that locks in milk protein structure in its natural form, it is easy for your child to digest. Natural taste, more goodness: Now upgraded with 2′-FL, no added sucrose and flavor. This growing up milk is specially formulated with nutrients essential for your child’s development, such as prebiotic, probiotics, DHA, nucleotides, Vitamin D and Selenium.

Redeem a Fire Engine ride (worth $250) with every carton purchase of Friso Gold 2’FL.  

ENFAGROW PRO A+ 2’-FL GROWING UP MILK STAGE 3 6 X 900G
S$30 OFF – $258 PER CARTON (U.P. $288)

Available at Cold Storage and Giant

SIMILAC GAIN 2’FL GROWING UP MILK STAGE 3 6X850G
$30 OFF – $240 PER CARTON (U.P. $270)

Available at Cold Storage and Giant

This is specially formulated with a unique blend of MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and 2′-FL that works with 360° DHA Plus that nourishes your child’s mind and body. Plus, you can get a free Philips Hand Blender (worth $129) with every Enfagrow Pro A+ carton purchased!

This has the added IMMUNIFY® ingredients that support normal immunity function. Its EyeQ Plus nutrition system is improved with Natural Vitamin E, Lutein, and DHA that supports brain and eye development. Get the best for your little one!

All these baby essentials are available at discounted prices from September 16 to 22, 2021 at Giant and Cold Storage online stores.

Enjoy baby essentials at low prices and receive free gifts, vouchers, and more! Shop now!

Click here to visit the wide deals selection at Cold Storage or here to experience great savings at Giant.

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4 Common Financial Problems In Long-Term Partnerships

Arguments about finances hamper many marriages and professional partnerships. It is no wonder that financial problems are the leading cause of divorce.

A committed couple who suffers from serious monetary problems typically face loads of stress and tension, which often translates to heated quarrels. Prevent a fueled fight by fully disclosing your financial circumstance to your partner. From time to time, check if your financial goals are still in sync.

#1: STUCK IN DEBT

From school loans to gambling addiction, many people come to the altar bearing their financial baggage. If a partner has an outstanding pile of debt and the other does not, this situation can ignite a conflict.

In such situations, people often take solace in knowing that debts are not carried over through the marriage. However, it is understandable to share the responsibilities over childcare and housing debts.

Acknowledging what you are getting yourself into can help you employ various strategies to pay off debt. Both partners must be non-judgmental and honest when discussing about their financial habits and debts. Use several tools and strategies soon after. Seek professional help when necessary.

#2: DIFFERENCES IN MONEY PERSONALITIES

Tension brought by money can be due to the opposing personalities and beliefs of two people. Personality towards money plays an important role in a couple’s marital bliss or lack thereof.

Imagine living in a home with a hoarder when you are a spender yourself. Or, living with someone who is risk-avoidant while you are a risk-taker. These opposing personalities can be mediated by empathy and compassion. Walk in the other person’s shoes to understand where he or she is coming from. Paying attention to your partner’s financial habits before and during matrimony can be beneficial too. Discuss about your financial views and habits to reach a level of understanding.

#3: LEVELS OF COMMITMENT

Whether the spotlight is on a romantic or a professional partnership, the commitment levels of each individual can be an issue. You need to clearly discuss what each partner is looking for. Let us take a business partnership as an example. Partner A wants to keep his full-time job and invest some funds to the business, while Partner B wants to fully dedicate his time and resources towards the business. Can you see the gap between these two?

When it comes to romantic relationships, two people may not be on the same page when it comes to commitment. Partner A wants to start a family, while Partner B is not yet ready. It is important to discuss the commitment levels before it is too late.

#4: DIFFERENCES IN FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The nature of partnership is a struggle that many partnerships face. After all, not every partnership is split 50/50. The differences in financial contributions can yield many questions such as how the profits will be divided (i.e., professional partnership) or how clear these financial responsibilities are (i.e., romantic partnership).

These questions must be addressed at the end of the courting period. Thus, both parties will aim to eliminate lingering tensions as they move forward.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Creative Ways To Teach Your Child How To Count

Educators usually begin teaching counting and basic numerical concepts to children in Kindergarten. However, you can begin to teach your child these concepts earlier on. The skills you teach your child can search as a foundation that your little one can draw upon when teachers introduce numerical concepts in Kindergarten. Moreover, counting is the foundation of money management.

Teaching children to count can be easy and fun! Use these simple strategies to develop your child’s fondness for numbers.

1: BLOCKS SORTING

Sorting, the application of logical thinking, is a natural part of counting objects. Sorting, classifying, comparing, and organizing information are the pillars of complex mathematical decision-making and thinking skills.

Keep things engaging by asking your child to recognize his or her set of blocks. The process of sorting is the process of grouping objects that share the same attributes. Ask your child to arrange the blocks by shape or color. Then, count each category.

2: MODELING ROLE-PLAY

For children aged 3 to 4, you can practice counting by using common toys. Stuffed animals and stacking rings can be useful for your role-play. Let your child play with your while you are counting the objects together. Sneak the learning in playtime rather than focusing on academics. You can also teach the color names as you count these types of toys.

3: COUNT AND EAT

If your child is motivated by snacks, you can use this technique to work on his or her counting skills. Use your child’s favorite snacks and have them count how many you are giving them. You can let your child eat the snacks with every correct answer.

4: STAMP ON

Use your child’s artistic side to your advantage by having your toddler place stamps on a piece of paper. State the number you want them to show and let them stamp the corresponding object. Make sure they are using their index finger to point to each stamp as they assign it a number.

5: DOTTED CARDS

Dotted cards are made with paper and colored dot stickers. You can print this template for your convenience. Children can count aloud as they place each numerical counter on the dots. Alternatively, you can count and match the number of dots on the dominoes.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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What to do when your toddler just won’t nap

a toddler refusing to nap

Mums with babies, we feel you. Parenting is a consistent rush, and these kids grow up really fast!

In a blink of an eye, they start crawling, and before you know it, they are taking their first steps. As your little ones transit from their baby moments to toddlerhood, you might find that it’s not easy to put them down for a short sleep.

Here’s what to do when your toddler just won’t nap.

Adapt according to their physical needs

When your baby is a few months old, maybe you found it easier for them to sleep for two hours straight after their milk routine. As they grow a year old, their nap time might be reduced to an hour instead. If so, go with the flow and adapt according to their physical needs. Forcing a child to sleep more when they don’t want to can backfire and make them resist even more.

Stick to the same nap time
a toddler napping

Image Credits: ovuline.com

Humans are habitual creatures, and so is your toddler. Once you’ve adapted to your child’s physical needs and found a pattern for their sleep, stick to it.

While you don’t want to force a kid to take a nap, waiting till they are overly exhausted and start crying is not ideal. Remember, the more regular their sleep pattern is, the less they will resist since their bodies are used to the same daily schedule.

Create a peaceful environment

As adults, we are often told not to look at our phones, laptops, or watch television programmes right before bedtime. Similarly, your toddler needs to stay away from stimulating activities before they can calm their mind and body.

You can create that peaceful environment for them by allowing them to engage in relaxing activities. It could be playing soothing instrumental music in the background or reading them a bedtime story. Do this at least 10 minutes before their usual daytime nap period.

Make sure they stay in bed
crying-toddler-in-bed

Image Credits: healthline.com

Perhaps you’ve tried all the above, but your toddler just won’t nap. Worse still, they start wailing, and you begin panicking. If that happens, do not be too quick to remove them from their bed. Pat gently and comfort them using a reassuring voice.

What most parents fail to do is to make sure they stay in bed. The rationale behind not giving in is so that they understand that a nap is inevitable. When you start breaking the routine and bring them out of bed when they cry, you will have a hard time putting them down for a nap the next day and in the future.

As we come to a close, be well aware that there is no one correct parenting method since every child is unique in their ways. Try the abovementioned methods to see if they work and if they don’t, make tweaks accordingly! No one knows your child better than you do.

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