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To make potty training as smooth a process as possible for you and your toddler, take a moment to learn what tends to work and what doesn& 39;t. What works:Waiting until your child is readyThere& 39;s no magic age for being ready to start learning to use the potty. Most toddlers develop the necessary physical and mental skills between 18 and 24 months, while some kids aren& 39;t there until closer to age 3 or even 4.

To make potty training as smooth a process as possible for you and your toddler, take a moment to learn about not only what works, but what doesn& 39;t:Starting too soonStarting potty training before your toddler is ready will only make it more difficult and prolong the process. There& 39;s no magic time when it& 39;s right to begin.

Separation and independenceAs a newborn, your baby has no sense of herself as an individual: She thinks that the two of you are one and doesn& 39;t realize that the tiny hands and feet waving before her are her own.Over time, though, as your growing baby develops physically and mentally, she& 39;ll gradually figure out that she& 39;s her own little person, with her own body, thoughts, and feelings.

What should I do if I suspect my child has been abused?If you think your child might have been abused, keep your child away from the suspected abuser and seek help right away. You can report your concerns to your child& 39;s healthcare provider. (Keep in mind that doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other care providers are legally obligated to report cases of suspected abuse.

What are the advantages of home daycare?Many home daycares can boast smaller groups of children and more individual attention, something most centers can& 39;t guarantee. Child-to-staff ratios are important because too many children and not enough adult supervision means your child is likely to get less of the one-on-one interaction that he needs and deserves.

Sitting independently gives your baby a new perspective on the world. Once his back and neck muscles are strong enough to hold him upright and he& 39;s figured out where to put his legs so he won& 39;t topple over, it& 39;s just a matter of time until he moves on to crawling, standing, and walking.At what age do babies sit up?

SocializationHow does your baby learn about his connection to other people? When does he start making friends? It all starts with you.You are your child& 39;s first playmate, his favorite person. He delights in the sound of your voice, the sight of your face, and the touch of your hands.With your help, your baby will become familiar with others and begin to enjoy their company too.

When we asked you to send in your favorite holiday traditions, we never expected such a fantastic response. Dozens of you shared touching stories that prove family time is the true joy of the season.If you& 39;re looking for a special way to bring your clan closer this year, try one of these creative ideas, or better yet, come up with one of your own.

New this month: A budding artistYour toddler may surprise you now by drawing vertical and horizontal lines, and maybe even a circle, although scribbling still carries the day. These drawings may seem simple to you, but they& 39;re a sign that many aspects of your child& 39;s development are on track.

It probably seems like just yesterday that you changed your toddler& 39;s first diaper, and now you& 39;re wondering if it& 39;s time to start potty training. There& 39;s no magic age at which children are ready to start learning how to use the potty, but some develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months of age.

How widespread is child abuse?It& 39;s hard to tell exactly how many children are abused or neglected because many cases go unreported. But in 2014, about 700,000 children were known to be victims of neglect or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, according to state and local child protective services.

How do you persuade a child to have a bowel movement on the toilet?One of the main things to do is check the consistency of your child& 39;s stools. Most children who refuse to toilet (they& 39;ll have their bowel movements in their diapers, disposable training pants, or pants, but not in the toilet) have had problems with constipation.

HearingBabies use their ears to take in massive amounts of information about the world around them. Hearing also enables them to learn language and stimulates brain development. That& 39;s why it& 39;s so important to identify and address hearing problems as soon as possible.Your baby should receive a hearing screening test shortly after birth.

Giving birth is one of the most intense, exhausting, and amazing experiences of a woman& 39;s life. Finding a special gift for your partner is a thoughtful gesture to commemorate the day.Photo albumLook for something beautiful and sturdy that will last a lifetime. A leather album is always a good choice.

How can I prevent conflicts with my nanny?Start by writing a contract that details all the conditions of your nanny& 39;s employment, such as hours, wages, benefits, and instructions about caring for your child. It& 39;s also a good idea to meet and discuss everything before your nanny& 39;s official first day because a document can& 39;t cover all the fine points of a parent–caregiver relationship.

New this month: Climbing and balancingNow that your child has nailed walking, watch him test his skill in new, more challenging situations. Balancing on a log or walking along the edge of a curb is a thrill now, as is climbing up anything that makes him feel taller. Many toddlers, in fact, have a natural inclination to climb that may take you by surprise.

Find out what to expect at this well-baby checkup. Download a printable version of our 4-month checkup worksheet to take with you. You may want to read through the questions and jot down answers beforehand.What the doctor will doWeigh and measure your babyYou& 39;ll need to undress your baby completely for weighing.

Self-careAs children get older, they learn to do more things for themselves, from taking off their shirt to getting their own bowl of cereal in the morning. Watching your little one become more independent can be bittersweet, but it& 39;s a crucial part of every child& 39;s personal and social development.

New this month: Ready for toilet training?Many experts say that 18 months is too young to start toilet training; many grandparents say, & 34;We potty trained you at 1!& 34; Who& 39;s right? Of course it depends on the child, and some are in fact ready to begin the process now. But before you start trying to make this enormous transition, look for some signs of readiness.

Should I be concerned about pesticides in the food my child eats?Yes. Pesticide residues are often found on produce, and fruits and vegetables are an important part of your child& 39;s diet.Pesticides protect crops from damage, which helps keep groceries affordable. But research shows that pesticides also contribute to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, lung disease, reproductive problems, and possibly disorders of the endocrine and immune systems.