S5 Ep99: Parenting for the Pediatrician Part 1: Infant Sleep, Picky Eating, & Potty Training
Dec 7, 2023
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Dr. Tanya Altmann, expert guest, shares her secrets on infant sleep, picky eating, and potty training. They discuss safe sleep environments, promoting healthy eating habits, and techniques for successful potty training. They also recommend parenting books and share a humorous anecdote about a 3 AM news segment.
Potty training should be started when the child is developmentally ready, and parents should focus on keeping the child's stools soft to prevent constipation.
To tackle picky eating, parents should offer a variety of healthy foods, soften stools if necessary, and limit exposure to processed snacks.
For successful potty training, parents should create a dedicated week without distractions, keep stools soft, use positive reinforcement, and provide close supervision.
Deep dives
Potty Training Readiness and Tips
Potty training is a developmental milestone that cannot be forced. Children need to be developmentally ready, understand the process, and have a desire to do it. Parents should start the process when the child is ready and keep the child's stools soft to prevent constipation. Encourage children with positive reinforcement, make it exciting and fun, and celebrate successes. Staying home for a week without distractions can help focus on potty training, allowing parents to follow the child closely and encourage them to use the potty when needed. Accidents are part of the learning process, and consistency is key.
Addressing Picky Eating
Picky eating is common in children, and families should focus on creating a positive mealtime environment. Parents should offer a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-dense options. Softening stools can help prevent constipation-related issues. If a child has a medical condition or is on certain medications affecting appetite, consultation with a healthcare professional might be necessary to discuss alternative approaches. Nut butter, avocado, and high-calorie snacks made with real food are better options than processed snacks. Smoothies can be a great way to include nutrition and supplements.
Managing Stool Holding
When dealing with stool withholding, it is crucial to rule out underlying medical issues and address bowel movements. A child-friendly approach includes keeping stools soft through dietary modifications or the use of stool softeners. Parents may need to stay home for a dedicated week to focus on potty training, creating a safe and entertaining area near the bathroom for the child. Naked time and close supervision can help identify cues for using the potty. Positive reinforcement, praise, and patience are essential throughout the process, allowing the child to learn and adapt at their own pace.
Dealing with Picky Eating
Picky eating is common in children, often occurring around the ages of two and five. Exposing kids to healthy foods early on can shape their taste preferences. It is important to limit the exposure to artificial processed kid-like foods and encourage a variety of healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and spices. While picky eating is often just a phase, it is crucial to maintain a consistent environment by offering nutritious choices and avoiding unhealthy eating habits.
Managing Bed-Wetting
Bed-wetting is a common issue that can persist into elementary school years. It is important to note that nighttime training differs from daytime training. Approximately half of potty-trained children will naturally become dry at night within a few months, while the rest may take longer. Strategies to help include promoting regular bowel movements, reducing fluid intake before bed, role-playing getting up to use the bathroom, and gradually discontinuing nighttime diapers. Bed-wetting alarms may also be helpful for older children who struggle with persistent bed-wetting.
Get ready for a Nap-tastic episode that will feed your parenting knowledge and potty humor! Join us and expert guest Dr. Tanya Altmann (@DrTanyaAltmann) as we unravel the secrets of infant sleep, tackle the picky eating habits of little ones, and flush out the best tips for stress-free potty training. It's a diaper-changing experience you won't want to miss!
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