As the weather heats up, so does diaper rash and yeast infections.

Infants are more vulnerable to diaper rash in the summer. Heat, humidity and perspiration all can aggravate sensitive bottoms.

Diaper rash is a red, spotty inflamed rash. To prevent it change your child’s diapers frequently and let baby go diaper-free for 15 or 20 minutes. A brief sun bath in a sunbeam can also help. If its too late to prevent it use a squirt bottle with water to cleanse the area and avoid scented baby wipes. Be gentle and apply a diaper ointment that contains zinc oxide. This type of product soothes the skin and protects it from getting too moist. A very light dusting of unscented talc or even corn starch is also good after the ointment is applied. If the rash does not go away, talk to your doctor or if the rash includes blisters or pus-filled bumps you child might have a yeast infection or even a staph infection.

Candida (yeast infection) normally lives on our skins and usually does not cause a problem. But in the hot months of summer, children in diapers are targets for yeast infections. This rash is also red and usually bumpy. It can itch, burn and ooze a clear liquid. A child on antibiotics may also be more susceptible because these medications kill the good bacteria that keeps yeast in check. The rash is usually found in the skin folds of the diaper area and baby girls are slightly more likely to have a yeast infection. For treatment you can try an over-the-counter antifungal treatment such as Lamisil or Lotrimin AF but a call to your pediatrician is best.

I’ve been reading articles on eco-friendly weddings and got to thinking about any celebration. If you think birthday parties for children are getting too extravagant and costly -here are some ideas that are not only fun but sustainable. Your little tree-hugger will be thrilled!

We’ve all been there, we’ve all seen it, and we all fear it.

Babies on airplanes!!!

If you are at the disadvantage of being far away from your loved ones and you and your little package will have to fare a plane ride home, here is a few tips to keep in mind.

• Be Prepared

Make sure that you do your research about what you can and can not bring on the airplane and have all your items ready as your approach security. If you bring a stroller you can more than often times ask to be put through security at the wheel chair access for a little extra time handling your things and a lot shorter of a security wait, a plus for everyone involved.

• Dress Appropriately

If the baby is your child, you or your next-of-kin relative must hand-carry the baby through security. All slings and extra clothing have to go on the belt, and you can not stop during the process and hand the baby to someone behind you.

Make sure that you have all of your tickets, identification and boarding passes ready to avoid any hold up. For a baby, you must have a birth certificate or certificate of live birth with your name on it and a social security card, if available.

• Bottle up, Bottle down

Make sure that you have a bottle ready for the airplane ride up and down, even if it is water or juice. This minimizes the strain from the pressure and keeps their ears clear, a problem that occurs with most crying infants on board. Good luck! Stay calm and just remember to breathe.

I’ll never forget having a play date with a fellow teacher’s two year old. We thought it would be fun to let the little girls play while we relaxed and chatted. I was floored to see her lower kitchen cupboards covered in sight words, letters and common nouns. Actually many of her household furnishings were labeled too with a flash card and the name of the object. Her two year old happily lead me through the house reading each one to me as my child examined the lint between her toes.

While there are some children who read very young, others just don’t “get it” until they are a little older. I personally don’t believe in pushing a very young child to read but there are some common sense things you CAN do to get them interested in reading.

Two and three year olds aren’t ready to sit down and learn letters and words but you can help them develop their oral language skills. Encourage them to talk about a story you’ve read together. Expand their experiences and vocabulary. Do fun activities together and talk about them. Sing and count things together. Make up silly rhymes.

Four year olds will begin showing more interest in print. But even that is an individual thing. Cash in on teachable moments! Teach them sounds, letters and numbers when they show an interest. If you want to excite him, teach him to read and write his name. He will be more interested in this word than any other. Next move on to Dad or Mom or a siblings name.

The most important thing you can do is read to your child. This builds language skills and keeps their curiosity alive. Give them age appropriate learning toys but don’t discount building blocks, leggos or puzzles.

Even though more is expected now days out of preschoolers and kindergartners, as long as you encourage them and help them to progress at their own speed you will find them enjoying a variety of print in no time.

Every year during the last couple weeks of school, my students would finally tire of each other and become bored with the playground and probably me.  That’s when I’d drag out the oldies but goodies of MY childhood and teach them hopscotch, marbles, jacks and silly jump rope rhymes.  There was something for everybody to get us smoothly to the last day of school. 

If you school aged child is spending way too much time at the computer or in front of T.V. or becoming bored with you, drag out these fun “ancient” childhood games.

Hopscotch-this game REALLY is ancient!   It was played by ancient Romans.  All you need is a stick of chalk and a rock.  Simply draw a grid on the sidewalk, toss your rock and hop.  It’s easy to find the rules and even watch a video demonstration.

Jacks-little metal objects and a small rubber ball and you’ve got yourself a game of jacksthat takes a little skill and practice.  Kids can play alone or with friends.  Play onesies, twosies or eggs in a basket.  And practice makes perfect. 

Marbles-this game really appeals to boys for some reason but my best player was a girl!  Her dad had taught her and she was queen of the marble ring.  There are various games of marbles but they are all fun for everyone.

Jump Rope-good exercise and a couple fun new (old) silly rhymes maake this a great activity for the shake of a big tree.

Have your kids give these a try but don’t forget drinking lots of water, the sunscreen and a big dose of fun!