Clip-on toys. What a novel idea!

They clip onto virtually anything, change out easily, are portable, movable, inexpensive and entertaining. When you are going to the park, take it on the stroller, strap it to your purse, snap it onto the car seat, your belt loop!

If you are a parent you probably know about the huge variety of these small wonders, but if you are new to the concept you can check out a number of quality products at www.infantino.com, www.fisherprice.com, www.brightstars.com, www.playskool.com, www.toysrus.com, and www.babiesrus.com.

My personal favorite is the jittery pal line from Infantino. This was my daughters’ first toy (the fox) and she is now five months old and we don’t leave the house without him or one of his friends, the moose, the zebra, or the elephant. They are bright and colorful, easy to grab and easy to take anywhere you and baby go.

These small toys encourage your baby to practice their motor skills and help them learn hand eye coordination as well as object recognition. They can also serve as a security buddy on the go or when visiting new places as they are familiar and non-threatening to the child. The best part about these clip on toys is that they can be used in multiple ways in multiple different play areas, cribs, bouncers, tummy time mats, dangle gyms and car seats to make sure that your child is constantly stimulated with a change rotation of toys and does not become bored and complacent with the same old song.

They are also relatively inexpensive, most of them ranging from 2.99-13.99 depending on size and complexity, so it is cost effective and fun to change the toys for you and the baby.

Mosquitos are an unpleasant nuisance and can ruin an enjoyable summer evening but they also carry West Nile which could be deadly especially to am infant. An ounce of prevention is much better than a infant howling with itchy red welts. Understanding what attracts mosquitoes is as important as understanding what repels them. Mosquitos like humidity such as perspiration and moist plants, dark clothing, carbon dioxide, floral scents, still air, early mornings or evenings and lactic acid which is released after exercising or eating salty or high-potassium foods. People who eat garlic are often not bothered by insects as much. Avoid taking your infant out at night and dump all old standing water such as rain barrels and items that have accumulated water.

You might want to try several of the suggestions below.

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’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.