Swim Toys Gift Basket can be a perfect Summer Holiday gift for your toddler to give them more fun. Your little loved one starting from 3 years old and older will love your gift since everything from sunglasses to a full size beach towel to swim toys & beach bucket and shovel are included here. These great toys will help your toddler spend their time outside during the warm summer months. However, these toys require close adult supervision as many involve water and they are not life-saving devices.


Below are three alternative from Disney Pixar Cars, Disney Toy Story 3 and Ariel Princess. Check them out for more information before purchasing the right one. 

Artistix Designs Gifts Baskets has packed this gift basket with lots of hard to find Disney Pixar Cars Summer Fun. Included in this basket are the following items: Disney Pixar Cars themed Sand Bucket, Beach Towel (Measures 30in W x 60in L, 100% Cotton), Inflatable Arm Floats, Inflatable Swim Ring (20in), Inflatable Beach Ball (20in), Inflatable small Surf Rider (29in x 13in), Swim Goggles, Sunglasses (100% UVA and UVB Sun protection, shatter resistant PC Lenses) & a Splash Ball.


Click Disney Pixar Cars Summer Fun Swim Toys Gift Basket for details.




2. Disney Toy Story 3 Summer Fun Swim Toys Gift Basket


Artistix Designs Gifts Baskets has packed this gift basket with lots of hard to find Disney TOY STORY 3 Summer Fun. Included in this basket are the following items: Disney TOY STORY 3 themed Sand Bucket with Shovel, Beach Towel (Measures 30in W x 60in L, 100% Cotton), Inflatable Swim Ring (20in), Inflatable Beach Ball (20in), Inflatable small Surf Rider (29in x 13in), Swim Goggles, Sunglasses (100% UVA and UVB Sun protection, shatter resistant PC Lenses) & a Splash Disc.




Artistix Designs Gifts Baskets has packed this gift basket with lots of hard to find Disney Princess ARIEL themed summer fun. Included in this basket are the following items: ARIEL themed beach tote, Beach Towel (Measures 30in W x 60in L, 100% Cotton), Inflatable Arm Floats, Inflatable Swim Ring (20in), Inflatable Beach Ball (20in), Inflatable small Surf Rider (29in x 13in), Swim Goggles, Sunglasses (100% UVA and UVB Sun protection, shatter resistant PC Lenses), Splash Disc & a Splash Ball.


Have a great summer time!

Sesame Street Online Toddler Games let your toddler develop their educational skills. By playing this popular games adapted from the television show, your toddler can enjoy learning about computer while playing the characters they love. It is helpful to introduce your toddler how to use computer since so many things can be done used computer in a short time.

Sesame Street Online Toddler Games is a great choice since not only it gives fun, but also it gives educational benefit for your toddler. With color and liveliness, it is hard for your toddler get bored playing this game.

Playing Sesame Street Online Toddler Game with different games featuring the Sesame Street Characters gives your toddler freedom to choose their favorites one. Another thing you should put in mind is that Sesame Street Online Toddler Games are free so you do not need to tight your budget for buying the softwares. In addition, your toddler can choose from counting games to rhyming or evern learn the different animal sounds.

Since the website is designed with clear and easy to follow guidance, Sesame Street Online Toddler Games are very helpful for both you, parents and your toddlers. You can browse the different games by subject, themes or character. For any parent with impatience toddler, it will not take long time to choose what your toddler wants based on the categorization provided. Just take your time, give it a try and proove that Sesame Street Online Toddler Games will be a great educational games for your toddler.

Sesame Street Online Toddler Games can be found not only on sesamestreet.org but also on Pbskids.org where you can find so many other shows available there. Another great way to play Sesame Street Toddler Games is by playing some of the software games on your computer. By doing so, you do not need to wait for the loading time based on the internet connections. There are many great Sesame Street Toddler Games either for the computer. There are a few games for the computer listed below to help you find the right choice.

a. For computer:
1. Sesame Street First Steps


2. Sesame Street Learn, Play and Grow


3. Fisher-Price Fun-2-Learn Ready Set School Sesame Street


4. Sesame Street Elmo's World

The importance of introducing a computer for your toddler nowadays may come into your mind as parents. However, there might some questions followed this idea. Below some ideas you may consider before your introduce a computer for your curious toddler.

The right age to introduce a computer
Computer may be right or wrong for your toddler. You may introduce it to them when they are at least nine months to a year old. It is so because their vision has been developed enough to clearly focus on the screen at around six months. Besides, they need to be able to sit up by themselves to enjoy staring at a screen which happen around six to eight months.

The right time to start using it
Once I played some Baby Einstein movies at my computer and my baby did not show his interest at all. But then at 1 year old, I tried again and he enjoyed watching the movie thought he could not finish any single movie. Now that he is three year olds, he can click on the play button to watch his favourite movie.

The right activities
You can choose some games developed for children under three instead of many games and CD-ROMS which are too fast, too loud and too confusing for their brain to absorb. Once you introduced with for example Mario Brothers, then you cannot go back to Teletubbies.

The right purpose
Keep the activities using computer as a source of fun, not a task master. Your toddler is too young to get drilled at academic learning. You can find a software which reinforces reading and math readiness skill that may include shape recognition, color, listening comprehension, opposites and cause-and-effect.

The right duration
For one to two year olds, you may let them enjoy using the computer for about thirty minutes. For older toddler from three to four, they can have longer period of time that an hour a day in total. However, always watch the sign of loosing interest or fatigue. If they stop looking at the screen, crying or getting sleepy, just stop it.

The right size of images
For one year old, you can choose one to three images per screen so they can big images clearly. Avoid too complicated drawings for younger toddler.

The right interesting activities
Activities with songs and music with steady rhythm are helpful for babies and toddlers to enjoy. For 18 months old, you can give ones with the sound of whistles, clocks or bells. Do not make them get confused with the random rhythm or loud rock music.

One example of simple software for your toddler is Reader Rabbit Playtime for Baby and Toddler.



For your toddler who loves Thomas the tank engine, you may also take a look at Thomas and Friends Railway Adventures Playset

How to Make Bath Time More Fun for Your Toddlers?

How to make bath time more fun for your toddlers is a question of some parents. Well, there is a fact that many of toddlers do not enjoy taking a bath. You may drag your toddler to the bathroom but it is not a good manner to make him take a bath willingly. The best thing is to give them a good experience so that it will not make them scared to take a bath. A simple thing that we may do not realize is the temperature of the water. They might prefer a warm water to make them comfort. Some toddlers may need to be introduced on how to get their hair washed with no-tears shampoo still. You can tell your toddler to look up at the shower nozzle and close his eyes. Pour water over his hair, keeping it from running down her face as much as possible. By this age the toddler should be used to having water poured over her head. If needed you can give some distraction like blowing bubbles, draw pictures in the bathtub with washable colored soap or bath crayons and provide them some bath toys.

Besides, you can set the bathroom to attract your toddler's attention and enjoy his bathing time. Not only you can provide some rubber duck or fish toys they have already had, but also put some bathroom accessories that will make change his perception of a bathroom. As parents, I believe that you know which cartoon character he likes most. Then you can plan a perfect theme you will set for them. You can check some available theme both in stores and online.

As a general idea, boys get things related to blue and girls get things related to pink. Otherwise, you can provide unisex theme like sunny beach or cartoon characters they really love. Sparkling color is a good choice to give a magical touch for a new exciting look. Even you can ask your toddler about what they want really like and let them choose by themselves.
The things you can search to set the bathroom such as toothbrush holder, rugs and curtains, soap dish. Hopefully your toddler will be attracted to take a bath willingly everyday. Be sure that the bathroom accessories blend well in the bathroom.

Below a cartoon character theme as an example to help you choose some of bathroom accesories:
1. Finding Nemo
a. Finding Nemo Towel Cake for Girls and Boys


b. Disney Finding Nemo - 23 Wall Stickers / Accents


c. Nemo Slip Proof Area Rug


d. Disney Finding Nemo Shower curtain w/ 12 hooks


e. The First Years Finding Nemo Bath Cups



2. Dora The Explorer
a. Dora the Explorer Pink Towel Cake - Dental Care, Bath Products & Toys


b. Dora the Explorer Toilet Seat Lid Cover toddler potty bathroom decor


or Dora The Explorer Soft Potty Seat Superstyle, Pink


c. Munchkin Dora the Explorer Bath Squirters


d. Dora the Explorer Toothbrush Holder


e. Dora the Explorer Bath Mat


f. Dora the Explorer Bath Soap Dispenser / Lotion Pump


g. Dora the Explorer Fabric Shower Curtain

Baby Tooth Decay - Fix Or Pull?

We don't usually think of baby tooth decay as a major problem, since by far and away most cavities don't occur until adulthood. But when those tiny little teeth in a child's mouth start showing signs of a cavity, it raises a question: Fix the tooth, remove the tooth, or let the tooth fall out naturally?

Letting the tooth fall out naturally is the least favorable option and should not even be considered. Cavities are hotbeds of infection and bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream under the tooth, leading to illness. In addition, before the tooth becomes decayed enough to fall out, the child may be experiencing tooth pain, which can cause problems with chewing, leading to nutrition issues. Lastly, late-stage decay can cause cosmetic issues, and even bad breath. With all that being said, if the tooth is about to fall out naturally due to an adult tooth erupting, the dentist may elect to let the tooth fall out naturally, but only if the baby tooth is within a few months of coming out.

Since the option of letting the baby tooth decay further is not a good one, the question still remains: fix or pull?

As with any question about your child's teeth, you should consult with a dentist (or two) about options for treating baby tooth decay.

Dentists will sometimes fix the baby tooth, and other times pull, depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the degree of infection, the progression of the underlying adult tooth, and others. Removal can be done and a spacer may optionally be used to keep the space for the future adult tooth. Ask the dentist if removing the tooth will possibly cause crowding in the adult teeth.

The importance of baby teeth to keeping proper spacing is written about in "Your Child's Teeth" (http://www.dentist-book.com). If the baby tooth is pulled too early, the adult teeth may come in too close together, causing crowding, crookedness, and the need for braces.

Your child's dentist should help guide you as to the best path to take. However, in the event the dentist elects to pull the tooth, be sure to ask about "spacers". These devices fit between the remaining baby teeth and can prevent crowding in the adult teeth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Halt

A Future Without Down Syndrome?

by Dana Goldstein


With improved testing just a few years away, the number of secular, educated families affected by Down syndrome could plummet. Dana Goldstein talks to parents who hope that doesn’t happen.




“There was a time when I thought about Down syndrome nearly all the time,” blogger Maya Kukes wrote five years ago. “There wasn’t a day that I didn’t wake up, roll over and think, ‘My baby has Down syndrome.’ And yes, I was sad about it. I’ll go ahead and say that I was full-on depressed about it.”
Today, Kukes is more likely to brag about her son’s triumphs than fret about his limitations. Leo’s speech therapist reports that he’s developing “a sophisticated sense of humor.” He can sight-read half a dozen words. He’s protective of his 2-year old sister, Ellie, and loves to run. But when I call the 36-year-old editor at work to discuss the latest research on the genetic disorder that affects her son, she asks me to hold on for a second while she shuts her office door. A few minutes later, Kukes is choking back tears after I ask her if she ever gets the sense that other parents in her cohort—upper middle class, urban, highly educated—are wondering how, with all the genetic technology now available during pregnancy, she ended up with a child with Down syndrome?
“When he was born, I did think it was the end of the world. But now I think he’s the best thing that ever happened to me. And I know it sounds cliché.”
“I would have wondered that, before, if I met someone like me,” she says. “I was never close to anyone who had any sort of handicap.” Kukes did get genetic screening, a blood test and ultrasound that showed her fetus was at a slightly heightened risk of Down syndrome. But doctors told her the more conclusive amniocentesis test carried a risk of miscarriage higher than the risk that her baby would be born disabled, so she opted out.
As emerging technology is expected within several years to allow pregnant women, for the first time, to test safely and conclusively for the disorder as early as the first trimester, a sense of responsibility—of having to provide a model of special-needs parenting—is growing among some college-educated parents dealing with Down syndrome.
Considering that several studies suggest as many as 90 percent of couples who receive a definitive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to terminate their pregnancy, it’s possible—even probable—that this particular moment represents a demographic crossroads for Down syndrome, and that the number of secular, college-educated families affected by the condition is about to drop off steeply. Many parents raising children with the condition fervently hope that does not happen.
“I worry there won’t be a lot of kids with Down syndrome, and Leo will not have a large peer group,” Kukes says.
The new genetic technology—a blood test that will isolate fetal from maternal DNA, checking for the telltale 47th chromosome that marks the condition—could reverse an upward trend in the incidence of Down syndrome across the population. About 400,000 Americans now live with Down syndrome. According to a study published last month in the journal Pediatrics, between 1979 and 2003, the number of babies born with the condition increased from nine to about 12 per 10,000 births. The biggest reason for the shift was women waiting longer to have children; increased maternal age is the biggest known risk factor for the disorder.
In part because older parents tend to be well-educated and affluent, a vocal community of Down syndrome advocates arose. The result was increased visibility of people with Down syndrome in popular culture—think of movies like The Other Sisterand TV shows like Life Goes On—as well as more funding for Down syndrome research and educational mainstreaming of disabled children. Medical advances also helped people with Down syndrome live longer, more productive lives, in large part through treating the heart problems that plague so many babies born with the condition.

Now advocates worry that more aggressive genetic testing could halt that progress, in part by relegating Down syndrome to groups already more likely to have children with the disorder, either because they are opposed to abortion or because they cannot afford the full range of prenatal care: Hispanics, the very religious, and the poor. Harold Pollack, a public-health expert at the University of Chicago, stresses that this hasn’t happened—at least not yet—in the United States. But a 2006 study in France found that Down syndrome was becoming more prevalent among certain disadvantaged socioeconomic groups that were less likely, for cultural reasons, to access prenatal testing.
“There’s a strong correlation between disability and poverty to begin with,” says Andrew Imparato, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities. “The concern we have is that once the children are born, will they have the supports they need for education and health and a positive life outcome? In low-income communities, the supports are not the same.”
Rachel Adams, a professor of English and American studies at Columbia University, is one of the special-needs parents whose ranks may dwindle in coming decades. She was studying the history of disability in popular culture for years before she gave birth to her son Henry, now 2. Still, learning her newborn had Down syndrome was “the biggest shock of my life,” she says. “A tremendous shock.”
Adams describes herself as a pro-choice feminist, a woman who wouldn’t want to deny any other woman the choice of whether to carry a pregnancy to term. But she’s also committed to giving expectant parents a more hopeful view of what it’s like to be a mother of a child with Down syndrome. This spring, she and a friend will be giving talks to genetic counselors about how they can more sensitively deliver the news that a fetus has Down syndrome, without steering couples toward termination.
Adams sees a contradiction in our society’s increasingly friendly bearing toward disabled people and its obsession with developing ever more revealing genetic tests. “Now that I have Henry, I go from such optimism to such extreme worry,” she says. “There are ethicists who ask, ‘At what cost to humanity is the elimination of whole categories of people?’ You’re living with these contradictions—wanting women to have complete reproductive freedom but wishing the choices they had were conveyed to them in a different way.”
Kukes says she doesn’t want other parents to pity her.
“I feel like a lot of times when I’m out with Leo, it’s my responsibility not to put a happy face on Down syndrome, but to show people that he’s not the end of the world,” she says. “When he was born, I did think it was the end of the world. But now I think he’s the best thing that ever happened to me. And I know it sounds cliché.”
Dana Goldstein is an associate editor and writer at The Daily Beast. Her work on politics, women’s issues, and education has appeared in The American Prospect, Slate, BusinessWeek, The New Republic, and The Nation.

A Perfect Gift For a Two-Year-Old

Two-year-old children love self-propelled ride-on toys and rockers. My boy/girl twins are 28 months old and make a beeline toward them whenever one is in sight.

A recent playgroup confirmed that this propensity is not just in our family's genes. Five two-year olds could not have enough turns "driving" a rocket ship around the living room at a friend's house. Even better was the rocket ship had lots of buttons and gadgets to occupy this curious group.

My children used such toys around their first birthdays but did not seem to be enjoying them to the same extent as they do now. By the end of their second year children have developed much more of the strength and coordination needed to put these toys to good use. Plus they are starting make believe play and incorporate their vehicles into these activities.

Depending on your personal preference and living arrangements most of these types of toys may be used both indoors and outside, weather permitting.

Here are a few of the ride-on toys that seem to be favored in my experience.

A certain brightly colored and adorable little coupe always seems to be a favorite. I have even seen one in the primate cage at our local rescue zoo! I have noticed that it is available in several styles. New features have been introduced including a molded-in handle for adult push rides. There is also a removable floor to protect child's feet while the parent is pushing the car. This version reminds me of the grocery carts with the attached cars where kids can ride. With these features the coupe can actually be started to be enjoyed when the child is even younger than two.

Tricycles are great stepping-stones to big kid bikes. Some manufacturers have models with a seat that sits lower to the ground providing a wider base of support. This is perfect for the younger set just starting out. It will not tip over as easily and there is less distance to fall vs. taller seat styles. More fun for the kids and my heart skips fewer beats!

Rockers also seem to be a hit with this age group. There are the more traditional wooden rocking horses which my kids have been enjoying since they were younger. This type can be found in a wide variety of animal and vehicle choices. My kids now prefer some of the molded plastic rockers with longer rocker bases and have been known to spend ten to fifteen minutes at a time riding. I especially like the seesaw style rockers that seat two children facing one another since they enable my twins to enjoy the ride together or with a friend.