Alternatives to saying NO

Now that baby is more mobile, you may have to tell her 'No' more often than in the past. You may want to avoid using this negative approach all the time. Since you cannot put every item in your house of reach, here are some alternatives you can try.


Show your baby the way.

Show baby another way to deal with an object. He may want to tear the pages of a magazine; sit him down and show him the pictures. Point out the pictures and share the magazine with him, then put it out of his reach.


Turn baby's attention.

Try redirecting baby before telling him not to touch something. For example if baby is reaching for a glass object, offer something shiny such as a metal glass or spoon instead.


Give him 'the look'.

He may glance at you before he does something. When he does, and it is something you don't want him to do, look at baby sternly. Your look may serve as a diversion.


Restrain baby when necessary.

When he does something physical, you may have to get physical yourself. If he is pulling a cat or dog's tail, restrain him. Hold his hands in yours and firmly tell him "Stop pulling the cat's tail" or "It hurts when you hit the dog".


When you have to say No.

sometimes you have to say 'No'. When he is a dangerous situation and you do not have enough time to distract him, it works quicker to say 'No'. However try to reserve those times for occasions when you really need it. When children hear the same word again and again, it becomes redundant to them.


Serious Baby

Some babies seem more serious than others; however it doesn't affect their personality. It could be he is wearing such seriousness when he is busy studying something. Baby's seriousness may also reflect stranger anxiety. He may display classic symptoms such as crying or screaming when he meets someone new. Instead he becomes quiet and withdrawn. A serious look about may mean he is trying to figure out what you think about a stranger. This is termed social referencing; it often begins around 9 or 10 months of age. He is looking to someone who is important to him - you - for clues as to how to react to this new person. He may be more comfortable with a stranger after he sees you interact with him or her.


Baby's First real Shoes

It is time to buy shoes when your little one is steady on his feet. Have your baby's feet measured while he is standing; if one foot is larger it is advisable to buy shoes that fit the larger foot. The shoe should have toe room to allow for growth. Don't buy too big shoes in order to save money; when a shoe is too big your baby has to adjust his stride and could stumble as a result. When you need to buy another pair in some months, measure his foot size again instead of buying the next larger size. Shoes should be:


Light and flexible:

your baby's first shoe should be light and flexible so the shoe can conform to the foot more readily. The idea that the shoe should be hard-soled is incorrect.


Natural materials are best:

soft leather or canvas is best as it lets baby's feet breathe. His feet perspires more than an adult. Avoid vinyl, plastic or synthetics. A shoe should be sturdy but not rigid; baby should be able to flex his forefoot to help him walk better.


Shapes and soles:

a round toed shoe is good because it does not restrict movement; shoes should have some traction to avoid slipping but at the same time baby is able to grip the floor. Avoid bulky soles.


Dress shoes:

it is ok to invest in a dress shoe for special occasions. They don't usually offer good support for every day use; be sure the laces are not too long. Buckles or fasteners are good choices.


Check if the fit is good every week:

Baby could have a growth spurt any time. As long as there is sufficient room between the big toe and the tip of the shoe, he is ok.


Look for changes in baby's walk:

if shoes seem to cause discomfort watch how your baby is walking in them. Changes in coordination, balance or walking is indicative of a problem. Check feet for blisters and other signs that shoe adjustment may be necessary. When the toe touches the tip of the shoe it is time to buy a new pair.


Keep toenails short:

clip toenails regularly; long nails interfere with a comfortable shoe fit.

Finally shoes are necessary in a lot of situations but most pediatricians recommend that baby practice walking in his bare feet when he is at home; walking barefoot helps to strengthen muscles. Bare feet allow feet to spread increasing ground contact. The bare arch forms a suction with the ground that helps the foot grip. With shoes on, it is not possible for such things.