Celiac disease is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in the United States, meaning that doctors do not always diagnose it properly or that individuals do not seek help in the first place for their symptoms. Information from a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that toddlers and young children are one of the largest groups of individuals at risk for underdiagnosis of celiac disease. What Is Celiac Disease?...

Sudden vs. Gradual Weaning With sudden weaning, you may not have the time to prepare yourself and your child for the physical and emotional changes that you’re likely to experience. When your body doesn’t have a chance to adjust to the quick changes, weaning can be more difficult, even painful. Sudden weaning is the opposite of gradual weaning, a slow transition from breastfeeding to another source of nutrition. If you have the option, gradual weaning is recommended....

School at Home Families who use a prepackaged curriculum and set up a “school at home” learning style generally follow the traditional school schedule with weekends, holidays, and summers off. If the 180 days of schooling are not satisfied, they often will work through part or all of the summer until the requirements are met. Unschooling Other families have found an alternative to the school model and practice unschooling. These parents provide a learning-rich environment and trust that their child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn will provide the building blocks for an education....

What you do: 1. Point to a picture of something that has more than one syllable in its name and say it. 2. Say it again slowly as you clap out each syllable: “ba-na-na.” Have your child clap out the syllables, too. 3. Have your child point to another picture, say its name, and clap out the syllables. Why it works: Your child becomes aware that words can be divided into smaller units of sound-syllables....

A tactile undersensitive child needs a lot of input to get the touch information he needs and often seeks it out on his own, often in unsafe ways. A tactile defensive child needs to be desensitized so he can more readily accept touch experiences. This can be tricky, because as a parent, you want to accommodate your child by helping him to avoid threatening experiences to make life easier and at the same time, build up his tolerance for inevitable unpleasant experiences as well....

Is Your Child Ready? Pumping on a swing may seem simple enough, but it’s actually a pretty complicated maneuver. A few things need to happen before a child can learn to do it. First, make sure your child is OK on a big-kid swing, rather than riding high in a bucket-type one. (Bucket-type swings are a lot harder for a child to self-pump on.) Your preschooler will need to have some balance and promise to always hold on tight to the ropes or chains while sitting in the seat....

I was not one of those parents who was unaware of her child’s emotional distress. My son, Duke, a 21-year-old senior at college, complained that he “just didn’t feel like himself” and didn’t know what to do to feel better. He asked for my help. I knew that he was dealing with something that was beyond my skills as a parent, but I didn’t know exactly what was happening to him....

“Kids in this age range begin to go through big physical changes and at various rates. Having them use a complex routine is also not ideal,” says dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. “This is an age where face wash, moisturizer, and the importance of daily SPF should be instilled.” We carefully considered ingredients, age recommendations, skin types, and value when considering products. Here are the best face washes for tweens and teens, broken down by formula and skin concern....

When choosing the right nursing pads, you should consider the material, whether the pads are washable (and therefore reusable, as you may go through several in a single day), and how absorbent they are. We carefully considered these features when reviewing nursing pads from the top brands. Here, the best nursing pads on the market. The NatureBond Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads, our top choice, have it all: a comfortable, contoured shape, machine washable construction, and absorbency....

Before adding to your cart, parents and caregivers, consider the construction of the mattress and materials. Some of them may offer a waterproof casing, and some are hypoallergenic. It’s also important to pick a mattress with the right amount of firmness for your child’s body and age, so they are supported comfortably as they continue to grow. When mattress shopping, a basic rule of thumb to remember is that a firmer mattress is ideal for toddlers, while softer options are better for big kids....

To prevent your curious kiddo from touching what they shouldn’t, keep in mind your home layout and think ahead for sealing off certain areas or rooms. Before stocking up on babyproofing products, be sure to find products that are easy to use for adults while still being effective in protecting your busy tots. We carefully considered purpose, design, material, value, ease of assembly, and ease of use when reviewing products....

These little tots can be more opinionated than you may think, so it may help to choose a gift that aligns with their interests, whether that means trucks, fairies, unicorns, superheroes, or something else entirely. And no matter whether your gift is a simple toy or a cute backpack, they should be durable and easy to clean. We researched gift ideas with these features in mind. These are the best gifts for 2-year-olds on the market today....

Gifts that promote self-care and a little bit of relaxation can make a big difference to the new parents in your life. Additionally, presents that celebrate caregivers and all they do can help them feel recognized for all their hard work. We carefully considered design, ease of use, value, and practicality when reviewing products. Here are the best gifts for new parents that are sure to make them smile. Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $150 With the NYC Subscription Box, new parents will get to try pizza straight from the Big Apple and even delicious bagels....

If you’re on the fence about laser tag for your family, psychologist Mary McGaughan, PsyD, has some guidance for determining whether it’s appropriate: “Think about where your child is in terms of skills like impulse control, self-monitoring, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and reasoning skills.” McGaughan adds, “These are all skills that I believe are important for safely and appropriately engaging in a game like laser tag and processing the experience.” When purchasing a laser tag set, you should consider its durability, price, ease of use, and range of settings....

When it comes to purchasing skates, it is important that the fit is right to ensure a safe ride. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests choosing a pair of skates that fit snugly around your child’s ankle when strapped on or buckled. The boot should be comfortable and not overly tight or loose. We carefully considered any age recommendations, sizing, design, material, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products....