When people’s bodies lose too much fluid through exercise, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting or simply not drinking enough water, it’s possible for them to become dehydrated. The chances of dehydration go up in babies and toddlers because, among other reasons, a larger portion of their bodies is made of water, their metabolism causes them to use more water and their kidneys don’t conserve as much. Should you be concerned about dehydration and your baby? You bet. Severe dehydration, when there’s not enough fluid to get blood to the organs, can be life-threatening.

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Toddlers love to imitate grown-ups¹, so old cell phones and toy versions are often big hits with little ones. But how soon should you give your child a real cell phone? An American Academy of Pediatrics expert says 11-12 years is the earliest. Kids who are busy talking, texting and playing games or music on their cell phones may spend less time interacting with other kids and family. Research says they also pay less attention to traffic and physical surroundings that could put them in danger.²

 

¹ "News Briefs," http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/feb09studies.htm

² AAP News, "Cell phones can be dangerously distracting", http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/5/33-e

It seems like fruit juice and juice drinks would be healthy for your growing toddler, but did you know you can give him too much of a good thing? Fruit juice tastes good and is often packaged so it's easy to carry around, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says excess juice can contribute to dental caries and diarrhea. Toddlers one to six years old should be limited to four to six ounces per day as part of a meal or snack rather than sipping throughout the day.

 

Source:
American Academy of Pediatrics: "The Use and Misuse of Fruit Juice in Pediatrics," http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/5/1210