5 Must Have Items for Newborns!!

After a few years of experience with infants, I have learned what works and what doesn't!

1) A Swaddle Blanket

• For brand new babies I prefer the muslin blankets they are light weight and very large. they are very easy to wrap tightly. As the baby grows and becomes stronger I prefer to use the thermal. When the baby starts to move about the muslin blankets don't stay in place as they have very little stretch in them. Thermal blankets however are very stretchy so as the baby moves the blanket stays secure. 

2) Baby wrap/carrier

• I really like the Moby myself. I made my own and like it just as much as my sister's store bought one. When they are a little older I like the Ergo. They are designed to ease the strain on your back and body as you carry the extra weight of your baby.

3) Pacifiers but not the Soothie's

• Don't get me wrong Soothie's are ok when they are very young. If your child uses them for a long time, they can mess up the placing and angle of teeth. When that happens it can lead to speech problems. In my experience infants have a hard time latching on to strait pacifiers such as the Soothie brand.

4) Noise maker

• A noise machine, MP3 player, or cd player. White noise or back ground noise will be your best friend. It is soothing to infants and can mask out other noises in the house that may disrupt sleeping.

5) Large Yoga Ball

• A yoga ball large enough to comfortably sit on. Infants love rhythmic movements. I have found that bouncing on the yoga ball soothes and even puts infants to sleep! They are very comfortable on the body when one is caring for a fussy baby. 

These are just a few helpful hints. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!!

The time has flown by so quickly!! I can't believe I have been working at Goddard for 5 months!! I started out as a pre-k teacher sub, till my position opened in December. I am now an infant teacher I started with two babies a four month old, and an eleven month old. Each month I have had something changing Jan my eleven month old moved up to a new class and 2 new babies started, Feb. one baby started which created sibling rivalry, who knew a 4 month old could be so jealous. March another baby joined us and with 5 babies I gained a teacher. April, the teacher left for a different position, received a new teacher and 3 new babies. talk about a crazy month!! I now have eight babies: one 10 months, one 9 months, one 8 months, one 6 months, three 3 month olds and an eight week old, with promise of more starting!! I must say we are quite busy. Our room capacity is 11 babies!! I am not looking forward to 11 babies in one room but I am to an extra pair of hands!! I have had so much fun creating things and decorating my room. I would like to tell you all about it some day!!

I Need a CAR!!!

Shortly after I became employed, I learned that my car is dying. :( So I am car shopping! This weekend I am hoping to do some serious shopping. If you have any ideas please feel free to post!
Thanks!

I have a Job!!

Hey,

It has been forever since I have been on here and a lot has happened. I am currently employed at Toddle Town Inc as an Infant Teacher. I work in the Toddler House which has children from 6 weeks to 18 months. There are two of us teachers we have about four children a piece. Currently I am in charge of four little ones around 15 months old. Three girls and a boy. Girls: Identical twins E and I, and S. Last but not least my lively little J. I love my little kiddos they are so special and unique!!!

My Job Search

Searching for a teaching position is tough, especially in early childhood with our funding being cut. I don't even think I could count all of the application that I filled out. Going in we were told that there were always going to be many positions to be filled. Unfortunately, over the past four years they are dwindling. I am trying ever so hard to keep trusting that God has a plan for my life and that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. If you have any ideas for me, I am looking forward to hearing about them!!

Extended School Year

I am finishing up my first teaching position this week. It has been an awesome four weeks. My kiddos have learned and grown so much in such little time. I am so proud of them. My class is made up of five little boys; two 5 year olds, two 4 year olds, and one 3 year old. They are all so unique and precious in their own way. Not only  have they grown, but I have learned a lot from them and this position. I hope to post some lesson plans and ideas soon!!