Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care

Early Childhood Development Pamphlets

	Babies & Crying "All babies cry. Crying is how babies tell you that they need something. Some babies cry more than others. Understanding why your baby might be crying can help you soothe your baby. Sometimes a baby cannot be comforted, no matter how hard you try. You may feel overwhelmed and it may be comforting to know that many parents have these feelings. If you soothe your baby throughout the day (not just when baby cries) it may help reduce how much and how hard your baby cries."

	Bed-Wetting Bedwetting is when... a child who was dry at night starts to wet the bed again a 5 or 6 year old child has never stayed dry at night.

	Caring for a Child with a Fever "Fever means that the body temperature is higher than normal. Fever may help your child fight an illness. A child who has a virus or an infection often has a fever. If a child has a fever over 38°C it usually means that he has an infection. Children may also have higher temperature the day after receiving the DPT vaccine or 7 to 10 days after receiving the MMR vaccine."

	Discipline "Discipline is the name given to the ways parents teach their children right from wrong. There are many ways to do this – punishment is only one way."

	Early Childhood Fears "Most children have times when they are afraid of strangers and of being away from their parents. They may cry, scream, frown, cling to the parents or hide. What causes these fears?"

	Jealousy and Sibling Rivalry "Jealousy between brothers and sisters is normal. It is called sibling rivalry. Jealousy can start when there is a new baby in the family. It may last until children are in their teens."

	Keeping Baby Cool in the Summer "It is important to keep baby comfortable in the summer. In hot weather, babies are at risk of heat rash, dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke. Overheating has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies become overheated much more quickly than adults. When it's hot, your baby will need to breastfeed and drink water often to stay hydrated."

	Keeping Baby Warm in Winter "Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. If you are comfortable in pants and a light sweater, your baby will be too."

	Safer Swaddling "Although swaddling has been practiced for years, recent studies show that swaddling for sleep can put your baby at risk of suffocation. If you have tried calming your baby and nothing has worked, you can try swaddling to settle your crying baby. For your baby's safety, do not swaddle for sleeping."

	Temper Tantrums "Temper tantrums are most common between 2 & 4 years. Tantrums are the child’s way of showing anger & frustration. This often happens when the child is not able to do something he wants to do, is asked to do something he does not want to do, needs to get rid of anger and tension, is over-tired, excited or hungry."

	Toilet Training "Most children are ready to begin toilet training when they are between 2 and 3 years old. Every child is different."