Healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are assets your child will treasure throughout his life. Good toddler dental care is a step in the right direction and could help prevent the cavities that occur in more than 25% of two- to five-year-olds in the U.S. 1 Toddler dental care, however, is much more than teaching him the right way to brush his teeth. Brush up on this checklist of healthy dental habits:
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Social Security for Baby?
Applying for your baby’s Social Security number may be the last thing on your mind, but the Social Security Administration recommends it at birth. It is voluntary, free and will allow you to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return, obtain medical coverage for her, buy savings bonds in her name and open a bank account for her. You can apply at the same time you apply for your baby’s birth certificate or apply later at a Social Security office.
The earwax in your toddler’s ears is there for a reason: to protect her ear canals by trapping dirt and keeping bacteria from growing so quickly.1 Cleaning it out with a cotton swab or anything else could puncture her eardrum, so if you’re worried about wax buildup, talk to your pediatrician. It’s fine to use a cotton swab moistened with peroxide or oil to clean the outer parts of your child’s ears. A wet washcloth will work too.2