My nephew is as sweet as sweet can be. But, from the moment I take him outside to go for a walk, it's like chasing after an Olympic runner. I can't figure out how he can shift so quickly from being calm and collected to acting like someone who just escaped from a mental asylum.

I've learned that once kids begin to walk, they no longer want to feel the restrictions of a hand, a stroller, a harness, or anything else that undermines their new-found freedom. But because a parent's number-one priority is the safety of her child, it's often difficult to keep a toddler close and safe while still allowing them to roam free.

• Be Clear About What You Want First things first, you should always stress to your child that they need to stay with you. Especially in crowded areas, where a child should be no more than three feet away from you. Every time you cross a street, hold hands, look both ways, and proceed to cross the street — explaining every time why it's important to do so. Eventually holding your hand will become second nature for your child.

Here are more helpful tips.

They're huggable, lovable, extremely cozy and soft, and kids love 'em. The irresistible playful pals I'm referring to are buddy blankets. Unlike regular baby blankets, buddy blankets are a bit smaller, usually come trimmed in satin, and have an adorable plush animal attached to them.

Because of their two-in-one appeal — featuring a blanket and cuddly stuffed animal in one — it's no wonder kids go gaga over them. Most are machine washable and dryable, so they are low maintenance for mama, and because they are smaller than traditional blankets, you don't have to worry about your little one dragging it on the floor or the ground outside.

For the perfect gift, or an addition to your baby's crib, here are some different animals and colors to choose from!

One would assume that with all the milk babies drink that they don't need any more fluids. But because babies have relatively small fluid reserves and high metabolic rates, they can easily lose electrolytes and water, which are crucial for their little bodies to function. And if your baby is having a bad bout of diarrhea, she'll also be susceptible to becoming dehydrated more quickly than usual.

Dehydration is reversible, but it's important to take action as soon as possible. If a baby's fluids aren't replenished over a long period of time then it even be fatal. Here are some important signs to watch for to know if your baby is dehydrated.

Kids and messes go hand in hand, especially when there's markers involved. . . how can one purple marker end up in so places?!

I love the artistic creations kids whip up when they are armed with markers or crayons, but I can't help get worried when they get all over their hands, their clothes, and especially when they wind up in their mouths. Rather than circle like a helicopter when your kids are engaged in arts and crafts time, why not invest in some edible markers and crayons? Cause you know if they are edible, they can wind up in their mouths and it won't be an issue.

I'm obsessed with these Edible Veggie Crayon Nuggets ($10) because unlike regular crayons — which could contain toxic additives — these crayons are made with organic fruit and vegetable powders. They are also vegan and don't contain wheat or sugar if your little one has any food sensitivities. Choose from green, yellow. orange, red/pink, and purple.

And for markers, there's these Gourmet Writer Food Decorator Pens ($17) that are especially fun to use to decorate the icing on any baked goods. Just make sure the food is dry and firm, and away you go. Each pen contains only US certified food color, so they are perfectly safe to eat.

Happy coloring!

A month or two before a new baby arrives, it's often protocol for parents to stock up on diapers. The problem is, if you buy a lot of one particular size and your newborn baby is larger (or smaller) than you predicted, you have to go back to the store to get the right size.

Quite commonly, hospitals will provide you with newborn diapers to get you through your first day or two. If this is the case, you can send your partner on a diaper run after the lil one is born for the right fit. For mothers who are on their second, third, or fourth child, note that every baby can differ tremendously. Just because baby Alex was born weighing 7.5 pounds doesn't mean his brother Jack will weigh the same. Most mother's find that the newborn-size stage is gone before they know it, so only buy enough for a week or two. Here are a few more tips and tricks for getting just the right diaper fit:

• "Too big" is never an issue: It's always better to go larger rather than smaller, because your baby is going to grow like a weed! Even if you are stuck with big diapers, rest assured your baby will grow into them.

For more tips just read more!

When you first have a baby, it's hard not to get swept up in the joy and excitement, and going overboard on purchases is usually a given. Granted, there are many items your baby doesn't really need, but there are a handful of products that are best to buy new. Here's what you should refrain from borrowing, or from buying used or secondhand to keep your baby happy, healthy, and most of all, safe!

1. Car Seats: I know a car seat may be the last thing you want to buy new for your baby, but here's why you should: car-seat designs are constantly changing and evolving. Older car seats may have been recalled (many are), or maybe it was in a crash or has missing parts. Even if a secondhand car seat looks perfectly fine, you don't want to take the chance and put the safety of your baby in jeopardy.

Here's what else you should always buy new.