Kids take such great pleasure in expressing their feelings toward each other, it's no wonder Valentine's Day is a huge event in schools. Here are some tips from the experts at Hallmark on preparing your child for the big day:

Ask the teacher for a class list. Be sure everyone gets a card.

Prepare treats everyone can enjoy. Avoid nuts or other ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.

Let the kids choose. There are different cards available to suit all kids' interests. The big draws this year include Ratatouille, Spiderman, Barbie as The Island Princess, Pirates of the Caribbean, High School Musical and Hot Wheels.

Get them writing. Encourage the kids to write their own messages, such as "Let's have a play date."

Let them get creative. If they're too young to write, stickers help them personalize the messages.

Remember the teacher. It's a small way to show appreciation for your child's next-favourite role model.

Although it's not always easy to determine why your little one is crying, according to a new survey of Canadian physicians, three-quarters of them agree that the crying can often be linked back to some type of digestive discomfort — like spit-up, gas and constipation. The good news is that if your baby is among the 78 per cent who suffer from these tummy troubles, there are things you can do to help ease their discomfort:

Breast is best: The best thing for babies to digest is breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to avoid certain foods, like cauliflower, or acidic foods, which can cause digestive discomforts for baby.

Bottle basics: If you cannot or choose not to breastfeed, choose an infant formula like Nestlé Good Start that is made from 100% whey protein and is partially broken down which makes it easier for baby to digest.

Burp me!: Most babies will swallow some air during a feed. Depending on the baby and the amount of air swallowed, these air bubbles can cause discomfort and contribute to gassiness. To help baby out, try rubbing the left side of his back. Start at the lower back then slowly rub up to the shoulder.
Take time out: Limiting active play and keeping your child upright for about 30 minutes after feedings can help keep food down.

Your baby's mood can often be a clue to their condition. If your baby is irritable, distressed during feedings or experiences symptoms like excessive spit-up, gas, or constipation, they may be suffering from digestive discomfort. Consult with your physician before making any feeding changes.

Credit: www.newscanada.com