Babies

Self-care for Nursing Mothers: A How-to Guide

October 5, 2021

Nursing is a wonderful way to bond with your baby when you’re a new mom. That said, breastfeeding isn’t always easy! Sometimes it can be challenging, frustrating, or downright uncomfortable. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time. By investing in self-care, you will ensure that you are mentally and physically feeling your best. You will then be able to give your child the best care possible.

This guide covers self-care for nursing moms.

Self-care for Nursing Mothers: ! How-to Guide

Make breastfeeding easier with the right tools

The right tools can help make nursing easier, safer, and more comfortable for you and your baby. People has a list of handy items worth checking out, including disposable nursing pads, breast pumps, and milk screens to check for alcohol in your breastmilk after you’ve had a drink. You can even get a radiation protection cover to shield your little one from the radiation of cell phones and other devices.

Create a soothing space for breastfeeding your baby

Nursing can take up a good chunk of your time every day. Make sure you have a comfortable space to get the job done. Create a quiet corner where you can soothe your baby and relax while nursing. A nursing chair is a great investment. To choose a chair, consider characteristics like comfort, support, and practicality. For example, prioritize models with stain-resistant fabric that’s easy to clean. For more tips on family living and reviews on home products, visit Home Life Daily.

Invest in comfortable yet stylish clothing for nursing moms

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style as a new mom. Invest in cozy clothing that will have you looking and feeling your best while also accommodating nursing. Kindred Bravely is a one-stop shop for all kinds of cute maternity gear, from joggers to leggings, nursing tank tops, lounge shorts, pajamas, and more. You’ll find clothing in a variety of colors and materials, ensuring you can find pieces that suit your personal style.

Eat healthy meals to maintain your energy

Did you know that you burn more calories while breastfeeding? According to Healthline, nursing moms burn up to 500 additional calories every day. It’s important to feed yourself the fuel you need to stay healthy and energized during this time. Since you may have trouble finding time to cook, focus on easy-to-prepare meals that you can prepare in batches, freeze, and save for later.

Make time for exercise

Regular physical activity will help you stay fit and can help you shed the baby weight. That said, giving birth takes a toll on your body and it’s important to take your time as you ease back into a fitness routine. Prioritize exercises that are well-suited to postpartum bodies. The Bump offers a roundup of suitable activities, from weight training for arms to core exercises. Best of all, you don’t need a gym and can do these moves at home.

Schedule some “me” time every day

As a new mom, it’s easy to get lost in your baby’s world. You want to do all you can to keep your little one happy and healthy, so it’s understandable that you’ll give them a lot of attention. However, it’s also critical to schedule some “me time” into your day. Give yourself 15 minutes every day without the baby. Use this time to do something that you enjoy, like reading a book or taking a bath. This is your chance to unwind, relax, and focus on yourself.

Exhausted mom Working while nursing baby

Try to get the sleep you need

The average adult should get about seven hours of sleep per night. As a new parent, this can be tough. Your baby likely won’t sleep through the night at first, making seven straight hours of uninterrupted rest a remote possibility. Luckily, there are other ways to get that much-needed slumber. Experts recommend sleeping whenever your baby sleeps, for example, and using a white noise machine to soothe your baby to snooze.

Connect with other new moms

Motherhood is exciting but it can also be exhausting. Connecting with other women who share your feelings and know exactly what you’re going through can be useful. If you have friends or family with kids, make time to talk to them. If you don’t know many women with children, you can still find a supportive community online. There are many virtual platforms specifically for moms, including CafeMom.com and CircleofMoms.com.

Don’t hesitate to use your support network for help

As a new mom, you may sometimes feel isolated or like you’re in this by yourself. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. You likely have plenty of friends and family who will be happy to give you a helping hand. You simply have to ask! Getting hands-on help from your support network will free up your time for self-care. Ultimately, this will allow you to be a better mother to your baby.

When you’re a new mom, it’s easy to focus solely on your baby. However, it’s also important to take care of yourself. The above tips will help you keep fit emotionally and physically.

Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she’s not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don’t have to mold themselves to conventionality.

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Babies

20 of the Cutest Baby Halloween Costumes for 2020

October 8, 2020

Even though Halloween may look and feel different this year, you can still have some fun.
Halloween will be here before you know it and if you procrastinate like me, you haven’t gotten your baby’s costume yet. You’re in luck! I’ve rounded up some of the cutest costumes for infants or toddlers. One of these Halloween costumes would be perfect for your baby’s first Halloween.

Food

How adorable are these food themed costumes?

Animals

Check out these cute animal costumes.

Classic

These costumes are a great choice if you want something traditional.

Just plain cute!

Occupations

What will your child be for Halloween this year? My Rosebud has decided she wants to be a witch, so I found her a witch costume that lights up and we found a broom and cauldron to match. We are thinking of skipping trick-or-treating this year in favor of a small pizza party with a hunt for toys and candy. What are your Halloween plans? Tell me in the comments!

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Babies, Motherhood

10 Breast-Feeding Essentials for the Working Mom

August 12, 2020

To continue Breast-feeding awareness month, I am sharing the top 10 essential items for breast-feeding that are useful for the working mom. These are products that I’ve personally used and I’m recommending them to you because they either made my life easier or saved me some time. Here are the top 10 breast-feeding essentials for the working mom.

A Good Pump

If you are working and still want to breast-feed, you will definitely want a good pump. the great part is most insurance plans will cover a pump at no cost to you. In most cases, you will have several options to choose from. the Medela Pump and Style is popular and the nurses and lactation consultant recommended it to me. I had the opportunity to try it, but I had also bought a Spectra S2 because the reviews were great. I also liked the fact that it was a closed system, meaning that the milk wouldn’t get into the tubing. I did a lot of research before purchasing one because I was one of the unlucky ones and my insurance plan did not cover the cost. I found that the Spectra S2 was gentler, quieter and I got slightly more milk while using it.

Every woman’s body is unique. You may have better results with certain brands of pumps. Some women do better with hand pumps where others may need a hospital grade pump to get the job done. You may need to experiment. My body never responded that well to any pump which is why I needed to pump more often than a lot of the working moms I know. There are many options, so I recommend you do some research and compare features, but I highly recommend Spectra. Their customer service was great which was a bonus!

Pump Parts

Having extra pump parts is definitely a time saver. You don’t want to have to wash pump parts every time. Especially if you are busy at work. Someone suggested it in a Facebook group I was in at the time and I wish I had thought of it sooner. I used one set of parts at work and then I had another set for home. Then at the end of each day, I’d wash all the parts so they were ready for the next day.

Another helpful tip I came across was to put the pump parts in the fridge between sessions so that bacteria wouldn’t grow. This way, you don’t have to wash the parts each time.

Bottles

Having a good set of bottles is really important. You may have to experiment with this as well because this depends on what your baby will accept. Rosebud would accept any bottle, but some would make her gassy or the flow was too fast even with a slow flow nipple. I tried several different styles, but I settled on these amazing Comotomo bottles. Here’s what I loved about them.

The bottle shape was the closest thing to the breast-feeding experience,

The size one nipple flowed at the right speed,

The bottles were easy to clean,

they were made of a soft silicone,

I never had a problem with leaking or the nipple caving in,

I could easily tell how much milk was in the bottle. There are subtle tactile markings.

Cooler

You’ll need a place to store the milk. A cooler is useful. especially if you have long car rides or if you don’t have access to a fridge where you work. I was lucky enough to have a fridge in the classroom and only had a short car ride, so the milk was always kept cool, but if your situation is less than ideal, a bottle cooler with an ice pack will help keep the milk at the right temperature.

Breast Milk Storage

Speaking of where to keep the milk, if you are creating a large freezer stash, you will need a storage solution. I recommend these storage bags. They never leaked and I could store them flat to save space in my freezer. You may also want to get these storage containers depending on your needs. I would need the bottles for pumping, so I’d use these containers for storage until I had enough to freeze. You can freeze the milk in these containers as well if that works better for you. They are stackable, so that’s another useful feature.

Hands Free

I know you’re a busy multitasking mama. In order to make the most of your pumping sessions, you may want to have your hands free. There are these hands free pumping bras that can make your life a whole lot easier. This is the one I ordered, but there are others. I’d suggest trying to find one that you can wear comfortably all day. Especially if you work full-time and have to pump multiple times. Look around and see what would work best for you.

Water Bottle

I had this great water bottle from Target, but there are so many options out there. Just make sure it holds plenty of water because you’ll need to stay hydrated.

Snacks

If you are breast-feeding, chances are you’re always hungry. It’s a great excuse to eat some of your favorite snacks. There are some healthy options that also increase milk supply. There are smoothies as well. You can either buy prepackaged snacks or mixes or make your own.

Coconut Oil

You may need something to relieve soarness or discomfort during pumping. There are medicated creams you can get from your doctor, but I found that coconut oil worked just as well. I liked it because it was a natural option. However, if you are in real pain, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for the medicated cream. Especially in the beginning when the discomfort is at its worst.

Your Choice

The last item on my list is something just for you, but it has to be something that makes your experience more enjoyable. Find a way to take care of yourself. Pumping and breast-feeding takes so much time and effort. You are giving your baby a huge gift, so reward yourself. Here are some ideas to make your pumping sessions a little more relaxing.

A favorite snack healthy or not,

Watching a favorite show on Netflix,

reading a book,

Looking at pictures of your baby,

Soothing music or sounds,

Listening to your favorite songs or an inspiring podcast.

Did I miss anything? Tell me in the comments. For more tips and inspiration, be sure to like us on Facebook!

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Babies, Motherhood

5 Truths Working Breast-feeding Moms Must Know

August 4, 2020

In honor of World Breast-feeding Week, I’m sharing the truths that working breast-feeding moms must know. It’s crazy how something that is supposedly so natural can be so difficult even when you’re with your baby all the time, but being a working mom throws even more complications into the mix. Continuing to breast-feed while going back to work can be challenging which is why I’m writing this post. Part of my mission at NMC Coaching is to provide moms with the information they need to be successful. Here are five truths that you should know if you are a working breast-feeding mom.

Combination Feeding is Possible

Generally, I wouldn’t start off a post about breast-feeding talking about formula, but I think this is important. Many moms feel guilty if breast-feeding doesn’t work out for them. They may feel as if their bodies let them down, they aren’t strong enough, there’s something wrong with them etc. First off, I’m telling you that you’re amazing regardless of how you feed your baby. This debate can get controversial and you may get mixed messages, but it is possible to combination feed. Maybe your body doesn’t respond well to a pump making it difficult to get enough milk for your baby while you’re at work. Maybe your workplace isn’t conducive to breast-feeding moms. They all legally should give you place to pump, but unfortunately we live in the real world and not every employer follows guidelines or cares about families. Maybe you just don’t want this hassle. Whatever your reason is for wanting to combination feed, it can be done.

If your baby gets formula while you are working, your body will eventually adjust and produce at the times when you are normally with your baby. For example, if you want to only feed at night, your body will decrease milk production during the day. Some breast milk is more beneficial than none which is why some moms may choose this option. If you are trying to build your supply, this is not recommended because it can tank and you may end up giving more formula than intended.

Combination feeding can be a stepping stone to exclusively breast-feeding as well. This is what I did with Rosebud because my milk supply was very low in the beginning. I had to go back to work and my supply was not fully established, so Rosebud would get some formula during the day. After several weeks of a regular feeding/pumping schedule, I was able to take her off the formula completely. I was able to reach the feeding goals I had set for us, but it wasn’t without tears and lots of time attached to a machine. My final thoughts on combination feeding are that there’s nothing wrong with formula. We are fortunate to have options for our babies and there should be no guilt or shame for choosing what is best for our babies.

Make pumping a self-care ritual

I know, it sounds strange, but if you are returning to work, chances are you will be pumping multiple times throughout the day. Some moms may need to add additional pumping sessions to make enough milk for their babies. With all that time being attached to a machine, you want to make it as bearable as possible, so why not use pumping time for self-care? Self-care is hard to come by for new moms, but if you have the right set up, you can make this time enjoyable. Depending on what pump you have, you can definitely multitask. There are pumping bras that you can buy to make pumping hands free and some pumps are battery operated so you can bring them on the go. I will do a separate post with a list of essential items, but for now I’m giving you food for thought. Here is what I did to turn pumping into me time. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to make milk.

Listen to an Audible book,
Watch videos or tv shows,
Look at photos of your baby,
Eat your favorite snack,
Watch your baby play,
Listen to your favorite music,
Meditate,
Listen to soothing sounds,
Text with friends.

Useful Pumping Tips

Make one of your sessions a power pump,

Eat foods that boost your supply,

Make sure you have the right sized flanges,
Buy extra bottles and pump parts so that you will only have to wash and sanitize once per day,
Check with your insurance. Most will pay for a breast pump.

Paced Feeding

If your baby is with a caregiver while you’re at work, they may find it difficult transitioning from the breast to a bottle. To ensure that this is smooth transition, the caregiver should ensure that the bottle feeds are as similar to breast-feeding as possible. You can do this with paced feeding. The milk comes out of the bottle much faster which may make the baby frustrated during breast-feeding. There are several ways to help with this. The caregiver should slow the feeding down. Give smaller amounts and then remove the bottle, stop to burp, have the baby sitting up a bit and have a slow flow nipple. I always kept Rosebud at a level 1 for this purpose. You’ll also want to look at the bottle shape.

These are the best bottles I found. I’ve tried many.

Here is a demo video on paced feeding so you get the idea.

Support System

Some people don’t understand why you would choose to breast-feed when you could just use a bottle. I chose to because of the benefits for a babies immune system plus it’s a low cost option. However, I didn’t realize what I’d need for supplies and those cost money. I still think it was cheeper in the long run. Whatever you’re reasons are, you’ll want to find supportive people to reach out to if you need to vent, share a milestone or ask questions. If you have a supportive partner who helps you out, that is the best! Some things your partner can do to help are washing bottles and pump parts, watching the baby while you pump, giving you time to take a bath and relax or just being with you during feeds so you have someone to talk to. Of course, you may not want any of those things. Communicate with your partner and tell them what would be the most helpful.

If you have friends in a similar position, that’s wonderful. If you don’t, look for baby groups in your area or join some Facebook groups. These groups are amazing. Not only can you get support, but there is a wealth of information. If you have a family member who has been on this journey before and they are willing and able to help, that’s awesome as well! Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. Breast-feeding can be rewarding, but it can also be frustrating and complicated. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

The Truth About Bonding

We always hear about breast-feeding being this magical bonding experience. Well, I’m here to tell you that that’s a bunch of bull. While it may be this way for some women, it’s not the case for all and you don’t have to feel guilty for not feeling it. It can definitely make you and your baby closer. You are its food source after all. I saw it as a way to feed my baby and I don’t think I’d have bonded with her any less if I had bottle fed. My journey started out rough. Rosebud had a tongue tie, I had complications from my C-section making my supply low and Rosebud was frustrated and push me away. This only made me feel sad, angry, frustrated and guilty because my body wasn’t doing what it was supposed to do. We overcame this by concentrating on feeding at night when she was more receptive and eventually, she decided this would be a good thing during the day too. By that point, it was all about the mechanics and whether she had enough milk. There was no bonding to be done, but as time went on, we reached these milestones together and I felt much better about the journey.

I was also seeing the benefits first hand. I’d get sick with colds and whatever the kids were passing around, but she seemed completely immune. I was sold on that alone, so I kept going and our breast-feeding journey came to an end when she was 18 months old. That was farther than I ever thought we’d get or than I ever wanted to go, honestly. Whatever your feelings are, embrace them. They are uniquely yours and you shouldn’t feel any guilt.

To summarize, it’s possible to combination feed, pumping can be bearable, your caregivers should pace feed, you need a support system and you may or may not bond with your baby through breast-feeding. No matter where you are at on this journey, I hope you’ve found this post helpful. What do you wish you had known about breast-feeding before you started? Tell me in the comments. If you are having trouble getting your baby to sleep through the night, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list to get your free baby sleep guide!

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Activities For Kids, Motherhood

How to Pack Your Baby’s Beach Bag

July 7, 2020

If you love the beach, it’s exciting to take your baby to the beach for the first time. Your baby may love the beach, but may be scared of it at first. You will experience the sand, the waves and the general beach atmosphere together. Some babies don’t like these new textures and may find the ocean scary, but it really depends on your child’s personality. Rosebud had no fear and was eager to explore. Our first trip to the beach was fun, but the packing was daunting because when you’re bringing kids to the beach, it may feel like you are packing for a week long vacation. That’s why I’ve created this guide to simplify packing for you. Here is a list of the essential items for your baby’s beach bag.

Beach Bag

A good beach bag is a must. I use a clear jelly beach bag that is quite large and can hold most of what we need. I couldn’t find the exact one, but here are some similar bags.

Sunscreen

You definitely will need sun screen if your baby is over six months of age. I chose to use Blue Lizard because it is natural and not too sticky or oily when you put it on. The options for sun screen are endless, so it’s worth doing some research. Here is EWG’s list of best scoring sunscreens for kids to get you started.

Don’t forget sunscreen for yourself as well.

If your baby is under six months, it is recommended that you do not use sunscreen. You’ll want to use a seat or stroller with a canopy.

Check out this list of 6 best strollers for rocky or sandy beaches.

Life Jacket

If your baby goes in the water with you, you’ll definitely want to keep them safe. Rosebud used one of these. She was around 18 months and was walking when I took her for the first time. I put her life jacket on her and we held hands the whole time we were in the water. I just wanted her to experience the waves and getting her feet wet. We did not go out very far. Although, she kept trying to walk out further where some bigger kids where playing. She had no fear.

If your baby is not walking yet or you feel more comfortable baby wearing, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of the best baby carriers to use in water.

Sunglasses

I always have sunglasses with me, so Rosebud brings hers with her most of the time as well, whether she needs them or not, but they are helpful on bright sunny days.

Hat

A hat is essential to keep your baby’s head safe from the sun.

Food and Drink

Water Bottle

Hydration is so important. Especially in extremely hot weather. Be sure to bring water bottles for everyone. It’s recommended that baby’s not be given water until they are at least six months of age.

Bottle Holder

If you are breast-feeding, you won’t need this, but if you are using formula or pumped milk, you’ll want something to keep those bottles cold. I like this bottle holder because it’s big enough for two bottles and comes with an ice pack.

Lunch and or Snacks

Depending on how long you are at the beach, you’ll want something to eat.

You could bring a cooler for drinks, a picnic basket with sandwhiches or a variety of snacks that are easy to eat on the go.

What to Wear

Bathing Suitt

Diapers or Little Swimmers

Water Shoes

Be sure not to forget changes of clothes.

Beach Towels

Blanket

Totally optional, but a blanket is a good choice if you don’t want the extra bother of bringing chairs.

Comfortable chairs

Toys for Sand Play

Phone or Camera to Take Picturess

You’ll want to document your baby’s first trip to the beach or pool. This works best if there are extra sets of hands to capture all the fun. The whole point of these trips for me are to unplug and get away from the phone, but I had to take some pictures.
If you can get a break from supervision duties, bring a book and relax. If you need some book suggestions, check out this list of top beach bag reads for moms by the Confused Housewife.

I know trips to the pool or to the beach may be limited this summer depending on your loacation and restrictions due to covid, but if you are going to the beach this summer, I hope you find this list helpful. Most of all, enjoy this time with your baby or toddler. Are there any essential beach items I missed? Tell me in the comments.

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Fall, Infants

16 Adorable Costumes for Baby’s 1st Halloween

October 3, 2019

Halloween is getting closer and maybe you already have your costumes decided. I’ve already bought one for Rosebud, but if not, I’ve got you covered. If you have Amazon Prime, you can have a costume in two days. It’s perfect for busy moms like me who don’t have the time or energy to make something homemade or shop around at an actual store. The title says 16, but I found a couple extra costumes at the last minute to add to the list. Check out these adorable and unique Halloween costumes for babies. Many of these costumes have larger sizes for toddlers as well.

Animals

Animals are always a good choice for a child’s Halloween costume. Most of the animal costumes are cute and not too scary. Rosebud was dressed as a unicorn on her first Halloween.

Food

Rosebud dressed in a cupcake costume for her second Halloween. The food item costumes are fun and unique. It’s not something you see all the time.

Costumes for Boys

Most of these so far have been primarily for girls, but here are some cute costumes for boys as well.

Traditional

If you’re looking for something more traditional, I’ll leave you with some cute normal Halloween costumes.

Are your kids dressing up as something unique for Halloween? Tell me in the comments.

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Infants, Parenting

9Baby Bath Time Essentials

September 12, 2019

Bath time was one of those things that really worried me when I was a new mom. I questioned everything. Was the bath tub I chose going to be safe? Am I using the right products? What if she gets water in her ears? What if she hates her baths and struggles to let me wash her? I was anxious in general about my baby being in a tub of water. Even though the tub might be made specifically for infants. As bath time helped Rosebud relax before bed, we quickly developed a nice bath time routine. Here is the list of baby bath time essentials that relieved my worry, kept Rosebud clean and made bath time fun.

Baby Bath Tub

Once we got started, we both became comfortable with bath time and she really enjoyed it. She loves anything to do with water, so that made my job that much easier, but when I first brought her home, she was so tiny. It was obvious that the baby bath tub I bought wouldn’t work. For the first month or two, I used the wash tub they give you at the hospital. It worked perfectly for her. I’d just keep my hand behind her head and wash the rest of her body with the other. Then when she was big enough, we started using this tub.
 
While it has mixed reviews, it worked perfectly for us. I picked this tub because it could be used until she was a toddler. The top part of the seat inflates so that the baby can lay back and be supported. When your baby is able to sit, you no longer have to inflate the top part of the seat. You just inflate the bottom part and it becomes more like a regular tub. I found that this tub had plenty of room for Rosebud to splash and play once she was sitting on her own. It was also easy to clean and it folds up for storage. Eventually, I had to stop using the tub because it didn’t fit well in my kitchen sink. One day I tried to move the faucet out of the way and it got caught on the tub ripping the plastic. I’d suggest using it inside your bath tub if you can.
Here are some other bath tubs to choose from.

Next, I bought this Munchkin duck tub. Rosebud was a toddler at this point, but I didn’t think she was ready to be in the big tub just yet. While the new tub was easy to clean, cute and definitely didn’t break the bank, I didn’t like it as much as the first tub. It served its purpose, but Rosebud quickly grew out of it. I’d recommend this tub if your baby can sit unsupported, but is not yet ready for the adult tub.

Baby Body Wash

It’s up to you if you want to go organic. For the first few months of Rosebud’s life, I did. A couple of people gave me this Babyganics body wash at my baby shower, so that’s what I used. While I prefer something with scent, this is a great option if you are sensitive to smells and or if you want to go chemical free. Later I used this oatmeal vanilla body wash. It smells great, but it’s not for everyone. I’ll include a few options for you to choose from.

Baby Shampoo

This is another case where you may want to go chemical free. I’ve gone back and forth between Babyganics and Johnson and Johnson since that’s what they gave us at the hospital. Both shampoos have worked for us, but once I get through my current bottle, I will try something different. You’ll have to find what works best for your baby’s hair and which product you feel comfortable with, so I’ve included a couple different options to get you started.

Wash Cloths or Sponge

I prefer wash cloths because they are easier to hang and dry, but sometimes a soft sponge works well too. I found a nice set of wash cloths that have lasted us a while. They are a thicker terry cloth, they are soft and have stood up to many washings.

Bath Thermometer

There are different options for this, but I needed something simple that I could see. This cute little duck by Munchkin did the trick. Once the water was too hot, the word hot would appear in big white letters on the bottom of the duck. I could be sure that the water was at the appropriate temperature and as a bonus, this little ducky doubles as a nice bath toy. It is easy to clean because there is no holes where water can get in.

Hooded Towel

Rosebud would scream when I got her out of the tub because she was cold. Having a good hooded towel was a definite must have! The best hooded towels we had were hand me downs, believe it or not. Normally, I don’t take hand me downs because I get a little worked up over germs and not knowing where something has been, but these towels looked barely used and they were obviously good quality. I’ve looked in the stores and can’t find them anywhere, but there are quality hooded towels out there. I’ve found that thicker and softer is better. You need something that can absorb the water quickly and keep your baby warm. I also loved that these towels were large. Most of the towels I bought myself or got from other people were so small, but these towels fully covered her and the hood actually fit her head. In some cases, the old school products are far superior.

Baby Lotion

Since we live in the northeast, we have long cold winters. With the heat being on all the time, it can quickly dry out our skin. That’s why I’d put lotion on Rosebud most days after her bath. Just like with the body wash and shampoo, I’ve used Babyganics and Johnson & Johnson. I usually stick with the oatmeal and vanilla because I like the smell, but it is not all natural. Luckily, there are lots of options if you are looking for organic products. With the warmer weather, I haven’t had to use lotion on Rosebud as much, but I’ve continued to use it when necessary throughout her toddlerhood.

Toys

As soon as your baby can sit up and play, this will become their favorite part of bath time. This bath ball was one of Rosebud’s favorite bath toys. She loved to watch the water falling like rain.
 
Another one of her first bath toys was this set of squirting fish.
 
When she got a little older, she started to enjoy this tea set and this Fisher-Price boat.

Bath Organizer

With bath toys, you need a place to put them. That’s where this great bath toy organizer comes in handy. I have it hanging on my shower caddy, but it comes with hooks that you can attach to your tub. This bag is a mesh material that allows the toys to dry between bath times. It has one large pocket in the back and three in front. The bottles that I have don’t fit into those pockets, but smaller bottles would. I use the large pocket for toys. To clean the bag, I just through it in the washer. The specific one I bought is no longer available, so here’s something similar.

Did I miss anything? What are your baby bath time essentials? Tell me in the comments.

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Infants, Parenting, Shopping

10 Must-haves for your Baby Registry

September 9, 2019

If you’re pregnant and have a baby shower coming up, you’ll definitely want to create a baby registry. You can create one almost anywhere you shop, but when I was in the market for baby products, I found some of the best deals on Amazon. You can use your registry in different ways. Since many of my family and friends prefer to shop locally, I used my registry as my personal baby shopping list, but the best way to use it is for your baby shower guests. It’s easy to navigate, you can find just about anything and if your guests are Prime members, they get free shipping. Plus you get a free baby box just for setting up your registry.

Once you have created your registry, you’ll want to start adding products. There are so many products available, it’s hard to choose. You can end up spending a lot of money and buying a bunch of stuff you don’t need, so I’ve created a list of 10 must-haves for your baby registry. These are some of the products I used most in Rosebud’s first year. The obvious items are diapers, wipes, clothing and bath products, but this list includes products that you might not think of at first, but would find useful.

Feeding

I’ll start off with some items for feeding your baby.
Comotomo bottles
I tried many bottles and these were the best by far! I love that they are easy to clean, were a softer material and their shape is most similar to breast-feeding. I bought some of their slower flow nipples and they were perfect for paced feeding. Rosebud also didn’t get gassy on these. We had some trouble with some of the other bottles. Whether it was with the flow or shape of the nipple. She would get too much air from the bottle, but not with the Comotomo bottles. The only complaint I have about these bottles is they can be easily tipped because of their shape, so I had to be careful when filling them, but it wasn’t a huge problem for me. They may be a little more expensive than other bottles, but they are worth it.

Spectra S2
If you are breast-feeding and are in the market for a pump, I’d definitely choose this one. In most cases, your insurance will pay for a breast pump and the Spectra S2 is usually on the list you can choose from. I did a lot of research before choosing a pump and I also tried pumps from other brands to compare. I was having trouble with pumping, so I tried a Medela pump to see if my body would respond better to another pump, but I always got the best results with the Spectra S2.
Other Benefits

It’s a closed system, meaning the milk can’t get inside the pump or tubing.
It’s more gentle than the other pumps.
Relatively quiet.
Includes a night light.
Easy to use and has multiple modes to choose from.

Space saving high chair
I had two different high chairs. My aunt bought me this really nice stand alone high chair that could grow with Rosebud, but it took up a lot of space in my kitchen. However, at my mom’s house, we had this much smaller high chair that did the trick just as well. It was one of those that you attach to a kitchen chair that was already at the table. Of course, I loved that it saved space, but I also liked that I could sit Rosebud right at the table. You can use the high chair with the tray on or off depending on the age and needs of your child.

Night Time

Night time is important because we all need our rest. Sleep is hard to get in the beginning, but some of these products can help baby rest or give you peace of mind.
Owl night light soother
I got one of these when Rosebud was a baby and I still use it to this day. The noise from this machine helps block out other sounds. Rosebud has always been a light sleeper, so this has definitely helped. We prefer the ocean sound, but there are songs, white noise, the rainforest and even a heartbeat to choose from. It has a light with different levels of brightness and has a moon and stars projector. You can leave it on all night which is what I do or you can have it shut off automatically. It’s been running for three years now and is still going strong.
 
Halo Sleepsack
I bought a couple of these for Rosebud because I wanted to cover her, but didn’t want to worry about blankets. In my experience, most baby blankets are too small to wrap with and of course there is always the worry of sids. The baby is in the sleep sack and the loose parts wrap around the baby to create a snug fit, so there is less of a risk of anything covering their face. These sleep sacks come in different materials and designs. I had good luck with these in my infant room as well since we aren’t allowed to use traditional blankets. Like anything else, these work well for some babies and not for others, but they are definitely worth a try.

Baby monitor
This was another useful gift I got at my baby shower and i still use this monitor to hear what goes on in Rosebud’s room. One cool thing about this monitor is if the sound coming from the room is louder, the lights on the monitor flash brighter. It also has a vibrating feature. I’ve never used it, but it may be helpful for some people. I’ve been using this particular monitor for over three years now and have never had a problem with it.

Entertainment

FisherPrice rocker
I had to find a comfortable place for Rosebud when she didn’t want to play on the floor. She preferred to sit up, but the problem was she couldn’t support herself yet. That problem was solved when I found this Fisher Price Rocker on Amazon. I just want to note that this is not the Rock ‘n Play. This is simply a little rocking chair that can be reclined as well. This one also has a vibrating feature plus hanging toys to keep baby entertained. I’d put her in this chair while I showered and she loved it. It was nice having another place to put her while I needed to get things done.

Mirrors and Toys
Babies love to look at faces and Rosebud was no exception. I found these mirrors on Amazon and got a lot of use out of mirrors. The great things about these mirrors is that you can attach them to cribs, seats or just set them up on the floor. These mirrors also have other items attached that the babies can look at and play with.
Rosebud’s favorite toys were made by Oball. I don’t know if it was the fact that they were easier to hold or maybe they were more entertaining, but all of these were her favorites. I’d highly recommend this brand.

Out and About

Lilibaby carrier
If you want to baby wear, I’d suggest the Lillibaby carrier. For me, it was the most comfortable to wear and the easiest to use. I also tried a sling, but could never get the hang of it. While the Lillebaby has a few clips to fasten, it felt more secure. It has several baby wearing positions that you can do depending on the age and size of your baby. It’s a mesh material, so it doesn’t get as hot. The best thing is that your baby can be close to you while your hands are free to do other tasks.

Shopping cart cover

This was an unexpected item that a friend gave me that I never knew I needed. When we went to the store, I would baby wear at first, but sometimes it was just easier to put Rosebud in the cart depending on what I needed to buy. I didn’t like the seats that they have at the store and there was no way I was putting Rosebud on the cold cart that is full of germs,so I was glad to have one of these puffy cart covers which kept Rosebud secure in the cart while she was able to sit up and look at everything while I shopped. I’d recommend one of these even though it’s not an absolute necessity.

What were your baby registry must-haves or those products you got that you didn’t expect to actually use? Tell me in the comments. Happy shopping!

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Infants, Motherhood, Parenting

5 Pregnancy Tips for First Time Moms

August 26, 2019

Being practical in life can go a long way. Sticking with sensible decisions while pregnant is possible even for first-time moms. We’ve gathered a few useful tips for expecting mommas.

Switching to a different OB-GYN is okay

Some are lucky to have an OB-GYN they’re comfortable with even pre-pregnancy. There are some cases though that their beliefs or recommendations do not go in line with our values or gut feel. We’re not discounting the fact that these doctors have studied a lot and have valuable experiences. But, it is essential to know your rights as a patient, especially as a mother who will go through this beautiful experience of giving birth to another life form.

Definitely, not all deliveries are the same, but all births should be gentle. This means that the expecting mother’s rights are respected, she is empowered to choose, and that her birth support and providers follow her preferences. Just make sure you bring your records so that you don’t have to go through the necessary checks or tests that the new doctor needs to know.

Hand-me-downs are not a bad thing

In fact, this could probably be the most sound thing to do: to be a willing recipient for pre-loved clothes or other baby items like cribs, strollers, babywear, bouncers, high chair, etc. Whether you get them for free or for a very much lower price, it’s a great way to help other families get rid of things that will just end up in storage, and save a lot of money from buying brand new items that will only be used for a month or probably 2 years at the longest.

Make use of what you have

Concerning receiving or buying second-hand items, it is also best to look around your house for things that could be of use too. Say, for example, someone gifted you with a stroller; you can probably double it as a high chair. Check on your regular towels if they are hypoallergenic and can be used by the baby too. Or you can take some extra cotton/flannel fabrics and cut them into small squares. With edges sewn, these can be used as cloth wipes! Yes, items for the baby don’t always have to come from the baby section as long as you can do your checks.

Information overload is normal

Just like learning anything new, we are bound to feel overwhelmed with all the information at hand. So take one concept at a time. You have nine months to get just the right knowledge about those topics. Whether it’s about Gentle Birth, Breastfeeding, Babywearing, Attachment Parenting, and any other concepts you’re inclined to. You can also attend seminars and events other than reading about them. This is perfect not just for better retention but also to find people who are into the same beliefs and advocacies.

Keep your partner/husband/support team in the know

Everything essential you gained from reading, mentioned by your doctor and all the knowledge you have on certain concepts should definitely be shared to your support team. As the old saying goes, “it takes a village to raise the child.” For any support that you need from pregnancy, until birth, newborn stage, toddler stage, and so on, it is best to really involve those important people around you and let them in on the help you need and how you want to raise your child.

This is a life-changing phase of your life. Embrace it and enjoy this rollercoaster experience you’ll be taking on. Don’t worry; you’ll be great.

About the Writer:

Rachel Peralta is a freelance writer who finally took the leap of getting out of her comfort zone in the corporate world for 11 years. She loves traveling, supports the zero-waste movement and strives to practice intentional parenting as a hands-on mom to her active & curious little daughter.

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Infants, Motherhood, Parenting, Toddlers

5 Things You Won’t Learn From A Parenting Book

April 26, 2019

Since Mothers Day is right around the corner, I’ll be doing a series of posts on motherhood. You’ll get the good, the bad and the ugly. If you pick up a parenting book, you’ll read about what to do to have a healthy pregnancy, infant care, tantrums, potty training and how to create a night time routine. They might even touch upon the sleepless nights, for you, the parent. While that information can be very helpful, there are some things they don’t talk about and in most cases, mom’s aren’t talking about these things either. If we’re not talking about the endless joy and unconditional love, it’s as if you’re seen as a bad mom. I love Rosebud more than I’ve ever thought possible. She makes me laugh after a bad day. I am so grateful and proud to be her mom, but there a few things about motherhood in general that drive me crazy at times.

Your idea of clean flies out the window.

I used to take a lot of pride in keeping a clean house. I’d usually vacuum at least twice per week since the cats left hair everywhere. At least one of my weekend days was spent cleaning and doing laundry. I loved having everything in it’s place. There was nothing like coming home to a clean house and knowing that everything would be right where you left it. Well, after you have kids, that all changes. You might still obsess over keeping the place clean and organizing everything, but you’ll find you won’t have time. You’ll spend more time thinking about cleaning than actually doing it and you’ll start to wonder if you’ll ever get to do anything beyond spot cleaning the counters and bathrooms.

Not to mention all the new toys and equipment you’ll be adding to the mix. Half of my living room was filled with baby equipment and now that Rosebud is three, it’s filled with toys. Toys that I have to keep organized because if they are not put into containers, I end up stepping on them which of course hurts my feet. When I end up yelling about the stupid toy, Rosebud asks, what’s wrong, Mommy? Have you ever stepped on a lego or toy person? If so, you can feel my pain! We can always look on the bright side, when kids grow up and think back to their childhoods, they don’t remember whether you deep cleaned the house. They remember the time you spent with them. Here are some cleaning products that help me out.
 
This is a close model to the vacuum I have. It works well on pet hair.
 
This is the one I want to try because of the anti hair wrap feature. That is a huge problem in my house.

You’ll try, but you can’t capture everything.

I don’t know about you, but I wanted to capture Rosebud’s every milestone. I have so many pictures and videos, especially during her first year. While it’s nice to preserve and share those memories, if you spend too much time behind the camera, you’re not participating. If you’re too busy watching, you’re not interacting. There have been so many conversations over the past year or two that I wish I could recreate. I can’t, so they will live on in my memory. There are too many things Rosebud says that I want to write down so I won’t forget, but by the end of a long day, I’ve forgotten what she said. It makes me sad, but I know she’ll say something else that’s equally cute or funny tomorrow. The other day she told me that tomatoes couldn’t make catsup because they don’t have hands. I’d love to capture all the times she tells me I’m her best friend or that I’m a good mommy. She told me the other day that we have a good home. It’s moments like these that make my heart melt and make me so glad that I’m Rosebud’s mom.

You’ll never do anything alone, ever again.

Yes, you read that right. You’ll never do anything alone unless you have a baby sitter or if you’re lucky enough to have a good sleeper. For the first 15 months of Rosebud’s life, we co-slept, so I was never alone at night either. I was one of those people who was convinced, my kid would sleep in her own bed, but as soon as she was born, I didn’t want to be away from her. Although I tried laying her down in her crib, it was a no go. She’d cry and cry and it was just too heartbreaking to listen to. I’d be sitting in bed next to her responding to E-mails, listening to audio books or pumping and she’d usually sleep through everything. That was as long as I’d stay in the bed, as soon as I’d get up to go to the bathroom, get a drink of water or try to go and watch tv, she was awake in no time.

As she got older and started to crawl and eventually walk, any semi alone time I had was over. She’d follow me into the laundry room when I’d try to start the washer, the pantry closet when I’d try to sneak a snack and of course I couldn’t go to the bathroom alone either. If you are reading this and haven’t become a mom yet, appreciate your alone time while you have it.

You finally find out what exhaustion really is.

This phenomenon of complete exhaustion starts while you are pregnant. You don’t even have to weight for the baby to come for this one. In the first part of my pregnancy, I slept like a baby. I’d literally sit in my chair and be asleep a few minutes later. When I’d go to sleep for the night, I’d be so exhausted, I’d sleep so soundly. This was so unlike me. I had never been that tired and at that point, I didn’t know I was growing a tiny human. After my pregnancy was confirmed, I was still exhausted, but the sleepless nights began. What was I going to do? I was going through a difficult situation and nothing went as I had planned. I had a lot on my mind along with the physical symptoms, so I never slept through a whole night after that and I thought I knew what exhaustion was. The truth was I had no idea until Rosebud was born. It was exhausting trying to breast-feed around the clock, change diapers, and then attempting to function like a normal human being during the day. They say that you should sleep when the baby sleeps, but that was so difficult for me. I managed it a few times, but usually I was too worried about the state of the house or other tasks I needed to get done. As they get older, they sleep through the night, but they tend to go to bed later and in Rosebud’s case, she wakes up just as early.

You never get a sick day.

Now that we’ve touched on the exhaustion, that brings me to this little piece of information. Unless you have a village around you, you never get a sick day. It doesn’t matter if you can barely get out of bed, you have to. Your child still needs to be fed and cared for. They’ll still want to play. I remember one day in particular when I had the flu this past winter. I was wiped out. I could barely move without feeling sick, but I had to push myself to at least get up and throw a breakfast together. Then we spent the rest of the day in front of the tv because that’s all I could manage. Rosebud really wanted to play, but I just couldn’t. I made sure her basic needs were met and some days if you are really sick, that’s the best you can do. It helps if you both are sick at the same time because you’ll both want to just lay around, but it almost never works that way. Rosebud is always sick before me. By the time she’s feeling better, I want to spend the day curled up under the covers.

This is why self-care is so important. You cannot run on empty. Even though self-care may be seen as selfish, you have to find some time for yourself. Whether it’s relaxing with a book and a bubble bath, going to get your nails done or working on a craft or hobby, it’s well worth it. Then when the sick days come, you won’t feel as depleted. The other part of self-care is forgiving yourself when you make mistakes or when you are a less than perfect mother. We need to accept that we can make mistakes and learn from them and that we are still lovable even with our imperfections. When we tuck our kids in bed each night, we can tell them we love them and we forget about every crazy thing they did that day. We forget about the messes, the chaos, the interruptions and the fact that they woke us up before the sunrise yet again.

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