Pros • Two in one—don’t have to pack both a car seat and stroller • Super simple to convert between car seat and stroller • Compact size makes it great in stores and restaurants Cons • Had trouble using it without base depending on various car models. Even a seat belt extension didn’t work in a few cars we tried. • Not great for taller people as handle doesn’t adjust high enough....
For many families with young kids, fall is a favorite time of year—a time when you can take your kiddos to romp in the pick-your-own apple orchards, go on hay rides, ready for trick-or-treating and maybe even enjoy an Oktoberfest beer while baby sleeps in the stroller (one can hope). But with COVID-19 still a concern, it’s no wonder parents are wondering, what exactly can we do this season? Take heart—there are still plenty of fun activities you and your youngsters can enjoy as autumn settles in....
There’s a bunch of fun stuff on your to-do list in the weeks leading up to parenthood, like decorating the nursery, debating baby names and tasting every cupcake flavor at your baby shower. But don’t forget the more practical considerations, like shoring up your new baby’s security. Here’s what you should be checking—and double-checking—in the weeks before your newest responsibility arrives. Check Your Benefits Bone up on your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act and ask your company’s HR department about your options for maternity and paternity leave....
Quit the baby talk You might naturally stop using that singsongy voice with your toddler once you realize how much he truly understands — you’ll ask him to bring you a book and he’ll walk to the bookshelf, or you’ll wonder out loud where the cat is and he’ll point to Chester. Baby talk isn’t necessary anymore, since he’s already paying attention to your words and making meaningful associations. Keep it simple When you talk to him, use straightforward, simple words and short sentences to keep him from getting confused....
Pregnancy comes with all sorts of aches and discomforts—from implantation cramps to round ligament pain and everything in between. And when a pang hits, you’ll try just about anything to feel better fast. Of course, some of the tools and tricks you’d reach for pre-pregnancy may not be safe or recommended now that you’ve got a baby on board. So can you use a heating pad while pregnant—or should you steer clear of the beloved warming device?...
When it comes to toddler poop, consistency counts much more than frequency. Some toddlers poop once a day, and that’s fine. Others poop every three days or so, while still others poop three or more times per day. Instead of focusing on the number, take a look at the consistency. You want to see “a reasonable amount that’s reasonably soft and does not cause bleeding,” says Michael Lee, MD, a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas....
Getting the flu is never fun—but it can be especially tough when you’re expecting. Pregnancy brings lots of changes to the immune system to aid baby’s development, meaning illness can hit a little harder during those nine+ months. While you’re at greater risk of coming down with a more severe case of the flu during pregnancy, luckily there’s lots that can be done to ensure both your and baby’s health. Here, experts break down what to know about getting the flu while pregnant and how to safely treat it....
At first glance, these life-size dolls are terrifying. And at second glance too. But the purpose of SimMom isn’t to make childbirth look pretty or easy. It’s to help doctors prepare for a smooth delivery, even with all sorts of complications that can occur along the way. The birth simulation tool can mimic breathing, different birthing positions, bleeding, and physiological vitals. And doctors use her to practice delivering baby–and the placenta—in a variety of complicated scenarios....
Babies can do this for several different reasons. Sometimes it’s when the milk flow slows down or the breast is drained. Switching to the other side at this point can often help. You can switch back and forth several times if you need to. Since the breast is continually producing milk, your baby may be able to drink again on that side. Sometimes babies pull away from the breast and fuss because the milk is flowing too fast....
Sure, why not? Used by one-fourth of all mothers, Lamaze is by far the most popular childbirth method. You’ll learn simple, natural strategies like rhythmic breathing, hydrotherapy, massage, position changes, and walking to use during delivery. Your labor partner will also learn how to encourage and support you. The classes (at least 12 hours overall) include a wide range of info on what to expect during and after delivery, possible complications, how to be an active participant and effectively communicate with hospital staff, and tips for breastfeeding and interacting once baby comes....
And the Winner Is: Coterie Diapers The first job of a diaper is to catch and successfully contain baby’s messes—but given that baby’s skin is so delicate and sensitive, you also want to wrap your little one’s tush in a diaper that’s free of any harsh chemicals and irritating materials. After all, diapers are a baby’s constant accessory. Not only are Coterie diapers super-absorbent and reliably leak-proof, but the list of materials they leave out of their diaper construction is just as impressive as what they put in....
Is a breastfeeding class a requirement? No. Will it help you know what to expect and help you prevent problems? Yup! So if you can fit a breastfeeding class into your schedule, we definitely recommend it. “It’s always a good idea to be as educated as you can,” says Myra Wick, MD. “A breastfeeding class can introduce you to some of the different holds and offer some reassurance that breastfeeding is not something that’s going to happen immediately....
Nope, stay away from Orudis KT. It’s a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (just like Motrin, Advil, Aleve or aspirin) that’s taken to relieve aching muscles and joints and other sore body parts. But don’t look for it on the shelves of your local drug store: Orudis KT (the KT stands for ketoprofen) was taken off the market in 2005 after some studies concluded the medication may increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, irritation, or bleeding in the stomach and intestines....
Childbirth can be a miraculous, empowering experience, but with its unknowns and potential risks, it can also be a nerve-racking prospect for moms-to-be—a truth that’s all the more somber for Black mothers due to the Black maternal health crisis in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. It’s an unacceptable reality that Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, and Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow, are working hard to change....
Nothing’s better than hearing “I love you” come from your child’s sweet mouth. But when the little guy is still in that babbling phase and lives in a world of superheroes and princesses, that sentiment can come out in some hilarious ways. Here are seven, let’s call them “unique,” ways Bumpies say their tots express their love. “DS tells me that he’s going to put syrup on me and eat me up....
From the moment you see that double line on your pregnancy test, your child’s well-being is top of mind. So it’s completely normal for expecting parents to feel shocked, stressed and scared if they’re told that their pregnancy is high risk. But before you panic, know that the term “high risk” in no way means you won’t give birth to a healthy baby. “There’s often a focus on everything that can go wrong, but the truth is most of the time, things go well,” says Jacob Larkin, MD, medical director of inpatient obstetric services at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital....
Reading to baby has some serious benefits — you know that. But once you’ve been through every picture book and nursery rhyme in an attempt to boost brain development and language skills, how do you get your child to actually like reading? That’s the question Daniel Willingham is addressing in his new book, Raising Kids Who Read. He explains there’s a difference between teaching kids to read and teaching them to love reading....
There’s no sugarcoating the fact that labor is painful, and undoubtedly one of the most unpleasant aspects of a vaginal birth is tearing during labor. Unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence—according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), between 53 and 79 percent of vaginal births result in some degree of tearing, either in the vagina or perineum (the skin between the vagina and anus). So why do some people tear and others don’t, and what steps can you take to hopefully avoid it?...
Sure, as long as your diet is a reasonable one. Skip the “crash” diets and diet fads, and focus on healthy eating instead. You’ll be healthier — and more likely to keep the weight off — if you take it slow and combine your diet with regular exercise. (If you diet without exercise, you’ll lose muscle as well as fat. Get active, and you’ll lose only fat.) Many experts advise dropping no more than one pound per week, though some studies show that overweight moms can drop up to two pounds per week (in the short term) without a drop in milk supply....
This depends on the age of your baby. Older babies — six months and up — can often be weaned directly to a sippy cup or other cup, with a little extra help from mom or dad. Younger babies can drink milk from a cup, but it’s a bit trickier and more time-consuming. Teaspoons and other feeding devices can be used in a pinch, but they’re often much less convenient long-term....
