Hayley, Author at Today Mommy

The 8 Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies

Hayley — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 15:00:29 +0000

Pacifiers are generally used to comfort baby and they can be lifesavers for moms, especially if you have a fussy baby. But did you know that there are good, better, and best pacifiers for breastfed babies?

Why use a pacifier?

Why use a pacifier?
To calm baby and distract them during vaccinations
An aid to help baby sleep
Flying with baby
Fussy babies
Colicky babies
Teething
Oral fixations

The Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies
When to introduce a pacifier to breastfed baby
Cons to pacifiers you should know about
When to replace pacifiers
When to stop using pacifiers
Picking the best pacifier for breastfed babies
How many pacifiers do you need?
Pacifier Do’s and Don’ts
When should you NOT give your baby a pacifier

Babies have a natural instinct to suck and a pacifier can soothe, comfort, and pacify them. They can also stop babies from sucking their thumbs, which can be a very hard habit to break.

There are also some studies showing that pacifiers can help lessen the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Some even show the percentage of risk will be decreased by up to 90 percent. Other advantages of using a pacifier are:

To calm baby and distract them during vaccinations

Aside from the pain baby will feel on the spot during a vaccination, they may also experience discomfort a day or two after so having a pacifier will help soothe and provide a distraction from this.

An aid to help baby sleep

This is useful especially if your baby is not a good sleeper and this can also keep them from crying too much.

Flying with baby

If you are on a flight, having a pacifier is useful to help baby’s ears pop because of the sucking motion. This will prevent any discomfort and help baby get through the flight more easily.

Fussy babies

If your baby is a fussy baby, pacifiers can help change their mood and can help especially if you are out in public.

Colicky babies

If your baby is experiencing colic, pacifiers can be a good distraction from any pain or discomfort that they are feeling and can also keep them from crying a lot.

Teething

If your baby is teething, sucking on a pacifier can help soothe and numb out the pain.

Oral fixations

If you find your baby to always want to put their fist in their mouths or do sucking motions, they might need a pacifier to satisfy this urge to suck.

The Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies

Preview

Our Pick

Title

Philips Avent SCF190/01 Soothie 0-3mth Green/Green, 2 Count

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Monkey

MAM Mini Air Pacifiers (2 pack), MAM Sensitive Skin Pacifier 0-6 Months, Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies, Baby Boy Pacifiers

Philips AVENT Translucent Orthodontic Infant Pacifier, Clear, 0-6 Months, 2 Count

The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

NUK Newborn 100% Silicone Orthodontic Pacifier, 0-3 Months, Blue/Green, 2pk

Price

$7.15

$15.95

$6.99

$13.99

$5.39

Price not available

Details

Buy on Amazon

Our Pick

Preview

Title

Philips Avent SCF190/01 Soothie 0-3mth Green/Green, 2 Count

Price

$7.15

Details

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Monkey

Price

$15.95

Details

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

MAM Mini Air Pacifiers (2 pack), MAM Sensitive Skin Pacifier 0-6 Months, Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies, Baby Boy Pacifiers

Price

$6.99

Details

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

Philips AVENT Translucent Orthodontic Infant Pacifier, Clear, 0-6 Months, 2 Count

Price

$13.99

Details

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

Price

$5.39

Details

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

NUK Newborn 100% Silicone Orthodontic Pacifier, 0-3 Months, Blue/Green, 2pk

Price

Price not available

Details

Buy on Amazon

Philips Avent Soothie

Philips Avent SCF190/01 Soothie 0-3mth Green/Green, 2 Count

The pacifier brand distributed in hospitals nationwide
Used by medical professionals to calm newborns
BPA free
Highly durable
Sized and shaped for baby's mouth

These are great for newborns since they are soft and comfortable. Hospitals also use these kinds for newborns. These are colored light green and not clear so it can be spotted pretty easily.

This is what we used for our baby and it is my #1 for the best pacifiers for breastfed babies.

WubbaNub

Wubbanub Infant Pacifier - Giraffe

WubbaNub Brand - The Original Pacifier/Plush Animal combination
Durable one piece construction is both functional and stylish. Patented design makes it easy for baby to grasp.
Distributed in hospitals, NICU and well-baby units nationwide.
Made with medical-grade silicone pacifier. Latex free, BPA, PVC and Phthalate free
Recommended for newborns through six months. (Not suggested for babies with teeth or in teething stage).

These come in adorable designs which make it easier to store and not lose. They also allow baby to get a good hold of the pacifier.

These are seriously is SO convenient as your baby gets a little bit older and can grab things. I think every baby 6 months and up should have at least one!

They have lots of different animals here on Amazon.

Mam Air Silicone Pacifier (Sensitive Skin)

MAM Mini Air Pacifiers (2 pack), MAM Sensitive Skin Pacifier 0-6 Months, Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies, Baby Boy Pacifiers

SENSITIVE SKIN – The large open air holes on these MAM pacifiers allows for plenty of breathing room for babies with sensitive skin and even lets you peek at your baby's smile!
SYMMETRICAL SHAPE – Worrying about turning baby’s orthodontic pacifier over for the right fit is a thing of the past with a binky from MAM. Always right-side up and fuss free.
SILICONE NIPPLE – The BPA-free silicone nipple is a signature MAM pacifier design, with silky SkinSoft material and a symmetrical shape that's ideal for jaw and teeth development.
STERILIZING STORAGE CASE – Add water and pop into the microwave to sterilize MAM pacifiers in just 3 minutes. No separate sterilizer means fewer baby items to take on the go!
PRODUCT DETAILS – MAM Sensitive Skin Pacifiers, Mini Air Collection, 0-6 Months, Boy, 2-Pack Plus Sterilizing Pacifier Holder, Color: Blue and Gray

This pacifier has holes in the shields/sides so that your baby’s skin can breathe. It also means that saliva won’t be pooling up on the shield.

These pacifiers come in a variety of colors here.

Philips Avent Translucent Orthodontic Infant Pacifier

Philips AVENT Translucent Orthodontic Infant Pacifier, Clear, 0-6 Months, 2 Count

Orthodontic pacifier designed for natural oral development; respects the natural development of baby's teeth and gums
BPA free
Clean before every use with warm water and mild soap; let water trapped inside the nipple cool down and then squeeze it out to ensure hygiene
Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized; comes with a snap on hygienic cap to keep the nipple clean
Translucent clear design

To prevent any dental development issues, this pacifier has a collapsible nipple that will fit unto baby’s palate.

You can find these pacifiers here.

First Years GumDrop NewBorn

Sale

The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

GUMDROP PACIFIERS: These latex-free silicone pacifiers are trusted by hospitals worldwide
UNIQUE CONTOUR SHAPE: Lightweight pacifiers are designed to fit baby's face without hiding nose
NEWBORN PACIFIERS: Available in bright colors and work with most pacifier attachers
SUITABLE FOR: Ages 0-3 months

These silicone pacifiers come in a one-piece design meaning you don’t need to worry about different parts. They are also designed to not be too close to your baby’s nose giving them room to breathe easier.
These are good for newborns up to 3 months.

NUK Newborn Silicone

NUK Newborn 100% Silicone Orthodontic Pacifier, 0-3 Months, Blue/Green, 2pk

100% silicone one-piece construction
NUK Orthodontic shape nipple soothes and calms baby better than our original nipple and its asymmetrical shape helps promote healthy oral development by naturally fitting into your baby’s palate
Scoop nipple cavity allows maximum tongue movement, which gently exercises your baby's tongue, palate and jaw and promotes proper teeth alignment by helping your baby avoid thumb-sucking
Heart shaped shield fits perfectly under baby’s nose for easy breathing and less irritation.BPA free and made in the USA
Integrated channels for less palate pressure

These pacifiers are great for babies with colic since the shape is supposed to soothe babies more. The shape was made to also naturally fit into their palate preventing any dental development issues to arise.

MAM Newborn Start

MAM Pacifiers, Newborn Pacifier, Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies, ‘Start’ Design Collection, Unisex, 2-Count

SYMMETRICAL SHAPE – No “right side up” means that these fun pacifiers for babies are fuss-free and the binky won’t need to be constantly adjusted to sit properly in baby’s mouth.
SILICONE NIPPLE – The BPA-free silicone nipple is a signature MAM pacifier design, with silky SkinSoft material and a symmetrical shape that's ideal for jaw and teeth development.
SELF STERILIZING CASE - Add water and pop into the microwave to sterilize MAM pacifiers in just 3 minutes. No separate sterilizer means fewer baby items to take on the go!
COMFORTABLE SHIELD – These cute pacifiers for babies are fun and functional. The openings in the shield keep baby comfortable and allow baby’s skin to breathe.
PRODUCT DETAILS – MAM Newborn Pacifiers Start Collection, 2 Pacifiers, Unisex, Includes 1 Sterilizing Pacifier Holder Case

The nipple is really soft like a mothers nipple which is good for babies up to two months old. There are also holes on the shield which makes your baby breathe easier. There’s a button at the end of the pacifier that makes it easier for your baby to grab.

This style + others are available on Amazon.

Philips Respironics Wee Thumbie

Wee Thumbie - Philips Aqua Preemie Pacifier, Gestational Age Less than 30 weeks, Hospital Binky

Aqua Preemie Pacifier
Comforts, calms and soothes your Premature or Low Birth Weight Baby
Modeled after the size and shape of the Preemie Thumb
Facilitates the important sucking behaviors normally learned in utero
Stages: Less than 30 Weeks Gestation

These are great for babies less than 30 weeks old (gestational age) or preemies since they were designed to soothe very small babies. The pacifiers design was made to be like a preemie thumb’s size and shape. It also helps babies to learn the sucking motion.

When to introduce a pacifier to breastfed baby

Generally, you should wait for around 3 to 4 weeks before giving your breastfeeding baby a pacifier or any bottle/artificial nipple. You could even wait until your breast milk supply has already been established around 6 to 8 weeks.

Giving a newborn a pacifier right from birth can cause an issue with how the baby will latch during breastfeeding so this time period of waiting is vital. In order to develop the proper latch, make sure the baby has already become familiar with breastfeeding.

However, if you and your baby are successfully nursing you can give it to them sooner. I personally gave my breastfed baby a pacifier from day one and he did great and nursed until 18 months!

Cons to pacifiers you should know about

May shorten breastfeeding

If pacifier use is too early, there could be a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding or a shorter period or time overall of breastfeeding. This is why it is best to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before giving your newborn a pacifier.

Inner-ear infections

Your baby is at risk for inner ear infections around the age of 6 months to 2 years old as some studies show that this is a common problem. You can try removing the pacifier after the baby has fallen asleep as so to lessen this risk.

Prolonged use may cause dental issues

if your baby is older than 2 years and still using a pacifier, their top and bottom teeth may not be aligned properly. You can always consult your dentist or doctor to check if your baby is developing these issues.

Weaning your baby off them could be difficult

Depending on your baby, it might be tough to break the habit of using the pacifier and could take months.

Use this guide here for tips on how to wean your child off a pacifier.

Dirty pacifiers

Since babies would keep on dropping pacifiers, especially if you are not at home, it can be difficult to clean them properly at that moment. Grab a pack of these pacifier wipes for your diaper bag.

When to replace pacifiers

Knowing when to throw out your baby’s pacifier and get a new one is vital to protect your baby and keep them safe at all times.

Here’s what you should look out for:

The nipple is starting to tear
Any part of the pacifier is breaking apart or becoming loose
The nipple is sticky
The pacifier has changed color

When to stop using pacifiers

Generally, it is recommended to stop pacifier usage when your baby hits 2 years of age. Most of the time, your baby will stop using them but you can also wean your child off them by trying the following:

For infants or younger children – you can swaddle them, rocking, listening to soft music, singing to them, or giving them a massage.

For older children – distract them from the pacifier using toys, objects like blankets, or special activities.

Picking the best pacifier for breastfed babies

When choosing the best pacifier for your baby, you would need to take these factors into consideration:

Size of Pacifier

Make sure you pick a pacifier that fits your baby. Usually, they are categorized to group ages like 6 months and under, 6 to 18 months, and older than 18 months.

Material

Some nipples are made out of latex and these are usually the softer kind but some babies may be allergic to latex. Silicone pacifiers are the most common, are durable, and they are also dishwasher safe. Pick something that is BPA free as well.

Shield

This part of the pacifier is the one that keeps the baby from sucking the whole thing pacifier their mouths so they are very important. The size should be big enough to do this and it is generally around 1.5 inches or bigger.

Comfort

Most babies prefer pacifiers that are soft and flexible.

How many pacifiers do you need?

Pacifiers can be easy to lose and hard to track especially with their size and your baby dropping them. In case you would lose one, you would have a backup and you wouldn’t have a cranky or fussy baby.

You can have at least 3 or four pacifiers on hand and you can also get the same style since your baby will be used to them and might not like a brand new kind/style that you are keeping on hand. Most pacifiers are quite affordable and it’s better to have more and be prepared than not have enough.

I remember with my first baby our pediatrician said I could “sprinkle” the crib with pacifiers. I would put 3-4 in there a night (once my baby was about 6 months) so he could more easily find a binky.

Pacifier Do’s and Don’ts

Keep It Clean!

Do make sure the pacifier is always clean and sterilized. Depending on the kind, you can wash them using the dishwasher (make sure they are dishwasher safe) or boil them in hot water. Sanitize your pacifiers weekly to keep germs at bay.

Let The Baby Have Control

Do let baby control how they use the pacifier and don’t force it on them if they don’t want to use it.

Establish Breastfeeding

Do make sure that your breastfeeding routine is already solid, which can be around 4 to 6 weeks in order to ensure that you are not interrupting the breastfeeding process.

Right Size

Do give your baby the right sized pacifier for them so that they will take well to it.

No Sweets Necessary

Don’t put any sugar or sweet stuff on the pacifier to entice your baby since this could lead to cavities.

Don’t Delay Feeding

Don’t depend on the pacifier as a tool to delay feeding time or replace your attention if it can be helped.

No Ties

Don’t tie the pacifier to the baby, stroller, or anything else. This can be a strangulation hazard.

One Per Child

Don’t use the same pacifier for different children. Try to designate a certain color/ style to a child so that they won’t end up using the same pacifier.

When should you NOT give your baby a pacifier

If your baby is having trouble gaining weight or breastfeeding, it may not be the time to introduce the pacifier since it could cause even more complications. It’s better to be safe and not risk it. If your baby is currently suffering through ear infections, you also may want to hold off giving the pacifier in order to prevent the issue from getting worse.

Pacifiers are made to help soothe your baby and can be a huge relief to us mamas. There are a lot of pacifiers you can choose from to suit your baby’s needs, but these are what I think are the best pacifiers for breastfed babies.

Make sure you are using the pacifier in the right way to support your child and keep them happy, calm, and content.

Do you have a favorite pacifier that you used with your breastfeeding baby?

The post The 8 Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies appeared first on Today Mommy.

Encouraging Words for Moms: 8 Things You Need To Hear

Hayley — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 22:43:21 +0000

Did you know hearing (or reading) encouraging words for moms can uplift your spirit? It motivates you to continue doing the good job that you do.

Yes, being a mommy can get overwhelming. From chasing the little tots in your sweat pants to doing the endless chores in and around the house, the work just keeps on accumulating.

Slow down and relax. That’s what they all say. You may hear this often among the many encouraging words for moms. But that’s easier said than done.

As a mom, there’s just too much going on, and you feel the need to act on things; otherwise, you’ll lose control over the household.

Yes, it’s difficult. Being a mom is a 24/7 job. And it doesn’t end. Whether your kids are in preschool or finished college, you’re still the go-to person when they need something.

Moms, it’s OK to feel tired. It’s normal to get overwhelmed or run out of patience with kids. So take five or have a breather. If you feel the need to unwind, please do so. You need it, and you deserve it.

Relax and recharge your batteries. Pamper yourself with a good massage or unwind with your loved ones. Or go on with a date with your partner.

When you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and relax. Know that you are doing a great job.

Sometimes what you need are words of encouragement. Words that ring true to what motherhood is all about. Words that will tell you are great at what you do and you don’t have to feel overwhelmed as often as you feel you should.

Check out these 8 encouraging words for moms.

So to inspire you to continue the great job that you’re doing, here are inspirational bits to motivate you to get into the daily grind and soldier on this journey called motherhood.

1. You are doing a great job.

Sometimes, when the going gets tough, you may feel what you’re doing is not enough.

You may be getting a sense of inadequacy, the thoughts of perceived failures, or just feel crappy. Physically and emotionally exhausted moms will experience these, and it can be particularly strong during the early weeks of postpartum.

But don’t let those thoughts get straight in your head.

Sure, you’re struggling, especially when you’re a young mom with a newborn. Everyone goes through that. But you will improve and the changes to come will make things a whole lot better for you, your partner, and your children.

And don’t stop just because you’re not getting credit for the wonderful job you’re doing. More often than not, being a mom is a thankless job. Although that shouldn’t be the case, it happens.

But know that their thanks will come later. And it’s the best feeling to have; to be appreciated and loved for what you do.

2. You can cry, you can scream, but don’t give up.

It’s easy to feel down when you are emotionally exhausted or when you’re not getting enough sleep every night.

You feel like you’re catching up to someone’s standards, not doing a good job, and simply a failure.

Cry if you want to, scream if you need to. Release all the negative emotions that you’re having. Once you get those out of your system, you’ll feel a whole lot better and ready to tackle the mom challenges ahead of you.

Do these challenges seem difficult?

Don’t get discouraged if things aren’t going your way. Being a mom is not always smooth sailing. Each day comes with new and different challenges; some easy, others are hard to deal with.

And it’s OK to make mistakes. We learn every day, and part of that learning process is to stumble upon blunders.

It’s OK to feel down. We all have that sometimes.

What is important is we keep our head up and keep going. Move forward and get through the hard mommy days.

That’s motherhood. We fall down, we get up, and we continue to soldier on.

3. You are braver, stronger, and smarter than you know.

When exhaustion sets in, it’s easy to feel inadequate; that you’re not good enough in what you’re doing. You might even compare yourself to other moms and deem yourself a failure.

You don’t need to have all that negativity twirling in your thoughts.

See the positive in all things despite the disorder, confusion, and chaos you have in your mind.

Pray for courage and strength to get out of the emotionally exhausting feeling. Find joy in all things. Eventually, you will change your mindset, and you will realize what you have is a wonderful situation.

Yes, you are stronger, braver, and smarter than you thought you know. More importantly, you are loved.

4. You have family and friends that look out for you.

Hope is a powerful thing. It can keep us going even when the times are rough. It gives us the positivity to see beauty despite the circumstances. And more importantly, it gives us the strength to move forward.

On the other hand, when hope is dashed away, it can be a terrible feeling.

When you’re in a weird place right now and feel like the situation is without hope, find your strength from your partner, your family, and your friends. These people are always on the lookout for you.

You are not alone. You will always have people who are your close support system. They may not be physically close at all times, but know that they are available when you need them.

5. You are not being judged by everyone.

When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to get the feeling that people are looking at you and judging you for your failures.

It’s this awful feeling that sucks the hope and life in you. As a result, you feel down and you focus on your flaws instead of the great job you’re doing.

Don’t mind the people who are giving you the stink eyes and the disapproving facial expression.

Ask yourself, do these people matter? Will their judgment make you a better mom? If you answered no in both questions, then you don’t have to take in their negativity.

Never beat yourself up for something that will only seek to bring you down. You are doing your best, and you are great. Don’t let them stop you.

6. You are raising good kids.

Does it feel great to hear your children are good? Have you ever wondered why?

When someone compliments your kid, it can mean the world to you. One, it tells you that you are on the right track as his or her mom. And second, which is the most important, you are raising good people.

Nothing is more important than knowing your children will grow up to be responsible and compassionate individuals; people who have values and know the importance of being good.

Someday, it’s their turn to raise and nurture good human beings.

7. You are truly loved.

“I love you, Mom.”

Nothing can make the insecurities and the feeling of inadequacy go away faster than knowing you are truly loved.

Your kids may be throwing a tantrum or you’ve just had an exhausting day. All of these will go away when you hear those four sweet words. They can melt away your heart and make every sacrifice you’ve made so far worth it.

8. You are not alone on this journey called motherhood.

Trying to figure out this whole motherhood thing?

You are not alone. Every mom has her own struggles and the occasional crying-out-of-frustration moments. But what gets them back up is the comfort in knowing they are not alone.

Take comfort in your partner’s arms or in the company of family and friends. A few verbal high-fives and encouraging words for moms will set you back on track.

Want tips and more words of encouragement for moms?

Being a mom is a 24/7 job. The work never ends. You could wake up in the middle of the night to attend to your child. And just when you’ve snoozed, you wake up again to tame toddler tantrums.

Whether you’re a mom of one or a dozen, motherhood doesn’t stop. You don’t say, “OK, I’m done being a mom because it’s nighttime” or “That’s it for me, my kid is an adult now.”

No, being a mother and taking care of your kids is a job that stays. You are a mom, regardless if your child is a newborn or a grown-up with kids of their own and pursuing a career.

Need tips to help you get through the struggle of the tough days?

All moms need a mood-boost and encouragement. Motherhood can be difficult at times, and it’s not always easy. But if you are to bring the best for your kids, you need to be at your best too.

Here are practical tips and more encouraging words for moms who are struggling to get through the tough days.

Get enough sleep.

It’s no secret that sleep is virtually nonexistent, especially for the new moms. This explains why most mothers are frazzled or cranky.

If you are sleep-deprived, you are a tired and stressed mom. And you are more likely to entertain negative thoughts such as the feeling of inadequacy. It’s an ugly cycle.

Break the chain and get enough rest. If you are too tired to keep up with the kids or just feel sleepy, take a nap. You can’t think straight if your mind is exhausted.

Sleep between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Speaking of sleep, did you know you get the best quality of sleep between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.?

Aim to sleep two or three hours before midnight. That’s when your circadian rhythm is at the lowest. This explains why you’ll still feel a bit groggy even if you had eight hours of shut-eye but slept at 2 a.m.

Overwhelmed? Take a breather.

Are you swamped with the household chores? Kids not behaving and you still have a lot of work to do?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re inundated with tasks. But before you feel lightheaded with all the work, just stop and take a break.

Give yourself at least five minutes to recharge your batteries. Relax and take it easy once in a while. The world is not out to get you.

Invest in your well-being.

If you feel good about yourself, you become more productive. So take the time to unwind and do something that you enjoy.

Unplug from work and grab a book. Or perhaps sweat it out by going out for a run. Distract the mind with something worthwhile to do. It will relieve you of the mental and emotional exhaustion.

Go see your friends or family.

Enjoying the company of your favorite people can help recharge your batteries. Bring the kids and let them play with their cousins.

Conversions can give you the mental break and make you feel less overwhelmed. You’ll feel like a new person once again.

Take a shower.

When you’re refreshed, you’ll feel happier and more alive. A quick shower can leave you more energetic and ready to take the day ahead. It’s amazing how a simple routine can do so much to uplift your well-being.

Become a master of your emotions.

Do you go berserk over a slight traffic jam? Does one incident of spilled juice or milk send you into a blind rage?

Tired and stressed moms are often overwhelmed with their emotions that they tend to display stronger reactions to certain things. But you shouldn’t be a slave to your emotions.

The key is to process your feelings and become a master of your emotions.

One way to do that is to release all your pent-up negative energy in a healthy way. Let it out and don’t bottle it up.

Have a good cry or a loud scream to let out your frustration. Or go for a week-long vacation to decompress. It’s best to face these emotions early so you won’t have to deal with them internally.

If it’s difficult for you to process the negative feelings, don’t hesitate to seek help. See a counselor or speak with a friend.

Embrace positivity.

The bad days will always come, but they don’t have to drag you down. Look to the bright side of life. The more positive thoughts you have, the better your day and outlook will be.

Conclusion: Encouraging Words For Moms

Being a mom can get overwhelming. In addition to the many chores and challenges of motherhood, sometimes negative thoughts pervade your mind, which can affect your outlook.

At times, you tend to feel inadequate and not doing a good job. When all of these negative thoughts are put together, it can make you feel like a failure.

Sometimes all it takes are encouraging words for moms.

Even if you’re just one spilled juice away from going berserk. Or one slight traffic jam incident from emotionally breaking down.

Words can motivate you to get going and not give up.

Whether you’re a mom-to-be or a new mom or a mother whose kid is already grown up, it’s good to read or hear something that will inspire you to continue doing what you do.

No matter where you are in life right now, encouraging words for moms will help you keep going through the day.

The post Encouraging Words for Moms: 8 Things You Need To Hear appeared first on Today Mommy.

11 Best Pregnancy Movies (#5 Is My Favorite)

Hayley — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 21:08:38 +0000

Wondering what are the best pregnancy movies on Netflix or on the silver screen?

You’ve probably read a hundred books about pregnancy and childbirth.

When you need to take a break from your routine, you might want to catch up on your flicks.

What movies do you have in mind?

Do you want to romantic flicks; the type of movie that gets mushy and makes you cry?

Or do you prefer comedy; those movies that let you blurt out and roll on the floor laughing?

In this post, I’m going to share with films with a pregnancy theme.

Here are some of the best pregnancy movies that will entertain you and break your routine.

The best pregnancy movies

From expected baby bumps to confused adults trying to deal with the new responsibilities, this pregnancy movies list will have you laughing and crying.

For your entertainment while you wait for the newest and littlest member of the family to arrive, here are some of the best pregnancy movies.

1. Father Of The Bride 2

Father of the Bride Part II (Theatrical Version)

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short (Actors)
Charles Shyer (Director) - Nancy Meyers (Producer)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

The funny and witty Steve Martin delivers an awesome performance in this 1995 movie.

“Father Of The Bride 2” starts four years after the events of the first movie.

George Banks (played by Steve Martin) mildly panics when he realizes he’s too young to be a grandpa. His daughter Annie (played by Kimberly Williams) just announced that she and her husband are expecting.

The movie follows George’s journey while focusing on the ins and outs of pregnancy. It also imparts a message; that families are stronger when they come together when facing tough challenges.

“Father Of The Bride 2” also touches on the subject of late-in-life pregnancy, which is something that many women go through.

It’s funny and heartwarming; “Father Of The Bride 2” is a beautiful flick to watch while you’re pregnant.

2. Nine Months

Nine Months

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom Arnold (Actors)
Chris Columbus (Director)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

This is a movie with a pregnant woman. It stars two of the 90s biggest stars Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore. This is a must-watch 1995 romantic comedy film.

Here’s its synopsis.

Simon (played by Hugh Grant) is a huge commitment-phobe. He has no concrete plans despite being together with his girlfriend Rebecca (played by Julianne Moore) for five years.

Their relationship is smooth sailing and everything is nearly perfect until they found out Rebecca is pregnant.

While Rebecca becomes the enthusiastic expecting mom, Simon is the bumbling dummy who struggles hilariously with his upcoming baby.

Imagine a commitment-phobic guy who’s about to have a kid. Talk about awkwardly dealing with impending fatherhood.

But like most 90s rom-coms, this wonderful movie ends happily with the couple realizing having a baby means a start to a new chapter in their lives together.

I have to say Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore have great chemistry, playing their respective roles in this movie.

This flick is truly heartwarming. It will make you laugh out loud. And because there’s a hysterical pregnant woman in the film, there’s a lot of screaming and fainting among the characters.

Plus, the late Robin Williams plays the role of a shambling gynecologist, and he’s Russian too.

I love the delivery scene in this movie. It’s wickedly hilarious.

If you’re a fan of 90s rom-coms and jokes, you should check out this spectacular movie about pregnancy.

3. Junior

Junior

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Langella, Danny DeVito (Actors)
Ivan Reitman (Director)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

Here’s another 90s comedy gold.

Wondering what happens when you put Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the same movie?

It’s going to be a side-splitting flick.

Dr. Alex Hesse (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) is an Austrian American scientist who agrees to impregnate himself as part of a scientific experiment.

As outlandish as his male pregnancy is, a string of comic encounters further ensues when he finally gets to the labor room and undergo a Caesarian.

The film also stars Emma Thompson and Frank Langella.

“Junior” is a fun-filled flick that you can watch with your partner.

4. Due Date

Sale

Due Date

Condition: New
Format: DVD
Color; DVD; Widescreen; NTSC
Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan (Actors)
Todd Phillips (Director) - Alan R. Cohen (Writer) - Thomas Tull (Producer)

What do you get when you put Iron Man together with the hilarious Zach Galifianakis in a car?

It’s gonna be a hysterically funny ride.

That’s what you can expect in the movie “Due Date.”

Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of father-to-be Peter Highman. In five days, he’s going to be a daddy for the first time. Excited is an understatement for him; he’s super thrilled to see his baby.

Bent on getting home in time for his lady to give birth, Peter plans to catch a flight home. But he missed it.

Who’s to blame?

An eccentric guy who has aspirations on becoming an actor.

Ethan Tremblay (played by Zach Galifianakis) offers Peter a ride, which he accepts; after all, Peter has no choice if he wants to get in time his baby’s birth.

“Due Date” follows the riotous road trip of two men who must travel from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Expect a series of misadventures and wacky encounters along the way.

If you want a good laugh, this movie is a must.

5. Baby Mama

Baby Mama Movie

Two of the brightest female comedians today team up in this wonderful movie.

Kate Holbrook (played by the genius Tina Fey) is a successful career woman who’s always put her work before her love life. Now in her late 30s, she finally decides she wants to have her own baby.

Unfortunately, her plans won’t be possible on account of her having a T-shaped uterus. She has a tiny chance of getting pregnant. Her request for adoption was also denied.

Left with no other option, she gets in touch with Angie Ostrowski (played by the brilliant Amy Poehler) to have her as the surrogate mother.

Hilarity ensues when the broke and obnoxious Angie moves in with Kate. With their conflicting personalities in the way, the two women end up bickering about everything pregnancy-related.

“Baby Mama” is a hysterical flick about a mom-to-be and her surrogate mother. The chemistry between the two women is beautiful, delivering many laughs.

This is honestly one of my favorite movies of all time. If you are looking for a funny pregnancy movie don’t miss this one!

6. Labor Pains

Labor Pains

Lindsay Lohan, Luke Kirby, Chris Parnell (Actors)
Lara Shapiro (Director)
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

She’s known for her roles in “The Parent Trap.” She’s also a big star in her teenage years, playing starring roles in “Mean Girls” and “Herbie.”

The beautiful Lindsay Lohan stars in this movie about pregnancy.

“Labor Pains” follows the everyday life of the reckless secretary Thea (played by Lindsay Lohan). About to be fired by her cranky boss, she decides she has to do something before she will lose her job.

After seeing an episode of the popular TV series “Law & Order,” Thea learned that firing a pregnant woman is a form of discrimination and frowned upon by the law.

So to save herself from unemployment, she fakes her pregnancy.

Thea has to keep her story and circumstances in line with her lie. She steals a baby bump and takes on a fake pregnancy.

Amazingly, her plan works and she gets to keep her job.

Because of the special treatment and other perks on account of her baby bump, the fake pregnancy becomes real to her.

7. What To Expect When You’re Expecting

Sale

What to Expect When You're Expecting [Blu-ray]

Diaz, Cameron, Lopez, Jennifer, Banks, Elizabeth (Actors)
English, Spanish (Subtitles)
English (Publication Language)
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

This movie has an all-star cast.

Led by Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” is about a group of women who are all overtaken by pregnancy hormones.

See as they all have to deal with the symptoms of pregnancy as well as tackle issues relating to it. From morning sickness to accidental pregnancies, this movie offers an entertaining take on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

Yet while this film features a hilarious outlook, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” addresses the big concerns that affect women during this precious stage in their lives. For one, the emotional issues that women face.

You will laugh, you will also occasionally shed some tears; “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” is one of the best pregnancy movies.

8. Riding In Cars With Boys

Riding in Cars with Boys

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Brittany Murphy (Actors)
Penny Marshall (Director) - James A. Brooks (Producer)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

The lovely and adorable Drew Barrymore stars in this emotional movie.

“Riding In Cars With Boys” will open your eyes to the realities of a single mom who needs to overcome all challenges in order to pursue her dreams.

Drew Barrymore plays the role of Bev.

As a naive, 15-year-old high school student, Bev fell in love with Ray (played by Steve Zahn).

After discovering she’s pregnant, Ray offered to get married. However, her parents had other plans for the baby, wanting to give it up for adoption.

With her pregnancy, Bev missed out on three things: a normal teenage life, the prom, and her education.

“Riding In Cars With Boys” is not your typical feel-good movie. The film centers its theme on teenage pregnancy coupled with drug problems, marriage breakdown, and lost dreams.

However, this movie showcases the beautiful bond that Bev has with her son.

“Riding In Cars With Boys” has some funny bits as well as scenes that will make you cry.

9. Knocked Up

Knocked Up

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd (Actors)
Judd Apatow (Director) - Judd Apatow (Writer) - Judd Apatow (Producer)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

Funnyman Seth Rogen stars in this romantic comedy, pairing up with Katherine Heigl.

“Knocked Up” features a humorous take on pregnancy, following the consequences of a drunken one-night stand and the unexpected baby bump as its outcome.

Alison Scott (played by Katherine Heigl) is a career-driven woman who was just promoted in her work as a media personality. On the other hand, Ben Stone (played by Seth Rogen) is a sardonic slacker with a fun-loving attitude.

After a chance encounter at a local nightclub, Alison and Ben hit it off and ended up having sex. Due to a misunderstanding regarding the use of a condom, they had unprotected sex.

As it was a one-night stand, both went their separate ways the morning after.

It was eight weeks later that Alison found out she was pregnant after experiencing morning sickness during an interview. She immediately contacted Ben, telling her about this discovery.

“Knocked Up” offers a hilarious take on short-lived romances and pregnancy; more so since the unlikely couple had to adapt to the changes in their lives.

This side-splitting movie, however, has an incredibly graphic scene of Alison giving birth to their beautiful baby girl.

10. Juno

Juno

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner (Actors)
Jason Reitman (Director) - Lianne Halfon (Producer)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

This coming-of-age film tackles the problems that teenage moms face during pregnancy and after giving birth.

If you’re feeling emotional, this movie is not for you to watch. It will have you crying in buckets.

Juno MacGuff (played by Ellen Page) is a high-schooler who discovered she’s pregnant with Paulie Bleeker (played by Michael Cera), her long-time admirer and friend.

Initially planning on getting an abortion, she had a change of mind, initially triggered when she encountered a schoolmate who held a one-person pro-life protest.

Thus, she began her search for the perfect adoptive parents for her baby.

Released in 2007, “Juno” received critical acclaim after taking the world by storm for its teenage pregnancy theme. Ellen Page and Michael Cera also delivered killer performances.

11. Look Who’s Talking

Look Who's Talking

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley (Actors)
Amy Heckerling (Director) - Jonathan D. Krane (Producer)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

Imagine if you could hear your baby’s thoughts.

That’s what you get in “Look Who’s Talking.”

Mollie (played by Kirstie Alley) had an affair with a womanizing executive and became pregnant.

Throughout her pregnancy, she had to keep her pregnancy secret since the exec is married with two kids. Putting on an act, she had to tell people she underwent artificial insemination.

And just when she believed what the exec told her about leaving his family for her, she saw him flirting with another girl.

Upset at her discovery, Mollie immediately went into labor. She gets into a cab, and that’s when she met the driver James (played by John Travolta).

As they rush through traffic, Mollie gives birth, and James inadvertently witnesses it.

Baby Mikey is born.

Voiced by Bruce Willis, Mikey begins to make his commentary on everything that’s happening in his life.

“Look Who’s Talking” offers a splendid point-of-view on motherhood and romance.

And with the sarcastic and witty baby boy’s voice doing the commentary, this movie delivers hilarious dialogues and tight punch lines.

12. Three Men And A Baby

Three Men And A Baby

Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Ted Danson, Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg (Actors)
Leonard Nimoy (Director) - James Orr (Writer) - Ted Field (Producer)
English (Playback Language)
English (Subtitle)

Three bachelors have their lives turned around when a baby is dropped off on their doorstep.

Starring Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, and Steve Guttenberg, “Three Men And A Baby” follows the pseudo-fatherhood adventures and mishaps of these gentlemen when the love child of one of them came knocking on their door.

Who the father of the baby, they don’t know. But the three men eventually grew fond of the baby.

With humor in the right places, “Three Men And A Baby” delivers a wacky take on unexpected fatherhood; not just one but three fathers.

Conclusion: The best pregnancy movies

When you’re tired and just want to relax, recharge with a pregnancy flick or two with your partner.

Check out some of the best pregnancy movies in this post. You might find a connection with any of the characters here.

What is your favorite pregnancy movie?

The post 11 Best Pregnancy Movies (#5 Is My Favorite) appeared first on Today Mommy.

Transition Swaddles: Helping Your Baby Out of Swaddle

Hayley — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 19:00:30 +0000

Are you looking for transition swaddles?

Transitioning baby out of swaddle can get really tricky. But there are proven tricks that you can try.

If you’re wondering how to transition from swaddling, in this article, I’d like to share my personal tips and experiences. Perhaps these strategies can work for you and your baby.

Swaddling is great.

It helps baby sleep better. This method also reduces wake-ups, resulting from her startle reflex. And guess what, swaddling is also great at reducing her anxiety levels.

Yes, swaddling offers countless benefits.

However, the time will come when she will stop using the swaddle.

Perhaps she’s become uncomfortable with the idea of being wrapped around with the cloth. Or maybe she discovers rolling over from her back to her tummy. Or she just simply resists the swaddle that it’s no longer working for you and her.

Don’t fret when these things happen. It’s normal for her preference to change.

But the questions is: do you know how to stop swaddling and transition out of it?

How to transition from a swaddle

Rest assured, the transition will not be as difficult as you think it would.

Yes, there may be a couple of challenges, and the swaddle transition can get tricky. But you have nothing to worry about.

Even if unwrapped in comfy cloth, your baby will still sleep well.

Looking for tips for swaddle transition?

A swaddle may seem like a piece of cloth to you. But for your baby, it’s their source of comfort. It’s an item that’s seemingly ordinary, but it feels like the world to your baby.

What’s a swaddle to your baby?

It gives her a warm and safe feeling of being in the womb.

So when you abruptly take away her swaddle, you’re causing a major change not just in her sleep environment.

If you want to effect this change, approach it with gentle care and sensitivity to your baby’s comfort, sense of security, and happiness.

The swaddle transition should be gradual.

Did you know it takes days or even weeks before your baby will get accustomed to the new changes in her sleep arrangement?

Change isn’t easy. Not for kids and adults. Babies are no exception either. Especially when it’s a major change that potentially causes a big impact on one’s life.

With regards to the use of a swaddle, you should take it slow when you want your baby transitioning out of it. She may find it very difficult to get from one thing and into another.

But here’s a nifty trick I discovered and used when I had my baby transition from the use of a swaddle. I gradually introduced her to swaddle-free naps inside her crib at least once a day.

That way, the changes I instituted in her sleep environment will have little impact on her.

Wondering how to stop swaddling?

This strategy works best if you have some kind of a swaddle transition blanket (this is something you should have in your baby registry checklist).

Wrap your baby around with your arms as you carry her in a swaddle or similar transition blanket.

Now, gradually leave one arm out of the swaddle. Then go for two arms out. Your goal is to have your baby get used to an unswaddled position.

Here’s how it works.

As you attempt to take your arm out of the swaddle, observe what reactions your baby may make.

You’ll know right away if she’s not ready. If even at one arm out, she becomes fussy or feels uncomfortable, then you’ll have to try again in a couple of days or weeks.

However, if she’s sleeping decently with your arm out, gradually take out the second arm and off the swaddle. With the swaddle transition blanket, she should be fine.

To help your baby sleep better during this adjustment phase, you might want to consider using transition swaddles.

What are transition swaddles?

Think of them as suits that are designed to contain your baby, giving her the feeling of comfort and sense of security and safety.

Transition swaddles are great at helping your baby get accustomed to taking naps without her regular swaddle.

It will just take a few weeks of wearing these transition swaddles. After that, you can make the swaddle to sleepsack transition, switching to a wearable blanket. Then it’s arms out swaddle all the way.

Looking for transition swaddles?

Here’s the tricky part.

When it comes to looking for transition swaddles, there will be a lot of trial and error. It’s a necessary process until you find the right one.

Your family and friends may have probably used transition swaddles and are going to recommend a couple of them to you.

But what’s right for them may not be necessarily right for you.

Every baby is different. What works for their kid may not be good for your baby. Or vice versa. So just be patient during all this searching process until you get the ideal one.

Please note that some of these transition swaddles can be a bit warm for your baby. This is one of the essential criteria to consider when looking for the perfect one for your baby.

So when trying out these transition swaddles one by one, make sure she won’t overheat in them and don’t use it when she has a fever.

Better yet, consult your baby’s doctor regarding her sleepwear, which includes these transition swaddles.

Top recommended transition swaddles.

It may take some time for your baby to adjust to her new sleep environment or routine.

But these transition swaddles can help. See which one works best for you and your baby.

Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit Cotton

Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit - Swaddle Transition Product - Cotton - Cream - 3-6 Months

The Merlin Magic Sleepsuit is the original swaddle transition product
The Magic Sleepsuit is designed for back sleeping in the crib at the recommended room temperature for babies
Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit was invented by a mother of four and pediatric physical therapist
The Magic Sleepsuit helps establish good sleep habits, and provides parents peace of mind that their baby is getting adequate rest for proper growth and development
Proper fit and timing of introduction are critical to the safety and effectiveness of Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit

Top Features:

Great help for parents in transitioning baby out of swaddle
Provides the same degree of comfort as the swaddle
Has openings for baby’s hands and feet for good circulation
Lets baby comfortably sleep for longer stretches

Did you know this product is hailed as a lifesaver for parents of babies having a hard time transitioning out of swaddle?

The Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit is a wonderful transition swaddle designed to establish good sleep patterns for your baby.

It can help your little one let go of the comfort and warmth of a swaddle and into the crib.

This sleepsuit has provisions for your baby’s hands and feet, which is great with circulation. But still, it provides the same level of comfort and warmth of a typical swaddle.

Overall, it is an excellent product that comes highly recommended.

HALO Sleepsack 100% Cotton Swaddle

HALO 100% Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle, 3-Way Adjustable Wearable Blanket, TOG 1.5, Cream, Small, 3-6 Months

The original wearable blanket replaces loose blankets in the crib for a safer environment; the 3-way swaddle ensures your baby's best sleep and an easy transition when it's time to stop swaddling; number 1 choice of hospital nurseries to promote safe sleep
Made with 100% cotton fabric, double knit construction is soft and a little stretchy, perfect for swaddling; TOG Rating of 1.5 offering the right comfort for moderate seasons or climates, and can be layered with warmer sleepwear for cooler temperatures
Generously sized swaddle fasteners offer adjustability for a perfect fit; 3-way adjustable swaddle allows Arms-In to reduce startle reflex, One-Arm-Out for self-soothing, and Two-Arms-Out for easy transition from swaddling to Halo's SleepSack
Inverted zipper opens from the bottom for easy diaper changes without undoing the swaddle; sleeveless to reduce the risk of overheating; arm and neck openings sized for a safer fit
Available here in Small size designed for babies weighing between 13 and 18 pounds who are generally 3-6 months old and 23-26 inches long; discontinue swaddling when the baby shows signs of rolling over or breaking out of the swaddle wrap.

Top Features:

Adjustable swaddle that also acts as a wearable blanket
Grows with your baby during and after her transition from swaddling
Effectively contains your baby’s startle reflex
Can be used as an arms-out swaddle
Fits snugly into her tummy and chest
Made of 100 percent cotton

Looking for transition swaddles that provide the right comfort for your baby?

Check out the HALO Sleepsack 100% Cotton Swaddle. It’s an adjustable swaddle that’s perfect for use during and after your baby’s transition. This item also serves as a wearable blanket, allowing you to contain her startle reflex.

The HALO Sleepsack fits snugly around your baby’s chest and tummy.

During the swaddling stage, you can use this product as a wearable blanket; it can act as a substitute for the loose blankets in your baby’s crib. This gives her a safe and secure sleep environment.

When she’s no longer swaddled, the HALO Sleepsack can be used as an arms-out swaddle.

I’ve used these with both of my babies and they have loved them!

Classic Baby Blue Zipadee-Zip

SleepingBaby Zipadee-Zip Swaddle Transition Baby Swaddle Blanket with Zipper, Cozy Baby Swaddle Wrap and Baby Sleep Sack (Small 4-8 Months | 12-19 lbs, 25-29 inches | Classic Baby Blue)

COZY ZIPPADEE-ZIP SLEEPER: Our comfortable Zipadee-Zip swaddle transition () sack acts as a wearable blanket that not only keeps your baby warm and cozy, but acts as a swaddle transition as well. The unique starfish design provides the comforting, enclosed feeling of the swaddle but without limiting your baby’s full range of motion. Your baby girl or baby boy can push up, roll over, and wiggle safely.
COMFY BABY SWADDLE BLANKETS: Our Zipadee-Zip is a 96% polyester / 4% spandex blend that is comfortable to wear year-round. Our Zipadee-Zip swaddling blankets are ideal for nurseries with a room temperature between 74-76 degree Fahrenheit. All our baby swaddlers are only intended to be used as a baby blanket for sleeping and should not be worn for running or walking. Easy to care for, wash inside out and tumble dry low. No air drying or dry cleaning required.
EASY TO USE: Unlike muslin swaddle blankets or complicated baby wraps, our zip swaddle designs are easy to use. No confusing folds or wrapping necessary. Simply place your baby in the starfish shaped Zipadee-Zip and zip it up. Super easy! Our Zipadee-Zip is a globally recognized shark tank product, as seen on ABC’s Shark Tank!
SAFE BABY SWADDLE SACK: Our Zipadee-Zip eliminates the need for loose baby blankets in your crib. Does not interfere with the range of motion your baby needs, allowing for the ability to push up, roll over, or wiggle. We designed our swaddle pod using breathable material to ensure your baby stays safe and snug.
BABY BOY & BABY GIRL GIFTS: If you are looking for baby boy swaddle blanket, baby girl swaddle blankets, baby boy gifts, baby gifts for newborn girls, baby girl shower gifts, or baby accessories or ideas for a baby registry, our SleepingBaby Zipadee Zip is what you have been looking for! Our zipadee baby wrap comes in different designs for both boy and girl. We also have gender neutral designs. new moms will love this!

Top Features:

Deemed as the “best swaddle transition solution” as seen on ABC’s Shark Tank
Very comfortable and easy to use
Effectively contains your baby’s startle reflex
Features a star-shaped sleeve design that lets your baby move freely

Check out this relatively new product. It features a star-shaped sleeve design that allows your baby to move around while still feeling snug. This item can also effectively contain your baby’s startle reflex.

What I love most about this product is that it’s not treated with any chemicals. The fabric used is naturally flame-retardant.

The Zipadee-Zip is easy to use. Place your baby in the star-shaped swaddle and zip her up. That’s it! No confusing wrapping or folding needed.

This product is also safe and comfortable. With the Zipadee-Zip, your baby can enjoy a snug fit, giving her the feeling of safety and sense of security in it.

Love to Dream Swaddle Up

Love To Dream Swaddle UP, Organic, Cream, Medium, 13-19 lbs., Dramatically Better Sleep, Allow Baby to Sleep in Their Preferred arms up Position for self-Soothing, snug fit Calms Startle Reflex

Swaddling has been around for ages as it helps to prevent the startle reflex. But forcing the baby’s arms to their sides or over their chest prevents two natural behaviors that frustrate the baby and they fight to get their hands free.
First - Over 90% of babies sleep with their ARMS UP around their head when placed on their back to sleep. This is simply a baby’s natural and preferred way to sleep, just like in the womb!
Second - All babies are born with the need to SELF-SOOTHE by touching their face and sucking on their hands as they did in the womb. This medically proven behavior is how a baby calms and falls asleep on their own. Traditional swaddling prevents this.
The patented wings on the Swaddle UP allow the baby to both sleep with their arms in their preferred ARMS UP position and gives enough movement so they can SELF-SOOTHE, all while calming down the startle reflex.
The snug fit from our 4-way stretch fabric of 93% GOTS Cotton and 7% Elastane creates a familiar and secure feeling just like in the womb to calm the Moro (startle) reflex. Does not contain flame retardants or any harmful chemicals. 1.0 TOG is perfect for any season!

Top Features:

Prevents startle reflex
Provides soothing comfort and warmth like in the womb
Easy to use

Once your baby manifests signs that she’s ready to transition from swaddles, this product is perfect to use.

For parents who didn’t have success with the other three transition swaddles, check out the Love to Dream Swaddle Up.

This transition swaddle allows your baby to sleep in her natural position. It’s made of organic cotton, so you can expect it to be comfortable for your baby.

The Love to Dream Swaddle has a patented set of wins that lets your baby have her preferred arms-up position. It is also designed to calm her startle reflex while providing enough space for movement.

The fabric used is stretchable, creating a snug fit for your baby. It gives the feeling like she’s in the womb.

When do you stop swaddling?

Do you love to wrap your baby up like a burrito?

Well, time will come when she’ll have to get out of this phase.

Some parents may dread this thought; after all, how could you not miss that adorable wrapped-up look?

Wondering what’s the best time for transitioning out of swaddle?

There is no universal age to determine if your baby should come out of the swaddle. The exact time to make a swaddle transition may vary for each baby.

The AAP recommends to stop swaddling by 3-4 months. This is because once your baby learns to roll from back to tummy, it can be dangerous if they end up on their stomach when they are swaddled.

Here are good indicators that your baby is ready to transition.

If your baby rolls from her back to her tummy, you need to stop swaddling.

You’ll also need to start on that transition plan if you answered yes to any or all of these questions.

Does your baby shows an increase in activity and take out her arms during sleep?
Is she going too mobile or too strong to be swaddled overnight?
Do you notice a struggle against swaddling?
Is she trying to get her arms out from her burrito-like wrap?
Has she started rolling over due to her improved arm and neck strength?
Does she frequently wake up at night after a history of sleeping well?
Do you notice a decrease in her startle reflex?

There are three ways to conquer the swaddle transition.

Go cold turkey. Just move her out of the swaddle and into a sleepsack or any of the transition swaddles I mentioned above.

You could also go swaddle with an arm out. This provides your baby with the opportunity to adjust gradually to her new sleep environment.

Or you could opt for the partial night option. If she wakes up, swaddle her back with both arms in. However, make it a point to bring your baby out of the swaddle every night. This gives her the cue of the transition so she can gradually adjust accordingly.

In all cases, be patient and considerate.

All babies are different. Your friend’s baby may have quickly transitioned, but that doesn’t yours will too.

With your doctor’s guidance, only you can make the best decision for your baby. So how fast or slow the swaddling transition should solely depend on your judgment call.

Of course, it helps to have transition swaddles to soothe and calm your baby during this phase.

Do you have transition swaddles or tips in mind?

Feel free to share them below!

The post Transition Swaddles: Helping Your Baby Out of Swaddle appeared first on Today Mommy.

The Best Play Doh Sets For Busy Toddlers In 2020

Hayley — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 01:25:39 +0000

Did you have Play Doh sets for kids when you were little?

For many of us, it’s one of the most memorable things of our childhood.

What’s great about these Play Doh sets is that they’re fun learning tools, which are perfect for children of all ages. No wonder they are a staple toy at playrooms and daycare centers around the world.

Over the years, Play Doh sets for kids have evolved. While the soft dough remains my all-time favorite, the company has come up with a wide selection of new play sets.

You’ll find a new collection of Play Doh sets for boys and girls. From the detailed dentist-themed tools to the sizzling kitchen set.

Whatever your children are interested in, there’s bound to be something that’s for them.

Wondering what Play Doh sets to get for your kids?

In this post, I’ve created a list of the best Play Doh sets for girls and boys. This selection is perfect for your children’s development.

1. Play-Doh Play ‘n Store Table, Arts & Crafts, Activity Table, Ages 3 and up (Amazon Exclusive)

Play-Doh Play 'n Store Table, Arts & Crafts, Activity Table, Ages 3 and up (Amazon Exclusive)

FUN TO PLAY, EASY TO STORE – This activity table is full of Play-Doh fun for kids ages 3 and up! Have a blast getting creative, then easily store all the pieces when the fun is done for the day
LOTS OF COOL TOOLS TO SHARE – With more than 25 Play-Doh tools, kids can create basic shapes, fun animals, Play-Doh ice cream, or almost anything else they can imagine!
THEIR VERY OWN PLAY TABLE – Keep the Play-Doh fun off your tabletop as kids sit on the floor to explore and play. The 2 compartments on each side of the table hold all of the tools to keep everything in one place
INCLUDES 8 PLAY-DOH COLORS – With 2 ounces of non-toxic Play-Doh compound in each of the 8 cans, there's plenty of color to cut, mold, shape, and squish
CREATIVE FUN FOR ANY OCCASION - Birthdays, holidays, rainy days, and play dates just got better! This complete set is a great gift for kids who love arts and crafts like modeling clay

Features:

Fun to play
Easy to store
Features a play table and over 25 tools
Includes eight canisters of nontoxic compound
Perfect gift for kids who love arts and crafts.

Wondering what to expect with this Amazon-exclusive play set?

The Play-Doh Play ‘n Store Table set is fun to play and easy to store. It’s an arts and crafts set that’s perfect for kids aged three and up. It’s one of the best Play Doh sets for toddlers.

This big Play Doh set consists of lots of cool stuff. There are over 25 tools that your kids can use to make fun animal forms, basic shapes, and even Play Doh ice cream.

And check out its very own play table. It keeps all the Play Doh fun off your dining table and countertop as your kids will do their business on the floor instead. This table has two compartments that hold the toy tools in place.

The Play-Doh Play ‘n Store Table set includes two ounces of Play Doh compound in each of eight canisters; also, each canister features a different color.

And did you know you can only get this on Amazon and no where else?

Your kids will have a blast with this creative, Amazon-exclusive play set. And when all the fun is done for their day, you can easily store away its pieces.

The Play-Doh Play ‘n Store Table set is the perfect gift for children who love doing arts and crafts.

2. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven

Sale

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven Play Food Set for Kids 3 Years and Up with Lights, Sounds, and 6 Non-Toxic Colors (Amazon Exclusive)

Put some fun in the Play-Doh oven - This kitchen Playset features a toy oven for kids 3 years and up to play pretend chef! Place a Play-Doh food inside, press the lever, and watch it Rise
Color-changing light looks like it's baking - activate the oven to turn on the white light, then watch it change to red as it finishes "cooking" (Runs on 3 AAA batteries, not included)
Ding! It's done - after the light changes red and the Play-Doh food finishes rising, you'll hear the "ding" To let you know it's done
5 play food dishes and 8 Play-Doh tools - THE 5 toy food attachments that go in the oven include make-believe muffins, Play-Doh cake, pretend pizza, imaginary pie, and silly Cinnamon rolls

Features:

Lets kids bake pretend food in a magical oven
Make play pizzas, cakes, and muffins
Magical oven has lights and sound

Do your kids love to pretend like they’re bakers?

Then this Play Doh kitchen play set is a wonderful gift to give to them.

It lets them load pretend food into the oven then press the lever to get it started. And when it’s “cooked,” the white light changes to red, indicating the baking process is done. The oven will also make a “ding” sound.

Check out the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven.

Wondering what to expect in this Play Doh baking set?

The Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven includes a baking oven and six canisters of Play Doh modeling clay. Each canister contains two ounces of the nontoxic compound and features a different color.

This cool set also consists of five pretend food attachments and three cutters. You also get a knife, spoon and fork, plate, and roller.

Feed your kids’ imagination with the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven. It lets them feel what bakers do in the kitchen. This is one of the best Play Doh sets that let them experience the fun of baking without the heat and mess.

3. Mold, Make, And Serve Up A Fun Play-Doh Breakfast! – Play-Doh Breakfast Time Set by Buengna

Wireless Airpods Charging Case Replacement Compatiple with for Airpod 2 1, Airpods Charger Case with Bluetooth Pairing Sync Button

Get ready to roll, mold, squish and squeeze pretend breakfast delicacies with this set of fun tools and accessories. Mold pretend waffles, bread, eggs and bacon - then create colorful toppings and serve up your creations. With loads of accessories and lots of bright Play-Doh, making a special "breakfast" has never been more fun!

Features:

Make pretend breakfast creations with colorful toppings
Includes molds to create waffles, eggs, and more

Looking for another wonderful Play Doh kitchen playset?

Check out this wonderful Play Doh breakfast set. It contains all the fun tools and accessories so your kids can roll, squish, mold, and squeeze pretend breakfast food.

Play-Doh Breakfast Time Set is a great collection of molds and fixtures that lets them create these colorful creations.

4. Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘n Fill Set

Sale

Play-Doh Doctor Drill 'n Fill Set

Play dentist with the classic Play-Doh Doctor drill 'N fill set
Keep the fun buzzing and fight cavities with the Electric drill
Create silly Play-Doh teeth with the tooth mold
Roll braces with the stamping roller
Squeeze silly toothpaste through the toothbrush

Features:

Complete dental set for your budding dentists
Contains fun tools and cavity-fighting drill
Includes a tooth mold and silly toothpaste

Do you kids hope to become dentists someday?

Here’s a great toy that will feed their passion and interest in dental health.

Check out the Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘n Fill Set.

With this big Play Doh set, they will be shaping teeth and making braces. And because it comes with a pretend electric drill, they will also be buzzing the dental cavities away.

The Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘n Fill Set contains all the kit that a budding dentist needs. It features an electric drill that your kids can use to fix cavities.

They can also create Play Doh teeth using the tooth mold accessory. This set also includes a pretend toothpaste along with a toothbrush.

Let your children explore the dental possibilities with the Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘n Fill Set.

5. Play-Doh Cranky the Octopus

Play-Doh Cranky The Octopus, Creative and Fun Kids Activities, Octopus Toy Ages 3 and Up

LOVABLE OCTUPUS TOY: Grow giggly, wiggly Play-Doh legs for Cranky the Octopus. Let your creativity swim, with one of the sweetest toddler toys for 3 year old boys and girls and up.
UNDERSEA SHAPES AND MOLDS: This Play-Doh set includes a treasure chest and clamshell reveal molds for treasures inside. Textured roller imprints coral reef textures into Play-Doh compound
SEA ANIMALS TOYS FOR KIDS: Fun lobster scissors and dolphin rolling cutter to customize creations. Shape a goldfish with the book-mold and more sea shapes with the half-molds.
KIDS PARTY FAVORS: Have some pretend underwater fun at your next kids party with one of the most exciting Play Doh sets for girls and boys. Makes one of the most engaging gifts for 3 year old girl or boy and up.
SEA CREATURE CRAFT TOYS: In this boys and girls arts and crafts kit, kids can create ocean-inspired shapes and have a blast playing with these sea creature toys for kids.

Features:

Enjoy a silly good time with Cranky the Octopus
Includes Cranky’s undersea animal friends for a seafaring fun
There are fun adventures to explore and treasures to discover

Do your kids want to get into an unforgettable imaginary sea quest?

Have them enjoy a giggly and wiggly ocean adventure with Play-Doh Cranky the Octopus.

Wondering what to expect from this underwater fun set?

Meet Cranky the Octopus. He is a friendly sea creature who needs to grow legs. But he can’t do it by himself.

Can your kids help?

Help Cranky the Octopus grow his legs by taking him off his base and put some Play Doh compound. See him develop his new legs—all wiggly, squiggly, and colorful.

Cranky the Octopus also brought his undersea friends to help in the ocean treasure quest. It’s going to be a fun and exciting aquatic adventure.

The Play-Doh Cranky the Octopus set is sure to make huge waves in your children’s creativity and imagination.

6. Play-Doh Disney/Pixar Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Set

Play-Doh Disney/Pixar Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Set

Now kids can let their imaginations go to infinity and beyond with their own Buzz Lightyear toy
Squeeze silly Play-Doh laser beams and open his communicator to shape Evil Emperor Zurg
Create Woody, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, and the squeeze toy aliens with the stamps and molds
Rex has been reimagined as a silly pair of plastic scissors to cut Play-Doh compound
Includes 5 Play-Doh colors: 1 standard-sized two-ounce can and 4 small one-ounce cans

Features:

Includes a Buzz Lightyear toy
Lets you create other characters like Woody and Mr. Potato Head
Comes with five cans of Play Doh compound of different colors

To infinity and beyond! Your kids will love this Toy Story adventure.

Check out the Play-Doh Disney/Pixar Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Set. It will let your kids experience the magic and excitement that Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang brought to us over the years.

Wondering what to expect in this awesome play set?

The Play-Doh Disney/Pixar Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Set includes its very own Buzz Lightyear action figure. The toy has its own laser, which fires wiggly beams.

This play set also includes molds and stamps to create the likeness of Woody, Mr. Potato Head, and those cute, green toy aliens.

Remember Rex the clumsy dinosaur? He’s also in this set, reimagined as plastic scissors, which can be used to cut the Play Doh compound. There’s also a Mr. Potato Head knife that your kids can use to cut the clay.

The Play-Doh Disney/Pixar Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Set includes Play Doh compounds in five different colors. They are in four one-ounce canisters and a two-ounce can.

7. Play-Doh Marvel Hero Tools

Play-Doh Marvel Hero Tools, Brown

Save the day with Play-Doh creativity and some favorite Marvel super-heroes
Spider-Man and iron Man book-molds shape 3D versions of those characters
The Hulk features stampers on his fists and feet for crime-smashing fun
Fill in Captain America shield with color and slice through Play-Doh compound
Includes iron Man book-mold, Captain America cutter, Spider-Man book-mold, Hulk hammer, and 3 cans of Play-Doh brand Modeling compound (net weight 6 ounces/168 grams).

Features:

Your favorite Avengers are in this cool set
Includes Iron Man, Captain America, Spiderman, and The Hulk
Create 3D figures of your Marvel heroes

Are you big fans of the Avengers?

Relive the moment when Earth’s mightiest heroes saved the day. Get on an evil-squishing good time with the Play-Doh Marvel Hero Tools set.

What can you expect from one of the best Marvel-themed Play Doh sets?

The Play-Doh Marvel Hero Tools set lets your kids create your favorite Marvel heroes.

This play set includes book-molds of Iron Man and Spiderman, so your kids can create 3D shaped versions of these Marvel super-heroes.

For Hulk-smashing fun, The Hulk has stampers for fists. Let him do his cool crime-squishing moves on the Play Doh compound.

As for the Capt., he has a clay cutter for this shield.

The Play-Doh Marvel Hero Tools set also comes with three cans of modeling clay.

Reimagine these mighty heroes as they set out to assemble against those who seek to invade Earth.

8. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Burger Barbecue

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Burger Barbecue

Creative cooks can grill up the fun at their own Play-Doh barbecue
Open the grill to make pretend burgers, make-believe hot dogs, and more
Squeeze funny fries and crazy condiments with the decorator tool
Grill top has molds for outrageous onion rings and other pretend toppings
Includes 5 Play-Doh colors

Features:

Make pretend burgers and hot dogs with this barbecue grill set
Includes appetizing fries and colorful condiments
Cook up an appetite with this kitchen creation set

Are you in the mood for grilled burgers and hot dogs?

Check out the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Burger Barbecue set. This is one of those Play Doh sets that will have you craving for food.

Here’s what you can expect from this cool play set.

The Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Burger Barbecue set will have your mouth water. While you may be only grilling pretend burger patties and hot dogs, it can really have your imagination working.

You’ll wish you have the real thing up on those cookers.

Fire up the pretend grill and have your burgers and hot dogs on. This cool barbecue set includes all the tools you need to cook up tasty lunchtime creations.

Have your budding chef create make-believe hamburgers, buns, and toppings using Play Doh clay. Don’t forget the onion rings and fantasy fries (they’re my favorites; well, the real thing, that is).

This mouth-watering play set also includes pretend condiments, plastic knife, spatula, roller, plates, and book-mold. You’ll also get five cans of the modeling compound.

9. Play-Doh My Little Pony Make ‘n Style Ponies

Sale

Play-Doh My Little Pony Make 'n Style Ponies (Amazon Exclusive) , Brown

Make the cast from My Little Pony Friendship is Magic series or customize your own
4 molds to create each type of pony: Earth, Pegasus, Unicorns, and Princesses
A rainbow of 9 colors lets you get creative with your favorite ponies
Make cutie marks, rainbow manes and tails, and more with the half-mold palette
Make the cast from My Little Pony Friendship is Magic series or customize your own

Features:

Lets you recreate the cast of My Little Pony
Contains four molds to create different types of ponies
Includes nine cans of modeling clay of nine different colors
Comes with pony bases, book-mold, extruder, and palette
One of the best Play Doh sets for girls

Do your kids love My Little Pony?

Then they will enjoy this cool play set’s theme.

Introducing Play-Doh My Little Pony Make ‘n Style Ponies. Let your kids’ imagination and creativity soar with this one.

Check out what’s in store for you in this themed set.

With the Play-Doh My Little Pony Make ‘n Style Ponies set, your kids can build their own Ponyville world. This play set includes four molds that let them create each type of pony: Princesses, Unicorns, Pegasus, and Earth.

This set also includes a rainbow of colors. You get nine cans of modeling clay; each one corresponds to a different color. It also comes with four pony bases, two-piece extruder, and a half-mold palette.

Play-Doh My Little Pony Make ‘n Style Ponies is one of the best Play Doh sets for girls.

10. Play-Doh Wheels Gravel Yard Construction Toy with Non-Toxic Pavement Buildin’ Compound Plus 3 Additional Colors

Play-Doh Wheels Gravel Yard Construction Toy with Non-Toxic Pavement Buildin' Compound Plus 3 Additional Colors

GRAVEL GRINDER WITH 2 TOY TRUCKS FOR CONSTRUCTION FUN: The gravel grinder, dump truck, and steamroller construction vehicles include lots of fun ways to get creative with non toxic Play DOH compound. Boys and girls ages 3 and up will really dig these rigs
FEATURING PLAY-DOH PAVEMENT BUILDIN' COMPOUND PLUS 3 COLORS –This construction set comes with 2 ounces of Play-Doh Pavement Buildin Compound – it's just like the quality Play-Doh compound we all know and love with the color and shimmer of fresh pavement. There's also brown, beige, and orange in 2-ounce cans so kids can make their own construction zone with signs and other building creations.
ROCK TUMBLIN GRAVEL GRINDER: Load some fresh Play DOH compound into the gravel grinder and crank the handle to crush it into rocks Kids will love watching the rocks fall into the bed of the dump truck.
HAUL IT ALL WITH THE DUMP TRUCK – Squeeze wiggly, giggly Play DOH rubble from the bed of the dump truck, then roll the truck along Play-DOH compound to imprint tire tracks.
SQUISHY STEAMROLLER FUN – Pave the way for fun with the toy steamroller! Roll the steamroller along some of the pavement compound to build smooth roads. Truck-loving little ones who enjoy arts and crafts activities with modeling clay will be revved-up and ready to roll with two of their favorite ways to play in one

Features:

Includes toy construction trucks and pavement-building clay
Load up the gravel on the grinder and crank it up
Haul the debris on the dump truck
Enjoy the squishy fun on the steamroller
One of the best Play Doh sets for boys

Big construction works require big construction equipment. Time to take the heavy-duty stuff into these heavy-duty jobs.

Check out the Play-Doh Wheels Gravel Yard Construction Toy with Non-Toxic Pavement Buildin’ Compound set.

Wondering what to expect in this kids play doh set?

Get set for a steam-rolling, debris-hauling fun. This awesome set includes three construction vehicles; the kind of trucks you use for building structures and roads.

Load up Play Doh compound into the gravel grinder. When you crank the handle, it simulates the rock-crushing process. Your kids will love watching the rumbling and tumbling of the make-believe rocks.

Got debris that needs to be hauled off?

Transport the discarded material on the back of the dump truck.

And when it’s time to build new roads, pave it with the toy steamroller. Rev it up for some squishy good time.

Your truck-loving little tots will love this wonderful play set.

11. Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Assorted Colors, 3-Ounce Cans (Amazon Exclusive)

Sale

Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36 Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Assorted Colors, 3 Oz Cans (Amazon Exclusive)

Over 6 pounds of Play-Doh compound – this Play-Doh Modeling compound 36 pack has 36 assorted colors in 3-Ounce cans for all your colorful creative needs, and there's plenty for kids to share!
Mega pack of Mega Play-Doh fun – shape, squish, mix, and make it all. Great for lots of uses like classrooms, play dates, arts and crafts, party favors for kids, birthday gifts, or a Play-Doh refill.
Shape your imagination – squishy, bright, non-toxic Play-Doh compound sparks imaginations For kids 2 and up who love arts and crafts like Modeling clay.
Easy-open, recyclable package - Ships in simple recyclable packaging that's easy to open and frustration free, and the Play-Doh cans and lids are also recyclable to help build a more sustainable world!
Frustration free: Ships in easy-to-open, recyclable Frustration-Free packaging

Features:

Contains more than six pounds of Play Doh modeling compound
Comes in 36 assorted colors in three-ounce cans
Exclusive only in Amazon

Need more Play Doh clay?

With the Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36-Pack Case of Colors set, you get over six pounds of modeling clay in 36 assorted colors. Each color is contained three-ounce cans.

This Amazon-exclusive set comes in easy-to-open, recyclable packages.

When your kids run out of clay, this play set offers all that they want. Shape, squish, and mix; there’s plenty of Play Doh compound for every one.

Play Doh sets for your kids’ different interests and activities.

Play Doh is just one of those memorable play sets I had growing up. It’s fun to play and a great learning tool for developing kids. Which is why I want them for my kids too.

Did you have Play Doh sets when you were little?

What is your child’s favorite play doh set?

The post The Best Play Doh Sets For Busy Toddlers In 2020 appeared first on Today Mommy.

How To Dream Feed Babies: Help Your Baby Sleep Longer

Hayley — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:39:00 +0000

Do you want to know how to dream feed babies?

If you are new to the term and wondering what is dream feeding, I’m happy to discuss it in this article.

To start off, dropping the dream feed is what it sounds like.

Dream feeding is providing nourishment to your baby while she’s asleep.

It’s a great solution when your baby frequently wakes up hungry at night.

When her daytime milk isn’t enough, it pays to boost her evening calories. This is where dream feeding helps.

Think of it as filling the gas tank of your car to the brim before going on a long road trip. That way, there’s no need to worry about not reaching the next stop to refuel.

With dream feeding, your baby won’t have a rumbling tummy at night that causes her to wake up. As a result, this method helps your baby get more sleep.

How to dream feed babies

With dream feeding, you don’t have to fully wake up your baby. A little rousing will do to feed her one more time for the day before turning her in for the night.

Wondering when to start dream feeding baby?

Several studies show the best time to sneak in one more feeding is between 10 in the evening and midnight. To dream feed babies during this two-hour period can effectively reduce the nocturnal wakings for your baby due to a rumbling tummy.

With a full tummy, she won’t wake up hungry at night, helping her get extended stretches of sleep.

Would you like to try it with your little one?

Here’s how to dream feed babies:

Without waking her up, gently take your baby out of her bed, crib, or bassinet. You can do this around 10 or 11 p.m.

Now position her milk bottle (or your breast if you’re breastfeeding her) along her lower lip. Without being fully awake, she should begin feeding.

(Check out these breastfeeding essentials.)

When nursing your little one, do it on her side for five to 10 minutes. Then position her on her other side for another 5 to 10 minutes of feeding.

If she’s having a hard time during feeding, you may have to rouse her a little bit more. That way, she won’t be into deep sleep during the feeding process.

To rouse her, you can try these quick tips:

Change her diaper
You can also try applying a wet washcloth on her head
Rub her back
Tickle her feet

Here’s how to get your little one back to sleep.

What if your baby was fully awakened during the dream feed?

Wondering how to get her back to sleep?

Just follow the five Ss—swaddle, side or stomach, shush, swing, and sucking.

The first S is swaddling.

Swaddle her while playing white rumbly noise in the background.

You may turn up the volume a bit when you’ve put your baby back down her bed, crib, or bassinet. Let the white noise cocoon her as she’s sleeping.

On top of the background sound, providing rhythmic motion can also make your baby sleepy. The steady metrical movement adds to the soothing effect of the music and contributes to your little one’s better sleep.

Need to put in some exercise time for yourself?

Walk around the house with your baby wrapped in your arms. You get those tight and toned arms even without lifting any gym weights.

Other time-tested rhythmic swaddling techniques include carrying her in your arms while sitting on an exercise ball. That can really activate your core and tone your tummy.

You can also use a rocking chair.

Or check out these three portable bassinets on Amazon. They soothe babies back to sleep fast.

Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet Classic

Sale

Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet Classic - Crosby - Portable Folding Rocking Bassinet

More peace and quiet from naptime to nighttime
Portable design folds for easy transport and storage
Spacious cradle for more comfortable sleep environment
Mattress size is 17.5" x 33.5"
Works just as well during travel as home

For a more peaceful and quiet sleep time for your baby, check out Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet Classic.

It has a portable and foldable design. You can conveniently transport anywhere. Works well at home and during travel as well. It’s lightweight and easy to store too.

The Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet Classic also features a spacious cradle. Your baby won’t feel cramped up, allowing for a more comfortable sleep.

With its rock and lock features, you can gently rock your baby to sleep or you can lock the bassinet into a stationary position.

MiClassic 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Mode Bassinet

2in1 Stationary&Rock Mode Bassinet One-Second Fold Travel Crib Portable Newborn Baby,Gray…

Check the lightweight and portable bassinet from MiClassic.

Introducing the MiClassic 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Mode Bassinet.

You can open and fold it up fast and easy. Transporting and storing it also effortless. It’s a very convenient bassinet that you can use at home or while travelling.

MiClassic 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Mode Bassinet features a “quick pull up” feature for a one-second open-and-fold system.

You can use it in two ways. There’s the rocking mode, soothing your baby to sleep in a rhythmic fashion. Or you can set it in stationary mode for when she’s asleep already.

The material used in this bassinet is breathable mesh. It offers great air flow.

MiClassic 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Mode Bassinet includes a carry bag, which you can use to fit the product compactly inside.

Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet

Sale

Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet - Portable Crib with Lights and Sounds, Falling Leaves

Lights and sounds: Features a calming nightlight and soothing music. Baby bassinet requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
Perfect for naps or bedtime: Adjustable, removable canopy helps block light to create a serene sleep environment
Easy to use: Large storage basket provides ample storage for all things baby | Locking wheels for easy room-to-room mobility | Includes mattress pad and fitted sheet
Size: 21 L x 35.5 D x 45.5 H inches
We put your baby's safety first: JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM

Looking for portable bassinet that features a calming night light and soothing music?

Check out Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet.

It has a lightweight and adjustable frame with locking casters. You can conveniently move it from one room to the next.

This gorgeous bassinet also has a removable canopy and an interior that features elegant fabric and neutral-colored patterns.

Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet includes music module that contains pre-loaded lullabies. Along with its beautiful canopy, it create a serene and comfortable sleep environment for your baby.

This product also comes with a two-section compartment under the bassinet, providing ample storage space for your baby’s essentials.

The second S is positioning your baby on her side or stomach.

Did you know putting your baby on her back is the safest position for sleeping? Babies should always be laid down to sleep on their back.

However, it can also be the worst position when you need to soothe her fussiness.

This is why this S can either be side or stomach. But it can also be over your shoulder.

See your little one mellow in no time when you put her over your shoulder or position her on her stomach or side.

Once she is calm lay her down on her back in her crib.

The third S is shushing.

Would you believe me when I say babies don’t actually need complete silence to sleep?

Yes, you read that right. A little white noise helps her get a good night’s sleep.

It is in the womb that babies get accustomed to the white noise produced by blood flow. The sound of the shush is louder than your typical vacuum cleaner.

But not all white noise can make babies fall to sleep.

The best white noise for babies is one that mimics the rumbling sound quality that can be heard inside the womb.

The fourth S is swinging.

Your little one’s life in the womb can be best described as jiggly and bouncy. Imagine her bopping around in your tummy as you head down the stairs.

So she’s used to a lot of movement.

Gentle and slow rocking is perfect for keeping your baby at ease and minimizing her fussiness. If you need to calm her down to get her back to sleep, tiny and rhythmic movements can greatly help.

When swinging your baby, always provide support to her head and neck. You don’t want to strain the muscles around that area.

Maintain small and gentle motions at about an inch or so of back and forth movement.

And always remember, no shaking. You’ll cause great damage when you do that.

The fifth and last S is sucking.

Here’s the icing on the cake. Get your baby into deep tranquility mode with a pacifier.

Coupled with the four other Ss, no fussy baby can withstand the soothing and calming effect of these techniques.

Mastering these five Ss takes a lot of practice.

Want to do it right?

Practice makes perfect.

Think of these five S techniques like the knee reflex. If you hit even an inch high or low, you won’t get the reaction. But if you hit it on the exact spot, presto!

Why should you dream feed your baby?

The idea of dream feeding your baby is actually a great one.

With her tummy full, she won’t be awake and crying at 2 in the morning. This means a full sleep for her (or at least a longer stretch). Of course, that’s also extended ZZZs for you.

More sleep for both baby and mom, everybody’s a winner.

What’s the ideal age to start dream feeding?

According to research, dream feeding between the hours of 10 p.m. and 12 midnight can minimize wakings among three-month-old kids.

With this schedule, wondering what’s the best strategy on how to dream feed babies?

At three or four months old, babies tend to eat around eight to 12 times within a typical 24-hour period.

While some babies are capable of going through seven or eight hours straight without feeding, many still wake up at night multiple times.

Unless you’ve managed to wean your baby on the nighttime feedings, she’ll probably wake up in the middle of the night for some milk.

How do you dream feed a baby?

Let’s say your baby’s last feed is usually around 7 or 8 in the evening. Add seven or eight hours and you get 2 or 3 in the morning, which is their waking time.

Without a dream feeding, here’s what you and your baby’s schedule would probably look like.

Non-Dream Feeding Schedule

At 6 p.m., you get her ready for bed. But before you settle her down for the night, you give her the last feeding for the day at 7 o’clock.

Around 7:30 p.m., she goes to sleep. Now you and your partner will probably finish the other chores before hitting the bed.

As the dust settles, you now go to sleep at 11 in the evening.

But you wake up at around 2 in the morning because she is crying. It’s time for another feeding.

She finishes her feeding and gets back to sleep at around 2:30 a.m. You go back to sleep as well.

By 5:30 a.m., your baby will wake up for another feed. You pick her up for the feeding, and she’ll probably get back to sleep after an hour or so.

As much as you’d like to go back to bed, it’s already the start of your day.

On the other hand, here’s the schedule if you dream feed your baby at 11 p.m.

Dream Feeding Sleep Schedule

Following the same start, you prepare your baby for bed at 6 p.m. Then you give her milk an hour later.

By 7:30 p.m., she’s in her crib or bassinet.

At around 10:30 p.m., it’s time to insert the dream feeding. Then you go to sleep, which is at about 11 p.m.

Now, some babies wake up at three or four in the morning out of habit (which is usually due to being fed at around that time). But if you dream feed your little one between 10 p.m. and 12 midnight, you can push her waking time to another hour or two.

To get to your desired wake up time for your baby, you can push for another feed.

Should you give your baby a second dream feed?

Does your baby frequently wake up at around 3 or 4 in the morning?

You might want to give her a second dream feed to provide for the nourishment she needs.

Your goal for the second dream feed is to provide for her nutritional needs. So you might want to be careful of not adjusting her sleep schedule.

During the second dream feed, no cuddling and no talking. You don’t want to give her the idea that it’s time to play.

Once you’re done with the second dream feed, it’s sleep time again for your baby.

Do you have tips on how to dream feed babies?

Feel free to share it with us.

The post How To Dream Feed Babies: Help Your Baby Sleep Longer appeared first on Today Mommy.

The Best Breastfeeding Snacks For Hungry Mamas

Hayley — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 15:00:10 +0000

If you are a breastfeeding mom, chances are you’ve felt “breastfeeding hunger” – aka the intense hunger you get when you are eating for two. If you thought pregnancy cravings were bad, breastfeeding hunger can be a whole other ball game!

Now since the foods that you eat directly give your baby nutrients, it’s important that we eat healthy breastfeeding snacks.

As much as it might be tempting to snack on unhealthy treats, it’s better to go for the healthier, guilt-free foods (although let’s be honest it is nice to treat yourself every once in a while!).

When it comes to lactation snacks, it is important to eat energy giving foods since when you breastfeed, you burn lots of calories. Make sure to regularly eat snacks or small meals to keep your energy levels up!

Here are some quick breastfeeding snacks you can munch on to keep you going throughout the day:

The Best Breastfeeding Snacks

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein. They are ideal breastfeeding snacks since they are portable, handy, filling, and nutritious so you can bring them with you while on the go and grab when you need to fuel up.

In particular, almonds are a great choice for breastfeeding snacks since they contain omega-3 fatty acids which help in brain health and vitamin E, which helps promote faster healing.

They also contain DHA, magnesium, and calcium. Most importantly, almonds also help to increase your milk supply. Aside from snacking on almonds as is, you can also add them to your oatmeal or cereal for that extra (and nutritious) crunch.

Another alternative is almond milk, which is great on your cereal or in smoothies.

Oatmeal

Oats contain iron that can help moms, especially during the postpartum period when you are experiencing postpartum bleeding.

They also encourage your body to produce more milk as well as providing fiber and protein.

Another pro to oatmeal as a breastfeeding snack is that it keeps you full for longer. Try to stay away from instant packs of oatmeal that contain a lot of sugar.

Instead, choose cooking oats for example and place healthier options/ toppings like berries, nuts, chia seeds, or flax meal. You can make overnight oats since you can make them ahead of time and take it out when you need a snack.

I try to eat oatmeal for breakfast every day. My favorites are apple cinnamon, or a big bowl with a scoop of peanut butter mixed in with a handful of chocolate chips! But if I’m in a big hurry I’ll just make plain oatmeal with a squirt of maple syrup and it does the trick!

Hummus

Made of chickpeas, this healthy breastfeeding snack contains loads of folate, iron, B vitamins, and phosphorus. Chickpeas are also great for your milk supply.

If you are a vegan mom, chickpeas are also a good source of plant-based protein and fat.

You can pair this with carrots, celery, cucumber or any kind of veggie sticks for an effortless but super nutritious breastfeeding snack. Some whole grain crackers or bread will also pair well with hummus.

Lactation cookies

Cookies are a great snack to nibble on while breastfeeding (these lactation cookies are especially great for milk supply). It’s also a good source of energy for mom as well.

Dark chocolate

This breastfeeding snack is a popular one because who doesn’t like chocolate? The key here is to choose dark chocolate that is low in sugar and contains at least 70% cocoa solids.

Dark chocolate is generally more beneficial than milk chocolate and that’s why it is considered healthier. It has a lot of antioxidants, which are good for your body. Aside from helping to increase your milk supply, it also has a lot of flavonoids, which are good for your heart.

Smoothies

Smoothies are great because you can add whatever healthy ingredients you want like fruits, oats, almond milk, dairy, spinach, or chia seeds.

It’s also great to have with you when you are on the go and you would want an awesome pick me up that is healthy, refreshing, and great as a breastfeeding snack.

I love green smoothies and usually will add a handful (a heaping cup) of spinach, a banana, strawberries and a little bit of orange juice. It is so yummy! I will sometimes add in some extras like greek yogurt or chia seeds for some extra nutrients!

Fresh fruit

A great option for a breastfeeding snack, you can never go wrong with a healthy piece of fresh fruit. Bananas are a great source of energy and potassium that can fuel you for the day. You can also create a fruit salad or a yogurt parfait for a tasty breakfast.

Whether they are eaten fresh or dried, berries are also a great source of antioxidants and fiber. You can also add them to your smoothies, oatmeal, and cereals.

Dried fruit

Apricots, prunes, or raisins are rich in iron, which makes them nutritious. Try not to eat too much though since you might be increasing your sugar intake.

The first couple of weeks postpartum I lived off of dried apple chips. They were healthy and gave me some quick energy between taking care of my baby and chasing my busy three-year-old.

Vegetables

You can slice a few cucumbers, carrots, or peppers for a super healthy snack. Cucumbers have a lot of water so its great to keep you hydrated while breastfeeding.

Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are filling and healthy snacks to have. It has essential fatty acids, vitamin D, and protein to keep mom healthy.

Bonus Tip: If you like hard boiled eggs try making them in bulk in an instant pot!

Greek Yogurt

Because it contains probiotics, it is great for your digestion. It also has a lot of protein but low in calories. Have it with some fruit for a refreshing and delicious breastfeeding snack. You can also put some granola with your yogurt for that extra crunch.

Sweet potato chips

Sweet potato contains vitamin A, C, calcium, and iron. You can make your own baked ones or you can also buy ready made sweet potato chips.

Peanut butter

It contains protein and essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a breastfeeding mom. For optimum benefits, choose natural peanut butter that only contains peanut and salt.

It tastes amazing and you can pair it with celery, apple, or spread it on wholegrain crackers/toast for an energy-boosting snack. If you want to mix things up, you can try almond butter, sunflower, and even cashew butter.

Granola bars

These are popular, convenient to bring around, and easy to eat one handed, especially for busy moms. Pick those with whole oats that is excellent for milk production. Avoid bars with high sugar content. The more natural they are, the better.

Air popped popcorn

This has a lot of fiber but low in calories. You can put whatever toppings you want – I keep it simple with just a little melted butter and salt, but feel free to get creative!

Bonus Tip: For an extra milk production boost, sprinkle some brewer’s yeast on top.

Edamame

Feeling adventurous? Edamame is basically soybeans that contains a lot of protein, fiber, and vitamin K. These are tasty for snacks but also nutritious with the simplest preparation procedure – you just place them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes and you’re done! Sprinkle a bit of salt on top and enjoy!

Fluids

Make sure you have a glass of water beside you while breastfeeding to keep you hydrated. It has been recommended that breastfeeding women should drink 4 extra glasses per day.

If water is getting a bit boring for you, you can always make your own fruit flavored water by filling a bottle of water with lemon, limes, cucumber, orange, strawberries, or any other fruit you prefer.

When you eat a variety of healthy food and postpartum snacks while breastfeeding, you are also passing on those essential nutrients and vitamins to your baby.

All the vitamins you get from these breastfeeding snacks can also help your postpartum body heal quicker and increase your milk supply at the same time.

When you breastfeed, you are also encouraging weight loss and having healthy snacks while breastfeeding is also one way of achieving this goal.

Which breastfeeding snacks are your favorite?

The post The Best Breastfeeding Snacks For Hungry Mamas appeared first on Today Mommy.

18 Fun Ways to Announce Pregnancy to Family in Person

Hayley — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 17:54:36 +0000

Looking for fun ways to announce pregnancy to family in person?

You see it in the movies and Youtube videos. Everyone is so excited and looking forward to having a new addition to the family. Close friends and family are eager for that big fat positive.

And you’ve finally got it!

Now it’s time to spill the great news. But how?

Want creative ideas on how to announce your pregnancy?

Don’t you just want to see (and perhaps capture it on video) your loved ones’ jolly faces as they lighten up to hear the wonderful news?

In this article, I’ve listed some of the fun ways to announce pregnancy to family in person.

But first things first.

CONGRATULATIONS, MOM-TO-BE!

This is a very exciting moment for you and your partner. Whether this is your first or third baby, it’s great news to hear a little kiddo is on the way.

But before you set your sights on buying the baby essentials, it’s time to tell your family the great news. Otherwise, the diapers and wipes will be a giveaway and ruin a great opportunity to spill the wonderful news.

Sharing the good news is easy. It’s the set-up to the announcement that is crucial.

If you’re looking for the ideal pregnancy announcement scenarios, I’m here to help.

Here are 18 creative, fun ways to announce pregnancy to family in person.

1. Give them a glimpse of life in your tummy.

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A post shared by Alli Comoglio (@handmadehoosier) on Jun 9, 2019 at 4:48pm PDT

Let’s start this list of fun ways to announce pregnancy to family in person with a picture.

What better way to show them the bun in your oven than with a sonogram photo.

How cute it would be to hide this one photo in between the pages of a book you’re giving as a gift. Let them scan through the pages and discover this bookmark that’s safely tucked inside.

“What’s this?”

Then the realization sets in.

“Is this what I think this is? Are you having a baby?”

Or you could hide the sonogram photo inside a greeting card.

Of course, it’s nice to spread the word on social media after you’ve unraveled the great news to your family and friends.

2. Mugs for the grandparents-to-be as well as the future aunts and uncles.

This works best if it’s your first baby.

Imagine this. You and your partner invite the parents over for a lovely brunch. Plates, knives, forks, and spoons all laid out except the mugs.

Nonchalantly, excuse yourself and get up to bring their coffee to the table. Don’t say anything and just act normal. Hand the mugs with the hot beverage instead.

Wait for it. Just wait for their reaction.

If they haven’t noticed, ask them what they think of the new mug. Bring their attention to this cylindrical object that bears the word “Grandma” or “Grandpa.”

Naturally, they’ll ask what’s up with this. They’ll eventually get the hint and figure it out.

Invite the future aunts and uncles too.

Check out the priceless look on their faces.

This fun in person pregnancy announcement is perfect for coffee lovers. How’s that for spilling the beans.

This cool coffee mug is perfect:

You're Going to be a Grandpa Coffee Mug, Pregnancy Announcement, pregnancy reveal, Bottom, hidden message, secret message, Coffe cup

Original design mug hand printed to order
It high temperature decal mugs - mugs made in 900oC - 1700oF temperature.
microwave and dishwasher (top rack) safe - 100% safe for children
design printed permanently on one side of mug as shown
Unique drinkware great for gifts and everyday use; 100% satisfaction guaranteed

3. Bring out the onesie.

Do you have a special occasion coming soon?

Perhaps a birthday in the family. Or are the holidays coming up?

Here’s a cute way to break the surprise to family and friends.

Wrap a cute, little onesie as a present, and give it to the grandparents-to-be as well as the future aunts and uncles.

Imagine your loved ones unwrapping a gift, thinking you bought them their favorite shirt or dress.

But if you want to build more excitement leading to the gift-giving day, you might want to ask them what’s their favorite gift to have. Then hint that you’re going to give them that plus something else. That will leave them excited.

Give them their “real” gift first then followed by your “surprise” present. Ask them to close their eyes as you hand over the one gift you can’t wait to give.

Don’t forget to capture it the moment on camera. Those curious looks followed by the feeling of astonishment.

What a beautiful moment that would be, deserving to be preserved.

Check out this cute onesie:

Pregnancy Announcement Gift for Grandparents, Baby Coming Soon Reveal Gift for Grandma or Grandpa to be

PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - You’ve just found out the great news—you’re expecting! While the thought of bringing a beautiful little new human being into the world sinks in, you’re also wondering, “how do I tell grandparents or grandma and grandpa to be?” This baby onesie is a cute way to announce the first pregnancy or even the second pregnancy.
GREAT PREGNANCY REVEAL IDEA - Whether you want to surprise a newly promoted grandparent or looking for a creative way to tell grandma or grandpa to be you are pregnant, we have an expectant mom or dad or both covered!
PRACTICAL & FUN - This baby shirt is also perfect as a decoration for a baby shower or a Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday, Father's Day, or Mother's Day keepsake gift.Can be used as a photo prop with an announcement sign or letter board.
GIFT BOXED and READY TO GIVE: There are so many pregnancy announcements gifts on the market, but this one is special. Just imagine, your grandma or grandpa-to-be gets a beautiful-looking box. He or she curiously opens it. There is a card that says, "Guess what..." Now future grandparents are even more intrigued. They impatiently start unwrapping the mysterious gift... and discover a bodysuit that announces your pregnancy!
PACKAGED WITH CARE: The pregnancy announcement gift is carefully packed in a thick gift box to make sure you receive your order safely and in perfect condition, no more gift box needed. Printing won't fade, crack, or feel scratchy. Perfect baby announcement idea for Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Father's Day, or any other cute reason you want to share the big news.

4. Go for a photo shoot.

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A post shared by Jessica (@mrsjessicaroberts) on Jul 18, 2017 at 12:51pm PDT

Let the kids tag along in this fun activity.

Who couldn’t resist a cute photo of you and your baby bump together with the soon-to-be older siblings?

Get more balloons and cute outfits. It’s time for a photo shoot.

This cool pregnancy reveal is easy to set up and simple to do. Because you’re carrying that baby bump, all you need to do is relax and let the photographer handle all the work for you.

Sure, you’ll be doing a couple of poses, but it can totally fun. Especially if the baby’s siblings are also with you during this activity.

5. Care to try getting baby balloons for your baby news?

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A post shared by Jake + Kelsey Bang ? (@kelseybang) on Feb 14, 2019 at 9:23am PST

There’s nothing that best screams “surprise” than a bunch of colorful balloons. So what better way to shout out the good news than with a handful of these party accessories.

If you want to get creative, let your balloon message speak it out for you.

Imagine delivering it to their doorsteps. That’s definitely a wonderful surprise.

6. Make the jigsaw pieces fit.

Do your family or friends love puzzles?

Here’s one of the cute and fun ways to announce a pregnancy.

Take a pretty picture of your sonogram photo as if you’re making a pregnancy announcement. Now, instead of leaving it as is, cut it out to pieces and have it made out into a jigsaw.

Let your loved ones figure it out and discover the wonderful surprise.

It’s a fun brain teaser.

Check out this cool jigsaw puzzle:

We're Pregnant 15 Piece Basswood Jigsaw Puzzle, Surprise Pregnancy Announcement

UNIQUE PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IDEA: Surprising your kids or family members with the exciting pregnancy news? This puzzle is great way to tell them: Let them build it and read the surprise!
DURABLE: Made of Laser-engraved Basswood
FRAME AFTER ASSEMBLING: Jigsaw Puzzle has 15 pieces and measures 6" x 3.5". Can be glued together using wood glue and framed for a keepsake!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We are a US-based, family-owned business that promises superior customer service including excellent communication and easy returns.
Fast & FREE SHIPPING: Orders leave our warehouse by the next business day

7. Announcing the baby news with wine labels.

Are you loved ones big on wine?

Check out this cool way to break the baby news to the wine lovers.

Invite your close friends and family for a wine get-together. Casually set the vino on the table, not drawing attention to it or the label.

Naturally, they will become curious about the wine and check its label. And that’s when they see the wonderful announcement.

With the wine at hand, all that’s left is someone to start the raising of the glasses and toast to this beautiful news.

What’s more, the empty wine bottles make cute keepsakes.

Check out these bottle label stickers:

Sale

Family Pregnancy Announcement Gift for Women and Men - Wine Bottle Label Stickers - Set of 4

Family Pregnancy Announcement Wine Bottle Gift Set INCLUDES Set of 4 white and gray wine bottle sticker labels in the pregnancy announcement gift theme to family members.
Wine and liquor bottle stickers each SIZE 4 inches wide x 5 inches tall, perfect for standard 750ml bottles. EASY TO USE: Prepare your beverage bottles by ensuring they are room temperature. Removing the original bottle label is not necessary. Carefully peel one adhesive Family Pregnancy Announcement Wine Bottle Label from the backing and adhere to a bottle, starting at the edge and rolling to the opposite edge. Press down to smooth.
HIGH QUALITY PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT GIFT SUPPLIES: Family Pregnancy Announcement wine bottle labels are professionally printed on an adhesive paper with a glossy coating. They are waterproof and can be used on bottles that will be chilled, just be sure to apply prior to chilling. Add them to a party beverage bar for an impressive, coordinated display.
UNIQUE PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT GIFT IDEA: Family Promotion Wine Bottle Labels also make a great gift idea. Add Family Pregnancy Announcement Wine Bottle labels to a favorite bottle of wine or spirits for a special pregnancy gift. Use each wine label on a favorite beverage bottle and gift individually or create an impressive announcement gift basket using all 4 labels on coordinating wine or liquor bottles. Wine bottle labels will easily give your pregnancy announcement gift a personal touch!
MADE IN THE USA: Family Pregnancy Announcement Wine Bottle Labels are designed and manufactured at our Wisconsin facility using materials that are Made in the USA. Please Note: Wine in image is not included.

8. Get siblings their shirts.

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A post shared by meg (@mrs_melton) on Jun 10, 2019 at 1:08pm PDT

Do you have kids already?

You can get them involved in announcing pregnancy to family by having them wear cute T-shirts that say “Big Bro” or Big Sister.”

Getting the siblings involved is a great way to calm their anxiety (if there’s any, this is one of the important things to do before the second baby arrives). It can also help in their transition to being the older brother or sister especially when he or she has been an only child for the longest time.

But why stop at T-shirts? You can get more elaborate with baseball caps. Perhaps create a whole ensemble.

Check out this Big Sister pregnancy announcement T-shirt:

Future Big Sister New Baby Pregnancy Announcement T-shirt for Daughter

9. Fun coupons that are redeemable for one upcoming baby (or two if twins).

Are your parents into couponing?

Here’s the best way to announce pregnancy to your family: baby coupons.

It’s cute and adorable, and the coupons can also serve as invites for the family dinner you’re looking to host.

Print them up for the grandparents-to-be as well as the future aunts and uncles, even cousins. Pass these onto the unsuspecting dinner guests.

The coupons read something like this:

COUPON
Good for one grandkid.
Please redeem by [expected date of delivery].

Isn’t that an adorable way to send out the fantastic news to the couponing enthusiasts?

10. Taking the expression “a bun in the oven” literally.

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A post shared by Southern Sugar Bakery®️ (@southernsugarbakery) on Jun 10, 2019 at 3:39am PDT

How about you take the expression to a whole new level?

Get creative by spelling out your pregnancy announcement using delicious baked goods. Hope you are in a baking mood!

11. Let dad-to-be wear his dad-to-be shirt.

Here’s a not-so-subtle way to announce pregnancy to everyone. And it involves a T-shirt and the soon-to-be daddy.

How about dad-to-be wears a shirt that says he’s about to be a daddy?

Nothing speaks louder than the message that says “This guy is going to be a daddy!” With those printed words come two thumbs that point to the soon-to-be father.

Check this out:

Hot Ass Tees This Guy is Going to Be a Daddy Maternity Dad Fathers Funny T-Shirt (Large, Black)

AWESOME T-SHIRT DESIGN | This Funny "This Guy Is Going To Be a Daddy" Maternity Dad Fathers Funny Novelty Parody T-shirt is the perfect shirt for Baby Announcements. If you are a first-time father or even a second third or fourth, the feeling is always the same. Nothing is better than getting friends and family excited with the amazing baby news. This shirt is the perfect way to get the message out by showing up to parties and family events, all you have to do it wear it and everyone will know.
FEELING IS EVERYTHING | We always print on the best cottons. This This Guy is Going to Be a Daddy T-shirt is printed on Gildan 100% Pre Shrunk-5.4 Ounces, Wash cold for a very long lasting T-shirt. This shirt has an easy Tear away label for easier and more suitable comfort. Finding a T-shirt is not easy as there are millions of designs. This Tee is the perfect fit and the best design to get the message across.
QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY | We don't sell items we haven't tried our selves. We have tested our T-shirts as well as Screen printing qualities by washing many times to ensure longevity for our customers. We print using state of the art technology to ensure that our designs printed have the perfect pixel per inch rate to make sure the design you see is what you get. This T-shirt is also a perfect Ice Breaker if you are not a big talker. This design will start conversation everywhere you go.
GIFT GIFT GIFT | Let's be honest, we all love making people happy and we do that by buying great items for awesome people. This is a good make up gift for someone you might want to make up with or just a great gift for yourself as you 100% deserve it. This T-shirt is the best gift for Holidays, Christmas, Hannukah, Pajamas, Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, Cousin, Aunt, Uncle, Step Mom, Step Dad or literally anyone in the world. We love using this shirt for Pajamas especially on Movie Nights at Home.
USA USA USA | This T-shirt is Printed in the USA aka the United States of America Exclusively by Hot Ass Tees. Click our Link on top Hot Ass Tees to get ideas for 1000's of other items like T-shirts, Mugs, Crewneck Sweatshirts, Ugly Christmas Sweaters, Halloween Shirts, Maternity Shirts, Baby Announcements shirts, Funny Coffee Mugs, Wedding Mugs and one of our best sellers, Customized Photo and Logo Coffee Mugs.

12. Keychains for the grandparents-to-be.

This one’s a wonderful novelty item as it is a surprise announcement for your pregnancy.

Spill the big news but not their keys by giving promotion keychains for the grandparents-to-be. It’s a super cute gift idea that lets them figure out the fantastic message.

Once they get to read it, watch as their eyes light up.

Promotion keychains are also a great way to break the news to the rest of the family. And it’s cheap too. How much do keychains cost these days?

With these novelty items, you can spread the happy news to the entire clan.

Check these out:

FEELMEM New Grandparents Gift The Best Dads/Moms Get Promoted to Grandpa/Grandma Keychain Set Grandparents to Be Grandchild Announcement Gifts (Silver)

PACKAGEThis New Grandparents Keychain set will come beautifully packaged in a elegant velvet cloth jewelry pouches. As special way to celebrate New Baby Announcement.
Grandparents To Be GiftThis Grandchild Announcement Gifts Keychain hand stamped withOnly the Best Dads Get Promoted to Grandpa The Best Moms Get Promoted to GrandmaSpecial Baby Footprints. As unique way to express the surprise of new baby Pregnancy.
Grandma To Be GiftsAs new grandma Gifts, a great gift for grandmother as Best Grandma Ever Gifts. A great way to share the happy time with your mom that she is going to be a grandma
New Grandpa GiftThis Grandpa To Be Key ring as special gift for Poppa, Daddy, Dad, Grandpa, Grandfather, Papa, Husband. Also as Father’s Day gifts, Christmas Gift, Thanksgiving Day gifts, Birthdays gift, wedding gift, New year day gift.
MATERIALS & SIZEStainless steel is a great choice for jewelry as it is hypoallergenic; it will not tarnish or change color and is very durable so this keychain suitable for treasure. Key chain Bar pendant length 1.97inches width0.47inches; keyring diameter: 0.78inches.

13. The subtle hint

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A post shared by Whitney Storey (@whitneynicolestorey) on Aug 18, 2017 at 1:14pm PDT

This one is a bit subtle. But for the eagle-eye detectives, it’s a big clue. It’s a beautiful concept that you and your partner can play with.

Are you a sports fan? Have your partner wearing matching sports outfit with you. Matching jerseys and matching baseball caps. And in between the both of you is a tiny version of your ensemble.

Foodies?

Here’s a cute idea. On a table, lay out two pairs of plates, spoons, forks, and glasses for you and your partner. And in between is a tiny version of the table set.

In both settings, I recommend giving a little peek of your baby bump (if it’s already apparent). If not, it’s OK. The tiny version of your outfit or table setting is already a hint.

Take a pretty pic of the setting. Develop the photo and leave it in your parents’ place for them to casually see it by chance.

14. Eyes on the board, please.

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A post shared by M A A I K E (@maaikevanzetten) on Apr 4, 2019 at 6:39am PDT

Looking to announce your pregnancy to your loved ones in person but without saying a word?

Invite them over for lunch or dinner without giving any hints to your surprise announcement. Casually, direct them to an area where you have set up a type board.

On the board are letters spelled to say “We’re having a baby!”

The trick is to make the message creative and speak something that’s personal to your loved ones. How cute is that?

15. Get the pup involved.

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A post shared by littleevents_etsy (@little.events_etsy) on Mar 20, 2019 at 9:57am PDT

Are you a fur mom?

What a cute way to announce the arrival of the new baby than to get your four-legged fur baby involved.

Have the adorable pup pose beside a type board that says “My best friend is arriving a few months from now.” Within that board is a sonogram photo.

Isn’t that an Instagram-worthy picture of your charming fur baby along with an image of the bun in your oven?

Fun photos with the fur baby make for an awesome addition to an album of milestone photos for your human baby.

16. Posting a notice of a new tenant on the crib.

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A post shared by Fashion With A Purpose (@lovedbeyondmeasureboutique) on Aug 13, 2017 at 2:18am PDT

Do you still have the crib?

Here’s an adorable photo idea. Write an eviction notice and post it on the side of the crib. Make it say something like:

EVICTION NOTICE

Please note that you are required to vacate this crib in six months. A new tenant is expected to occupy the premises.

17. Announce your pregnancy to your husband

All throughout this article, we’ve made plans on how to break the big news to the rest of the family. But how about the dad-to-be?

Shouldn’t he be the first target in this operation?

Here’s a great idea. A “first-time dad” shirt.

Casually break the baby news to him with a T-shirt that says “First-Time Dad, Wish Me Luck” or this darling Taco and Taquito set.

And when it’s time to break the news to the rest of your friends and family, he can wear that shirt, which basically says it all.

Check out this shirt set:

18. Or just keep it short and simple.

Don’t have the time or energy to follow through these fun ways to announce pregnancy to family in person?

You’re probably exhausted, going through the hormonal fluctuations or coping with the morning sickness. So why not keep things easy for you?

Get with the KISS plan.

You can skip the elaborate preparation, and just keep it short and simple (and sweet to make it KISSS).

Capturing the perfect pregnancy moment doesn’t have to be stressful or anxiety-inducing for you. If it’s not a fun and enjoyable process for you, skip it and go for something that’s easy on you.

The image isn’t everything. You also have to consider the fun experience as you do the shoot. It’s also about creating wonderful memories.

What do you think about these fun ways to announce pregnancy to family in person?

The post 18 Fun Ways to Announce Pregnancy to Family in Person appeared first on Today Mommy.

Tips on How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

Hayley — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 19:00:20 +0000

Are you looking to throw a baby shower on a budget?

It’s an honor and a privilege to help out a sister, cousin, friend, or loved one with her baby shower. But with the responsibility comes the headache of planning and preparing for the celebration.

You probably read a couple of blogs and threads online from people saying it can cost a small fortune to put up a baby shower.

Some posts would say a baby shower can cost at least $500; others, a thousand bucks or more.

Well, that may not be necessarily true.

Did you know you can throw a baby shower on a budget?

Having a big budget isn’t everything. There are a lot of baby shower ideas that aren’t expensive but can still deliver a beautiful party.

So if you’re looking for economical and thrifty ways for decorating for a baby shower on a budget, you’ll love what we have in store for you.

In this article, we offer practical tips on planning a baby shower on a low budget. With some creativity and support from family and friends, you can pull off a wonderful party for less.

Have you thrown a baby shower before?

At this stage in your life, you’ve probably been invited to a couple of baby showers in various capacities. Whether as an auntie-to-be, the mom’s close friend, or the mom herself.

Unless you’re the expecting mom, attending to these baby showers is a great way to show your love and excitement for the upcoming baby. But what better way to display your support than to help out with the party planning.

Have you experienced filling in the role of the party planner?

These events can get pricey if you’re not conscious of the expenditures. But if you have a budget in mind, you can keep the costs at an optimal level.

Whether or not you’ve had the opportunity to lead the party planning before, these practical tips can help you pull off a budget baby shower.

Baby showers need not be expensive.

That’s right. You don’t need a lot of cash to come up with a party that will dominate the headlines.

Are you looking forward to a Hollywood-style soiree?

Yes, you can pull off a fantastic baby shower that’s memorable even without blowing your budget. Because why would you? Wouldn’t you rather use the money on other things like getting the items to stock up on before baby arrives?

So the trick lies in coming up with creative party ideas.

Of course, a couple of extra heads and hands are always a welcome addition to the party planning committee. After all, you will need help creating the invitations and sending them out.

You will also need help in finding a venue and booking it for your baby shower. Other considerations include getting the food and drinks ready for the set date, making the decorations, and planning the games and prizes.

You don’t have to thrive on planning parties to make this work.

Even if you’re working on a budget, it is possible to come up with a beautiful event. With these affordable baby shower ideas, you can create a memorable event for the parents-to-be.

Are you stuck with zero ideas?

Want to impress the guests but can’t come up with a good plan for a baby shower on a budget?

That’s OK. It happens to the best of us. But we’re here to help you.

So before we get started on the budget-friendly baby shower ideas, let’s have you in on the four foundational concepts, which will be our guiding principles in creating a beautiful event that people will love.

1. Set realistic expectations for yourself and the celebrants.

Do you have a realistic amount that you’re willing to spend for your baby shower?

Whether it’s $50 or $500, come up with a set amount. It doesn’t matter what your amount is. With a little ingenuity, you can come up with a baby shower on a budget.

However, please know that this amount will also set the expectations for the party.

Consider checking the realistic price points then work your way around that. Adjust your budget when you have to, but when you’ve finalized the budget amount, that’s it. No more adjusting.

One more thing…

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help, or even negotiate for lower rates. You’ll never know there might be kind souls who will be willing to accommodate your requests.

2. Be open for any form of help that comes your way.

When planning a baby shower on a budget, welcome any form of help that comes your way. Enlist your friends and tap your relatives.

Help may arrive in the form of friendly advice. Perhaps on strategizing or brainstorming for economic baby shower ideas.

Or help may be in the co-planning or co-hosting side of things. From looking for party suppliers to arranging the venue and other commitments.

Once they have pledged help, don’t be afraid to follow up on friends and family on their promise. Hold them to their word to handle the food or take care of the games and prizes.

3. Be conscious of the spending cap.

Whether you’re handling the arrangements by yourself or as a group with family and friends, always be conscious of the budget.

To ensure that everyone stays in line with the plan, give everyone a spending cap for every task they are assigned. Since it can be unavoidable sometimes, exceeding the budget is permissible as long as it’s not too much.

Food is a particular area where the spending goes over the budget.

You and your loved ones may agree to pitch in for the cost of the food. Or you can assign a couple of people to bring something for the party.

The venue is another challenging aspect when coming up with inexpensive baby shower ideas.

So what’s the solution?

Look for places to hold the party for free.

You don’t have to rent out a venue. Why not hold the get-together in the house?

Or perhaps at the local park or in the neighborhood clubhouse. Or if these options are not available, perhaps family and friends can pitch in to rent a function room.

A little help in the cost can go a long way in bringing the personal expenses down.

4. Get your creative juices flowing.

Wondering how to decorate for a baby shower on a budget?

Here’s a simple way to cut spending on decorations down to zero dollars: reuse old decorations.

Do you have an old silver sun protector for the car that you no longer use? You can cut it to form the letters.

When reusing old decorations or utilizing materials, consider having gender-neutral colors like yellow, orange, green, and white.

Look around the house or ask family and friends if they have party decor or embellishment they could loan or give. You’ll be surprised how many effects are available for use.

With your creative thinking and help from family and friends, you can pull off a wonderful party without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget to check your local classifieds too. Many will sell their baby shower decorations after the party is over. You can swoop in and pick up some stunning decorations for a fraction of the price!

How to plan a baby shower on a small budget?

Looking to cut cost and corners to have a baby shower that’s beautiful yet inexpensive?

Keeping the cost is one thing, but people will remember more about how the party was decorated nicely or how the food was spectacular.

So in this article, we’re going to focus on throwing a fun and memorable party. Because you don’t want a party that will bomb really bad.

But more importantly, one that isn’t expensive. Here are boy and girl baby shower ideas on a budget.

For the venue

Ideally, the cost of securing the venue is limited to 5 percent of your total budget.

But the costs of hosting the event at a restaurant or club can get pretty high. At this realistic price point, you will easily exceed the allotted 5-percent.

What’s your solution?

Consider holding the party in your home or a public space like the neighborhood party. Should you choose an outdoor venue, you might want to have a rain plan.

For the decor

Wondering how you can get the budget baby shower decorations?

The decor should also be 5 percent of your budget. This can get challenging especially when you want to glam up the venue.

So what do you do?

Reuse the old decor and transform them to suit your theme. And if that’s not an available option, then you’ll just have to buy. And by buy, you buy in bulk. It’s one of the best ways to cut costs.

For the invites

It’s not a party without the invites. Set aside 10 percent of your total budget for this one.

Here’s a good way to save off the stationery and fancy paper: skip the snail-mail and go online with your invites. It’s easy and convenient; something that the guests will appreciate when they RSVP it. Plus, it saves trees.

However, this may not be an option for grandma and great auntie. You may opt to stick to the old-fashioned invites for a couple of guests.

For the flowers

Let’s face it, girls love flowers. Allocate 5 percent of your budget for this one.

A good way to stay on track with your budget is to get the flowers from the local farmers’ market. Then let your creative juices flow with the floral arrangements.

For the food and drinks

This one takes the cake (no pun intended), at 40 percent of your total budget.

One good way to cut the cost is to get cooking. Go to your local grocery store and pick up the ingredients. It will cost you less than getting the caterers to do the food.

If you have little to no cooking experience, tap family and friends for help. Or you can go with the simple stuff like sandwiches, fruit, and other finger food items.

For the cakes and sweets

Ideally, set the budget for the dessert at 5 percent of the total. If not cake, try cupcakes or macaroons.

For the games and prizes

You don’t have to spend much, limiting it only to 5 percent of the budget.

For the games, you can make do with paper and pens. Get creative with your drawing games.

As for the prizes, the floral decor can double as a reward. For the overall winner, she gets the table centerpiece.

For the entertainment

There’s no need to get a big band. Skip the violinist and piano player. Get your playlist ready on your phone or laptop. Then plug your device to the speaker. That’s it!

Here are additional tips on how to pull off a baby shower on a budget.

Setting up a budget baby shower isn’t that difficult. Although you will need a lot of ingenuity and support from family and friends to pull it off.

Yes, you might feel the dread if you’re getting all the things done by yourself. So you’ll need help sending out the invites or coordinating for the food and decor.

You also don’t need to have an expensive party. Expensive-looking, yes, but costly, not necessarily.

Have you given some thought to your party’s theme?

Take the time to think things through. Check your home for any items that you can utilize. Perhaps there are old decorations you can reuse. There may be materials lying around the house that tie with the baby shower decoration.

Easter decorations can work well in decorating for a baby shower on a budget. Throw in baby-related items and you have yourself a theme.

Here’s a good way to cut costs on food.

Pick a time of day to hold the baby shower that doesn’t require you to serve an entire meal; just snacks.

A dessert bar or a snack station will cost less compared to serving full-course meals. Serve cakes, macaroons, and drinks.

Potluck

Or to really cut food costs, enlist a couple of guests to bring some food and refreshments. When that’s done, it’s easier to stay on budget.

Shop using coupons.

Don’t underestimate the power of coupons. If you need to shop for the food ingredients or party decorations, you can save as much as half your allotted budget by enjoying the price-offs.

Go DIY.

If you make the decorations yourself, you can cut the party cost. It’s an inexpensive way to get things done.

Let us hear your thoughts on how to pull off a baby shower on a budget.

The post Tips on How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget appeared first on Today Mommy.

10 Things You Should Do When Contractions Start

Hayley — Mon, 20 May 2019 17:00:27 +0000

Do you know what to do when it finally happens?

Picture this. Your abdomen hardens, and you feel some discomfort in your pelvis. You also experience wave-like motion in your uterus. You try to relax. You take deep breathes. You change your position several times. However, the sensation doesn’t stop.

All that muscle and tissue tensing and clenching are building up. The rhythmic sensation has become more regular.

With the physical symptoms also comes a wide range of emotions. Nervousness, anxiety, uncertainty. But most of all, excitement.

The time has arrived. This is it finally.

It is the start of your labor. You will finally see your baby.

Do you know what to do when contractions start?

You probably heard stories about giving birth in unexpected places. Babies arriving while the mom is in the bathroom. Or while on the way to the hospital.

But these incidents are the exception. So you have nothing to worry these from happening when it’s your time.

When your contractions occur, the first thing you need to do is to stay calm. It’s not uncommon, and you will have plenty of time to have a safe and healthy delivery at a proper medical or birthing facility.

Here’s a quick checklist of what to do when you have contractions.

You need to call your partner or someone close within your family or group of friends. Let these people know that you believe your labor has started.
Try to keep a record of how long each contraction lasts and the period in between episodes. If you have your phone, access the timer function for this purpose. Then jot down the information.
If you are not sure if this is labor, call your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for advice.
Planning to have a home birth? Contact your midwife about your labor contraction.
Do you have other kids that need adult supervision? If you have made arrangements with a babysitter, let him or her know that you believe you are in labor.
You should have everything you need packed and ready before making the trip to the hospital or birthing facility. This includes your notes and other information that you need to show to your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider.
Most importantly, don’t panic. Always try to stay calm. Relax. Everything is going to be all right.

What to expect when early labor sets in?

Have you attended a childbirth class?

One of the important things they will tell you in these classes is managing your expectations. That way, you will have some idea on what to do when you’re in labor.

Let’s talk about early labor.

Did you know early labor is the longest stretch of labor? However, it is also the least intense.

What is it and what to expect when this occurs?

This happens when your cervix changes its position and starts to soften, preparing to dilate. When the dilation of your cervix is between zero and four centimeters, this may indicate that you are in early labor.

The contractions that you will be experiencing during early labor will have a duration of less than a minute. These episodes will also be spaced apart by over five minutes. All in all, this may last for several hours, potentially going on and off.

If you’re a first-time mom, expect an early labor experience that can last from six to 12 hours. The period, however, decreases if you’ve had a baby before.

What happens when you have a contraction?

Wondering what early labor feels like?

Imagine getting lower back pain coupled with aches in the lower part of your tummy. These sensations may also be accompanied low-intensity contractions with discomfort similar to having menstrual cramps or gas pain.

Is it a true labor contraction or just Braxton Hicks?

Our body is an amazing thing. It lets you prepare for the real deal. Case in point: Braxton Hicks contractions.

Did you know your body will get your ready for the true labor contractions by having you experience false labor pains?

Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of actual labor. Rather, it is your body’s way of telling you this is the sensation you can expect when the real thing happens.

Wondering what Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

Imagine mild menstrual cramps. Add to that is the feeling of having a tight abdomen, which comes and goes.

Braxton Hicks contractions do not open the cervix or cause labor, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

Here are some of the characteristics of Braxton Hicks contractions.

They are generally not painful, causing only some discomfort.
They don’t occur at regular intervals or occur close to each other.
You get relief from it by changing your position.
They don’t feel stronger over time.
You may feel them as early as your second trimester.

Braxton Hicks contractions are normal, so you don’t have to worry about them.

If you want to stop them because they are making you feel uncomfortable, you can do that following:

Get up and move or take a walk.
You can rest it off when you have been physically active when it occurred.
Take some shut-eye.
Treat yourself to a massage from time to time.
Relax.

Is it a true labor contraction or round ligament pain?

Do you feel sharp, stabbing pain on the side of your abdomen?

If the pain occurs only when you stand up or roll over and lasts only for a couple of seconds or minutes, this isn’t a true labor contraction. What you’re experiencing may be round ligament pain.

This type of pain may also be triggered by coughing, sneezing, and urinating.

So how does round ligament pain happen?

The pain springs from the connective tissues that hold your uterus to the pelvis. As your uterus expands, it stretches; thus, causing the sensation. In some cases, the pain will radiate into your groin.

To relieve the discomfort, you can change your position. If you’re pursuing a physical activity when this happens, stop and take a rest.

When lying, try to support your abdomen when you roll over or stand up. If you feel some discomfort, move slowly as you perform your desired action.

So how does a true labor contraction feel?

To determine your appropriate reaction to the sensation you’re feeling, you need to distinguish which one is true and which one is false.

True labor contractions occur in regular intervals, lasting around 30 to 70 seconds per episode. The interval gets closer, and the sensation gets stronger over time. On the other hand, false contractions occur at irregular intervals.

When you move, true contractions will continue. You cannot obtain relief by shifting your position or through rest. False contractions cease when you rest or change positions.

False contractions are generally weak, unlike true contractions.

The location of the pain may also indicate whether it is true or false.

In true contractions, the pain or discomfort may start in the lower back area then radiate to the front of the abdomen or vice versa. False contractions can only start in the front of the abdomen and/or pelvic area.

When should you call a doctor or healthcare provider?

During your pregnancy, you can expect a lot of symptoms and sensations occurring in your body.

If you are not sure if what you’re experiencing is labor, give your doctor or healthcare provider a call.

You should also call your doctor or healthcare provider ASAP under these circumstances:

If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding
If your water breaks or there is continuous leaking of fluid
You are experiencing strong contractions every five minutes or less
The contractions are intense that you are not able to walk through
There are noticeable changes in your baby’s motion
You are having signs of true labor contractions at less than 37 weeks

Don’t be afraid to get in touch with them with any questions you might have regarding your situation. Feel free to discuss your concerns and ask whether or not your contractions are signs of true labor.

Here are tips on what to do when having contractions.

Do you know what to do when labor starts?

Early labor contractions can feel like menstrual cramps or gas pain, which may be accompanied by low back pain. Check out our post to learn more about back labor if you suspect you are experiencing that.

Now, some women may notice the sensation immediately; others may only become aware of them until they are in labor. Both are normal, and it’s OK if you miss the early symptoms.

So what do you do when you start having these sensations?

Imagine you’re just going about your day when you start feeling the pain in your lower back area. Then came the sensation of gas pain or menstrual cramps.

Here are practical tips on what to do during contractions.

Relax

Your first reaction when you start feeling the contractions is to relax. Lay on the couch and breathe easy. You might want to time your contractions and jot down this information so you can share it with your doctor or healthcare provider.

If you feel doing it, you can walk around the house at a relaxed pace.

Wondering how to keep labor contractions going?

Avoid the weightlessness of being submerged in the tub or pool. It can slow down your labor

If you want to experience the relief that water provides, hop in the shower for a soothing release from the distress or anxiety.

Want to know what to do during contractions at night?

Try to get back to sleep. This may seem easier said than done but save your strength. Rest and prepare for the wonderful things to come.

What to do when having contractions in a public place?

Don’t panic. Just remember this is normal, and everything is going to be all right.

Grab your phone and call your loved ones. You can sit down for a while or continue doing about what you were doing.

The important thing is that you remain calm and relaxed throughout this ordeal. It’s nothing to be worried about.

Find a distraction.

Do you find it hard to relax?

Sometimes, the key to taking it easy is to distract yourself from the pressing matter. Get preoccupied with something.

Find anything that can help keep your mind off what’s going on. Focus on other things.

You can turn on the TV or open Netflix to watch a movie. Or you can keep your hands busy by preparing some snacks that you’re going to bring to the hospital or birthing center. Perhaps go on a leisure walk in the garden or around your home.

There may be some last-minute things that you need to do before heading to the birthing facility. So you can use this time to get it done to keep your mind off the contractions.

Just remember to keep it easy. Relax and conserve your energy.

Grab a light snack and stay hydrated.

Did you know a light healthy snack and proper hydration contributes to a shorter labor time by as much as 90 minutes?

Focus on your nutrition. Carbs are a good choice to give you the energy you need. But if you feel they’re too heavy for you, you can go for granola, protein bar, or fruit.

A big no-no would be spicy food; it might trigger diarrhea during labor. Take caution on greasy or fried food as well.

Would you believe dehydration is one of the main causes of having an ineffective contraction?

You should also strive to drink enough to avoid dehydration during your labor.

Take your time and stay at home.

What if you’re at home and alone when the contractions occurred?

Take your time and relax. Give your partner, family, or close friends a call. Inform them that your situation.

Don’t believe everything you see in the movies. You don’t have to rush to the hospital when your water breaks (unless you’re suffering from an infection or the baby’s cord is coming out).

There are benefits to staying at home as you wait for your loved ones to arrive.

It is a familiar place, and you know you and your baby will be safe. So you get a better experience at home even if you’re alone and unassisted.

If you feel concerned or unsafe about your condition, that’s the time you head to the hospital. Otherwise, home is the best place to be.

Pack a ready-to-go bag.

Hopefully, you should have a ready-to-go bag packed. So when you need to go to the hospital, you just pick it up and head out the door. Check out our post to learn more on what to pack in your hospital bag.

Keep calm. Always.

The most important reminder of them all: relax.

There’s no use to getting panicky and alarmed. Labor contractions are normal. Just listen to your body, and stay calm at all times. That way, you can think clearer and react better to your situation.

We hope these pointers gave you an idea on what to do when contractions start.

Stay safe and keep calm always.

The post 10 Things You Should Do When Contractions Start appeared first on Today Mommy.

Hayley, Author at Today Mommy

The 8 Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies

Why use a pacifier?

Table of Contents

To calm baby and distract them during vaccinations

An aid to help baby sleep

Flying with baby

Fussy babies

Colicky babies

Teething

Oral fixations

The Best Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies

Philips Avent Soothie

WubbaNub

Mam Air Silicone Pacifier (Sensitive Skin)

Philips Avent Translucent Orthodontic Infant Pacifier

First Years GumDrop NewBorn

NUK Newborn Silicone

MAM Newborn Start

Philips Respironics Wee Thumbie

When to introduce a pacifier to breastfed baby

Cons to pacifiers you should know about

May shorten breastfeeding

Inner-ear infections

Prolonged use may cause dental issues

Weaning your baby off them could be difficult

Dirty pacifiers

When to replace pacifiers

When to stop using pacifiers

Picking the best pacifier for breastfed babies

Size of Pacifier

Material

Shield

Comfort

How many pacifiers do you need?

Pacifier Do’s and Don’ts

Keep It Clean!

Let The Baby Have Control

Establish Breastfeeding

Right Size

No Sweets Necessary

Don’t Delay Feeding

No Ties

One Per Child

When should you NOT give your baby a pacifier

Encouraging Words for Moms: 8 Things You Need To Hear

Check out these 8 encouraging words for moms.

1. You are doing a great job.

2. You can cry, you can scream, but don’t give up.

3. You are braver, stronger, and smarter than you know.

4. You have family and friends that look out for you.

5. You are not being judged by everyone.

6. You are raising good kids.

7. You are truly loved.

8. You are not alone on this journey called motherhood.

Want tips and more words of encouragement for moms?

Need tips to help you get through the struggle of the tough days?

Get enough sleep.

Sleep between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Overwhelmed? Take a breather.

Invest in your well-being.

Go see your friends or family.

Take a shower.

Become a master of your emotions.

Embrace positivity.

Conclusion: Encouraging Words For Moms

11 Best Pregnancy Movies (#5 Is My Favorite)

The best pregnancy movies

1. Father Of The Bride 2

2. Nine Months

3. Junior

4. Due Date

5. Baby Mama

6. Labor Pains

7. What To Expect When You’re Expecting

8. Riding In Cars With Boys

9. Knocked Up

10. Juno

11. Look Who’s Talking

12. Three Men And A Baby