Congrats to Cara Kent who won last week's featured product–a Chic Tots Bib.
Top stories this week
The best way to shop with baby
Whether it’s popping out for milk or looking for a new dress, shopping will never be the same now that you have a little one in tow. Here’s how to make things a little easier for you and your baby.
by: Nancy Ripton
Shopping with baby
- Removable cars seats are ideal for newborns because most babies will fall asleep en route to the mall.
- A sling or carrier leaves both arms free while you shop.
- Tire your child out first with a trip to the park (or the toy aisle).
- Online stores are great for clothing, but require advance planning for groceries.
- When shopping for clothes, stores with large change rooms and good return policies make the whole process much less painful.
arning to all self-proclaimed shopaholics: thanks to an unwilling shopping companion in the form of a fussy newborn or tantrum-prone toddler, even the most devoted bargain hunter may experience symptoms of reluctance for a task they once adored. Are all new moms destined to turn from shopaholic to shopaphobic? The truth is, shopping does become more difficult once your newborn arrives. But the good news is a little planning can make your shopping experience efficient–and even enjoyable–once again. To view the full story click here.
Juggling career and motherhood
How to find balance as a working mom both at home and on the job
by: Sydney Loney
Working moms
- In 2006, 51% of women returned to work within four months of giving birth to their first child, according to the US Census Bureau.
- Research by the Canadian Council on Social Development found that working mothers experience high levels of stress and work/family conflict as they try to balance the demands of work and family.
- Getting a little extra childcare, trading off with other moms or having the drug store deliver are just a few ways you can get things done and free up a little time for you and your family.
- Reduce your stress level by lowering your expectations and being realistic about what you can accomplish in a day.
- Take time to appreciate all the little things that can get lost in a busy schedule and make the most of time spent with your family.
ome women start worrying about whether to return to work well before their babies are born–and many find they change their minds several times before eventually making a decision. "Sometimes you just don't know how you're going to feel until after your baby is born," says Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, author of The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book. If you do make the decision to go back, whether part- or full-time, you're then faced with the often daunting task of juggling the demands of home, family and career. To view the full story click here.
Surviving air travel with small children
Vacation time shouldn’t be stressful. Follow our tips so you can sit back and enjoy your flight–kids included.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Air Travel
- Regulations allow only one lap-child per adult. If you're traveling with two children and only one adult, one child will require a seat of his own.
- If you have an infant, request the bulkhead (front row) when booking, but avoid it if you have older babies because these seats offer neither under-seat space nor seat pockets so everything has to be stored overhead.
- To help your baby's ears adjust to changes in cabin pressure, encourage swallowing during takeoff and landing by breastfeeding or offering a bottle or pacifier.
- If your baby is unhappy and begins to cry, take a deep breath and focus your undivided attention on him. Remain calm–if you're anxious, your baby will sense it and become more upset.
f you're afraid of turning into "one of those families" we've all seen aboard planes with squalling, unruly children, don't worry–with a little forethought and preparation you can get to your destination with minimal stress and a happy family. Here's how: To view the full story click here.
Coping with invasive in-laws
How to keep the peace and establish a strong bond between your child and his grandparents.
by: Armin Brott
Interfering in-laws
- Establish your own roles as parents and be clear about how you want to address various parenting issues; then share your decisions with your in-laws.
- Be diplomatic, but firm, when it comes to conveying how you've decided to approach childrearing.
- Show your appreciation for all the help your in-laws offer and pick your battles over what really matters to you most.
- Involve your in-laws in your children's lives and encourage the bond between them by staying in touch, visiting often and encouraging shared hobbies.
uch as you may not want to hear this, in the minds of your in-laws, their opinion does matter more than yours. They've done this all before and, when it comes to their grandchild, they consider themselves to be the best authority on everything from feeding and sleeping to discipline and toilet training. That's a tough mindset to change, but you can do it and keep the peace at the same time. Here's how: To view the full story click here.
10 ways to keep your child safe in today's world
The sooner children learn to stand up for themselves and be aware of potentially harmful situations, the better. Here's how to empower them and keep them safe.
by: Paula Statman
Child Safety
- as soon as your toddler says her first words, it's time to start talking to her about safety
- don't frighten your child by expressing your own fears - instead, be matter-of-fact when discussing sensitive issues
- teach your child to listen to her instincts and know it's okay to say "no" to anyone acting inappropriately
- use the five P's - protect, prepare, practice, praise, preview - to teach your child new skills
- children who are loved unconditionally feel more worthwhile and are less likely to mistreat others, or allow someone to mistreat them
n today's world of increasingly early independence, it's more important than ever to teach children right from wrong at an early age. Here's how to empower your child so she can stand up for herself, but still feel comfortable coming to you if she ever feels threatened. To view the full story click here.
