Top parenting stories this week
Shopping with Baby
Whether it’s popping out for milk or looking for a new dress, here’s how to make shopping 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.
Surviving Air Travel with Kids
If you're planning a trip for the holidays, here's how to stay sane on the plane
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Kids on Planes
- Regulations allow only one lap-child per adult. If you're traveling with two children and only one adult, one child will need 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, offering a bottle or pacifier, or giving older children a drink to sip.
- 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.
Great Gifts for Moms
Treat the moms in your life to a gift designed just for them this Mother's Day.
by: Sydney Loney
Mom Gifts
- Baby food dvds
- Shopping cart cover
- Eco bath products
- Nursing cover
- Nursery wall art
- Custom jewellery
esperately searching for the perfect gift for Mother's Day? Look no further, we've got six gifts guaranteed to make her day perfect. To view the full story click here.
Would you ever drug test your child?
Many parents are testing their kids for drug use. Is it a great way to keep them safe, or a serious breach of trust?
by: Nancy Ripton
Teen Drug Testing
- Half of all 12th graders in North America have used illegal drugs.
- Increasing numbers of parents are submitting their teens to random urine, saliva and hair follicle tests.
- Some parents believe at-home drug tests provide children with a socially acceptable reason to say no to drugs.
- Others say drug testing breaks the parent/child trust bond.
- Hair follicle testing is the most accurate method of testing–it detects the amount of drug use over a 90-day period.
nd you thought your toddler was trouble–just wait ’til he’s a teen. The latest parenting trend is taking a page from the Olympics as worried parents submit their teens to random drug testing. Is this an unforgivable betrayal of trust, or a justifiable way to protect your child from harm? To view the full story click here.
Dealing with Unwanted Parenting Advice
How to stop the steady stream of baby advice without creating a war with your family and friends.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Handling Unwanted Baby Advice
- Sometimes it’s best to just smile, nod, and make a non-committal response instead of starting an argument.
- Don’t fight every little piece of advice–pick your battles.
- Quote a doctor. Many people accept a point of view if a professional has validated it.
- Have a standard response and use it whenever unwanted advice comes your way.
- Sometimes being vague helps–try avoiding confrontation by providing an elusive response.
hile an occasional, well-meaning comment may be okay, too much unsolicited parenting advice can be annoying and put a strain on relationships. Here are 10 ways to respond to unwanted baby advice: To view the full story click here.




