Chores are a win-win situation. Think about it: as an adult, apart from the occasional volunteering, most of the work you do requires payment. Kids quickly learn how capitalism works. Instead of giving a weekly allowance “just because”, reward them for their hard work from the start. And don’t go easy on them if they don’t perform their required tasks; if they don’t sweep they don’t get their merit points/money. I know I sound harsh here but would your boss pay you even if you didn’t perform your duties?

So for you lucky parents who have kids aged 4-5+, here are a few cleaning tips for kids:

1. Organize: Kids love to separate and sort according to likeness. Truthfully, all humans like to categorize and maintain some kind of semblance of order. This can apply to many different household duties but here are a few that come to mind: sort the mess of mismatched socks, sort through the chipped and cracked dishes/glasses, arrange their toys/games according to type, re-fold the mess that is your linen closet, etc.
   
   
2. Inventory: Kids who can write love taking inventory counts. Make it fun for them: ask them to go through the pantry and list everything that is empty, half-full or unused; you can use the same type of list while going through the closet of shampoos, soaps, and hair products.
   
   
3. Lists: I have found that lists are essential for men. Well, my husband at least. If I ask him to “clean the bathroom” he looks at me blankly. You see, I have this “virtual” list in my head that I mentally check off as I’m cleaning but my husband doesn’t see it the same way. I’m willing to bet that many kids would feel flustered if asked to clean “something” without being given directives. I would recommend detailed lists of everything you ask. It serves the purpose of visualizing exactly how much they have to accomplish and they feel a sense of pride as they check off the items on their list.
   
   
4. Manageability: Make sure the chores you assign are age-appropriate. Nothing is worse than a child feeling dejected because he/she can’t perform the tasks his/her parent asks because of age. Also, make sure the items on the list can be finished in a set amount of time. A child will be get bored and/or discouraged if he/she can’t finish in about the assigned time. Obvious example: don’t have your 5 year old clean the fine china; instead, have your 5 year old clean the exterior of the curio that contains the fine china.
   
   
5. Accountability: Go over the tasks your kids have accomplished once they are finished. Humans love positive feedback and constructive criticism is integral to your child understanding how to improve his/her work. If your kid’s job was to clean the windows and they are covered in fingerprints and spaghetti sauce, I would suggest you don’t praise that as excellent work; instead, show him/her how you expect the windows to look once they are clean and have them demonstrate his/her ability to accomplish same.
   
   
6. Creative cleaning: This is the most obvious of chores but often the hardest to get your kid to complete. Making cleaning a “fun chore” is an oxymoron (in my view) so as parents, we need to find creative ways to get our kids involved. Have them complete cleaning chores that are in 10-15 minute segments. Also, try to get your children to value the cleaning they have accomplished; sometimes if they understand how much time it took, they won’t be as inclined to dirty it as quickly.
   
   
7. Real rewards: Demonstrating that their work will earn them tangible gifts is a big factor. Though some kids may appreciate the delayed satisfaction of a savings account, I’m willing to bet that most will enjoy the piggy bank of saved-up money to spend on their choice of a toy. Give them a goal chart and show your kids how each chore helps them approach their ultimate goal.
   
   
8. Recycle-Reuse: Spring cleaning is a great time to go through your unused items and donate to charity. I’m sure your kids have amassed a large number of toys that have not been played with in months or more. Ask them to go through their toys with the aim of donating the ones they no longer need/want. Once the pile is complete, bring them to the charity and have them hand it over. If you aren’t opposed to buying used clothing and/or toys, let your child choose a few “new” toys to bring home.
   
   
9. Teamwork: If you are cleaning, chances are your kids will want to help out in some way. I know as soon as I start cleaning, my kids are immediately in my way. Remember that teamwork is always faster, more productive and much more fun
   
   
10. Have fun! Yes, chores suck. But they are–as my mother would say–a necessary evil. Instead of dreading spring cleaning (or cleaning of any type), visualize the clean results: a fresh smelling, organized and livable home! Just as your kids like goals and lists, give yourself the same rewards. And at least try to have fun!

If you are a new parent, excitedly waiting for the arrival of your little one, you may be overwhelmed by all the things you are going to need. There are a lot of baby products on the market so it can be hard to distinguish between what you really need vs. what you really want. One of the most important things you will purchase for your baby is their sleeping area. Along with the many types of cribs to choose from you also have the option of buying a play yard. You may be wondering which ones to choose and what will work best for your family. Here are 8 things to consider:

1. What is your space like? Whether you have a large room to transform into a nursery or if you are carving out space in your current bedroom, you may or may not have the room to fit a crib. If your space is small, a play yard may just be the perfect item to purchase for your baby. But if you have the space for a crib, that piece of furniture might be the best for you.

2. How often will you travel with your baby? If you are planning to travel often with your little one, having a play yard is very convenient. Not only are they easy to fold down but they are easy to assemble back up when you get to your destination.

4. What is your budget? A crib generally tends to be more costly than a play yard. If you are trying to keep costs low, a play yard will probably be the best choice that fits your budget.

5. How long do you want your item to last? If you are looking for a bed that will grow with your child, a convertible crib will be able to do just that. There are many cribs that you can purchase that have the option of converting into a toddler bed as well as a twin bed. A play yard has a life expectancy of about a year to a year and half until your child "outgrows" it.

6. Do you plan on having more children? If you are planning to have more children, having one of both may be very helpful. Your older child can move to the crib while your newborn will be perfectly happy in the play yard.

7. How mobile do you want it? A play yard is great if you want the option of being able to move your baby’s sleeping place. Many times if there are two children sharing a room, they may do just fine sleeping together at night but have difficulties transitioning to sleep during the day for a nap because they are just playing with each other. Having a play yard allows you to put a sleeping place temporarily in a different room during the day for naps.

1. They are safe. You don’t have to worry about your child falling off of or out of a high chair as long as the harness is secured. Also, for young infants who are just starting to gain more muscle in their necks, high chairs with a recline can accommodate infants from 4-5 months old. While young babies are still learning how to sit up on their own, you can rest assured that your baby will be properly supported in a high chair. Most high chairs also have a 3 point or a 5 point harness to buckle them in – perfect for any little escape artist.

2. Easier to the feed baby. When your child is in a high chair, it is a lot easier to feed them. You can face them and spoon feed them a lot easier. The high chair tray is also great to place a few tiny finger foods and allow them to feed themselves. Learning to use their fingers and feeding themselves is a very important milestone and it sets the stage for much more than eating food.

3. Helps practice and develop good dining habits. When in a high chair, your little one is learning how to eat at a dinner table. This is by practicing good dining habits. They start to understand what meal times are and when we eat throughout the day. When sitting in the high chair they will learn to anticipate that now is eating time and will be less resistant to eating in the future. This is especially important to develop early on because toddlers are notoriously picky eaters!

4. Easy cleanup. This sounds like a no brainer but trust me, kids make huge, out of this world messes with their food. I found the messiest stage was between 12 months to about 2 years, peaking at 18 months and the ease of high chair clean up was a lifesaver. High chairs have a special layer of plastic that makes clean up a breeze (try to get dried up puree off a wooden table–it’s a nightmare) and they are often equipped with machine washable padding and dishwasher safe trays.

5. Helps develop independent eating habits. Having your child in a high chair is a great way to help them develop independent eating. It is here that they can learn how to use feeding utensils such as spoon and fork along with bowls and plates. The high chair tray makes all of these items much easier for them to get a hold of. This is great for gross motor development.

6. Easy to Supervise. Having a child in a high chair makes it very easy to supervise them. They can’t crawl or go anywhere and you can keep them busy in a high chair with food while you work on something else such as washing the dishes after a meal. I have many fond memories of strapping my son into his high chair while he munched on cheerios and he and I “cooked” together. Many toys are made specifically for high chairs with suction cups that allow parents to stick the toy to the tray.

Types of Car Seats:

• Infant Car Seat – The first car seat that is purchased is rear facing and is necessary for a child from birth to approximately one year of age. As with all seats, it is installed in a back seat. This model needs to be at a 45° angle, and the harness straps should be at or below the level of the shoulders.
• Convertible – A convertible seat can be a rear or forward facing car seat. It varies according to the manufacturer and model, but most of them can be used for younger children who are between 20 and 40 pounds. This seat should also have the harness straps at or below the shoulders.
• Forward Facing – When a child is about 35 pounds, he can use a forward facing model. In the past, the general guideline was that as soon as a child turned one, he or she could be put into a forward facing seat, but this is no longer what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends. It is best for the child’s safety if he remains rear facing for as long as possible-until he outgrows the infant car seat.
• Booster – Once a child reaches 40lbs, he or she may be able to utilize a booster car seat. These seats have the child facing forward and are the final step before he can sit in a car with just a seat belt.

Several important tips and suggestions will make it easier to pick out the perfect car seat. All newly manufactured seats have to pass federal guidelines, so there is no instance where one seat will be safer than another. The only exception to this would be when comparing a new seat to a used seat. It is always recommended to purchase a brand new model.

1. Easy Installation in New Vehicles

All modern vehicles now feature car seat connection points. This LATCH system is found in all vehicles since 2002. These are usually on the back most seat and are sometimes signified with a baby or car seat logo on the upholstery or on a seat belt. The owner’s manual of the particular vehicle should be reviewed to see if there are any particular precautions or suggestions associated with the model of the car.

2. Is it the Right Car Seat for Your Baby?

Having the child the correct seat will ensure he is the safest. It is always essential that you follow recommended guidelines. This will mean that multiple seats are purchased as a child is growing up.

3. Space Planning before Installing Your Car Seat

Make sure you plan the best vehicle and spot before installing your car seat. A common mistake would be to purchase a car seat only to find that other people are no longer able to sit comfortably or safely in the car. This is especially important if two car seats need to be used in one vehicle. Also, the seat may extend quite a bit past the base of the back. This means that the front seat will most likely need to be pulled forward. Anyone who is tall may then have a difficult time comfortably sitting in the front. Be sure to plan appropriately for all of these adjustments.

4. Easy to Clean Car Seats are the Best

Children are messy. There is no denying that fact. Purchasing a car seat that is easy to clean up will save time and aggravation. One that has a removable cover and smooth surfaces is ideal. Anything with excessive amounts of detail or stitching will hold bits of food and dirt.

5. Restraint Harnesses on Car Seats

Most of the models that are available will feature a five point harness. There is a top strap that goes above the shoulders and a lower connection point that will come up between and above the legs attaching to the above pieces. These need to be pulled snug. They do not do their job if they are loose, and they need to be easy for the adult to operate yet difficult for the child to unbuckle.

6. Easy Car Seat Installation is Best

In some cases, a seat will need to be installed and moved to different vehicles. Because of this, the process for installation should only take a short amount of time and be extremely easy. Many seats will have directions and information right on the unit. There is also a level or indicator that will show the user the proper angle for installation.

7. Is the Car Seat the Most Current design?

Before purchasing anything, one should review safety information to ensure that a particular model is up to date and meets current safety standards. From time to time, these standards get revised and various items even get recalled. Because of that fact, shopping at a reputable store like Simple Baby Necessities will mean that only the most current designs are sold.

8. Register and Properly Install Your Car Seat

Once purchased, registering the model with the company will ensure that the users are always up-to-date with any of these safety recalls and with appropriate product notifications. Safety should always be the most important factor when purchasing anything for a young child. With adequate research, it is quite easy to purchase the perfect car seat for your child. One final step would be to have the seat checked by a professional. Many times, local hospitals and police/fire departments will offer clinics where they inspect installed seats at no charge.

1. Crib
   This first one seems rather obvious but it’s obvious for a reason. Sure, you could probably have your child live in a drawer for a few weeks but eventually you’ll really want something safe, secure and flexible to grow with your child. We highly recommend convertible cribs. What is a convertible crib? It’s a bed that starts out as a crib, converts into a toddler bed with, and then without, safety rails and finally a twin size bed. Quite honestly, a convertible crib can last into your child’s early teens. Make sure you choose a neutral color that will grow with your child. Crib mattresses are usually in the $100-$150 range. We highly recommend you spend the extra $30-50 for a good quality mattress—those growing bones need good support.
   
   
2. Crib bedding
   Again, this one seems logical but it’s important to purchase bedding that is specifically manufactured for baby cribs. Fitted sheets are important because if it’s not tightly fitted around the edges, it could pose a strangling or choking hazard if the edges become loose. The sheets and blankets are also an important consideration due to size. The crib sized blankets and sheets are made to fit neatly into a crib. Even a twin sized blanket is too large for a baby’s crib and again, it could pose a hazard to your baby’s health. We highly recommend purchasing crib bedding manufactured specifically for your crib dimensions.

3. Nursery furniture
   I kept reminding myself not to buy too many 0-3 month outfits while I was pregnant. But they are absolutely irresistible, right? I’m here to remind you that all those 0-3month outfits are pretty useless. Go ahead, splurge on one or two for a photo shoot but no more than that. If your baby is a summer baby, he or she will be living in onesies. If your baby is born in the winter, he or she will be wearing sleepers all day and all night. Fall or spring? A variation of onesies and sleepers. But the inevitable will happen and you will buy/receive/inherit way too many outfits. No 6 month old needs 5 pairs of shoes! And so, a good quality furniture set is essential and it will last years (probably as long as the convertible crib). After all, you need a place to store all those cute outfits. The nursery furniture doesn’t have to match the crib, nor does it even have to be a completely brand new set. However, opting for a new set will ensure that your child has many, many years to enjoy his or her furniture.
   
   If you’re looking for some nursery design inspiration, check out our selection of crib bedding and matching nursery decor. We have a lot of options to choose from!
   
   
4. Baby monitor
   This one is a very personal choice but as a mother of two, I promise you I could never have slept soundly without one. As a new mom, it’s hard not to stress out over every little peep your newborn makes. I was so exhausted I feared that I would mistakenly sleep through my baby’s hunger cues. A good baby monitor will last you through several years and several kids. They are, relative to the amount of peace of mind they offer, very inexpensive. If you want to really treat yourself, and if you have the extra budget space, you could always go for the fancy video monitor.
   
   
5. Car seat
   Your child’s safety is most important and we recommend you buy new car seats for your children. Furthermore, we highly advise that you heed the expiration dates on your child’s car seats. In many states, you can’t leave the hospital without a child properly restrained in a car seat. If you own a vehicle, or if your child will be traveling with someone who drives, it’s imperative that your purchase a car seat. 

3. Stroller or carrier
   You can choose either or both but unless you plan on staying home for the next year, you’ll need to transport your child. The car seat is essential for travel within the car but the bucket seat is bulky when walking with it. You’ll need a solution that fits with your lifestyle. Some people swear by carriers and some can’t live without their stroller. The right choice is completely up to you. As a mom of two young children, I have a double stroller, a baby carrier and two baby hiking backpacks! If this is your first child and you plan on having more than one child, I highly recommend you purchase a double stroller to begin with. You’ll have extra storage space while you have one child and you’ll save yourself the expense of buying a second double stroller once you have the second child. Tandem strollers are easy to steer and simple to get through doorways. The side by side strollers are meant to be small enough to glide through standard doorways but if you are a frequent mall walker/shopper, I recommend the tandem as it’s easier to get through aisles in department stores and through tighter corners.

7. Baby swing or vibrating chair
   You don’t absolutely need a baby swing or a vibrating chair. If you “wear” your baby, you won’t need one at all but if you’d like a break and the crib isn’t doing it for your child, the soothing vibrations and calm music of a swing or bouncy chair are sure to quiet the screams. The swing/chair was a lifesaver for my colicky child. We certainly don’t recommend that you allow your child to sleep in the swing or chair through the night but the occasional nap for baby (and hopefully you!) is certainly worth the price of those contraptions. Make sure that the fabric is removable and machine washable!

Most importantly: enjoy this time of discovery. You are, or will be, a fabulous parent!

Infants require slightly modified rules depending on their age and abilities. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to bathe your infant in the kitchen or bathroom sink directly, there are infant bathtubs designed to make your life slightly easier.

1. Always, always watch your kids while in the bathtub.
   I had to put this one first because it seems like the most logical rule to bath safety but it’s often overlooked by parents of toddler-aged children. Obviously an infant that can’t hold up its own body needs 100% supervision but it seems acceptable to leave a toddler who can walk and run in the bath alone. Please don’t leave your children alone in a bathtub at any time. Government websites recommend 100% supervision of all children under 5. While it’s difficult to assess when a child is ready to bathe alone, I would say that once a child truly understands water danger, he/she is ready to be left alone to bathe.

2. Never leave an older child to supervise a younger child.
   If you aren’t ready to leave your older child to babysit for his/her younger sibling, then you shouldn’t be ready to let the older child supervise bath time. It’s often difficult for a child to understand certain dangerous consequences and they do not have the skills to react to a life threatening situation.

3. Check the water temp before putting your child in the bath.
   This is another logical one that even I have sometimes overlooked. You start the water at what feels like a comfortable temperature only to realize once the bath is ready, it’s suddenly really hot. The ideal water temperature is 98-100⁰F (37-38⁰C) for children. Adults tend to like the water warmer but children have sensitive skin that doesn’t need to be exposed to higher temperatures. We highly recommend using a water thermometer and they make cute rubber duck thermometers that double as a functional toy. But even with the thermometer, it’s still best to check the water each and every time you put your children in for bath time.

4. Get all your bathing accessories ready before the bath.
   The number one reason parents step away from the bath is to get a towel, or washcloth, or some kind of favorite toy. Make sure to have everything (towels, soap, toys, shampoo, etc) available before you put your child in so you don’t have to scramble once you’ve already begun. I’m a big fan of the shower caddy and toy holders to ensure everything is organized before and after bath time. I’ve seen some really cute designs or you can simply get a plastic container at the dollar store and drill drain holes at the bottom.

5. Buy an appropriate infant bathtub.
   I said earlier that bathing an infant in the sink is perfectly acceptable but I highly recommend buying a dedicated tub. They are designed with the correct positioning in mind and it really takes the additional stress off holding, monitoring head placement AND washing. Also, the bath can double as a toy and accessory holder once your children has outgrown the tub. If you drill drain holes at the bottom, the plastic basin can live in your tub while not in use and effectively drains/dries to prevent mold growth. The model pictured below is one of our most popular because it grows with your child from infant to toddler years.

6. Empty the bath water after bath time.
   Water is a drowning hazard even if bath time is over. Even if there is a rim around the bath, toddlers are top heavy and leaning over the tub is enough to accidentally slip into the water. Children can drown in only a few inches of water. Drowning can be very quick – it can take only a moment. Young children can also drown silently, without coughing or splashing, so you might not even realize they’re in danger.

7. Use a kneeling pad.
   Bath safety isn’t just for kids! Since using a kneeling pad, I have found that my knees and back hurt much less after bath time. Before using the kneeling pad, because of the pressure on my knees from the hard surface, I had the tendency to lean forward, causing a painful and unnatural curve in my back. Now that I’ve been using the kneeling pad, my back is in a more natural, upright position and I have much less back/neck and knee pain. You can purchase a dedicated bath kneeling pad or you can purchase one from the gardening section.

8. Place an anti-slip mat on the tub floor.
   The combination of soapy water makes for a slippery tub floor. Also, toddlers (at least mine) have a tendency to stand up a lot in the tub. It’s likely due to their compulsion for constant motion but it makes for a dangerous situation. I have found that my kids slip much less with an anti-slip mat under their feet during bath time. Make sure to rinse it well as soap scum builds up fast.

9. Check for mold growth.
   This one doesn’t fall under the immediate safety hazard but it’s certainly gross. I once cut open a rubber ducky bath toy and I found months of mold growth inside the duck. Blech! Also, my son tends to throw non-bath appropriate toys (metal cars) into the bath and I occasionally miss these during clean up which leads to rust growth. Make sure your kids use only water/bath appropriate toys and periodically check those too. Even the “anti-mold” bath toys can fall victim to the yucky black-green spores. Life hack: Try gluing the blow hole shut with a hot glue gun.

10. Learn CPR!
    This isn’t just for bath time. This is a really important skill to master. Many of your local police/fire departments actually offer free or very inexpensive courses taught by professionals. CPR can seriously mean the difference between life or death. Remember an ambulance takes at least 5-10 minutes to arrive.

Be safe and have fun!

Ahhh. Air travel with toddlers. The world is our oyster but because air travel is such a daunting (exhausting, frustrating, frightening) journey, many parents shy away from amazing vacation adventures. I know because I was one of them. My husband and I planned on going to Thailand for our annual getaway with our toddler but because the flight is so long, we ended up passing up the opportunity. Next year? Perhaps. We’ll see if we have the guts to attempt 24 hours of travel time (more than half of which is spent in a plane).

But there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. We have flown with our son (albeit Hawaii and not Thailand) and it is completely doable. Here are a few tips:

1. Don’t stress. I know. This is like me asking you not to think of a pink elephant and all you can think of is a pink elephant in a blue tutu. How about this: try not to stress. You’ve made the decision to fly with your kids and you certainly aren’t going to back out last minute so make the most of the journey. I’m willing to wager that the typical adage “the destination isn’t important; it’s the journey there” does not apply here but still, enjoy your time—you are on vacation, after all.

2. Bring toys. And I don’t mean toys for you. Forget about the in-flight entertainment for adults. Don’t even think about opening that Kindle/iPad,etc. It’s just not going to happen. As long as you realize that from the beginning, you’ll be better off. Now, on to the real toys. Bring toys that your kids haven’t seen before but that you know they’ll like. Even if you are the “no tv” kind of parent, I highly recommend forgoing this rule and bringing your kid’s favorite program or introducing a new one.

This kept my son busy for almost 90 minutes on our flight!

3. Pack light. How is that even possible with all the junk you are carrying to entertain your child in the cabin? This is a good rule for packing in general. Unless you are trekking in Antarctica, you can be pretty sure that you’ll find diapers and clothing for your child at your destination (maybe even cheaper). Is it worth the hassle of lugging around a gigantic suitcase just to be sure? Keep your carry-on bag light and manageable. You are already juggling baby/bags/passports/tickets/insanity. The “just in case” syndrome is a vacationer’s worst enemy. Pack the stuff that really matters—leave the rest at home.

Let the kids carry some of their own stuff. Kids with a job are less likely to act out.

4. Be on time! In fact, because you are travelling with baby, leave extra early. Don’t do as we did: late for our flight, we were rushing like idiots through security and I had a panic attack when the slow as molasses security guard decided to test every bottle of formula, lotion and doodad I had stupidly packed. We BARELY made the flight. Do yourself a favor and leave on time (or early).

5. Pack something warm & bring food/snacks. I know this is contrary to the 3rd tip but airplane cabins can get really chilly and nowadays, there’s barely any food options, especially for kids! Don’t rely on the airline’s supply of blankets; they often run out of them. Bring something that can double as sweater (even if you go to a tropical destination, you are likely to encounter a chilly night) or fleecy sleeper. Bring plenty of snacks. Even if you don’t finish them inflight, you will certainly eat them up along the way. Keeping your child comfortable eliminates one source of the tantrums.

6. Apologize in advance. Make friends not enemies. I once read a story online about a couple who apologized to the passengers by writing an apology note along with a goodie bag. Obviously this is not feasible for most people (and I’m sure, if the story is true, the plane must’ve been tiny) but I found that a good way of calming the nerves is to walk my son up and down the aisles to show people that the source of the screaming is a cute, innocent child (and not a demon). Once people see your darling angel they might not be as easily agitated by the eardrum shattering screeches. Well, maybe not but it’s worth a try.

7. Make friends with the staff. I highly recommend being overly nice to the flight attendants. If your child just can’t get enough OJ or you need a million napkins to wipe up the spilled OJ, you really want them on your side. Some airlines have perks for kids like little snacks, air plane activity kits and who knows…maybe your child could actually meet the pilot in the cockpit (if that’s even still done).

8. Bring drugs. I know, I’m going to get in trouble for this one but hear me out: I’m an adult and I get terrible motion sickness. I know I feel much more comfortable with some motion sickness drugs in me so if your kid suffers from motion sickness, I don’t think it’s a big problem to give them some drugs to settle their stomach. Of course, it’s also a huge side bonus that these motion sickness drugs make your kid drowsy. Look, if your child is totally uncomfortable, stressing you out and screaming his/her lungs out, I really don’t think slipping them a little sleepy-aid (ONCE a year!) is going to harm them.

9. Tire them out. But make sure you get enough sleep! Do not, I repeat, do not stay up all night packing or stressing about whether you’ve packed everything (been there, done that) and Go-To-Bed. If your child is physically tired, you are more likely to get a restful flight. I can only hope that my son is tired enough to sleep a few hours on the plane. 

10. Stroller it. I’ve had a few friends ask me about the stroller situation. If I were you, I’d bring the stroller all the way to the gate. Airlines allow it and it’s SO much easier to get around in the airport. Also, since you are lugging all the other travel gear (read: crap), it’s nice to have your child buckled in with nowhere to run!

If possible, bring a stroller with a one hand closing mechanism:

11. Bulkhead if you can. If you get the bulkhead seat, you really are in for a bonus. I’ve sat in the bulkhead seat ONCE and I was visibly pregnant and begged with puppydog eyes when I checked in. So most likely, you won’t be getting the bulkhead seats. If you do, you are in super luck: they have (on international flights) bassinets, super leg room, no one in front to worry about and up close and personal screens.

Christmas Bonus!

Make lists. Lots of lists. Lists are a mother’s best friend. I make lists of my lists. I might be joking but actually I'm not. It's incredible how much stuff you need when traveling with a child and I certainly believe in making lists to ensure you've packed every essential. 

Lastly? Enjoy! You're on vacation. And...Good luck!

1. Long Distance Shower. This mom-to-be could be living quite far from family and friends. Some would rather save the money for travel to see a baby rather than going to a shower. Many families are separated by many miles and often live in different states or countries.Having a long distance shower is a great way to help new parents with baby gifts without having to live in close proximity. Technology can really help with a long distance shower: use FaceTime and/or Skype to keep everyone connected. 

2. Baby Sprinkle. A Baby Sprinkle is a baby shower for those on their 2nd or even 3rd baby. It is a great way to celebrate the new baby without having to throw a huge party and give gifts of items that these seasoned parents already have. This is great for parents who are having a different gender and can get some new clothing they may not have to hand down to their next baby. 

3. Book Theme. Want to build up the new baby’s book library? A book themed baby shower is a perfect idea. Everyone can bring a book in lieu of a card with a little note in the side cover. There will be lots of bedtime story readings and the new parents will especially appreciate having a large selection of books to choose from. Since books can be pricey, suggest that guests bring used books. 

4. Welcome! Sip & See. A sip and see party is a great way to get everyone together to see the new baby. This party is really just to introduce your new baby to everyone. I would have loved this type of party since I was hospitalized at the end of my pregnancy and I missed the opportunity to have a baby shower. Also, many new moms don't like to host guest after guest coming unexpectedly to visit the new baby. This is an organized way to invite everyone to see new baby at the same time. And if you feel uncomfortable with everyone touching new baby, make sure you make it very clear that there is a "no touch" policy in effect. 

5. Frozen Dinner Shower. Any new parents will tell you that the first few weeks of a baby’s arrival can be rough. Just trying to come up with something to eat for dinner can seem like an impossible task. Having a frozen dinner shower is a great way to provide pre-prepared meals that just need warming up. I would've loved this party! Imagine having months of go-to meals for those nights when you don't feel like preparing anything? Great idea. Make sure everyone knows if you have allergies or food intolerance. And just make sure that they have a large freezer! 

6. Piggy Bank Shower. If the new parents-to-be are moving right away or in a situation where they cannot bring lots of gifts to their home, a piggy bank shower is good idea. A big piggy bank is placed on a table and everyone who wants to contribute can place their money inside. Guests should be told in advance that they should not purchase any gifts but are asked to donate any amount of money they feel comfortable giving. The money can be used for any expenses or needs, like diapers or formula, that the parents can use over time.

7. Diaper Baby Shower. What is one thing every new parent can never have enough of? Diapers! And diapers are expensive! Having a diaper baby shower where everyone brings a pack in lieu of a gift is great for new parents and seasoned parents. I'v attended quite a few baby showers where guests arrive with "diaper cakes." Diaper cakes are essentially diapers folded in the shape of a towering cake. Then they'll tape or pin baby essentials to the "cake" and wrap it in cellophane. I've received diaper cakes and they are very practical gifts...I would've liked a diaper shower!

8. Have a Blessingway. A Blessingway, also known as a Mother Blessing, is a sacred pre-birth ceremony performed by the Navajo people. The ceremony celebrates when a women becomes a mother for the first time. It's a sacred rite of passage that is deserving of pampering and blessing from all the important women in her life. Instead of sharing gifts, the women gather in a circle and share life experiences and birthing stories. It can be so powerful to feel the warmth of the women you love and the mutual sharing of hopes and fears.  

9. Invite the men! Baby showers usually exclude the men. It seems almost unfair to leave the men out of the equation when they'll be right there supporting you through your delivery. It's a great way to teach new fathers about diaper changing techniques, swaddling methods and other handy tips. Try to incorporate the men by playing party games they would enjoy and ensuring that they participate in the fun.

10. Pamper party. This is a good one! Invite all the girls out for a mani/pedi party. Bring the cake and enjoy some delicious after-pampering treats in the salon. By the time the baby shower roles around, most moms-to-be can't reach their own toes and it doesn't hurt to have pretty toes on the big day. 

Whatever you decide to do--even if you decide not to celebrate with a party--enjoy the bundle of joy that is about to arrive!

1. Do a trial run.

2. Bring your breast pump and some pumped milk.

3. Make frequent stops.

4. Bring a few soft toys and rattles.

5. Bring an extra changes of clothes.

6. Be reasonable!

7. Be prepared for lousy/gross restaurants.

Baby proofing your house may not be as easy as you think it is. There will be things that you would never think your little one could get in to and you will be amazed when you find out they can. Baby proofing requires much more than just putting covers over outlets and putting any breakables out of their reach.

Baby proofing isn’t just for safety, either. I once found my 3 year old painting with my $45 MAC cosmetic brush! He said it was the best brush he’d ever used—yeah, I’ll bet! Make sure you remove any valuables and anything that you do not want to see broken. In other words, Grandma’s heirloom vase should not be within arm’s reach or on a bookcase that can be climbed.

So, without further ado, here are some baby proofing safety tips your mom never told you about:

1. Invite a mobile baby over.

   Want to know if your house is really baby proof? Have a friend who has a baby who is crawling around come over and that baby will immediately let you know if your house is baby proofed enough. Just watching this little one crawl around will give you the eyes you don’t have to realize all the things that a baby could get into. 
   
   

2. Make sure your crib is up to standards.

   Back when we were growing up our parents use to put all sorts of things in our cribs. From over-sized comforters, blankets and multiple stuffed animals, not to mention using drop side cribs—we know now that all of these are potential hazards. Make sure your crib has slats that are no more than 2 3/8” apart and that there is nothing in the bed with baby.
   
   

3. Make sure all toys are an appropriate size.

   Want to know if your child’s toy could be a choking hazard? Use the toilet paper roll rule.  If the toy is small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll than it is probably too small for baby. This includes anything that could easily break apart or even objects that can be stuffed into a small mouth. Garbage bags…who knew those could be so attractive? Live and learn!
   
   

4. Mount bookshelves and dressers.

   Babies can climb and if they pull the drawers from the dresser the weight will make it fall forward. You can mount these items with safety brackets to the wall. If you have a flat screen TV, make sure that it is either mounted to the wall or that it is secure to the entertainment center. This item is easy for little ones to push over and can be extremely dangerous.
   
   

5. Check your hand-me-down toys.

   Hand me down toys are great! But always be sure to go through them and check before giving them to your kids. Older toys can have a high level of lead and safety standards have since changed.  Make sure these toys don’t have any recalls on them and that you clean them thoroughly.
   
   

6. Don’t be afraid to gate.

    Don't wait to gate! The best way to make sure your little ones can’t choke on anything/break anything is to cut off access to certain parts of you house. Adults can and should still have their space. Baby gates help give you back your sanity.

You came. I gated. We conquered.

Happy parenting!

1. Neutral upon neutrals.

Look at this nursery. I love the textural laying and the spacious layout. The brown and gray combination is perfect with the crisp white backdrop and the (dare I say?) greige accent wall. I love this look—and it’s suitable for boy or girl.

2. Gray and pink.

This is such a classic combination. Dusty rose or soft pinks with an antiqued gray is feminine and pretty. You really can’t go wrong pairing gray and pink: it’s popular for a reason.

3. Whimsical gray.

This gorgeous example is simple, yet modern, and the soft blue walls give just the hint of the arrival of a boy. Orange is a great choice for a pop of color in the accent pouf.

4. Pops of color.

5. Daffodil and gray.

This last choice is a very popular one lately and I see why. It’s so cheerful! It enlivens what some may perceive as the somber gray and infuses the natural color of the sun’s rays into your baby’s room. Gray, yellow and white: a winner any day.

When you come home from the hospital with your perfect, beautiful infant you automatically need a comfortable place for him or her to rest and sleep. Most parents are actually shocked at how much newborns sleep especially in the first few weeks. Make sure before that miraculous, unforgettable first day home with your newborn arrives that you have the perfect crib, bassinet and/or cradle. You will be going through many changes and new experiences in that first year of your baby’s life, ensure the baby crib you choose is something you don’t need to worry about for a second. 

A crib may just be a crib to you now, but once you have your baby you will realize that the perfect crib can be a lifesaver and easily become your favorite piece of furniture. If your baby feels happy, comfortable and safe to sleep in his or her crib, you will get much more rest and relaxation yourself. You will have more time to cook, clean and do your various tasks around the house. The baby crib you choose could make the difference between your infant sleeping through the night and him or her not sleeping more than a couple hours at a time.. 

Remember “…every baby deserves to be spoiled.”

When you are a new parent or expecting a first child, or just trying to figure out the new guidelines…finding the right car seat can be very intimidating and confusing. Those of us here at Nurzery know how difficult this can be so we have come up with some simplified summaries and tips for you.

Infant Car Seats

Infant car seats are also called “bucket seats” because they have a handle making them resemble a bucket. These seats hold the child in a partially lying down position keeping their body encased for protection. They are rear-facing in vehicles and are designed to form a safety barrier for the baby with the seat back in case of a collision. These car seats usually click in and out of a secured, belted base, but some can be belted into the car on their own. When you have a base already securely hooked in your vehicle, the infant car seat simply snaps in to the base which makes it easy to transport your baby. You can safely carry them in their comfortable seat. Some babies enjoy napping, resting or even eating in their infant seat because it is soft and in a comfortable position for them. These car seats usually have a height and weight limit of 35 pounds and 30 inches. This is the car seat you will need for your child from when he or she is first born until he or she out grows it. You will always keep this seat rear-facing.

• For newborns
• Rear-Facing
• Weight: up to about 35lbs
• Age: birth to about 15 months

Convertible Seats

Convertible seats are car seats that can safely carry a child through various stages, and there are many different types available. Some convertible car seats are only designed to be rear-facing, some are only designed to be forwarding-facing, and there are some that are able to convert from rear-facing to forward facing when your child reaches the height and/or weight needed to switch. Convertible seats are made both with a 5-point harness and an overhead shield strap, but the 5-point harness is considered to be the safer design. Convertible car seats are not the best choice for a newborn because the harness slots are often above the baby’s shoulder until he or she gets taller. The rear-facing convertible seats have a maximum limit of about 45lbs. Forward-facing convertible car seats usually hold a maximum weight of 65lbs, but it varies among manufactures.

(Below varies by model)

• Permanently strapped in to the vehicle either rear or forward facing
• Weight: about 20-65lbs
• Age: 9months to 4 years

**Important !!** The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies remain rear-facing until they outgrow their convertible seat, no matter their age. You should leave your baby rear-facing until they outgrow the weight limit for their seat, or the top of their head is within an inch of the top of the car seat. There is an older rule of thumb that is still believed that you turn your babies around to forward facing at 12 months and/or 20 pounds, but this is NOT the AAP suggestion for what keeps babies protected through their various sizes and phases of life. Many children will be over the age of 2 when they need to be turned to forward facing.

Booster Seats

Booster car seats are for children that are able to properly use an adult seat belt. Booster seats are only for children that are over 4 years old and/or 40lbs. Booster seats give children the “boost” they need so that the vehicle’s shoulder strap can sit firmly across the collar bone and chest and so that the lap belt can sit securely across the hips. If the seat belt is not appropriately fitting, it can cause internal damage in a collision. There are high back and no back boosters seats available, but the high back seats are considered the safer design

• Forward facing using the car’s belt to latch in the child
• About 40-100 pound
• Ages 4-12 (until reaching the seat’s weight limit)

Why Should I Buy a New Car Seat?

Car Seats Expire:

As strange as it may sound at first, all car seats expire. It varies among manufacturers, but most car seats expire within 6 years from the date they were made. The manufacturer will have a date of expiration listed on your car seat-usually stamped on the bottom. Pay attention to this date, and do not use it beyond that date of expiration.

Car Seats are not safe after a crash:

If a car is in an accident with the car seat in it-whether a child was in the car seat or not-the car seat’s safety has been compromised. The car seat needs to be replaced if the car was in any sort of collision.

Car Seat Recalls:

Car seats, like any other safety product, can get recalled. There are varying degrees of a recall. Sometimes the whole car seat needs to be replaced, and in other cases the manufacturer will just send the owner a part to be replaced.

Car seats not being safe after expiration dates, collisions, and recalls are three big reasons why you should buy a new car seat. If you get a used car seat, you will most likely not have the full history of it. You will not have all the information you need to ensure it is ready to protect your baby in your vehicle. The money you might save getting a used car seat is not worth the risk you are putting on your baby. Your baby’s safety is your priority, so it is certainly worth the small investment of buying a new car seat to ensure he or she is given the highest level protection while traveling on the roads.  

Important Tips:

• Make sure the car seat straps are pulled snug. If they are loose they will not properly protect your baby.
• Use the vehicle’s “LATCH” system (metal anchors that many vehicles now provide for easy installation and secured attaching) or seat belts to attach the car seat to your car. Be sure to properly follow the instruction manual included with the car seat.
• The car seat should not move more than 1 inch from left to right or front to back once installed.
• If it is your first time setting up that car seat, get it checked at a car seat inspection station to be sure it is installed properly. Here is a website you can use to find one near you: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm
• Do not use a car seat passed its expiration date-usually stamped on the bottom.
• Do not use a car seat if it has ever been in a crash event.
• Do not use a car seat unless you know the FULL history of it-including if the car seat itself or any of its parts have been recalled.
• Call the manufacturer if you do not know when the car seat expires or if you are not sure about a recall matter.
• Always use car seats in the back seats. The middle seat has been tested to be the safest. Never use the car seat in the front passenger seat directly behind the front air bag.

The plentiful health benefits bestowed by yoga is only recently being discovered to the full by the world of science. Over the last decade, many surprising findings have been made about yoga, including its ability to promote better outcomes in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer, to slow down the progression and increase regression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with severe coronary disease, and to help patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One recent study, published earlier this year, however, indicates that yoga can also help moms-to-be battle anxiety and depression. Psychguides.com reveals that the number of women affected by prenatal depression is more than we might imagine: “Statistics from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest that between 14 and 23 per cent of women suffer from some form of depression during pregnancy.” Since this condition can have serious consequences for the health and well being of both mothers and their babies, researchers and medical professionals are constantly on the lookout for effective therapies that are inexpensive and have no negative side-effect. Yoga is one such therapy.

Effects of Antenatal Yoga on Maternal Anxiety and Depression

The above-mentioned study, published in the journal, Depression and Anxiety, involved 59 pregnant women, who filled in questionnaires measuring state, trait and pregnancy-specific anxiety and depression. The women were then either assigned to a yoga, or a standard treatment group, for a period of eight weeks. The results were significantly better for the yoga group; just one yoga session reduce both subjective and physiological levels of state anxiety, leading researchers to conclude that prenatal yoga was useful “ for reducing women's anxieties toward childbirth and preventing increases in depressive symptomatology.”  One of the main reasons cited by scientists for yoga’s ability to lower levels of (stress hormone) cortisol, is its focus on breathing and physical control. Pranayamic (or controlled) breathing  is a technique that can be very useful when we are giving birth; controlled breathing helps us bring down the heart rate and stress levels, which has wonderful calming effects for our baby as well. Yoga additionally has an important mindfulness component, which involves keeping our thoughts ‘in the here and now’ and stopping anxiety about the future from interfering with our wellbeing.

Additional benefits of yoga for moms-to-be include:

• Yoga reduces stress for moms undergoing high-risk pregnancies: Another important study (published in 2013) specifically looked at the effect of yoga on stress levels in those undergoing high-risk pregnancies. Women in this situation were assigned to either a yoga group or a control group. Results indicated that the women in the yoga group had significantly lower stress levels than the control group. The researchers concluded that “practicing YT during high-risk pregnancy is not only a cost-effective option but also a feasible and safe option. “ In a previous study, scientists had found that yoga can prevent pregnancy complications in high-risk pregnancies. The study, carried out in India, showed that women who did yoga three times weekly for a 16-week period had a lower rate of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction and induced hypertension. These women also had smaller numbers of small babies and babies with low Apgar scores.
• Increased strength and flexibility: Teachers of prenatal yoga often say that if you wouldn’t run a marathon without training beforehand, neither should you approach birth without preparing your body. Yogayoga.com notes that one of the greatest benefits bestowed by yoga is a greater connection with one’s body: the popular practice increases “strength, stamina and flexibility, while helping to reduce fatigue. It… nurtures the mind-body connection so important during labor and delivery while helping decrease the aches and pains that come with pregnancy.”
• Social interaction with other moms-to-be: One of the best ways to curb anxiety about giving birth is to interact with other moms. Prenatal yoga classes provide a chance to expand our social circle and learn from others’ experiences and viewpoints, as well to share information.
• Yoga can help curb pain: Studies have shown that yoga is useful in soothing migraine and chronic lower back pain. The back can be a source of pain when women are pregnant, owing to the greater weight in the belly area. Muscles in the upper back, chest and shoulders can also grow tense during pregnancy. Through the various asanas (poses), yoga helps us stretch and strengthen muscles in this area. Yoga also enhances circulation, which helps curb uncomfortable swelling.