You always have the option of using disposable sippy cups, but this option isn’t the best option for the environment or your wallet. Luckily, there are several ways to keep them sparkly clean. Here are some tips on how to clean and sterilize your child’s sippy cups. Cleaning Tips A few basic cleaning tricks are the first step to keeping yucky residue from building up in sippy cups (or any cup for that matter)....
However, planning for a healthy pregnancy is another important part of expectant parenthood. Premature birth is a major health problem and the rates are increasing. Here’s some of what researchers know (and don’t know) about who is most at risk for a preterm delivery, how to diagnose preterm labor as early as possible, and how to prevent birth when labor starts early. Risk Factors for Premature Birth Some, but not all, of the risk factors for premature delivery can be reduced if not eliminated altogether....
There are a few reasons why someone should not or may not be able to breastfeed their baby. For example, some parents cannot produce a healthy breast milk supply, while others may take certain medications or need to undergo a medical treatment that isn’t breastfeeding safe. There are also a few medical conditions that aren’t compatible with breastfeeding. In some situations, the parent may be able to pump and provide their baby with breast milk in a bottle, or they may be able to stop breastfeeding temporarily then restart....
Why Your Milk Hasn’t Come In If any of these apply to you, you might notice that your milk doesn’t come in by day three or four after birth. Keep putting your baby to the breast as often as possible. Babies benefit from colostrum, and the stimulation of nursing will help with milk production. None of these reasons need to stop you from breastfeeding, but you do need to be sure your baby is getting enough milk....
Despite the push for parents to be more equally involved and for moms not to have to shoulder all of the weight, pre-pandemic childcare responsibility typically fell on the mother’s shoulders. When lockdown ensued, childcare, schooling, and household chores could no longer be outsourced by working parents. In a new study published by the Institute for the Study of Labor, researchers analyzed childcare responsibilities in heterosexual couples. They found that on one hand, dads believe they upped their game and are now much more involved in child care responsibilities....
Getting around in a city with a baby is not always easy or convenient. Most infant car seats are heavy before the baby is even strapped in, and they usually need to be assembled and disassembled into stroller frames when getting into and out of cars. Enter the Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller, the world’s first combination product complete with a fully integrated travel system. Doona’s safe and practical solution allows on-the-go parents to go from car seat to stroller in seconds....
If your child is struggling with bad grades, there’s a lot you can do to help. For one, be understanding about any challenges your child might be facing, such as social issues or even issues at home. Next, work closely with them and their teachers to find out what they’re struggling with, so you can get them extra help. Below are a few suggestions that you may find useful....
Corporal punishment is a hot topic that is widely debated by parenting experts, psychologists, and parents. Fueled by news stories about child abuse, many of those opposed to corporal punishment question whether or not it should remain legal and what steps could be taken to reduce incidents of physical abuse to children. In the United States, corporal punishment is legal on a federal level, but state laws vary on what types of physical punishments are allowed....
Imagining the sex of your baby can be a way for some people to bond with their little one before they arrive. Friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers will also be curious. You’ll probably get asked, “Do you know what you’re having?” on a regular basis. If you answer no, the follow-up inquiry is usually “Are you going to find out?” In some cases, knowing the sex of your unborn baby has medical purposes, such as if genetic diseases that are gender-specific run in your family....
Other times, communication issues are compounded when both want a better father-son relationship but neither one knows quite how to go about it. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some key elements to creating and building a strong father-son relationship. Set a Good Example There are many things you can do to develop a strong bond with your son. Whether we realize it or not, sons learn about being a man primarily by watching their fathers....
How much debt should you take on? Is there any way to avoid or at least reduce debts from infertility? Before you begin treatment, there are a number of things to consider including your situation, your limits, and other payment options that might be available. Find Out What It Will Cost For those whose fertility challenges require injectable medications—whether it’s intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF)—the question of going into debt to pay for testing and treatment may be less of an “if” and more of a “how much....
If you are debating what to name your children, there are helpful resources for parents to choose names for their twins. For example, you can find lists of the most popular twin names. If the name search is getting stressful, you might want to take a step back and look at some creative, lighthearted, and even silly suggestions for names for twins. You never know when a name will strike your fancy, and it’s possible that you will discover some realistic possibilities among the names listed here....
Fortunately, there are a number of retailers who specialize in gifts and other products for children with terminal illnesses that allow them to share in the fun of being a kid. Not every child will need to spruce up a hospital room with an IV “pole pal,” but fun hats and capes make great gifts to share with kids facing cancer and their siblings. Kids Hope Chest With a variety of medical equipment in fun shapes and colorful designs, Kids Hope Chest is a great source for fixing up dreary hospital rooms and adding a little flair to feeding tubes, IV poles, and the like....
Each project also includes detailed, easy-to-follow, age-appropriate instructions, options for extensions, and challenge questions. Parents will love that each project includes a “messy meter” so you’ll know what level of clean-up to expect, too. The site is geared more towards older audiences—the explanations may be too complex for younger kids on their own—but it’s a great resource for families. Check out the “Science vs. Myth” area to dive into the truth about such topics as vampires and crop circles....
Traveling with children gets physical quickly. The amount of stuff you have to schlep is slightly crazy. But the Lotus Travel Crib by Guava Family, one of the most highly rated play yards out there, is heralded for its lightweight construction, ease of use, and safe design. We tested it out on a trip to California to see for ourselves. Read on to find out how the pack ‘n play fared....
This, outlined in the organization’s 2017 recommendations, is a change from earlier guidelines that juice was not suggested for children younger than 6 months. The AAP notes that the expansion of the recommendation to include a baby’s entire first year comes because of rates of childhood obesity and dental issues. Juice can have a place in your child’s diet, should you choose, but think before you pour. When to Start Giving a Baby Juice It’s important to remember that the AAP stating that toddlers can have juice doesn’t mean they encourage it....
After a pregnancy loss, you have so many unmet expectations. So many what-ifs and feelings of lost opportunity. In a late pregnancy loss, you’ve got the expectations of your friends and family as well, since the news was most likely common knowledge by the time you were approaching your due date. Baby gifts and nursery equipment are all part of that. It Is Your Decision Alone — There Is No Right or Wrong What to do with your baby’s things is a very personal decision....
