When you are expecting a baby, it is easy to look through lists of recommended items to buy and be uncertain about what will actually be needed. Do you really need a changing table? Or will you change them on the sofa instead? Is a Moses basket needed in addition to a bedside crib? If you are not certain that you are going to need an item you see on a list, we recommend … [Read more...]
When Breastfeeding is Not Working
She was mouthing and acting hungry every 45 minutes. Since she was my second baby, I went into breastfeeding knowing how to do it. But, it still challenged me because no two babies are exactly alike. When breastfeeding is not working, the first step is to remember that every baby is different. My first did not latch perfectly right away. It took about 2 weeks of practice … [Read more...]
How to Teach an Infant Activity: Free Download
As moms, we sometimes do not identify as teachers. Teaching seems more prescriptive than being a mom many days. We react to our kids. We meet their needs. We guide. We do teach them. Every mom is a teacher whether you have a teaching degree or not. Every time we read to them, instruct them to eat their vegetables or help them learn to put their clean clothes away. It is all … [Read more...]
Winter Boredom Busters for Infants
Infants do not really get bored. But, we moms do want to maximize our time with our babies. That is how I felt. These activities are simple to set up and make great winter boredom busters for infants and their moms! I wanted to soak in the cuddles of my babies. And I also wanted to encourage my infant’s development with simple developmental activities. For infants, I do not … [Read more...]
When Will I Be an Expert Mom?
After sharing that there were indeed two babies in my pregnant belly, I was offered advice about how to manage twins plus the two I already had at home. I was asked fairly frequently, “Do you think you can handle four kids?” Unwanted or unsolicited advice can be hard to deal with. This stumped me a bit and made me initially feel that I knew … [Read more...]
Ultimate Guide Summer at Home with Kids
My plan for every summer at home with kids is a balance of free time and structured family time. I love that my kids can "be kids." They get wide windows of time to play with friends, ride their bikes, play outside and choose their fun. I also know that day after day of no structure makes for some grumpy attitudes when kids are involved...and me too! This ultimate guide to … [Read more...]
Simple Kitchen Sensory Play for Babies
Scanning videos on my phone, I came across one of the twins playing in our sensory table. It was 3 homes ago but I still remember the afternoon like it was yesterday. My babies played in the sensory table regularly. It was an almost daily occurrence when the weather was warm. I always set up simple sensory play for babies because they were quick, natural and let the kids have … [Read more...]
Outdoor Activities for Infants
You can take an infant outdoors for a little play time. With a few simple activities and the right weather, you can get your little one exploring outside! I am always looking for outdoor activities for infants. It can be a little stifling to be indoors all day long, and most children do much better during dinner prep time if they have burned off some energy outside. Even … [Read more...]
Best Books for Babies
Reading to our babies is so important. Babies have a unique attention span linked very much to their need for food and sleep frequently throughout the day. The best books for babies will lead you to great choices. Reading a book to your baby will be more about repetition, hearing language, and most importantly closeness to YOU. These are the best books for babies that I read … [Read more...]
DIY Contrast Cards for Babies
My husband took the lead on this idea! He made DIY high contrast cards for babies that are great for visual stimulation. These are too easy. Two supplies needed-that is it! … [Read more...]
Challenges of Motherhood: The First Five Years
Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom. {This week: Post by Jaimi} I didn't really expect these challenges of motherhood to show up. My confidence that I was going to be able to keep my household clean, organized, calm and happy all the time was a … [Read more...]
How to Help a Baby with Colic
Looking at the clock made it so much harder. The darkness outside and early hour of the morning was leaving me with little patience. Wanting to cuddle and comfort my baby in the hours of fussiness left me on the thin line of frustration. Not finding a solution to the fuzziness made me wonder how to help a baby with colic. Feeding, holding, shushing was not working. I dug … [Read more...]