Handprint Mittens

Now that my kids and I are spending more and more time indoors as the winter weather draws nearer, I find myself singing a different tune, mainly Baby, It’s Cold Outside. 

Ha! But yes, I’m not kidding. The frigid temperatures are keeping us inside these days and in need of new winter crafts and activities for babies and toddlers.

My 2.5 year old can never get enough hand painting — and that’s why I always have an extra stash of my favorite washable paint ready to go. We all know crafting with little ones tends to get messy, so having a reliable brand that washes easily is key!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen so many cute winter art ideas on the web and wanted to find more ways to remember these years with my kids. Because sadly, sometimes the big messy piles and projects made with love inevitably find their way into the trash can.

I needed another way to turn those little handprint crafts into keepsakes to lovingly look back on, whatever the season it may be.

The Baby, It’s Cold Outside Handprint Printable I created makes savoring those memories a little bit easier.

Simply click here to grab your printable, print it out and create handprints that fit right into these little mittens.

You can use regular printer paper or construction paper if that’s all you have, but to truly make it a keepsake, I recommend investing in a little sturdier stock paper like these that works with your printer.

You can hang them on the fridge or window, frame them or simply add them to your memory books.

Easy simple, fun to do with kids of any age, but especially for babies 6 months to a 1 and 2-year-old tots and toddlers during the winter months.

Don’t forget to grab your printable below –>

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Winter Handprint Craft for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers [Printable] appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

There’s just one problem: your baby won’t nap. 

Maybe you’ve tried creating a routine or teaching him to self-soothe. Maybe that even worked for a while. But now it seems like he won’t sleep for anything and you’re starting to wonder what you’re doing wrong.

As a mom of two, I feel your pain! My girls have spent the better part of their lives on a steady sleep routine and we’ve still experienced long, frustrating periods of terrible (and non-existent) naps. 

Today we’re going over some common but sneaky nap-busters that your baby could be experiencing. Better yet, we’re going to talk about how you can fix these sleep issues quickly so you both can get the rest you need.

5 Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Nap (And How to Fix It)

Overtiredness

You’d think infants would sleep better when they’re exhausted, but often the opposite is true. In fact, overtiredness is the destroyer of long, restorative naps. 

When your baby passes his ideal sleep window, cortisol runs through his body like a shot of espresso. This jolt of energy makes him less likely to fall asleep and much more susceptible to early wakings. 

If your baby is extremely cranky before nap time and he only sleeps for about 45 minutes, overtiredness could be the problem. 

When your baby’s body is filled with cortisol it will take a while for him to switch gears. Your job is to convince his body to relax, produce melatonin, and go to sleep. 

Positive naptime cues are an excellent way to do this. Take him to his sleeping area and dim the lights. Verbalize that it’s naptime. Begin whatever naptime ritual you’d usually do to help calm him down, but expect to spend more time doing it.

The best way to get an overtired baby to sleep is to avoid it altogether. Become familiar with your baby’s sleep cues and get him to bed before he becomes exhausted.

Below are a few of the most common sleep cues (or signs of an overtired baby) to get you started:

• Pulling ears
• Yawning
• Red eyes
• Staring into space
• Jerky movements
• Crying
• Abnormal clinginess

Developmental Leaps

When your baby is learning a new skill, he’s not interested in sleeping. I mean, why sleep when you can practice rolling over?

 If your baby won’t nap all of a sudden, take a moment to think about what he’s doing while he’s awake. Sleep interruptions are especially common for babies that are learning active skills, like sitting up, standing, rolling over, or walking. 

Sometimes there’s nothing you can do but wait out these little interruptions. You can try to lay your baby down in his crib, but there’s a good chance that he’ll hop right back up. Once your baby has mastered his new ability, his sleep will naturally get better. 

Having said that, you absolutely can help him along by encouraging him to practice during playtime. The quicker he learns, the faster he’ll get back to sleep! 

Swaddling

Wait, isn’t swaddling supposed to help your baby sleep? Yes, but hear me out! 

According to recent studies, swaddling can help your little one sleep longer and more restfully. It stifles his startle reflex and creates a womb-like environment that makes him feel secure and warm. 

Having said that, when a baby is uncomfortable or continuously breaks his swaddle, swaddling can actually interrupt sleep.

Many babies fuss after they’re swaddled, but does yours refuse to settle? If he falls asleep, will his little arm or leg breakthrough? If so, you might want to try a different swaddle.

Like adults, babies have unique preferences. 

For example, my first daughter hated any kind of leg movement. I had to invest in a swaddle that weighed down her legs and hands. My second daughter couldn’t care less about her legs, but she’d scream if her arms escaped from her sides.

Alternatively, if your baby is starting to roll, it might be time to ditch the swaddle and try out a sleep sack. Sleepsacks allow for more limb freedom and are much safer for active babies.

Experiment a little and see if a different swaddle helps when your baby won’t nap.

Too Much Light in the Nursery

Some babies require a dark, cozy space to sleep. Others need a pitch-black cave. 

If your baby is not taking naps during the afternoon hours (or whenever the sun is at its brightest in the nursery), it might be time to invest in some 100% blackout shades.

This was the case for my youngest. She refused to nap in our room where a sliver of sunshine crept between the blinds. Once she relocated to her blacked-out nursery, her sleep improved dramatically.

The quickest way to determine if the nursery is too bright is “the hand test.” When you’re in your baby’s room, make the space as dark as you possibly can. Raise your hand in front of you. If you can still see your hand, it’s not dark enough.

Trapped Gas or Reflux

If your baby wakes from his nap with a high-pitched scream, sometimes trapped gas or reflux can be the culprit. Reflux is particularly nasty for newborns, who possess underdeveloped esophagus sphincters and have less time between feedings and naps.  Reflux can also occur when air bubbles disturb his stomach.

On the other hand, if your baby is waking from his naps with an arched back, clenched fists, and inconsolable screaming, he may be suffering from trapped gas. If your baby won’t burp, try rotating his legs (just like he’s on a bicycle) or administering a dose of infant simethicone drops to minimize the bubbles before bed.

While every baby suffers from gas from time to time, keep in mind that constant gas or reflux can be a sign of an underlying issue. It wouldn’t hurt to check in with your pediatrician to rule out things like GERD, allergies, or breastfeeding issues.

I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to despair when your baby won’t nap. Sometimes babies go through phases where they fight sleep. Even the most experienced moms suffer through awful nap periods! 

Still, keep in mind these common nap-busters since they are so easy to overlook. Hopefully, this post illuminated what could possibly be disturbing your baby’s naps and gave you some fresh solutions. Good luck!

***

GUEST POST

Erin loves helping new and expecting moms have the best motherhood experience they possibly can. At her blog, Blunders in Babyland, you’ll find the practical tips, baby gear reviews, and new mom advice you need to raise your baby confidently.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Baby Won’t Nap? Do This to Get Them to Sleep appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Did you know that babies can only breathe through their noses? According to experts, babies do not have the developmental reflex to breathe through their mouth until about one year old.

This makes clearing stuffy or clogged noses during cold season and beyond, that much more essential.

Even a partially clogged nose can therefore bring major issues including trouble sleeping, eating, and trouble breathing. And no parent wants to see their little one suffer from the prolonged congestion.

It always pained my heart to hear my babies sniffle and sometimes wheeze when they weren’t feeling well.

So what can parents do to help a congested baby?

One of the first things you can do to help alleviate nasal congestion in baby is check the moisture in the air.

Dry air can contribute to mucus buildup inside the nose. Adding moisture via a cool-mist humidifier can help. Make sure to follow safety guidelines, clean regularly to remove mold, and keep out of baby’s reach.

Running a warm shower and letting baby breathe in the mist is another option to help.

Next, use saline drops or saline spray with suctioning. These should be a staple in your medicine cabinet. The drops help loosen up dry mucus so it’s easier to suction with a baby nasal aspirator device.

How to clear baby’s congestion with a suction-device

When a baby is congested or has some mucus building up in their nasal passages, parents can try a few different suctioning tools.

After a few drops of saline, they can try a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator made to suction out mucus or loosen boogers.

And these rubber bulbs are often the first things parents turn to, but they can also be a bit daunting for new parents. The design of your standard bulb syringe makes it so that you have to insert the pointy nosepiece carefully into the nostril without going too far in before squeezing and releasing the bulb. So it’s not the most gentle option and takes practice.

Next, you have a variety of manual nasal aspirators that help improve the nose piece, but do not have the strongest suction power and require a bit of trial and error.

Then there are snot suckers that aim to improve the suctioning limitations of these devices, but require the use of both hands and have you literally “suck out the boogers” through a tube. And I can tell you while these can do a much better job than your standard bulb syringe, they are quite gross if you don’t get that filter on properly — I know because it’s happened to me!

The NozeBot was designed to help solve these issues.

Why is the NozeBot a better way to clear baby’s nose

The NozeBot is a battery-powered suction device designed to clear even the toughest nasal congestion in babies, from newborns to 3 years old.

It is quite the upgrade and solution to many of those typical ways to clear congestion and was designed by Dr. Steven Goudy to help babies better breathe, eat, and sleep at home instead of having to visit the hospital for congestion issues.

With a uniquely designed nose piece gentle enough for baby, and a suction power that can handle everything from little boogers to stubborn snots and prolonged congestion, it’s a great tool to have handy. 

No more accidentally inserting the piece too far in and risk injuring baby, and no more accidentally ingesting baby boogers.

When you need to clean the nosepiece, simply replace the disposable filter and give it a deep clean in the dishwasher if needed.

One of my favorite features of the NozeBot is how easy it makes suctioning — since you only need two fingers to use, it helps free up your extra hand to support baby’s head as you suction.

The device is rechargeable and includes 3 levels of hospital-grade suction to handle a wide range of nasal congestion issues right at home.

Parents will appreciate that the device is not too bulky either, so you can take it with you on the go as needed.

If your child suffers from prolonged congestion or if you simply want to be ready to manage cold season for the first three years of life, the NozeBot is the upgrade you need in your home.

Learn more about The NozeBot here and use code NOZEBOT10 to save 10% off your order.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post The BEST way to clear baby’s clogged nose appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Every parent knows the struggle: scouring through the endless options of toys online and in-stores. Trying to find the best toys for their baby or toddler. And often, we grab whatever is a “top-seller” or popular brand marketed for our child. However, we often find that those toys are not actually the best for supporting development long-term.

That’s where Lovevery comes in. The brand makes toys that are tailored to a child’s developmental stage, taking into account the age and milestone a child is approaching. And because those first few years of life are some of the most formative, choosing the right toys early on is key.

What exactly is the Lovevery Play Kit?

Lovevery is a subscription-based toy box, featuring stage-based play essentials — meaning the toys in each play kit are specifically made to support your child’s learning and play, according to their age and developmental stage.

The toys are built to last and made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics.

From newborn babies to age 4, Lovevery play kits focus on the specific skills your little one is working on at that moment.

So for babies between 0-12 months, the kits are further broken down to cater to those needs: The Looker (0-12 weeks), The Charmer (3-4 months), The Senser (5-6 months), The Inspector (7-8 months), The Explorer (9-10 months), The Thinker (11-12 months).

Lovevery Play Kit for Newborn Babies

I had the chance to explore some of these toys. Below is a closer look at the Looker Play Kit for newborn babies (between 0-12 weeks old).

Although newborns don’t actually need toys per se, they can still play in non-conventional, yet developmentally appropriate ways. At this stage in development, babies are sensitive to light and sound and growing awareness of the world around them. They are building new brain connections and exploring high-contrast images. The Looker Kit features play items to help baby practice these new skills, like black and white contrast cards, sensory links, and mittens.

Play items in the kit:

There’s a two-sided Mobile for visual exploration and focus — and you can get the most out of this toy by using it at each diaper change as those will happen frequently during the newborn stage

Simple Black and White Card Set – great high-contrast images to use throughout the day especially tummy time. In addition to this set, you also get a more Complex Black & White Card Set to tailor to baby’s needs as their vision develops and they become more interested in complex patterns.

Wooden Book

A cute little baby book made with sustainably harvested wood

Standing Card Holder

Great for keeping those contrast cards together and making tummy time more fun wherever you are!

Black & White Mittens

A fun sensory experience that promotes hand discovery, hand control, and body awareness

Sensory Links

The perfect Play Gym and stroller accessory: switch, hang, and separate the links for new sensory exploration.

Silicone Rattle with Removable Ball

Perfect for grasping—and learning how to track moving objects and sounds.

BONUS: Play Guide

Each kit comes with a play guide for PARENTS! So you know what baby is working on and how to play with your little one at this stage — backed by research.

The Best Evidence-Based Toys for Babies and Toddlers

One of the greatest perks about the Lovevery play kits is that the toys are designed with a team of experts: academics, researchers, and specialists that do the work for you — so you spend less time scouring the web researching the best toys for babies and spend that time better connecting with your child.

The kits are based on the Montessori method that emphasizes:

• Sensory-rich play
• Freedom of movement
• Open-ended toys
• Letting kids face challenges to develop independence
• And less clutter

Should you buy the Lovevery Play Kits?

As you can see there are many pros to the Lovery toys — the fact that they are specifically tailored to your child’s age and developmental needs is a great reason to love it. And knowing the kits are created with expert input helps parents and caregivers feel a little more confident in their selection.

But is the subscription worth the investment? For some parents, the price may seem a bit steep, especially with the upfront cost. However, for those who’ve been through tons of both cheap and pricey toys alike and know how much you inevitably spend on kids’ toys (that you regret), Lovery is a no-brainer. Each toy serves its purpose and is benefiting your child’s learning experience, rather than over-stimulating. Plus, if you want to skip a month for any reason, you can manage your subscription preferences as needed.

If you’re shopping for gifts and looking for toys that parents can appreciate, Lovevery Kits are a great choice — birthdays or holidays!

To learn more about Lovevery Subscriptions, see the Play Kits here.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Find the Perfect Developmentally Appropriate Toys with Lovevery appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This is a sponsored post for Keababies. All opinions are my own.

Why the backpack style is one of the best diaper bags

Whether you’re looking for a diaper bag for boys or a diaper bag for girls, one thing is certain, we all want something that gets the job done — carries all of the things we need for baby and works for our lifestyle.

These days one of the best diaper bags on the market for parents is the backpack diaper bag style. You may have seen these all over the place now and there’s a reason they are growing in popularity.

Why should I use a diaper bag backpack?

Let’s get straight to the point: Diaper bags are HEAVY. Traveling with a baby, whether for doctor appointments or everyday errands means packing lots of essentials for the trip. Babies need diapers, wipes, ointments, change of clothes, bottles, bib, blanket, and maybe a teether or two.

But you are most likely also packing essentials for mommy/daddy too — a water bottle, snack, hand-sanitizer, your phone.

All this adds to the weight of your diaper bag…and weight on your shoulders.

A diaper bag backpack helps distribute the weight more evenly on your shoulders and back — alleviating a lot of the aches and pains parents feel from the imbalance.

Plus, in this day and age, living through a pandemic, most moms are trying to get out of the house for fresh air more. This means more walks and hikes.

A diaper bag backpack is easier to travel with because it doesn’t hang off one shoulder AND works great for both mom and dad!

What the best diaper bags have in common?

Obviously, you want to choose a diaper bag that meets your lifestyle needs too. This means finding a bag that includes the following features:

• Ample storage space – Enough space to carry all baby/parents need
• Quality material – Fabric that is easy to clean and able to withstand wear and tear
• Separate compartments – An organized system to quickly find what you need
• Comfortable – Something that is easy to carry around
• Your style – A baby diaper bag that you actually like aesthetically
• Within your budget – An affordable price-point that doesn’t break the bank

Keababies Diaper Bag Backpack

I recently had a chance to check out a baby bag from Keababies — the explorer diaper backpack to be exact. This is just one of the many diaper bags the brand sells in a variety of styles.

A quality diaper bag

My first impression of the bag was quite positive — it looks much like many of the high-end diaper bags on the market (without the high price tag). The bag is comparable to either the Skip Hop diaper bag or Kate Spade diaper bag.

The Keababies diaper backpack is made of quality, sturdy oxford fabric made to last. It is water-resistant and scratch-free — both essentials when we are dealing with the spills and leakage that comes with mom life.

Versatile & comfortable diaper backpack

The versatile design of the Keababies backpack bag takes comfort into account with the cushioned back support. Because as parents, we know diaper bags get heavy — the extra cushion takes the load off your shoulders and back when you need relief from the aching effects of carrying a baby.

It’s also a bag that can be used by BOTH parents — the colors are gender neutral (navy, black and gray)…so no need to add a diaper bag for mom + diaper bag for dad on your baby registry! This one works well for either!

And for those moments you just don’t need a backpack, just use the two stroller hooks. It makes it easy to attach to your stroller for hands-free traveling! Plus, if you’ve been looking for a breastfeeding diaper bag, this one doesn’t get in the way so you can latch baby to the breast or bottle on the go!

A multi-functional diaper bag

Finally one of the biggest reasons, the Keababies diaper backpack might be worth adding to your list of favorite bags, is due to its functionality.

The diaper backpack features 17 storage pockets (6 with zipper compartments) — so really a place for everything!

You have a main storage space room for the big things like clothes, blankets, ointments, diapers, and wipes (and if feels bigger than most bags)!

Along the sides, there are elastic slots for holding a bottle for baby and a bottle for mommy. There’s even a separate area on the backside with a changing mat — with space to store a couple of diapers and a small wipe pack for easy access when you’re in a pinch.

One of my favorite compartments is the inside cushion space for a laptop!! A super thoughtful design for the modern parent.

If you’re on a budget, but still want to find a quality diaper bag that meets the needs of today’s busy parent, the Keababies diaper bag backpack is a great option!

You can check out the array of diaper bags directly on their website.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post The Diaper Bag Backpack: Why Moms Are All Over It appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Homemade Baby Keepsake Gifts for Mom

As a mom to small children, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day cleaning diaper messes, feeding baby, chasing toddlers, and stressing to keep up with ALL THE THINGS…after little-to-no sleep each night.

I get it. You just want to SURVIVE this stage of motherhood.

But as I’ve learned myself, if you don’t make time to enjoy the little things and make memories — despite the chaos — you’ll soon wonder where the years have gone!

Looking back at the last few years as a stay-at-home and work-at-home mom with back-to-back pregnancies, I certainly tried to do the best that I could along the way. Breastfeeding and caring for babies, dealing with toddler tantrums and sibling rivalry — parenting alone while my spouse traveled for work for days.

The days were LONG and HARD.

Sure we did the occasional crafts and toddler activities, but through those hectic years, I didn’t have time or the best organizational skills to preserve most of them.

I regret not having more little handprint keepsakes to add to my memory box.

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic too…or just want to plan ahead and create lasting memories to look back on, I’ve rounded up some really creative ways to treasure baby memories and milestones that will warm your heart for mother’s day or any other time of year. You can do these yourself or bookmark for your partner!

14+ Ways to Make Memories With Baby Keepsake Projects

If you’re low on time like any mom of a baby and toddler, there’s no easier way to start creating memories than with a simple handprint activity you can convert into a special keepsake. We did keepsakes for Christmas and they were a huge hit!

Handprint & Footprint Craft Keepsake Ideas

You can easily create a really special gift for mom with paper and paint like this lovely flower handprint that also works as a card, or these beautiful flower footprints to quickly bring a smile to her face.

Add a heartfelt poem like this adorable Butterfly Footprint idea or this “Walk with me mama” footprint poem to look back on with joy.

Unique DIY Baby Keepsake Ideas

Need something extra special that will melt mom’s heart? These unique handprint and footprint keepsakes should do the trick:

Handprint flower picture frame

Baby-made LOVE sign (Source: Pinterest)

Handprint ring dish

Handprint flower pot

Handprint tulip towel

Love footprint sign

Handprint and footprint pot holders

Salt Dough, Clay and Tile Baby Keepsakes

Looking for something a little sturdier to give mom? Preserve memories with your baby with any of the below ideas that will be sure to stand the test of time:

Handprint coaster keepsake

Salt dough footprint keepsake

Salt dough handprint and footprint keepsake

Clay footprint bowl keepsake

Note: To preserve the color in these salt dough and clay keepsakes, be sure to cover with sealing paint or glass when complete!

Whatever you choose, start early so you have more memories to look back on over the years. This is something I wish I had done sooner.

And remember perfection is not the goal. Sure you want to actually have the crafts preserved, but the idea in putting together these special keepsakes with baby is to create happy memories to look back on as your little ones become big kids. That will be the best gift for a new mom to cherish through the years.

More Gift Ideas for Mom:

• 10 Best Gift Ideas for the Stressed and Overwhelmed Mom
• Handmade Flower Jewelry Dish for Mom
• DIY Sugar Scrub for Berry Soft Baby Skin

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Baby Keepsakes: Must-Have Ideas for Mommy’s Memory Box appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This is a sponsored post with Boiron. All opinions are my own.

Swollen gums, drooling, crying, crankiness, disrupted sleep, chewing on objects, tugging at ears.

These are all some of the telltale baby teething symptoms.

Every mother knows the heart-wrenching feeling when she can’t provide instant relief to baby’s teething pains. It’s hard to watch our little ones experience those painful moments, however normal they may be.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the first tooth eruption ranges between 4 and 15 months of age. But for many parents, teething and the seemingly never-ending symptoms can start on the early side.

So what is a new parent to do, when the pain is just not going away?

Finding Natural Teething Remedies

There are a ton of ways to help provide baby teething relief — below are a few options that have worked best for new parents time and time again to alleviate painful gums and the endless fussiness teething brings.

Baby Teething Relief #1: Teething toys

Teething toys are probably one of the first teething relief options that come to mind. You can find ones with all sorts of textures and styles to provide relief — from rubber and silicone to plastic or wood. The soft silicone bristles in baby toothbrushes can provide even more comfort.

Look for teethers free of BPA, PVC and phthalates and make sure they don’t have long pieces or “legs” that can contribute to gagging.

Baby Teething Relief #2: Apply Cold Pressure

Another easy option for providing teething relief to baby is applying cold pressure to the gums. Freeze a non-toxic teething toy or fruit in a mesh teether, and apply to baby’s gums. You can also simply use a cold washcloth to help numb the pain by gently massaging the gums.

The cold pressure will help soothe inflammed gums and provide a natural numbing sensation.

Baby Teething Relief #3: Feed

One often-overlooked option for teething is to feed baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding your baby can provide oral relief and act as a temporary pain distraction.

Some babies may want to feed more when a new tooth is about to erupt. If this sounds like your child, you’re not alone!

During the teething phases with my own kids, they always wanted to nurse frequently. The breast was a familiar source of comfort to alleviate fussiness, but also provided oral stimulation to the swollen gums.

(And any time, they bit, I just had to latch off and take a break to get the message across!)

Natural teething medicine

When the above comforts are just not cutting it, it’s time to look into natural or herbal medicines for baby. While your pediatrician might recommend Tylenol for temporary pain relief, parents of younger babies may want to just stick to more natural remedies, they can apply as needed.

That’s where Boiron’s Camilia comes in.

Camilia Teething Relief

Camilia is a natural teething medicine, parents can turn to when looking for more effective and natural remedies for painful gums. These homeopathic liquid drops are intended for babies over one-month-old.

The medicine is derived from plants — one of the active ingredients is chamomile, a plant used for centuries for healing benefits. It is formulated without preservatives, or benzocaine, flavors, dyes, lactose, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

How safe is Camilia teething medicine?

Some parents may wonder if homeopathic teething remedies are safe, because of the recalls found in other homeopathic brands — those homeopathic teething tablets and gels contained chemicals that the FDA warned against.

But, not all homeopathics are considered equal. Unlike, those traditional homeopathic medicines that have raised concerns in the past, Camilia teething relief does NOT contain benzocaine or belladona — the ingredients in question.

Camilia is a worry-free homeopathic medicine. The medicine comes in the form of teething drops that are pre-measured — so no need to search for syringes or worry about accidentally administering the wrong dosage. (Trust me when you have a cranky baby seeking relief, the last thing you need is something else to stress about!)

The liquid drops also come in sterile vials that are recyclable, and small enough to take with you wherever you go — another must-have when managing the unpredictable teething phase.

Personally, I appreciate that Camilia is flavorless and doesn’t have to be applied directly to gums — just give to baby orally, like normal meds, without any sugary additives or dyes.

When you’re a worried parent simply trying to provide relief to a teething baby in a worry-free and reliable manner, Camilia helps reduce the fussiness, so you can focus on adding more giggles to the time spent with your precious baby or toddler.

It’s no wonder the natural teething medicine received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award® — moms know what works!

Find Camilia at Walmart and get $2 off your purchase. Visit the site here for coupon details.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post How to Relieve Baby Teething Pain Naturally appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

As parents of small children, we understand the importance of baby-proofing our homes for the early years.

We install baby gates, cover outlets, move or secure furniture and pick-up small choking hazards throughout the house for baby’s safety.

But there is one area we forget about…or just don’t pay much attention to: child-proofing window coverings.

And window coverings are 1 of the top 5 hidden hazards in the home.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, other top hazards include magnets, recalled products, furniture that can tip over and pools/spa drains.

But window coverings are the MOST overlooked baby and child hazard.

Keeping Child Safety in Mind

From a parent’s perspective, I get it. Windows don’t automatically come to mind — they are built into the house and the window coverings that we use are often inherited from the previous homeowners.

Even my own home which we bought just 5 years ago included out-dated blinds — the real estate market was quick to highlight the fact that the windows were new…but I didn’t realize the coverings were not.

So parents may forget about childproofing windows early on, or just wait to update them at another time — because they can be expensive to replace.

But therein lies the danger…putting things off.

And accidents and hazards happen when we least expect them.

Now more than ever, paying attention to these hazards around the home is essential. With more and more time spent indoors at home it just makes sense.

So how do you go about making changes for your child’s safety?

Well, first consider the age of your children — if you have small children in the home, you know that curiosity is a big driver of exploration. Kids see something new and want to play with it. This is especially true as your child grows from a baby to toddler to preschooler.

Children have a wild imagination — and pretend play is the norm.

They see a dangling cord and may think — a vine to swing like a monkey, a lasso to round up my animals, or may just innocently tug at it out of curiosity and end up in a seriously compromising position. 

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a pediatrician was to put myself in my child’s shoes when baby proofing — and literally get down to their level and crawl around the house to see it from their perspective.

So I like to take that piece of advice and apply it to everything else around the home. Because then it helps me take note of household dangers and understand what’s at stake.

HOW TO CHILDPROOF WINDOW COVERINGS

Now that you can truly understand the hazards window coverings pose, consider your options for childproofing.

Install Cordless Window Coverings

First look around your house, and check your windows. Go from room to room and take note of the type of window coverings installed — blinds or shades, look closely to see if they are cordless. 

If they aren’t, the best fix is to replace the window coverings just like you would replace any recalled baby products. 

Because the truth is, long or dangling cords can lead to entanglement or become a strangulation risk for small children.

There’s no use in keeping things in the house that pose a serious risk to your family, especially if you have small children. 

Instead, the first thing to do is to research and install the safest alternatives — cordless window coverings.

If you’re not sure where to start, no need to worry, because a new US Safety Standard requires that all stock products be cordless or have inaccessible cords. Meaning, that’s what stores will have in stock! Look for products marked with a Best for Kids certification label.

The label lets you know that window coverings have gone through third-party testing and are specifically designed for use in homes with young children.

Keep Cords Out of Reach

If you’re unable to update to cordless window coverings right away, make sure the cords are out of reach and not accessible to children as a short-term fix.

This may mean wrapping the cords up and securing them at the very top of the window.

You can also shorten or cut tasseled pull cords — so kids can’t reach them.

The key is to keep the cords hidden and inaccessible until you’re able to replace the coverings with cordless and safer alternatives.

Move furniture away from windows

Another helpful tip to keep cords out of reach, is to look at the furniture in and around your windows.

Do they make it easy for your child to access windows and/or the hidden cords?

Think stools, chairs, bureaus or other furniture kids can climb on to reach.

Start with your child’s nursery or bedroom. Move the crib away from any windows — this may be tricky depending on the layout of your home, but it is worth the extra caution.

Even if your crib is on the adjacent wall to the window, take a close look at the distance to the window — toddlers can be quite clever in planning an escape. Don’t overlook the small things when it comes to baby safety!

As you make adjustments to your home to protect your children, keep a reminder of when you plan to replace corded window coverings with cordless window coverings.

Because when you have small children, it’s easy to forget and leave things on the ever-growing to-do list.

Taking initiative early on will help to prevent accidents and keep your children as safe as possible while at home.

To learn more about window cord safety and cordless window coverings during National Window Covering Safety Month and throughout the year, visit WindowCoverings.org.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

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As moms, we all want the best for our children especially when it comes to keeping them safe and comfy. And the clothes they wear every day are no exception.

We dress them appropriately, for whatever the season or occasion. Who doesn’t love cute baby attire?

But we also need to choose fabrics safe for their delicate skin. Which is why paying attention to the details matters.

And did you know, conventional cotton is the crop most heavily sprayed with chemicals in the world?

Yes, even the everyday clothes we wear can be affected. According to PANNA.org, pesticides used on cotton harm people, wildlife, and the environment. These pesticides can poison farm workers, drift into neighboring communities, contaminate ground and surface water and kill beneficial insects and soil micro-organisms.

So why would we want them anywhere near our most vulnerable family members? It’s something we may not give much thought to, but definitely warrants more attention.

The alternative? Organic cotton.

And that’s why I love Simply Chickie — a line of adorable organic cotton baby clothes, sustainably sourced in the USA. 100% organic cotton that gets softer with every wash.

The brand features organic baby onesies, baby blankets, bibs and more, clothing from newborn babies to little kids.

And the designs are absolutely adorable, with clever phrases to tickle your heart. Whether your little one is proudly showing off their “Made in America” roots, or getting ready to trick-or-treat in style — plenty of options to choose from!

GIVEAWAY: JUST HATCHED GIFT SET

Want a chance to WIN an organic gift set for your baby?

We’ve teamed up with SimplyChickie to give away this adorable Just Hatched Gift Set ($89 value) which includes:

• Baby Onesie (fits 3-6 months)
• Baby Hat (adjustable knot to fit)
• Baby Blanket

Use the Rafflecopter form below to leave a comment on what you think of this organic baby set!

For a BONUS entry, follow @SimplyChickie on Instagram

NOTE: Must be 18+ older to enter. Open to US residents.

Visit SimplyChickieClothing.com to check out the array of options for your child.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Simply Chickie: Organic Baby Clothes to Melt Your Heart appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This post is a partnership with Petunia Pickle Bottom. All opinions are my own.

I remember the first diaper bag, I owned as a new mom: a simple, inexpensive bag I didn’t give much thought to. To this day it’s sitting somewhere at the bottom of my closet…because I needed something better.

I used to think, a diaper bag is a diaper bag, right? They all must work well.

With tons of other baby gear to sort through in a baby registry, it just didn’t seem like a big deal. Plus, I would never splurge on a bag myself, so didn’t feel right choosing a pricier, albeit more durable bag for others to buy. Ah, the frugal life! 

But three babies later, and knowing what I know now, I would have definitely chosen a diaper bag that checked off all the “must-have” features.

Because a diaper bag will have to endure it all from doctor check-ups and errands to blow-outs and spillage, one that you actually like is KEY.

Let’s take a closer look at the most important features to look for in a diaper bag.

Diaper Bag Features to Consider

Plenty of Storage Space

One of the first things you want to consider when choosing a diaper bag is a bag that has plenty of storage for baby essentials. 

Because as a new mom, having ample room for all those things your little one needs like diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, snacks, toys, and MORE…prevents having to lug multiple bags from place to place.

Many bags claim to be roomy, but to find one that works best, look for the right balance between plenty of space and compact — an over-sized, bulky bag will be challenging to juggle.

Organization

Similarly, you may see bags touting ample space, but a little research goes a long way. A large bag doesn’t necessarily mean well-organized. Look for compartmentalized sections to store your essentials.

A specific area for making wipes easy to reach, a larger section for holding diapers, clothes or shoes, a separate space for food and keeping a bottle in place, and even divided space for wet and dry clothes. Because the last thing you want is to just dump all your baby stuff in one main spot — it’ll make finding exactly what you need much trickier and can defeat the purpose of having a diaper bag.

Style Preference

Have you considered your bag style? Most moms want a bag that is somewhat pleasing to the eye. Whether you prefer a trendy, modern, or minimalist style, look for a bag that fits your personal style — you’ll be carrying this thing around wherever you go with baby…and if you’re sharing the bag with your partner, keep that in mind too!

Note: I mention this one as a mom who opted for very generic diaper bag the first time around, that while affordable did not meet many of my own personal criteria for comfort, style or functionality. Choose something you like.

Functional

How a bag looks on the outside will catch your attention initially, but a good diaper bag also delivers in functionality.

That’s why another important diaper bag feature to consider is a bag that actually works how you need it to. You need something that is practical and actually gets the job done. Meaning do you want a bag that can keep items in position? A bag that you can wear comfortably? A bag that makes accessing items easy?

Not every bag will actually deliver, so all of these things should be considered before purchasing.

Weather-proof

Let’s face it, with babies and toddlers things are bound to get messy. Your bag will go through a bit of wear and tear over time, so it’s really important to choose something that is not only durable but also able to stand the test of time.

Look for a water-proof bag that has an insulated interior lining for those inevitable spills as you tote around a sippy cup, bottle or baby food pouches. It’ll make cleaning out later much easier.

Comfort

And finally, along with all the above, choose a diaper bag that is comfortable to wear. Carrying bags can lead to an imbalance of weight and strain on your body, so it’s essential to take into account your lifestyle and what will be most comfortable on a daily basis. Find something that is easy for you to hold, whether over your shoulder or on your back.

Introducing Petunia Pickle Bottom

For those of you that may not know, Petunia is a diaper bag brand for modern motherhood that keeps all of these little (but important) diaper bag details in mind. The brand focuses on the evolving needs and demands placed on parents to create bags and accessories designed for year-round outings, whatever the weather.

I recently got a chance to check out one of their newest bags, the Pivot Pack.

This versatile, diaper bag checks all the boxes for those must-have features.

To start, the Pivot Pack is a good-looking bag for mom and practical diaper storage for baby. This stylish modern bag comes in genuine leather trim and a black and sand color, with rose gold zip closure.

Measuring at 14.5” H x 15” W x 5.5” D, it includes a roomy interior with 8 total pockets inside and out — so plenty of room for all your diaper essentials.

And to help organize all your stuff with ease, the Pivot Pack features an insulated front zippered pocket, hidden side bottle pocket and spacious zip-around bottom compartment. There is also an interior open tech pocket and mesh pockets for separating baby items from yours (including a felt-lined pocket to keep your phone safe!). Now that’s a thoughtful idea!

With an expandable side water bottle pocket and wipeable PEVA antimicrobial lining, the water-resistant bag makes clean-ups easy!

And last but not least, the versatile Pivot Pack makes toting the bag around as comfortable as needed. You have the option to carry over your shoulder like most bags, wear as a backpack (ideal for parents babywearing), tote in your hand using grab handle or strap onto a stroller.

When you’re a mom with littles of various needs, who doesn’t love options?!

To learn more about this and the array of other stylish and functional diaper bags Petunia Pickle Bottom offers, be sure to visit their website or follow them on Instagram.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

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