We recently took a family road trip to the Poconos with our three boys. It was a 4-hour drive from where we are in NY to PA, but we were excited to make the trip after being stuck at home with COVID a few weeks prior during a long winter break.

The boys were eager to get outside, play games, and possibly go snow tubing for the first time — I was just excited to spend quality time as a family in a new setting. Over the past few years, being stuck at home and delaying new adventures was the unfortunate norm. So I’ve been on a journey to try and do a little more each season.

When I heard about Woodloch Pines Resort, I was extra excited. Not only is it an all-inclusive resort, with accommodations, meals, and an array of activities for all ages — toddlers to grandparents— its mission is to bring family and friends together through great meals, fun games, and wholesome entertainment — exactly what our family needed to connect.

The resort is set in the Poconos Mountains with pristine lake views. We stayed in the Springbrook building — in a room that accommodates up to 6 guests with two beds and a sofa couch. It was a short walk from the main lobby and dining facilities, and the building is adjacent to the pool complex.

I couldn’t wait to start making new memories with my kids because family vacations or weekend trips weren’t something we ever did in my childhood — so now, my inner child was grateful for these experiences.

We arrived late afternoon Friday and were given a list of activities. Downloading the Woodloch app was also strongly encouraged to access maps, meal options, and more activities (although most included activities don’t require sign-ups).

Family Activities at Woodloch

During our stay the resort offered a variety of 30 fun-filled activities to choose from, conveniently arranged throughout the day with morning, afternoon, and evening options for all ages.

Some of the individual contests and games varied each day, with new scavenger hunts, contests, and crafts for the little ones but also regularly scheduled activities like go-carts, skating, archery range, bumper cars, bocce courts, mini golf, playgrounds, swimming and more.

After the long drive, we couldn’t wait to get started.

The boys went straight for the go-carts, starting with the “junior go-carts” for younger kids and then moving up to the “viper go-carts” as they met the minimum height requirements. It quickly became a favorite. I was surprised by how much of a thrill it was making those sharp turns around the track; the ride lasted a good amount of time. So much fun racing with each other and letting go!

Afterward, we took some time to slow down explore the pristine grounds, and unwind in our rooms before dinner.

One thing I appreciated about the resort was that the fun didn’t stop after dinner. That evening we played some good-old family games and trivia in a version of Family Feud with other guests. The hosts provided each team with whiteboards and dry-erase markers so all families could play at the same time.

Although we didn’t win, we played well and had a great time working as a team. While we called it a night around 10 pm, night owls could stay around for the ongoing fun including a silent disco party!

The next day’s lineup included bumper cars, swimming, and a Broadway-style family show, but first, we decided to grab skates and make our way onto the rink together — a new adventure for the kids and me! The rink was synthetic so we struggled to keep our balance with lots of laughs getting up and down trying a new activity as a family.

In between meals, they couldn’t get enough of the outdoor adventure playground — I was pleasantly surprised by how much time they spent using their imaginations, weaving through webs, tunnels, and rope bridges. It’s set up like an obstacle course that allows them to get creative in play!

Before dinner, we decided to warm up and head to the indoor pool complex — connected to our building.

I was impressed by the super clean pool water and areas to splash around in. While Dad and our oldest worked up a sweat in the sauna, the rest of us ventured over to the splash zone and water slide area which was a blast! I’m not a big water slide person, but I gladly joined in when my youngest asked me to go on after him. It’s funny how the kids are so adventurous and help adults feel like kids again!

After some time in the hot tub for the adults, we followed the kids over to the water play area for younger kids. The area is meant for toddlers, but because it cleared out during this time, they went over and loved it.

Although the rainy weather and lack of snow meant no Winter Olympics or snow tubing, we still had a blast. Plus, we were super appreciative to have access to the shuttle when the downpour started!

Sunday morning we were set to head home early, but not before visiting the adorable bunny, calf and lamb at the Petting Zoo and getting some pony rides!

Food and Meal Options at Woodloch Resorts

One of the highlights of our trip that I absolutely can’t stop raving about was the food. Not just the fact that all the yummy meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner were provided, but that every single family member could equally partake and have something safe to eat. We are an allergy family — two of our boys are on a gluten-free diet, which isn’t always so easy to accommodate. They’ve had some unfortunate contamination, getting sick eating out. It was such a delight watching their faces light up being able to choose from a variety of food they enjoy eating — the kid’s gluten-free dinner menu included favorites like burgers, pizza, pasta, nuggets, fries, and a variety of desserts. But their absolute favorite was breakfast — pancakes, waffles, and more that they typically miss out on! The resort can accommodate special diets and handles the food with great care. It’s something that I hope more resorts will take into consideration.

Meals don’t require a reservation, but you must enter the main dining room within the hours listed to grab your seat — when we arrived each family had a designated table to use during their stay which was great to know we always had a spot.

A few of my personal favorites (as a non-allergy eater) are Scandinavian pancakes, Belgium waffles, acai fruit bowls, bacon, eggs, potatoes, shrimp tempura, salmon, and the most amazing turkey and cheese sandwich on a croissant — all delicious!

Visit Woodloch Year Round

Although it wasn’t without hiccups getting there with our three competitive boys, the experience was well worth it. As my firstborn put it, “This was worth the 4-hour car ride, Mom!”

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive place to visit with your whole family — immediate or extended, make sure to add Woodloch to your list. Although we visited at the end of winter, they are open all year long and offer even more fun and outdoor activities during the summer months. It is an ideal place to unwind, play, and connect with loved ones.

It’s no wonder Woodloch is a family favorite, voted #1 all-inclusive family resort in the Poconos by USA Today, and recently in the running by Newsweek.

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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Every Christmas season I face the same dilemma of finding the best gifts for everyone on my list.

I think: What gifts can I buy friends and family that will really stand out — unique gifts that they don’t get already have, and ones that don’t break the bank either?? Because giving sweaters, coffee mugs or winter gloves, gets a little old. And not really memorable.

So if you’re in a bit of bind with Christmas around the corner what can you do to find special gift ideas without spending hours searching all over the internet?? (I know you’ve been there too!)

Luckily, I spotted a gem – Uncommon Goods — a shop featuring creative personalized gifts for the entire family.  The environmentally-friendly company goes beyond simply producing products containing recycled material. They also work with a number of providers from artists to small manufacturers, showing social responsibility. Now that’s a brand I can feel comfortable buying from!

Below I’ve outlined some simple tips to help you sort through your last-minute shopping issues as you look for that perfect gift.

Make a List.

As a mom of littles ones, you’re most like carrying a lot of mental “notes” in your head. But don’t add to that mental load by keeping your shopping list in your head. Instead write down exactly who it is you need to buy gifts for. You may think you’ll remember, but chances are you might let someone slip if you don’t actually put pen to paper.

Focus on interests.

Along with the list of people, add a couple ideas of what that person is interested in. Food, music, reading? This simple task will help you better narrow down what categories you need to focus on when selecting the best gifts and stocking stuffers. And did you know, Uncommon Goods has super easy tool to help with this step? Meet Sunny, the expert gift guide. Simply type in who you’re shopping for, what they like, and bam. You get a whole list of unique gift suggestions! No need to spend hours googling ideas anymore.

Determine where to buy.

Let’s be honest, no one wants to run to 3, 4 or 5 different stores shopping for stocking stuffers. Even browsing several websites can get exhausting and make it difficult to meet that minimum typically required for free shipping. A better alternative is to just find 1 or 2 places max you want to buy from. That will make shopping for fun and special gift ideas.

I’ve been browsing the Uncommon Goods site for a few days, looking to buy some last-minute gift ideas for the kids and let me just say, the selection is quite amazing.

Know a music-lover who loves to cook? Viola, music-inspired measuring spoons.

Have a little budding scientist? Perfect periodic table blocks you can’t find anywhere else.

Want to commemorate a birth day, without getting a stone? Birth month mini dish.

Truly, something special for everyone here.

Want more on gift ideas?

• 10 Gift Ideas for the Stressed and Overwhelmed Mom
• Best Gifts for Pregnant Mom

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 How to Find Unique Gift Ideas for the Whole Family appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Like most people, this time of year with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching is one of my favorites! I love everything about the holiday season from the delicious aroma of turkey and pumpkin pie that fills a room to the seasonal decorations popping up from house to house. But one of my favorite memories of the holidays is getting together with family — because that’s truly what the holidays are all about.

As a Latina, getting together with family is everything. Whether it’s gathering for a feast or special occasion, it’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones, share a delicious meal and watch the little ones play together….because these days there are many of them. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers running all around and making every moment even more special.

And because most family members are traveling from near and far when getting together for the holidays, it’s important to make them feel extremely welcome.

As a mother, one thing I know that is super important when it comes to accommodating family is making sure they have everything they need in stock so they don’t have to run out in the cold to pick anything up. Things like extra paper products and diapers can make a big difference.

So as I prepare for the upcoming get togethers, I’m making sure I have plenty diapers on hand. On a recent trip to BJ’s Wholesale Club, I was able to stock up on Huggies. With an assortment of products including Kimberly Clark’s, they make prepping for the holidays a breeze. BJs is currently having a special offering 60-day free membership for all who sign-up here!

I thought it would be even more fun and welcoming for my family to add a little holiday twist to our typical diaper station with a festive diaper cake! This way the house shows a little holiday spirit and my guests can feel free to grab a diaper as needed.

Related: DIY Candy Cane Wreath & DIY Snow Globe

Diaper Cake Tutorial

1. To start, make sure you have all the necessary materials handy. This includes:

• 14 or 16 inch cardboard cake tray
• Glue gun
• Paper towel roll
• Mini rubber bands
• Colorful ribbon or other embellishments
• 40-60 diapers
• Cake topper (faux flowers)

2. Next, hot glue the paper towel roll to the center of the cake tray.

3. Once secure, beginning rolling your diapers. Use a rubber band to secure the diaper rolls.

4. Begin laying out your diaper rolls in position. Secure with a white balloon ribbon to ensure they stay in place. You can then remove the rubber bands.

Since I went with a 3-tier cake, I needed plenty of diapers. I  used 6 diapers to compose the center row of the first layer, then 13, then 16. For the middle layer, I used 6 diapers again for the center and then 13 for the outer layer. For the top layer, I used 6 diapers.

5. Repeat step 4 for the next two layers.6. Embellish the diaper cake with colorful festive ribbons. I used a glitter candy cane pattern and then added another green ribbon and pom poms for some more pizzaz.

7. I topped off the cake with some faux flowers — poinsettia to bring out the holiday spirit even more!

I love how it turned out and can’t wait to share with my family!

Click here to see how others are preparing for their families this holiday!

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Interested in more DIY projects for the holidays?  Check out some fun ideas below!

DIY Candy Cane Wreath

DIY Sugar Scrub – Homemade Gift Idea

Christmas Tree Salt Dough Ornament

You can also connect with us on Pinterest for year-long project ideas!

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GIVEAWAY

BJs is hosting a giveaway to help get your home ready for the holidays – enter below for your chance to win!

KCC BJs Holiday Giveaway
How are you preparing to welcome family this holiday season? Have you ever made a diaper cake?

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 How to Make a Diaper Cake for the Holidays appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

So what do you do when it’s scorching hot outdoors and you’ve run out of ideas to keep the kids cool? You get a little creative with what you have lying around so the kids can beat the heat!

Water Activities to Keep Kids Cool

One super easy way to cool down right in the backyard is with a DIY sprinkler made from a pool noodle.

Or if you have a toddler that can’t get enough of playing with the hose, try this fun Water Hose activity.

To add even more fun and keep the kids splashing about for hours, bring out the creative juices and make an awesome Kiddie Carwash!

If you have a tarp handy but don’t want to do too much work, the little ones can still have a blast with this DIY Splash Pad – one of my favorites!

Water Balloon Piñata is a another really fun way to keep kids cool on a hot summer day – it also makes for a great summer party game!

For keeping babies cool in the summer, a kiddie pool is the perfect option. Here are five fun games to play in your kiddie pool PLUS five toys to use in pool or bath!

For kids with extra energy who love to run around, nothing beats the heat like a good old (gentle) water fight with these Sponge Water Bombs.

And when all else fails, there’s nothing like simple water table fun. Here are 20 ways kids can play with a water bin.

Keep Cool with Ice Play

When the kids have had enough of the water and looking for other play ideas, what better way to have fun and stay cool than with some ice play!

My toddler LOVED cooling off and creating some art with this Painting with Ice Activity we worked on last summer!

Need to pass some more time? Try an Ice Excavation activity filled with anything your kids love. They’ll have a blast digging into the ice to recover treasure!

More Ways to Keep Cool

And we didn’t forget about one of the most favorite ways to refresh: ice cream or popsicles!!

There’s nothing more refreshing than homemade popsicles on a hot summer day. Take your pick from this popsicle recipe list featuring mango, raspberry, lemonade, chocolate and more!

And finally you can let kids decorate their ice cream any way they choose with this Painting on Ice Cream treat!

You may also enjoy:

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 12 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Cool in a Heat Wave appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

You clean, they make a mess. You clean up the mess, they make more of a mess.

Whether it’s wiping down sticky fingers from walls and appliances to mopping up spilt milk or cookie crumbs. It’s a never-ending cycle that can test anyone’s patience.

Sure the toy clutter is one thing you’ll also have to tackle constantly, but what really gets to me is finding a way to keep the house spotless given only a moment’s notice before a showing.

That’s why now that our house is on the market, I’m all about quick and easy ways to stage our home to get that flawless appearance.

Anytime we have to prep our home for a potential buyer, I always try to focus on the areas that typically sell a home: the kitchen and living space.

One of my go-to tools for making this a reality is Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser!

So I was super excited to learn about their concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner that is ideal for getting an even cleaner effect for those of us looking for a 15-minute renovation…because really, I can’t be bothered to spend much more than that these days.

I received this awesome little tool kit and cleaning sample courtesy of Mr. Clean for helping me get the job done!

If you’re struggling to give your home that sparkly-clean effect too, check out these before and after pictures to see just what a difference Mr. Clean can make. So tough on dirt and really one of the most cost-effective and simplest ways to give your home a mini-makeover!

First things first, a kitchen is typically what sells a home. So it’s definitely one room in the house we wanted to accentuate. Even though most of the appliances in the kitchen are only a few years old, the wear and tear of having little ones around can really take a toll. Finger prints, streak marks and sticky residue always cover our fridge and trash can, so having the concentrated cleaner gives us that brand new look.

This before picture is pretty gross, but it’s amazing how much better our trash bin looked after a little elbow grease with that magic eraser.

I always use Mr. Clean erasers on my walls to wash away the colorful artwork my 3 year-old likes to leave behind…I never really thought about using it on the floors. But I’m so glad I did:

Tile or wood floors can become dull and underwhelming over time, but Mr. Clean Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner can get them shining like new again! I was really impressed at how much better our kitchen floor looked after.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Mr. Clean – but never realized how much a difference the cleaning products made all over the house. I love how fresh and clean my kitchen looks!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power and Concentrated Cleaner has loads of surprising uses, from restoring luster to floors, reviving tired-looking appliances or refreshing your walls without having to repaint.  It’s an easy way to give your home a 15 minute renovation when that’s all you can spare!

Want to get more tips for selling your home and enter for a chance to win a $400 gift card to a renovation store? RSVP for the #15MinReno Twitter Party!!

Twitter Party Details:

Date: August 5th at 8pmCST

Hashtag: #15MinReno

Celebrity Guest: Johnathan Scott of HGTV Property Brothers

Prizes: 4 Renovation Kits including multi-use screwdriver, tape measure, various Mr. Clean product and a piece of decor.

Grand Prize: $400 GC to a Home Improvement Store

RSVP here: http://vite.io/iConnectIM

Mr. Clean Took Kit & Product Giveaway

And if you don’t have much time to spare, but need to give your home a 15 minute reno too, enter for a chance to win a prize pack featuring Mr. Clean products and tools using the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway open to US residents 18+. Ends 8/14.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learn more about Mr. Clean on Twitter & Facebook.

This review was made possible by iConnect  and Mr. Clean. I was provided the featured product and compensations to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

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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Now that summer is officially here, the days are getting longer and hotter than ever. While we are thrilled to spend more time outdoors running around and splashing about, the extra hours of sunlight also mean more need to protect the delicate skin of our family members, especially little ones.

My boys have sensitive skin that often burns easily. As infants both suffered from mild eczema. That’s why it’s essential they wear a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen every time we are out and about. The sun’s rays can do some serious damage in a matter of minutes; it’s a frightening statistic when you hear that sunburns in children increase the odds of developing skin cancer later in life.

So my go-to brand for sun protection has always been Neutrogena® — I’ve suffered from a number of skin problems throughout life (from acne to sunburns), and love how gentle yet powerful the products have been — they are ideal for sensitive skin! That’s one of the reasons I use the Neutrogena baby line for my own kids.

Recently, the National Eczema Association awarded Neutrogena with it’s Seal of Acceptance. Products include:

• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+
• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum 60
• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
• NEUTROGENA® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
• NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

With this recognition, Neutrogena is providing adults and babies with eczema/sensitive skin a safe sunscreen option that protects using naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients.

The Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen is a new one to me that I think is ideal for easy application under make-up. It also offers a higher SPF which I really need this season. And Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion is a top choice for anyone who needs extra protection.

I’ve tried a plethora of sunscreens over the years for myself and my family, and wanted to share a few tips for parents or caregivers on how to find the right sunscreen for their families.

How to choose the best sunscreen for kids:

1. Sun Protection Factor (SPF).

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen is how much sun protection you’ll need. Throughout the year, I rock moisturizer that already contains an SPF 15; however come summer that number has to be at least 30 to prevent sunburns. That means for extra sensitive, kid’s skin, an SPF of  30-45 is best…but even better is an SPF of 50, when playing directly under the sun.

In addition to SPF, you should look for a broad-spectrum label which is designed to protect against both UVA/UVB light types that can damage skin.

Note: Interestingly enough, many resources indicate that SPF 50 is the highest SPF that exists. So those over 50 only provide a small increase in UVB protection.

2. Application Method.

Sunscreens come in so many forms these days, from lotions and sprays to sunscreen sticks and wipes. These are supposed to make them easier to work with. For myself or any other adult, the lotions or sprays work well. But for little kids, sunscreen sprays are a big no-no because they have the potential to be inhaled! That’s why I really appreciate Neutrogena’s baby sunscreen stick that I can easily rub on my little one’s cheeks, nose and neck in one stroke. Nine out of ten times I have to wrestle my toddler to get sunblock on his face, so this has been a lifesaver!

3. Type of Activity.

If the kids will be in the pool or sprinkler, consider purchasing a water-resistant sunscreen. This will minimize the amount of sunblock you need to apply, but with ALL types of sun protection reapplication is always key to prevent burns!

4. Ingredients.

Oftentimes active ingredients and chemicals are required for the ideal result, but I still try to avoid harsh chemicals at all costs when it comes to products my children will be using. I usually look for all natural ingredients that are safe on sensitive skin. I love that Neutrogena’s Pure & Free Baby sunscreen stick is 100% naturally-sourced, fragrance free and ideal for hypoallergenic skin.

With young children, it’s important to look for extra gentle formulas that are ideal for delicate skin. Check the labels carefully to find what works for your family!

They say that knowledge is power. So knowing that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, yet only 20% use SPF daily propels me to choose skin health for me and my family!

Have you used Neutrogena sunscreens on your children? What do you look for when choosing a form of sun protection?

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 Sun Protection & How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Kids appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

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One of the biggest hurdles as a parent is getting a child to SLEEP. What works for one child may not work for another. I have found a few very successful sleep tips for my children (we are a blended family with 13 kids) that I would love to share with you!

Infants to Age 2

If you nurse or feed your baby a bottle before bed, snuggle with him during the feeding and for a few minutes after. Then lay him in his bassinet/crib. This gives a sense of security and love.

Turn on something soothing. I recommend birds and nature sounds. If your child does not like nature sounds, try a favorite type of music. You do not want something playful, as that does not promote sleep. Any type of white noise such as a fan will also work. This soothes and blocks out other noises you may be making in the house.

Turn on something that shines on the ceiling for your baby to gaze at to fall asleep. I use a turtle that shines stars on the ceiling. It has three color settings or alternates between the three colors (this is the setting I always choose). Other options may include a nightlight that shines a scene on the ceiling, glow stars, a mobile, etc.

If your baby cries a lot at bedtime and seems to not sleep well laying down, a GREAT alternative is sleeping in a swing or bouncer. You can also lay an infant on a Boppy pillow. They make covers that have a velcro harness for keeping your baby safe. I have two kids who suffered from reflux, and these options were absolutely wonderful! Gripe water in their bottles before bed were also a huge help and an all natural solution. It is sold at most stores in the pharmacy or baby section.

Ages 2 +

This is the age when many children are in their own beds (if yours is not, don’t worry, no judgement here! We have coslept, too!) I have found that TV in a bedroom is too much of a distraction. Some people recommend taking all toys out of the bedroom except books, but that is not practical for the size of our family and home. What I have found to REALLY work for us is a clean, organized room and a CD player. If the room is clean and organized, there are fewer distractions. For example, my youngest three girls share a bedroom.

By first glance, it looks like there is not much in their room. In actuality, there are a lot of toys in there, which are organized into bins and put away strategically.

My youngest daughter is 4 and refuses to sleep alone, which is why there are only two beds. We know as parents that sometimes we have to choose our battles, and having her feel secure when she is sleeping is fine with me.

My girls take turns picking a CD to listen to (or radio station). The most popular choice is a DISNEY CD – Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, toy Story, Beauty and the Beast, Brave, Etc. The CD contains 4 songs then a bedtime story. By the time the story is over, they are ALWAYS out! You can purchase them for $5 at Walmart and $6 at RiteAid. We also use a night light in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom so they can always see if they need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night (and in case anyone is afraid of the dark).

Older Children

If you allow a TV in your child’s bedroom, set a sleep timer. If I find the TV gets turned back on, the TV gets swapped out for a radio/CD player for a month. Sleep is very important, especially on school nights. I want my children to have privileges but be respectful and follow rules. I require all electronics to be turned in at 8:00 on a school night. They will stay up all night on them if they could get away with it. I am much more lenient on weekends, holidays, and vacations.

Bedtime Routine

Our bedtime is 8:00 on school nights, 9:00 on weekends for 10 and under, and 10:00 for 11 and up. At 7, everyone gets a snack so they don’t get to bed hungry (we eat dinner at 4:30/5:00). They brush their teeth, use the bathroom, and get dressed for bed. This way there are no “excuses.” They aren’t hungry, thirsty, or have to go potty.

Restful Sleep

I rub lavender oil on our feet on restless nights to promote better sleep. I am even able to do this for my 1 year old, and he enjoys it. I rub it onto the bottom of his feet and massage it in. It works very well for us! There are other essential oils that may work for you as well.

Transitioning to own bed/room

Transitioning your child to their own bed and/or room can be very tricky! I have found that doing this gradually with the same routine every night is the best. It shows consistency and trust. Start by snuggling in their room, in their bed.

Use whatever bedtime routine you plan to do from here on out (obviously, I recommend one of the routines above). Do this for three days. Then lay in the bed with your child but do not snuggle. Just lay beside your child. Do this for three days also. For the next three days, sit in a chair next to the bed. Then in a chair by the door for three days. Then in a chair outside the bedroom for three days. Now your child is ready to sleep on her own. I go back to check after ten minutes to see how she is doing. It may still take a bit of whining, but usually the gradual transition works out well. And it definitely works much better than doing it cold turkey.

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Karen is from Sunbeams and Heartstrings, where she co-blogs with her friend, Sarah. Karen and Sarah are stay at home moms (both due to medical reasons). Karen has a blended family of 13 kids (7 boys, 6 girls) ages 24 to 1. Sarah has 3 year old twin girls, a 1 year old son, and helps raise her 3 year old nephew. Both women enjoy cooking, baking, crafts, and helping others. You can follow them on their blog, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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 Sleep Solutions: Tips to Help All Your Kids Sleep at Night appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Mmmm. That sweet aroma of clean baby clothes fresh out of the laundry basket! It brings back such positive, tender memories of our new bundle of joy. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was sorting through laundry baskets of newborn onesies, bibs and blankets!

Even though there is never a dull moment with a fast-moving 3 year-old and newly walking 1 year-old, I miss those early days, partly because of all those new mommy emotions and wonderful smells. Smells like Dreft detergent always come to mind when I think of baby clothes!

I remember washing all the adorable outfits with matching booties and hats as we prepared for our baby’s arrival.  As a new mom, I wanted to make sure I used the best and pediatrician-recommended detergents that would be safe for baby’s delicate skin. Dreft was my go-to product!

As my boys transitioned from infant to crawling baby, things got messier. Baby vomit and diaper blow-outs weren’t the only thing I was throwing in the wash. Dirt marks, food stains and paint spills were becoming the norm. To me it called for different detergents and stain removers to fight the pesky laundry stains.

But I am so exciting to know that Dreft has expanded their product-line to better meet the different stages of growing babies so families can focus less on the mess and more on those amazing moments from baby’s first to baby’s next!

Dreft Detergents for Stages of Baby

Dreft Newborn (Stage One): Expectant and new parents can wash their little one’s fabrics with Dreft’s same beloved hypoallergenic formula, designed to be tough on stains and gentle on baby’s skin with the beloved Dreft baby scent.

NEW Dreft Active Baby (Stage Two): Specially designed with a growing, developing baby in mind, NEW Dreft Active Baby helps to remove 99% of baby food stains and other outdoor messes with a gentle, hypoallergenic formula and fresh scent.

NEW Dreft Blissfuls (Stage Three): NEW Dreft Blissfuls in-wash scent boosters gives families the baby fresh scent they love. Safe on all fabrics, these beads help bring back that nostalgic, amazing baby scent (and all those memories) with every wash.

Just as I was drawn to Dreft detergent when I needed a safe hypoallergenic formula for sensitive skin, I am loving the new line for active babies that is equipped to handle all those other messes as my little one continues to grow and explore the world around him.

I am also super excited for keeping that nostalgic baby scent in the air with the Blissfuls line as my toddler grows. It’s my way to keep those special moments in my heart as they quickly grow.

Dreft’s Amazing Baby Days App & Video

Make sure to download Dreft’s “Amazing Baby Days” app now available for FREE on the App store. This one- of-a kind app helps parents – and parents to be – capture the amazing moments of pregnancy through their baby’s first year and has recently been updated so that moms and dads can make keepsake movies from photos and videos captured within the app.

You can also watch the video below to learn more about the #Amazinghood campaign.

Giveaway Sponsored by Dreft

Ready for a giveaway?? Dreft is offering one lucky reader of mine a chance to win an amazing prize package:

• NEW Dreft product line-up
• Little Me receiving blanket
• Ingenuity Booster Chair
• Aden by Aden & Anis Lovey
• Carters 5 Year Memory Book

To enter simple use the Rafflecopter form below to tell me why you need a life-staged detergent regimen, like Dreft! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to all US residents 18 and over. Ends 5/27.

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 Keep Kid’s Clothes Baby Fresh, Beyond the Baby Phase #Amazinghood #Dreft appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Excited. Joyful. Thankful. Blessed. Anxious. Nervous. Disbelief. Shocked.

These are a few words real moms used to describe that very moment they found out they were expecting…with the realization that a new life was forming inside their very body and the whole world as they knew it was about to change.I can still recall the first moment it happened to ME. The scene plays over and over in my head.

It was late in the evening. I had a hunch and decided it was the moment of truth. My husband lay on the bed surfing the internet as I nervously made my way to the bathroom not telling him that I was taking the test, but simply  rummaging through draws of toiletries until I finally found the stick. I got to it immediately, but my heart thumped so loudly I thought it was echoing off the walls. The whole moment felt surreal. I quickly turned it over when I was done peeing and set it down on a napkin as to not reveal the answer. I couldn’t dare look at it…yet. I was ready. I wanted this. But there were so many emotions going through my head. Do we deserve this? Are we ready…really ready? Will we be good parents?

If it’s a positive pregnancy test, that means a child is growing inside my body. What a miracle that is in itself! This will change everything!! I took a few minutes. Said a little prayer for whatever was to be and turned it over.

It was positive! I was going to be a mom!

OMG!! Is this real?! Is this truly happening? How can a test hold so much power and meaning?! I was in shock. Overjoyed, thrilled, excited for the new chapter in my life. But also anxious for what this meant.

I remember the chuckle that came from my husband after I told him, “I’m pregnant.” He looked up at me from his screen and excitedly asked, “What? Are you sure?!” “OMG!” he laughed.

We weren’t in shock that it happened…because we were anticipating it. But even a planned pregnancy can trigger a little disbelief initially. It’s just amazingly unbelievable when it actually happens. It’s a moment that will forever live on in your memory.

Although there are many symptoms that are present early on in pregnancy, the home pregnancy test is the first step to discovering the truth.

As Mother’s Day quickly approaches, I can’t help but contemplate on all those emotions that I was inundated with the moment I realized I was going to be a mom. From what I was feeling to the reactions of our families, the memory is always with me.

And this video montage from Clearblue brings it all back.

There’s just so much love that fills your heart, despite all your worries and fears. It’s that love that you carry in you that will get you through and make you a great mom!

Happy Mother’s Day!

How did you feel the moment you realized you were going to be a mom? Who did you tell? How did they react? I’d love to hear!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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 The Moment You Realize You’re Going to Be a Mom appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

If you have little kids in the house, you know how easy it is for those little hands to get a hold of any and everything around. That’s why constant baby-proofing is such a big deal. This is even more true when it comes to the laundry room, an often overlooked area where little ones “help” with the process by jumping into piles of clothes, pressing buttons and popping their heads into the dryer.

Children, and toddlers especially, are curious by nature. If something is new to them they want to explore it further…which is a great quality when it comes to learning and development…but not so great when it comes to chemicals and detergents.

Newer detergents that come in the form of single unidose laundry pacs like Tide Pods and Gain flings are one of the many advances that have made washing clothes easier and more convenient. Think: no more messy liquid spillage or measuring cups! These pacs contain highly concentrated detergent in a uniquely designed multi-chamber, yet require the same discipline as common household cleaning products when it comes to safely using, handling and storing.

In honor of Poison Prevention Week I’ve partnered with Tide® and Gain® to bring you helpful tips to keep kids safe when it comes to laundry time.

The most important piece of advice when it comes to safe laundry practices, is supervision. Nothing is more important than watching what your child is doing especially if they happen to be rummaging through the laundry basket. It can prevent many accidents from happening in the first place.

Along with supervision, comes storage.  Detergents need to be kept up, up and away (#arribaylejos) on shelves or cabinets with locks. The detergent pacs in particular, may pique a toddler’s curiosity even more, so should be kept sealed and packed away so they are not within a child’s reach. This also means the packets should be kept in their original container with the instructions and warning labels.

Also try to think like your child would. Get down on your hands and knees and see if there is anything that your child may use to reach those off-limit chemicals. This might even mean sealing the entry way to the laundry room, moving that stepping stool and storing the detergent as soon as you bring it into the house!

Lastly, in case an accident does occur, make sure you have important phone numbers handy like that of a poison control center and your pediatrician.

Learn more about the #ArribayLejos campaign made to educate families on the importance of laundry room safety and connect with Tide & Gain for more tips!

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 Laundry Room Tips to Keep Kids Safe appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.