Pregnant plush toys like Margo the “Are You Kidding?” Goat aren’t anything new in our household. When my daughter was three, she had a maternity ward full of plushies! Vivi has always been an inquisitive child. At a very young age, she already had a keen interest in baby animals and their mothers. When she asked, “Where do babies come from?” I not only told her the truth, I made … [Read more...] about Birthing and Nursing Toys
Babies and Toddlers
This Is A Mother’s Love
I recall vividly the first night our son, Harper, slept at home with us. He was all of two days old. He slept right next to us in a tiny hammock thing. The idea that he was now on the outside of my body was so bizarre to me that no matter where he was, I felt myself having to touch something attached to him…a toe, his blanket, something to keep us connected and make me feel t … [Read more...] about This Is A Mother’s Love
Toddler Toys Under $10
Here are 19 Toddler Toys that cost under $10. Toys are expensive and you can either make your own. trade with friends or look for ones that are affordable. All of these toys are from reputable and nature-centered companies that use toxic free materials and fair trade sourcing. Several companies have sorts by price. Rosie Hippo sorts by Gifts Under $25; Down to Earth Toys s … [Read more...] about Toddler Toys Under $10
Feeding the Picky Eater
Have you heard some of these comments from your little ones at the table when you serve them a meal? If you have a child who is over 18 months old, chances are that you have! “I don’t like it” “Yuck!” “No!” One area where young children quickly learn they can wield some power is with food. They typically go through a phase we often label as “picky eating.” This is often … [Read more...] about Feeding the Picky Eater
Acupressure for Colic
Oh, the agony of colic! The very word brings chills up the spines of most new parents. Please, they beg the parenting gods, spare our family the pain and anguish of this nightmare of infancy! Well never fear, the great therapeutic power of Chinese Medicine is here to help calm the crying and relieve the pain that are the hallmarks of this pediatric condition. Colic is … [Read more...] about Acupressure for Colic
Nighttime Parenting
According to pediatric anthropologist Meredith Small, author of Our Babies, Ourselves, the US is the only country in the world in which babies routinely sleep in their own beds in their own rooms. Small reports on one study that showed that in 67% of the world’s cultures children sleep in the company of others. As breastfeeding has increased in recent years, so has room sha … [Read more...] about Nighttime Parenting
Talk With Your Baby
Talking with babies is more important than you may imagine. Babies learn through communicating with their parents and parents who have conversations with them early on—through talking, pointing, smiling, responding, singing, reading, and copying what their child does—jumpstart language and learning. Even though most children learn to understand and talk without much effort, the … [Read more...] about Talk With Your Baby
Put Down Your Phone
Guest post by Tracy Cutchlow. I can hear your sputters of protest already: Is such an extreme measure really necessary? Science can’t tell you for sure. There is no definitive research (yet) about the effects of smartphones and other digital devices. But we do know a few important things about ourselves as humans, and these things can help inform how and when you use your … [Read more...] about Put Down Your Phone
Reviews of Sleep Books
One of the biggest worries of new parents is sleep—how to get baby to sleep and how to get more sleep themselves. Often parents blame themselves and think there is something they can or should do to "make" their babies sleep. Over time, we understand that babies don't sleep through the night right away. It's good to have reassurance and tips during this tender time. Here are my … [Read more...] about Reviews of Sleep Books
Get In Sync With Your Baby
Guest post by Tracy Cutchlow. Baby loves it when you mimic her facial expressions, coo at her little sounds, and gaze into her eyes. When baby tries to engage with you in one of those ways, she needs you to respond in kind. This “serve and return” interaction is foundational in wiring baby’s brain. It helps the brain develop in a way that supports stress regulation, empat … [Read more...] about Get In Sync With Your Baby