Pregnancy is an exciting, daunting and miraculous thing, but it’s also pretty tough on the body. After giving birth, there’s a number of changes which occur that can come as a pretty nasty surprise. Therefore, it can really help if you read up and prepare yourself for the possible changes your body may experience.
Here, we’ll look at some of the main changes you’re likely to notice after pregnancy so you know exactly what to expect.
The minute you bring baby home, you’re constantly aware of the potential hazards around the home. You’ve likely spent hours baby-proofing the house, making sure anything dangerous is kept well out of reach. However, as many parents have unfortunately found out, there’s some potentially serious choking hazards you might not have even considered.
Here, we’ll look at 10 of the most surprising choking hazards for babies and toddlers every parent should be aware of.
Has your toddler been complaining that their foot hurts? If so, it could be a sign of an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenails are most commonly associated with adults, but it’s actually a really common nail issue for toddlers and babies, too.
Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this common problem, from what it is, to how it can be prevented and treated.
When it comes to introducing a solid diet to your little one, there’s certain foods you’re told to stay clear of. This is because, young babies have a lower immune system, as well as a more sensitive digestive system. There’s a number of foods which should be avoided, but honey is by far one of the most potentially harmful foods you can feed your infant.
So, why is honey bad for baby and what harm could it really do? [Read more…]
Feeling run down, stressed and exhausted? Being a parent is no easy feat and it can often feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. With so many tasks to complete, it can easily become overwhelming and the stress just keeps on building day after day.
If you’re fed up of the constant daily battles to keep on top of everything, there is one way to make things a little easier. Carrying out certain tasks at the weekend could help make parenting much easier during the week. Sunday’s, for example, are a particularly great day to get ahead.
So, if you’re ready to make a change and get back in control of the situation, here you’ll discover 5 things you can do on a Sunday to ease the pressure during the week.
Are you struggling to accept and embrace your new post-baby body? If so, you definitely aren’t alone!
These days, women are placed under a lot of pressure to constantly look their best. You’d think after just giving birth you’d be entitled to take a little time out and simply enjoy being a new mom. However, thanks to media coverage of hot celebrity moms stepping out just weeks after having their baby looking EXACTLY the same way they did before baby arrived, there is a pressure placed onto women to regain their pre-baby figure.
The trouble is, the reason these celebrities are pictured looking fantastic soon after the birth is because they have a team of experts around them. They have nannies, make-up artists, nutritionists and personal trainers. Many also choose to have cosmetic surgery right after giving birth (though some will never admit it!). They’re paid a lot to look a certain way and they’re blessed with both the time and the money to be able to focus on getting their pre-baby body back.
The average mom doesn’t have any of this so those first few months of parenthood are commonly spent feeling exhausted, run down and extremely stressed out! When you add the pressure to look good on top of all of the other responsibilities you have, it’s unsurprising you can end up feeling overwhelmed and hating your new body (even when you shouldn’t!)
If you’re struggling to accept your new look, below you’ll discover 10 ways to feel better about your post baby body right now. [Read more…]
While each child is unique, the majority tend to take their very first steps between the ages of nine and eighteen months. It’s a beautiful, magical moment witnessing baby’s first steps, but it also signals another milestone parents now face – choosing their first pair of shoes.
It’s best to wait until the toddler years until you buy baby’s first pair of shoes. This is because while they are still new to walking, barefoot is definitely the best option for baby. They can use their toes for grip, and walking barefoot also gives the feet a maximum workout. So, don’t be too keen to rush out and buy a pair of shoes the minute your baby starts walking!
It may sound like a simple enough task, but buying your toddler’s first pair of shoes can actually be quite tricky. There are many factors you need to take into account to ensure your little one doesn’t end up with ill-fitting shoes. So, to help, below you’ll discover the top tips you should follow to ensure you’re choosing the right shoes for your toddler. [Read more…]
Let’s face it, keeping the romance alive when you’ve just had a baby isn’t easy! You’re exhausted, you’re sleep deprived and by the time baby goes to bed, all you want to do is sleep or collapse in front of the TV. It doesn’t get easier during the toddler stage either.
Not only is it exhausting being a parent, but it’s also more difficult to enjoy any time to yourself. Date nights become a lot more difficult; especially if you can’t find a babysitter. However, did you know there’s plenty of date night ideas you and your partner can enjoy which don’t require a babysitter?
Date nights are extremely important as they help to maintain the bond the two of you had before baby came along. Close and happy parent’s equal happy kids. So, if you’re looking to keep the spark alive, below you’ll discover some of the top date night ideas you won’t need a babysitter for. [Read more…]
Let’s face it, baby’s first birthday is just as much a celebration for you as it is for them. It’s a celebration you all made it through the first year! Your little one isn’t going to remember what happened on their first birthday, so technically you could do anything on the day. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it special.
If you’re struggling for inspiration, below you’ll discover 10 awesome ways to celebrate baby’s first birthday. [Read more…]
Does your toddler throw a tantrum or become really upset when they need to see the doctor?
As upsetting as it can be, it’s actually not unusual at all for toddlers to develop a fear of going to the doctor. This is because they begin to remember what happens when they’re in the doctor’s office.
Think about it from their point of view. All they know is when they go to the doctor they get prodded and injected and they have absolutely no idea why. They may remember what happens, but they don’t know why it happens. So, understandably they start to associate going to the doctor as a bad experience. Toddler’s don’t always have the verbal skills to say why they don’t like the doctor, so they do the only thing they can to express their feelings – cry or scream.
The question is, how can you ease their fears and make it less traumatic for both them and you? [Read more…]
When was the last time you enjoyed a little self-care? If like many moms you can’t even remember the last time you did something for you, it’s time to make a change.
As a new mom or dad, life changes pretty quickly. Suddenly, your entire focus and energy becomes all about the needs of your baby. It’s understandable, but it’s also potentially damaging; not just for you but for baby too. The thing is, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to properly take care of your little one.
A happy mom and dad equals a happy baby, so self-care shouldn’t be seen as a luxury; it should be considered an essential.
So, if you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and you don’t even seem to be able to find time to eat some days, how can you fit in a little self-care? Well, the main question should be, how can you afford not to?
There are ways you can fit self-care tasks into your routine. Below, you’ll discover 20 self-care tasks and tips for parents that will fit around even the busiest schedule. [Read more…]
When you become a parent, the things you once used to do regularly without even thinking, suddenly become a luxury. Eating out, heading to the grocery store to leisurely pick up the things you need, and even heading to the movies, can all feel like a military operation when you’ve got a baby or toddler in tow.
One of the main activities parents miss when they have a baby is being able to catch a movie. It can be difficult to decide whether you should take baby with you and how old they should be before you take them to the movies for the first time.
If you’re desperate to get out of the house and enjoy a glimpse of the life you once had, below you’ll discover everything you need to know about taking baby to the movies. [Read more…]
When you’re preparing for baby’s arrival, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the huge amount of equipment and supplies you’re going to need. There’s no denying having a baby is expensive, but you’d be surprised how much money parents spend that they really don’t need to.
It’s easy to spend more money than you have to when you’re bombarded with “must-have” baby accessories. If you’re a first-time parent the sheer number of products out there can be overwhelming and it’s difficult to know what you do and don’t need.
To make it easier and to ensure you don’t waste money on things you simply don’t need, below we’ll look at the top items you should splurge on and where you can save money. [Read more…]
Looking for inspiration on the best ways to enjoy nature with your toddler? It isn’t too late to get outdoors and enjoy the last days of summer.
Outdoor play and exploration is vital for your little one’s development. Fresh air and adventures are what summers should be about for kids. However, after weeks of trying to come up with new and exciting ideas to keep them entertained, you may be struggling to find inspiration to get you through those final weeks of the season.
If you’re desperate for new and exciting nature activity ideas, below you’ll discover some of the best ways to enjoy nature with your toddler this summer. [Read more…]
Choosing the right day care center for your toddler is one of the toughest decisions you’ll ever make. You obviously want to know you’re leaving them in safe and capable hands, but how can you tell you’re making the right choice?
It can be extremely nerve-wracking; particularly if you’re switching day care centers because of a bad experience. However, while it’s normal to be nervous, there are a few things you can look out for on your search, to ensure you end up choosing the very best for your little one.
Here, you’ll discover some of the main red flags to watch out for when visiting a day care center. Some are obvious, while others you need to pay close attention to. So, if you spot any of these red flags below, it’s best to move on… [Read more…]