When my daughter was 5-weeks-old, my husband had a conference to attend and I had decided to go with him. We dropped the preschoolers off at grandma’s house, and took baby along. It was probably one of the easiest trips I’ve ever taken – even though we had a short layover and needed to change planes.

Just because you’ve got a little one doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying the world. Babies are pretty portable, and they tend to enjoy anywhere you are. It doesn’t need to be a trip to Disney World yet – it can be a visit to your friends in another city. Traveling with a baby simply takes some additional planning – especially when you’re flying.

Give yourself lots of extra time for security, baggage checking, and getting to your gate. Flying overnight – or at naptime – can be helpful. Your baby may sleep through the whole thing! Dress your baby and yourself in layers and be sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Packing:

While you may have been able to get along with just a carry-on for past trips, you’ll likely have checked luggage on this trip. Take advantage of curbside luggage check-in, if available. Know ahead what counts as a carry-on. You may have a diaper bag, purse, stroller, car seat and small suitcase, and you don’t want to be caught off guard at the gate.

Wearing your baby in a sling or soft carrier may make maneuvering in the airport much easier than trying to do so with a stroller. You’ll have both hands free to steer the luggage. If you bring the stroller, you may end up using it as a luggage cart! Know your airline’s policies for gate checking larger items.

Pack extras of everything – you never know when flights will change due to weather or other issues. Being stuck in an airport without diapers and wipes will be a challenge, so make sure you have plenty.

Check with your airline:

Will you be purchasing and extra seat so you can bring baby’s car seat? Or will the airline allow you to hold your baby? Are there regulations for size you need to take into account? Even though it’s one more bulky thing to carry, a child safety seat may be better than keeping your baby in arms throughout the flight. You’ll have more mobility, and you will have a little more space.

Some airlines have priority boarding for families, but some don’t. It’s helpful to know ahead of time. Getting your baby settled and all your stuff stowed before other passengers start to board can relieve a lot of stress. You’ll also want to keep baby safe as others are placing their belongings in the overhead bins.

Choose your seat ahead if you can. If you’re bringing a safety seat, airlines may have restrictions on where these can be placed (not in a row with emergency exits, for instance). Bulkhead seats also tend to be a little roomier and a little more private (your baby won’t be bothering anyone in front of you).

Check your airline’s website for additional information about their policies – for example, will you need to bring baby’s birth certificate? Will you need a boarding pass for baby?

On your flight:

If you’re breastfeeding, you may want to nurse your baby during take off and landing. The sucking helps to help with the pressure build-up in baby’s ears, and will keep him calm (and quiet). A pacifier or bottle will work, too.

Depending on the length of your flight and your baby’s age, you may need to pack some toys to keep baby busy. Consider buying one or two new toys that baby has never seen before – the wonder of exploring something new may keep baby busy longer. Even a Baby Einstein video downloaded to your tablet can be a life-saver on a long plane ride.

Have you traveled with a baby? What tips do you have for other parents?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Inevitably at your baby shower, someone probably gave you a baby book. And as you flipped through the pages, you oohed and awed and promised not to miss a thing. You would be committed to documenting baby’s milestones, the doctor’s appointments, and everything in between.

Unfortunately, if you’re like a lot of new moms with the best of intentions, you may have recently stumbled across that baby album for the first time since that fateful shower—realizing only now that you haven’t documented a thing. No remembrance of any of baby’s milestones to be found.

Don’t fret! There is still totally hope!

First of all, if the baby album just feels too overwhelming to you (there are SO many questions to answer, and you can start to feel a bit bad if you don’t remember all the answers)—toss it. You don’t need a baby album to document your baby’s milestones. Some people like them, because they are already organized and they can guide you through what to memorialize, but you are by no means locked into that book.

A very simple alternative can be to pick up a blank notebook—one you use to write in every night (or every week) before bed as you document your baby’s journey from this point forward.

Another idea is to begin a photo album. Even if you haven’t done anything with your baby’s photos up to this point, you likely still have them (maybe they’re even still on your camera) and you can easily upload them to any online printing company and either have them turn it into a book for you, or take the time to organize those photos yourself and add text memorializing the milestones you remember.

The good news is, most of the biggest milestones are still yet to come! You can keep that notebook (or baby album) handy now so that you are ready and waiting to write down your baby’s first words, the date of his or her first steps, and even funny sentences and phrases that your little one may utter in years to come.

Pssst… We’ve got one great piece of advice for you: our baby app allows you to document these things on your phone, thus, you have plenty of options to document your baby’s milestones. It’s all just about finding what works best for you!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

You may have just gotten the hang of being a new mom, and now it’s time for another change; going back to work. Whether you love your job or are returning out of financial necessity, going back to work after maternity leave can cause conflicting emotions.

On one hand, you may be happy about returning to the challenges and rewards of your job. Chatting with your coworkers and getting out of your sweats and spit up stained tops may be appealing after maternity leave. But you love spending time with your baby and don’t want to miss anything. You may also feel guilty about leaving your baby.

Rest assured, what you’re feeling is pretty common. Many new moms are torn when it comes time to return to work. But there are things you can do to make the transition easier for you and your baby.

Consider talking to your supervisor before you return to work. If you’re still breastfeeding, determine a location and schedule for pumping. Working things out ahead of time may reduce misunderstands on the job.

Also, try to let someone else bottle feed your baby before you go back to work. This gives your little one time to adjust to a bottle and will help ease your mind.

If possible, allow time for you and your baby to get used to your childcare arrangements before you go back to work. For instance, start your new childcare about a week before your first day back on the job. Giving both you and your baby time to get used to the change before returning to work will ease first-day jitters.

Once you’re back on the job, check in during the day. A quick phone call may give you peace of mind that everything is going well. A nanny cam may also be an option to get a quick baby fix.

Give yourself a little time to get the hang of everything and don’t be afraid to ask for support. It may take a little while to get a routine down that includes work, parenting and still having time for yourself and your partner. Cut yourself some slack if everything does not go perfectly right off the bat.

Lastly, try to let go of the guilt. Working outside the home does not make you a bad mommy. Remind yourself, you’re doing the best you can for your family. Try to relax, lean on friends, family and your partner and remember you got this!

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

As a new parent, it is fair to have an ever-growing concern for the environment. This is the world you are raising your child up into, and you know that the state of the earth is going to play a big part in your child’s future. So you want to do what you can to help that environment, while also instilling a similar sense of eco-consciousness in your child.

After all, the state of that world is going to fall into his or her hands soon enough.

Often, the best way to inspire a set of ideals in your child is to set the example first yourself. They are always watching you and learning from the way you interact with the world around you. So instilling eco-consciousness in your child starts with embracing that eco-consciousness yourself.

Why don’t you start by instituting a recycling plan in your home? Find out what your city offers and how you can participate, and then create a compost pile in your yard and place recycling bins around the house. Talk to your child about where to throw various items, and invite them to participate by taking a banana peal out to the compost pile or by putting a tin can into the recycling bin.

From there, think about cutting down on how often you use your car. Do you really need to get in and out of a vehicle just to go to the store down the street or to visit your friends up the block? Pull out the stroller on nice days and show your child that the two of you can get to places just as easily on foot as by car. This will be good not only for the environment, but also for your own health and well-being.

Then, why don’t you think about starting a garden together? You don’t have to go big, you can start with just a few plants. But consider what it might teach your child if you begin growing some of your own food? Depending on where you live, having a citrus tree or a tomato plant could provide not only some great opportunities for bonding with your child, but also the chance to teach him or her about sustainability and eating local.

There are so many other small ways you can begin to teach your child about eco-consciousness. Say “no” to disposable bags at the store and carry your own canvas totes instead. Make your own cleaners. Talk about not wasting water.

Your child will hopefully grow up in a generation of kids far more aware of the environment than we were. But that starts with you!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is bringing ones full attention to the present moment. Mindfulness in parenting means paying close attention to what’s happening here and now rather than thinking about down-the-road outcomes. While it doesn’t mean you are allowing your child to run free without consequences, it does mean that you are recognizing moment-to-moment thoughts and feelings without judging yourself or your child. Once you see the actions for what they are, you can move to more authentically resolving any problems.

Practicing mindfulness allows you to truly focus on your child’s unique needs, rather than getting caught up in reacting to behaviors. You are then able to let go of the way things should be and instead accept the way things are.

What are the benefits?

Mindfulness has been shown to alleviate anxiety, lessen depression, decrease substance abuse, and reduce reactivity to stress. When mothers use mindfulness in their interactions with their children, they feel empowered as parents and emotionally connected with their kids. They are less troubled by developmentally appropriate behaviors, and are less stressed overall.

Children learn from their parents’ behaviors, and those who are parented mindfully tend to learn mindfulness easily. Mindfulness decreases behavioral problems and substance use, as well as increases a sense of self-control and well-being.

How to be more mindful:

Mindfulness takes practice, and nobody is perfect all the time. As long as you are striving to improve your reactions and interactions, you are winning at the mindfulness game.

• Learn more about it: There are books, web pages, workbooks, blogs, Twitter feeds, etc. all geared toward mindful living. In addition to learning what mindfulness is, take time to practice every single day – even if it’s just for 5 minutes. There are loads of ways to teach kids to tune in – they are probably better at it than us (have you ever tried to get a toddler to stop focusing on playing when it’s time to go?).

• Tune in to your self talk: We are often our own worst critics. Accepting yourself is the first step in accepting your children as individuals. Tune in to your thinking about yourself and others. Are you constantly judging? Practice sitting quietly and thinking of nothing. As soon as you start to judge something, set the thought aside and once again focus on your breath, your present moment, what is happening in the immediate world around you. Over time, this practice will help you stop judging yourself and others, and allow you instead to forge strong relationships. When our children see us being kind to ourselves and others, they can’t help but learn.

• Reacting vs. responding: Do you find yourself reacting to your child’s behavior because of preconceived notions of the way things should be? Who sets those rules? Are they true for everyone and every family? By responding to your child in ways that are appropriate to his own unique personality and needs, you will create a relationship based on understanding and learning rather than fear of punishment.

• Un-schedule: Have some downtime every day – for you and for your child. When we’re always running from one activity to the next, we lose sight of whether or not those activities are enriching us or draining us.

• Practice stress management: Learn how to actively lower your stress level when you’re feeling the strain of parenting or just of life. Two helpful tools:
  • STOP: Stop what you’re doing, Take a breath, Observe how you feel and what is happening (without judgment), and Proceed to action but much more attuned and mindful.
  • HALT: Am I Hungry? Am I Angry? Am I Lonely? Am I Tired? Just stopping what you’re doing and tuning in to what you’re feeling without judging it right or wrong will help you move on with thoughtfulness. This little phrase is helpful when you’re child is having a meltdown, too. Simply assess your child’s emotions and basic needs to make sure his tank is full.

• Be good enough – Let go of being the ‘the perfect mom’ and instead be a mom whose imperfections are accepted. When your children see that failures are only temporary setbacks and are not a sign of bad character, they learn that it’s OK to be imperfect.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

You wake feeling a little nauseous. As the day goes on, you feel fatigued. You’re pretty sure you’ve got a fever, but haven’t been able to stop and take your temperature. By the afternoon, it’s the inevitable truth – you’re sick. Now what?

While we’d like to imagine equality in our own families, the truth for most moms is that they do the disproportionate share of childcare and housework. So when mom gets sick, the whole family unravels a little.

But when you’re sick, you need to take care of yourself, and make some temporary changes until you’re feeling better.

• Rest! Fatigue makes mothering next to impossible. If you have a baby or toddler who is still napping, sleep when they sleep. If your baby is young enough, you may get away with spending the entire day in bed napping and nursing. If he or she is home, let your partner care for the children while you rest. Your body needs to heal, and sleep is one of the best ways to do so.

• Try home remedies: Saline nose drops, chicken soup, a humidifier … try whatever you have on hand that doesn’t take too much work.

• Stay hydrated and eat what you can: Dehydration and hunger make fatigue even worse. Sip broths or electrolyte replenishing drinks (especially if you’ve been vomiting) and nibble on bland foods (remember the BRAT diet for illness: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

• Use caution with medications if you’re breastfeeding: Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the type of illness, you may want to take over the counter medications, or your doctor may prescribe medications to treat your illness. Check with a lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor to make sure any drugs you take (including herbs) are safe for a breastfeeding baby. Even if you’re not breastfeeding, you’ll want to know if a medication is going to make you sleepy – which could really impact your childcare abilities.

• Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to call for reinforcements. If your partner can take the day off from work, great. Or ask family or friends to substitute for you for a day.

• Do the bare minimum to get through the day: Spend the day on the couch, and let the kids play or watch TV nearby. Gate them into the same room if you need to.

• Let it go: Whether it’s the housekeeping, the amount of time your children are spending in front of a screen, or the complete lack of nutritional balance in their meals, let it all go for a day until you’re feeling better.

If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you may wonder if it’s acceptable to nurse your baby when you’re sick. If you’re up to it, then by all means keep breastfeeding. Your body started making antibodies to the illness likely before you even realized you were sick. And these immunities are passed to your baby through breastmilk. Sometimes the nursing baby is the only one in the family who doesn’t get sick! Sometimes when a mom is very ill, her milk supply drops. With frequent nursing after you’re feeling better, your milk supply should rebound.

Cover your cough, no kissing your baby, and be sure to wash your hands often to avoid spreading germs to your children or your partner.

What tips do you have for getting through an illness when you’re trying to care for others?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Now that your baby is mobile, she’s probably keeping you on your toes as she explores the world around her. All of a sudden, your lovely safe home feels like an accident waiting to happen. There are table corners to bash into, wooden floors to slip on and a whole kitchen full of dangerous implements. Baby proofing your home allows you to create a safe space for your baby to explore.

You’ve probably already fitted a number of safety devices such as stair gates, cupboard locks and fire hearth pads. You may also have made some common sense changes to your home too, such as moving cleaning products to an out of reach cupboard or using only the back hobs on your cooker. However, there may still be danger lurking inside your home.

Button batteries

Button batteries are a common household item these days. They are found inside smartphones, calculators, musical cards and a huge number of children’s toys. They are small, round and similar in appearance to a button, hence the name. They contain lithium and are sometimes referred to as lithium batteries. If swallowed, they are also incredibly dangerous to children, and can cause fatal injuries in only a few hours.

When swallowed, the battery can cause an electrical charge inside the body. This can then create caustic soda, the strong chemical which is often used to unblock drains, to build up in the body. Caustic soda is a dangerous chemical that can burn through the esophagus and other major blood vessels. This bleeding can be catastrophic and impossible to stop. Sadly, a number of children die each year as a direct result of swallowing button batteries.

Prevention

Many parents are simply unaware that button batteries pose a danger to children. Button batteries should be treated just like any other battery or household chemical and kept entirely out of reach of children. Some toys contain these batteries, but the battery enclosure should be protected by a screw. If it isn’t, they toy is breaking regulations and should be thrown out (and reported, if it’s a recent purchase).

This isn’t just a danger for babies and toddlers, older children have been known to swallow button batteries too. Talk to your children about the dangers of these batteries, and make sure older siblings know not to let the youngest members of the family play with button batteries.

Treatment

If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, you should seek emergency medical help immediately. Don’t wait to see if any symptoms develop, instead seek immediate assistance. In the meantime, don’t let your child eat or drink anything, and don’t induce vomiting until he or she is assessed by a medical professional.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.