Category: Baby

When is the last time you got a good night’s sleep? Last month, or even last year? There’s a decent chance you’re up late right now searching for answers to toddler sleep problems instead of getting some much needed rest.

If you’re trying to decide whether to laugh or cry at how right I am, then read on. I’m going to give you some tips for helping your toddler through three common sleep issues.

Waking Repeatedly at Night

It may surprise you to know that it’s perfectly normal for toddlers to wake up several times a night. Why does this happen?

One culprit could be the 18 month sleep regression. This is a time when toddlers are developing more skills, exploring more, and have more independence. An expanding world leads to lots of distractions, and even anxiety about sleep.

Establishing and keeping an ideal bedtime with a soothing routine is important to develop long-term sleep behaviors. Over-tiredness contributes to poor sleep.

After dinner, keep evenings quiet and low-energy. No TV, dim the lights and stick to activities like books and puzzles. Winding down in the hour before bed will send signals to little brains that it’s sleep time. It also may be appropriate to cut back the number of naps during the day or move naps to an earlier time.

Bedtime Fears

Does your toddler seem afraid of the dark? Play games during the daytime that involve darkness, like using a flashlight to hunt for toys. You can be with them at first, but encourage their solo play in the dark to build confidence.

A night-light can be a comfort, but make sure to keep it dim. Too much light can actually interrupt the body’s production of melatonin (our natural sleep hormone!)

If it’s nightmares that cause your toddler sleep problems, try to avoid triggers like media with scary themes or characters. Use comfort objects like a soft blanket or favorite stuffed animal to keep stress levels down.

During the day, talk about dreams and pretend. Illustrate with eyes closed, that thinking about an object doesn’t make it real. Draw pictures of their monsters and point out how silly they actually look.

Crying Themselves Sick

A consistent routine is the best advice for calming bedtime tantrums over time, but what if your child is crying to the point of vomiting?

First, reduce liquids at bedtime so there is less to vomit up. Then, put a sheet under the bed liner. When you do have to remove soiled bedding, the bed is already made.

Use a wet wipe to clean your toddler up and save the bath for the morning to create fewer disruptions. Have a sheet on the floor for easy clean-up of any spilled vomit as well. Avoid making the episode more of a production than necessary.

Soothe your child, but have them remain in their bed until they go back to sleep. Keep the clean-up short and sweet so you can focus on comforting them. Make sure you follow this procedure every time until the behavior passes.

Remember: Toddler Sleep Problems Aren’t Forever

Don’t forget to take a breath and relax. You’ll get there.

Bedtime is learned behavior, and the resistance to sleep will pass.

What has helped create successful bedtimes in your household? Let us know in the comments!

From Kim Kardashian to Tyra Banks, a whole host of celebrities have relied on surrogate mothers to help them realize their dreams of having another child.

The reasons why you may want to work with a surrogate are varied, and are often incredibly personal. Maybe you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to conceive, or maybe you’re concerned that your lifestyle would put a fetus at risk.

Whatever the reason, you know that, no matter what you do as a mother, someone out there is probably going to judge you for it.

When you’ve decided on birth through a surrogate, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is how to find a surrogate.

That’s what this blog post is all about.

Whether you’ve fully deciding on surrogacy or are still weighing your options about having a baby, keep on reading to learn more about the process.

Rely On Your Established Network

When you want to find a surrogate, your first instinct might be to rely on the people you already know.

Maybe you have a specific friend in mind, or maybe you even feel comfortable crowdsourcing your social network or simply asking around to help you connect with a surrogate.

While there are many advantages to working with someone you know well, be aware that going this route is certainly not without complications. You’ll need to establish clear boundaries and guidelines for working with your surrogate — otherwise, things can get messy very quickly.

Let’s take a look at the most important questions to ask and concerns to bring up when asking someone you know, or a friend of a friend, to be your surrogate.

“Tell Me About Your Past Pregnancies”

If this person is a friend, you might think that you know the whole story about their pregnancies — but chances are, there’s a lot you don’t know.

You need to be informed about everything from complications throughout the pregnancy to issues within the delivery room.

You’ll also want to ask your surrogate about smaller details, like the foods that they craved, what their diet is like, and if they plan to continue their normal routine and work throughout as much of the pregnancy as is possible.

In addition to helping you evaluate whether or not your friend is a reliable surrogate, you’ll also get a better feel for how to take care of her throughout the process — and if she’s still a good fit at all.

“What Do You Want Your Relationship With My Child To Look Like?”

This is a crucial one.

If it’s a friend, then it’s likely that she’ll be in your child’s life in one way or another. However, if the surrogate isn’t really in your social network, she may or may not want to have a presence in your child’s life.

Make your own expectations and boundaries clear, and ensure that your surrogate does the same. Get as detailed as social media, whether or not they can send/receive photos and letters, and more.

If possible, you may want her to sign documents stating that she’s been informed she won’t have a legal claim to your child.

“Would You Carry For Me Again?”

Once you find a surrogate you can trust, you may want to have them carry another child for you. Be aware that not all surrogates will be open to this.

If you think that there’s even a chance you’d like another child by the same surrogate, be sure to ask this question.

Work With A Surrogacy Agency

Perhaps you’d like to find a surrogate that’s completely outside of your social network.

Maybe you want a more thorough screening process, to offer payment for surrogacy, or just feel that your friends are far too crazy to carry your future child.

Luckily, there are tons of surrogacy agencies out there — the difficulty is finding the one that’s right for you and your family.

Agencies like ConceiveAbilities surrogate mothers are among the most reputable options out there, in part because of their serious screening process and the level of contact that the mother and surrogate have throughout the pregnancy.

Now, let’s take a look at how to ensure that the surrogacy agency you’re thinking of working with is a good fit for you — and safe for your baby.

“Do You Have A Surrogacy Attorney?”

Even if the agency doesn’t have an attorney on hand, they should have connections with the top surrogacy attorneys in your state.

This will help both you and your surrogate to remain on the same terms throughout the process, and ensure that you’re filing all the required paperwork.

It will also help you to sort through any fees that you’ll need to pay to the agency or to the surrogate herself.

“What’s Your Screening Process Like?”

Of course, this is the most important question when it comes to finding a surrogate through an agency.

In addition to asking questions about the history of the agency itself, you’ll also need to know how they find and screen potential surrogates.

Do they conduct background checks? What about health screenings — and medical support for the surrogate over the course of the pregnancy? Are surrogates psychologically evaluated?

Do they ask the surrogates why this lifestyle appeals to them?

The more information you’re able to find, the better you’ll feel.

You’re Ready To Find A Surrogate

We hope this post has helped you to understand the best ways to find a surrogate you can rely on to help bring a new bundle of joy into the world.

Whether you’re planning on working with a surrogacy agency, or if you want to ask a friend to do the job, having the information you need is essential for you both.

Looking for more mom-friendly advice?

Whether you’re a mother-to-be or already a mother of three, our website and blog has tons of posts about how to save money, live better, and indulge in some serious “me time” throughout the entire crazy journey that is motherhood.

There are ways to enjoy flying with a toddler other than taking separate planes. If you plan ahead and prepare for the trip you can both have a great adventure.

Keep reading for some awesome tips to make flying with a toddler a breeze

Make a List and Check It Twice

Let’s face it, it’s hard to remember your name somedays when you spend it with a toddler. Lists are your friend.

If you’re anything like me you’ll want to put it on your phone. This will avoid you losing the list. You can also add to it easily when you think of it because you always have your phone.

As you prepare for your trip start thinking of things you want to bring. The more you have listed, the less you’ll forget. This will help avoid meltdowns for your toddler and for you.

List toys, snacks, clothes, and supplies you will need for the trip. You’ll want to have lots for them to do and eat. Planning for delays will help them be less stressful if they do happen.

Invest Time Before Your Trip

You’ll thank yourself later if you put some time into preparing now. There are some easy and inexpensive things you can do. It’ll be worth it when you’re flying with a toddler to take some time to gather supplies. When it’s time to pack you’ll be ready.

Pick a corner of your home where your toddler doesn’t have access. As you put things in the pile they won’t disappear because your little one wanted to play with it before leaving.

Take a day and go to the grocery store to get snacks or supplies you’ll need for your trip.

Remember airport security rules for liquids. You don’t want to throw away snacks because they don’t comply with TSA rules. With your toddler watching in horror.

Hit a Dollar or Craft Store

You’re going to want some supplies for your toddler survivor kit. You’ll want one for their entertainment too. Pick up things you’ll want during the flight for your toddler.

Some things you might want:

• wet wipes– you’re not going to be able to take a big container of them in your carry on. You’ll want to either buy a travel pack or get a small container. Ziplock bags or a small Tupperware container will hold a wet facecloth or baby wipes.
• freezer bags– These can hold and organize a million things. You’d be wise to get some. You can prepare activity bags with all the supplies your child needs for it. They are good to carry snacks, wet clothes or diaper changing emergency packs.
• lamination supplies– You can buy lamination pouches at the dollar store. They’ll come in handy to make things last for future flights too.
• small tackle box or large pill box– this can be used to place snacks. It is great for giving them several choices without making a mess. You can place their favorite snacks like raisins and cheerios in each compartment.
• stickers and books– Pick up some new books for them to look through on their own. Some books you can read to them while taking off and landing. Stickers are a great entertainment source. You can laminate some background for them to stick them to. This makes it easy for them to reuse them.
• A few new toys– You don’t have to spend a fortune on new toys when flying with a toddler. You can grab a few new toys at the dollar store and make some activity kits to entertain them for hours.
• earphones– get a couple cheap sets of earphones. You don’t want your only pair accidentally getting broken five minutes into your trip.

Divide and Conquer

It’s so much easier traveling when everything you need is separated into kits. You can conquer anything this trip throws at you if you are prepared.

Changing Kits– You don’t want to be rifling for supplies when your little one needs to get changed. Plan on at least one for every four hours of travel. Then include an extra one or two so you’re not caught off guard.

• have a ziplock freezer bag for each kit
• include an undergarment. Even if your toddler is out of diapers, accidents happen.
• a sandwich bag with a wet cloth or baby wipes in it
• You can place lotion on one of the wet wipes. This way you have it but don’t have to carry a large container which may not get through security.
• most kits should have a complete change of clothes, just in case. You never know when your suitcase will take a different flight than you.

Activity Kits– Keep them busy and you will both be happier. Bring some familiar activities and some new ones. You don’t want to be flying with a toddler who has nothing to do. Activity kits can be made from a number of supplies.

• recycle a baby wipe container to hold small toys like dinosaurs or farm animals. This keeps them all in one place. Your little one can have fun playing with them and be entertained trying to get them through the hole on the top.
• metal lunch box or pencil case and magnets. Keep magnet letters or shapes in it to play with on the lid of the container.
• laminated background and stickers- you can laminate any page as a background. Add a bunch of stickers or crayons and you have a fun activity to create some quiet time. Keep the backgrounds, sticker pages, and crayons in a freezer bag so they are together.

Snack Kits– Having snacks ready to go, in an easy to use container is a must. You can avert a meltdown by distracting them with an array of their favorite snacks.

Pack Smart

I’ve been on a trip where my suitcase took a completely different vacation than I did. Make sure your carry on has everything you need if it happens to you.

An extra change of clothes and an extra pair of comfortable shoes should be in your carry on. While they’re beautiful, you want to pack your Rachel Simpson heels in your checked bags. You’ll want to stick to your best mom running shoes for your flight.

Move When You Can

Let your toddler explore and move when they can. Take advantage of time in the airport for them to get some of their energy out. This will be good for you too as it will help circulation. This is especially crucial if taking a long flight.

An airport is a magical place for toddlers. Enjoy it with them. Watch planes and people. Let them show you all the new things they see. Leave your activities and snacks for on the plane if you can. Have them close at hand but why use resources if there are other things to distract them.

While on a long flight, walk the aisle a few times. Your toddler will get some wiggles out. It will help pass the time.

Enjoy the Moment When Flying with a Toddler

You are not the first who is flying with a toddler. If they have a momentary meltdown don’t worry. All the moms around you are sending their empathy and strength.

Anyone who gets cranky when your toddler does will get over it.

Time goes slow while you are sitting around the airport. Time flies by in life with our kids. Enjoy each moment. Plan for fun and have it no matter what bumps there are while your flying with a toddler.

We have lots of great ideas for living frugally and DIY crafts. Check out this great DIY flip book for your next trip flying with a toddler.

Being a mom for the first time is a huge learning curve.

You may be worried about long-term things like a college fund and handling the crazy teenage years.

But, there are a few things you need to take care of right away, like baby proofing and potty training. Don’t start counting your grey hairs yet – these tasks are easier to do than you think.

Here’s the truth about babyproofing your home with ease, and for cheap!

1. Take a Look Around

First things first, ask yourself if you really need to go all-out on all the babyproofing.

You may not have enough room in your budget to get everything you want. You may not even have a valid need for everything you want.

The truth about babyproofing is that it’s not so much about making sure every inch of the house is perfectly safe.

It’s more about having a bit of common sense, a watchful eye, and peace of mind.

Yes, this means you can keep your coffee table and you don’t have to turn your beautiful home into baby land.

Start with the basics, then go from there.

2. Pay Close Attention to the Crib

One of the most important tools to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable is a crib.

The top things to keep in mind are the size of the railings and the quality of the materials used.

Railings have a specific set of dimensions meant to keep your baby from poking through the gaps.

But, there might still be some with drop sides or wide railings out there. If you’re using your sister’s baby’s old crib or buying one from a secondhand store, be sure it’s a safe choice.

Another thing to watch out for is the paint and wood used.

When your baby is transitioning from a few months old to a toddler, he or she will become increasingly curious. They will try to bite at the railings or edges, and you don’t want toxic materials ending up in their mouth!

Once you decide on a crib, try not to overdo it with the stuffed animals.

In fact, you should be as minimal as possible when setting up the mattress and blankets. This will prevent your baby from overheating or suffocation.

You may choose to set up the crib in your room or in a separate room.

Either way, get a baby radio to monitor the baby’s sleep.

This can help you track their breathing and some will even watch out for carbon monoxide. You can look into alarm system tips to learn more.

3. Watch Out for Wires and Outlets

Although babies spend a lot of their days sleeping in the crib or taking naps around other safe spaces in the house, they’ll be crawling around at some point.

Make sure your child doesn’t get into any trouble with electric devices.

A pack of outlet covers can go a long way.

It is such a simple, and fairly cheap, investment that can save you a lot of stress. Most parents even say covers are a no-brainer because most outlets are at a baby’s eye-level.

Additionally, try to tuck TV or computer wires behind their stands if you can.

This is the most efficient way to save on extra babyproofing items. Instead of buying more gates than necessary or special hooks, you may just need to move some furniture around!

Such thinking saves you money and stress while keeping your babyproof home looking fabulous.

4. Protect Entryways

Do you have a two-story home? Is your apartment set up with a pretty open floor plan?

If so, you’re going to need something more than couch cushions to keep your baby safe. But, you don’t have to gate up every room in the house.

One gate will do for the stairs. Take it with you to block the bottom when you’re downstairs, and then move it to the top when you go upstairs.

For open spaces, use your best judgment.

If you’re in the kitchen and your baby is within eyesight in the dining room, set up a barrier where they won’t go too far.

This doesn’t mean locking them in, though. It can be as simple as buying a play pin you can move around the home. This one tool is fun for the baby and makes safety much easier for you.

You can set it up nearby whether you’re cooking dinner or getting some work done in your home office.

5. Be Careful During Feeding Time

Many parents will focus on household hazards when they discuss the truth about babyproofing.

Yet, some people forget to educate you on good practices for your baby’s meals.

Avoid heating food up in the microwave.

Microwaves can cause hot spots on some parts of the dish that will burn the baby’s mouth. Instead, heat food up in a bowl of warm water – kind of like you would with a double boiler.

Test the heat of solids by tasting with a separate spoon (no double-dipping). For liquids like formula or breast milk, splash a few drops on your hand to get a feel for the temperature.

Always wash your hands when you’re doing any kind of cooking for your baby.

Their immune system is much weaker than yours, leaving them at a higher risk of germs which your body may not even notice.

This is also why most parents advise a slow transition into solid foods.

When you introduce things one at a time, you’re better prepared to catch allergic reactions. These include hives or a rash, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Sharing the Truth About Babyproofing

As much as you want to be a well-prepared momma, don’t forget to let dad in on the truth about babyproofing.

Communicate with your partner about all the efforts you’re doing to create a safe environment for your baby. Establish a set of rules and expectations for one another as you take on parenting together.

If your husband is particularly nervous about how he will do (or is doing so far) as a father, try making him a dad survival kit!

Click here to see how simple and fun kit-making can be.

If you’re an expecting mother, it’s understandable to be worried about flying when pregnant. While flying is generally not harmful during a low-risk pregnancy, there are potential side-effects and factors to consider before taking a trip.

Before you take off, you should always consult with your midwife or doctor about any health issues or pregnancy complication to confirm it’s safe for you to fly when pregnant.

If your midwife or doctor have said you’re okay to fly, chances are you have nothing major to worry about. But just because you can fly, doesn’t mean the idea of flying when pregnant isn’t still scary. But if you follow these tips and tricks, we guarantee you’ll have a safe (and enjoyable) flight.

Tips for Flying When Pregnant

When you’re pregnant, the safest time for you to travel is during your second trimester, which is between the 18 and 24th weeks of pregnancy. This is the safest time because your risk for miscarriage and preterm labor are at their lowest.

It’s generally not advised for you to travel during your third trimester, so if you’ve planned any traveling, you should try to stick to a domestic travel destination within 300 miles of your home in case there are any sudden changes.

Tip: Check in With Your Doctor Before You Fly

Before you fly, you should ask your doctor to write you a letter giving you permission to travel, noting your due date, and detailing any pregnancy complications that a doctor at your travel destination might need to know. You should also ask your doctor the following questions:

• How should I prepare for any temperature or climate change?
• Are there any factors I should consider about flying?
• Are any special medications or vaccinations required for my trip?
• Are there any special food restrictions I should keep in mind?
• Are there any activities I should avoid?

By asking these questions you can learn the dos and don’ts of flying and traveling when pregnant.

Tip: Check in With Your Airline

Not all airlines have the same policies regarding women flying when pregnant. In fact, some airlines don’t allow more than 35 weeks pregnant to fly. So before you book your trip, you should ask the ticket agent or airline representative about what those restrictions may be.

Even if there are no restrictions, you should still contact the airline to guarantee any special service you may need to keep your comfortable on the flight. We recommend that you avoid smaller planes that fly low, and instead choose a larger plane with pressurized cabins.

You should also keep in mind you most likely won’t be able to waive any ticket change fees and penalties that are incurred.

Tip: Don’t Fly if You Have Any Pregnancy Complications

Women who are experiencing complications associated with their pregnancy are considered “high risk” and shouldn’t be flying when pregnant as they near their due date. These complications include diabetes, sickle cell disease, hypertension, and risk for premature labor.

You should also avoid air travel when you’ve had a placenta-related problem or if your doctor has advised against it based on your current state or medical history.

Tip: Pick the Right Seat

Picking the right seat for your flight can make all the difference when it comes to overall comfort. For the smoothest ride, you should request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing. If you need more legroom, you should consider paying for an upgrade that will allow you stretch and flex your fee to minimize and prevent swelling.

Tip: Dress Comfortably

Comfort is important when you’re pregnant, especially when you’re pregnant on a plane for an extended period of time. To make your flight more comfortable, you should wear loose clothing and avoid crossing your legs. You should also wear your seat belt strap over your lower lap and keep it securely fastened just in case there is there is any turbulence during the flight.

You should also wear comfortable shoes and try to take regular walks around the plane every 30 minutes. This will aid your circulation and help lessen any risks of blood clots.

It’s also important to pack lightweight clothing you can easily layer to accommodate any changes in temperature and climate that occur when you reach your travel destination.

Tip: Pack Appropriately

Every mommy-to-be should pack a travel bag that will keep her safe, comfortable, and happy while traveling. While you should travel light and smart, you should also make sure you have the following things:

• Compression socks to promote blood circulation
• Small lumbar pillow for sleeping
• Snacks like granola and trail mix
• Anti-nausea medication
• Easy-to-wheel luggage

If you’re not sure what else to bring, check out a mommy blog for

In general, remember to pack light and avoid heavy lifting so you don’t get injured! If you’re less suited for long-distance traveling or at risk, Green Trousers has products that can make getting around easier.

Tip: Bring a Copy of Your Prenatal Records

You should always bring a copy of your prenatal records and medical notes on your flight. You should also research where the nearest hospital or medical facility is located at your travel destination. These records will help a local doctor understand the circumstances of your pregnancy if a situation arises.

You should also keep your health insurance on you at all times and remember that medical expenses abroad are generally higher. If you do require foreign medical care, make sure to keep copies of all health care receipts.

Final Thoughts on Traveling When Pregnant

Traveling can be fun, but if you’re pregnant it can be tiring and often overwhelming. If you’re traveling when pregnant, remember to take care of yourself and travel on your terms. Don’t feel guilty about bailing on activities that are exhausting, and if need be, take some time to pamper yourself on your trip.

Are you a mommy-to-be about to go on a trip? Are there any tips or tricks we missed? Let us know in the comments!