Category: Baby

It should come as no surprise that the baby apparel industry is valued at over $135 billion. This figure is expected to grow even during a global pandemic.

Perhaps the only negative to baby shopping is that apparel is expensive. For a fraction of the size, baby clothes are often more expensive than adult sizes.

The good news is that we are here to teach you how to buy baby clothes. Read on for five essential tips for buying baby clothes on a budget.  

1. Sign-Up Discounts

Many companies offer a generous coupon for signing up for their website. Typically, the company wants your e-mail address in exchange for the discount.

This is an arrangement that benefits both parties. By signing up, the baby apparel story adds you to their digital marketing network. In exchange, you will receive coupons and promotes via e-mail including the sign-up offer.

2. Shop Around

The best way to shop on a budget is to look around. Do not settle for the first cute outfit that you find.

Different companies run promotions at separate times. One retailer may be selling clothes for full price while another is running a huge sale.

By shopping around, you will also find the hottest new styles. Read more here about the hottest styles in baby clothing.

3. Look for Holiday Discounts

The holidays are the best time for retail discounts. Many retailers run huge sales for the major holidays.

Some holidays that come to mind are Thanksgiving and Independence Day. If you plan ahead, you can take full advantage of these great deals.

4. Join Social Media Groups

Social media is a gold mine for baby apparel on a budget. Many parents go over the top with baby shopping.

They receive dozens of new clothes for a newborn. Little do they know that newborns grow out of their clothes in a matter of weeks. The end result is baby clothes that are too small and still have the tag on them.

This is where social media groups come into play. Parents sell brand new clothes on Facebook and other platforms. Since they are second-hand, they come at a fraction of the cost.

Our advice is to find parent groups on social media. Then, be on the lookout for great deals on brand new items.

5. Join Loyalty Programs

Another way to save money at the store is by signing up for loyalty programs. Some stores want you to apply for a credit card to get a recurring discount.

Others allow you to sign up without a financial commitment. Retailers like Target and Kohl’s come to mind for baby clothes rewards.

Here, you gain rewards points by shopping online or in-store. You can eventually use these rewards points to get free items.

How to Buy Baby Clothes Recapped

Buying baby clothes does not have to be expensive. You can find items on the cheap with savvy shopping skills.

Signing up for a social media group or a rewards program goes a long way. These steps make it easier to get clothes on a budget.

If you enjoyed this article about how to buy baby clothes, check out our blog for more great content.

Want to know if you should breastfeed your baby?

If you have a newborn baby, some people may advise you to use formula instead of breastfeeding. For some families, baby formula is crucial to a baby’s survival. However, breastfeeding can be more effective in your child’s growth.

The CDC says that in the US, 84.1% of infants get breastfed. For many, it’s a natural solution to caring for babies. In this guide, we’ll answer the question of why or what are the benefits of breast milk.

Breast Milk Is a Nutritional Source

Breast milk has everything your baby needs to survive his or her firsts. Be it the first day, first month, or six months, your baby can get all his nutritional needs from breast milk. If you’re curious, breast milk has:

• High protein
• Low sugar
• Antibodies and white blood cells
• Probiotics
• Antibacterial properties
• Growth factors
• Hormones
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Those are only a few nutrients and other elements found in breast milk. The interesting part is that these elements come in all the right proportions for your baby. As time goes on, these nutrients also change and adapt to your baby’s needs.

If there is one thing that breast milk doesn’t have, it’s vitamin D only. This means you still have to expose your infant to healthy morning sunlight. If your newborn has jaundice, sunlight exposure is crucial to their health.

Your Baby Becomes Stronger and Healthier

Because your baby gets all the nutrients he needs from breast milk; it’s easier for him to grow well. He also stays within the healthy weight range of a newborn infant. He has protection against infections and diseases from the antibodies in breast milk.

These illnesses and diseases include:

• Middle ear infection
• Respiratory tract infection
• Colds and related infections
• Gut infections
• Allergic diseases
• Intestinal tissue damage
• Bowel diseases

Your breast milk gives your baby everything they need to keep these infections out of his/her system. Breastfeeding is one step to ensure your baby doesn’t become sickly. Not only that, when you breastfeed your baby, you’re ensuring he or she becomes strong and healthy.

You Feel a Stronger Connection With Your Baby

Breastmilk is the one thing that a mother can give that a father could not. This unique ability also helps you create a unique bond with your baby.

Nursing is a great way to build a physical and emotional connection with your child. You get to hold, caress, and kiss your child as you breastfeed him or her. You’ll get this feeling of the miracle that is your infant as you stare at him while he breastfeeds.

That isn’t to say that mothers who bottle-feed their babies won’t feel the same way. They’ll still feel these emotions. However, it’s quite different when you’re feeding your infant straight from your breast.

Avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome is an unexplainable death during sleep. Any baby that is less than a year old, healthy or not, is prone to SIDS. When you breastfeed your baby for at least two months, you cut the risk of SIDS by almost 50 percent.

It’s one of the most vital breast milk benefits for babies. There may be no direct explanation for SIDS.

However, the theory is that breastfed babies rouse from sleep with more ease. The immune protection of breast milk may aid in avoiding SIDS.

When Breastfed, Your Baby Gets Smarter

Studies show that breastfed babies have a larger brain size than formula-fed babies. Breastfed babies also have a somewhat higher IQ than infants who had formula. Again, this goes back to the key nutrients in breast milk that help brain development.

The skin-to-skin contact also adds to the intellectual development of babies. When they have this skin-to-skin contact, infants feel safe and nurtured. Parents who want to bottle-feed their baby can also provide this skin-to-skin contact.

Are you looking to save some of your breast milk for later? A breast pump can also help nursing mothers who are struggling to produce breastmilk. Learn what to look for in a breast pump now.

Avoid Health Risks in Mothers

What are the benefits of breast milk for mommies? Nursing doesn’t only benefit your infant. It also benefits the mother in many ways. First, you burn 300-500 calories each day you nurse your baby.

If you’re experiencing postpartum stress, nursing promotes postpartum recovery. When a baby suckles on your breast, your body releases oxytocin. This encourages your uterus to shrink down to its pre-pregnancy size.

Breastfeeding is Convenient

While breastfeeding is essential to the early development of babies, many mothers find it difficult to do. Often, the reasons include that the baby can’t latch on or they lack support at home. In other cases, they have to get back to work right away and/or have a work schedule that doesn’t allow time for pumping.

Let’s not forget that 57% of American mothers feel uncomfortable about public breastfeeding. This public disapproval gets mothers kicked out of establishments or hear rude comments. It’s an unnatural public response to a natural part of being a mother.

Still, why should babies drink breast milk? The final entry to this list is that it’s convenient. Whenever your baby feels hungry and starts giving you the signs, it’s quick and easy to feed him.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Milk?

That ends our guide to the question of what are the benefits of breast milk. We hope you found this short guide on breastfeeding educational and useful. Now, you know how breastfeeding can benefit you and your baby.

Did you like what you read on the benefits of breastfeeding? Do you want to see more educational guides on caring for your baby? Check out our other posts now for more content on baby care.

Once you have a baby, your life will never be the same! However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy some of the things you cherished in your pre-parenthood years. 

If you’re itching to get out of the house and take the family on an adventure, you’ll be glad to know that traveling with a baby isn’t as hard as you might think! You’ll just need to do some extra planning to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

The following vacation checklist will help ensure that you have everything you need to enjoy your next adventure.

Carry-On Bag

If you’re flying, you’ll want to make sure you pack a carry-on bag with everything you need. However, don’t forget that you’ll also need to make sure not to pack anything that’s prohibited on a plane. Also, keep liquids in a plastic bag and store it near the top of your carry-on bag so they can easily inspect it.

Even if you’re driving, keeping certain items in an easy-to-reach bag that’s separate from your luggage will make your life much easier. Here’s what you’ll want to pack:

• Baby food and utensils
• Bottles and nipples
• Baby formula
• Blankets (two or three)
• Bibs (at least two)
• Clothing (two separate outfits)
• Diapers (one for every hour of travel time, plus two extra)
• Diaper changing pad
• Formula/breastmilk/juice
• Gallon-sized storage bags (at least three – for wet or dirty clothes and used diapers)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pacifiers (at least two extras)
• Toys (a few quiet items to keep your baby entertained)
• Wipes

It’s also a good idea to pack a medical kit. Include a thermometer, gas drops, ear drops, pain reliever, fever reducer, and a first aid kit).

Equipment

The equipment you’ll need will depend a lot on your planned destination. If you’re staying with friends or family, you might be able to borrow some of the things you need. However, other destinations like family vacations dude ranches, amusement parks, and hotels, will require some extra packing. Still, you may want to check and see if your accommodations offer baby equipment rentals.

Whether you bring it with you or get it when you arrive, you’ll likely need all of the following:

• Car seat
• Stroller
• Crib and/or Pack ‘n Play
• Baby carrier and/or sling
• Baby monitor
• Breast pump

A week or so before your trip, it’s also a good idea to pay attention to the things you regularly use for your baby. If you come across something that’s not already on the list, consider adding it. This will ensure that you and your baby are as comfortable as possible during your trip.

Keep Your Vacation Checklist Handy

Ask any parent and they’ll let you know that forgetting to pack a critical item can be a disaster when traveling with a baby. Protect yourself from this misery by keeping our vacation checklist hand and referring to it before every trip.

Before you go, take a few minutes to scroll through some more of our blog posts. We have lots of information to help you plan the perfect family vacation and save money while you’re doing it!

Welcoming a new baby into the home is a heartwarming experience. A new baby brings joy, excitement, and lots of love for their family. Without the right baby gadgets, however, your new baby could end up bringing messes, tears, and lots of sleepless nights. 

Although you might experience all of these no matter what type of gadgets you have, having the best baby gadgets could save you from a few of these here or there. Whether you’re creating your registry, are already a new mom, or an experienced mom interested in the latest baby gadgets, you’ll want to continue reading below.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new baby gadgets available for you!

1. Baby Hip Carrier

Once your baby becomes a bit older and is reaching the sitting stages, you’ll begin to carry her on your hip. This is a practical way to hold your baby once old enough because it places most of the weight on your hip. Although this method works well, your arm and hip will eventually become tired. 

Thankfully, there’s a gadget to solve that problem. The baby hip carrier is a carrier that straps around your waist. There’s a seat that then rests on top of your hip. 

It creates the perfect resting place for your baby’s bum. It also makes holding your baby much easier and gives your arm and hip a bit of a break. 

2. The Right Baby Monitor

Baby monitors are ideal for many moms, especially when the nursery is a good distance from the bedroom. Finding the right monitor can be a challenge, though. With so many different brands and models to choose from, how will you know what’s right for you?

There are monitors that only monitor the sounds made by your baby, ones with video, and ones with both. Think about the features you need most and be sure to find one that’ll meet your criteria. There’s even a video baby monitor that can monitor two babies at once using a split-screen!

Monitors are great ways to keep an eye and ear on your baby when in another room cleaning, sleeping, or something else while the baby’s napping. 

3. Net Food Feeders

Once your baby starts to eat more solids, you’ll want to offer them new things to try. When you’re eating, your baby will most likely want to try the food you have. Unfortunately, not all foods are safe to give your baby.

When you have something you want your baby to try but want to ensure they can safely nibble on it, give it to them in a net food feeder. The mesh net holds the food item in place and the baby can then grab the handle for easy holding. Your baby can then nibble and suck on a piece of fresh fruit, for example, without worrying they’ll bit off too big a piece.

4. Electric Formula Mixer

Getting the perfect formula consistency doesn’t happen every time you make a bottle. Sometimes, there are clumps of formula left in the bottle, especially when making those late-night feedings. To make bottle-making a sinch, grab yourself an electric formula mixer. 

Place the right combination of water and formula into the mixer and simply press a button to begin mixing. The final result is a well-blended bottle your baby will love.

5. Puppet Toothbrush

Because babies don’t have teeth or only have a few of them, it can be easy to forget about their oral hygiene. A baby puppet toothbrush is a great addition to your baby gadget collection. You can find baby toothbrushes in all sorts of fun puppet designs.

These puppets allow you to place your finger in them and then use your finger inside the soft brush to gently scrub their gums and teeth. Even if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, it’s still good oral care to brush their gums each morning and night to rid them of formula or milk. 

6. Flexible Bottles 

When planning a day out on the town, you’ll need to pack enough bottles to last your baby throughout the entire day. Bottles, formula, toys, diapers, wipes, and all your other baby items can take up space in the diaper bag quickly. To save some room, pack a few flexible silicone bottles with you.

These bottles can roll up, fold, and turn completely inside out for easy storing and cleaning. They also make holding the bottle easier for your baby once she gets old enough to do so. 

7. Bottle Warmer

Babies who drink breast milk will need a bottle warmer more than anyone. Many moms who breastfeed will pump milk and place it in the fridge or freezer for storing purposes. When it comes time to feed the baby, they’ll then need to remove the bags and warm them. 

Some babies just prefer warm bottles whether it’s breastmilk or not. Warming the bottles can take time forcing your baby to wait for their feeding. A bottle warmer is the perfect way to ensure all your baby’s bottles are warmed and ready in little time!

Which Baby Gadgets Do You Need?

Which of these baby gadgets listed above caught your eye the most? Are you in need of a few or all of these gadgets? Be sure to do your research and find the gadgets best suited for you and your baby.

With these gadgets in hand, mom and baby will both be happy and healthy!

Are you interested in more posts on family and relationship topics? Visit regularly for more. 

You wouldn’t try rock climbing without training first. Nor would you compete in a triathlon without months and months of rigorous workouts. We say all this to point out that you should prepare for giving birth the way you would prepare for other activities.

You may not have all of the time in the world to prepare because you may have a job or other children to take care of. However, stretching during pregnancy can prepare you to give birth in ways that you never imagined.

Your body is about to do the most miraculous thing that you have ever seen in your life. Take time each day to do these 5 stretches and you’ll be grateful that you took the time to do them.

Stretching During Pregnancy

Exercising and stretching helps your body to become stronger over time. And it prepares your body to carry out strenuous tasks, one of them being labor. Not only is stretching beneficial before you give birth it also helps after you give birth.

Making it easier to return to your pre-pregnancy weight!

Child’s Pose

This pose is a common yoga pose and helps to ease possible discomfort and lengthen the pelvic floor. The way to do it is first by kneeling on your knees on the floor. Next, lean forward and slowly stretch your arms out in front of your body.

Work on your breathing and allow your body to relax as you do so. As your stomach grows over time you will need to place your knees further apart to make the poss comfortable.

If you’re prone to sweaty palms try out one of the best yoga mats for sweaty hands and feet.

Deep Squats

Squats are exceptionally beneficial to the birthing process as they help to relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Squats also help to stretch the perineum, which can reduce the risk of tearing during labor.

First, stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and then lower yourself into a squat as little as you can go. Repeat this exercise while keeping your hands clasped together in front of your chest.

Cat to Cow Pose

As pregnancy progresses back, pain becomes a common symptom. The cat to cow pose helps to alleviate lower back pain. To do this pose, place your hands and knees on the floor.

Then as you inhale, roll your chin to your chest and raise your back to the ceiling. Then exhale and bring your stomach to the floor while slowly raising your head to the sky.

Perineal Bulges

Doing perineal bulges help train you to breathe, which is a common issue during active labor. When you hold your breath during labor, it can decrease the amount of oxygen that the baby is receiving through the placenta.

In order to do bulges properly, sit on a towel, and focus on moving your tailbone slowly away from your pelvic bone. This exercise should only be practice in the last 3 weeks of pregnancy.

Perineal Massages

The purpose of the perineal massage is to help lengthen and stretch the perineum. This is to prevent tearing during the laboring process.

To massage, the perineal, take a warm shower, or hold a warm compress to the area. Massage the perineum for 10 minutes every other day.

Labor Time

If you do your best to stretch daily or a couple of times a week it can help the labor process run smoothly. Labor is different for everyone, but these stretches will help your body to prepare for any and everything that comes your way in the delivery room.

If you want to know more about stretching during pregnancy or other pregnancy information, visit our blog!