Sponsored

  • Baby, Lifestyle, Motherhood, New Born, New Mom, Sponsored

    Babywearing: Tips for Baby Naps on the go

    Thank you Baby K’tan for sponsoring this post!  

    New York City winters would give you such a bad case of cabin fever that you would find an excuse to go outside every day once spring (really) starts.  This year, my cabin fever intensified because I stayed indoors even more since baby girl was born in the middle of the cold and flu season. Now that it’s spring, I’m celebrating our new freedom and although she can’t talk I get the vibe that she is too. Fortunately for us, living in New York City means that there is always something to do and even walking around the block can be an adventure. As I mentioned before with this baby, I feel free as a bird because I’m babywearing. Putting her in the baby carrier and heading out the door is effortless with her snug next to me, and I know she feels safe. So much so, she loves to nap on me which is a great relief because I do not have to stress about rushing back home for nap time. I know moms worry about nap time, it’s natural to feel that way, so I wanted to share a few tips baby naps on the go:

    Babywearing: Tips for Baby Naps on the go

    Keep a breathable blanket handy.

    In addition to her Baby K’tan Print Carrier (isn’t it pretty?) I walk with her Baby K’tan Newborn Baby K’tan® Newborn Swaddle & Toddler blanket. She’s had these blankets (it’s a set of two) since she was two months old and we’ve used them to swaddle, protect her, as a nursing cover and at other times for comfort. It’s fascinating how much privacy this blanket gives us, I don’t always feel comfortable (or safe) nursing in public, so it’s also comforting to me. This blanket fits into the tiny pocket of my baby carrier, so it’s always handy. It’s chemical-free, azo-dye-free, formaldehyde free, 100% all natural cotton and mesh, so I have no reason to worry about her snuggling with it or attempting to play peekaboo with it.

    Babywearing: Tips for Baby Naps on the go

    Make sure your baby doesn’t get hot.

    I always dress my little lady in layers based on the temperature, but while we’re out, I check on her often to see if she’s sweating to remove a layer if I need to for her safety. The last thing I want is for her to be hot and uncomfortable during her nap especially this time of the year.

    Babywearing: Tips for Baby Naps on the go

    Don’t wake a sleeping baby.

    A few weeks ago, I walked to our local bookstore for storytime with the baby, and she fell asleep in the baby carrier on our way there. I was bummed but I let her sleep, and towards the end, she woke up on her own, happy and alert. I know if I woke her up when we arrived she would have been no fun. I’ve also noticed that when I’m wearing her, and she wakes up, she peeks a few times and checks out our location before letting me know she’s awake.

    Babywearing: Tips for Baby Naps on the go

    As you can tell, I’m enjoying the freedom that babywearing is giving me this spring, and I hope you are too and these tips help you to go out and create some beautiful memories with your baby. Find my super cute dandelion Baby K’tan Baby Carrier on their site along with their amazing blankets.

    What are your tips for baby naps on the go?

  • Baby, Motherhood, New Born, New Mom, Sponsored

    How I Track My Baby’s Milestones

    This post is made possible with support from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program. All opinions are my own.

    Last week, my baby girl turned five months. I can’t believe she’s been here almost half of a year already and while I sometimes want to freeze time so I can kiss her chubby cheeks and snuggle her tiny body forever, watching her develop and reach new milestones is exciting. Before I became a mother, I thought that only milestones like smiling, sitting up and walking were significant. While those are big milestones, as a mom of three kids, I know better now, and I keep track of all her social, cognitive, movement and language milestones. I know this sounds overwhelming and maybe a bit intimidating but thanks to the free CDC’s Milestone Tracker app, I know which milestones to look out for, and I can track them in one place. This app makes all of her wellness checks go smoother than they did with my older kids and even reminds me when to schedule her pediatrician check-ups, which I need with my mom brain.

    How I Track My Baby's Milestones

    Recently we checked off two cool milestones that both her and our family is enjoying. She can now roll over in both directions and sit up. Whenever her siblings see her roll over they cheer and make so much noise that she laughs loud. Her little laugh is infectious, so this leads to lots of laughing. It’s amazing to see this little girl develop and I think now that my other kids much older, they’re as amazed as I am. I think none of us were ready for her sitting up so soon, but she loves it while we marvel at her. It’s a reminder to me that all kids are different as I note that all three of my kids reached that milestone at different times but within the same milestone window.

    How I Track My Baby's Milestones

    If you don’t have it yet, the free CDC Milestone Tracker app is available in both iOS and Android, and it tracks milestones from birth to 5 years. If your child ever misses a milestone; the app makes recommendations on when to act early and talk to your doctor which I think we all can agree will give us peace of mind. You can download it for iOS and Android to check milestones on the go.

    What milestone did your baby reach recently?

  • Baby, Motherhood, Sponsored

    The Modern Mom Guide to Introducing Solids to Baby – Tips, High Chair, Apps & Gear

    This post is in partnership with Oribel. As always, all opinions are my own. 

    introducing solids

     

    When my older daughter was a baby, I made her baby squash for her first food. I was excited about the first time feeding her solids but she immediately spat it all out. Maybe my struggle with mom guilt started at that moment because I felt like I had failed. I tried a few more times until she proved to me that she loved the spoon more than my baby squash. A few days later, I tried again with less enthusiasm but fortunately more luck. She liked my perfectly puréed avocados. Slowly after that, I introduced other foods until she transitioned to table food. Recently, I got to experience that moment again with the baby.  I think we all understand the importance of a good relationship with food so I wanted to share all of my resources from the apps I use to my favorites first foods as well as some tips for introducing solids to baby:

    Follow your baby’s lead to know when he/she is ready.

    When the baby took an interest in morning oatmeal, I knew she was ready to try solids. She would open her mouth every time I lift my spoon, and the smell of good food seem to get to her as well. I spoke to my pediatrician and she said it was fine to start introducing her to some finely mashed foods.

    introducing solids to baby

    Get a safe and comfortable highchair for feeding.

    When I was researching chairs for this baby, I wanted one that had several reclining positions and had a modern look. I fell in love with the latest  Oribel Cocoon Delicious chair because it’s beautiful and functional. It was easy to assemble ( I assembled it with my 4 year-old son and whenever I share it on my Instagram stories I get messages about how chic it is. The tray is removable, and I can use the bottle/bowl holder instead while she’s still little for easy access to feed her. The chair comes in three different colors, my daughter has the Rose Meringue color which is really pretty. This chair is transitional so your baby can grow with it and use it into the toddler years.

    Start with these foods.

    As most of you know, this is my third baby, and I started all three kids with avocado, baby squash, bananas and sweet potatoes. I started all three of them between 4 and six months.

    Monitor your for allergic reactions.

    I started with mash veggies or fruits for a week just to be sure there were no allergic reactions. My older daughter has severe food allergies, so I’m extra careful with the baby at this point.

    Download some baby food apps.

    Once you’ve ruled out allergies, you can find some great recipes on Pinterest or baby food apps (yes, there are apps for that). The ones I am currently using are Baby Weaning and Recipes, Baby Led Weaning, and Kids Food Recipes for babies.

    Purchase safe baby utensils.

    I’m really careful about the utensils that I use to feed my baby. I’ve heard some horror stories so safety is a priority in our home. I love this eco-friendly bamboo set. This suction bowl is perfect for babies as I don’t have to worry about her knocking it off too the ground. Also, I got her a One in a Melon silicone bib thats easy to clean and adjustable, they’re all cute and go really well with her Oribel Cocoon Delicious chair.

    What are your tips for introducing solids to baby?