Jenna Hatfield

The Toddler Dilemma: Potty Seat or Potty Chair?

When it’s time to start potty training, the options can feel endless. Do you go with a toilet seat or a potty chair? If you choose one over the other, which brand do you choose? And which ones work best? It can feel overwhelming before you even get to the task of actually helping your toddler learn to use the bathroom.

Never fear! We’ve looked at the options and come up with some pros and cons as well as some suggestions for each type.

Toilet Seats for Toddlers

Using a toilet seat, sometimes referred to as a trainer ring, provides a number of pros. First and foremost, you’re teaching your toilet trainer not to fear the big toilet. As they will start using it from the get-go, they’ll always associate it with safety. This means that there’s less fear when you’re out and about and need to use a public restroom. Additionally, a toilet seat–especially the ones that fold–provide an extra convenience factor. Your trainer will be able to go in any bathroom.

Cons include some of what you’d expect with any toilet training: As they don’t always fit every toilet, there can be messes involved. Additionally, if you do have a child who shows fear of the bigger potty, they may still show hesitancy even if this is the route you choose.

Delta Children Little Jon-EE Adjustable Potty Seat and Step Stool – $34.99

This toilet seat features a wide array of benefits. The adjustable height feature will grow with your toddler. The splash guard is a must-have as well. You can also use the step stool at the sink to help your little one learn how to wash their hands after using the toilet. It really is the perfect addition to your home bathroom.

Jool Folding Travel Potty Seat – $14.99

For potty training on the go, we love the Jool folding potty seat. The suction cups on the under side help keep it attached to any toilet. It will help keep it from slipping and keep your little one secure as they go. This toilet seat folds up easily and even comes with a travel bag for easy transport. If you’re potty training and traveling, you really need to have this on hand.

Potty Chairs for Toddlers

Potty chairs are miniature versions of the real thing. You can plop them down in your bathroom, or–one of their biggest pros–just about anywhere. That’s right: You can set the potty chair in your home office, their playroom, or take it on the go with you to the park.

Cons include a little more mess than a toilet seat in that you have to dump the contents of the enclosed bowl and clean it out. Some kids might also find it difficult to transition to a bigger toilet after getting used to the smaller version.

The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty Seat – $39.99

This potty chair was the winner in the feeding Feeding/Bathing/Changing category of the JPMA Innovation Awards last year. Why? It encourages your toilet trainer to sit in the proper position for going, complete with a foot lift. It looks like a miniature toilet as well to encourage familiarity with the real deal.

BabyBjörn Smart Potty – $24.99

The BabyBjörn Smart Potty is a very simple potty chair. It’s easy to clean, but the best selling factor is how easy it is to take along with you wherever you’re headed. Set it out on the deck for evening playtime to ensure your toddler can make it to the potty in time. Toss it in the back of the van for your upcoming trip. Just bring along some bleach wipes and you’re good to go!

The Best of Both Worlds

Instead of buying both a potty chair and a toilet seat, why not get both at the same time?

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty – $31.49

All-in-one potty chair and toilet seat option

Not sure if you want to invest in a toilet seat or a potty chair? Why not both? This option gives you a trainer ring to use with your toilet or ones in public restrooms, a potty chair for home use, and a step stool to encourage that hand washing with ease. You can cover all of your bases with one purchase.

My Size® Potty Lights and Songs Transitions – $44.99

Another all-in-one option, the Lights & Sounds Transitions is a potty chair with a potty seat that can move over to your toilet. Additionally, kiddos will love the six different songs it plays each time you “flush” the potty chair. It makes potty training feel fun and rewarding. (You can read more about this potty chair on our site.)

No matter what you choose, your little one will benefit from the research you’re putting into helping them make this next life transition. It will take some patience, but you’ll both get there!

Check out more posts for toddler parents:
25 Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old
The Scoop: Aden + Anais Weighted Blanket
Creating a Strong Immune System in Infants and Toddlers

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Enter to Win Your Entire Registry

by Jenna Hatfield 1 Comment

Having a baby is a life-changing event. In preparation for your baby’s arrival, you create a registry to help your friends and family know what items you might need before your baby arrives. But what if your registry was fully purchased by someone? Wouldn’t that also be life-changing?

The feeding experts at Nanobébé think so! Our friends behind the beloved Flexy silicone bottle have launched a massive giveaway new parents and parents to be do not want to miss.

As a matter of fact, this is their third, “You Complete Me Giveaway.” They will foot the bill and purchase the entire registry for one lucky winner. Yep. The whole shebang! Everything from car seats to a crib to the stroller you can’t live without once your baby arrives. Absolutely everything.

A win like this can truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a family planning on the arrival of a newborn. Getting ready for baby can feel daunting, financially and time-wise. Nanobébé wants to help alleviate some of that stress for a family with the You Complete Me Giveaway. They’re stepping into the gap and offering a gift that will truly keep giving over your baby’s lifetime. Think about it: If you register for a crib that transitions to a toddler bed which transitions to a full-sized bed headboard, Nanobébé is basically paying for your child’s bed for 18 years. How awesome is that?

What Goes on Your You Complete Me Giveaway Registry?

Things to consider registering for:

Diapers: Register for a variety of sizes!
Bottles: Our favorite Nanobébé Flexy Silicone bottles are easy to use, clean, and come with a newborn-ready nipple. Plus, the whole Nanobébé line is full of great breastfeeding must-haves, bottle feeding must-haves, and pacifiers!

A Stroller: Are you a jogger or need something a bit more compact?

A Car Seat: Think both about an infant seat and one for when they reach the toddler stage.

After that, check out some of our specific registry lists. We have lists for minimalists, eco-friendly picks, bath time, and more. Knowing what to put on your registry will help!

This is the third time Nanobébé has hosted this incredible pay-it-forward campaign. The winner from the first “You Complete Me” Giveaway, Holly from Colorado Springs, CO, was gifted with everything on her wish list to transition her youngest daughter (born a preemie at 32 weeks) from the NICU to the comfort of their home. “Winning the giveaway came at a time we needed support the most, and allowed us to focus on our little preemie rather than stressing about those things we didn’t yet have”, said Holly. “Nanobébé went above and beyond with all their support and love, and we can’t thank them enough!”

Enter Now

It’s easy to enter – Expectant families can enter here. Add any Nanobébé products to your registry and fill out the form. Good luck!

The You Complete Me Giveaway is open through July 19, 2022. Enter now!

Make a Splash with the Kindred Bravely Swim Collection

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Summer weather is upon us! With the hot temperatures comes fun in the pool, lake, or ocean, which means you need a bathing suit. Whether you’re expecting, cuddling a newborn, or chasing toddlers, the Kindred Bravely swim collection has the perfect suit for you.

What we love most about the Kindred Bravely swim collection is how easy it makes packing for a trip to the beach or to get things ready to head to the pool. They’ve got a variety of pieces that flatter your figure, fit well, and allow for easy nursing access. They even offer cover-ups to make getting to and from the water easier—and more stylish!

For those mamas who prefer a one-piece style suit, the Kindred Bravely swim collection offers a few great styles and colors. The Classic One Piece has easy nursing access as does the Wrap Swimsuit. While the Crinkle One Piece isn’t specifically made for nursing, the scoop neck allows for some pretty easy access as well. One piece suits offer moms a touch more coverage so you can focus on time with your family instead of what’s covered and what’s not. The best part of all three of these one piece suits is that you can wear them whether you’re currently pregnant or already introducing your little one to their first summer of fun.

Maybe you’re a mom who loves two piece suits. The Kindred Bravely swim collection has you covered as well! If tankinis float your summer fun boat, they’ve got a cute option in stripes or classic black. The bikini top comes in the same prints as the tankini and offers a full view of that bump! Additionally, you can choose low rise or high rise bikini bottoms. Kindred Bravely lets you mix and match your tops and bottoms to create a fit that’s uniquely you.

Walking to and from the pool with a baby or toddler in tow can be a handful. The Kindred Bravely swim collection also offers cute swim shorts to throw on. Additionally, the beach dress cover up is absolutely adorable.

Kindred Bravely really thought of everything when it comes to summer fun for moms. You don’t have to spend hours agonizing over what to wear. You can simply pack these pieces and get excited to make memories with your family.

Thank you to Kindred Bravely for helping keep our mamas stylish all summer long and for making this post possible.

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Footprint

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There’s a lot of “stuff” associated with the act of parenting. From gear to clothing to feeding and beyond, it just seems like the stuff will never end. Maybe you’re a minimalist parent or maybe you’re just eco-conscious. You may even be looking to simplify your everyday. There are easy ways to help make a difference for our Earth and reduce your footprint as a parent.

Get Thrifty

Shopping second-hand is a great way to reduce your footprint as a parent. You’ll also save money by doing so! Everything from sleepers to everyday clothing to toys can be found at your local second-hand store. Check in at the end of a season to find coats and jackets that other children outgrew. If you do not have any local options for second-hand shopping, consider websites like Poshmark and ThredUp. Both have sections for children’s clothing. While you will have shipping costs and packaging involved in the process, you’ll still help keep clothing out of landfills and save some money in the process.

Cloth Diaper

Keeping one-use diapers out of landfills by using cloth diapers is a smart way to reduce your footprint as well. While it does require an upfront investment, cloth diapers can be used for multiple children through a number of years. You can take it one step further by also using cloth wipes. As a bonus, cloth diapering options often help when it comes to babies with super sensitive skin. If cloth isn’t right for you and your baby, consider a more eco-conscious diaper brand like healthynest!

Make Your Own Baby Food

Ditch pre-made baby food from the store and start making your own baby food. On top of tasting better, you’ll help eliminate plastic waste and help chip away the production cost associated with industrialized food processing. As a bonus, you will know exactly what goes into your baby’s little body—and it will taste better to them as well. Not sure where to start? Check out what some parents in our Gugu Village had to say about the Mumum Baby Food Maker.

Pass Things On

Once you’re done with a size of baby clothing, some developmental toys, and your maternity clothing, don’t just store them in tubs in your basement or throw them away. Pass them on to family and friends who can use them. Not only will you help reduce your footprint by keeping useable material in service, but you may be helping someone out who can’t verbalize they need some assistance. If you don’t have any close friends or family in need of your ages and stages items, consider finding a clothing and toy swap. If there’s not one in your area, reach out to some local charities or organizations to see if they would be interested in helping you start one in your area. Think of the change you’d be creating by being the one to say, “I can help!”

Get Crafty

It’s difficult to eliminate every single piece of one-use plastic or other types of containers in our lives. As an example, if you need to formula feed, you regularly have an empty container. Instead of tossing it (into your recycling bin if possible!), consider various ways to craft it into something else. Make it into a pot for some new plants. Can you store something in it? What about making it into a drum for your toddler? If you can use something even once or twice more, you’re helping cut down on waste. Look at something twice before tossing it in the bin.

4 Must-Have Evenflo Feeding Products

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Evenflo has been a part of feeding babies for over 100 years. They’re a name you know and one you can trust. Evenflo Feeding offers a wide variety of ways to safely and easily feed your baby. From bottles to pacifiers and from breast pumps to sanitizing bags, they have something for every baby.

Evenflo Feeding Balance + Bottles

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the Evenflo Feeding Balance + Bottles might quickly become your favorite go-to bottle. Designed to support healthy bottle-feeding without interfering with your nursing journey, the bottles feature a naturally sloped nipple. This unique nipple helps to promote a healthy and wide latch. It also boasts a one-piece vent which helps prevent colic as well as gas and fussiness. To benefit you, the vent is integrated, meaning you won’t have any extra pieces or parts to clean. Lastly, the slow flow nipple results in feedings without gulping. The bottles also come in a variety of sizes to grow with your baby and is available in plastic and glass.

Want to experience the Evenflo Feeding Balance + Bottles? We’ve got a discount code for you! Recommended by Infant Feeding Experts and 97% of parents, this bottle is a proven solution for babies who alternate between breast and bottle. Save $2 on the Balance + Bottle using promo code BALANCE2OFF on target.com. Learn more about the Balance + Bottle and shop here.

Evenflo Feeding Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump

When it comes to affordable and quality breast pumps, you want to go with the Evenflo Feeding Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump. The features on this handy pump are too many to name, so we’ll feature the ones that we know matter most to our moms.

You’ll get more milk output with this pump.

To get more milk output, the pump features independent speed and suction controls. These independent features help you have multiple letdowns during your pumping session, resulting in more milk.

It’s comfortable and gentle.

The pump comes with multiple flange sizes, allowing you to find the most comfortable fit. Additionally, finding the right flange fit will also improve milk output as well!

It’s quiet and portable.

No one wants a noisy pump whether they’re in the office or trying to pump quickly and quietly in the morning before the baby wakes up. It’s 50% quieter and 30% lighter, making it easy to pump on the go.

You’ll also benefit from multiple power options (including a car adapter) as well as Balance + bottles to help eliminate confusion between breast and bottle.

Evenflo Feeding Steam Sanitizing Bag

To clean your pump parts, you’ll love the reusable Evenflo Feeding Steam Sanitizing Bag. It’s no longer a hassle to make sure your pump parts are thoroughly clean. You simply add the microwaveable parts to the self-standing bag, two ounces of water, and pop It into the microwave for the instructed amount of time. And voila! Everything is clean! The safe silicone bag can be used again and again, creating less waste for the environment. It’s a win-win.

Evenflo Feeding Balance + Pacifiers

The Balance + Pacifiers will work to soothe your baby through months 0-6 while safeguarding your breastfeeding relationship. The cylindrical shape of this pacifier encourages tongue cupping, mimicking how their tongue reacts when they latch during nursing. You won’t need to worry about nipple confusion or breast rejection with the shape of this pacifier. It’s made of soft silicone and is free of all the stuff you don’t want your baby to have from BPA to phthalates.

Thank you to Evenflo Feeding for making this sponsored post possible.

vitafusion™ PreNatal Gummies: Great Taste and Easy Nutrition

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What if we told you that we’ve found a gummy prenatal vitamin that not only tastes delicious but is also gentle on your stomach? Well, we have! vitafusion™ PreNatal Gummies deliver delicious nutrition for busy expectant moms trying to juggle it all.

What makes these gummy prenatal vitamins so good? Starting with that fusion of natural lemon and raspberry lemonade fruit flavors, these gummies don’t have iron, so they’re easy on your stomach*. Each serving also includes essential vitamins and minerals. You’ll get vitamins A, C, and D as well as 50mg of Omega-3 DHA. Additionally, each serving acts as an excellent source of folic acid.

When it comes to your health, vitafusion™ is always thinking two steps ahead. On top of delivering the nutrients your body needs to help grow new life, the high-quality, purified fish oil used in the vitafusion™ PreNatal gummies has been tested for mercury and PCBs. You can feel assured that you’re getting quality nutrition with every delicious serving.

If you’re an expectant mom looking for a prenatal vitamin that feels easier on your sensitive stomach, opt for vitafusion™ Prenatal Gummies. You’ve already got so much on your plate. Choosing these gummies is an easy and healthy choice for you and, in turn, your baby.

Thank you to vitafusion™ for making this sponsored post possible.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Simplistic Parenting Tips

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Choosing to live a minimalist parenting lifestyle may feel impossible at times. Everywhere you turn, people and brands tell you that you need more of this, more of that—more, more, more. Is it possible to provide what your baby needs while still living out your simplistic parenting dreams?

Yes.

It requires a little extra research, a lot of organization, and some willingness to try again when you find that something doesn’t work for you, your baby, or your family. More over, being yourself will also help you navigate your way through your parenting journey. We’ve put together some tips for each of those concepts to help you attain the minimalist family life you desire.

A Little Extra Research

The maximalist version of a baby registry involves walking through a store and scanning things to your heart’s content. Or, the pandemic version might involve clicking all the boxes on every website. When you’re wanting to live that simplistic parenting lifestyle, you need to slow down and do your research. As an example, a thorough look into the different strollers available will allow you to make one purchase instead of buying two or three for different travel needs or ages and stages.

Using sites like Gugu Guru can help you decide which gear you need and which items might better serve another family. The Gugu Guide video reviews can really help you make those decisions as they offer real experiences from real parents. From that point, you can make some lists (pros and cons, items for each room, or a total inventory of what you think will work for you) before you create your registry or start purchasing items on your own.

Need a little more one-on-one guidance? You can also work with one of our product experts, who will best help you simplify decisions on strollers, car seats, and feeding necessities.

A Lot of Organization

One key component of living a simplistic parenting experience is organization. Minimalist parenting isn’t about your child having one toy and one toy only. Instead, the focus is on having age-appropriate toys which can be put away with ease. Baskets, bins, and other containers in which you can store toys will pay out in dividends when it comes to the peace a clean room brings you each evening.

When everything has a place, your ability to be present and available in the moment with your child will feel just right. Likewise, organizing your time is part of simplistic parenting. Creating a plan to stay organized in the space you have will also benefit the entire family. A list of chores that must be done by the adults in the home will keep everything running smoothly. Include both daily tasks like dishes and cleaning up the general daily clutter as well as the weekly and monthly tasks like trash, recycling, laundry, and grocery shopping.

Try, Try Again

Even with the most thorough research and a perfectly organized plan, some things won’t work for you, your baby, or your household. It could be something as simple as the fact that your baby does not enjoy strollers and prefers to cuddle close to you in a baby carrier. It could also be a bit more complex, like your organizational bins just don’t work well with the toys you’ve chosen or your task schedule stops working when your baby’s nap schedule changes. Whatever the case, the point is to try and try again. You can find what works best for your family by making small adjustments.

Additionally, your baby is going to grow and change. Yes, their nap and feeding schedule will change. They will outgrow their initial toys as they hit milestones. You will learn to adapt to their changes, changing right along with them at each and every stage. When something doesn’t align with your simplistic parenting point of view and their new phase, try something else. You can and will find something that works for you.

Be Yourself

There’s no one right way to a parent. You can read all of the guidebooks and blog posts. You can research all of the newest gear. Your home can look like something straight out of a minimalist magazine. But if you’re not being true to yourself, it won’t feel right. Take all of the advice, both from friends and family as well as from the internet, with a grain of salt. If something doesn’t work for you, it’s not a bad thing. Simply refer back to “try, try again” and find what works for you.

You should never feel like a bad parent because one item in your simplistic parenting toolbox worked for everyone else—except you. You and your baby are unique. The goal is not to be the most perfect minimalist style parent. The goal is for you and your baby to be both healthy and happy. By being yourself and finding what works best for you, you are setting an excellent example for your child to follow as they grow.

5 Common Travel Mistakes when Vacationing with Kids

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The first time you travel with your new baby, you have no idea what to expect. What do you pack? How do you plan your day? When should they sleep? You can learn a lot and plan accordingly by avoiding these five common travel mistakes.

Looking for our exhaustive packing list? Take a look at the items you may need to pack when traveling with your littles.

Making a Strict Itinerary

Planning your schedule on vacation so that you get the most out of your time is a smart thing to do. Planning your schedule so rigidly that you feel stress when your baby sleeps in—or doesn’t sleep at all—will ruin the whole trip. Make a plan but be aware that your baby might act differently out of their normal routine. They might nurse or eat more often out of comfort. Getting them to sleep might be a struggle. Because of all of the fun new activities, they might nap for longer times. Allow for flexibility and your stress level will remain in vacation mode.

Totally Ditching Your Normal Routine

Another of the common travel mistakes is going willy nilly with your schedule. While you don’t want to adhere to a super strict itinerary, you shouldn’t completely ditch your at home routine either. If your baby has been napping for two hours every day for the past four months, skipping their afternoon nap will result in a cranky baby for the rest of the day. Likewise, bumping their mealtimes by too much will leave them feeling hungry and grumpy—and you’ll be the one to pay for your mistake. Try to keep nap times, meal times, and bedtimes approximately the same so as not to confuse your baby.

Leaving Comforts at Home

Does your baby have a special blanket they like to snuggle with during your nursing sessions? Or maybe a particular cup to drink from during lunch? Perhaps they have always slept with a white noise machine in their bedroom. Or their favorite bear sits with them while they eat their meal. Do yourself and your baby a favor and bring along these items, especially any surrounding eating and sleeping. If they can have their comfort item, they might adapt more easily to being in totally new surroundings.

Bringing Along Absolutely Everything

While it’s smart to bring along a comfort item or two, bringing along their entire toy box and wardrobe is simply unnecessary. Overpacking for baby is definitely a common travel mistake. Yes, your baby will need a few more changes of clothes than you to account for diaper blowouts, slobber, and eating messes. Yes, some toys are smart to bring along to serve as a distraction on the plane or car ride as well as in the stroller and hotel room. But you don’t need it all. Your back will thank you when you don’t have to lug everything and the kitchen sink in and out of the car.

Not Taking Enough Pictures With You

It’s easier for parents nowadays to take pictures thanks to the camera technology in our phones. You will definitely capture their first step in the ocean, a taste of a local treat, and the sunrise they woke you up to see. But are you taking enough pictures of your baby — and you? If you’re traveling with another parent, friend, or family member, ask them to take pictures of the two of you interacting on vacation, and not just posed photos. Candids of playing in the sand, walking on a trail hand in hand, or meeting a character for the first time will be images you will cherish for a lifetime. Having you in the photo means that your baby will also cherish that photo when they are older. You were there; make sure you’re visible in the photos.

You will have a great time on your baby’s first vacation. Just keep a few of these common travel mistakes in mind as you head off to make memories together.

5 Common Feeding Mistakes New Moms Make

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Feeding your baby will take up a majority of your time in those early days. It can feel overwhelming to new parents for a variety of reasons. Knowing how much to feed your baby and when, what to do when something is wrong, and what exactly “right” feels and looks like are all new concepts. New moms can make some common feeding mistakes in the beginning, but we’re here to help.

Having Firm Expectations About The Feeding process

While it’s good to have a plan, the reality of parenting is that you need to be flexible. Perhaps you intended to exclusively breastfeed, but your little one came early, requiring pumping and supplementing. Maybe you were set on one type of formula, but your baby’s tummy had other plans. Speaking of your baby’s tummy, your own diet could need to be altered depending on how they react to certain foods you consume while breastfeeding. There are so many possibilities that could change your best-intended plans. Learning to remain flexible and pivot to whatever is best for your baby will benefit you both in the long run.

Staying In The Same Routine For Too Long

Just when you finally figure out what works best for your baby, it’s going to change. Your little one will hit a growth spurt and require more frequent nursing sessions or another ounce in their bottle. They’ll experience a sleep regression and change up their eating habits again. Sticking too ardently to the feeding schedule that once worked will frustrate you both. Just like having to be flexible when it comes to your expectations, learning to be flexible with your baby’s feeding routine is vitally important.

Trying Too Many Things Too Quickly

On the flip side of sticking it out too long in a routine, trying too many new things too quickly is another common feeding mistake. When your baby turns their head from a feeding, don’t immediately assume a growth spurt is over, they’re done with that formula, or are trying to wean. Maybe they got distracted by their sibling running around the room. Maybe they just aren’t hungry at this particular minute. Changing their schedule or bottle, introducing new foods, or switching formula because of one rejected feeding will only confuse your baby—and you.

Additionally, as your baby begins to eat solids, introducing foods slowly is key. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should offer single-ingredient foods three to five days apart to watch for any reactions. Slowly introducing foods in this way allows you to catch any possible sensitivities or allergies. Your little one might also reject those first feedings because the texture and taste are new. Try again in a week. If they’re still rejecting attempts at solid foods, you’ll want to reach out for help. Which brings us to the next point…

Waiting Too Long To Seek Out Help

As moms, we want to be able to tend to our baby’s needs. However, sometimes we need help. If you’ve tried to resolve a feeding issue on your own but still feel like something is off, it’s time to reach out for help. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, be it latch or tummy issues for your baby, reach out to your pediatrician earlier rather than later. Latch issues can be fixed quickly and easily, resulting in a happier baby—and mom. If you feel like your baby might not be reacting well to their formula, reach out. As we mentioned in the previous point, if your baby rejects solid, pureed food for a few weeks after initial introduction, it’s time to call the doctor. Your pediatrician has seen it all and will have helpful, productive suggestions to help you and your infant through the rough spot.

Being Too Hard On Yourself As A New Parent

You’re new at this. Guess what? So is your baby. Together, you’re going to figure this out. You may have to ask for help with common feeding mistakes from your pediatrician, lactation consultant, friends, or family members. You may have to try new things for a little while to see if they work. You will have to be flexible for sure. But you’re going to be okay. Your baby is going to be okay. You’re both going to get through this learning curve and head into a new one—together.

Teaching Littles About Diversity

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While we live in a very diverse world, teaching our children about diversity can feel daunting. How do you even begin to explain differences in skin, race, ability, family, and more? And should you? (Spoiler alert: You should!) Our differences are what make us human. By exposing your child to diversity — both in concept and in person — you will be raising children who embrace those differences rather than turn away from them in their adult life.

Read Diverse Books

The easiest way to expose your child to diversity is through books. This is especially handy if you live in an area that lacks in overall diversity. By reading a wide and varied library to your toddler, you can show them that people and families may look different but are all valued. Be sure to include books that feature children who don’t look like your child as the main character.

Some great suggestions include:

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers — not only does this book depict a wide range of diverse people, it also includes a variety of ways to become a family, including adoption, single parents, LGBT families, and even grandparents raising children.
Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer — The colorful illustrations and simple message of this book make it a great early pick for introducing the concepts of diversity and kindness.
All Kids Are Good Kids by Judy Carey Nevin — This book reinforces the concept that while we may all be different, we’re all good.
Girls Like Me by Valerie Thompkins — Not only does this book center a diverse main character, but the message of the book introduces our youngest readers to a variety of careers they can choose. It’s a great conversation starter in many regards. This book has paper pages.

Encourage Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Children notice differences in people. Toddlers especially haven’t yet been conditioned to filter their thoughts, observations, or questions in public. They may ask questions that make you feel uncomfortable. Examples include questions about skin color, disabilities, or family makeup. Instead of shushing your curious toddler and making them feel like the subject is taboo, encourage curiosity by responding positively. Follow up with questions to continue the conversation.

As an example, your child might ask why someone is in a wheelchair. Follow up with a question about how your toddler moves through the room. Ask them what they think a wheelchair might help that individual accomplish. Point out your eyeglasses and ask if they can think of anything else that might help someone through their day. Asking more questions and connecting topics to ones they might already understand expands their critical thinking skills. Allow for recognition and discussion of differences without making it feel like your child is wrong for wanting to know more. Becoming comfortable yourself talking about these topics will help your child become more comfortable as well.

Embody Kindness

Your toddler will soak up not just every word you say but every action you do. If you tell your child that people with differences are just as good as we are, but you speak or act unkindly toward someone who appears differently, they’ll recognize the dissonance even at a young age. Practicing kindness at the grocery store, daycare drop-off line, and at playgroup will encourage your child to do the same.

Expose Them to Diversity

Again, if you live in an area where diversity is lacking, the onus will be on you to step out of your comfort zone. Do you live within driving distance of an area that does offer a more diverse population? Can you go there every so often to shop, eat lunch, or play at a different playground? Additionally, can you attend a library class there? Or even mommy and me music class in that location rather than in your hometown? Exposure to the arts via age-appropriate live theater and dance is another way to welcome diverse people into your life. But it starts with you actively seeking out ways to incorporate diversity into your lives.

Jenna Hatfield

Toilet Seats for Toddlers

Potty Chairs for Toddlers

The Best of Both Worlds

What Goes on Your You Complete Me Giveaway Registry?

Enter Now

Get Thrifty

Cloth Diaper

Make Your Own Baby Food

Pass Things On

Get Crafty

Evenflo Feeding Balance + Bottles

Evenflo Feeding Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump

Evenflo Feeding Steam Sanitizing Bag

Evenflo Feeding Balance + Pacifiers

A Little Extra Research

A Lot of Organization

Try, Try Again

Be Yourself

Making a Strict Itinerary

Totally Ditching Your Normal Routine

Leaving Comforts at Home

Bringing Along Absolutely Everything

Not Taking Enough Pictures With You

Having Firm Expectations About The Feeding process

Staying In The Same Routine For Too Long

Trying Too Many Things Too Quickly

Waiting Too Long To Seek Out Help

Being Too Hard On Yourself As A New Parent

Read Diverse Books

Encourage Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Embody Kindness

Expose Them to Diversity

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