How to Create Lasting Memories With Your Kids in the Outdoors

Your child’s growing-up years will be a kaleidoscope filled with more precious moments than they can possibly remember every detail of. However, some memories are so impactful in a child’s life that they will be treasured forever. For whatever reason, times spent together in the outdoors are more indelible than most. Here are some ways to create cherished memories that will last you and your child a lifetime.

Go to the Beach

The magic of the beach is that it is for everyone. Even people who wouldn’t consider themselves the outdoorsy type love the beach. There is something about the deep blue of the skies, the timelessness of the sand, and the constant gentle motion of the ocean that create the perfect ambiance for mindfulness. 

It is in these mindful moments together that perfect moments turn into lasting memories. The most important thing is to engage with your kids. Don’t hand them a bucket, tell them to go play, and then turn to your novel. Build sand castles, splash in the waves, and look for shells together.

Take Them Camping

Camping never fails to deliver lasting memories. Either everything goes wrong and you can laugh about how miserable it was, or it is perfect and brings back nostalgic feelings every time you think about it. 

Camping also provides an excellent opportunity to teach your kids vital skills such as fire making, first aid, and orienteering. It’s also a great time to teach important life skills, such as courtesy and respect. You can teach your kids to be responsible campers by cleaning trash and extinguishing your fires. 

Play With Them in the Backyard

You might think that lasting memories are only made during major events such as family vacations or trips. However, a kid doesn’t need a special destination to form happy memories with you. In fact, some of the best memories can happen in your own backyard. All it takes is a willingness to let go of your everyday stressors and truly connect with your kids. Think about your own magical moments with your parents. Chances are they happened when you were doing something simple together, like playing tag, throwing a ball, or jumping on the trampoline. 

There are ample studies which show that spending more time outdoors is good for both your physical and emotional health. It is also the perfect setting for making lasting memories with your kids. Your kids will be all grown up before you know it, so take every opportunity to spend focused time with them in the great outdoors!

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How to Manage Pain During Pregnancy

Normally, when you get a headache or injury you can pop a few pain pills and hardly miss a beat. However, when you are pregnant, everything you do can impact that precious, growing baby. While mothers are famous for being self-sacrificing and willing to do anything to keep from harming their baby, you shouldn’t have to suffer through severe pain during your pregnancy. Luckily, there are safe ways to combat your pain during pregnancy.

Take Safe Pain Medication

Most doctors would agree that some over-the-counter pain medications can be taken safely during pregnancy. While you should never take any medication without getting the green light from your doctor, acetaminophen is generally considered safe. Your doctor might also approve ibuprofen or naproxen during the first half of your pregnancy. 

However, they are generally not recommended after 20 weeks because of the risk of hemorrhaging during delivery and causing kidney problems for the baby. Bottom line: always ask your doctor before taking any medication!

Try Drug-Free Remedies

Of course, pregnancy is the perfect time to try out holistic pain relief techniques. Massage therapy, hot or cold compresses, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and acupressure are all safe options to try. 

Additionally, going to a chiropractor can help you ease pain during pregnancy without drugs. Chiropractic spinal manipulation can effectively treat lower back pain, a common complaint during pregnancy.

Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom

When you are pregnant it’s more important than ever to pay close attention to your body’s cues. One of the dangers of having such convenient pain remedies available is that we can easily pop a pill and ignore the underlying causes. However, when you take the time to listen to your body and find out what it’s trying to tell you, you can usually treat the cause of your pain rather than the symptom. Maybe you are overworking yourself and need to take it easy. Maybe your headaches are caused by mild dehydration. Maybe you need to tweak your sleeping position or go to bed earlier. Maybe you need to wear more comfortable shoes for now. Treating the underlying cause is always more effective and less risky than turning to a quick fix like pain meds. 

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you should have to live with pain. First, try to diagnose the cause of your pain and address that first. If that doesn’t work, talk to your doctor for some suggestions. No one should suffer needlessly when there are plenty of safe remedies available. 

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How to Ensure Healthy Childhood Development

Parenting is something that thousands of experts have spoken about for centuries. Everyone does it differently–and it also doesn’t help that every child is different.

As intimidating as it may be, there are certain things you can do in order to ensure that your child is getting the minimum for their healthy development. 

Take Your Child to the Doctor

Physical health is the most basic and primary priority. There may be some things you can take care of as a parent–a simple abrasion on your child’s arm, a sunburn, a cold–but you should know when it’s best to take them to the doctor. Pediatricians will have the expertise and experience to be able to help your child whenever something more extreme happens. 

Regular appointments will mean that some problems can be caught early on before they become serious. This is why it’s so important to have check-ups even when nothing is obviously wrong. 

Pay Attention to Behavior

It’s important to be familiar with the stages of childhood development so that you can be prepared. It also means that you will know what to interpret as normal or as abnormal. This should be done on both a physical and an emotional level. For example, thumb sucking at a young age is perfectly normal, but it can lead to dental issues long-term. 

Prepare beforehand how to talk to your child about puberty and the changes that occur in the body (not to mention emotionally). Know how to respond to behavior that you feel is inappropriate. Healthy discipline that teaches your child about responsibility without abuse is critical.

Basic Needs

A child needs to be comfortable to develop in a healthy way. That means that food, water, shelter, clothes, exercise, education, and a clean environment are priorities that shouldn't be compromised in any way. One of the most important needs that a child has is their emotional need for love and support. Communicate with your child. Generational trauma occurs when one parent’s unhealthy style of parenting is unconsciously repeated by their child, and so on–so put in the emotional work to deconstruct your own past difficulties and trauma. The last thing you want to do is unconsciously raise your child in a way that will cause them pain. 

A child is not only a responsibility. It is another human being who will grow based on your actions as a parent. It is your responsibility, in turn, to educate yourself before and during your child’s life in order to give them the life that they deserve. 

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How to Make Sure Your Baby’s Teeth Come in Properly

The part of infancy where a baby begins teething can be hard for everyone. Babies will start to feel and express a lot more discomfort. Breastfeeding mamas might find the process painful. But you’re going to want to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible so your child can have the little pearly whites they deserve. 

Start Brushing Their Teeth

Good brushing habits are the foundation for anyone’s good dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing are the keys to avoiding as many dental problems as possible as a teenager and an adult. That’s why it’s so important to develop the habit as early on as possible.

Not only will this help your toddler adjust to the brushing process itself, but it will also help keep their baby teeth healthy. Baby teeth are a kind of trial run to help you understand just how well your child can maintain their teeth on their own. I know from being a teacher that kids can get in to dental health problems early in life. You definitely don’t want this if you can avoid it.

Get Them to Break Harmful Habits

Lots of babies develop small habits and tics to help them deal with the stresses of life. Often, those habits will be something of an oral fixation. It’s very common for babies to try and put anything and everything they can reach into their mouths. Grinding or gritting the teeth and jaw as well as sucking their thumb are also common possibilities. 

Kids a year or older should stop sucking their thumbs to prevent teeth development issues. If you are worried about helping them overcome these habits, try talking to their pediatrician about what can be done. You can also learn more about potential baby teeth concerns here

Regular Pediatric Appointments

It’s so important to have the input of a professional during your child’s developmental stages. Regular medical checkups are a must, even if nothing is obviously wrong. That’s the only way you’ll be able to catch problems early–before they grow into something more serious and expensive. Pediatric dentists should also be consulted if necessary. Remember: small problems aren’t the end of the world, but if you let them fester, they can become truly bothersome. Serious problems might even alter how your child lives their day-to-day life.

Teeth aren’t an easy thing to take care of. Building up habits takes years, and most kids don’t want to go through that kind of effort. Little children can be notoriously resistant to parental attempts to help them brush their teeth. The important thing is that you keep trying, and that you keep making sure that they get the help they need.

Have your kids photo taken by a professional: Check it out here!

What to Put Away in Your Home to Keep Your Child Out of Danger

As a parent, it is your responsibility to keep your child safe from harm. This means taking precautions to ensure that they are not in danger when they are at home. There are many things you can do to make your home safe for your child, and one of the most important is to put away dangerous items. 

Be sure to look out for these three things you should put away to keep your child out of danger!

Small Objects

One hidden danger in many homes is the presence of small objects. Young children are curious and adventurous, and they may put anything they can find into their mouths. As a result, small objects such as beads, coins, and buttons can pose a serious choking hazard. In addition, small objects can also be swallowed and cause internal blockages. 

To protect your child from these dangers, it is important to keep small objects out of reach. One way to do this is to empty your pockets before entering the house and to store small items in containers with tight-fitting lids. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your child safe from the dangers of small objects.

Cords

Cords are one of the many dangers that can be found in the home. They are often left out in the open, and children can easily grab onto them and pull them down. This can cause serious injury or even death. The best way to keep your child safe is to put away cords. 

You should shorten or secure blind cords so your child doesn’t grab onto them. you should also unplug appliances when they’re not in use, and put away any cords that are not in use. By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your child safe from harm.

Cemical

Children are naturally curious creatures, and they often put things in their mouths without knowing any better. As a result, it's important to keep dangerous chemicals out of reach, to protect them from harm. One way to do this is to store all chemicals in a locked cupboard or cabinet. This will help to prevent your child from being able to access them, even if they're curious. Another way to keep your child safe is to use child-resistant packaging. This type of packaging is designed to be difficult for children to open, so it can help to deter them from getting into dangerous chemicals. Finally, always be sure to read labels carefully and follow the instructions when using any type of chemical product. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your child safe from harm.

Kids will be kids, and that means they are going to explore their world without consideration for their safety. While your home is usually a safe place to be, there are some things to store away to keep your kids safe. If you put these three items away you can keep your children safe at home.

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Tips for Dealing With Your First Pregnancy

As a newly pregnant mother, it may seem like there is an endless list of things you need to do. Not only is your body changing, but you may also have to change your diet, feel more exhausted than ever, or be dealing with morning sickness. 

While every pregnancy is different, there are a few things you should make sure to focus on to make this a good experience.

Find a Support System

Having a solid support system is crucial for having a good experience with your pregnancy. Obviously, the first person in your support system should be your partner, but it shouldn’t end there. If you are lucky enough to have family nearby, reach out to them for help. If you live further away, they can still provide support through phone calls, and keeping up to date with you. 

You and your partner should also make sure you find an OBGYN that you are comfortable with. You will have a lot of doctor visits over the next several months, so having a doctor you like and that you trust is crucial to make this a good experience. Many women also consider using a midwife or a doula. If you are feeling a little isolated, try reaching out to local moms. Your fellow mothers and expectant mothers will truly understand what you are going through and they can support you better than almost anyone else.

Manage Your Stress

New experiences and unexpected changes can be a large source of stress, and pregnancy is filled with both of those. While some stress is to be expected, too much stress can be unhealthy while pregnant. It is important to keep on top of how you are feeling and find healthy ways to cope. 

Light exercise during pregnancy can take some stress off. Many pregnant women enjoy walking or yoga specifically designed for pregnancy. You could also look into getting a prenatal massage. Being honest with your partner and support system about how you feel will also allow them to help you deal with any overwhelming feelings. Above all, remember that this is new for you, and it is okay to feel unsure at times.

Document The Experience

While you may not feel super glamorous while dealing with morning sickness, it is important to recognize the good moments of pregnancy. Many women will document the growth of their bump through regular mirror selfies. There are also plenty of options to track your pregnancy and the growth of your child. Some women prefer physical books that they can write the details down in, while others use pregnancy tracker apps that share fun details, such as the size of the baby. 

When you are far enough along to feel the baby kick, think about taking a video of the flutters. Maternity shoots with your partner are also a great way to commemorate the experience. Don’t forget, you are starting your family and these are memories you will want to share with your child someday.

Your first pregnancy is an exciting new experience that you get to embark on. While it may seem never ending at the moment, remember to cherish this stage of your life. It may be hard, but you can do it, and at the end of your pregnancy, you will have your beautiful baby to love and adore.
Have a lasting memory of your family here. Glendale/Los Angeles Photographer

Issues to Deal With After Giving Birth

The moment you hold your newborn for the first time, your heart will be filled with a joy you've never experienced. But, your body has just been through an extremely stressful ordeal, and it will take some time before you're feeling your best. Meanwhile, you will have some issues to deal with.

Postpartum Depression

It's completely normal to feel emotional after giving birth. You're entering a new phase of your life, and your hormones are out of balance. You may find that you're crying more than usual or easily irritated by small, unimportant matters. You may feel overwhelmed or anxious sometimes.

However, for about 15 percent of new moms, the feelings are more severe and unrelenting. 

These women are experiencing postpartum depression. Symptoms include sadness, low self-esteem, guilt, lack of enjoyment, and changes in eating and sleeping. See your doctor if you suspect you might have postpartum depression.

Body Confidence Issues

Your body has just carried another human being for nine months. It's not going to snap back immediately, and you shouldn't compare yourself to body images you see in the media. Give yourself time to recover, and pamper yourself if you can.

Eating regular, healthy meals and exercising will help you lose the "baby weight" and rebuild your self-confidence. Topical creams and laser treatments can help get rid of stretch marks. If you're nursing, invest in a good bra to give you the support you need. A new haircut or manicure can also help you feel better.

Sleep Problems

Sleep problems after childbirth are so common, there's a name for it: postpartum insomnia. The combination of hormone imbalance, new emotions, and constantly nursing and tending to a baby can cause you to have problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night.

It will take a few weeks, but you can get into a healthy sleep routine. Try to avoid caffeine, and set aside some time in your busy schedule for relaxation or meditation. Keep your bedroom dimly lit and quiet at night, even if you're getting up to feed the baby. Your body will get back into a regular sleep rhythm soon.

Knowing how your body and your emotions might react after childbirth can prepare you for any issues that may come up. Every new mom is different, but all of them will struggle with something. Be kind to yourself and anticipate the disruptions.

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How to Feel More Confident About Your Children’s Diet

It can be difficult to know what to feed your child. The internet is full of misinformation that thrives off of reactionary articles that get attention for being extreme – not for being accurate. 

Not to mention the difficulties that come with navigating the modern food industry.

Follow Their Pediatrician’s Advice

Doctors are going to understand the modern landscape of children’s health better than you will. They also will know how to tell the difference between misinformation and scientifically viable data. They will be able to tell you what is best for your child. 

They will also be able to diagnose any potential problems that your child has, as well as prescribe or suggest proper treatments. Ultimately, it is always in your best interest to trust your doctor. Make sure that your child follows the instructions that their doctor gives them.

Look at the Ingredients

Companies are legally required to be honest about what their products contain. You should always check the ingredients to make sure that it doesn’t contain inordinate amounts of unhealthy fats, sugars, or sweeteners. Be on the lookout for corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup especially. 

Learn how much a gram is – since many companies actually put the amount of sugar in grams so that consumers won’t know how much sugar is in their product. Also make sure to check the serving size, since oftentimes the company will be telling you nutrition facts about a fraction of the entire package. Even granola bars often contain a lot of added sugars.

A Healthy Balance

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is make sure that your child gets a healthy balance of proper nutrients from a variety of sources. Carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and fresh ingredients need to all be present. That’s not always easy with a picky eater – but don’t be afraid to try new things! Fresh produce is absolutely essential for a growing child. And beyond their diet… you need to make sure that they are getting enough outside activity and exercise. Only then will your child have the proper healthy balance that they need.

Avoid forcing kids to finish everything on their plate. Let your child to tell you when they are full and finished eating. They will naturally regulate the amount they eat.

Be sure to have new foods at the ready. It may take up to 10 or15 times of offering a food before your child will want to eat it.  Introduce new foods one at a time and be sure to offer it with foods that your child already enjoys.

Research and education are very important when it comes to preparing and helping your children to eat healthy. Make sure you know what ingredients you’re looking at. Don’t hesitate to search for an ingredient that you aren’t familiar with. Provide the balance that they need, and you’ll both be happy with how they grow.

Changes You Should Make When You Get Pregnant

Life is full of changes. Few changes can impact your life the way getting pregnant can. After all, your body is growing a whole new person. It’s only natural for that to impact most, if not all aspects of your life. As such, there are a few changes that you may need to make when you’re pregnant.

Start Exercising

Exercising while you’re pregnant can be highly beneficial, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re not usually very active, find some healthy exercises to do while you’re pregnant that you enjoy. Swimming, yoga, pilates, low-impact aerobics, and walking can all be great forms of exercise when you’re pregnant. If you’re already active, you can always change the activities you’re doing if that’s what you feel is best or if that’s what your doctor recommends. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll be given the okay to continue exercising as you have been.

Adjust Your Diet

You may need to make some adjustments to your diet when you’re pregnant. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet is more important than ever. Remember, your body will be using the nutrients you eat to help build your baby. Your body will need more calcium, folic acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9), iron, and protein. As such, when you’re pregnant, fresh fruits and vegetables become even more important. You may find it helpful to take a multivitamin to make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Try to limit your intake of caffeine and low mercury fish, and avoid alcohol, high mercury fish, unpasteurized foods, and raw meats.

Pay Extra Attention to Oral Health

You’re probably already doing a good job taking care of your teeth. Give your mouth a little extra attention while you’re pregnant though. The mouth carries a lot of bacteria, and your body may not react the same while you’re pregnant because of all the changes it’s undergoing. Practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular exams and cleanings to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Being pregnant means experiencing changes on a seemingly constant basis. Some of those changes are things that happen simply because you’re pregnant, while others will be changes that you make for the benefit of both you and your baby. If you’re ever unsure about what sorts of changes you should make while pregnant, talk to your doctor about what they recommend for you.

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How Families Can Prepare Financially for Their First Child

Starting a family is a serious commitment. Not only is it a serious emotional task that you need to undertake, but you also need to prepare financially. Here are the initial steps you can take to ensure that you have the essentials for your children.

Build Up Savings

A robust savings account is a must-have. In fact, that’s a good standard for life, not just for children; a savings account can make the difference between survival and disaster during an emergency. Savings are necessary for retirement, for children’s education, and for making sure you have a safety net in case you were to lose your job. Ideally, you would have started saving as soon as you became employed. If that’s not the case, try to save as much as you can for months or years before you have your first child. Do what you can to have those safety nets already in place. Thus, you will be able to afford the most important insurances and other essentials in your time of need.

Get Life Insurance

In the case of a tragic accident leading to the death of a parent, life insurance guarantees a significant payout that helps support the family during the grieving process. Not only does it help support, but it can actually be lifesaving – especially if the deceased parent in question was the primary breadwinner. It’s important to have life insurance the instant you have a child. You don’t want an unthinkable accident to leave your child struggling for basic necessities. Consider getting a more inclusive insurance plan as well; it’s just as important for a stay-at-home parent to have life insurance as a working spouse.

Calculate and Budget

Budgeting is critical not only for parenthood but for being financially autonomous in general. By planning and budgeting your future baby’s immediate costs, you will be able to see more clearly how they will factor into the coming months and years. Do adequate research to get a realistic estimation of the costs of birth, as well as the initial first few years of infancy. Will the costs be crippling enough to cause a serious financial problem? If so, you may want to consider saving for a bit longer.

The most important thing you can do is ensure that your child will have the basic necessities of life. Nutritious food, clean water, shelter, a healthy environment, and unconditional love are what they will need the most. Make sure that you have the finances to provide that – and you will be okay.

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How to Keep Your Home Healthy and Clean

It is important to make sure that your home is a clean and healthy environment. This will help you to be healthier and more comfortable as you’re spending time at home. This is especially important if you have babies or young children, since even minor problems can cause them to become sick. Here are a few tips that will help you to keep your home healthy and clean.

Maintain a Cleaning Schedule

First of all, it is important to maintain a cleaning schedule. Set a schedule for all of the weekly cleaning that you need to get done. For example, you’ll want to clean your bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, and living spaces. You’ll want to vacuum, disinfect, clean, and more. You can split up tasks to make sure that something gets done every day rather than trying to get it all done on the weekend. Try to share the load with some of your family members if that will help you to get all of the necessary cleaning done each week.

Don’t Wear Shoes in the House

Another tip that can help you to keep your home healthy and clean is to avoid wearing shoes inside your house. Removing your shoes at the door can help prevent damage to your carpet. Having a clean carpet can be especially helpful when you have small children crawling around a lot. It can also help you to avoid tracking allergens and bacteria that might be present in different outdoor areas.

Do Yearly Cleaning Maintenance

There are certain cleaning tasks that are more in-depth that you’ll want to take care of yearly. These maintenance tasks will help you to keep your house clean even though they will take a little bit more work. For example, you should have your air conditioning ducts and vents cleaned regularly to get rid of any dust or debris that might be stuck inside. If these ducts aren’t cleaned, your AC units could be blowing a lot of dirty air into your house. You can also always hire a professional for extra help and experience.

So, if you’re trying to make sure that your home is a healthy and safe environment, remember this article. Make sure that you maintain a cleaning schedule, don’t wear shoes in the house, and do yearly cleaning maintenance. This will help your home to be a healthy environment for all of your family members living at home.

Check out this article on how to get your child to adopt healthy habits!

How to Stay Comfortable During a Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women. You are dealing with all sorts of new and uncomfortable changes in your body, not to mention the added stress of preparing for a baby. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make the experience more comfortable. Here are a few tips on how to stay comfortable during pregnancy.

Stay Moving

One of the best ways to stay comfortable during pregnancy is to keep moving. This doesn't mean that you need to go out and run a marathon, but even moderate exercise can help to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and ease back pain. Taking a brisk walk around the block or doing some gentle stretching each day can make a big difference. Additionally, staying active can help to prevent constipation, a common problem during pregnancy. Of course, it's important to listen to your body and not overdo it. If you're feeling tired or uncomfortable, take a break and rest. But if you can keep moving, you're likely to feel better throughout your pregnancy.

Manage Pain

One of the most common discomforts during pregnancy is back pain. This can be caused by the added weight of the baby and changing center of gravity. Luckily, some things can be done to help manage this pain. First, it is important to maintain good posture and alignment. This can be difficult as the belly grows, but it is important to try to avoid rounding the back or hunching over. Additionally, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help take some of the pressure off your back. A chiropractor can help correct pains in pregnancy. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself comfortable during pregnancy.

Eat Healthy

Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman's life. However, it can also be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. One way to help keep your body comfortable during pregnancy is to eat healthy. This means making sure to get enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting unhealthy foods such as processed meats, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. Eating healthy will not only help your body feel better, but it will also give you the energy you need to care for your new baby. So make sure to take care of yourself by eating right during pregnancy. 

Following these tips can help make pregnancy more comfortable by managing pain, eating healthy, and staying active. Listening to your body is key in making sure you don't overdo it and cause unnecessary discomfort. With a little care, you can enjoy this amazing time in your life.

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Ingredients to Watch for in What Your Children Consume

Kids love junk food – that’s just a fact. And they’re not the only ones! As a parent, you need to watch and make sure that your kids are getting the nutrients they need. But you should also make sure that they avoid other substances that can be harmful in high amounts.

Food Dyes

Food dyes are found in many, many foods – even those you may not have expected. This is especially true in America, where even groceries tend to be highly processed. The foods marketed for kids tend to have brighter and more whimsical colors. The problem with certain food dyes is that some evidence suggests they can be bad if ingested consistently and in high amounts. They are, after all, constructed from petroleum – and some even contain benzene, which is a carcinogen. Official scientific results may be inconclusive but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Added Sugar

This one is another ingredient that turns up far more than you would expect in your groceries. Again, this is especially true for kids’ food, since kids are naturally going to gravitate toward eating more sugar. You’ll come to see this everywhere: cereal, puddings, desserts, deli meats, white bread, fruit juices, and more. Fruit juice usually has added sugar and can be acidic on teeth – so that’s one option you want to look out for. It can be sometimes more expensive to get the healthier option. It can also be harder to convince your kid to eat it. Remember, sugar in its entirety is not bad. But added sugar and other artificial sweeteners should generally be avoided.

Sodium

There’s nothing kids love more than a tasty, salty snack! Chips, pretzels, cheesy crackers, goldfish, Chex mix – the list goes on and on – are beloved by kids everywhere, and for good reason. The problem comes when nothing is eaten in moderation. Many products of this kind contain abnormally high amounts of sodium. When eaten frequently over the course of years, sodium can contribute to heart disease and other health problems. Try and find tasty alternatives like nuts or low-sodium versions of the treats they know and love.

It always pays to read the label. Learn how to recognize both beneficial and problematic notes on a food’s packaging. Additives legally have to be cited. As you make sure your child gets the best diet they deserve, you will ensure a happy future.

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How to Take Care of Your Health When You’re Pregnant

Pregnancy can be a scary process, no doubt. It’s very likely you’ve heard stories of complications that can be a bit intimidating. But if you are familiar with your medical needs, and you remain vigilant through all nine months, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Exercise

Some people might tell you this or that about what you can or can’t do during pregnancy. The only people you should really trust to give such advice are your physicians. In reality, most common exercises are fine for a pregnant individual to do. The principal caveat is that you need to be careful not to push yourself too hard. Walking, swimming, cycling (safely indoors on a stationary bike), and such activities are the easiest and safest options. By getting some blood flow to your body and brain, you keep yourself and your baby in tip-top shape.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy is critical during pregnancy for the health of your baby. Why? Your body and the baby are inextricably connected, and everything you consume will affect the fetus. While there’s nothing wrong with following your cravings (since that is your body indicating what it needs), you do need to be careful to avoid excessively eating processed junk foods or fast foods. Avoid drugs of any kind – alcohol, cigarettes, even caffeine – as much as possible. Instead, ingest hearty, nutrition-rich foods that can supply both you and the baby with what you need. Avoid raw, undercooked, underbaked, or unpasteurized foods.

Regular Doctor Visits

Your doctor is going to be able to meaningfully help you in a way that no one else can. Doctors have the experience, expertise, skill, and tools to adjust their instructions and recommended habits according to your needs. Going to the doctor regularly ensures that complications that can arise in the pregnancy can be caught early on and treated. It means that the health of both the mother and the baby will be carefully monitored, and that help can be given to address any potential problems. This is the risk of doing a natural birth alone and without a doctor – complications can be dangerous for both mother and child when left untreated.

Careful maintenance is the key. Put in the effort daily to do and consume things that will keep your health and the health of the baby solidly in the safe zone. Pregnancy health can be tricky, yes, but it is always worth it in the end.

Check out this article on how to get over boredom during pregnancy!

How to Get Over Boredom During Pregnancy

For many people, there are times during their pregnancy where they can’t do much. Whether it’s because of bed rest, or just the fatigue that comes with growing a human, there will be times when you find yourself bored. Next time this happens, try doing one of these things.

Spend Time With Friends and Family

Having a community of people you can spend time with can vastly improve your boredom. Friends are a great resource to have when you reach the point in the third trimester when you find yourself really sick of being pregnant. If you have a good community of friends and loved ones to reach out to, they can help keep you company. You can get out of the house, go to lunch, and be distracted from just how pregnant you are. It can also be helpful to chat with other moms about what childbirth and raising children is like. Hearing of their real-world experience can help you better prepare for raising your own child. Once you do have the baby, friends can help out by watching your other kids, delivering meals, helping out around the house, and anything else you might need.

Stay Busy

Just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean you can’t do what you love. In fact, it’s important to continue to do your favorite things even after becoming a mother. It can be good to distract yourself from being pregnant by finding some fun new hobbies. Staying engaged in activities can take some of the stress off. Making some of these activities exercise is also a good idea. Staying active can help you sleep better and have more energy, both of which are incredibly helpful for a healthy pregnancy. If you’re not feeling energetic, adjust your workouts to include lighter forms of exercise. Swimming, yoga, and walking can all help you stay busy and healthy while pregnant.

Get Lost Somewhere New

If you find yourself bed ridden or unable to regularly leave the house, it can help you stay busy reading books or watching television. One of the best ways to escape reality is to get lost in a different one. Reading a book allows you to learn new things and distract yourself for hours at a time. This activity is also free, as you can check out thousands of books at your local public library. Many books are also adapted into TV series or movies, which you can watch upon completing the book.

Being pregnant is a beautiful experience, but those nine months are difficult. It can help to have some ways to distract yourself from the difficult moments. If you’ve reached the point in your pregnancy where you find yourself bored a lot, try these few tips to cure your boredom.

Check out this article on how to stay calm as a new mom!

Common Things Kids Get Teased About and How to Help Them

Most people remember a time in their childhood where they were teased by their classmates and peers. However, watching your kid go through it is another story. It can be heartbreaking to see your child struggle with their confidence because of bullying. Here are some ways you can work through those issues with them.

Their Name

Especially if your child has an uncommon name, they can find themselves being teased for their name in school. Students that come from a non-English speaking country, or those with complicated names are often teased by their classmates. This can be a source of insecurity for your children. Usually, this only happens when your child is young, and the names are usually silly hurtful nicknames. However, it can be incredibly difficult for your child. If your child is going through this, teach them the importance of standing up for themselves in a polite way. The best way to get your child through bullying is by teaching them not to be bothered by it.

Their Appearance

Unfortunately, much of the societal hierarchy while growing up is based on appearance. Things like your child’s height, weight, hair style, and more can all be fuel for a bully’s fire. Usually, someone’s appearance is something that is very tied to their self-esteem. Bullies know that by attacking someone’s appearance, they are hitting them where it hurts. For example, crooked teeth may prompt teasing and discourage your child from smiling, but there are things you can do as a parent to help them. Teach your child body positivity, and that their worth comes from more than their appearance. One helpful option is to give them positive affirmations about their appearance to repeat in the mirror.

Their Social Skills

Oftentimes, children who fall behind developmentally are made fun of by their peers. Additionally, those who are shy or not very social can be seen as strange and mocked for their quiet natures. This makes it even harder for your children to make friends. If your child has been struggling with making friends, or if they’re being teased for their social skills, it can be incredibly difficult for them. Teach them the importance of making friends who love and understand them for who they are. Try enrolling them in afterschool activities with like minded kids. If your child loves drawing, they can take an art class.

Seeing your child go through the difficulties of being teased and bullied is every parent’s worst nightmare. It’s impossible for you to understand why everyone doesn’t love and appreciate your child as much as you. If you notice any signs that your child might be being bullied, try some of these tips to help them through it.

Check out this article on common food ingredients that can cause your kids digestive problems!

Common Food Ingredients That Can Cause Your Kids Digestive Issues

As a parent, you want your child to grow healthy and strong more than anything. Navigating their diet can be tricky, especially when they’re complaining of digestive issues. If your child is struggling with their digestion, try eliminating some of these foods.

Dairy

Lactose intolerance is an incredibly common ailment for people, but the symptoms are often ignored. When a child has lactose intolerance, they are not able to properly digest the sugars found in dairy products. If your child is lactose intolerant, they may experience stomach aches, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy. This condition doesn’t cause any harm to the body, but it can be uncomfortable for your child. Luckily, today there are many dairy free options for milks, cheeses, and other dairy products. You can also consult a doctor about other options.

Gluten

Gluten sensitivity is another fairly common digestive problem. Having celiac disease is fairly rare, but sensitivities are becoming increasingly common. If you notice that your child has digestive problems after eating foods that contain gluten, take them to the doctor to get tested. Your child needs a diagnosis by a gastroenterologist to determine if it’s celiac disease. First, they’ll take a blood sample to look for symptoms of celiac disease. If anything shows up, the gastroenterologist may choose to perform an endoscopy. Once they’ve gotten tested, you’ll be able to reevaluate their diet to help their digestion. If your child does not have a sensitivity or celiac disease, there is no need for a gluten-free diet.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are usually good to shy away from for a myriad of reasons. In regards to your child’s digestion, processed foods can contain low levels of fiber and lots of additives. Fiber helps food move through your digestive system. Processed foods don’t have enough fiber to move through your body correctly, so they can cause digestion problems. The additives found in processed foods can also cause your gut’s microbiome to become imbalanced. Your microbiome is a collection of bacteria in your gut, and the chemicals and additives can wreak havoc on it.

Navigating your child’s diet can be tricky, especially if you have a picky eater. This becomes even more difficult if your child is showing symptoms of digestion issues. Try eliminating or altering their intake of these foods to see if it helps. Consult a medical professional if the symptoms are worrisome.

Check out this article on things you can do to help your child maintain a healthy weight!

How Your Kids Benefit From Regular Dental Visits

Sometimes getting your kids to go to the dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups can feel like pulling teeth, literally. And that struggle alone can be enough for some parents to avoid dental appointments for their kids. However, making sure that your kids go to regular dental visits can help your child to maintain good oral health and to ensure that they have good oral health habits to bring them through to adulthood.

Keep Their Teeth Clean

The first benefit of regular dental visits for your kid is that they can help your child to have clean teeth. While brushing and flossing at home can do a lot of good, it isn’t as effective as a professional cleaning. And having your child’s teeth cleaned at the dentist will help them to get rid of the plaque they couldn’t brush away on their own. Your dentist can help care for your child’s teeth and clean the areas that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush and floss.

Catch Problems Early

Your dentist can also help your kids to figure out any problems with their teeth as early as possible. This is important because early discovery can help to decrease pain and symptoms while also keeping your costs as low as possible. In fact, early treatment may prevent problems from developing in the first place. If you want your kids to have the best possible oral health, it is essential that they go to the dentist every 6 months. Most dental insurance plans will cover two yearly appointments which means these checkups are generally free.

Building Good Habits

Going to the dentist regularly is an important habit that every person should have under their belt. And when you help your child to have good experiences at the dentist when they are young, it can set them up for a positive relationship with the dentist for the rest of their lives. This will help them to maintain great oral health, have better breath, and to generally be healthier when they get older. Finding a dentist that you love can make all of this a lot easier.

When you are trying to help your child to grow into an amazing adult, you need to help them to establish good habits. Going to the dentist regularly is an important habit for everyone to develop. And you can make the dentist a fun and important part of your child’s life.

Check out this article on how to teach your kids to be more independent! 

Photos You Must Take at Your Child’s First Birthday Party

Your baby’s first birthday is a fun and emotional milestone to celebrate. It can commemorate a lot of growth for your child and family. In order to properly document the day, you need to make sure you’re taking lots of pictures. Here are some photos that you must take at your child’s first birthday party.

Cake Time

First off, one of the cutest photos that you can capture at your baby’s first birthday party is photos of them playing with their cake. Cake time has almost become a required rite of passage for all one-year-old babies because it is such a fun activity for them to participate in. In order to get the best cake time photos, make sure that your baby is sitting in a cute location and wearing clothes that will be easily washable. Then, set down the birthday cake in front of them. Eventually, their curiosity will get the best of them and they’ll be digging their hands and face in the cake to get a taste of the delicious dessert. Those messiest moments where your child is covered with frosting will make for the cutest pictures.

Cute Mannerisms

Next, you need to make sure that you get some snapshots of any cute mannerisms that your child is doing. Thumb sucking can be cute in little ones, so if yours does this, feel free to snap a picture of them engaging in this habit. However, it’s one you’ll want to say goodbye to soon, as cute as it is. Thumb sucking can make your child’s teeth grow crooked when they are a bit older. Luckily, a few trips to the dentist and orthodontist in their teen years can help remedy any of those issues.

Playing with Friends

Finally, don’t forget to snap a couple of pictures of your baby playing with their family and friends. As your baby is crawling around with their baby friends, take some videos of the giggly adventures. Make sure that you get some pictures of your baby with their grandparents and other family members as well. These photos will become treasures in the future as they will remind you of the special relationships that you have with your friends and family.

So, even though you’ve undoubtedly put a lot of money and time into planning the decorations and activities for your baby’s first birthday party, don’t forget to take lots of pictures. Make sure that you capture photos of their cake smashing time, their cute mannerisms, and their play time with friends. This will ensure that you’ll have lots of adorable pictures to commemorate their special day in the future.

Check out this article on how to teach your kids to be more independent! 

How to Make Sure Your Kids Develop Strong and Healthy Teeth

You want the very best for your kids. You give them the most devoted care, provide ample learning opportunities, and allow them to develop into the talented, unique individuals that they were meant to become. Part of that development is to care for their teeth. Dental hygiene is a fundamental part of your child’s emotional and physical health.

Pay Attention to What You Feed Them

Healthy teeth start with what you feed them. Healthy choices for strong teeth are all about what should go into their mouths and what shouldn’t. The best foods include high-fiber fruits and vegetables. The American Dental Association suggests that a high fiber diet is the next best thing for your child’s teeth, after brushing and flossing. High sources of calcium are also great for strengthening those little pearly whites. Cheese has the additional benefit of being a high saliva producer, which can help restore the proper minerals to their teeth after they have been attacked by plaque. Of course, you know the foods to avoid. Candy, sweet treats, and soda are some of the biggest enemies to the development of strong and healthy teeth.

Make Dentist Appointments

Experts recommend that your child see a dentist two times a year. Your baby’s first dental exam should happen right around their first birthday. Even if your baby only has one or two teeth, those teeth are still subject to plaque, the thin, sticky film that clings to your teeth. When sugary or starchy foods mix with plaque, acid forms and attacks your child’s freshly budding teeth. A pediatric dentist can help remove harmful plaque from your child’s teeth. Early intervention is paramount for combatting tooth decay and gum disease.

Establish a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

When you start teaching your child proper oral hygiene from the moment they push their first tooth, they will develop a lifelong habit of good dental care. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny drop of baby toothpaste to gently brush each tooth, allowing any excess to dribble out of their mouth. By preschool age, you can give your child a turn at brushing their own teeth. Do this before or after you brush them. Most school-aged kids are ready to begin brushing on their own. 

Just make sure that they are supervised to ensure proper brushing technique. And don’t forget the floss! Make this a fun part of your child’s day, both when they wake up and before bedtime.

Your kids need you to be able to develop strong and healthy teeth. Start young, be consistent, and stay positive so that your kids learn to enjoy taking good care of their teeth.

Check out this article on the dietary components that affect your child’s oral health!