Month: June 2017

“Save your kitchen,” wrote mom Brooke McDaniel in a social media post that’s gone ultra-viral. McDaniel shared a simple idea that solves a frustrating problem that every parent has dealt with.

When you feed your baby with bottles, you inevitably end up with bottles everywhere. They spill out of your cabinets. They roll underfoot. There’s just no good way to store the items that keep your baby fed.

Until now.

McDaniel described her project: “All my bottles in one place on my wall, space I wasn’t utilizing, instead of having a cabinet with bottles overflowing from it.”

Her secret? A simple, $12 shower caddy. She accompanies her description with pictures of a shower caddy hanging on her kitchen wall. Neat rows of baby bottles fit snugly in the shower caddy, with a row of pacifiers hanging from the hooks at the caddy’s base.

“Best ‘bottle holder’ I could ever have,” she wrote.

If you’re like us, you’re probably kicking yourself for not having thought of this sooner. Don’t be so hard on yourself, though. Allow us to echo McDaniel, who closes her post with something every mom needs to hear.

“And to each one of y’all reading this, if no one told you today—YOU ARE [AN] AWESOME MOM!”

Here are a few more life hacks that will help you be even awesomer.

1. Apply diaper cream with a makeup brush.

Why spend precious minutes washing thick, gloppy diaper cream off your hands when you can paint it on with a makeup brush? You’ll get better coverage and you’ll save time on cleanup.

2. Soothe your teething baby’s gums with breast milk popsicles.

Freeze breast milk in popsicle molds.

The cold will ease the pain of teething, and the milk will keep your baby full and happy.

3. Sneak in your naps when your baby is asleep.

Every new parent ends up terribly sleep deprived.

Take the edge off with power naps. Infants need lots and lots of sleep, so why not steal a few winks alongside your sleeping little one?

4. Place a stick-on hook on the back of the high chair and hang bibs from it.

There never seems to be a bib around when you need one. Ensure that you’ll never have to delay your hungry baby’s meal while you hunt around for a bib: Just stick a hook on the back of the high chair and there’ll always be one on hand.

When bibs are stored right there on the chair, you’ll always have one within reach at meal time.

5. Keep pacifiers clean by storing them in disposable condiment cups.

You know those little plastic condiment cups they give you at restaurants? Those things make terrific pacifier holders.

Throw in a binkie, put the top on, and carry a pacifier around in your purse without it getting all covered in crumbs and germs.

6. Get a white noise machine for the nursery.

Soft, consistent background noise can help your baby sleep.

That leads to more sleep for Mom and Dad, which makes everyone happier.

7. Opaque dark curtains also help keep baby asleep.

The darker the room, the better your infant will sleep. It can be hard to get a room totally dark for daytime naps—unless you hang thick, light-blocking curtains on the windows. While you’re at it, get an extra set for your own bedroom. You’ll need all the sleep you can get.

8. Use your vacuum sealer to make diapers super portable.

Vacuum sealers make great baby shower gifts. Why? Because in their natural state, diapers are pretty bulky. Vacuum seal them in plastic to flatten them out for better portability.

9. Wait until your baby’s in a deep sleep to cut their fingernails.

It’s not easy to trim an infant’s nails. They tend to squirm and wiggle and generally present a very difficult target.

The solution is to wait until your baby has been asleep for at least 20 minutes, then go in with the clippers.

10. Get a small mesh laundry bag for your baby’s socks.

Baby socks are way too easy to lose in the wash. They’re tiny. Plus, they’re socks—they’re predisposed to going missing.

If you throw them in a little mesh bag before tossing them into the washing machine, you’re way more likely to keep the pairs intact.

11. Transform a playpen into a sun-proof outdoor enclosure with an extra fitted crib sheet.

Fitted sheets for cribs usually fit perfectly over the top of a playpen. Throw one on top to create a safe zone for the baby while you finish the yard work.

The sheet will keep insects out and shield your infant’s sensitive skin from the sun. When it’s time to go back inside, you can whip it off in an instant.

12. Help your newborn drift off to slumberland by gently stroking their face with a paper tissue.

We’re not sure why this works, but it does. Take a tissue and pull it softly down your baby’s face. The sensation makes them uncontrollably tired. This might not work for every infant, but it has a pretty good track record, so it’s worth a try.

Missouri mom Lauren Flaugher picked up a copy of the seminal book Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, which outlines the midwife’s role in a pregnancy and encourages moms to return to the natural birthing methods of the past. The book—written by a woman often hailed as the “mother of authentic widwifery”—made a big impact on Lauren.
She was pregnant at the time, of course. As she and her husband, Joe, prepared for the birth of their second child, they discussed the ideas outlined by Ina May Gaskin.

Lauren spent the days and weeks leading up to her labor studying the techniques recommended by Gaskin.

“I did a lot of visualizations, a lot of positive affirmations before the birth to kind of prepare myself,” Lauren told Fox 2 News. But nothing could prepare her for the midwives’ reaction when her son was finally born.

Lauren’s labor lasted for nine long hours.

She dealt with the struggle by alternating between the Birth and Wellness Center’s hot tub and showers. Then it was time to push.
Joe was there the whole time, supporting his wife through the entire process. “He got me popsicles when I wanted them,” Lauren later told People. “And during the pushing he said, ‘You’re doing it! He’s going to be here soon!'”

Instead of painful, Lauren describes the situation as “intense.”

She had trained her mind to handle what might drive others over the edge. “Part of the prep for natural birth was not to think of it as painful, but intense,” she told People. “And it was really intense. I felt very aware of what was happening to my body.”
Once their son was free and clear, the Flaughers and their midwives were in for a real shock. A midwife placed the infant onto the nearest scale. Finn could barely fit.

The healthcare team brought in a larger scale—one without the 12-pound limit.

Everyone in the room stared in disbelief at the number that flashed across the scale’s display. Baby Finn, fresh from the womb, weighed an incredible 13 pounds. For context, the average baby of European heritage is just 7.7 pounds—nearly half of Finn’s weight.
“At first, I honestly could not believe it,” Lauren told Fox 2 News. “I kept saying, ‘That’s wrong, the scale cannot be right, this isn’t right.’ And they said, ‘No, that’s right. That’s actually true.'”
The Flaughers had some idea that their son would be a big kid. The 20-week ultrasound showed an infant who was a bit bigger than most.

News of Lauren’s natural birth and her huge son quickly spread across social media.

Joe responded with a social media post of his own. He agreed that his wife was a “superwoman” and that the natural birth of such a big infant deserved applause.

Joe concluded with a touching and heartfelt expression of love. “While the story of the birth of our son is wonderful, this is the story of my wife that should be shared for the world to see,” he wrote.

Fathers have a profound impact on their daughters’ lives. The relationship a girl has with her dad sends a message to her about how she should be treated by others.

It’s therefore critical that a little girl hear certain things from her dad to help strengthen her self-image and self-esteem. If you have a daughter, think about whether the things you say to her are building her up and helping her develop the skills she needs to succeed.

1) “I love you.”

This sounds simple, but it’s one of the most important phrases kids can hear from their dad. Unconditional love from our parents is the building block that helps us create meaningful relationships with others.

When a daughter knows she is loved, she knows that there’s always a safe space for her no matter how bad she may feel. When she makes a mistake, has her heart broken, or just needs to talk, she’ll know that her dad is there for her.

2) “I’m here for advice.”

Children may act like they don’t want advice from their parents, but they really do. Fatherly advice is particularly helpful to girls, because dads can often help their daughters gain some insight into male behavior and interpersonal relationships.

A dad’s perspective can prove invaluable. It’s important not be too pushy about it, but be sure to let your daughter know that you are there to offer your advice when she needs it.

3) “You can do better.”

There are times when little girls need some straight talk and tough love. You shouldn’t be hyper-critical of your daughter, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to give your daughter a little push when it’s warranted.

If you think your daughter is doing something wrong or could improve her approach to a challenge, find a way to tell her. She’s ultimately going to make her own decisions, but your direction may help her make better decisions in the future.

4) “I understand you.”

As children grow, they struggle to find their place in the world and strive to develop a unique identity. During this period, it’s easy for them to feel misunderstood or like they’re alone.

A father can be there for his daughter as she works her way through these existential growing pains. Knowing that her dad has her back may give her the courage to try new things and make some mistakes as she approaches adulthood.

5) “I accept you.”

Daughters need acceptance from their fathers. They want to feel like they are valuable and that their dads are proud of them. You should do everything you can—through both actions and words—to show her that you accept her.

That means putting in the time to go to dance recitals, soccer games, swim meets, and other activities that are meaningful to her. Going to those events and showing your daughter that you support her and are proud of her efforts and achievements goes a long way toward building her self-confidence.

6) “I’m here to help.”

All children need help from their parents at some point. Whether it’s help with homework, help learning a new skill, or help with a life event, daughters need to know that their dads are there when they need them.

By helping your daughter, you show her that she’s important and a priority in your life. This will help her both realize her own self-worth and be unafraid to tackle challenges in the future.

Drowning is every parent’s greatest fear when it comes to kids having fun splashing around in the summer sun. 

You’re right to be concerned for your child’s safety while in the water, but it’s also important to educate yourself about dry drowning, which is a little-known form of asphyxiation that can occur out of the water as well.

First of all, let’s quickly establish that dry drowning still involves water.

Dry drowning is similar to what’s known as “secondary drowning,” both of which can be described as a submersion injuries.

“In dry drowning,” according to Parents, “someone takes in a small amount of water through his or her nose and/or mouth, and it causes a spasm in the airway, causing it to close up. In secondary drowning, the little bit of water gets into the lungs and causes inflammation or swelling that makes it difficult or impossible for the body to transfer oxygen to carbon dioxide and vice versa.

“Dry drowning usually happens soon after exiting the water, but with secondary drowning, there can be a delay of up to 24 hours before the person shows signs of distress. Both can cause trouble breathing and, in worst-case scenarios, death.”

Pay close attention if your child is having difficulty breathing after getting out of water. There are a number of warning signs to pay attention to that may signal that someone is suffering from a submersion injury.

Did your child just get pulled from the water by a lifeguard?

“Any child pulled from the pool needs medical attention,” Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann of St. Louis Children’s Hospital told Parents.

 “At the very least, call the pediatrician.”

Is your child coughing or having a hard time breathing?

A cough that just won’t stop or labored, shallow breathing that makes it look as though the child is not getting enough oxygen can be a sign that you need to find medical help right away.

Is your child acting strange or showing signs of sleepiness or forgetfulness?

When the body’s bloodstream isn’t getting enough oxygen it can cause extreme fatigue.

If your child was just running around like a wild thing and suddenly needs to lie down and take a nap after displaying some of the other symptoms, don’t let them fall asleep just yet—call a doctor first.

Did your kid just yack out of the blue?

“Vomiting is a sign of stress from the body as a result of the inflammation and sometimes a lack of oxygen, also from persistent coughing and gagging,” added Dr. Berchelmann.

If you notice any or all of these signs, get in touch with a medical professional immediately.

As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Dry drowning is pretty rare, but proactive prevention is definitely better than needing to call in backup.

Get your children swimming lessons before they spend much time playing in the water. With the proper training, children can learn to swim before they even learn to walk!

Don’t let children swim or splash around in any body of water without close adult supervision.

Make sure children are wearing properly fitted flotation devices on boats and in open water.

Have fun this summer swim season, but practice safety first and keep your eyes peeled for the signs of dry drowning when you’re out there.

For one Massachusetts mom, a joyful children’s party turned into a mother’s worst nightmare.

Brenda Sanderson’s two sons were thrilled to attend a graduation party in the summer of 2015. It had everything, including an inflatable, enclosed trampoline known as a “bounce house.” The boys gleefully entered the bounce house and did what you do in bounce houses—they jumped, they wrestled, they rolled and slid.

Everything seemed fine. Two days later, though, Sanderson saw some funny blemishes on her 10-year-old’s arm. She asked him where they came from. Sanderson relayed the ensuing conversation to Fox 25 News in Boston.

“He said, ‘Well, Mommy, I think it’s from sliding around and bouncing around the bouncy house. I think I just got burned from the plastic because it was hot.”

So Sanderson treated her boy for a burn.

She covered the marks with Neosporin and kept an eye on them. To her horror, the blemishes didn’t heal. In fact, they started getting worse. Then they began to ooze and fester. Soon the 10-year-old was covered in open sores.

“It was oozing, and when it oozes, it spreads,” Sanderson said. “He said they hurt to touch.”

These were no simple burns, Sanderson realized. It was time for a visit to the doctor.

Her son’s doctor took one look at the boy’s wounds and came up with a theory. She asked where the boy thought the marks came from. When she heard about the bounce house, there was no doubt left in her mind.

Sanderson’s little boy had a staph infection.

Staph infections are a potentially serious invasion of Staphylococcus bacteria. If the infection spreads far enough, the malady can be life-threatening. It’s vital that people with staph infections get treatment as quickly as possible.

The bacteria were hiding on the plastic surface of the bounce house’s interior. The boy must have had cuts or abrasions on his arm, and that’s how the bacteria entered his system.

“Any time you break the skin, you’re at risk of getting some sort of skin infection,” Ari Cohen, Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Mass General Hospital told Fox 25. “Staph being probably the most common and the most talked about. As long as you wash up any wound after you get it, that should minimize the chance of getting significant infections.”

Sanderson’s boy was treated for his infection and came out okay in the end. Still, it was a terrible ordeal, and Sanderson doesn’t plan on letting her kids back into a bounce house in the foreseeable future.

In addition to the risk of bacterial infections, playing in bounce houses leads to bruises, concussions, and broken bones with startling regularity.

A 2012 study in the health journal Pediatrics found that bounce houses caused 11,300 injuries to children in 2010. That’s twice the number of bounce house–related injuries recorded in 2008.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, observed that this injury rate “equals a child every 46 minutes nationally. This epidemic increase highlights the urgency of addressing the prevention of inflatable bouncer-related injuries among children.”

So the next time you bring your kids to a rollicking birthday party complete with a bounce house, you might want to tell them to steer clear. No amount of fun is worth a staph infection or a broken bone.

Natasha Gent knew that her baby would be different.
After all, a nurse had given her a warning. During one of Gent’s ultrasounds, medical staff noticed a “halo” around her baby’s head. It wasn’t anything dangerous, they said, but it did mean that the child would be somewhat unusual.

And baby Holly continues to grow her salon-ready locks.

“We were prepared after being told she would have a bit of hair at her scan, but it was still a shock when she came out and we could see just how much she had compared to other babies,” 28-year-old Gent told Caters News.

Of course, Holly’s incredible hair attracts plenty of attention.

“It doesn’t matter where I am, the supermarket or out for lunch, guaranteed someone will come over to say how amazing her hair is and loads of people tell us she looks like a little doll,” she said. “I catch people staring and nudging each other, going, ‘Wow, look at that baby’s hair.'”
“Obviously to me, Holly will always be the most beautiful child, but to get compliments from other people is so nice…and Holly absolutely loves the attention. She is so friendly, and when people come over to her, she just smiles away.”

Gent said that when she told her parents about Holly’s hair, they weren’t at all surprised.
“My mom said she is the spitting image of me when I was born, and looking back at baby photos, I can see it,” she said, “but my hair has gotten thinner. I think Holly’s is so thick, it will be with her for life.”

Of course, the hair requires some extra attention.

But the Gents certainly aren’t complaining. In fact, they describe their bathtime rituals as adorably hilarious.
“Holly absolutely loves bath time and afterwards when her hair is dead straight it goes all the way past her shoulders,” Gent said. “Sometimes she has a blowdry if her hair needs to dry quickly. She really enjoys it, but sometimes she does try to eat the air.”