by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Ok, so you mastered the art of having two kids (or more). You’ve got the grocery store, park, beach, mall, and restaurant thing down pat. But, how will things change when your little one needs to get ready for school, and you have a baby to care for? Fret not. While it may get a bit sticky at first, it will become a no brainer each and every morning. You’ve got this. Read on to gain some helpful tips and tricks when it comes to getting your kiddo back to school with a new baby in the mix.
1. Set up the Breakfast Table-The Night Before
Every once in a while it’s totally ok to be that mom who gives her child a pop tart as they run out to catch the bus. Things happen, mornings can be crazy-but you can make things much easier by setting up for the morning the night before. Literally place everything you need out and you’ll find that your morning will go much smoother because everything you need will be in hands reach. Your kids deserve a healthy, family breakfast.
2. Work Out in the Morning
Yes, seriously. A wise man once said, “A body in motion stays in motion.” You’ll be shocked at how alive and motivated (ok, hyper) you feel as you get everyone up and out the door.
3. Hang the Book bag on the Door Knob
If you put your child’s book bag on your door knob, there is literally no way they can walk out the door without it-they’ll be touching it! Afraid you’re going to leave the lunch in the fridge? Place a yellow sticky note above the knob and physically peel it off the door as you make your way to the refrigerator to grab it.
4. Introduce Tummy Time
There is no better time than early in the morning to introduce your little baby to tummy time. It needs to be a part of their day, so why not do it when you help your child get dressed and prepped for the day?
5. Wear Your Baby
Wearing your baby always ensures you’re getting that skin to skin contact while you’re helping your older child organize their book bag, brush their teeth, and walk to the bus stop. You can go totally hands free in case you need to carry anything for them and don’t have to be bothered with the hassle of toting a stroller around.
6. Sleep In Casual Clothes
Not into a morning work out? No problem. If your newborn is up all night long, the last thing you’re going to want to do is shower and pretty yourself up for the bus stop. Simply roll out of bed in “acceptable” clothes, like yoga pants and a comfortable tunic; so your older child isn’t cringing when you catch the bus with them in your pajamas.
Voila! Two kids is definitely more of a challenge in any aspect of life, but when it comes to getting one off to school; it’s doable! Follow these tips and tricks to ensure the school year gets off to a great start and everyone is happy.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
As someone who recently had a baby, I feel like no one ever really talks about the second trimester. Think about it. There’s lots of emphasis put on the first trimester. From morning sickness, to fatigue, and lots of strange cravings; the first trimester is a hot topic. And then, the third trimester is all about getting ready to prepare for your birth, nesting, and labor signs. So what is the second trimester all about? Read on to find out!
The second trimester is a great time for expecting moms, in general. You start to get more pep in your step, morning sickness subsides, and your bump starts to pop out; alerting others that you’re pregnant and not carrying around a heavy lunch.
In addition to feeling better, you’ll be able to feel your baby move. Typically, by week 21 these flutters and full fledge movements happen. But, for some, they happen sooner or even later in the trimester. Your baby starts to grow at a quicker pace, and before you know it, you’ll be carrying around a 2 pound baby inside you.
Many doctors encourage their patients to exercise during the second trimester. There are not just numerous benefits for the mommy, but the baby as well. Moms maintain a healthier weight and have an easier time with pregnancy, while some studies suggest that babies’ hearts are pumping blood more efficiently.
Speaking of your baby, their little hairs, nails, and skin is forming. So is their digestive system. He or she is sucking and swallowing away, in order to prepare for survival outside of the womb.
While the second trimester is usually a pretty glorious time, it can have a few minor downfalls. They include:
- Snoring-You become more congested because blood flow increases to your mucus membranes. Your partner may report some of these unsavory sounds as you turn in for the night.
- Puffy ankles and feet-Your body retains more water from this point on to the end of your pregnancy. Try to put your feet up and stay off them more often in the evening.
- Sensitive Gums-Brushing and it hurts? Noticing blood in your spit? Your gums will start to get super sensitive. So, brush gently.
- Varicose veins-These bad boys appear during the second trimester (but not for every woman) and can be pretty unsightly and painful. The good news is that they disappear after the baby is born if you didn’t have them before.
- Maternity Clothes-You may have been able to skate by the first trimester wearing your pre-pregnancy clothes, but toward the end of the second trimester things get pretty tight (or don’t fit at all). So, it’s time to invest in some maternity clothes or a supportive belly band.
Being pregnant has its ups and downs. But the second trimester is a great time in a pregnant woman’s life. Besides feeling more connected to her baby, she starts to take the shape and form of a mom, which is a once and a lifetime experience.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
A positive pregnancy test is an exciting moment in any woman’s life! But, becoming pregnant can be an overwhelming experience for some moms to be. There seem to be so many “rules” to follow in regard to what you can eat, as well as supplements to take. But, there are many additional musts that you should consider. Read on to find out a few of them!
- Find the Right Doctor
Many women don’t shop around for doctors. It’s often unclear why. Often times, they go to the closest office to their home, or use a doctor that their friends did. While this is fine, you may be doing yourself a disservice in the long run. Large practices don’t often allow you to cultivate a personal relationship with your obstetrician. You end up getting whoever is on call the day of your delivery; often times knowing nothing about the individual you trust your baby’s life with; or their credentials. It’s also important to generate a list of questions to “interview” your potential doctor to learn about their views on C-sections, pre-natal care, and also their experience. You do have the right to choose whoever you wish! So, keep that in mind. It may help ease your mind during the months leading up to your D-day.
Inspect Your Beauty Products
Women put so much time and effort into what they eat; they often overlook what they put on their skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and everything that comes in contact with it gets absorbed; which means your baby takes in what your skin does. Update your lotions and potions so that they contain certified USDA-organic ingredients. This way, you’ll still look and feel your best; but will not be exposing your little one to anything harmful.
Stock Up on Sales
Babies can be pretty expensive. So, it’s wise to start stockpiling diapers, wipes, ointment, and washes while they are on sale. Take advantage of clearance mark downs, buy one get one deals, and be sure to seek out coupons for these baby products; which you know you’ll use all throughout your baby’s first year of life (and well beyond)!
- Get Plenty of Sleep
While it’s tempting to nest (after all, those drawers won’t organize themselves!), it’s actually more important to rest. Your body is hard at work sustaining an entire other being. So, rest is important for your limbs, your mind, and your blood pressure! Be sure to cat nap throughout the day and go to bed early each night. In order to stay asleep, utilize a sleep mask, diffuse essential oils, utilize white noise, and invest in black out shades. These strategies will help you fall asleep and sleep uninterrupted longer.
- Treat Yourself
Part of feeling good while pregnant is doing something selfishly only for you! So much of your day is devoted to doing things for your growing baby. And, you’ll spend the rest of your life focusing on their needs over your own. So, appreciate the time you have with just yourself! Meet up with girlfriends, enjoy an afternoon shopping, take in a movie-the world is your oyster. Treating yourself is so important for your mental and emotional health; and it actually makes you a better person and mom in the long run!
Becoming a mommy is an exciting, emotional, and intriguing time in your life. While eating well, drinking lots of water, and engaging in exercise is very important; the five musts above are also essential! If you haven’t considered any of the points above, it’s never too soon to start.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Being pregnant is all fun and games-until the realization hits you while you’re in the delivery room that you’re about to bring a real live baby home from the hospital. And, from that moment, your life will never be the same (in a good way though!). Some moms have some difficulty with easing into this transitional time. They lack sleep, energy, they’re dealing with hormones-the last thing they want to do is deal with their home in regard to cooking, cleaning, and organizing. So, here are a few tips you can put in your back pocket now, so that brining your baby home is a snap, the very first month!
- Put Your Bills on Auto Pay
Paying bills almost becomes an afterthought the first week home with baby. Don’t sit around and fret about writing out checks, picking up stamps, and figuring out what to send when. Set up auto-pay. A month before you’re due, take a day to schedule everything so you don’t have to remember to make any payments. And, you can rest assured that everything will be deducted from your account on time. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is cuddling that baby!
- Cook Up Some Casseroles
Casseroles freeze well. So, eliminate the need to cook for at least the first month of your baby’s life. While lasagna is super yummy, it’s also calorie dense. And, the last thing a post-partum mom wants to worry about is calories, so they tend to pass on casseroles. But, don’t! There’s lots of healthy casserole recipes online that will help nourish your body and trim down your waist line, without requiring you to slave over the stove.
- Make a Baby-Sitting Chart
Keep your sitters straight! Many families offer to take the baby so a new mom can rest. Make sure you place a write on/wipe off calendar in plain view so you can keep straight the guests who will be making an appearance and who will be taking the baby. Another important thing to put on this sitting chart? A date night! It will give you something to look forward to and will help you enjoy some much needed alone time with your partner.
- Grocery Shop Online
Lots of grocery store chains now allow you to grocery shop online and either pick up your order in the parking lot, or better yet; get the groceries delivered right to your door. It’s like a new mom’s dream come true.
Hire a Helper-Just for a Month
Can’t keep up with laundry? Send it out to be cleaned. Too tired to scrub the shower or walk the dog? Don’t worry; help can be on the way. Seriously consider hiring help for just the first month you come home from the hospital. It takes a lot off your plate and you can solely focus on recovering, catching up on sleep, and bonding with your baby. Not in your budget? Well, you have nine months to save up, so don’t delay! It will be the best money you’ve ever spent.
Don’t Forget To Nest!
Don’t fight the natural urge to nest before you go into labor. Just go with it! Organized those sock drawers, polish your silverware, and by all means clean your dishwasher (all you need is a little vinegar!). Do all these little things now while you still have the drive before you get overwhelmed and too tired and all these little things around your home start to drive you crazy.
The first month home with a baby can be rough. It takes a while to fall into a routine and adjust to your new life (and lack of sleep). Consider the six suggestions above to stay happy, healthy, and organized the first month you’re home with a baby.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Baby, it’s cold outside. But don’t let a little chill stop you from enjoying some time outdoors during your pregnancy! The cold weather can seem like the perfect excuse for staying indoors – it gets dark earlier in the evening, and it’s so tempting to snuggle up indoors and relax.
Rest is just as important, (we love relaxing too!) but getting some fresh air is so important for you and your baby. Need a little motivation? We have some tips to help you get outside this winter.
Being outside is good for your health.
Getting fresh air – AKA oxygen – is important in keeping your entire body functioning properly. Benefits of fresh air include improving blood pressure and heart rate, having more energy, and boosting your body’s immune system.
These factors are especially important during pregnancy when your blood pressure may be higher and your energy lower than usual. If you already struggle with high blood pressure, you might add in some low-impact exercise while you’re outside. Staying active can help lower your blood pressure naturally.
It’s also good for your brain.
Many women experience depression or anxiety during and after pregnancy. Getting fresh air can help to combat these feelings, meaning you stay mentally healthy for yourself and your baby.
Sitting on the couch too much can lull you into a routine that isn’t good for your mental health. You may be surprised by how clear your mind feels after being outside, even just for a short time. Having a positive sense of well-being will greatly improve your mood, especially if you are consistent with your routine.
Be purposeful in your planning.
Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. Take a look at your schedule and intentionally carve out time to be outside – even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes at a time.
This is an important tip if you work in an office setting and have limited breaks or an overwhelming workload. Go as far as reserving time on your calendar if it helps to have a reminder. After all, time can get away quickly, and before you know it the day is over.
Check the weather.
This will help you plan around storms and temperatures. For example, if you live in a colder region you might want to get outside midday when the temperatures are warmest; or if it’s going to rain in the afternoon, you may want to get outside before the storm.
Get started with these ideas.
Go for a walk around the block. Several shorter walks can provide the same health benefits as one long walk. Visit local parks for a change of scenery if you get bored with walking in the same areas around your home or work.
Not feeling up for a walk? Relax on a bench and people-watch. All of your outdoor time doesn’t have to be activity-related. Sometimes decompressing and relaxing is just what the doctor ordered.
Park your car in the back of the parking lot when you go shopping. Spending an extra minute or two outside as you walk into a store will add up over time. Just think, if you were outside two extra minutes every day, that would add up to nearly ten extra hours of fresh air over the course of your pregnancy.
If you have a day that you don’t feel like getting outside, but the weather is nice, open a window! Getting some fresh airflow in your home is important, too. This can help circulate out some of the cold and flu germs that accumulate, leading to better health for you and your family!
Have older children? Get them outside with you to play catch or explore. The time will pass faster and bonus – they will be in a better mood too! Have a dog? Include him on a walk around the block. This is a great opportunity to build healthy habits for the whole family.
Additional cold-weather tips:
- It goes without saying, but bundle up! Take a hat, scarf, and gloves. Layering will allow you to adjust if you feel cooler or warmer than you expected.
- Wear good shoes. This is not the time to be fashionable. Choose the most safety-conscious, comfortable pair of shoes you own – especially if you live where the sidewalks may be icy.
- Take a bottle of water and stay hydrated if you’re walking or doing other activities.
- Drink hot chocolate or coffee to stay warm on particularly cold days.
- If you’re planning to be outside for a while, pack a snack in case you get hungry. After all, you’re eating for two!
Sure, it’s easy to put on your comfy PJs and snuggle up on the couch, but there will be time for that later! For now, prioritize your health – both physical and mental – and get outdoors for some fresh air.
