Houston Baby Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

Spring/Summer /19 | Vol. 18 | Issue 1

READY TO POP? Mom Hacks You Need to Know TAKING CARE OF MOM in Baby’s 1st Year STRIVE TO THRIVE: Infant Nutrition ADOPTION: A New Perspective

100+

PRODUCTS FOR NURSERY, BABY & NEW PARENTS

a product of

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contents 30

40

departments

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19

features|in this issue

on the cover

Monica is originally from Colombia but has lived all around the world igniting her passion for travel and adventure.

She is excited to start her greatest adventure as a mom with her husband, John and step daughter, Olivia.

Cover Photo: Yvette Michelle Portraits

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LOOKING FOR A PEDIATRICIAN? Consider these tips

STRIVE TO THRIVE Infant Nutrition

NEONATAL SPEECH THERAPY Three things to know

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TAKING CARE OF MOM DURING THE FIRST YEAR Author Sara Gaviria shares her new book

APPS FOR NEW DADS Five of our favorites

CAR SEAT SAFETY

What you need to know

FINANCIAL PLANNING: PRESCHOOL THROUGH COLLEGE The right savings plan for children and grandchildren

OH BABY!

Meet The Zoo’s newest babies

ARE YOU SURE IT’S JUST A DIAPER RASH? Baby’s chronic skin conditions

editor's note stages of motherhood

Expecting, New & Preschool Moms Dish their Tips

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Baby finds

28

mom.me

38

travel

42

daddy knows best

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BEST BOOKS FOR BABY

C-SECTION VS. VAGINAL BIRTH What to expect

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Products for nursery, baby, and new parents

Laura Max Rose, creator of “Jewish Penicillin” blog Traveling with a toddler on a cruise

Adopting A New Perspective

Favorite classics: Staff picks

on the go with baby

50

Activities for babies and toddlers

Want parenting advice on the daily? Sign up for our e-newsletter the (Family Feed) for exclusive giveaways, parenting advice, product reviews & more. Sign up at houstonfamilymagazine.com spring/summer 2019

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SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019

MOM*ME MARKET 12 - 4pm | VIP MARKET 11am - 1pm Evelyn’s Park Conservancy • 4400 Bellaire Boulevard

Calling All Moms!

Gather Your Mama Tribe

For a day of shopping, food, entertainment, product giveaways ALL DAY, demonstrations, and so much more! We’ll even have a kids’ zone for the littles!

EXCLUSIVE VIP PREVIEW: 11am to 1pm CHECK OUT OUR SIP AND SHOP VIP EXPERIENCE and indulge in cocktails, nibbles, and swag while mingling with new and expectant mothers!

Benefiting The Diaper Foundation

Giveaways will include: Babymoons, Strollers, Diaper Bags, Maternity & Children’s clothing, Toys, Baby Gear & More from brands such as BabyBrezza, Bodomint, Bugaboo, Frankie Cameron, HABA, Humblebee, Legoe.Heritage, Maxi Cosi, Mima Cari, NuNuNu, Petunia Picklebottom, Storksak, Sweet Bambini, Tiny Love and more!

Presented By

houston baby magazine

Get your VIP tickets on sale NOW! Tickets are limited. www.mommemarket.com

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$20,000+ in VIP Giveaways

editors's note

Motherhood is messy.

publisher/editor

And challenging.

Kimberly Davis Guerra kim@houstonfamilymagazine.com

And crazy.

editor-in-chief

Wendy Jackson Slaton wendy@houstonfamilymagazine.com

And sleepless.

online editor Latesa Guerra

And giving.

calendar editor

Chantal Lemieux calendar@houstonfamilymagazine.com

And still unbelievably

creative director

beautiful.

Casey Johnson casey@houstonfamilymagazine.com

-Rachel Martin

event director

Tamara Zaman tamara@houstonfamilymagazine.com

contributing authors

W

Welcome to Motherhood! e dedicate this issue to all the expecting, new and seasoned moms. No matter where you are today, you know that your life is about to change, or it’s changing at lightning speed.

Nothing can prepare you for the journey you are about to begin, or perhaps you’re already there…This message is for you…for all of us!

For starters, my motherhood journey began without cell phones or the Internet, much less -social media! I relied on books from “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” to the advice from Dr. William Sears and T. Berry Brazelton. I just lost you, I know!

Fast forward, there are copious resources at your fingertips, you belong to every mommy group on FB, and you’ve downloaded every available app on your device.

All of this is done in the hopes of arming yourself with what you need to know to prepare for your precious miracle.

Rewind…I was the editor at Houston Family Magazine when my firstborn was only seven months old, (on May 25, 2019, she is graduating from The University of Texas at Austin)! She learned to walk in my office and as a toddler, was “assigned” to retrieve faxes from the fax machine. Gasp!

I changed course after my second daughter was born in 2001, and became a stay-athome-mom, who still desired to work “on the side.” What a challenge! I credit PBS Kids, and my family for helping me during these hard times. Side note: I’m such a fan of PBS Kids! Thank you. Thank you!

Back to you…the world has quickly evolved, and moms have more information and resources available, and while that is good…I imagine it is

way too much! Know that it’s okay…you will figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Build your tribe! Find professionals you trust, build a support group where you can share in a safe place!

Moms, we strive to make the BEST life for our babies, but sometimes, we forget who WE are. Trust me and the millions of others who have gone before you…your children will be okay!! They will take you through every emotion possible in less than one hour! Find ways where you can recharge. Take time for you! This month, we offer just a sprinkling of advice.

We are cheering you along…

Cheers!

Wendy Jackson Slaton

Houston Baby is published bi-annually by Houston Family Magazine, LLC. Houston Baby is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only Houston Family authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all submitted material. We cannot be responsible for the return of any submitted material. Houston Baby is ©2019 by Houston Family Magazine,LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express permission is prohibited.

Ashley Emmett Dr. Matthew Webb Rebecca Feges, MS, RD, LD Sara Gaviria Christa Melnyk Hines Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Wendy Jackson Slaton AJ Ratani Natasha Sandhir Mike McDonell Rob Scharar Lauren Snitzer, MD

contributing photographers

Amy Melsa Photography Jenna Duncan Photography Miso Foto Taryn Melgoza Photography Traci Ling Photography Yvette Michelle Portraits

advertising sales Beverly Davis Mary Sue Kent Tish Petty

production

Gayle Wheeler-LeSueur, Graphic Designer

printing

Midway Press, Ltd Dallas, TX

contact us:

1336 Brittmoore Rd, Houston TX 77043 (P) 713.266.1885, (F) 713.266.1915 www.HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

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MOMhacks

making life easier for parents everywhere

Diapers for a Year!

Oh Baby Boxes Self care box for mama-to-be’s!

T

B

e a hero to and give the Diapers for a Year Subscription!

Upon your purchase of this bundle, your recipient will receive an adorable teddy bear sweetly packaged in a reusable storage box to announce your gift. Mom and dad will be able to choose the brand and size diapers they need and will appreciate the ease of having diapers delivered right to their door every month! www.incredibundles.com

he ultimate pregnancy lifestyle box filled with healthy & fun products tailored to your due date! Discover 6-8 full size pregnancy safe products to promote a healthy & relaxed for pregnancy & beyond! www.cratejoy.com

Wonder-inducing playthings, delivered by stage.

G

et the perfect play essentials designed by experts, for months 0 to 24 and help your baby’s mental abilities and motor skills grow.

The Play Kit Subscription box from Lovevery is a game changer for parents looking for quaity toys to keep their kids enertained. A new box arrives every 2-3 months depending on your childs stage. www.lovevery.com

the car seat key

Mom.Life.Simplified.

A

local subscription service to keep your babes looking their best. Meet iiyabox . Their mission is to simplify your life with littles by providing convenient access to basic everyday clothing needs in generous quantities. They take care of these necessities because time spent creating memories with your children is more valuable. www.iiyabox.com

See and speak to a NightLight pediatric provider online.

A simple, yet effective solution to release your child with ease. It easily slides over the red button on a child’s car seat and with slight pressure, it releases the harness.

Save your manicure! $14.99 • thecarseatkey.com

www.nightlightpediatrics.com/telemed/

I

t takes a village to raise a child, be part of it with Social.Mom, the social network for moms. Download the app today to connect with local moms, find activities near you, cash in on great local deals and join in on the neighborhood chat. Social.

Mom is a place where you can be yourself, talk about real stuff, have fun and relax. See you there! www.social.mom/en

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“The changes that

“

happen throughout the nine months of pregnancy to your body, emotions, mood and overall outlook on life are truly magical -monica

photography by yvette michelle portraits houston baby magazine

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T H E S TA G E S O F M O T H E R H O O D

mom-to-be:

monica clark

O

ur expecting mom (and cover model), Monica Clark, shares her journey through pregnancy. She’s due any day now. We had a blast shooting the cover with this glowing expecting mom…who is savoring every moment of her pregnancy.

Tell us about your pregnancy journey…

Knock on wood, but my pregnancy has been so easy.

No nausea in my first trimester, no swollen feet or ankles…easy breezy! I attribute some of this to my acupuncture sessions, or maybe just overall good luck. I haven’t had any strong cravings with the exception of “Soniclike” ice, I crave it constantly.

I did have an aversion to seafood, where shrimp sounded like a good idea, but then I ordered it, and I could not eat it. I did have a gender

reveal that was amazingly planned by my younger sister.

She was the only person who knew the gender for almost three weeks.

How are you preparing for the upcoming birth?

I have been attending birth planning, breastfeeding and CPR for Infants classes at Memorial Hermann, Memorial City. Also, I’ve been reading Pregnancy Day by Day – An illustrated daily countdown to motherhood, from conception to childbirth and beyond by Paula Amato, MD and Maggie Blott, MB BS. As with all expecting moms, shopping for the nursery and baby is one of the highlights.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I love unique items, so Etsy is my favorite. As for the nursery, Restoration Hardware RH

Baby & Child. There are so many small boutiques that I love, but I can’t forget about my go-to’s including Baby and Kid’s 1st, Buy Buy Baby, Target and Amazon.

Any tips to share with new expecting moms?

I would suggest that moms try to find an OB-GYN and pediatrician close to home. When searching for a pediatrician, my husband and I wanted a practice who will see our son through the age of 18. We also asked about wait times, walk-in policies and if they have a nurse on call 24/7.

Their recommendations on vaccine schedules was also very important to us as well.

Do you have any expecting mom tips to share?

I’m a huge believer in acupuncture, it has helped me throughout my pregnancy.

I also suggest buying a pregnancy sleeping pillow early on, you will need it. In the last trimester, bath bombs have been my saving grace!

What are a few items you can’t live without?

First and foremost, the loving support of my husband (his foot rubs are amazing!) I’m loving the “9 Months that Made You” on Netflix. My countdown app to my due date (Ava) is something I use daily.

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mommy to be faves 1. SILENT AUTO GLIDING ELITE BASSINET Lull your baby to sleep with relaxing, automatic gliding movement. $99.99 • deltachildren.com

2. MAMA MIO BLOOMIN’ LOVELY PAMPER PACK

A luxurious gift set that caters to the needs of every mum-to-be $71.10 • mioskincare.com houston baby magazine

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3. GRAMERCY BABY TEETHING CHEWBEADS $15.00 • chewbeads.com

4. NURSING BRAS BY CAKE MATERNITY

A vast assortment of nursing bras to fit your style and shape. $45+ • cakematernity.com

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8. BUGABOO FOX STROLLER

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The Bugaboo Fox is the ultimate comfort stroller, pioneering a new standard in stroller design. $1,236 • bugaboo.com

9. VOYAGE PLAZA BAG

Comes with changing pad and stroller strap $84 • 7amenfant.com

5. SLIP JERSEY DRESS

A classic dress that includes invisible side zips under the arms for discreet, easy and quick feed access. $99.00 • legoeheritage.com

6. MATERNITY HOSPITAL GOWN

Perfect to pack in your hospital bag for delivery or for when you have visitors $78.00 • ingridandisabel.com

7. ORGANIC COTTON SLEEPING GOWN

This organic cotton sleeping gown is the ultimate in comfort for newborns. $27.00 • applepark.com

10. BOOBY BOONS LACTATION COOKIES

The milk’s on the way! Booby Boons lactation cookies are always wheat free, soy free, preservative free & non gmo. $19.99 • boobyboons.com

11. MILKFLOW FENUGREEK + BLESSED THISTLE POWDER DRINK MIX The Tastiest Way To Get Your Milk Flowing $14.99 • upspringbaby.com

12. BODOMINT DIAPER BAG

This canvas bag can be worn as messenger or backpack style and includes a matching diaper changing pad. $159.99 • bodomint.com

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get the look!

Off The Shoulder Onepiece | Seeds by Rylee & Cru • $ 53.99 Ruffle Romper | Sand Rylee & Cru • $ 53.99

www.kidsanthem.com (tomball, TX)

photography by miso foto houston baby magazine

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T H E S TA G E S O F M O T H E R H O O D

new mommy:

Christina Blakely

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eet new mom Christina Blakely, mother to six-month-old, Olivia. She and her family are over-the-moon about the newest addition. We met Christina during her photo shoot at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science to find out more about being a new mommy!

What about being a New Mommy has surprised you the most?

I am surprised at how much I worry. I worry and wonder about the future. I’ve never been a person to worry and dwell on things. Now that I’m a mommy I think about how I’m going to raise my kids to stay safe and how I will provide for them so that they can have every opportunity possible to be successful in life.

Parental separation anxiety is real! Those first few times I left her with my mom, while I had to go to work, were so hard. I felt guilty, and I just thought about her all day. I even scrolled through pictures of her while I was at work. What really helped me cope was using FaceTime during my breaks so that I could check on her and see her little face. Also, on occasion, I would spy on them with our security camera that’s mounted in our living room.

How was the transition going back to work after maternity leave?

After a short maternity leave, I went back to work to my former management position. It only took a few weeks to realize that I wanted to be home, so I took a sales position so I could work

from home. The decision was a hard one because really enjoyed being in an office surrounded by my co-workers (friends). In addition, my mother stays with us during the week to care for Olivia so I can focus on work during the day.

Working from home does have its challenges, but I make an effort to find time for myself during my lunch break, and after the baby goes to bed each night. I have a YouTube channel (Miss Chriss Mommy), where I feature DIY videos, and talk about the daily challenges of being a new mom.

Where do you go to for advice or do you have any favorite resources?

As a new mom, I mostly go to my mom and friends for advice.

I also use an app on my phone called “Baby+” to track her growth, how much she should be eating, and also the various milestones that she should be reaching. There’s also a guide with tips on sleep training methods, and tons of other tools. My favorite tool is the “white noise” feature. I used the “womb sounds” in those first couple months to help lull her to sleep.

Do you have any “ new mom hacks” or tips to share with other new moms?

Establishing a nightly routine early on was our saving grace.

We bathed Olivia every evening before bedtime, which would relax her and allow her to fall asleep easily…and stay asleep!

What are a few items you can’t live without?

Nested Bean Swaddles! I was able to swaddle her really tight.

I also credit that to helping her sleep through the night. Also, I

Follow Christina on instagram @misschriss08 | youtube: miss chriss mommy

love Burt’s Bees Baby Bee 100% Natural Diaper Rash Ointment is by far the best ointment I’ve used on Olivia. I like that it’s all-natural and highly concentrated. A very small amount goes a long way. Also, it doesn’t rub off easily onto her diaper. If used right away the redness or rash is gone by the next day.

Lessons learned as a new mommy…

Breast-feeding is hard work physically and mentally.

Sometimes your body doesn’t produce enough milk to feed your baby. And that’s ok. At first when this happened to me around the 8-week mark, I was pretty frustrated with myself.

Naturally, I looked up ways to increase my milk supply.

I tried taking supplements, drinking teas, and eating milk-producing foods like nuts, seeds, & greens. I even baked special “milk cookies” that contained ingredients like brewer’s yeast to try to help increase my milk production.

After about 4 weeks with no success, I made the decision to feed exclusively with formula.

If you are having a hard time with breast-feeding, don’t be hard on yourself. Breastfeeding is wonderful for so many reasons, but when it comes to a hungry growing baby, fed is always best.

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new mommy faves 1 great for home or traveling with baby!

2 helps keeps your baby warm and snug all night long.

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4

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all moms need energy during those first few months with baby.

Houston . Sugar Land . Katy houston baby magazine

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713-589-8958

ClubSciKidzHouston.com

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1. TINY LOVE MEADOW DAYS DYNAMIC GYMINI

4. TRANQUILO SLEEP MAT LARGE

$55 • amazon.com

$100 • tranquilomat.com

2. SWADDLE DESIGNS SLEEP SACK

5. OWLET SOCK + CAM

$15+ • swaddledesigns.com

$399 • owletcare.com

3. WELLEMENTS ORGANIC BABY SUPPLEMENTS

6. MOMMEE COFFEE GIFT BOX

$12.49+ • wellements.com

$29.99 • owletcare.com

WWW.HOUSTONFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

spring/summer 2019

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photography by taryn melgoza photo houston baby magazine

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T H E S TA G E S O F M O T H E R H O O D

preschool mommy:

leah denke

L

eah Denke is a wife and mom to three children, Gage (6), Farrah (4) and Shiloh (1), so needless to say, she’s one busy mom, however; Leah sticks to a daily (and evening) routine, and it’s working for her family of five.

How do you find balance family/time for yourself/time with spouse?

It’s tough! But routine is key.

Our mornings start early getting our kindergartener off to school. Once he’s on the bus, it’s time to get the preschooler ready for her day at school.

All clothes are laid out the night before and lunches are made while the kids eat their breakfast. After the hustle and bustle of the morning routine, I try to make sure I have a little personal time during the day while the two older kids are off at school. Running errands and grocery shopping are much easier when you just have one baby in tow. My husband is a Chiropractor nearby, so during his lunch hour, we try and meet each other at the gym at least three days a week. It’s nice to have this time together even if it just a quick hour. After school tends to be hectic. As soon as the kids get home, we enjoy an afternoon snack together, talk about their school day and then we conquer any homework or reading assignments they have for that day. We always eat dinner together as a family.

After the kids go to bed my husband and I enjoy a little quiet time together before we go to bed. Once a month my husband and I try to have a date

night. We are pretty lucky to live close to our family.

Tell us a little about what it was like to add a second child…and a third child?

Adding a second child was a little hectic because it happened so quickly. It was a lot of work with two in diapers.

We had many sleepless nights.

But it has been so special to watch them grow up as babies together. They have such a special bond. As soon as we were in the rhythm, we were surprised with the third. We thought the third would be easy, but we quickly learned we were outnumbered, and things were going to be more difficult. Usually one of us has two and the other has one. We can no longer get a normal size table at a restaurant. We have to wait for a larger one. Three kids can’t sit in a shopping cart together if you have a quick errand to run and getting three kids in and out of their car seats on a rainy day is definitely a messy adventure!

The age gap between the older two and the baby has been a bit challenging.

They are so active and are now involved in after school extracurricular activities. I’ve said since the moment the third was born that she had to be the “go with the flow” baby.

You have two girls and a boy - any difference in how you parent?

I parent to their specific personality. My son is very easy going and normally apologetic as soon as he knows he did something wrong. When my daughter gets in trouble, she

just needs time to chill out. She is very strongwilled. She is normally well behaved but has a hard time when she doesn’t get her way.

How do you handle tantrums/ discipline?

Babies go straight to their crib if they start a tantrum. I let them get over it and then I will give them attention once they are done. We’ve had this routine since they were born, and it’s worked out great for us. They aren’t going to get any type of attention for behaving a such a way. If my older two need to be disciplined they get sent to their room for time to think.

We normally do one minute for however old they are. They are expected to think about why they are in time out and how they could have made a better choice. Timeouts are normally followed with a talk and apology.

Where do you go to for advice or do you have any favorite resources?

Facebook mom groups. I’ve joined one for every year that my kids were born. Mommy friends. And of course, my mom (who raised three kids as well).

Do you have any “mom hacks” or tips to share with others?

I know all moms can relate blowouts are never fun. After three babies I finally learned that putting a burp cloth under their bum in their car seat can save you a lot of time a heartache.

When you have more than one kid, I’ve learned it’s best to clean all their ears and cut their nails on the same night.

When choosing childcare and/or preschool, what did you consider?

I was an elementary teacher for ten years prior to having my third child, so obviously academics are very important

to me. When my kids started preschool, I wanted them in a print-rich environment where they would receive a strong foundation to start school. I was looking for a school that offered centers and different learning experiences that would help my children grow not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, physically as well. I wanted them in a school that had a strong wellset routine. I also looked for a preschool with a focus on Christian values.

How do you tackle bedtime routines?

Routine is key at bedtime. After dinner if weather permits, we take a walk around the block before bath time. Baths and teeth brushing works like an assembly line in our house. After everyone is clean, we give the kids a choice of watching one cartoon before bed or reading two short books. This helps them settle down for bed. Then one of us will go upstairs to tuck each of them in to bed and say prayers, while the other gives the baby her last bottle before bed. Then we switch.

Are there any “must have” items that you use daily?

Our pop-up play pen has been a life saver for us. We always keep one in the back of our car, so we have it when we need it.

It has been extremely helpful with Baseball practices or a quick stay with grandparents.

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preschool faves

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1. FUSION DESIGNER BABY & PET GATES $199+ • fusiongates.com

2. KIDSERGO STOOL $75 • amazon.com

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3. TODDLER MONITOR W/ PHONE ALERT

5. DELTA CHILDREN’S TEEPEE PLAY TENT

$80 • toddlermonitor.com

$80 • amazon.com

4. KD KIDS MY FIRST YOGA MAT

6. BUBBLEBUM INFLATABLE BOOSTER SEAT

$50 • amazon.com

$60 • bubblebum.co/us/

F E AT U R E | FA M I LY W E L L N E S S

looking for a pediatrician?

Consider these tips before you begin your search!

by Wendy Jackson Slaton

Q & A with Dr. Matthew Webb, Pediatrician at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Houston Pediatric Associates

As a pediatrician, what should new parents look for when searching for a healthcare partner?

Choosing a pediatrician is a lot like dating. The relationship between you and your pediatrician comes down to “fit.” There are good and bad matches between parents and a pediatrician. Think about how you want to develop a relationship with your pediatrician. Are you the kind of person who needs extra explanation, or just need to be reassured? Do you want to be in and out of an appointment, or don’t mind waiting and having a longer patient visit?

What are some specific questions to ask when searching for a pediatrician?

• What is their same day

•

•

• •

appointment policy? Fevers can come out of nowhere and you need to see a doctor today - is that possible?

How easy is it to get a hold of your doctor? Can a physician be reached after hours?

Does your doctor use an electronic medical record where you can directly message them and schedule appointments online?

Are there weekend clinic hours?

What is the clinic’s vaccination policy?

Is it ideal to find a pediatrician who will see a child through the age of 18?

Pediatricians will typically see children at least through high school. Some of my female patients transition to their OB/

GYN after age 18, but many of my male patients stay with me through the age of 21. Pediatricians over time get to know your child - not only their medical history, but their personalities as well. I think it is vitally important for a teenager to see a pediatrician regularly. Once the child gets beyond the toddler years, pediatricians are extremely helpful with guiding families through puberty, scholastic and learning issues, mental health disorders and safety.

On the topic of vaccines, where should parents seek real data on vaccine recommendations in order to discuss prior to meeting with a potential pediatrician?

The two sources that offer evidence based, data driven recommendations regarding

Meet Dr. Webb at our upcoming MOM*ME Market presented by Texas Children’s Hospital on Saturday, May 18 at Evelyn’s Park.

Learn more at www.mommemarket.com

vaccines are the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The AAP material can be located at healthychildren.org under the safety and prevention tablet. The CDC material is cdc. gov/vaccines.

For more information on Texas Children’s Pediatrics Houston Pediatric Associates, visit www. texaschildrenspediatrics.org. spring/summer 2019

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nursery must-haves 1

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Editors Pick!

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Shop Local 1. Peppa Pig Multi-Bin Toy Organizer

by Delta Children $35 • walmart.com 2. Sports-Tastic Activity Center $50 • step2.com 3. Mülti Reversible Playmat $80 • bbluvgroup.com

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Shop Local

4. Kullerbu City Stroll Set $99 • habausa.com

7. The Play Gym $140 • lovevery.com

5. Ümi – 2-in-1 Ultrasonic Humidifier & Air Purifier $85 • bbluvgroup.com

8. Handmade Rattles $8.50+ • thenoblefoxshop.com

6. Snuggle Monsters $26 • mysnugglemonster.com

9. Little Sister/Brother Mouse in Box $27ea • theboysandthebabe.com

FA M I LY F I N D S | T H E G O O D S T U F F

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10. Classic Rattle + Teether Bundle Set $30.99 • bannortoys.com

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11. Minna Small Spaces Rocker & Ottoman $449+ • potterybarn.com

baby fashion & local finds

12. Solvej Baby & Toddler Swing $220.00 • thetot.com

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1. Be A Unicorn Bodysuit | Local $19 • mazinbaby.com

6. Texas Made Bodysuit & Bib Set | Local $35 • aspireaccessories.com

2. Be Kind Bodysuit | Local $19 • mazinbaby.com

7. Children’s Chew Jewelry and More | Local $12.50+ • threeheartsapparel.com

3. Mermaid Diaper Cover | Local $21 • reservedonly.com

8. Freshly Picked-Jacques Moccasins | Local $60 • kidsanthem.com

4. Seahorse Wing Swimsuit | Local $69 • theboysandthebabe.com

9. Nununu Star Footed Overall & Hat $59+ • nununuworld.com

5. Stripes Baby Romper | Local $56 • theboysandthebabe.com

10. Girls Ruffle Lace Collar Special Occasion Set $127.85 • feltmanbrothers.com

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bath time fun 2

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1. Bubbsi Coconut Oil balm $24 • lovebubbsi.com

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2. Aden & Anais Washcloths $35 • adenandanais.com 3. OXO Bath Toy storage $15 • oxo.com 4. Erbaviva baby body wash $8 • erbaviva.com 5. Hammered Clawfoot Tub $499 • signaturehardware.com

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6. Burt’s Bees Organic Hooded Towels $25 • amazon.com

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7. Blooming Bath Lotus $40 • amazon.com

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on the go gear 1

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1. Inglesina Aptica Glam Crossover Stroller $948 • inglesina.us 2. Larktale Coast Stroller $400 • larktale.com 3. Britax B-Ready G3 Stroller $499 • us.britax.com

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4. WubbaNub Infant Pacifier Houston Astros™ Bear $22 • wubbanubonline.com 5. Stroll & Go Portable Owl Baby Soother $14 • target.com 6. Put & Peek Birdhouse $34 • manhattantoy.com

7. Boppy ComfyFit Baby Carrier $69 • amazon.com 8. KeaBabies Wrap Carrier $25 • keababies.com 9. Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier $27 • amazon.com

FA M I LY F I N D S | T H E G O O D S T U F F

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1. Citi NavigatorDiaper Bag $115 • citicollective.com

4. StorkSak Emma Diaper Bag $355 • modernnursery.com

7. Carseat Canopy - Breastfeeding Nursing Cover $16 • keababies.com

2. Twelve Little Unisex 3-in-1 Foldover Tote $159 • twelvelittle.com

5. Hatch (Anti) Diaper Bag $298 • hatchcollection.com

8. Lotus Travel Crib $209 • amazon.com

3. Boundless Charm Diaper Bag by Humble-Bee $100 • humble-bee.com

6. Butterscotch Classic Diaper Bag $149 • freshlypicked.com

9. Pop Up Beach Pool $29 • bbluvgroup.com

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health & wellness Zoo Koala - Ollie

Also available in a mini version, the Thermal-Aid Zoo animals make it easier to treat children when they need hot or cold therapeutic treatment. $20 • thermalaidproducts.com

Belly Bandit® Ultimate Labor and Delivery Kit

The kit includes everything you need ranging from nursing pads and lip/face balm to cozy socks and a sleep mask. $70 • bedbathandbeyond.com

Wearable Thermometer

Fever Scout is a reusable, soft wearable thermometer patch that continuously measures temperature and wirelessly sends that information to your smartphone. $69 • feverscout.com

Mediaid First Aid & Wellness Kit Fridababy Big Bundle of Joy Newborn Care Kit

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clearrinse nasal aspirator

CLEARinse nasal cleaning kit provides both the irrigation and aspiration to help remove hard blockages from the nose for easier breathing. $54 • clearmynose.com houston baby magazine

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This kit includes 100+ items of your typical first aid accoutrements + 3 sampler essential oils including peppermint, lavender & germ defense, along with an all-natural antibiotic/ wound care & pain relief cream. $15 • me4kidz.com

The Thieves Home Cleaning Kit

The perfect introduction to natural cleaning and provides you with a foundation of cleaning tools and supplies to utilize Young Living’s 100% pure essential oils. $80 • youngliving.com

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mom•me [ REAL LIFE MOMS ]

Laura Max Rose creator of Jewish Penicillin interview by Wendy Jackson Slaton | photography by Traci Ling Photography

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L

aura Max Rose, a wife and mother of two daughters, is the creator of “Jewish Penicillin,” a blog addressing the adventures and lessons of motherhood.

Tell us a little about yourself and your family I was born in New York City and moved to Houston when I was 13. I left again at 18 to attend college in Boston where I received a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and returned home afterward to cultivate my dreams in a city that continually surprises me. Thank goodness I ended up here because I’m pretty addicted to Whataburger Spicy Ketchup (fries are just the vehicle.) I am married to my beshert (that’s “soulmate” in Hebrew) and we’re raising two beautiful daughters, Selma and Violet, not to mention our very loyal Golden Doodle, Hampton Rose.

What is your “Mom” story?

People are shocked when I tell them that I never saw myself having children. I don’t think I allowed myself to even “go there” because my mom was super career oriented and I was her only child whom she had very late in life. I didn’t really allow myself to dream outside of that example until I met my husband, who told me on our first date that he wanted to have lots and lots of children.

I got nervous immediately because I really liked him but never saw such a life for myself.

Once I allowed myself to see it, I couldn’t unsee it. I wanted to have a family more than I wanted anything else.

Tell us about your blog…

I started my blog “Jewish Penicillin” before I even got pregnant with my first daughter, Selma. I was excited about the idea of having her and getting to write about the adventures and lessons of motherhood, and so that blog chronicles

exactly that. What I’m finding now with two girls in tow is that full use of my hands to type all of these stories out is a big challenge. I’m considering starting a podcast so I can record my stories for anyone who wants to listen.

What do you feel is the biggest challenges new mamas (dads) face today?

The pressure! We are asked to do everything perfectly, without help and with soul-crushing consequences if we fail. The stakes feel so high. Maybe the biggest gift we can give our children is showing them that we’re imperfect, and that that’s okay. We are trying to teach our children that they’re “good enough” while putting so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. It’s okay to just be “good enough.” Parenting is hard work. Give yourself and your children permission to do things imperfectly and with great love. This is what I tell myself every day.

Do you have any “mom hacks” to share?

Ha! If you have a newborn, wear him/her! Babywearing with something like the Boba or Moby wrap has made my life so much easier and keeps my hands free to care for my toddler who really needs them.

Pretty much every photo of me that’s been taken over the past two months includes baby Violet snuggled on me in the baby carrier. Not sure how I would get anything done without it!

it’s so important for them to have places to go that provide structure during the week (which gives mommy time to have some structure during the week, too!) I am so grateful to Selma’s teachers for all the ways they have enriched our lives, taught her so much and helped us raise her.

How do you manage your work/life balance?

I worked throughout my 20s to set up a career that allows me to work from home. With Selma in school during the day.

I’m able to get my work done here, take care of myself in whatever ways I need, and go pick her up and spend the rest of the day with her.

The postpartum stage can be a difficult for new moms.

Any tips to share?

Yes! Our society is insane when it comes to taking care of mamas postpartum (we don’t.)

Mamas have been through the ringer after giving birth and we need so much TLC to get back on our feet. Unfortunately, so many of our societal structures don’t make enough space for us, but wherever you can find the time and space for yourself, take it. Get help if you’re feeling sad or anxious.

Postpartum depression

is real (I had it after my first) and help is out there. You are so important, mama.

Give yourself all the love and everything you need to know that. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re taking “too much time” or that you “should” be coping more easily. You know exactly what you need to feel better and you can give yourself all the permission in the world to do whatever that is. The better you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of your children. Having a full tank is essential. You are literally taking care of your kids by taking care of yourself! If you struggle with this, talk to people who can help you.

I now know that for every day I feel like the best mom in the world, there will be two when I feel like the worst.

I have been humbled by shrill screams in restaurants, rogue bowel movements, a child that just slapped yours across the face and tantrums beyond my control. I have an understanding that while my daughters will grow and thrive because of me, she will also grow and thrive in spite of me.

And for that, thank God.

It takes a village to raise children. Describe your village.

It does! Ben and I are lucky to have so much of our family here in Houston.

We’re also firm believers in date night and making time for each other, so we have the most wonderful nanny who comes every Saturday night so we can go out just the two of us. During the week, our oldest daughter is in school and our youngest will start in a daycare program soon. I think

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F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 01 9

strive to thrive written by Rebecca Feges, MS, RD, LD

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he infamous question “breastfeed or bottle feed?” is posed to moms, dozens or even hundreds of times, during pregnancy and infancy.

Perhaps asked by pediatricians, hospital nurses, or even curious co-workers and friends, most of us have done our research. We are prepared with a response teed up, ready to defend our position, one way or another.

Yet, beyond that one question, even veteran moms often have lingering inquiries. For many parents, there is still a bit of unknown, uncharted territory when it comes to feeding our little ones. Here are some tips (founded in research and evidence-based practice) to help you navigate the first year.

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FOCUS ON THRIVING! Not just nutritionally, but emotionally too. While studies have repeatedly demonstrated breastfeeding has a wide range of benefits for both mom and baby, it doesn’t always go as smoothly as we would like. There can be some unanticipated bumps along the road, especially if there are other health conditions at play. Don’t forget your mental wellness and stress levels are important to be managed, in addition to baby’s nutrition and growth, for your family to thrive. Don’t hesitate, to chat with your pediatrician, a lactation consultant, or pediatric registered dietitian if you are feeling overwhelmed with breastfeeding or need some additional assistance. Parents should not be ashamed to ask

about possible infant formula options if you are headed in that direction. There are numerous formula options out there, which can all be tough to navigate without guidance.

DON’T STRIVE TOO QUICKLY TO THOSE SOLIDS. Well-meaning friends and family may suggest adding cereal to the bottle or giving baby a taste of foods at only a couple of months old. In the medical community, we now know that babies usually thrive best when we hold off on anything aside from breastmilk or formula until about six months of age. As health professionals continue to learn more about infant feeding and nutrition, recommendations

evolve overtime. So that being said, the common motto “well that’s how we always used to do it” does not mean it’s still how we do it now! There are several important developmental cues to be on the lookout for if you think your baby is ready for something in addition to their breastmilk or formula. Babies who can sit independently, show interest in what others are eating, and no longer thrust their tongue out when fed are showing signs of readiness for complementary foods. Keeping

Recommended Resources American Academy of Pediatrics Eatright.org Ellyn Sattler institute

feeding product picks

these in mind before introducing foods can help set you and baby up for success in the long run when it comes to feeding.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Once your child is ready for complementary foods at that six-month mark, breastmilk or formula should actually remain the mainstay of nutritional intake until one year of age. We can think of purées and table foods as primarily for practice or fun until then. It typically takes multiple exposures to a food for children to get accustomed to that one item.

We as parents should be careful of saying “he/she doesn’t like to eat that” while resisting the urge to add on extra pressure or “force” a baby or child to eat something. Keep on offering and trying! Remember that learning to eat involves quite a bit of skill development, too.

Often the “steps” to eating can be just important as actually consuming the foods. Again, if you have concerns about your child’s progress with feeding, make sure to discuss with their pediatrician and/or a pediatric registered dietitian.

Rebecca is a Pediatric Clinical Dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital Specialty Care in Sugar Land.

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Meet Rebecca at our upcoming MOM*ME Market presented by Texas Children’s Hospital on Saturday, May 18 at Evelyn’s Park.

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F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 01 9

Three things to know about neonatal speech therapy Think speech therapy is only for big kids?

Ashley Emmett, speech pathologist at HCA Houston Healthcare West, explains how speech therapists prepare premature babies for life outside the womb.

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s the new parent of a premature newborn, people may expect any number of specialists to knock on their door; however, a speech therapist is typically not one of them.

While Hollywood may have relegated the role of speech therapy to childhood speech impairments, such as stuttering or lisping, the role of these professionals is actually quite broad. Neonatology is just one area in which collaboration with speech therapists can be critical to health, and at times, even survival.

As a speech pathologist at HCA Houston Healthcare West, I have the privilege of working with the oldest and youngest among us, and everyone in between.

While the caregivers of my elderly patients expect to see me, I often encounter initial resistance from the parents of the babies I treat. This is perfectly understandable – after all, who would expect a baby who can’t yet talk would need a speech therapist? – however, it’s important that these parents quickly come to terms with the vital role of speech therapy, so they can begin to collaborate on the long road of preparing their newborns for the outside world. houston baby magazine

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I find the first step to parents’ accepting my position on their babies’ care team is understanding that speech therapy for babies is actually much more common than they may think. Speech therapists are experts at working with the muscles involved in speech and swallowing, which are often underdeveloped in premature babies. For this reason, a neonatal speech therapy program is actually a requirement in Level III NICUs. While not all parents of premature babies will need to work with a speech therapist, those who do can expect their support with: • Ensuring healthy weight gain: As mentioned above, premature babies may have trouble swallowing due to poor or undeveloped muscle tone. This may prevent them from eating and gaining enough weight, putting them at risk for complications. Speech therapists observe babies who are struggling to eat and help their parents work through challenges, such as cleft lips and/or cleft palates, tongue ties (a congenital condition which restricts the tongue’s

range of motion), and other anatomical abnormalities, to promote healthy eating.

• Learning nonverbal cues: Sometimes a baby’s reluctance to eat comes down to discomfort.

Because newborns can’t communicate with their parents, however, it can be easy to mistake this stubbornness for something more serious.

Speech therapists help parents decode their baby’s nonverbal cues so they can address their baby’s needs.

For example, does baby always fall asleep during feedings? It’s possible they’ve had enough to eat and require shorter, more frequent feeds. Is baby’s nose flaring, body tight, and eyes blinking slowing? Baby may be stressed. Simple adjustments to positioning, or for bottle-fed infants, nipple style, may help.

• Minimize stress for parents and babies: Sometimes premature infants can struggle to regulate their breathing while they feed, which can reduce their oxygen and cause their heart and respiratory rates to increase.

Speech therapists empower

parents with information and techniques to minimize stress for both parents and their babies, so families can focus on bonding. These professionals also work with care teams to reduce stimulation for infants, leveraging swaddling and positioning tools to simulate the womb and support healthy brain development for infants who missed those final weeks of gestation.

In general, one of the most important roles of speech therapists is as an educator. In addition to giving parents the tools for a successful stay in the hospital, these professionals are part of the team that helps ensure a seamless transition home and a solid foundation for healthy growth. Speech therapists, in particular, may arm parents with exercises and warning signs for different stages of development to ensure their infants continue to progress well through speech milestones.

While speech therapy for infants is most common in the NICU, any parent with concerns about their infant’s growth should consult their pediatrician to determine whether speech therapy may be a fit.

Family Lifestyle Photography

families · babies · Children · couples · love www.rorphoto.com // RELICS.OF.RAINBOWS

A PHOTOGRAPHY Family & lifestyle photography www.brandydykes.com

@BRANDYDYKES

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F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R ‘ 1 9

what to expect

c-sections vs. vaginal births

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by Christa Melnyk Hines

ollowing the birth of my son, I was disappointed that I had to undergo a C-section. The feeling was fleeting, however, as I snuggled my newborn realizing the consequences could have been devastating if the surgery hadn’t been performed.

Like many new moms, one of the first lessons I learned was that parenthood rarely goes according to plan. But that doesn’t mean you should skip making a birth plan.

“Birth plans are a good way to start a conversation about expectations and what mothers’ wishes are,” says Dr. Logan Kracht, Ob/Gyn. “Having an ideal experience in mind is certainly ok, but beware of the pitfalls. It breaks my heart when I hear of mothers feeling like they failed in some way if breastfeeding doesn’t start perfectly or if they needed to deliver by cesarean section.”

By educating yourself, taking birthing classes and asking your healthcare provider plenty of questions along the way, you’ll feel more prepared, whether you deliver vaginally or by cesarean section.

WHAT IS A C-SECTION? A cesarean section is a major surgery requiring an incision through the abdomen and uterus. You will receive an epidural and barring an emergency situation, you will be awake during the procedure. Depending on your specific situation, your physician will make a low-transverse incision, which is a horizontal cut across the lower end of the uterus generally preferred for better healing and less bleeding, or a vertical cut incision. Although you’ll feel touch and tugging sensations, you shouldn’t feel pain.

WHY A C-SECTION? According to the CDC, in 2011 C-sections hit an all-time high with one in three women giving birth by cesarean section. Since then, the number of C-sections has remained steady.

“One of the more obvious reasons that C-section rates are up compared to prior decades is the necessity for repeat C-sections,” Dr. Kracht says. “If a mother has one delivery by cesarean, then they are way more likely to have another.”

Other reasons women may require a C-section, include the baby’s position in the uterus, the size of the baby, premature delivery, fetal heart rate changes indicating a lack of oxygen houston baby magazine

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during labor, or if there’s a medical complication with the mother like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

WHAT ABOUT VBAC? While many ob/gyns are proponents of a vaginal birth after a C-section, they say it’s important to consider the reasons behind a previous C-section and the risks of VBAC. For example, if your previous C-section was due to your baby being in a breech position, you might be an excellent candidate for VBAC. But “if you’re a patient who got to a full 10 cm and the baby would not descend, it is possible that your pelvis wasn’t large enough to allow the baby to deliver and a VBAC may not be successful,” says Dr. Brian Lovitt, Ob/Gyn. Your physician will also consider your risk for uterine rupture, your insurance requirements, and the availability of an on-site physician during labor and delivery.

RISKS. Tears and lacerations can occur during any vaginal delivery. Although rare, uterine rupture is a life-threatening risk factor, particularly for women who opt for a VBAC. A uterine rupture is a tear in the wall of the uterus, usually at the site of a past C-section incision.

The incidence rate is about one percent for women who have had low-transverse incisions, rising to five percent for women with vertical incisions.

C-section risks include blood loss and complications with anesthesia, as well as scarring and infections.

HOSPITAL STAY. The typical hospital stay for a vaginal delivery is 24 to 48 hours, while a C-section is between three and four days.

RECOVERY. Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Generally, a woman who delivers vaginally has no restrictions on lifting and can typically

return to her normal routine within a few weeks.

With a C-section, expect the recovery to take a little longer as your mobility is more restricted.

Other than your baby, you won’t be able to lift anything over 10 pounds and due to the pain medicines, you cannot drive for the first two weeks post-surgery.

“If your core is still healing, an emergency maneuver, which may require strong use of your core muscles, may not be as effective and you may be at higher risk of a crash,” Dr. Lovitt says.

Even if you’ve had a C-section and you’re on pain medications, breastfeeding is safe and encouraged.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience fever, uncontrolled pain, bleeding or incisional problems.

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT. During the first few weeks postpartum, lean on your partner, a family member or a close friend for emotional support and practical assistance, especially if you have other children.

New dads can help direct visitors and ensure that you get the privacy and rest that you need.

“But we—and I can say we—are highly capable of assisting or doing visually all types of infant care, including diapers, bedtime, walks, you name it,” Dr. Kracht says.

“Lighten the load by taking on extra housework, planning and cooking meals and driving the other children around.”

Contact your physician right away if you experience excessive blues which could be a sign of postpartum depression, a serious, but common issue among new mothers.

Make M s with the c sses fo c

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Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, resides in Olathe with her husband and two children both delivered by C-section. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’ s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

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F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R ‘ 1 9

Taking Care of Mom During Baby’s First Year…

by Sara Gaviria

Meet Sara at our upcoming MOM*ME Market presented by Texas Children’s Hospital on Saturday, May 18 at Evelyn’s Park.

Learn more at www.mommemarket.com

Plenty of guides exist on how to take care of a new baby. Sensing a lack of support for stay-at-home moms who want to maintain their sense of self, feel their best and actually make a little time to focus on their development in this new phase of life, Sara Gaviria, author of The Happy Stay-At-Home Mom: How to Look & Feel Amazing After Having Your Baby, shares tips around everything from skincare to staying present, and more. Sara shares her research on healthy eating, exercising and also highlights how important is that stay-at-home moms look for their passion, and most importantly, find time for it.

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or moms who have struggled to find themselves after baby arrives, the answer is here. The Happy Stay-at-Home Mom: How to Look & Feel Amazing After Having Your Baby is loaded with advice about how to care for mom. I wrote the book because I wanted to help other moms feel more inspired, healthy, beautiful and happy.

After working all my life, I wanted to find joy with my decision to be a stay-at-home mom. Writing this book was a gift to myself and serves as a reminder that I’m on a wonderful journey, where I can dream big and achieve success - even while raising kids!

My goal is to inspire other stay-at-home moms to do the same. Having a child doesn’t mean the end of your path, the baby is the strength, this is just the beginning. houston baby magazine

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ON MOTHERHOOD… Be prepared...Things rarely go according to plan. No matter how well new moms prepare for the arrival of their little bundle of joy, they often discover that the reality is far less dreamy than the Hallmark image they envision. From the day that my son was born, I realized it’s impossible to control everything, and it’s better to let go, and be engaged with life as it happens. I always strived to do things both with my baby, and on my own, this gave me a sense of fulfillment.

MAKING PRIORITIES...

MAINTAINING SANITY It’s important for moms to make time for self-care.

My mantra is “happy mom, happy baby.” When my son was younger, it was difficult to make time for myself but I made it a

priority after my husband would get home from work, I would do things such as meeting a friend for a cup of coffee, attend a yoga class or just spend time alone.

I relied on “mommy groups” to help get through the day.

Before I had a baby, “I didn’t think I needed them, but in reality, those groups were such a blessing. The meetings gave me much needed structure, giving me a reason to get out of the house, make myself feel presentable and of course introducing me to mommy friends which was by far the most important.

You and other new moms are going through the same things and everyone is eager to share advice and just talk.

Sara Gaviria is a Colombian journalist with an MA in Marketing and Communications from Westminster University, U.K. She has

lived in London and California, working as an advertising executive for media publications such as The San Diego Union-Tribune, serving in her last position as a Manager of Hispanic Publications. She now makes it her mission to help other mothers take care of themselves post pregnancy through her writing. Sara currently lives in Houston with her husband and son.

The Happy Stay-At-Home Mom: How to Look & Feel Amazing After Having Your Baby book is available on Amazon (paperback, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited). For more tips from Sara, www.saragaviria.com.

Now Available at H-E-B for your Convenience!

Starting May 1st and restocked weekly, look for the latest issue of Houston Family Magazine and Houston Baby Magazine every month at your favorite neighborhood H-E-B. We’re also available at Randalls, Select Whole Foods, Rice Epicurean Market and 1,000+ other convenient locations around the greater Houston area.

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F E AT U R E | FA M I LY T R AV E L

10 TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH A TODDLER ON A

written by AJ Ratani and Natasha Sandhir

Having taken 4 cruises together as a family on our around-the-world adventure with our 2-year-old son that lasted 9 months, we learned a thing or two. These are our top 10 tips for cruising with your toddler.

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1. REVIEW AGE RESTRICTIONS.

the captain and scavenger hunts. Take advantage of all of the offerings.

Before booking a cruise, make sure the ship doesn’t have any age restrictions, as well as plenty of offerings for toddlers. Most cruises begin with a minimum age limit of 6 months.

7. ARRIVE A DAY EARLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING TIME ZONES.

2. UTILIZE A GREAT TRAVEL STROLLER. You may not be thinking of a stroller for a cruise ship, but cruise ships today are very large and getting from one end of the ship to the other can be taxing.

A good stroller will help you navigate the ship, as well as keep young ones in check when they are distracted from all of the bells and whistles on board.

3. PACK A PACK ‘N PLAY. Cabins on cruises are small and while you may have an additional bed or sleeper sofa, little kids may be safer and feel more secure in a portable crib.

4. BRING ALL OF YOUR GEAR. There are no restrictions on how much you can bring on a cruise ship, and there is nothing worse than running out of diapers or formula and having to spend time on shore searching for what you need.

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SHIP’S DAYCARE. Most ships offer this service for children 3 and older.

Enjoy your family vacation but be sure to have a date night at one of the ships’ adult restaurants or to enjoy some of the evening entertainment; don’t be afraid to have your child stay with the sitters.

6. PAY ATTENTION TO SHIP ITINERARIES. You’ll receive a daily itinerary in your cabin each day listing all of the activities and events for the following day: plan out what you’d like to do. You never know what the ships will offer for fun, such as meeting

By spending a night in your embarkment location, it will help your child get adapted to the time zone and won’t rush him or her from a plane to a ship.

8. SPLURGE ON A MINI SUITE. Cruises can be expensive, but if you can, book a mini suite to give you more space. Traveling with a toddler means nap times and lots of gear, so having the space will come in handy.

9. PLAN YOUR OWN EXCURSIONS.

TRAVEL GEAR WE LOVE

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Instead of joining the pricey and crowded cruise excursions, plan and book private excursions that you can enjoy on your own, at your own schedule and pace.

10. DON’T SKIP THE FINE DINING. Start out at the buffet to feed your child, follow up with your bedtime routine and PJs, and then hopefully your child can fall asleep in the stroller while you enjoy a later meal at one of the fine dining options.

Cruises are great for families, with an array of activities, accommodations and services to appeal to both kids and parents. With a little planning, you can have a fantastic vacation together!

AJ Ratani and Natasha Sandhir traveled around the world with their son Aarav. Having visited 41 countries and six continents as a family, they have documented their year-long travel and trips on the The 2 Idiots Travel Blog and are the authors of the e-book, How To Travel With Kids (Without Losing Their Mind). Visit their website for more travel and destination advice and get their book at howtotravelwithkids.com.

5 6 1. Lugabug Travel Seat Child Carrier for Luggage A compact child’s travel seat that secures to your luggage without taking up extra space. $55 • lugabug.com

2. Take-Along Mobile The Tiny Love Take Along Mobile is a colorful and engaging mobile that easily goes everywhere with your baby. $25 • target.com

5. Viziö - All-in-One Wireless Digital Video Baby Monitor

3. Sunkitö - Sun & Mosquito Play Tent

with this video monitor. $150 • bbluvgroup.com

Keep your little one safe with this UV protected play tent by bblüv. $60 • amazon.com

6. JetKids by Stoke

4. Ballet Quilted Luggage From spending the night out to a week long trip, let them travel in style. $220 • littleenglish.com

Sneek a peek without making a sound

Ride-on suitcase for children ages 3-7 years. Can be upgraded to a BedBox with the Ride-Box Sleeping kit. $199+ • stokke.com

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F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R ‘ 1 9

length of each one and the intervals between them. You can add notes to describe each contraction such as their intensity, which is very useful if you’re going to the hospital or birthing center and would like to update the OB/GYN or midwife.

Hatch Baby

(Available at: Amazon Apps; Apple Appstore; Google Play)

Once the baby arrives, your life will change radically and forever. Suddenly, you’ll need to keep track of a whole host of things, including your baby’s feedings, diaper changes, and sleep. You’ll be very tired, but Hatch Baby can help you stay organized and on top of things. This app lets you record and track all your baby-related responsibilities, which will help you learn about your baby’s patterns.

CDC’s Milestone Tracker

5

(Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play)

Great Apps For

New Dads written by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

FROM PREGNANCY, TO DELIVERY, TO TAKING CARE OF YOUR NEW BABY HERE ARE FIVE MUST-HAVE APPS FOR THE DAD-TO-BE!

Daddy Up

(Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play)

As a man, you can be forgiven for not knowing what it’s like to be pregnant. After all, YOU aren’t the one who’s pregnant. But do yourself a favor and get Daddy Up. This app has all the advice you could possibly want about what it feels like to be pregnant and what you can do to support your wife through the many changes she’s going through. It’s written by other dads who’ve been through this, so they know what they’re talking about. houston baby magazine

40 spring/summer 2019

The app has a journal log to jot down your thoughts and feelings as you and your wife go through this journey together.

Contraction Timer

(Available at: Amazon Apps; Apple Appstore)

When the time is up, you want to be ready: ready to get your wife to the hospital or birthing center ASAP or if you’re having a home birth, to let the doula start begin with her support. Contraction Timer can help you with that. This awesome app lets you time your wife’s contractions and record the

It’s great to stay organized with all the things you need to do for your baby, but how do you know that your baby is developing as it should? Milestone Tracker is a developmenttracking app that has been developed by the highly respected Centers for Disease Control. The app has a comprehensive checklist that lets you see if your baby is reaching various milestones, advice on what you can do to stimulate your baby’s development, and suggestions about where to go if you’re concerned about how your baby is doing.

Life of Dad

(Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play)

Sometimes, you prefer not to read about what it’s like to be a dad, but instead to connect in real-time with other dads and share your experiences. When you get that urge, download Life of Dad. Known as the social network for dads, this app lets you speak directly to other dads around the world. You can talk to them about anything having to do with being a dad, as well as any other things in your life.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R ‘ 1 9

what you need to know about

car seat safety

by HealthyChildren.org

E

ach year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different seats on the market, many parents find this overwhelming. If you are expectant parents, give yourselves enough time to learn how to properly install the car seat in your car before your baby is born to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital.

The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s age, size, and developmental needs.

Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car seat for your child.

INFANTS AND TODDLERS All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer. Most convertible

seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for two years or more.

TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS Children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer. Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.

SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 through 12 years of age. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.

and large enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit them correctly, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.

This information was originally published by HealthyChildren.

our favorites 1

org, a parenting website backed by 67,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. To see the story, “Car Seats: Information for Families,” visit www.HealthyChildren.org.

2

1. LIING CARSEAT BY CLEK $399 • clekinc.com

OLDER CHILDREN When children are old enough

2. MAGELLAN 5-IN-ONE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT $349 • target.com

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D A D DY K N O W S B E S T | S P R I N G /S U M M E R ‘ 1 9

MacKenna, Peggy, Hadley, Michael Bennett, Mike, Peyton McDonell photo by Amy Melsa Photography

ADOPTING A NEW PERSPECTIVE written by Mike McDonell

A

“To adopt a child is to broaden the life of everyone who is touched by the experience.” photo by Aimee Hamilton Photography

lmost five years ago, lives were changed forever. In a ninestory institutional high rise, in the heart of a crowded Chinese city called Xiamen, in a small room filled with beautiful children who were abandoned by fate, I found my son, Michael.

My wife, Peggy and I took some time away from a business trip on the Mainland to volunteer in a state-run orphanage. There on one of the floors, tucked away in two rooms, was a special wing dedicated for children with complex medical issues. houston baby magazine

42 spring/summer 2019

Their challenges varied.

Some children suffered from neurological diseases, others heart malformation, or a myriad of other conditions. All of them had been abandoned.

We spent our time playing ball, laughing, and helping feed the kids. At the end of the first day, a new child was whisked into the room in the arms of a caretaker. Crying inconsolably, we were drawn to him. At only six months old and weighing less than 10 pounds, he was lost within the small arms of the caretaker who held him. We affectionately nicknamed him Peanut.

The next morning upon returning we asked about Peanut. Having ‘dealt’ with him all night, they were happy to place him in my arms and give me an opportunity. I was more than happy to oblige. We held him the rest of that day. A little over a year and a half later, my wife and three kids stepped off a plane in Austin, Texas with the newest member of our family, Michael Bennett.

Adoption is hard. It is messy, frustrating, emotional, and taxing on you. But then again, all that frustration and emotional stress can’t come close to what so many of these

children must experience without parents, adequate love, and emotional stability.

Yet, as frustrating and emotional as the journey of adoption can be, it pales in comparison to the joy and love you and others experience because of it. The greatest things in life, derive from the greatest sacrifices. This has never been truer than in our adoption journey. If adoption is something you have considered, I would like to urge you to follow your heart.

To adopt a child is to broaden the life of everyone who is touched by the

experience. After bringing our boy home, I see how adoption has changed our family. I would like to share with you five ways that experience has reshaped our lives.

A SAVED CHILD The obvious here is that a child was given a home, a chance to thrive, and the opportunity to reach his potential in life. In the case of my child, it was also essential for his survival.

A plethora of complex medical challenges and illness required the care of doctors and surgeons not available to him in his orphanage in China.

DNA ISN’T A REQUIREMENT FOR LOVE AND FAMILY There is no distinction between the love for my biological kids and that of my adopted child.

Family comes in a myriad of shapes, sizes, color, gender and composition. What makes family meaningful isn’t where they come from, it’s where they end up.

MICHAEL’S BROTHER AND SISTERS ARE BETTER BECAUSE OF HIM Adoption is a family act.

Everyone is a participant in the emotions, the struggles and the joys of the process. From every step on the journey to bring Michael home and through the care of his illness, my biological kids have been active and essential partners. That makes them better. They have a deeper understanding for the lives of other people, they have learned to care for other’s needs, and have developed a sense of humility I don’t believe I could have ever taught them on my own.

I AM PUSHED TO BE BETTER Adoption is stressful and hard at times. It requires an understanding and patience that tend to fall off as you get older.

Michael has become my teacher.

He keeps me young, he forces me to slow down, to speed up, and be a better father.

Deborah Koch Photography SPECIALIZING IN: Family, Maternity & Children

MICHAEL INSPIRES To know my son is to know a kid constantly full of energy.

He slows down only to sleep, and is one of the strongest people per pound I have ever seen. Yet, all that outward stamina and relentlessness hides the fact that inside, my son is chronically sick. He has had numerous surgeries, maintains a regiment of medications, and is fighting now to keep a solitary kidney from failing.

How can a child so sick inside, be so outwardly active and tireless? Perhaps in some way, he understands that life is worth fighting for. Perhaps the experience of loss in his very young life has forged a deep desire to not lose again and to make the most of every day. For this and so much more, Michael Bennet inspires all of us.

Our adoption story is only one of thousands. Each day we wake with the goal of being better parents, and a stronger family. We laugh, we cry, we struggle, and celebrate each day.

We aren’t close to perfect, but perfect isn’t what an orphaned child needs or wants. It’s just love and the opportunity to love back. So many children lie in unfamiliar places and search for the meaning of their emptiness.

All the while so many others possess this unlimited capacity to love an adopted child.

Adoption isn’t for everyone, but everyone should be adopted. Think about it for your family. I am always personally available to share our story and provide a little insight on how it might make the life of your family and a special child greater than ever imagined.

A father to four kids, Mike McDonell is the founder of Kidventure. To learn more about Kidventure or read about Mike’s journey through fatherhood, visit www.kidventure.com.

C O N T A C T : 9 18 - 3 44- 6 3 7 2 deborahkochphotography.com deborahkochphotography_ houston DKPhotographyHouston AREAS SERVICED: Houston & Surrounding Areas

Traci-Marie Photography

Holly Young Photography

SPECIALIZING IN: Child, Couple, Senior & Concept Photography

SPECIALIZING IN: Child and Family Portrait & Lifestyle

CONTACT: www.traci-marie.com tracimariePhoto tracimariePhoto

CONTACT: hollyyoungphotography.com hollyphoto73@yahoo.com hollyyoungphoto

AREAS SERVICED: Greater Houston Area & Surrounding Areas

AREAS SERVICED: Montgomery and Walker Counties, Conroe, Willis, New Waverly & The Woodlands spring/summer 2019

43 houston baby magazine

A D V E T O R I A L | C O M M O N W E A LT H F U N D S

finding the right savings plan for your children or grand children

by Rob Scharar, President and Portfolio Manager of Commonwealth Funds

There are many ways to prepare for elementary, secondary and college expenses for your children or grandchildren.

Below we will discuss the most some of the most popular savings plans: The Coverdell ESA, Section 529 plan and The Texas Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).

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44 spring/summer 2019

ABOUT THE COVERDELL ESA The Coverdell ESA, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle that is similar to a 529 plan but with lower contribution limits. You can contribute up to $2,000 per year to a Coverdell ESA established for a child or grandchild. The Coverdell ESA lets you save money for the qualified education expenses of the named beneficiary.

Qualified education expenses include college expenses as well as a range of elementary and secondary school expenses.

Be aware that to contribute to an ESA, you must meet the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) limits. The MAGI income phase-out is $190,000 to $220,000 for a married couple filing jointly. If your MAGI is greater than $220,000, no contribution is allowed.

As you consider your child’s educational savings plan, you may want to talk to a qualified financial professional, who can help you better understand what's available and what fits your unique situation. Best results generally involve using a combination of the available options. Whichever savings vehicles you choose, it’s a good idea to get started as soon as possible to meet your child’s financial needs.

ABOUT THE 529 PLAN ACCOUNT A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged education savings plan designed to help set aside funds for future college costs, named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. It may be established by a parent, but anyone can contribute. In addition to college costs, up to $10,000 a year can be used for elementary and secondary tuition. Contributions to this plan are treated as a gift to the beneficiary and are subject to gift tax exclusion limits (which are $15,000 annually for each donor, or $30,000 annually for a married couple). It is possible to “pre-use” up to five years of

the annual exclusion amount for a gift to a 529 plan. All 50 states and the District of Columbia sponsor 529 plans, and some states may allow an income tax deduction for 529 contributions.

As you consider your child’s educational savings plan, you may want to talk to a qualified financial professional, who can help you better understand what’s available and what fits your unique situation. Best results generally involve using a combination of the available options. Whichever savings vehicles you choose, it’s a good idea to get started as soon as possible to meet your child’s financial needs.

‘‘ financial planning

ABOUT THE UTMA ACCOUNT

A World of Opportunities

The Texas Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) authorizes a parent or guardian to hold assets on behalf of a minor child until the child turns 21. There may be lifetime expenses related to your child’s education or other needs that are not eligible to be paid by an ESA or 529 plan – establishing a UTMA account could help you meet those additional needs. If your child’s income from interest, dividends or capital gains is less than $2,100 a year, there may be no income tax. Thus, you can use the UTMA account to accumulate money tax free without the education spending restrictions like a 529 plan. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed how a child’s income is taxed. Instructions to IRS Form 8615 give a good summary of the new rules.

As you consider your child’s educational savings plan, you may want to talk to a qualified financial professional, who can help you better understand what’s available and what fits your unique situation. Best results generally involve using a combination of the available options. It’s a good idea to get started as soon as possible to meet your child’s financial needs.

Rob Scharar serves as President and Portfolio Manager of Houston-based Commonwealth Funds, as well as President of FCA Corp, a Houston-based financial planning firm founded in 1975.

T R A N S L AT I O N

FINANCIAL TERM

‘‘

making money decisions for your (and their) future

At Commonwealth Funds, we believe it’s never too early to start planning for your child’s future, or yours. Our investment options help make it easy to get started – you can open an account with as little as $200. Our five mutual funds offer a global focus that can form part of a diverse investment portfolio. Informed by more than 40 years of investment experience, our fund managers can help you save for your children, business or retirement. It’s a big world out there.

Commonwealth Funds can help you bring it home.

Get Started Today.

Learn more about our funds and our investment philosophy.

Visit our website to get a copy of our Education Savings Guide.

888.345.1898 | commonwealthfunds.com FCA Corp, a financial advisory firm and the advisor to the Commonwealth International Series Trust, is a Houston-based company located at 791 Town & Country Boulevard, Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77024-3925.

You should consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus that contains this and other information about the Fund, call 888.345.1898 or visit our website at commonwealthfunds. com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

The Commonwealth Funds are distributed by Unified Financial Securities, LLC. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Investments in international markets present special risks, including currency fluctuation, the potential for diplomatic and political instability, regulatory and liquidity risks, foreign taxation, and differences in auditing and other financial standards. Risks of foreign investing are generally intensified for investments in emerging markets. There is no guarantee that this, or any, investing strategy will achieve its objectives.

Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.

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BOOK BITES | BOOK REVIEWS

nursery must have books for every

O

ne thing any good nursery has is a collection of books for your little ones.

Here are 12 of our staff’s favorite picks to help fill your nursery library.

Each Peach Pear Plum

Goodnight Moon

On the Night You Were Born

Fish Kisses

Gotta Go, Buffalo: A Silly Book of Fun Goodbyes

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Janet & Allan Ahlberg

by Marianne Richmond

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

Goodnight Houston

by Jennifer Solak, Kyle Solak & Paul Dolan

by Margaret Wise rown & Clement Hurd

by Haily and Kevin Meyers

Guess How Much I Love You

by Sam McBratney

Oh The Places You Will Go

by Nancy Tillman

by Eric Carle

Where is Baby’s Belly Button

by Karen Katz

Where the Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak

by Dr. Seuss

photo by Yvette Michelle Portraits

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46 spring/summer 2019

Oh Baby!

its a zoo in here.

The Houston Zoo is home to several babies and toddlers, from lemur pup, Echo perfecting how to swing and jump, to the feisty baby tapir Frida, exploring her habitat! Catch a glimpse of some adorable little ones and learn all about the nurturing ways of their animal moms.

For more information, visit www.houstonzoo.org.

Asian Elephant, Tilly

Red River Hog, Shallot

Ring Tailed Lemur, Echo

photos by Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo

Tiny Tapir, Frida

HOUSTON ZOO

DAILY: 9AM-7PM 6200 HERMANN PARK DRIVE HOUSTON, TX 77030

DID YOU KNOW…HFM KID AMBASSADORS GOT A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE NEWEST KATHRINE G. MCGOVERN TEXAS WETLANDS EXHIBIT OPENING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! LOOK FOR IT IN OUR HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JUNE ISSUE. spring/summer 2019

47 houston baby magazine

F E AT U R E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R ‘ 1 9

Are you sure it’s just

diaper rash

written by Lauren Snitzer, MD of U.S. Dermatology Partners of Sugar Land

EXPLORING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR BABY’S CHRONIC SKIN CONDITIONS New moms are likely very familiar with changing skin health. During pregnancy and immediately following delivery, mothers can deal with a variety of conditions like hyperpigmentation, pregnancy acne, and eczema. These conditions lead many expectant mothers to consult with a dermatologist. That means when our baby’s skin shows signs of irritation, moms can definitely relate. Sometimes, infants can benefit from a visit to the dermatologist just like mom. Diaper rash is by far the most common skin condition that impacts babies and toddlers, but what looks like a simple rash to you may actually be something more serious like eczema or psoriasis. Working with your child’s pediatrician or local dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and create a plan to relieve and repair these chronic skin conditions can set your child on the road to lifelong skin health.

WHAT IS DIAPER RASH? Diaper rash is a common skin condition that can impact infants and toddlers throughout their diaper-wearing days, leading to irritation, itching, and inflammation. In rare cases, diaper rash can even cause sores and infection. Diaper rash is most often associated with wet diapers. It’s important to change a diaper as soon as you notice any moisture. If your child has houston baby magazine

48 spring/summer 2019

persistent diaper rash that seems to be resistant to treatment, it may be time to visit your dermatologist.

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR DIAPER RASH AT HOME? No matter how hard we try, it’s probably not possible to completely prevent diaper rash for our babies. However, we can help to soothe their skin and minimize discomfort. Some tips I regularly give moms for treating diaper rash at home include the following: • Apply a thick layer of diaper paste each time you change the diaper. Don’t dab on a dainty amount. Apply the diaper paste like you’re frosting a cupcake to create a protective barrier.

• Beware of allergic response to preservatives in premoistened wipes (even those for sensitive skin!). Allergies can be responsible for resistant diaper rash. Discontinue all premoistened wipes and see if diaper rash improves.

• In most cases, over the counter diaper pastes are adequate, but if diaper rash is resistant, your pediatrician may recommend antifungal, antibacterial, or steroid creams.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO A DERMATOLOGIST INSTEAD OF THE PEDIATRICIAN? Pediatricians are well versed in treating common infant skin conditions like diaper rash and eczema. For those kids

who seem to constantly have rashes that do not respond to traditional treatments, working with a dermatologist is the next step. In most cases, your pediatrician is the determining factor here. He or she will refer you to a dermatologist if your child’s diaper rash isn’t improving. Additionally, your pediatrician may recommend visiting a dermatologist if there’s a concern that your child’s diaper rash may actually be a sign of a more serious skin condition like eczema or psoriasis.

WHAT IS ECZEMA? Eczema is a chronic skin condition that impacts a large number of children and adults.

Like diaper rash, eczema usually presents as red, itchy-looking skin. Where diaper rash is almost exclusively found on the skin covered by your baby’s diaper, eczema can appear anywhere on the baby’s body.

However, it is most often present on the cheeks, elbows, knees, and ankles.

WHAT IS PSORIASIS? Like adult psoriasis, psoriasis in childhood is a chronic condition related to an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to replicate too quickly. This can lead to thick patches of scaly, itchy, and inflamed skin called plaques. If your child has a rash that doesn’t respond to home treatment or prescriptions from your doctor, it may actually be psoriasis.

CAN I CARE FOR THESE CONDITIONS AT HOME? Mild cases of eczema can be treated in the home using thick moisturizing ointments or creams and avoiding irritants in soaps and clothes detergents, which can lead to flare-ups.

More serious cases of eczema and psoriasis will call for a trip to see your dermatologist.

Prescription medications and ointments may be used, and for psoriasis, treatment of the underlying autoimmune dysfunction may be necessary.

According to Lauren Snitzer, MD at U.S. Dermatology Partners of Sugar Land, more serious skin conditions are often, “diaper rash mimickers, so if your pediatrician’s recommended treatments aren’t effective, call a skin care specialist.”

• Don’t apply diaper paste in small amounts. Apply it like you’re frosting a cupcake!

• “For sensitive skin” doesn’t always mean your baby’s skin won’t be irritated. Try switching to different hygiene products and cleansers to improve diaper rash.

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49 houston baby magazine

spring/summer 2019

photos by Jenna Duncan Photography

ON THE GO | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

on the go with

baby MONDAYS

Monday’s with Mommy Dance, play, craft, and have a blast spending the morning together.

Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital - West Campus. www.lacenterra.com La Centerra at Cinco Ranch 10-11:00am Ages: 0-6

Children’s Storytime in the Garden Enjoy nature-inspired stories with your kids at different locations around the Gardens. www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/ Mercer Botanic Gardens 10:30am Ages: 2-5

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50 spring/summer 2019

Little Explorers

Discover new worlds together, with STEM-based and sensory activities designed to encourage curiosity and critical thinking. www.houstonlibrary.org Oak Forest neighborhood Library 10:30-11:15am Ages: 18-36 months

TUESDAYS Toddler Tuesdays A learning adventure with storytime, free entertainment and activities especially tailored for toddlers. www.discoverygreen.com Discovery Green 10:30am-noon Ages: 12-36 months

Baby Playtime

Tadpoles Club

Stories, rhymes, movement and songs that will engage you and your baby.

Develop your baby’s social, motor, and literacy skills while having fun! www.houstonlibrary.org Oak Forest Neighborhood Library 10:30-11:15am Ages: 0-18 months

Introduce preschool-aged children to nature through stories, crafts, puppets, short walks, and animals with this interactive program led by a staff naturalist. www.hcp4.net//parks Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center 10:30am or 1pm, reservation is required.

Ages: 3 to 4 only. No younger or older siblings.

WEDNESDAYS Kinder HSPVA Lunch Concert Enjoy lunch with baby and friends during performances from the Kinder HSPVA students. www.discoverygreen.com Discovery Green 11:30am-1pm All ages

Nature Story Time at Nature Discovery Center Stories, puppets, specimens, songs and more for preschoolers and their caregivers. www.naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 4pm Ages: 5 and under

Stars & Stripes at the Lawn Honor our country during Stars & Stripes on the lawn performance by a solo trumpet musician. www.memorialcity.com The Lawn at Memorial City 5pm All ages

Gymboree in the Park Bubbles, dancing, sing-a-longs, and Gymboree parachute time. Second and Fourth Wednesday. www.evelynspark.org Evelyn’s Park Conservancy 11am-noon Ages: Toddler–preschool

Toddler Storytime Songs, stories and activities to help develop motor skills. www.houstonlibrary.org Bracewell Library 10:30-11:15am Ages: 18-36 months

THURSDAYS Cirque La Vie at Memorial City Outstanding acrobatics and highflying stunts by Houston’s premier Circus group. www.memorialcity.com The Square at Memorial City 7 pm every Thursday All ages

Toddler Storytime Bring your child to Blue Willow to enjoy stories, songs and an art activity. www.bluewillowbookshop.com Blue Willow Bookshop 10am All ages

LEGO® and DUPLO® Fun Kids of all ages are invited to come to build their own creation using Legos® and Duplos® www.countylibrary.org Montgomery County Central Library 3:45- 4:45pm DUPLO® suitable for 18-36 months

Family Story time Family Storytime, held in the Children’s Pavilion, is followed by a facilitated activity or craft for the whole family to enjoy. www.levyparkhouston.org 10-11am Toddler - preschool

FRIDAYS Mommy & Me Fitness Fitness in the Plaza. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Sugarland Plaza 9:30-10:30am every Friday All ages

Tot Shabbat Welcome the Sabbath with songs, blessings, challah, and grape juice. www.erjcchouston.org Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston 11–11:30am Ages: 0-5 years

Children’s Story Hour at Hermann Park’s Family Garden Story reading followed by an art or gardening event. www.hermannpark.org Hermann Park 10-11am All ages

Parachute Play time Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus presents Parachute Play Time with Gymboree Play & Music for a morning of toddler-friendly fun every third Friday. citycentrehouston.com City Centre Plaza 10am-noon Ages: 0-5 years

Music Series in the Park Bring a blanket and some toys as the family listens to music in the park on select Fridays during spring and summer. www.evelynspark.org Evelyn’s Park Conservancy 7-9pm All ages

Sign Time Let your hands be your helpers as you learn to communicate in sign language through engaging books and songs with the entire family.

www.houstonlibrary.org Jungman Neighborhood Library 1:30-2:30pm Ages: 0-5 years

10am-4pm All ages

Family Movie Night at Levy Park Enjoy a family movie night under the stars every Friday throughout the spring and summer. www.levyparkhouston.org 8-9:30pm All ages

Spend your Saturday morning letting the kiddos take a kid-friendly art class in the park. www.evelynspark.org Evelyn’s Park Conservancy – The Great Lawn 10am-noon All ages

Baby Yoga

HMNS at Levy Park

Practice a rich communication with your baby through touch, stretching, cradling, massage and movement every last Friday of the month. www.houstonlibrary.org Oak Forest Neighborhood Library 10-10:30am Ages: 0-18 months and their caregivers

Join the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Levy Park every fourth Saturday of the month. Each month focuses on a different topic. www.levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 2-4pm All ages

SATURDAYS Hands-On Houston Make crafts related to the current exhibitions. www.crafthouston.org Houston Center for Contemporary Craft 11am All ages

Kids 1st Saturday at the Breakfast Klub Enjoy a fun day of music activities, face painting, and a moonwalk! www.thebreakfastklub.com The Breakfast Klub 10am-2pm All ages with meal purchase

Houston Fire Museum The children’s interactive play area is open to the public every second Saturday of the month. www.houstonfiremuseum.org Houston Fire Museum Noon-4pm Ages: Toddler-preschool

Movie Nite on The Strand Date night or a get together with a group of friends, grab your chairs and head to downtown Galveston for a family-friendly movie under the stars throughout the spring and summer. www.galveston.com Saengerfest Park, Galveston 7:30pm All ages

Movies Under the Moon Enjoy a family night movie every month during the spring and summer months. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Sugar Land Town Square 8:15 pm All ages

Galveston Island Market A monthly festive outdoor event where local artisans, handcrafters, and growers showcase their creations. www.galvestonislandmarket.com Mechanic Street (21st to 23rd) Downtown Galveston

Art in the Park

Prelude Concert Pack a picnic and come sing and dance with your children in the park! www.levyparkhouston.org Ley Park 4:30-5:30pm All ages

Live Music in the Plaza Come enjoy live music in the plaza while you play with your toddler. A new line-up with performance times is posted every week. www.citycentrehouston.com 7-10pm All ages

SUNDAYS Sundays in the Park There’s just something special about Sundays in the park. Families are invited to enjoy music, lawn games for a relaxing day together. www.discoverygreen.com Discovery Green 3-5pm All ages

Music Nite on The Strand Grab your chairs and head to downtown Galveston for a familyfriendly music under the stars. www.galveston.com Saengerfest Park, Galveston 6-9pm All ages

everyday family fun Houston Zoo Explore the Houston Zoo. There are several fun activities for kids and adults and don’t miss the Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands and your chance to see three native Texas species—bald eagles, whooping cranes, and American alligators. www.houstonzoo.org Open every day All ages

Sonic Playground Explore sound with your child at the Sarofim Picnic Lawn consisting of several objects that twist, modify, and transmit sound in unusual and playful ways. www.discoverygreen.com Open all day All ages

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Hike the trails and enjoy the discovery center. Most trails are suitable for strollers. www.houstonarboretum.org Open every day All ages

Mercer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum Hike the trails, enjoy the gardens, explore the butterfly house and rest for a picnic. www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/ Open every day All ages

Student Performances in the Park Bring your stroller and enjoy student performances at Lake Plaza throughout the spring and summer. www.hermannpark.org Hermann Park 10am All ages

Concerts in the Park Enjoy the balmy spring and summer evenings on a date night with baby in tow. www.thewoodlandstx.com Northshore Park, The Woodlands 5:30-7:30pm every Sunday evening All ages

Cigna Sunday Streets A community-wide block party. Bring the bikes, strollers, wagons, and head outdoors for family-friendly activities. www.houstontx.gov City-wide locations All ages spring/summer 2019

51 houston baby magazine

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houston baby magazine

52 spring/summer 2019