KC Baby Magazine Spring 2018

baby

&

maternity

APRIL- JUNE 2018 | KCPARENT.COM

common pregnancy fears

! d e t s u b

the

labor & delivery issue

everything you need to know about baby’s

4 NAPS 4 SWIM

LESSONS

4 MELTDOWNS

tips for surviving

bed rest

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baby&

maternity

the

labor & delivery issue

APRIL- JUNE 2018

IN EVERY ISSUE 7

Craft Corner

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BABY’S DELIVERY, PG. 8

Labor & Delivery Guide 16 Nesting Nuggets 30 Calendar of Events 31 Belly Laughs 34

YOUR PREGNANCY 8 Delivered! Now What?

YOUR BABY 14 Baby’s First Year

YOUR TODDLER 7 Photo Magnets

10 Surviving Bed Rest

24 Nap Know-How

22 Making It Through a Meltdown

12 Pregnancy Fears

26 Bringing Baby Home

28 Rainy Day/Sunny Day Fun

16 Labor & Delivery Guide

27 Swim Lessons for Baby

31 Playdates

30 Choosing Baby’s Name 32 Date Night

Our cover features Whitney from Olathe. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

34 Belly Laughs

ON THE COVER

Check out the virtual Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com!

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kcparent.com april-june 2018

Surviving Bed Rest Common Pregnancy Fears Labor & Delivery Guide Toddler Meltdowns Nap Know-How Swim Lessons

10 12 16 22 24 27

baby&

maternity

APRIL- JUNE 2018 | KCPARENT.COM

common pregnancy fears

busted!

the

labor & delivery issue

everything you need to know about baby’s

4 NAPS 4 SWIM

LESSONS

4 MELTDOWNS

tips for surviving

bed rest

Are You Ready to

Grow A Reader?

As your baby’s first teacher, you can make the difference in the future of his or her academic success by singing songs, listening to music, most importantly reading books every day.

Mid-Continent Public Library's new Grow A Reader program offers many free resources.

Storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, online resources including video storybooks, and, of course, countless books are available at each of our branches to help your child start building successful reading skills.

Access Early Literacy

Our librarians are standing by to help! Visit growareader.org/KCBaby to learn more.

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

Now Welcoming New Patients!

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(913) 764-5600 Olathe (913) 387-3500 Overland Park (913) 745-2500 Shawnee (913) 378-9610 Prairie Village (913) 299-3300 Kansas City kcparent.com april-june 2018

5

baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

A

Visit KCParent.com for for GREAT GIVEAWAYS!

52 tickets to Incredibles 2

h, nap time, precious nap time. Naps and sleep schedule ruled the roost when I had babies. Any activities and outings were planned around nap time.

Getting my girls on a good sleep schedule was a high priority, and I was happy to make any adjustments needed so that could happen. Like clockwork, both girls gave up the afternoon nap when they turned 3. I’m a big believer in downtime, so for at least a year, both continued with afternoon quiet time in their rooms. Each had a basket full of books, puzzles and other activities they could do alone, in their beds. If you have a newborn who is still trying to figure out day and night or a baby transitioning from two naps to one, Olathe mom Sarah Lyons has tips for all stages of nappers on pg. 24.

When I was pregnant, I had many fears, worries and concerns, but one of my biggest was labor and delivery—the big unknown.

How would I know when I was in labor?

What would it really be like? Would I be able to handle the pain? What’s it like after Baby arrives? Good news! I survived it all—and so will you! To help ease your mind, we’ve got a couple of great articles that deal with labor and delivery. On pg. 12, Regan Lyons takes a look at common pregnancy fears, and on pg.

8, Christa Hines tells us what happens the minutes and hours after Baby is delivered.

The days are getting longer, and Kansas City offers much to explore with little ones. As we all know, Midwest weather is unpredictable, but we’ve got you covered! For both rainy day and sunny day fun with little ones all over KC, check out Kristina Light’s article on pg. 28. Plus, the online calendar at KCParent.com is chock-full of events for kids of all ages!

Enjoy your little ones, Kansas City!

$850 in tickets to Kansas Speedway

Worlds of Fun tickets

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kcparent.com april-june 2018

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Melissa Bellach, Overland Park Julie Collett, Overland Park Allison Gibeson, Lee’s Summit Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe Megan Kapple, Kansas City Gina Klein, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Regan Lyons, St. Joe Sarah Lyons, Olathe

LOCAL CONTENT

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of

KC Baby & Maternity is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec).

It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. KC Baby & Maternity is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to KC Baby & Maternity will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of KC Baby & Maternity.

craftcorner

Mason jar lid photo magnets

W

hether you are expecting your first baby or already have a few kids, chances are you are always looking for ways to display photos around your home. These Mason jar lid photo magnets are such an easy and creative way to add some photos of those cute little ones on your fridge. Make a bunch and give them away as gifts for grandparents or aunts and uncles.

Everyone will love getting some of these Mason jar lid magnets!

Materials Needed:

• Mason jar lids or small metal lids

• Photos

• Magnets

• Hot glue gun • Scissors or craft knife

Step One: Trace your lid onto the back of the photo.

Step Two: Using either scissors or a craft knife cut out the circle.

Step Three: Glue the photo onto the inside of the lid using hot glue.

Step Four: Attach a magnet to the back of the lid with some more hot glue.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

Mini Animal Canvases

Sensory Bottles

Night Light Makeover

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com april-june 2018

7

!

delivered

now what

?

what to expect the first 24 hours postpartum Is it true labor or false?

Find out how to tell at KCParent.com.

8

kcparent.com april-june 2018

i

f you’re on the homestretch of your pregnancy, you’re probably anxiously awaiting the moment when you finally get to hold your newborn in your arms. But what should you expect in the whirlwind of minutes and hours following your baby’s much-anticipated arrival?

The first five minutes. During

the first minute of his life, health care providers will conduct an Apgar exam to evaluate your baby’s heart rate, respiratory rate, muscle tone, cry, reflexes and skin color. The screening will be repeated at five minutes after birth.

“The Apgar system helps us know if a baby is adapting to this huge transition from in-utero to life on the outside,” says Dr. Erin McNulty, MD, an OB/GYN at Midwest Women’s Healthcare Specialists in Kansas City, MO.

A normal Apgar score ranges between 7 and 10. A score of 4 to 6 may mean that the baby requires oxygen and additional monitoring. Scores 3 and below demand emergency medical intervention.

Soon after delivery, babies receive Erythromycin eye ointment to prevent rare but serious eye infections that can be passed from Mom during delivery.

Newborns also receive Vitamin K, a vitamin that helps with blood clotting.

Because they don’t produce enough of the vitamin on their own just yet, lack of the supplement puts infants at risk for anemia, excessive jaundice or damage to internal organs, including the brain.

Meanwhile, if you’ve had a vaginal delivery, your medical team will oversee the delivery of the placenta and repair any tears to the perineum.

Many hospitals also try to ensure Mom and Baby get skin-to-skin bonding time in the first few minutes post-delivery, even if only for a few minutes in the operating room following a c-section.

The first hour. If you require a c-section, you’ll spend the first hour postpartum in the operating room where the medical team will suture the uterus and the abdominal skin before transferring you to the recovery room.

Your baby will be most alert during the hour following delivery. You may be pleasantly surprised at how your newborn turns toward your voice and instinctively reaches to nurse.

“If you place a baby skin-to-skin on Mom’s belly or chest, even right after delivery, the baby can usually get itself up to the breast to nurse,” says Lisa CavinWainscott, APRN, clinical nurse specialist, the Birth Place, Olathe Medical Center.

The first feeding will stimulate breast milk production and help the uterus contract, which can prevent excessive bleeding.

Don’t expect that you or your baby will get the hang of breastfeeding right away.

“Be patient. It takes time—potentially four to six weeks—for Mom and Baby to get comfortable,” Cavin-Wainscott says.

Your breastmilk won’t come in for another 48 to 72 hours, but don’t worry.

The colostrum that your breasts produce is usually enough for your newborn.

After the first feeding, you and your baby will be tired and ready to sleep. Newborns typically sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours per day and may need to be awakened for a feeding.

“Many new moms are surprised at just how often a newborn needs to eat,” Dr. McNulty says. “Their stomachs are the size of a pea so they are full quickly but need to eat quickly too.”

Baby will also pass her first stool, called meconium, which will be sticky and dark green or black in color.

First four to 12 hours. These days, most hospitals keep babies with their mothers rather than moving them to a nursery.

The time together promotes motherbaby bonding, relaxation and healing.

You’ll begin to learn your baby’s cries and recognize feeding cues like hand sucking.

While some hospitals will bathe the baby soon after delivery, others wait until four to 12 hours after birth.

“The baby has a special coating on his skin that actually acts as a moisturizer, so we don’t want to give the bath too soon,” says Dawn Cox, director of perinatal services, Health Sciences District, Truman Medical Center.

A bath immediately postpartum also can stress newborns because they get cold easily, Cox says.

You may also notice your baby sneezing, but that doesn’t mean she’s sick.

“Baby may be ‘spitty’ for several hours after birth as they get rid of blood and other fluids that may have been swallowed during the delivery process,” Cavin-Wainscott says.

You may experience physical pain from the delivery and mixed emotions.

“During the first day following delivery, the hormones your body made during pregnancy start to come crashing down, and mood swings and changes are the norm,” Dr. McNulty says.

Up to 24 hours. Your pediatrician or family care physician will conduct a complete physical assessment of your newborn, including blood type, bilirubin level, screening for rare genetic disorders and a hearing screen.

Labor and delivery nurses, lactation consultants and other health care providers will continue to provide you with support.

A financial counselor, social worker and WIC nutrition consultant also may visit to provide resources you might need before heading home.

Of course, friends and family will be anxious to drop in too.

“I hear many new parents who wish they had slowed down and enjoyed more bonding time with their baby, rather than allowing family members and friends to visit right away,” Dr. McNulty says.

If you’d prefer to wait to see visitors, ask them to visit after the first 24 hours or ask your nurses to advocate for you.

“We are glad to step in and support the patient however we can. We just need to know ahead of time what you would like,” Cox says.

Guests should refrain from visiting if they are sick since babies don’t have welldeveloped immune systems and are more susceptible to infection. Be aware that different hospitals have different security measures in place to ensure the privacy and safety of their patients. If possible, advise your friends ahead of time of your hospital’s visitor policies.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and their two sons. She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

A Few Essentials for Your Hospital Stay • Toiletries omfortable, loose-fitting •C clothing (including maternity clothes)

• Warm socks • Nursing bra or tank top • Car seat • S tocked diaper bag and going home outfit for Baby

• Hospital admission forms • P hysician contact information • I nsurance card, driver’s license, social security card

• P aperwork for Baby’s birth certificate, social security number and insurance

• Phone and phone charger

kcparent.com april-june 2018

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surv iv

i

ing bed rest

n October 2011, marathon runner Amber Miller made headlines all across America. Her feat? Running the Chicago Marathon 39 weeks pregnant, only to give birth hours later.

The following year, I found myself pregnant. But my biggest claim to fame wasn’t in sprinting my way into the maternity ward. It was found in lying as still as possible in hopes that a healthy baby boy would be delivered full term. I got my wish when my third-born, whose name means “peaceful victory,” found his way into my arms at 37 weeks. Both Amber and I were victorious in our goals of having healthy babies and healthy pregnancies, though the process looked astonishingly different.

Bed rest often comes as a surprising prescription for pregnant women.

The good news is that these days, bed rest should occur very rarely. Dr. Ingenue Cobbinah, OBGYN with Saint Luke’s Women’s Health East in Lee’s Summit states that typically if your doctor is prescribing “bed rest” it is to reduce work-related stress and to allow for increased awareness regarding baby’s activity level. Taking a patient away from work gives her the opportunity to be managed for certain health-related issues in the home setting, rather than the hospital. Dr. Cobbinah notes that, “In the past, typical reasons for bed rest included multiple gestations (twins, triplets), intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor, vaginal bleeding and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.”

Because bed rest can be prescribed for so many reasons, it often takes different forms, too. Bed rest can be a temporary assignment in which the body is given a chance to rest and normalize after a period of high stress or a complication. In these cases, women may find themselves still able to work or perform simple tasks but are given the green light by their doctors to take a nap or put their feet up a few hours each day. In high-risk situations, bed rest may require a much more life-altering assignment, including hospitalization, monitoring and even being bed bound for the extent of the pregnancy. In all of these cases, a health care provider prescribes bed rest for one common goal: to increase the likeliness of a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.

If you find yourself assigned to bed rest, be sure to discuss with your health care provider what the extent of your limitations are. In most all cases, bed rest will require abstaining from strenuous activity, exercise or lifting. The American Pregnancy Association recommends getting clarification on whether or not you may continue cooking or performing light chores, walking, driving or showering. Likewise, if you are assigned bed rest for a long period of time, it’s also important to consult with your doctor about what activities or exercises may help to keep your blood circulating.

Knowing that bed rest is in your forecast doesn’t always make it easy.

In fact, one of the great ironies of bed rest is just how stressful it can be.

10 april-june 2018 kcparent.com

Knowing that bed rest is in your forecast doesn’t always make it easy. In fact, one of the great ironies of bed rest is just how stressful it can be. For working women, bed rest can induce guilt or fear when it impacts a job. And for women with children, their parenting responsibilities weigh heavy. Discussing the logistics of your newfound assignment with family, friends and co-workers so they can help you in this time is essential. For so many women, the prospect of asking for help feels like casting a burden onto someone else. But all too often, it produces the opposite result: The people you reach out to for help feel privileged to be offered the opportunity to assist you when you need it most! For me, accepting help not only served me and my baby, but also gave my support team an opportunity to show just how much they truly cared!

If stress isn’t the overwhelming emotion, it’s distant cousin, boredom, is sure to follow. Here are some ways to make the most of bed rest.

make a journal For those with complications, chronicling the highs and lows of pregnancy can be both therapeutic and a helpful reminder of what was involved in bringing Baby into the world. Journal entries can highlight how you feel on a day-to-day basis, what acts of service friends and family have performed, fears, as well as hopes and prayers for your little one.

write thank yous Aunt Sue brought beef stroganoff. Your co-workers sent a gift card. And your neighbor has offered to bring your trash can to the curb and back again every trash day. Tell them how much they mean to you and how their acts of service have blessed you with a simple thank you note.

join a pregnancy community There’s power in solidarity. Find an online network of women dealing with the same complication or cause for bed rest so you can encourage one another and voice fears or concerns among understanding women.

reconnect Life with a little one will be bustling. Now is a great time to connect with friends, whether through phone calls, Facetime, texting or snail mail.

make preparations There’s never a better time than the present to get organized for your baby’s arrival. Pick out baby names and set up an online registry. This is a prime time to take care of your will, insurance, guardianship and financial matters, as well as choose baby announcements and a birth photographer. You also can order nursery items and develop a labor and delivery plan, which includes preferences of who you’d like to have present at the birth, laboring techniques and more.

handicraft Try your hand at knitting, crocheting, card making or handlettering. Discover a new hobby and make some sweet gifts in the process.

rest guilt-free You’re on bed rest for a reason. Let it be the perfect excuse to take a mental break, too. Enjoy binge-watching a favorite show on Netflix, devouring a favorite book series or streaming your favorite tunes.

play catch-up How many times do you find yourself saying, “If I only had the time, I would…?” Now’s the time to do just that! Process through paper piles, update your address book, jot down new recipes, complete that long overdue photo album or start a blog or podcast.

Time is on your side!

Lauren Greenlee found herself on bed rest with two of her three pregnancies. She writes from her Olathe home.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

things to have on hand for bed rest

• Lots of water and healthy snacks • Your phone, laptop, bluetooth speaker and chargers • Remote controls for your TV and blu-ray player • Cosmetics

• Books, magazines and other favorite reading materials • Toiletries such as lotion, tissues, nail clippers, a comb or brush

• A journal, thank you cards, paper, pens and highlighters kcparent.com april-june 2018

11

top pregnancy fears

F

inding out you are pregnant is extremely exciting, but it also can lead to worrying that your pregnancy won’t go as perfectly as you have always planned. Dr. Nathan Wegner, MD, OB-GYN at Healthcare for Women at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, gives some facts to help bust those fears and let you take a deep breath and relax during the rest of your pregnancy.

FEAR #1: My morning sickness is terrible!

My baby isn’t getting enough to eat!

When you’re fighting off morning or allday sickness in your first trimester and trying your best to keep crackers and juice down, it’s easy to worry your baby isn’t getting enough nutrients. Dr. Wegner says not to fret. “Babies are actually very good at finding the nutrition they need. They are very efficient little passengers, and, as in later life, will usually

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Busted get what they want.” However, he warns in severe cases, an expectant mama can become dehydrated and suffer from malnutrition and may require hospitalization and IV fluids.

To help with the first trimester sickness, Dr. Wegner suggests eating small and more frequent meals, stopping your prenatal vitamin and just taking folic acid, avoiding smells that make you sick and staying hydrated.

FEAR #2: I’ll go into labor too early!

A serious concern for most mothers is that their baby will be born premature and have complications. “This one might be on your worry radar because the rate of premature births has been hovering around 12 percent for many years,” says Dr. Wegner.

“By definition, a preterm birth is a delivery prior to 37 weeks. The babies at highest risk for complications are born at less than 34 weeks, but babies between 34 and 37 weeks can still have complications. That’s why it’s so important to choose a provider that can provide high-risk care and a hospital that can provide services such as an antepartum unit for moms requiring hospitalization, and a reputable NICU in case your baby needs extra support.”

Dr. Wegner also says one of the main risk factors for preterm birth is a prior preterm delivery, which is why he says progesterone supplementation (from 16 weeks to 36 weeks) during pregnancy is now recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm births.

Optimizing your health prior to pregnancy is also beneficial, according to Dr. Wegner. He recommends steps like not smoking, spacing your pregnancies from delivery to conception by at least 18 months and getting regular prenatal care to reduce the risk of preterm birth.

FEAR #3: I’m gaining too much weight!

We’ve all been there. You step on the dreaded scale at your checkup appointment and see a number five pounds higher than your last appointment! You think to yourself, “How did I possibly gain so much weight so quickly?” Dr. Wegner says all women gain weight at different times and at different rates during pregnancy. “Don’t get hung up on a few visits and don’t weigh yourself every day,” he says. “Remember to keep the big picture in mind. Eat healthy and stay active to achieve your goals.” However, Dr. Wegner does warn that pregnancy is NOT eating for two. Your calorie requirements are only about 300 calories more than your “ideal” daily calorie requirement.

FEAR #4: Labor Pains We’ve heard the horror stories that labor is the worst pain a woman ever experiences.

It’s true, labor can be painful, but you can do many things to prepare for and cope with the pain. “One of the best things you can do during your pregnancy is to get active and stay active. Regular, low impact exercise is recommended, and you’ll be stronger and have more endurance when the day finally comes to have your baby,” says Dr. Wegner.

Prenatal classes also can be beneficial. Dr. Wegner suggests taking a low intervention birthing class at HCA Midwest Health to help couples prepare to manage the pain of labor without medications. The class encourages women to feel confident about giving birth, which is a natural, healthy process. It includes relaxation and breathing exercises that can

help reduce your perception of pain, and it also teaches you to use distraction or massage from a supportive coach. Other methods women use to ease the pain include walking, taking a bath or shower, shifting position and listening to music.

“In the end, I advise all of my patients to be aware of their options and keep an open mind,” says Dr. Wegner. “Sometimes things don’t go according to the birth plan, and medications or anesthesia will be needed to optimize the outcome for you and your baby.

Also, if you are planning a ‘natural’ childbirth and end up with an epidural, you are not a failure or a bad mother. Pain tolerance varies greatly from person to person, and the trophy, your baby, is the same in the end.”

chromosomal abnormalities. Some occur so early a woman may just think she is having a late period.

Dr. Wegner says the majority of miscarriages are not preventable, but there are some modifiable risk factors. “Prior to your pregnancy, optimize your weight (not too much, but not too little), take folic acid/ prenatal vitamins prior to conceiving and don’t smoke or use alcohol or recreational drugs,” he advises.

The good news, according to the American Pregnancy Association, is that at least 85 percent of women who have had one loss will go on to have a successful pregnancy the next time, as will 75 percent of those who have experienced two or three losses.

FEAR #5: Miscarriage Unfortunately, some pregnancies do end in miscarriage. Dr. Wegner says the incidence increases with age (approximately 10-20 percent from age 20-30 and 40 percent or higher beyond age 40), and at least 50 percent of miscarriages are due to genetic/

When worrying becomes a problem “Anxiety is not only a part of being pregnant, it’s part of being human!

Everyone worries about their lives, and pregnancy is no exception,” says Dr. Wegner. “But there’s a difference between normal worrying and all-consuming anxiety during pregnancy, also known as antenatal anxiety.” Talk to your provider if your anxiety is causing you to experience these symptoms:

• You’re unable to concentrate on your day-to-day life.

• Y ou have trouble functioning at work or home.

• Y ou experience a frequent sense of panic, fear or restlessness.

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and 3-yearold daughter.

• You have obsessive thoughts.

• Y ou don’t enjoy things that used to

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

• Y ou experience heart palpitations and

make you happy. muscle tension.

The starting point for a healthy smile.

Did you know?

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that infants be seen by a pediatric dentist at the age of one or when their first teeth are visible. This will help them be comfortable with their future appointments and provide families with the tools they need to stay cavity free.

Locations:

Overland Park 14465 Metcalf Ave Overland Park KS 66223 913-553-2492

Legends 10940 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City KS 66109 913-948-8688 Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

StartingPointDental.com

kcparent.com april-june 2018

13

what to expect during

baby’s first

YEAR t

he first year of Baby’s life is one of the most exciting—and stressful— times for a parent. They have so many adjustments to make, worries to quell and learning to do. As Baby grows, parents watch for milestones and try to establish schedules. When Baby’s personality begins to emerge, parents learn how to change and adapt their style of doing things to fit that particular baby. “Throughout the first year, I felt like as soon as we would get used to one stage, the next stage would happen,” Nicole Harrison, Shawnee mom, says. “It seemed like the only constant was that everything was always changing!”

As parents navigate the rough waters of the newborn and infant stages, having an idea of what is coming next can be helpful.

What will Baby learn next? When will Baby be mobile? When will Baby begin to sleep

fewer hours during the day? And when, oh when, will Baby sleep through the night?

We are here to help with a guide for what to expect during your baby’s first 12 months.

Months 1 to 3 When Baby first comes home, he or she may seem to sleep all the time. From 2 weeks to 2 months of age, newborns sleep an average of 15.5 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period. Baby’s neck muscles are still weak in months 1 and 2, but by month 3, Baby can hold his head up on his own. Make sure you are talking to your baby! He is already able to identify the differences between sounds and will begin to babble at you, and maybe try to imitate sounds you make by month 3.

Months 4 to 6 At 4 months of age,

many babies begin to experience a change in their sleep patterns. “The 4-month sleep

regression is rough! My daughter went from sleeping six hours at night to waking up every hour from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.,” says Molly Kingston, Olathe mom. By 4 months, babies are sleeping four to five hours during the day. At 6 months, babies need an average of 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night and three-and-a-half hours of daytime naps spread over two to three naps. This is the time period when many parents begin to establish a set schedule for naps or bedtime.

Be sure to engage Baby as much as possible when she is awake! Baby is starting to play, likes peek-a-boo and may laugh when you tickle her. Talking, reading and singing all help with Baby’s future speech development.

Months 7 to 9 By 8 months, Baby is still enjoying 24 to 32 ounces of formula or breast milk every day. But this is the time

Baby will most likely become mobile during the first year and it will be time to babyproof! For tips on babyproofing your home, log onto KCParent.com.

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period when you can begin to introduce additional foods, including baby cereal, fruits and vegetables and mashed or pureed meats. Baby is very curious now!

He or she is exploring the house and many are crawling, maybe even pulling up on furniture. “Once our baby was mobile, it was a whole new world. We babyproofed the whole house! But it was fun that he was getting old enough to show us the toys he liked and laugh and participate when we played with him,” says Mandy Isom, Kansas City, MO, mom.

Months 10 to 12 At 11 months old,

your baby can make out faces from about 20 feet away. According to TheBump. com, the average weight for an 11-monthold baby is 19.2 pounds for girls and 20.8 pounds for boys. The average height is 28.7 inches for girls and 29.3 inches for boys. An 11-month-old baby sleeps, on average, for about 13 to 14 hours total per day. About 10 to 11 of those hours are at night, which means more rest at night for Mom and Dad! Baby may be preparing to walk, and some babies are already walking by 12 months.

While Baby’s first year is an exciting time, many parents worry about their tot’s hitting the appropriate milestones. These guidelines are only averages, and every baby is different. If you are concerned about your baby’s growth or development, talk to your pediatrician.

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mother of three living in Overland Park.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Baby’s Milestones Although all babies grow and develop at different rates, parents can look for some general physical milestones in the first 12 months.

Month 1: Baby can lift his or her head during tummy time.

Month 3: Baby is starting to babble, can open and close his hands and can hold up his head on his own.

Months 4 to 7: Baby can roll over, sit up on her own and pull toys toward her to play.

Months 8 to 12: Baby can use a pincer grasp, is crawling and is preparing to walk.

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER 19600 E. 39th St. S. Independence, MO 64057 Centerpoint Medical Center takes the unique needs of expectant moms and personalizes each birth experience. Nearly 8,000 babies have been born since Centerpoint opened in 2007 and, with the most advanced, family-centered care backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources, we offer private, spacious labordelivery and postpartum rooms, dedicated lactation consultants, and an electronic infant security system and robust communication for Baby’s safety. Centerpoint also has a Level III NICU supported by experienced neonatologists, specialized nurses and more.

816.698.7300 CenterpointMedical.com/ uniquedelivery

MENORAH MEDICAL CENTER 5721 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66209 The spa-like environment at the Women’s Center at Menorah Medical Center is nurturing, relaxing and secure for expectant moms, featuring private and spacious suites for labor, birth and recovery for the length of stay. Backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and expertise, the Women’s Center provides compassionate doctors specializing in mother-baby care and experienced nurses and support staff dedicated to caring for moms and newborns. Should the need arise, Menorah has a Level II NICU for babies requiring advanced 24/7 care.

1.877.769.6636 MenorahMedicalCenter.com/ uniquedelivery

16 april-june 2018 kcparent.com

HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 The new four-story Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust at Olathe Medical Center with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. Our new obstetrics wing with a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) features secure, webcam-enabled nurseries, an advanced NICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room and luxury suites with queen beds.

The NICU is staffed with RNs specially trained in the care of high-risk infants, neonatal nurse practitioners and board-certified neonatologists.

913.791.4200 OlatheHealth.org/birthplace

OVERLAND PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 10500 Quivira Rd. Overland Park, KS 66215 Overland Park Regional Medical Center— acclaimed for expertise in caring for situations that may arise before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth—is backed by HCA Midwest Health and board-certified obstetricians, perinatologists and expert nurses available 24/7.

Spacious birthing suites are designed for privacy and relaxation.

Also offered: the region’s first and most comprehensive certified nursemidwife program, Johnson County’s most advanced Level III NICU, the region’s only dedicated antepartum unit and Johnson County’s only dedicated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

913.541.5058 OPRMC.com/uniquedelivery

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section RESEARCH MEDICAL CENTER 2316 E. Meyer Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64132 Expectant moms feel confident and comfortable before, during and after giving birth with modern and spacious birthing and recovery suites at Research Medical Center, which is backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources. Research has doctors specializing in mother-baby care and dedicated, experienced nurses and support staff, plus the region’s most comprehensive certified nurse-midwife program. Research is one of only a few hospitals in the region to offer a comprehensive OB Hospitalist and emergency services programs and a Level III NICU is available.

816.276.3206 ResearchMedicalCenter.com/ uniquedelivery

SAINT LUKE’S CUSHING HOSPITAL 711 Marshall St. Leavenworth, KS 66048 As Leavenworth’s premiere maternity center, Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital makes your birth experience special with personalized care from our dedicated doctors and nurses.

You’ll labor, deliver, and recover in our newly remodeled suites and spend those first few days bonding with your newborn. From the homelike environment to the walk-in showers with massaging jets, we provide the utmost comfort for mothers and their families during labor and delivery.

913.684.1136 SaintLukesBaby.org

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section SAINT LUKE’S EAST HOSPITAL 100 NE St. Lukes Blvd.

Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Saint Luke’s East Hospital has been eastern Jackson County’s premiere maternity center for over 10 years. Our maternity center combines all the comforts of home with the most advanced medical technology to ensure a special and safe birthing experience. Rooming-in for parents, special rooms designed for twins, as well as a separate entrance and waiting area just for families are part of our familycentered care. Our Level IIIa NICU ensures even the tiniest patients are well cared for.

816.347.6000 SaintLukesBaby.org

SAINT LUKE’S HOSPITAL OF KANSAS CITY 4401 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111 More than 2,400 babies are born each year at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. Our maternity center features private rooms where you can room in with your newborn and spend the first days bonding. Our services range from low intervention, natural childbirth to high-tech care for high-risk pregnancies through Saint Luke’s MaternalFetal Medicine Specialists. We are home to Saint Luke’s Heart of America Mother’s Milk Bank, the region’s only human donor breastmilk bank.

816.932.2000 SaintLukesBaby.org

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section SAINT LUKE’S NORTH HOSPITAL – BARRY ROAD 5830 NW Barry Rd. Kansas City, MO 64154 More than 900 babies are born every year at Saint Luke’s North Hospital. We renovated our maternity center in 2015 to offer mothers and babies all the comforts of home combined with the most advanced medical technology and a Level II NICU. With our centralized location, we can conveniently serve the entire Northland area.

816.891.6000 SaintLukesBaby.org

SAINT LUKE’S SOUTH HOSPITAL 12300 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66213 From natural births to traditional and high-risk deliveries, the Saint Luke’s South Hospital maternity center offers the advantages of one-on-one attention and access to the most advanced medical technology. Women labor, deliver, and recover in one of our private, spacious suites, and you’ll remain in the same room your entire stay. Skilled doctors, nurses, and lactation specialists offer a caring and personalized birthing experience in a family-centered environment, supported by a Level III NICU. 913.317.7000 SaintLukesBaby.org

20 april-june 2018 kcparent.com

Tips to Make Labor Easier

By Lauren Greenlee

Make a List and Check It Twice

Conserve Your Energy

Don’t let labor take you by surprise.

Develop a plan with the aid of your doctor or midwife so you know what to do when it strikes. While consulting with your medical provider, ask questions: “How long should I labor at home before heading to the birthing center? And when should I call the hospital to inform them I’m in labor?” Schedule a visit to your hospital’s birthing center to familiarize yourself with the facility and keep tabs on what you should bring with you.

Labor potentially can be a long process, so it’s important to pace yourself. Because you will likely spend the early stages of labor at home, try to relax while there as much as possible. Take a warm shower or ask your spouse to provide a gentle massage. Listen to a favorite soothing playlist and don’t forget to drink plenty of water and fuel your body well.

Feel the Burn Pregnancy is not the time to start a new high-impact workout or set out to break personal fitness records, but it’s a wonderful time to implement mild physical activity such as walking, swimming or prenatal yoga to build the endurance you will need throughout labor. As always, consult with your doctor while developing a prenatal fitness plan.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who receive continuous care throughout labor from a support person such as a doula are more than 50 percent less likely to need a C-section, 30 percent less likely to use pain medication and, perhaps most impressively, have labors that are 25 percent shorter than those who didn’t have a support team.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Check out the interactive virtual

Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com where users can find comprehensive information on hospitals including descriptions, images, videos, social media links and much more!

Other hospitals in the Kansas City metro that offer labor and delivery services include: Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH.org) Liberty Hospital (LibertyHospital.org/baby) North Kansas City Hospital (NKCH.org/maternity) Providence Medical Center (ProvidenceKC.com) Shawnee Mission Health Birth Center (ShawneeMission.org/BirthCenter) Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill (HospitalHillKC.org) Truman Medical Center Lakewood (LakewoodHospitalKC.org) University of Kansas Health System (KansasHealthSystem.com) kcparent.com april-june 2018

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making it though a

meltdown how to help your child keep his calm without loosing yours

y

our child wants to eat at his favorite restaurant, but you say no. You find yourself at the store past your child’s bedtime, and she is running on no nap. Or even worse, you refuse to buy your child the checkout-lane candy during that late-night store trip on the no-nap day.

These are all perfect recipes for a meltdown. We’ve all been there, but what are some strategies to use to help prevent meltdowns?

Meltdowns often occur when a child is tired, hungry or unable to communicate properly, and parents need to consider whether a meltdown is happening for these reasons.

Yet when it comes to meltdowns resulting from a child’s being disappointed or protesting a boundary, Dr. Charles Fay, president of Love and Logic, says parents generally can give themselves a pat on the back because they likely just set the perfect limit for the child.

“Kids tend to protest the limits they need the very most,” Fay says.

Fay says the more fits a child has when he is younger, the fewer fits he will have when he is older because he has learned boundaries and how to deal with disappointments in life.

Here are some strategies to consider when dealing with meltdowns:

Know your child’s limits and work within them.

Why are you going to the store with your child after her bedtime? It might be convenient for you, but could you arrange your schedule to go several hours earlier when she is not quite so tired?

Overall, how many activities are you trying to pack into one day? Are you still trying to do more after your child indicates she is “done?”

Offer empathy.

Fay recommends acknowledging you understand what your child is feeling and showing interest in what he wants, even if it’s not something you are going to give him. Sometimes the child might simply want someone to understand what he feels.

Lee’s Summit mom Elizabeth Ditty typically takes her son somewhere quiet and away from everyone when he begins to lose his cool. She then uses this as an opportunity to sit with him and have a calm talk about what he’s feeling.

“That way I can get to the underlying cause or issue and help him find better solutions,” Ditty says.

“At the very least, it acknowledges what he’s feeling. It helps both of us.”

She says it’s important to remember your child might be having thoughts and feelings you aren’t immediately in tune with and may just need someone to be understanding.

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Blue Springs mom Elizabeth Oswald says she sits near her daughter during a meltdown so she knows she is there for her and is present in the situation. Instead of engaging in the meltdown, she focuses on something else so she doesn’t get stressed and worked up in the moment. She then waits for her daughter to calm down, offers a hug and discusses what happened.

Model the behavior you would like to see in your child.

John Stump, Jr., with Kansas City Family Therapy, says many children question how they are supposed to keep their own emotions under control when their parents are not able to do the same.

“Consider how you are modeling what to do with these emotions during these times,” Stump says. “How am I personally reacting to my child that could make matters worse or make matters better?”

Similarly, Fay says the calmer and more relaxed a parent is when a child is having a meltdown, the better the child will respond.

“Kids take their emotional cues from the adults around them,” Fay says.

With this in mind, have reasonable expectations of how your day with your child is going to go. If you expect perfection, you are going to be disappointed. If you understand your child is going to make mistakes and is in the process of learning how to deal with her emotions, then you will be more prepared to deal with a potential meltdown.

Fay says kids learn best through mistakes, and mistakes aren’t always a negative thing.

“We’re so worried about our kids having problems and our kids making mistakes that we stress all the time,” Fay says.

Know your child’s cues.

How well do you know your child? Are you able to see when your child is reaching the point of a near meltdown and calm him down before it’s too late?

Stump says it’s nearly impossible to teach children anything when they have escalated to the point of a total meltdown.

However, if you can intervene in the earlier stages, you can have more success.

Take time for yourself.

We parents often neglect our self-care but we need to take care of our own needs in order to best care for our children.

Be mindful.

Stump encourages spending time learning to manage your own emotions in an effort to be able to respond to your child properly.

Identify your own triggers, as well as how and why you respond the way you do when you experience various emotions.

Why the meltdown?

Meltdowns can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common include: n The child is tired. n The child is hungry. n The child is not able to communicate effectively. n The child needs a boundary or limit set. n The child feels his thoughts and emotions aren’t being understood or acknowledged.

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit mom and freelance writer.

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Tips for the newborns

nap know-how

h

ave you ever seen the kids sleeping in strollers at the mall or even an amusement park, clearly unbothered by the noise or what is going on around them? Before I became a mother, I assumed getting a child to nap was as simple as giving the

child a space to rest. A dozen years and six kids later, I have learned the hard way it is rarely that simple. Here are some tips to make nap time go more smoothly, resulting in more rest for everyone.

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Having their days and nights mixed up is common for newborns.The goal for this age is to help babies sleep more at night and take many short naps in between feedings during the day. Newborns need up to 16 hours of sleep per day, and it’s okay if they rest in their cribs, in the car or in your arms.

You cannot spoil a newborn baby with too many snuggles. Play and interact with your baby during daytime hours and create quiet restful times at night to encourage correct sleep patterns.

Tips for infants At 3 months old, babies can sleep five- or six-hour stretches at night. This is a great time to start introducing a nap schedule.

Consistency is key, and parents often have success by creating a routine. Turn down the lights, snuggle in the chair, read a book or sing a song, swaddle Baby and lay him down while still awake but sleepy. Babies learn what to expect by routine, and when they start to

recognize the bedtime cues, they will begin to relax and prepare for nap time. During this stage, babies typically take two naps per day.

Tips for toddlers Usually between 12 and 18 months, your child will begin to give up her morning nap.

While this may worry some parents, it can be freeing. Moving to one long nap in the afternoon can give parents more freedom to explore activities in the morning with their child. Some parents may find that moving

the afternoon nap to an earlier time as they make this transition may be easier for the child. If you prefer a later afternoon nap, begin moving the time by 15 minutes until you reach the time that works for you.

Tips for preschoolers Most kids will give up naps between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. As parents guide the transition out of naps, providing a quiet time to rest is still very important, as kids of all ages (and their caregivers) need

downtime to recharge. Provide a quiet space either in the bedroom or a comfy chair for them to play quietly, read, listen to music or watch a favorite show. Get the whole family to participate, including Mom and Dad. This may be a nap for some, reading a book for others or drawing or journaling for some.

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Nap time disruptions and solutions VACATION: A strange space, a different bed and a lack of routine can be a big disruption. Try to maintain the nap times and routine as closely as possible. Bring familiar blankets, stuffed animals and books to recreate your child’s routine as closely as possible.

SICKNESS: When Baby doesn’t feel well, the routine can quickly go out the window. Try to create as much balance as possible with your normal routine and making your child comfortable. When your child is back to normal, return to your normal nap routine.

BUSY DAY: If you have a lot of errands and appointments and you miss your child’s nap time, do your best to give him an opportunity to rest while you are out and also when you get home. Adjust bedtime if needed to allow for additional rest and return to the routine the next day.

CAR NAP: When your child falls asleep in the car, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, chances are she will wake up grouchy and not take a nap again. Allow a quiet time for your child to rest, even if she isn’t sleeping.

Free Bathtime Babies Classes 2-5 months

Waterbabies Classes 6-35 months

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b

clean and organize

ringing a baby home from the hospital is a wonderfully amazing and joyful experience, but an overwhelming and stressful one as well. Too bad there isn’t a definitive parenting manual because bringing home Baby is no easy task! With a few preparations, the transition can be a little smoother. Here are a few tips to consider:

After talking to several local moms, the consensus is clear: Clean before bringing Baby home!

“Clean everything. Get all the dishes done and the trash taken out. Basically anything I would do when I go on vacation is what I did before my daughter was born,” Kortney says. “Oh, and wash and vacuum out the car too!” Many moms suggest hiring a cleaning person/service to do a deep clean before bringing Baby home as well.

Once you arrive home, you’ll want to soak up all the newbie snuggles you can, not worry about dusting and vacuuming!

stock up On everything! If you aren’t already using a subscription service like Amazon or Target, make sure to stock up on household essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergent, hand sanitizer and any other basics you use regularly. Don’t forget to include wipes and diapers, although don’t go nuts either. Babies change diaper sizes fairly quickly, and you never know whether your little one will have a sensitive bum that reacts to whatever wipes you get.

laundry...loads of it!

You would never think one tiny human could create SO much laundry, but between spit-ups, blowouts and drool, you are certainly going to be spending way more time doing laundry than you bargained for! And speaking of spit-up, blowouts and drool, study up on Stain Management 101. In my book, baby stains rank right up there with tomato sauce, grass stains and wine—nearly impossible to truly get out. Survey your mom friends to find out the tried-and-true methods for stain removal.

bringing home

y b a b

Baby prep Be sure to purchase the necessities you’ll need for Baby but “understand the difference between what you ‘need’ and what you ‘want’ for raising a baby,” shares first-time dad Ryan. “We live in a modest-sized home, so having too many giant plastic baby devices scattered about is just too much for us.” Be sure to have some clothes washed and ready for Baby but try not to be overzealous about removing tags. Babies grow so quickly and sometimes breeze (or skip!) right through sizes. Our little dude is 4 months, but wearing 6 months, and even some 9 months, just because he is SO long!

pressure off

As Ryan puts it, “This is not the time to attain to perfection. Be prepared for things not going as planned and adjust with a positive attitude.” Emmie, a soon-to-be Overland Park mom, puts it in perspective: “Try to focus on the positive—Baby— instead of getting overwhelmed with everything that still needs to be done!”

Although all the preparations are nice, do realize your limitations and that in the end, it doesn’t matter how much you have done.

As Emmie says, “It takes stress off to feel as prepared as possible even though I know I will probably never be prepared enough.” The good news is your baby will never know what is or isn’t done. The most important part is welcoming your little one home!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she has had the joy and pleasure of bringing home Baby four times!

quiz: Does Baby have a place to sleep?

Do you have a car seat installed?

Do you have clothes, diapers and wipes?

Do you have a way to feed Baby?

If you answered YES to these questions, you are ready to bring Baby home!

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swim lessons h for babies

itting the pool for swim lessons before learning to walk might seem a little odd. But for babies, swimming comes almost second nature.

Many parents are capitalizing on this fact, and studies back them up. New research indicates that swim lessons provide babies with a host of benefits both in and out of the water, including advanced motor skills, mood regulation and improved cognitive function. Swim lessons also tout a sweet fringe benefit: bonding between parent and child. Time in the water together is free from distraction. Phones take their rightful place, silenced and put away, while babies get skin-on-skin contact, eye contact and a delightful time of play with Mom or Dad! Swim lessons can begin earlier than many might think, but do keep a few factors in mind. First, seek lessons in a heated pool (or if utilizing an outdoor pool, make sure the water temperature is comfortably warm and shiver free) because babies can’t yet regulate temperature well. Second, harsh pool chemicals can compromise a baby’s delicate immune system, and for this reason, health care professionals recommend waiting until 3-6 months to begin pool time. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you have any reservations but don’t wait too

long. Children tend to become more fearful about swimming the older they get, whereas babies are less resistant to being in the water and easily can master lifesaving skills such as floating on their backs.

Splashing and playing while singing songs proves instrumental in giving little ones confidence in the pool.

Initial swim lessons focus less on teaching Baby how to swim and more on training parents about water safety while giving babies ample exposure to water.

Splashing and playing while singing songs proves instrumental in giving little ones confidence in the pool. As confidence increases, classes focus on integrating early skills such as back floating and tummy time, as well as going under the water.

Many parents are surprised at how naturally babies will hold their breath underwater.

Being scared of water is often a learned skill that comes over time but can be thwarted through early lessons.

Starting swim lessons young is about laying a foundation that can be built upon over time. But for many parents, particularly those who live on lakefront property or own a pool, water safety is the primary objective. Learning those safety lessons as early as possible is critical, so they may seek out alternative forms of lessons, such as Infant Survival Rescue’s self-rescue program. ISR programs are directed toward children ages 6 months to 6 years, teaching students to hold their breath, float on their back and maintain that position independently until someone can come to their aid. Unlike traditional swim lessons for babies, ISR lessons are coached one-on-one while parents sit nearby. Classes occur daily and typically take around six weeks to complete. Although survival skills are key, undergirding these methods are foundational swimming postures that transform water from something terrifying to something terrific.

Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer hailing from Olathe.

CHECK OUT EMLER SWIM SCHOOL FOR SWIM LESSONS FOR BABY Kansas City – Leawood | 3612 W. 135th St., Space D201 | Leawood, KS 66224 | 913.451.SWIM (7946) Kansas City – Westwood | 2848 W. 47th Ave. | Kansas City, KS 66103 | 816.656.8600

EMLERSWIMSCHOOL.COM kcparent.com april-june 2018

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rain or shine: Spring weather in the Midwest is unpredictable. Enjoy these favorite outings, whether the weather forecast is rain or shine.

On the Farm

Growing the Garden

On a rainy day, head inside to play pretend at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum (JoCoGov. org/dept/museum/home). This indoor play village includes a child-sized community. One of the favorite aspects of the exhibit is the farm. An 1870s farmstead introduces children to life on the farm: tending animals, collecting eggs, gardening and pretending to do household chores inside the farmhouse.

On a rainy day, visit your

On a sunny day, feed

Park Arboretum (ArtsAndRecOP.org) is a delightful place to spend a spring day. With blooming flowers to enjoy and the charming children’s garden the whimsical train garden, and the stunning Monet garden, as well as miles of trails to walk and explore, you and your little ones will have an enchanted visit.

baby goats, ride a pedal tractor and learn how to milk a cow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (913.897.2360). The farmstead is a top pick for local moms, who can take their tots to encounter goats, chickens, ponies, cows, bunnies, pigs, horses, bison, prairie dogs and more.

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local nursery. Family Tree Nursery (FamilyTreeNursery. com) and Suburban Lawn & Garden (SuburbanLG.com) are some of the largest nurseries in the area with wide selections to enjoy. If you visit on a sunny day, Suburban Lawn & Garden’s South KC location allows shoppers to use go-karts to peruse the large outdoor selection. Toddlers enjoy the ride through the flowers.

On a sunny day, Overland

Art Appreciation On a rainy day, paint

pottery. Local ceramics shops Ceramic Café (CeramicCafeKC. com) or Paint, Glaze & Fire (PaintGlazeAndFire.net) offer story time and projects for little ones. Or walk in any time and paint something together. Let your little one get creative or design a handprint or footprint keepsake.

On a sunny day, spend

some time at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins. org). You can visit the museum any time and explore the galleries, then enjoy a picnic on the lawn and explore the exhibits outside at Sculpture Park. The info kiosk offers a family-friendly tour and ideas for little ones.

Or plan to visit when special programming for tots is on the calendar. On the second Sunday of each month at 1:30, enjoy story time for preschoolers. On the third Friday of each month, participate in Junior Jaunts from 10:15 to 11:00. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adultfocused, yet infant-friendly, mini museum tour.

favorite kc outings with little ones Wild Animals On a rainy day,

Mid-Continent Public Libraries (MyMCPL.org) offer free educational programs for all ages throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Kansas City Zoo’s Zoo to You programs where zoo animals visit. They also offer petting zoo programs and animal-themed story times and puppet shows. Check the library’s event calendar for information and follow the calendar on KCParent.com.

On a sunny day, ride the

carousel at the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org). The zoo is always a favorite destination, with polar bears, penguins, elephants, kangaroos, sea lions and hundreds more animals to enjoy. Purchase a FOTZ pass to include rides and visit often, plus zoo memberships are reciprocal with other zoos if your family travels.

Tip: You may pack a picnic at the Kansas City Zoo.

Get the Wiggles Out

Native Nature

On a rainy day, visit an indoor playground during an open jump.

Many indoor play places offer special jump times for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Also, visit KCParent.com and click “Coupons” to save on admission. Jump City in Belton (JumpCityKC.com) is one of our favorites. This indoor play place offers a variety of inflatable bounce houses with an array of themes. Urban Air Trampoline Park (UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com) offers Jumperoo from 9:00 to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays for children ages 5 and younger. Sky Zone (SkyZone.com) offers a Toddler Time on various days. It’s a great time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents without interference from the big kids.

On a rainy day, Kansas City

On a sunny day, visit one of the

On a sunny day, visit the

best parks in Kansas City (search “Best Parks” on KCParent.com for ideas). Some of our favorites for little ones include Meadowmere Park with a fun forest-themed play area and soft play surfaces, Leawood City Park with a fully accessible playground for all ages and abilities and Penguin Park with giant penguins and elephants adorning the play area with equipment for all age groups.

is home to many wonderful nature centers, and they all offer story times and classes for all ages, including infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Burr Oak Woods (816.228.3766) is one of our favorite outings on a chilly afternoon. You’ll see a large aquarium of Missouri’s freshwater fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more and many great hands-on exhibits. Lakeside Nature Center (816.513.8960) is home to some of the best animal displays in the area, with falcons, owls, eagles, toads, frogs, fish, insects and wonderful exhibits on the animals in our city and in our homes.

Native Hooved Animal Enclosure (MakeYourDayHere.com) in Fleming Park. This 110-acre fenced enclosure is home to bison, elk and white-tailed deer.

You may feed apples or pears to the animals as they approach the fences.

Kristina Light believes in being prepared when it comes to fun with kids.

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nestingnuggets

?

Think about how you spell the name you choose for your baby.

Although choosing a unique spelling can be fun, consider whether that choice will turn into a lifetime of correcting people who will spell it notoriously incorrectly. Also, will people be able to pronounce it?

What nicknames might be created from the name over time?

Will you be happy with the long and short versions of your baby’s name? (e.g., Nicholas/Nick/Nicky, Katherine/Kate/Katie, Matthew/Matt/Matty, Elizabeth/Liz/Beth)

choosing baby’s name

a

s a child, you probably dreamed about what your own children would be like someday, how many you’d have and, perhaps, even their genders.

You even may have thought up some great names for them. But that was then, and this is, well, now. Now you’re all grown up, pregnant and struggling to find the perfect name for your little one. Naming your baby is not always an easy task. In fact, it can be downright difficult, especially when you and your partner may not agree on what to name your new addition. Just remember, though, there are about as many ways to pick a name as there are names themselves. Here are just a few examples to get you started:

Last names as first names. Johnson, Jackson, Coleman, Bentley, Piper…the possibilities are endless.

A name from an advertisement or sign. A lot of babies have been named after their parents saw the name they loved on an advertisement or a sign on a vehicle or building.

Grandparents’ or parents’ names.

Perhaps you’d like to pass down the names of important people in your life.

A geographical location. Some babies are named after special places on the map or simply unique geographical names, such as Dakota, Dallas and Sydney.

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Beth Opal Olson).

However you choose to name your new little one, make it special in the way you feel is appropriate for your family. The name game can be a nerve-wracking process, but it also can be a lot of fun!

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein learned years ago that the day her parents saw the name Gina on a pizza truck, they knew it was “the one.”

Vintage names. Maybe you’d like to name your baby Pearl, Eleanor or Gertrude.

More and more parents are bringing back names from the past.

Calling out nature. If you’re a nature lover, perhaps you’d like to name your baby something like River, Skye or Starr.

A favorite book or movie character. Many parents out there choose names based on a favorite character in a movie or book they’ve read.

Pay attention to initials and be sure they don’t spell out disaster for your child (Asher Samuel Smith or

Whatever you choose to name your baby, here are some great things to consider before your baby’s name is final:

How does the full name you’re considering roll off your tongue? Is it a tongue twister? Could the combination turn your child’s name into a joke? (e.g., Terri Anna could become Terry Anna Banana).

Need a little extra help finding that perfect baby name? Look no further than your cell phone! Numerous baby-naming apps are available.

But beware—they can become addictive. Here are just a few: 1. Baby Names Genius by Health and Parenting Ltd. (Free, Google Play) 2. Baby Names/First Names 2017

by Charlies Names (Free, Google Play) 3. USA Baby Names by App Hero (Free, Google Play) 4. Baby Names by Schatzisoft (Free, iTunes) 5. Baby Names by Nametrix (Free, iTunes)

>> SPRING 2018 CALENDAR Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

Readers: These events typically occur every week, but there may be exceptions. Please call ahead to verify times.

DAILY Open Jump Daily, Urban Air Overland Park. Urban Air is the perfect place to entertain kids of every age.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Indoor Playtime Jump City, Belton.

JumpCityKC.com. Jump City offers bouncing, sliding and jumping fun for kids 12 years old and younger.

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles...lots for your little one to play and learn. $1-2/child. OPKansas.org

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Irene B French Community Center. Play with Little Tikes vehicles, pretend kitchen and more. $2. 913.322.5550

Creative Story Time Tue & Fri, 10:30, Ceramic Café. Enjoy a book, paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack. $12 per child + tax. CeramicCafeKC.com Tots on Tuesday Third Tuesday of each

JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times for all ages, every day of the week!

month, 10:30-11:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Dress up, play color-matching games, try on crazy hats and read stories with a trendy twist.

KemperArt.org

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or

Gym for Me Mon & Wed (Lenexa Community Center), Tue & Thu (Lenexa Rec Center). A place to run, ride and play while making new friends and having fun. $1. 913.477.7100

Toddler Time Wed & Sun, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com

Moms FREE Monday 9:30-8:00, Paradise

What’s for Dinner? Wed & Sat, 3:00, Burr

Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. Paradise-Park.com

Oak Woods. The captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Wednesday and Saturday. MDC.mo.gov

Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft. GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

FRIDAY Junior Jaunts Third Friday of the month, 10:15-11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bring your baby for an adult-focused, yet infant-friendly, mini museum tour. Free.

Nelson-Atkins.org Paint Me a Story Alternating Fridays, 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a ceramic piece, listen to a story and enjoy a snack. $15/child. PaintGlazeAndFire.net Family Night 6:30, Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch. Free weekly programs include concerts, puppet shows, theater, magicians and more.

KCLibrary.org

SATURDAY Home Depot Kids Workshops Alternating Saturdays, Home Depot stores across the metro. Free workshops for children where kids build wooden projects to keep. Workshops.HomeDepot.com

kcparent.com april-june 2018

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>> SPRING 2018 CALENDAR

Visit KCParent.com and search “Favorite Dates” for even more ideas!

parents night out

TAO: Drum Heart at the Polsky Theatre at JCCC Third Thursdays at the Nelson Monthly, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, NelsonAtkins.org. Join the revelry every third Thursday of the month for live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talents…all just for adults! Designed for college-age and above, but all adults are welcome.

Fourth Friday Art Walk Downtown Lee’s Summit Monthly April-August, DowntownLS.org. Fourth Friday Art Walks in Downtown Lee’s Summit are packed with a variety of activities, including artist receptions, artist showcases, music in the park at Howard Station Park, street theater, Yoga in the Streets and even some surprises!

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street March 23-April 15, Spencer Theater, KCRep.org. The story of the obsessively vengeful barber Benjamin Barker and his twisted partnership with the outrageous Mrs. Lovett. Sondheim’s gloriously gruesome musical combines

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melodrama and murder and features one of the most chilling, thrilling scores ever written for the stage.

TAO: Drum Heart April 7-8, Polsky Theatre at JCCC, JCCC.edu/theseries.

TAO has performed in more than 22 nations and 400 cities around the world.

After its first performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, TAO sold out every show of its first North American tour.

The Man in Black April 13-15, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KCBallet. org. Experience a world premiere

by Andrea Schermoly. Flannel shirts, cowboy boots and jeans never looked so good in James Kudelka’s hit ballet, The Man in Black, performed to the music of Johnny Cash.

the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale.

Julia Bullock Concert April 28, Folly Theater, HJSseries.org. The New York Times heralded Julia Bullock as “poised for a significant career.” The charismatic soprano has been lighting up stages around the world, performing vocal repertoire from Schubert to Broadway.

Her Folly Theater recital will show off her amazing range.

Brookside Art Annual May 4-6, BrooksideKC.org. This art show is the first of the season. The annual event is known for its festive atmosphere, hospitality and convenience, and has become a must-attend event for artists and art seekers alike.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella April 21, Polsky Theatre at JCCC, JCCC.edu/theseries. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from

NASCAR Race Weekend at Kansas Speedway May 11-12, Kansas Speedway, KansasSpeedway.com. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

race takes place on Friday, May 11, and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Night Race will be Saturday, May 12 at 7:00.

Bank of America Celebration at the Station May 27, Union Station, KCSymphony.org. Michael Stern leads the orchestra in a moving patriotic concert to celebrate Memorial Day— followed by the city’s largest fireworks display. Make it an all-day family affair with pre-concert musical acts, activities and food trucks. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome.

Jazzoo KC June 1, Kansas City Zoo, KansasCityZoo.org. Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser, and your attendance helps the zoo feed and care for more than 1,700 animals and educate Kansas City youth through the Zoo Learning Fund. Guests are entertained by continuous live music from local artists.

Cats June 7-24, Musical Theater Heritage at Crown Center, MusicalTheaterHeritage.com. One of the world’s best-known and meow-

velous musicals! Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, Cats is one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Symphony in the Flint Hills June 9, in the Flint Hills, SymphonyInTheFlintHills.org.

At this annual event, experience the wide-open prairie and endless sky as you enjoy educational exhibits, nature activities, great food and, of course, a symphony program filled with inspiring classics.

Much Ado About Nothing June 12-July 1, Southmoreland Park, KCShakes.org.

Shakespeare in the Park is a favorite free summer tradition in Kansas City. Bring a picnic and enjoy theater under the stars. This year’s play is Much Ado About Nothing.

Sunflower Music Festival June 22-30, Topeka, SunflowerMusicFestival.org.

The Sunflower Music Festival of Topeka presents an annual series of orchestra concerts, chamber music evenings, educational projects and other artistic events of the highest caliber.

Arcades Go retro with a night on the town at a local arcade. Draftcade (Draftcade.com) offers a full-service bar with food items and more than 70 arcade games. Tapcade (TapcadeKC. com) is a restaurant and bar with arcade games for adults. And Up-Down KC (UpDownKC.com) is an arcade and bar with a retro vibe for adults.

First Fridays in the Crossroads First Friday of every month, Crossroads Arts District, KCCrossroads.org/first-fridays. Enjoy the city’s liveliest and most popular event.

Arts organizations, galleries, studios and a wide variety of local businesses feature regional and national artists, as well as live entertainment. Most make it an evening, with dinner and drinks from a colorful array of restaurants and entertainment venues.

First Friday Weekend in the West Bottoms, Fri.-Sun., West Bottoms District, WestBottoms.com. The historic West Bottoms district, home to the KC Stockyards in the 1940s, is now famous for its haunted houses in the fall and its antique and boutique shops year-round.

On the first weekend of each month, the shops are open late.

Our interactive virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide has

HAVING A BABY SOON?

images, complete

Check out KC Parent’s Interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com

social media links

descriptions, video, and much more.

SEARCH HOSPITALS BY: • LOCATION • NICU LEVEL • CLASSES OFFERED

kcparent.com april-june 2018

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bellylaughs

I realized my child’s well-being was far more important than my own.

– Sabra

We asked KC Parent’s 53,000+ Facebook fans:

Complete this sentence: I knew I was a parent when…

Meg: I was standing in line at the grocery checkout (without kids) and swaying my hips.

Matt: When we were the first ones to get to board the plane!

Melanie: The moment that sticks out the most is the first time I was referred to as “Cale’s mom” rather than Melanie.

Karen: My baby pooped on me at a party. And I stayed at the party.

Angela: The first time I held my daughter seconds after she was born.

Melinda: I was thrown up on, during dinner, at a restaurant.

Carla: I saw my first son’s heartbeat on our ultrasound. It was the most precious thing I had ever seen!

Sabra: I realized my child’s well-being was far more important than my own.

Carrie: When I dove in to catch the vomit rather than back away.

Kerri: I chose to go home when my son was tired instead of staying at a party that I wanted to stay at. His well-being trumped my want.

Dana: When I found myself saying the exact lines my mom used to say to us: “Don’t even try it. Mom knows and sees everything.”

Jason: When poop and vomit (often at the same time) ceased to faze me.

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kcparent.com april-june 2018

The perfect arrival.

The perfect place.

The new Birth Place

Enhanced capabilities. More amenities. The new Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. It’s a combination that makes the Birth Place the perfect place for you and your little one.

Come see our new addition.

• Secure webcam-enabled nurseries • Advanced, Level II Neonatal ICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room • 4-story obstetrics wing featuring luxury suites with queen-size beds, big enough to share

Meet the doctors who deliver at Olathe Medical Center at olathehealth.org/birthplace