KC Baby & Maternity Summer 2022

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IN EVERY ISSUE 7

Craft Corner

Ask the Experts 12 Labor & Delivery Guide 18

LABOR DAY, PG. 20

Calendar of Events 32 Belly Laughs 34

YOUR PREGNANCY

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

10 Choosing a Pediatrician

24 Bonding with Baby

12 Ask the Experts

26 Family Campout with Baby

22 Potty Training

14 Nursing 101

28 Product Review

29 Crib to Bed

16 OB/GYN Timeline

32 Playdates

30 Water Fun

8 Terrific Toddlers

18 Labor & Delivery Guide 20 Labor Day 28 Product Reviews 34 Belly Laughs

Our cover features Jayde from Tonganoxie.

Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com

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ON THE COVER Choosing a Pediatrician Nursing 101 Labor Day Water Fun

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WATER FUN NURSING 101:

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Keeping kids as healthy as possible is about more than ER visits and diagnosing rare diseases.

We want to be there for your parenting questions, from the breakfast table to your biggest fears. Because when we partner together, we can clear new paths for every child’s potential.

Learn more at childrensmercy.org/imagine.

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LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe)

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THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

y uncle served as our pediatrician growing up. We went to his office for yearly checkups, but if we came down with something or sustained an injury, typically a phone call was made to Uncle Bill, meds prescribed or course of action discussed, and that was that. So, when it came time to find a pediatrician for our girls, I was overwhelmed with where to start. I didn’t live in my hometown and didn’t know any pediatricians.

Through recommendations from friends, we were able to find a doctor that took care of our girls through babyhood and childhood. Now that both girls are older, they’ve moved on from the pediatrician, but I know finding one can seem like such a daunting task. Olathe mom Christa Melnyk Hines has some great tips on how to find the right doctor for your bundle of joy, starting on pg. 10. And if you start with a doctor and find it’s not a good fit, remember that it’s okay to move on!

Warmer, longer days are here, and that means it’s time to get out and play! Whether they’re babies, toddlers or big boys and girls, all kiddos seem to love the water—except for taking a bath or shower! For some reason, that kind of water is no fun. Playing in it, splashing in it, making bubbles with it—opportunities for water fun are endless. For great ideas for water play at home and out and about in Kansas City, head to pg. 30. We’ve got you covered for water fun all season long!

My baby, who loved water play so much as a toddler that I’d fill up the sink for her to spend hours washing dishes, turns 21 this July. Happy birthday to my baby, the one who made me a mom 21 years ago. When I look at the beautiful young lady you’ve become, I still see that sweet little girl standing at the sink washing dishes.

Wishing you the best year ever!

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

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Margaret Sarver, Editor

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

Supplies:

• Bubbles • Food coloring (we used red, blue and yellow)

W

blowing bubbles

• White paper • Little cups • Straws • Optional – tape

ant a fun outdoor craft to put a twist on your normal bubbles?

Try this easy—and a bit messy—craft that’s sure to provide a lot of fun and a lot of laughs!

Step one: Tape down or lay out white papers. We used three.

Step two: Pour food coloring into the cups. We found the more color you add, the better the colors show up on the paper. The yellow showed up on our papers but does not show in the photos.

Step three: Add bubbles and stir.

Step four: Slowly suck up a tiny bit of the colored bubbles into the straw and then blow the bubbles out onto the paper. My older child was able to do this after a few times of practice, but my younger had more success with the bubble wand.

Step five: Repeat with all colors.

Step six: Mix colors to make new colors. This is a great opportunity to talk about primary and secondary colors, as well as have children practice their pouring skills!

Step seven: If needed, dump out the colors and start again.

Helpful tip: the more liquid and fewer bubbles that go onto the paper, the more the colors will blend together creating a color closer to brown. Try to encourage children to blow from a bit further back so the paper “catches” the bubbles instead of blowing directly onto the paper.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle is a mediator who focuses on working with families. Janelle loves to help her children learn through play and getting messy with crafts. kcparent.com july-september 2022

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terrific toddlers!

Commonsense tips to help you treasure your time with these top-notch little darlings

S

Use your power for good when it comes to your daily life. Help toddlers learn that the world is unpredictable but that they are safe and well, and there are so many possibilities for their wonderful lives. If you do nothing else, do this.

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weat trickles down your back as you stand in line at the grocery store with a 2-year-old who’s hanging on your legs and screaming because you won’t buy him the candy bar that’s at his eye level. To top it off, a kind-intentioned stranger says, “Enjoy this time, you will soon miss it!”

Very funny, you think, as you clench your teeth and clamp down the urge to scream. That well-meaning person probably is raising teenagers or has adult children and grandchildren with not a candy bar tantrum in sight. The truth of that comment can get lost in the sticky challenges of parenting a toddler, but even though toddlers get a bad rap, this feisty phase of childhood has a silver lining. Your little one has transitioned from baby to toddler and is ready to grow in remarkable ways.

In the heated moment, of course, it’s hard to juggle your purse, groceries and the tiny human you have. Take a breath and know you’ll be outside in a minute where you can hug the screaming out of him. And no doubt you have a more appropriate treat that will pacify him once he’s away from the chaos.

To avoid all-too-common meltdown situations, plan ahead.

No matter what outing you are undertaking, fill your backpack or diaper bag with treats, water, favorite toys, books and anything else to distract your toddler. Play games. I spy something red, do you? What is that yellow thing? A banana, your favorite!

A running commentary keeps kids focused and engaged.

The longer you parent, the more tools and techniques you’ll develop to handle your terrific toddler. Read on for some more solid tips to keep you and your little one on the track toward sanity and civility.

Get a clamp for the toilet lid. It has been rumored that a daughter, possibly mine, dumped her brother’s entire collection of Hot Wheels cars into the toilet! Yes, they will flush down.

At this age, a chief tool of exploration is taste. You’ve already babyproofed the big stuff. Now it’s time to secure the cat food, dog food, dirt and dead bugs. Rest assured, though, kids are quite resilient—if not, how did any of us or our ancestors survive?

If toddlers are itchy, irritable or whiny, put them in water. The tub, the outdoor mini pool, the hose. This will get you through many hot moments! On that same note, get physical. Just like a dog begs for a walk when he’s antsy, a wound-up toddler is begging for action. A little play in the backyard can make a world of difference. My daughter recently moved with her two toddlers to New York City. Her lifesaver is the many parks within walking distance of her small apartment!

And although you may think your child is starving herself, trust this won’t happen. If toddlers survive on only crackers for days, they will eventually eat a grilled cheese sandwich or something else nutritious. Be sure to check with your pediatrician to make sure your youngster is on track for weight.

Understand that when toddlers run and hide, they want to be chased. Eventually, when you find them, they’ll reward you with snuggles. This is a first way of practicing independence. Don’t worry—they aren’t leaving the nest just yet.

All messes can be cleaned up! If your painting project goes awry, put plastic down next time. And don’t become psychotic over the toilet paper all over the bathroom, the lipstick all over her face or the flour thrown on the floor. It will soon be clean, and you’ll miss these days!

Use your power for good when it comes to your daily life.

Help toddlers learn that the world is unpredictable but that they are safe and well, and there are so many possibilities for their wonderful lives. If you do nothing else, do this. With all that’s going on today, shield those bright young minds and, instead, play, smile, lie in the grass and look at the clouds, feed the fish at the park and take naps together.

Teach children not to focus on comparisons, even though social media tempts us daily to do just that. If your baby didn’t wave bye-bye at 6 months, what did it matter? He learned to eventually. Also acquire your own support system by making

friends with other parents who are understanding and flexible.

Meeting up with likeminded families means you won’t always need a babysitter in order to hang out because the kiddos will entertain each other enough for you to have an adult conversation.

Learn with your children. They scooted to crawl, then pulled themselves up to cruise and stumbled right into the coffee table!

This is much like how you’re learning to parent—a little at a time, through trial and error and sometimes a crash. You’ll have those crash-and-burn days, but you’ll also have days when you stand up and run, dance, sing, play and see the bright colors of the world.

All this parenting effort is so worth it.

You can do it! With a little sleep and coffee, of course. And a willingness to forgive yourself. “Mommy guilt” can haunt you persistently, no matter what stage your child is in, but the fact that it does means you are a good parent who cares about loving and equipping this little life. No one is perfect, and that confounding child eating grass and testing boundaries will grow up to make you the proudest parent. Hard to imagine it now—but it will happen.

Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

Sources: ScaryMommy.com, MightyMomsClub.com.

Building Great Smiles for Life!

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kcparent.com july-september 2022

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Finding the Right Doc for Your New Baby

D

uring your baby’s first year, you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time with your child’s health care provider.

Take steps before your baby arrives to choose a trustworthy doctor with whom you feel comfortable.

When should you start the process?

Anywhere between one and three months before your due date is an ideal time to start shopping around for a pediatrician or a family physician. Try not to wait until the last minute.

“Once you go to the hospital, there’s a lot going on. You’ll be seeing a lot of doctors. You’ll be going through labor.

It’s not something you want to decide off the cuff,” says pediatrician Aaron Mayer, DO, Meritas Health Pediatrics, Kansas City, MO. When you arrive at the hospital to deliver your baby, you’ll be asked who you’ve selected for your child’s primary care doctor. They will then notify your baby’s physician, and he or she will provide a physical examination of your infant within 24 hours after delivery.

Pediatrician or a family physician?

Both practitioners are trained to provide quality health care for your family. Your choice will most likely boil down to personal preference and the rapport you have with a particular physician.

Here are the primary differences between the two types of physicians: A family practice doctor is trained to provide health care to individuals at all stages of life, from newborn to senior.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, family physicians train for three years in real-life clinical settings and are trained in all areas of medicine ranging from pediatrics and internal medicine to obstetrics. Physicians should be board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and licensed in the state in which they practice.

10 july-september 2022 kcparent.com

A pediatrician specializes specifically in childhood conditions, diseases and treatment for patients from newborn to age 18. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), following medical school, a pediatrician-in-training completes three or more years of courses focused entirely on pediatrics.

Seek a pediatrician who is licensed and has obtained the designation of Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), which means they are board certified in pediatrics and adhere to the AAP’s standards and guidelines.

Where to begin? “Honestly, I think consulting with friends and family is probably best. If your friends like their doctor, you are likely to find a good fit with them as well,” says Kallie Foss, MD, FAAP, Olathe Health Pediatrics.

Make sure the recommended physicians are part of your health insurance network. Also check out area hospital websites, which often feature doctors who are nearby and accepting new patients.

Schedule a prenatal visit. Once you’ve got a list of two or three physicians, call and schedule a prenatal visit to help you get a feel for their personalities and office environments.

Though some physicians may prefer to do a phone consultation, a face-to-face appointment can help you get a sense of the office and nursing staff. Are they courteous, warm and helpful? You’ll also be able to gauge the overall feel of the clinic. Is it kid-friendly, clean and welcoming?

“You don’t really know if the physician’s personality meshes with your family unless you speak with them in person,” Dr. Mayer says. “It’s important to do prenatal visits to see if the way they act, the way they treat you and the environment of the clinic fits with what you want for your family.”

Make a list of questions. Now that you have prenatal appointments lined up, consider what issues are most important to you. For example, you might ask: • Who will see my baby in the hospital?

• How soon after we leave the hospital should we see you?

• What is the schedule for well-child checks and immunizations?

• What can I expect during well-child checks?

• How long are the typical wait times at appointments?

• How do you handle after-hours calls?

• Which urgent care do you recommend?

• What’s your availability for lastminute appointments?

• What kind of acute care do you provide?

“If you’re having a boy, you might want to also ask about circumcision,” Dr. Foss says. “It would also be good to let the doctor know if you have had any complications during the pregnancy that may affect Baby after he or she is born.”

Evaluate the visit. After the appointment, reflect on how you felt about the doctor and the practice.

• Were your most pressing questions and concerns addressed?

• Did you feel comfortable?

• Did the doctor support or respect your opinion regarding issues that matter to you?

• Did you feel listened to?

• Did you feel rushed?

• What were the office and support staff like?

• What was the clinic environment like?

• Was the location convenient?

Need to break up? If, over time, you become dissatisfied with your child’s physician or you need to switch providers due to changes in insurance or a relocation to a new community, make sure you have your child’s medical records, including vaccine history, transferred to the new physician that you select.

Most of all, take the time to partner with a health care practitioner who will listen to your concerns, offer sound advice and options, and provide quality, compassionate health care throughout your child’s development. You’ll feel more supported and well-informed as you go about the business of raising a healthy, thriving youngster from babyhood and beyond.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO DO PRENATAL VISITS TO SEE IF THE WAY THEY ACT, THE WAY THEY TREAT YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE CLINIC FITS WITH WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR FAMILY.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her family reside in Olathe. She is thankful to have found a compassionate and thoughtful pediatrician for her kids. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfied Social Life.

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

HOT TOPICS Many people, including physicians, have strong opinions about issues like breastfeeding and circumcision. Choose a physician who will support you or at least respect your personal views regarding issues that are important to you.

kcparent.com july-september 2022

11

ASK THE

EXPERTS Christine Khong, MD

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KC

ADVENTHEALTH

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AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area, serving Johnson County, Kansas and the surrounding area.

913.831.7722, GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Q

Q

I’m 4 months pregnant and having difficulty sleeping. What can I do to help me get more rest?

What are some tips for getting a dog when we have a toddler?

Sleep during pregnancy can be affected by changes in hormones, physical discomfort, excitement and anxiety.

It’s important to have a bedtime routine that includes relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, stretching, taking a bath, reading and drinking caffeine-free tea. A pregnancy pillow can help relieve the pressure of your growing belly. Practice good sleep hygiene by limiting screen time at night, keeping the room cool, keeping pets off your bed and avoiding caffeine late in the day. Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications like melatonin or doxylamine. Short naps during the day can help make up for lost sleep. It won’t be long before your baby will be setting the sleep rules in your house!

I recommend having a conversation with children of all ages about your pet’s needs. Explain to them that their dog has feelings just like they do and discuss what the dog will look like when it is happy, sad or scared. We must teach our young children to give animals the space they need and how to play with them in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable. That said, young children often forget how to behave around dogs, so it is an absolute must that young children and animals be supervised for their mutual safety.

Ashely Flores Great Plains SPCA

Christine Khong, MD Family Physician AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Prairie Village

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer.

Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line.

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

12 july-september 2022 kcparent.com

Friday, August 26

Tickets on Sale Now! Limited tickets available.

Early bird discount through July 1!

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NURSING 101:

Problems & Solutions Breastfeeding may be natural, but as many moms can tell you, that doesn’t always guarantee that it’s easy. Thankfully, what is easy is getting the pro tips you need should a snag arise. Here are some of the most common nursing challenges that moms and babies alike may face during their breastfeeding journey.

A PAINFUL LATCH Let’s be perfectly clear. That delicate little newborn of yours will be anything but delicate to your boobs. This can be a huge surprise to first-time moms! Expect to be a little sore when you get started.

But if pain persists beyond the first few seconds of nursing, it may be that Baby has a bad latch.

SOLUTION: To encourage a wide-open mouth, softly brush your nipple directly under Baby’s nose. Because hungry babies instinctively root, giving them something to root toward opens their mouths nice and wide. Next, make sure their bottom lip is well below your nipple, not simply at the base of your nipple. Last, bring Baby toward you instead of putting the breast in her mouth. A good latch will show itself when Baby’s chin rests directly on your breast, lips splayed out, with your nipple or lower areola covered by Baby’s latch.

14 july-september 2022 kcparent.com

Still struggling? Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Both your attending nurse or an on-call lactation consultant can assist you bedside during labor recovery. Still struggling after you’ve been discharged?

Look into consulting with a lactation specialist or join a breastfeeding support group like La Leche.

ENGORGEMENT Engorgement happens when your breasts overfill with milk, making them rock hard, tender to the touch, feeling as if they’ll explode. Another culprit? The lymphatic fluid that tries to escape your body near your armpit while your body is simultaneously trying to produce milk can cause a fluid traffic jam. Though common, engorgement left untreated can result in more serious issues like clogged milk ducts or even mastitis. Most women experience engorgement a few days after giving birth when their bodies make the

switch from producing nutrient-dense colostrum to mature milk, though it can happen throughout your nursing career as a result of over pumping or not fully draining the breasts with each feeding.

Although engorgement is uncomfortable, moms can take heart that it is actually a sign their bodies are working properly. So long as a fever isn’t involved, engorgement has nothing to do with infection and can be relieved immediately.

SOLUTION: Because engorgement can make latching difficult initially, you might think using a pump will bring instant relief. But pumping will signal your body to produce more than you need to nurse, further exacerbating the issue. Try hand expressing to soften your nipple and then nurse on demand, making sure Baby drains your breasts fully. If you feel the need to nurse, and Baby is sleeping or drowsy, don’t be afraid to wake him to try.

CLOGGED DUCTS & MASTITIS Clogged ducts can be the result of a number of things: engorgement, using the wrong-sized pump parts or wearing a poorly fitting, overly constricting bra. Some moms even find themselves naturally predisposed to getting clogged ducts for no rhyme or reason. Clogged ducts can be equally distressing to Baby, who may get frustrated at ineffective nursing. Mastitis, on the other hand, can result from clogged ducts that are left untreated, resulting in an infection that causes incredible pain throughout the entire breast, as well as flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches.

SOLUTION: Clogged ducts can typically be tackled with home remedies.

It’s incredibly important to continue to nurse regularly, rest, stay hydrated, employ massage or the use of warm or cold compresses. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or wearing uncomfortable underwire bras for the first few weeks of nursing when your breasts are the most sensitive to constriction. If you find yourself in the uncomfortable situation of having a clogged duct for more than two days, reach out to your doctor as you will likely develop mastitis. As a bacterial infection, mastitis can only be treated with an antibiotic. Thankfully, the infection doesn’t transfer to Baby, and appropriate medications are nursing-friendly. Nursing will actually relieve the problem with the added benefit of keeping your milk supply up. Too painful? Pump instead and offer bottles to Baby while the mastitis clears up (typically a two- or three-day process, though your doctor will recommend completing a full round of antibiotics).

YEAST INFECTION Thrush is a yeast infection that begins in Baby’s mouth and can ultimately transfer into your breast, causing deep shooting pain, itchiness and red, shiny nipples. It’s the gift that keeps on giving ... only neither of you want it.

SOLUTION: Your doctor will treat both you and your baby with an antifungal medication to ensure that fungi don’t continue to persistently pass back and forth.

It’s important to sanitize all pumping parts well, along with anything else that comes into contact with your breasts (i.e., nursing bras, pads and clothing) in hot water and vinegar to kill the yeast spores.

LOW SUPPLY According to Stephanie Nguyen, RN, a board certified lactation consultant and founder of Modern Milk, 90 percent of moms have the ability to produce enough milk for their babies, and the other 10 percent usually have some reason that can be remedied.

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS FOR LOW SUPPLY? A) not feeding enough B) having a preemie who struggles to nurse C) using a pacifier to suppress hunger cues D) drinking and/or smoking E) advanced maternal age

SOLUTION: One of the simplest ways to boost supply is to relax, eat well and nurse often. Add in extra pumping sessions using a medical grade pump between nursing sessions to signal to your body to increase production. And fill up on nourishing foods such as oatmeal, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, fenugreek, and lactation tea. Trying to find ways to incorporate these superfoods into your diet? Try making lactation cookies (recipes abound online!). Tea and cookies, anyone?

Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer and an Olathe mom of four who is thankful for the number of resources that abound in the KC metro that helped support her breastfeeding journeys.

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

F) pre-existing health conditions, such as PCOS or thyroid issues, or medications like contraceptives or decongestants

DID YOU KNOW? Susie Roth of Starting Point Dental suggests checking one other culprit for bad latch and low supply: mouth restrictions. “A lip or tongue tie can present a significant challenge to nursing mothers,” she cautions. “A thick frenum can restrict the baby’s tongue or lip movement creating decreased mobility and failure to latch or create the seal needed for successful feeding.”

Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

kcparent.com july-september 2022

15

Your OB /GYN Timeline

Y

our positive pregnancy test means it’s time to prepare for the new baby’s arrival.

Expecting a baby is an exciting time. Over the next nine months, you will prepare the nursery, buy a car seat, pick out baby clothes and purchase baby gear and gadgets. Prenatal care, though, is one of the most important ways you will prepare for your baby. Good prenatal care is vital for the health of a mom and the development of the baby and includes regular visits to your OB/GYN. You may be wondering what to expect at your prenatal appointments and what the timeline looks like. Although every pregnancy is different and there are always exceptions, here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect for the OB/GYN timeline of the average pregnancy.

Your first appointment (6-10 weeks) After you receive the positive pregnancy test, contact your doctor to schedule your first visit. Doctors typically first see you between 6 and 10 weeks gestation. You can expect to go over your health history and risk factors and discuss any diet and lifestyle changes you may need to make during pregnancy. The doctor will also ask

16 july-september 2022 kcparent.com

for a list of your current medications and may make adjustments and will also check your weight, blood pressure, and take a urine sample. The doctor will calculate your due date and go over the schedule of future prenatal appointments. Your physician also may do an early ultrasound to check on the baby’s development, do a pelvic exam with or without a pap smear and order blood work to screen for medical conditions and check hemoglobin. This is a great time to address your questions and concerns regarding pregnancy, delivery and your health, as well as the baby’s. (MayoClinic.org)

First trimester appointments (10-14 weeks) After your initial visit, the appointments should become shorter in length, and you can expect to visit your doctor about every four weeks unless your pregnancy is determined to be at higher risk. At your second appointment, the doctor should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat via Doppler (usually around 8-10 weeks).

Each visit your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure and take a urine sample, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns.

(MayoClinic.org)

Second trimester appointments (14-26 weeks) During the second trimester, women often experience less nausea, more energy and begin to feel more comfortable with their changing body.

You will continue to visit the doctor every four weeks during this time and can expect a similar experience as previous visits. The practitioner will continue to check your vitals each visit, monitor fetal movement and track fetal growth. During the second trimester you will have the opportunity for additional testing, including blood work, fetal testing and genetic testing to check for abnormalities. You may also have an anatomy scan done via ultrasound to check on the development of your baby’s vital organs, and you will be given the opportunity to find out the sex of your new addition. Your doctor will also begin to discuss delivery expectations and create a birth plan. This time period is optimal to take birthing classes, tour the birthing center and take care of the pre-registration paperwork.

(MayoClinic.org)

Third trimester appointments (26-40 weeks) During the final trimester, you can expect to visit the doctor more often. The typical schedule is every two to four weeks for 24 to 36 weeks gestation and every week from 36 weeks gestation until delivery. In addition to tracking your weight, blood pressure and fetal development and growth, your doctor will also ask you if you are experiencing any labor symptoms and will let you know what to look for as delivery approaches. You will likely be checked for B Strep and gestational diabetes, and the baby’s position will be monitored before delivery. You can expect to have pelvic exams to check for signs of labor in the later part of your third trimester. This is a great time to pack your hospital bag and get last-minute preparations in order before the baby's arrival. (MayoClinic.org) Every pregnancy is different, and many factors determine the timeline your doctor will set for prenatal visits. Follow your physician’s guidelines for the best care for you and your baby.

Tips for finding an OB/GYN • Check your insurance. As you begin your search, find providers that are in your • • • • • • • • •

insurance network.

Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. This can be a great place to start when you are looking for a new doctor.

Are you more comfortable with a male doctor, a female doctor or either?

When choosing a doctor, location is important. You may want to choose a doctor that is conveniently located near your home or work.

Research at which hospital or birthing center you would like to deliver your baby and confirm that the doctor you are choosing delivers there.

Decide whether you will have a doctor, a midwife or both.

If you have specific preferences with your birth plan, confirm the doctor will accommodate your wishes.

Are you high-risk? If yes, find out whether there is an in-network doctor that specializes in high-risk pregnancy.

Set up a consultation appointment and ask questions. Do you feel you are compatible with the doctor? Do you feel comfortable with him?

Is it a large practice? How likely is it that your doctor will deliver the baby? This is always a good question to ask, so you know what to expect when labor begins.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in Olathe with her family.

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

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section ADVENTHEALTH SHAWNEE MISSION BIRTH CENTER 9100 W. 74th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 From first flutters to first feedings, this is a precious time in your life. At AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, the goal of our highly trained, compassionate birthing team is to give you exceptional service at every stage of your pregnancy, your delivery and beyond. Our comprehensive range of services includes highrisk pregnancy management, breastfeeding support, parent education and much more.

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• Private bathrooms, laboring tubs and spacious showers, flat screen TVs, personal mini fridges, and a full-size sleeper sofa.

• Personalized approach for mother and baby.

• Level II NICU. • 24/7 in-house OB/GYNs. Visit AdventHealthKC.com/SouthOP or schedule a tour by calling 913-373-6160.

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 Olathe Medical Center’s fourstory The Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. Every detail is designed to provide the most comforting experience, like queen-sized beds in the MotherBaby Suite. The Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) includes secure, webcam-enabled nurseries and individual rooms where you can stay overnight with your baby. We’re proud to collaborate with Children’s Mercy to provide enhanced 24/7 NICU care to our tiniest with board-certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners.

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A

What to Take to the Hospital

s you enter the last part of your pregnancy, it is time to start thinking about your trip to the hospital. Delivery is rarely easy, but making sure that you have a few extra comforts from home can go a long way. So think ahead and pack your hospital bag soon. Here are a few items you may want to pack: • Anything for the actual birth to soothe you (music, favorite book, massage tools, etc.)

• Nightgown or pajamas, including nursing style if you plan to nurse • Underwear, socks and nursing bras • Bathrobe and slippers • Special snacks or beverages • Cosmetics and hair care items • Clothes to wear home…make sure they are loosefitting, not your size 8 jeans!

• Contact information for family and friends • Camera and any video equipment you wish to use • Clothes for Baby • Receiving blankets • If bottle feeding, a bottle with a newborn nipple • Newborn diapers • Car seat kcparent.com july-september 2022

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Labor Day!

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T

he big day is finally here! Your baby is ready to make his or

her debut! But what can you expect between the first signs of labor and the arrival of your newborn? Every birth story is different, but most women can expect to experience these stages of labor in some form.

Heading to the Hospital In the movies, the actress’s water breaks and they rush to the hospital. In real life, this scenario rarely happens.

It can be hard to know whether you’re actually in labor or just experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. One of the toughest decisions for first-time moms is when to make their way to the hospital.

The laboring process can take days. At your prenatal appointments, your doctor will make you well aware of when to come to the hospital. However, the 5-1-1 Rule is a common guideline. According to the 5-1-1 Rule, if your contractions come every five minutes and last one minute each for at least one hour, it’s time to grab your bag and head to the hospital. Call your doctor if you are experiencing other symptoms or aren’t sure whether you should stay home or head to the hospital.

When in doubt, it’s best to go ahead and get checked out by the doctor.

Hospital Check-In When you arrive, the nurse will check you in to make sure you are in active labor. She will take your vitals, ask about your contractions, go over your birth plan and assess your pain. A tocidynamoter will be placed on your abdomen to measure your contractions and your baby’s heart rate. You will be able to read the monitor and track the strength of your contractions.

Throughout labor, the doctor will periodically check your cervix to see how dilated and effaced it is. Your nurse will continue checking on you to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible while laboring.

Active Labor Phase Once your cervix dilates from 4 to 7 centimeters, you are in active labor.

Your contractions will become much more frequent and intense. If you decide to have an epidural or other pain medications, this is usually when most women request it. Your nurse may suggest you move positions to help progress your labor. If you had an epidural, your nurse may place a large peanut ball between your legs while you’re lying on your side to help promote dilation and position the baby.

Cervix Dilates to 8 to 10 Centimeters This is the most intense phase of labor. Your contractions will be intense and occur every one to three minutes in this stage. You may become nauseous and shaky. You may also feel pressure and an urge to push. Let your nurse know exactly what you’re feeling at this point. It’s important not to push until your doctor tells you it’s time.

Time to Push Once your cervix is fully dilated, your doctor will let you know when you can begin pushing. Pushing can last a

few hours for first-time mothers or just a few minutes for women who have had children before. Don’t be surprised when your delivery room fills with nurses. They will begin preparing for your baby’s arrival. With each contraction your nurse and doctor will coach you to push and help your baby through the birth canal. If your baby is in distress or is not making his way through the birth canal, your doctor might make a call to deliver by c-section or to use forceps to assist in the delivery.

Delivery Once your baby emerges, and you hear his first cry, he will be placed on you to hold. Your support person will have the option to cut the umbilical cord. When you’re ready, the hospital staff will clean off the baby, measure and weigh him and wrap him in a warm blanket. Then you will be able to hold your baby again.

Afterbirth A few minutes after you deliver your baby, contractions will begin again. When it’s time, your doctor will ask you to push and expel the placenta.

More than likely you will be too busy adoring your new baby to feel much discomfort or pay much attention to this process.

Bonding Time!

The last stage is the part you’ve been anxiously awaiting: bonding with your new baby! This is your time to learn everything you can about your little one and soak in those newborn snuggles. New moms are encouraged to spend as much time as possible making skin-to-skin contact to help bond with Baby. Skin-to-skin contact is also important for Dad to make a connection with the baby. While Dad and baby are bonding, you can give your body a much needed rest.

TRUE OR FALSE LABOR? Braxton Hicks, also known as “practice contractions,” are when the muscles in the uterus tighten for anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. They most often occur in the third trimester but can happen as early as the second trimester. Most false labor pains cause mild discomfort and not severe pain. Braxton Hicks do not cause labor and are not a sign that labor is beginning. Many first-time moms confuse these false labor pains with true labor contractions and make their way to the hospital only to be sent back home. So how do you know whether you’re in true labor or experiencing Braxton Hicks?

You’re in true labor if your contractions are getting closer together and not stopping, becoming progressively stronger and continue when you move around and change positions.

Other signs of true labor also include your water breaking (rupture of membranes) and the loss of your mucus plug. If you’re in doubt, call your doctor and describe the symptoms you’re experiencing. An examination by your doctor is the only definite way to know whether you’re in true labor.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 8, and Ensley, 2, in St. Joseph, MO. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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potty training do’s and don’ts

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ou get lots of warnings when you are pregnant. Most people will talk to you about baby sleep and about the options to feed your baby. You then get warned about the early toddler years, better known as the terrible twos. We receive so many warnings as parents, but where is the warning about potty training? Why does there both seem to be so much information about potty training and yet also no actually helpful information at all? Perhaps you are very prepared, and your 18-month-old already goes to the bathroom regularly on the toilet. Or perhaps your 3-and-a-half-year-old still wants to wear diapers all the time, and you feel like your 18-month-old may go potty on the toilet before the older one! Potty training is hard. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you along the way.

do’s:

Do remember you can choose from many different techniques to potty train. So many books and blogs offer the “right” method to follow, but no one method is perfect for everyone. Do recognize your child will probably not be the perfect example that is often highlighted in these books and blogs, and your little one will experience setbacks and accidents.

Do keep an open mind. Toddlers are notorious for loving something one minute only to change their minds minutes later and say they absolutely hate that same thing. Using the toilet will be the exact same thing. On the first day of potty training, my son peed 17

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times on the potty chair. I wish I was kidding because I had such high hopes after day one. By day two, the excitement had worn off, and he had zero interest in the potty chair or the toilet. As with everything, kids will find their way and go at their own pace.

Do your best to relax. Has your child ever asked you for something, like a cookie at bedtime, over and over and over even though she will never get that cookie at bedtime? Relax about asking your child to go potty over and over and over. Do focus on making sure your youngster is drinking plenty of water so she actually needs to go potty frequently. The more liquid kids drink, the more opportunities they will have to go potty in the toilet.

Do enlist additional help. Maybe a well-meaning grandparent, babysitter or daycare staff member who gives some prompting will do the trick.

Do encourage role-playing for children. Perhaps a favorite stuffed animal needs to go potty every few hours, as well!

don’ ts: Don’t make your whole world about your child’s going to the bathroom. Yes, make sure he goes before you leave home and, yes, make sure he knows where the bathroom is when you get someplace new. Don’t stay home for three months straight because you want to make sure your child can use the bathroom all the time.

Don’t get mad at your child. This is a hard one, but who really wants to be forced to pull down her pants and sit somewhere that might seem scary and then be told to perform on cue? Not me either! Give your child and yourself a break from the yelling and figure out a different form of motivation.

Don’t be afraid to use a diaper when needed when you are just starting out. For example, perhaps you are going to a wedding or on a longer car ride. Give yourself a little break and explain to your child why he is wearing one for this special time only and that the diaper will go away after the planned event. If you do this, remember to tell your child you know he won’t need to use the diaper though.

Do not feel like a failure because your child does not want to go potty in the toilet. It will happen. Some children walk later or talk later, and some children will potty train later. I didn’t know a single person in college who wore a diaper!

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, KS, with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

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

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P

B onding with Baby Tips

eople enter the parenthood club in so many ways, and so many variables make each person’s parenthood journey unique. In my case, I was born maternal and loved playing house and with baby dolls. I loved babysitting, and having my own family someday was one of my earliest dreams. I think I was in love with the idea of motherhood even before we saw that first positive pregnancy test. Then after all of my pregnancies, I remember saying hello to the new babies and talking to them right away. Because motherhood was a dream of mine for so long, love and bonding between me and all of my babies once they were born came easily. But, being an avid reader across many genres and watching the show Call the Midwife, I’ve learned to have a lot of empathy for other people’s stories and experiences that are vastly different than my own. It’s not uncommon for that tight bond to take some time to develop.

A variety of reasons can make bonding with your baby challenging. An unexpected pregnancy, feeling pressured to have a baby or not planning on staying in a relationship with the other parent long term can have an impact. Perhaps you’ve experienced miscarriages and hesitate to become attached only to be hurt again.

Financial instability can be a challenge, and you might long to stay home with the baby but not be able to because of money. On the other hand, you may not want to stay home at all. Feeling guilty about not having enough time or love for your current child or feeling afraid you won’t love the new baby as much as you love your current child are not uncommon, and feeling scared to change your lifestyle is another hindrance. The list goes on. Some parents begin bonding during pregnancy, which can also be very different for each parent, and then there’s the bonding after birth.

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Bonding came from lots of snuggles, skin-to-skin holding, singing, reading to them and talking with them constantly about what is going on around them.

If you are experiencing trouble bonding with your baby for whatever reason, here are some tips to try. The first tip is having skin-to-skin time with your baby. All my births were cesarean sections, but for my third, I was much more assertive in how I wanted my birthing experience to be—and it was my favorite of all three. I asked and was able to have him skin-to-skin with me immediately after he was born for the first couple hours after his birth, and it was magical. So even when birth plans don’t go according to plan, you may still have an option to ensure those early special bonding moments. Both parents and even responsible older siblings are able to enjoy this bonding experience. This is also referred to as kangaroo care and, according to UnityCare.org, “Kangaroo care offers physiological and psychological benefits, both to infants and parents.” Kellie GebauerSteinick, a neonatal nurse practitioner at UnityPoint Health, says that “kangaroo care can take place any time of day, as regularly as the infant tolerates. She recommends daily, for a minimum of one hour, but any amount of kangaroo care can be beneficial.”

Another tip is to wear your baby.

Babywearing can be a great tool for both surviving as a new mom, as well as bonding with your new baby. There are a variety of carriers available, so ask to borrow a couple from friends or check out the Kansas City Babywearing Society for help choosing the best carrier for your needs. I loved wearing my babies and especially loved my Ergo 360 I got for my third—I wish I would have had it for my first two babies. Babywearing allows you to bond while multitasking, as well as taking

short walks without needing to take a stroller.

Babywearing can also be extremely helpful when you are caring for your older children and need to keep Baby close and happy.

Feeding baby is another area that can be totally different for each mother and each of her babies for numerous reasons. I did breastfeed my three babies, but my first and third were challenging. I had to pump and work for it because it was something I desired and felt I could do. If you wish to breastfeed, seek out lactaction consultants and get the assistance you need. If one consultant isn’t a great match for you, try someone else. There are also breastfeeding support groups that not only help with breastfeeding but also offer motherhood support. If breastfeeding isn’t an option for you, finding time to sit and bottle feed your baby is just as special. Kerri Quinonez, mother of two, says, “It was love at first sight for me with both boys. I was unable to breastfeed but have never ever felt any less bonded with them. Bonding came from lots of snuggles, skin-to-skin holding, singing, reading to them and talking with them constantly about what is going on around them. Both boys have always been very close to me.”

Personally, my only struggle with some bonding was those first few weeks home and trying to survive the sleep deprivation while my own body was healing. It can wear you down pretty quickly when your body has undergone such extreme change and you’re the caretaker of a dependent infant that needs your body. I remember the first time my daughter smiled, and I thought, “Thank you! I really needed that boost!” That glimmer then kept me going with my sons, too, in those first, foggy postpartum days.

Speaking of postpartum, the fourth trimester is indeed a real thing, and the fog, depression and anxiety are real. If they become worrisome or scary, please contact your doctor right away to get you the help you need. It is not your fault at all and is nothing you can control, so getting the help you need is critical and can help you feel like yourself again. Danielle O’Kelley, mother of four, says, “Make sure to take care of your mental health. It’s hard to bond with a baby if you’re depressed/ anxious. I got help—medication and therapy—for my last two babies, and my bonding experience with them was so easy and natural compared to my first two.”

According to BabyCenter.com, “In some cases, an underlying medical problem can be a factor. Some women experience a drop in thyroid hormones about four to eight months after giving birth. Low thyroid levels can make you feel depressed, easily irritated, and have trouble sleeping or concentrating—not exactly leaving you in the mood to smile and coo with your baby.

Let your health care provider know if you have any of these symptoms, or if you notice other signs of an underactive thyroid, such as weight gain, constipation or dry skin.”

Let’s not forget that fostering and adoption are other methods of entering into parenthood. I don’t have any personal experience with these but can assume there are varying ways of bonding through these avenues to parenthood, as well.

You might have always planned to adopt or dreamed of being a parent, so once you completed your paperwork, you felt connected to at least the idea of your future baby or child. Or again, you may have experienced some unexpected challenges with agencies or birth parents, or perhaps nothing seemed real to you until you brought your new child home and then had to come around to the idea that this is your new life. Whatever the situation, once your baby is home, you can still create bonding moments through quiet feedings, babywearing, skin-to-skin contact and reading and talking to your new baby.

Support groups exist for a reason, and there are a variety of groups that cater to your specific needs, whether they be lactation support, adoption support, fostering support or just general parenting support like a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. You can also find groups on MeetUp.com or use an app like Peanut to find parents in similar life stages that can help you figure things out together.

If you struggled in the first few weeks or months to bond with your baby, take heart.

You’re not alone. Once your little one gets on some sort of rhythm or schedule and sleeps for longer stretches (or even through the night!!!), you’ll find you feel back to yourself a bit more—and it’s easier to love yourself and others when you feel human again.

Those smiles and baby giggles help, too.

Parenthood is no joke! It’s a huge life change with complex emotions all over the board, so get the help and backup you need for both your well-being and your baby’s. Remember the flight attendant’s instructions before takeoff as a lesson for parenting: You need to take care of you before you can properly care for others. This is one of the most important lessons of parenthood.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 12, Mason, 10, and Slade, 7, and wishes for all new parents to receive the support they need. She sought out MOPs groups each time she moved to be sure she had a support group ready.

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I

n the summer, campgrounds are crawling (sometimes literally) with babies, toddlers and young families. But many new parents may hesitate to head into the wild, as they wonder whether camping with a tot will be safe, enjoyable or worth the hassle.

Don’t abandon your dreams of an al fresco vacation quite yet—camping with a baby may be easier than you think. “Camping is easiest when they’re small and portable. You just put them in a carrier and go!” says Sandra Kimmet, a mom of three. But whether you pack your new baby and related gear in the family car for an outdoor adventure this summer—or sit it out for a few seasons— depends on your level of experience with both camping and parenting.

“New parents may not be ready to take their newborn to the grocery store, much less to the outback,” says Dr. Michelle Terry, MD, a pediatrician with Seattle Children’s Hospital. But veteran parents, particularly those with camping experience, may have no problems executing a quick campground or backpacking getaway.

Here’s how to plan a memorable camping trip with your new plus-one.

Stay Warm

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: Camping with Babies and Toddlers

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Nighttime temperatures at state and national parks can dip into the 40s, even at the height of summer. Because babies lose heat more quickly than older children and adults, your little one will need some help staying cozy at night.

“Below 50 degrees, or 60 degrees in wet, windy weather, body temperature can drop if babies are wearing inadequate clothing,” says Dr. Terry. Keep babies and young toddlers warm at night with several layers of clothing (preferably fleece or wool), thick socks and a hat for sleeping. In especially chilly climes, be watchful for cool, clammy skin, which indicates that a baby needs an extra layer or two. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, cold, pale or blue-gray skin and decreased alertness.

Stay Safe Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, many campsites look idyllic—but they’re home to plenty of hazards for very young campers. Before pitching your tent, inspect the campground for sharp rocks, matches, sharp sticks, knives or garbage left by previous campers. “Be on the lookout for potential

cheerful and—added bonus—helps tire kids out for bedtime. Dad Brian Mark has camped with his kids Lola, 4, and Aksel, 2, since they were babies. “Walk them around as much as possible,” he says. “Take kids to look for firewood, and let toddlers collect smooth rocks or bundles of sticks.”

The good news: Kids under 2 don’t need much stimulation to stay happy. Most will be thrilled to simply wander the campground (with Mom or Dad close at hand), admiring the scenery and making friends with other campers. Comb local beaches, visit landmarks and don’t be afraid to drive to the nearest town for a meal or a cup of hot cocoa or coffee—a camping trip with a baby is not the time to rough it, notes Dr. Terry. More adventurous families can check in with the ranger’s station for a map of local hiking trails.

Stay Busy

Stay Happy

Don’t plan on sticking around the campsite; a bored toddler is bound to develop an unsafe fascination with the fire pit or garbage bag. When camping with little ones, staying active keeps everyone

When camping with tots, don’t sweat the small stuff, advises Georgiann Derieg, a mom of seven. “When we camp, I dress kids in clothes destined for the Goodwill pile so I don’t need to worry about dirt, stains or rips.”

KCPARENT.COM

choking hazards. Debris could easily make its way into curious hands or mouths,” Dr. Terry advises.

Watch out for plants that could irritate (hello, poison ivy) or sicken children, like St. John’s wort, poppies or philodendron.

High altitude is another concern—don’t take babies under 6 months old above 2,500 feet too rapidly. “It will be cold, and the baby may have trouble breathing,” Dr. Terry says.

Use a portable play yard to safely contain a little one while you start a campfire or cook dinner, and keep active little ones safely inside the tent at night by safety-pinning the tent zippers together. “The bottom line is that babies and toddlers need constant supervision, Dr. Terry says. “Accidents happen when everyone is watching the baby and no one is watching the baby, all at the same time.”

The outcome of your trip may be determined before you leave the driveway.

Often, the difference between a great tip and a forgettable one is what you pack.

Tricycles, baby carriers, simple toys, trash bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, extra diapers, flashlights and batteries are must-haves. (Derieg keeps extra flashlights around the tent and one under her pillow at night to handle middle-of-the-night parenting duties.)

“Don’t forget to bring a portable play pen, a standing seat or a back carrier so that babies can check things out safely,” says Dr. Terry. And, of course, pack your fully-charged camera, so decades from now you can pull out pictures that prove your child was camping before he could walk.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

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PRODUCT REVIEWS

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

SWIMWAYS BSF SPLASH N’ PLAY

3-IN-1 STARRY SKIES SHEEP SOOTHER Find sleep without counting sheep. With three ways to use, this soother includes a projector, glow light and nursery rhyme mode for peaceful rest. $31.99, ages birth+, VTechKids.com

Includes a soft mesh seat with a low center of gravity, an inner spring for stability, adjustable and removeable UPF 50+ canopy for protection, built-in handles and a reusable carry bag. $31.99, ages 1+, SwimWays.com

REMI

NATUREPEDIC ORGANIC BREATHABLE 2-STAGE CRIB AND TODDLER MATTRESS Simply put, babies tend to cry more when they’re uncomfortable, so this mattress is all about added comfort and safety. GOTS and MadeSafe Certified. $349, ages birth-4 years, Naturepedic.com

Create a sleep zone away from home with this lightweight and portable play yard. A unique perforated design makes the mattress breathable, creating a comfy, healthy place to both rest and play. Features a zip-down access panel to help you soothe your baby or retrieve a pacifier gone rogue. $349.99, birth-30 lbs.

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THE FIRST YEARS SURE COMFORT FOLDING BABY BATHER

CONTOURS JOURNEY 5 POSITION BABY CARRIER No infant insert is required for your newborn, which means less fabric and more comfort for you and your little one. Our extra-large, infinitely adjustable UPF 25 sunshade can be moved up or down to give your baby maximum coverage. $119.99, ages 8 lbs.-45 lbs., ContoursBaby.com

LEAPFROG LF925HD REMOTE ACCESS SMART VIDEO BABY MONITOR

Unfolds quickly and fits inside most sinks or in the adult tub. The inclined, no-slip seat comfortably cradles your baby with raised mesh sides. Folds up quickly into a super compact size that’s easy to tuck away. $19.99, ages 0-5 months, us.Tomy.com

EVENFLO GOLD REVOLVE360 Features a unique 360-degree swivel seat. This innovative turning motion gives parents the ability to simply rotate the seat to get their child in and out of the car safely. Grows with your child, offering three modes of use: rear facing, forward facing and highback booster. $379.99, ages 4 lbs.-120lbs., Evenflo.com

A hassle-free way to watch over little ones. Features vertical tilt angle, side-toside 360-degree horizontal pan capability, color night vision technology, soothing sounds and calming melodies. $159.95.

LeapFrog.com

FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS, VISIT NAPPAAWARDS.COM.

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kcparent.com july-september 2022

Bye-Bye Crib, Hello Bed!

I

t never occurred to me that when our son was 2-and-a-half we’d spontaneously be switching him to a big boy bed—it wasn’t even on my radar! We had no time to prepare, set it up, talk it through or build it up. In short, that transition was one of my hardest parenting moments, but for a lot of area moms, that isn’t the case.

The best time to make the transition from crib to bed is different for everyone and can vary from family to family and child to child. Some families transition as early as 15 months, while others wait until as late as 3-and-a-half. One of the more obvious signs a child is ready to make the move is that he masters climbing out of the crib, making safety an issue. If your child begins asking about a big kid bed or shows signs of dislike toward his crib, it may be time to make the move as well. Another time parents often make this transition is with the upcoming birth of a sibling (because the crib is probably needed for the newborn)—but be careful as it could cause your toddler to resent the new baby.

“We didn’t push Charlotte to make the transition, but let her tell us when she wanted to. She noticed her older stepbrother slept in a big kid bed and started asking for her own,” Olathe mom Emma says. “At 2-and-a-half, we said good-bye to the crib, and then she helped us set up her new ‘big kid bed.’ Waiting until she is ready for transitions has been the best for us. Sometimes it’s hard to hold back when YOU think the child is ready, but we have found that waiting on her to be ready is easier on all of us.”

Sheetal, an Overland Park mom, had an easy transition for her almost 3-and-a-half-year-old, but comments, “If they’re happy in the crib and not trying to get out, no need to switch earlier just because others are.”

In talking with many moms about transitioning, the consensus is to wait as long as possible. However, if you decide to make the move, a few steps can help your little one to ease into things:

n Allow your child to pick out a bed or

the bedding. n Make the night special when he sleeps

in his bed for the first time. n Find a book like Your Own Big Bed to

share with your child.

“We kept all the same things he was used to sleeping with—his blanket, pillow and stuffed puppy—so I think he barely noticed the change,” Shawnee mom Kelli says.

Though transitioning is really easy for many families, it may be a difficult and stressful experience for others. However, I am living proof that you will make it through and come out on the other side having aged only 10 years—only kidding…sort of!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she has survived transitioning her children to a bed! kcparent.com july-september 2022

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p s ! a l h p s s lish

summer fun in the water for little ones

Summer is the season for water sports. Fortunately, Kansas City has something for everyone— free spraygrounds for young children, daring water rides for teens and adults, as well as classes and programs, pools and waterparks and everything in between. Dive into fun this summer!

By Kristina Light A Few of Our Favorite Outdoor Pools and Waterparks

Indoor Water Play

Tip: Most of these attractions are open through Labor Day weekend.

Little ones love to play in water, but sometimes Mom wants to skip the sunscreen and the bath afterward. Head to Science City at Union Station (30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO, UnionStation.org), Kansas City’s own hands-on science center featuring permanent and traveling exhibits to educate and engage children. Tots enjoy the water table, where they learn about water as it flows through tubes and tunnels. Other fun sensory exhibits for little ones include the musical playground, the dinosaur dig, the nature center and more.

Splash into summer fun at Kansas City’s premier outdoor water park! With waves of fun from mild to wild, Oceans of Fun offers amazing fun for everyone in the family. Extreme waterslides appeal to thrill-seekers, and kiddos love our pint-sized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle.

Float along on our Caribbean Cooler lazy river and catch some waves at fan favorite Surf City Wave Pool. Enjoy season-long access and free parking to Worlds of Fun with a Gold Season Pass, including seasonal events Grand Carnivale and the Great Pumpkinfest.

Summit Waves in Lee’s Summit: The outdoor water park also features one body slide and one tube slide, a six-lane lap pool with diving boards and a water playground area featuring mini-slides, dump buckets and more.

Memorial Park Outdoor Water Park in Belton: Plunge more than two stories down the Speed Slide or hop on an inner tube and swirl down the Tornado Slide into the pool below. Grab a tube and float around the water park in the 82,000-gallon Action River or get a little exercise walking against the 4 mph current.

Overland Park Swimming Pools: The City of Overland Park has multiple outdoor pools. At Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center (TRAC), the city’s largest overall pool facility, visitors can enjoy lots of shade and grassy areas for lying out or relaxing. Stonegate Pool, originally the city’s smallest pool, was rebuilt in 2009 after more than 40 years of summertime fun. Young’s Pool is one of the city’s largest pools. Young’s makes its mark with a 31-foot-tall waterslide that dares guests to take the plunge down the drop slide. The indoor pools at Matt Ross Community Center are open year-round.

Black Bob Bay in Olathe: This waterpark features raft waterslides, lazy river, shallow water play structures, shade areas and a baby pool.

Lenexa Swimming Pools: The city of Lenexa offers several outdoor pools. Indian Trails Aquatic Center boasts eight 50-meter lanes, ¾-meter diving board, indeck spray feature, AquaClimb rock wall and two large waterslides. Flat Rock Pool has a zero-depth entry, on-deck and in-water shade structures, in-water benches, interactive mushroom water feature, three 25-yard lap lanes, 1-meter diving board, in-deck spray feature, basketball goal and AquaClimb rock wall.

Adventure Oasis in Independence: Pools, waterslides, lazy river and play areas for young children make this a fun splash spot.

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kcparent.com july-september 2022

Water Fun at Home BEST Homemade Bubble Solution Ingredients: 4-1/2 c. water, 1/2 c. liquid dish soap (brand-name is best), 4 t. sugar. How to: Measure water first, then add soap (if you measure soap first and add running water, you will have dish suds). Tip: Make the night before, allowing the mixture time to set, and use the next day for bigger bubbles.

Homemade Bubble Wands You can find many easy ways to make your own bubble wands. A few simple ideas: Bend a wire coat hanger into fun shapes and use it as a bubble wand. For a wand this large, aluminum pie plates work great to hold the bubble solution. Children can get in on the bending fun when you fashion pipe cleaners into favorite shapes for bubble wands.

Use string and soda straws. Simply run some string through a soda straw or two (straws cut to be shorter work too) and tie the string together—essentially creating a straw necklace. Then hold onto the straws and dip the string into the bubble solution.

Straws work by themselves—but be sure to blow the bubbles and not drink the solution!

Toy Car Wash Hook up the sprinkler to have some fun. Add a twist by setting up an outdoor car wash for your toy cars (or real car, for that matter) or wash favorite play toys. Play classic games around the sprinkler like tag or duck, duck, goose, and this summer, parents join in the fun! The family that plays together stays together.

Kiddie Pool “Free” Toys You don’t have to splurge on fun pool and bath toys for little ones. Many common household items make great water toys. Have an empty yogurt carton or margarine container? Empty plastic containers make great scoops to play in the pool or tub. Brand new sponges or clean washcloths are great fun in the tub too. Let children fill an empty salt shaker or salad dressing bottle with water and watch as it pours through the spout like a sprinkler. Measuring cups, spoons and squirt bottles you have around the house all make great water toys as well.

Bonus: Cool off after your water play with a delicious homemade frozen pop. Buy plastic Popsicle molds and have fun creating your own flavors! Fill with juice and some fresh berries or fruit, or make pudding pops with instant pudding and add bananas for fun. Let the kids create their own tasty concoctions all summer long.

KANSAS CITY AREA SPRAYGROUNDS Kansas City is home to many wonderful spraygrounds! Spraygrounds are water playgrounds where children can frolic through sprinklers and sprays on a safe surface. This is a fantastic, fun, free way to cool off on a hot summer day. Spraygrounds are open through Labor Day across the metro!

Missouri Spraygrounds & Splash Pads: Blue Springs Sprayground: • Burrus Old Mill Park: 112 NW Woods Chapel Rd. Grandview Spraygrounds: • John Anderson Park: 4701 E. 135th St. This one features a fun pirate theme!

• The View Splash Park: 13500 Byars Rd. Sprayground features waterslides in addition to spray features.

Kansas City, MO, Spraygrounds: • Blue Valley Park: 23rd Street & Topping • Central Park: Linwood Boulevard & Bales Avenue • Dagg Park: 701 E. 21st Ave. • Douglas Playground at Grace Williams Nicholl Park: 2632 Jarboe St. • Garrison Square: E. Fourth Street & Forest Avenue

• Gillham Park: 3915 Gillham Rd. • Golden Oaks Park: NE 46th Street & N. Antioch Road • Harmony Park: E. 10th Street & Agnes Avenue • Longview Tract: 7107 Longview Rd. • Loose Park: W. 52nd Terrace & Summit Avenue (Closed Wednesdays.)

• Lykins Square: E. 8th Street & Myrtle Avenue • Nelson C. Crews Park: E. 27th Street & Michigan Avenue • Parade Park: 1600 John Buck O’Neil Way • Seven Oaks Park: E. 39th Street & Kensington Avenue • Spring Valley Park: E. 27th & Woodland Avenue • Sunnyside Park: W. 83rd Street & Summit Avenue • Swope Park Pool: 6700 Lewis Rd. • Zona Rosa: I-29 & Barry Road Kearney, MO, Sprayground: • Lions Park: 340 S. Jefferson St. Independence Spraygrounds: • McCoy Park: 24 Highway & N. Delaware • Rotary Park: 24th & Hardy

Lee’s Summit Spraygrounds: • Miller J. Fields Park: 1301 SE Third Ter. • Lea McKeighan Park: 125 NE Chipman Rd. Liberty Spraygrounds: • City Park: 970 S. Hwy. 291 • Ruth Moore Park: 401 N. Morse Raymore Sprayground: • T.B. Hanna Station: 214 S. Washington St.

Kansas Spraygrounds & Splash Pads: Kansas City, KS, Spraygrounds: • Eisenhower Park: 2901 N. 72nd St. • Heathwood Park: 10th & Parallel Parkway • Pierson Park: 1800 S. 55th St. Olathe Spraygrounds: • Olathe Lake Spray Pad: 221 S. Beaver Shelter Ln. Overland Park Spraygrounds: • Roe Park: 10400 Roe Ave. • Sapling Grove Park: 82nd & Grant

Avenue • Thompson Park: 8045 Santa Fe Dr. Shawnee Spraygrounds: • Wilder Bluff Park: 24200 W. 55th St. • Erfurt Park: 24135 W. 71st St.

kcparent.com july-september 2022

31

>> SUMMER 2022 CALENDAR Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

DAILY

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community

Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or

hang out with friends while your kiddos

JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times.

Planet Snoopy 11:00, Worlds of Fun. Spend the day at Worlds of Fun. Children 2 and under are free. Meet Snoopy and the Peanuts gang in Planet Snoopy and enjoy tot-sized rides.

WorldsOfFun.com

MONDAY

Church Lenexa. Grab a coffee and get their energy out indoors! Monday through Thursday, KawPrairie.org/info

Splash with Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Little ones splash, play and build confidence during swim time just for them! Monday through Thursday, Lenexa.com

TUESDAY Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30,

RoKC Play Lounge 8:00, RoKC Olathe.

Merriam Community Center. Drive, pull

Children 6 months to 6 years are invited

or push your favorite Little Tikes vehicles.

to enjoy a two-hour session at the play

Parents must supervise their children.

lounge while parents participate in rock wall climbing.

and under can paint a selected item for only $10! CeramicCafeKC.com

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

FRIDAY Amphitheater Programs Select Fridays this summer, 7:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Enjoy the new outdoor amphitheater at Ernie Miller Park

Specialists. Plan a playdate for your

experiences. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Zoo. The zoo is open year-round. Make

amazing outdoor showroom.

plans to visit the new alligator exhibit.

BackyardSpecialists.com/pay-for-play

KansasCItyZoo.org

WEDNESDAY

9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community

person, you get a game, shoe

Center. A place for little ones to run, ride

rental and drink on Mondays and

and play. Play items available, including

Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

riding toys, inflatables and balls. Lenexa.com

kcparent.com july-september 2022

Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5

with entertainment and educational

children and their friends at our

32

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On

Pay for Play Tue & Thu, 10:00, Backyard

Alligator Exhibit 10:00, Kansas City

Mom or Dad & Me Bumper Bowling

THURSDAY

Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun

parents night out Downtown Olathe Fourth Fourth

Romeo & Juliet Thru July 3, Southmoreland

Lenexa Outdoor Concert Series Sept.

Friday of the month, downtown Olathe.

Park. Romeo and Juliet comes to

18 & 25, Grand Pavilion at Sar-Ko-Par

Enjoy great activities and live music

Southmoreland Park for Heart of America

Trails Park. Bring your lawn chairs or

at each event. July features Matt

Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary

blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy

Snook, as seen on The Voice, and

season! Romeo and Juliet’s timeless

a variety of live music in a lovely outdoor

August’s show is with Sunnyside Down.

appeal lies in its beautiful language and

setting at the Grand Pavilion. Lenexa.com

FourthFridays.Olathe.org

powerful affirmation of love over hate.

Shows Tuesday-Sunday. KCShakes.org

Farm to Table Dinner Experience

Blue Springs Summer Concerts in the Park Sundays, 6:00, Blue Springs Rotary

Grand Carnivale July 23-Aug. 7, Worlds

Gardens. Join for a farm to table

Park. The summer concert season

of Fun. Enjoy amazing high-energy live

dinner experience to celebrate the

brings a variety of blues, rock, classics

music, delicious international food, lively

freshly grown and harvested produce

and country favorites. Concessions

games and unique crafts! Take in the

by the farms at Colonial Gardens.

available, or bring your own picnic.

extravagant sights and sounds of the

ColonialGardensKC.com

BlueSpringsGov.com

nighttime Spectacle of Color Parade.

Second Friday of the month, Colonial

WorldsOfFun.com

Rock the Amp: Lee’s Summit July 8

Fourth Fridays Art Walks Monthly through August in Downtown Lee’s

& 22; Aug 5 & 27; Sept. 24; Legacy Park.

Chris Botti Aug. 24, Yardley Hall at

Summit. Event features showcases from

Enjoy a variety of styles all summer long!

Midwest Trust Center. There’s nothing

local artists and live music performances

Tickets and information available at

like a Chris Botti concert. See him live

that you can experience inside

and you’ll understand why some of

participating shops and restaurants!

the world’s biggest musical stars have

DowntownLS.org/fourthfridays

CityOfLS.net.

been eager to share his stage.

JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

kcparent.com july-september 2022

33

bellylaughs

I put hand soap in the dishwasher.

LOTS of bubbles.

– Phoebe

We asked our 54,000+ Facebook fans:

What is the craziest thing you or your spouse has ever done while suffering from Pregnancy Brain?

Rebecca: I put a gallon of milk in the microwave!

Tammy: I paid for my groceries and then proceeded to walk out of the store without any of my bags.

Laura: I tried to unlock my house with my car key clicker. Didn’t work.

Mary: I packed my son’s lunch in the morning, just like I always do. When he got home he reported his sandwich was just two pieces of bread.

Susan: I asked the cashier how much a $50 gift card would cost to buy.

Kristen: I left the remote for the TV in the freezer.

Three times.

Meghan: I was filling out forms at the doctor’s office and couldn’t remember how old I was. I had to call my Mom and ask.

Karen: I was cooking eggs and couldn’t figure out why nothing was happening. I stared at raw eggs for a good 5 minutes before I realized the stove wasn’t on.

Phoebe: I put hand soap in the dishwasher. LOTS of bubbles!

Tracey: Walked into the bathroom, forgot why I was in the bathroom. Went back to watch TV and then realized I had to go to the bathroom!

Kate: I was convinced “of ” was spelled “ov.”

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

34

kcparent.com july-september 2022

Little Explorers

Science City!

Experience KC’s Favorite Early Learning Destination Over 13,000 sqft of bright, open, dedicated space for your youngest learners.

(Included with Complete Science City Experience)

Let’s Play

Goppert

Creative Corner

All Aboard

Voted “Favorite Family-Fun Center” -Kansas City Magazine Plan Your Visit Today ScienceCity.com • Union Station Members visit FREE

Proud to be a

Smithsonian Affiliate

Big adventures start at The Birth Place.

After seven decades of delivering babies, our latest adventure began five years ago with the opening of our new Birth Place.

Just like every birth is a beginning, we’re looking forward — more driven than ever to provide the expertise growing families need and the exceptional care you deserve.

• Level II NICU, for babies needing extra care

• Repeat winner of KC Parent’s “Favorite Place to Have a Baby”

• Skilled neonatal doctors and nurses

• Comforts like queen beds and large windows

Neonatal nurse practitioners provide on-site support 24/7.

olathehealth.org/birthplace 913-791-4396