KC Baby & Maternity Magazine Summer 2023

PREPPING FOR PREGNANCY

TIPS FOR choosing an OB/GYN

splish, splash! fun in the bath

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When I thought I might be pregnant with my older daughter, I took several at-home tests that all came back positive. While I still had some doubts, something I didn’t have was an OB/GYN. I hadn’t thought to secure that provider and found myself in the position where I needed to find one rather quickly. This was in pre-internet days (can you even imagine finding something without Google?!?), so I polled friends and went with a doc who came highly recommended from a trusted source. Here we are, 22 years later, and he’s still my doctor, so I’d say it worked out. If you are thinking of getting pregnant, it would behoove you to start looking for a doctor now—and while you’re at it, start researching pediatricians because you’ll need that, too! Check out Regan Lyons’ article on pg. 8 for great tips on how to find the right doc for you.

Both my older daughter and my younger daughter were big fans of bath time. They loved playing in the water. (They didn’t love washing of the hair, but we managed.) I remember the tub full of toys and the hours spent soaking, splashing and playing all while getting clean. I personally didn’t always love bath time because it could sometimes be boring just to sit in the bathroom while the girls played, but I now look back on it fondly. For tips to make bath time a success for all little ones, from babies to toddlers, head to pg. 18.

Summer brings so many fun activities for kids of all ages! Check out “Baby’s First Summer” on pg. 30 for great ideas for the tiniest of tots. For those a bit older, visit the calendar at KCParent.com where you’ll find TONS of great events for kids of all ages.

Happy summer, KC parents!

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Local Contributing Writers

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Overland Park), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Emily Morrison (Independence), Kailyn Rhinehart (Warrensburg), Joleen Sams (Shawnee)

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Supplies:

• Canvas bag

• Yellow and black fabric paint

• Old cardboard piece

• Paper plate

• Paintbrush (optional)

• Tiny hands or fingers

Grandma’s Bee-Bees Bag

Here is a cute and mostly easy gift for our special grandmas or other special ladies out there

Step one: Wash canvas bag and allow to dry.

Step two: Place a piece of cardboard inside bag to prevent paint from soaking to other side of bag.

Step three: Put yellow paint onto a paper plate.

Step four: Paint kiddo’s hand yellow and place hand onto bag.

Optional: Try a fingerprint for smaller hands.

Step five: Wash hands immediately with soap and water.

Step six: Allow handprint to dry.

Step seven: Repeat with all hands.

Step eight: Once prints are dry, add on the black stripes, faces, wings and antennas.

Step nine: Allow to dry.

Step 10: We chose to add each child’s initials at the bottom of each bee along with the year. Our 4-year-old chose to add a bandage on his bee.

Step 11: Allow bag to completely dry before gifting it to Grandma!

Optional: Write a cute description on the bag such as “Grandma’s Bee-Bees.”

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with her husband, three children, two dogs, eight fish and a frog. Janelle is the owner of Flint Hills Mediation LLC and loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

tips for finding an OB/GYN

Congrats! You’re pregnant! Now it’s time to make your first big parenting decision: finding the right obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN). Choosing an OB/GYN is one of the most important steps toward becoming a parent—after getting pregnant, of course. The key is to find the doctor that makes you feel at ease, is easy to communicate with and is trustworthy to take the best possible care of you and your baby.

What kind of care provider is right for you?

OB/GYNS are the traditional care providers for women who are expecting, but there are other options to consider including a midwife, perinatologist or doula. First, you will want to envision your birth plan and see what kind of provider aligns best with your wishes. Some things to consider are whether you want a hospital or home birth, whether you plan to use pain medication through labor, whether yours is considered a high-risk pregnancy and whether you plan to breastfeed.

you’re pregnant!

Male or female?

Some women have no preference regarding the gender of their OB/GYN, while others have strong feelings one way or the other. I personally preferred a female doctor. I wanted someone who had been through childbirth before, not only as a doctor but as a mother. With my first child, my doctor was on vacation when I went into labor, and a male physician delivered my baby. Although he was very knowledgeable, he was also very direct and did not have the comforting nature I was hoping for as a first-time mother.

Bedside manner

All doctors have different bedside manners. Some women prefer someone who is very personable and talkative, while others prefer someone who is brutally honest and straight to the point. Others might prefer someone who is comforting to help them through the process. The hospital I delivered at had us visit multiple doctors in the final weeks of pregnancy, so if our doctor was out when we went into labor, we would be familiar with the other caregivers. I learned very quickly the type of bedside manner I preferred. You want to feel comfortable asking questions and trust that your doctor will make the right calls regarding your delivery.

Get referrals

Ask your friends and relatives who their doctors are and what their experiences have been. This can give you insight into a doctor’s bedside manner, availability for questions, and communication style. I found asking my friends to be a great starting point for my search. Though you may take referrals from friends and family, keep in mind everyone has her own opinions. One doctor could be great for one person and not for the other, so don’t base your decision solely on someone else’s experience.

Research

The internet makes researching doctors so simple. After a few clicks you can read about different doctors’ education, specialties and their reviews from patients.

It’s important to research not only the doctor, but also the hospital you will give birth at. Research which hospitals are closest to you and see whether they will accept your insurance. You can also check whether they have a NICU or that one is close in case of complications. When you have the hospital search narrowed down, schedule a tour to see the facilities firsthand. Look to see whether it’s a place you feel confident will give you and your baby outstanding care.

Meet their support staff

You will be spending the next nine months visiting the doctor’s office, so make sure the nurses and support staff are accommodating and friendly. Oftentimes, you will be communicating with the office staff and nurses to make appointments and leave messages with your questions for the doctor. You will want to make sure they respond in a timely manner and take your requests seriously.

Ask about their on-call schedule

Pregnancy can be very unpredictable, which means you might have questions or go into labor in the middle of the night. It’s important to know how you will be able to get hold of your provider outside of normal working hours. Some providers are committed to delivering the babies of their

own patients, while others have no issue with letting the doctor on call that day deliver your baby. It’s important to ask this up front and know what the plan will be if your doctor is not available.

Set up an interview

When you have your choices narrowed down to a couple doctors, set up an interview with them. Take a notebook and make sure to ask the doctor about your birth plan and any specific conditions you might have that could possibly cause complications. A face-to-face meeting with the doctor can be very telling. Did she take the time to listen and answer all your questions, or was she in a rush to get to the next patient? Did he seem receptive to your birth plan? Was he easy to talk to? Was the doctor knowledgeable about your health conditions?

Trust your gut

Your motherly instincts are already kicking in, so use them! The doctor that puts you at ease, takes time to listen to your questions and concerns, and respects your wishes is the right choice. When in doubt, just listen to your gut! And if at any point you feel you’ve made the wrong decision or your doctor does something you don’t agree with, remember that it’s never too late to make a switch.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 2, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

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

Which Kind of Provider Is Right for You?

• OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist): A doctor who both delivers babies and treats diseases of the female reproductive organs.

• Perinatologist (maternal-fetal medicine specialist): An OB/GYN who specializes in high-risk pregnancy.

• Midwife: An advanced-practice registered nurse who specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.

• Doula: A nonmedical person who provides physical, emotional and informative support before, during or after childbirth.

living THROUGH MORNING SICKNESS

for many women, morning sickness is one of the first symptoms that makes them really feel pregnant—but that doesn’t mean it’s fun. Just the smell of certain foods, perfumes or other odors can send you flying toward the bathroom. Sometimes it lasts a few seconds; other times you may be in the bathroom for hours waiting for nausea to subside.

Symptoms

Morning sickness is more accurately referred to as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite can occur at any time of day, despite the name. Symptoms may be present anywhere from just a few minutes to the entire day.

Morning sickness usually starts during the fifth to ninth weeks of pregnancy and slowly resolves around the end of your first trimester. However, some women struggle throughout their entire pregnancy, and nausea doesn’t occur for some women until closer to the end.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is the most severe (and rare) form of morning sickness; it occurs in only about 3% of pregnancies. Nausea and vomiting are so severe that the pregnant mom becomes dehydrated, loses weight and may need hospitalization to restore fluid and electrolyte balances.

Causes

We don’t know precisely why nausea and vomiting during pregnancy happen, but the misery is exceedingly common. Up to 70% of women report nausea or vomiting during the first trimester.

Some widely accepted contributors include the following:

• Low blood sugar

• Hormone and metabolism changes of early pregnancy

• Blood pressure changes throughout the day

How to Manage

Knowing that morning sickness is temporary and living through it are two different things. While you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to imagine it will ever end. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to manage the symptoms.

Some common lifestyle and diet changes

to try:

• Eat a crackers or bites of toast before you get out of bed in the morning.

• Don’t let your stomach get empty.

• Eat several small snacks and meals throughout the day—nuts, fruit and crackers are great options.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Ginger candies, ginger ale and ginger tea have long been used to combat nausea.

• Keep your diet bland—the BRATT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea) is easy to digest.

• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially over your stomach.

• Rest during the day and try to get a good night’s sleep.

• Acupuncture and acupressure on the wrist.

Tips about medications and vitamins:

• Prenatal vitamins are best taken with food to minimize queasiness.

• Vitamin B6 supplements may help decrease nausea.

• Doxylamine (Unisom) is an antihistamine approved for use during pregnancy. It reduces nausea and may help you sleep.

Always talk with your health care provider before taking any new medications, vitamins or supplements.

Risks for Mom and Baby

Generally, morning sickness is not associated with adverse outcomes for the mom or baby. This is because your body will prioritize delivering nutrients to your growing baby, even if it means “borrowing” from your body’s stored supply. The most significant risk is dehydration for women who experience severe hyperemesis gravidarum.

When to Seek Help

For most women, morning sickness is manageable at home with some of the tips above. However, talk to your OB/GYN or midwife if nausea and vomiting significantly interfere with your ability to function. Some prescription treatments may be helpful. Call your health care provider immediately if you:

• Are unable to keep any liquids down.

• Notice visible blood or dark brown color in your vomit.

• Lose weight.

• Feel like your heart is racing.

• Feel extremely tired, dizzy or faint.

Always tell your health care provider about the symptoms you experience between appointments, any medications or supplements you are taking, and any concerns you may have.

Morning sickness usually resolves around the time your second trimester begins, so that’s something to look forward to. And soon enough, your sweet new bundle of joy will arrive, making those weeks of morning sickness a distant memory.

Susan L. Storm MD

Laurie E. Riddell MD

Ermalyn Kubart MD

Stephanie A. Marx MD

Kathryn Hauptmann MD

Melissa J. Beard MD

Stephanie R. Bays DO

Susan L. Storm MD

Laurie D. Riddell MD

Ermalyn Kubart MD

Stephanie A Marx MD

Joleen Sams is family nurse practitioner who lives in Shawnee with her family.

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

KCU Baby KCU Baby Development Development Lab Lab

The new Baby Development Lab at Kansas City University is looking for babies 7 months or younger to participate in a research study. It involves one visit to the lab, where your child will sit on your lap and watch some emotional facial expressions on a TV screen. We compensate you with a $25 Amazon gift card for your

Kathyrn Hauptmann MD

Melissa J. Beard MD

Stephanie R. Bays DO

Heather J. Malone MD

Kathleen Ballenger

Heather J. Malone

Kathleen Ballenger

Amanda Finn

Nick Stasic MD

Monica Rondeau

Veda Donner

Dee McGuire

www.kcubabydevlab.com kcubabydevlab@kansascity.edu 816-654-7804

TIPS TO CALM A

fussy baby

Tears from your baby will tug at your heartstrings, yet you can find ways to calm that darling child.

When you hear your newborn’s first cry, you are elated that his or her lungs are strong, and a healthy, loud noise emitting from that tiny body fills you with joy. As days and nights pass, that cry may not be so joyous for you as you are sleep deprived, sore from nursing or exhausted from fixing bottles, and worn out from changing diapers.

Babies can cry as much as two to three hours or more in a 24-hour period, and living with the wailing is not easy. It can make even the strongest parent feel helpless and out of control. As your baby gets older, you will be able to read what the cry means. There is a hungry cry, a wet diaper cry, an angry cry and an “I’m crying because I want to be held” cry.

There are some strategies you can try to bring peace to you and your household. Try the shoosh bounce. Rock your little one in a carrier or sling while repeatedly shooshing in her ear. Walk around the house, the block, the driveway, anywhere, while shooshing. Studies suggest that a calming response is triggered in an infant’s brain when being carried or rocked, causing the baby’s heart rate to slow and the muscles to relax. That shooshing sound creates a repetitive distraction for him to focus on instead of crying.

Never forget the power of music! Whatever style you like, your little one will hear. And your baby will be mesmerized by your singing because your voice is familiar and the rhythm is calming.

Another tip is to record your child’s crying on your phone, then play it and let him listen. He will be fascinated by the sound of a crying baby. Babies can get “stuck” crying, and hearing their own voice may jolt them back. Simply introducing something new can break the cycle of crying.

Sometimes when a baby gets overstimulated, the trick is to put her in a completely dark room. Pull down blackout shades and put her in a swing. Swinging gives her the sensation of rocking in your arms, and she will be out like a light in a few minutes. After all, newborns are used to the quiet, dark space in the womb. Recreate this feeling and, voila, you may have a content infant.

Try some white noise, such as a fan or vacuum cleaner, or download an app. The theory is that these sounds imitate what your infant heard in the womb as Mommy’s blood passed through the placenta. Just keep the volume low.

Your baby can sense your stress. Try changing the scenery and hand him off to your husband or to Grandma. Or change the scenery. Going from the nursery to the patio or kitchen can sometimes be enough to snap that crying session and give both of you a change of mood. Any change is worth a try. I often changed the rooms around to surprise my kids. I put a plastic tablecloth on the living room floor and moved the highchair in on it. They thought it was fun to throw food on that tablecloth!

Motion can work miracles. When my son would cry, I would bounce him on my arm, his face in my hand and his body poised on my arm. Up and down, up and down. He loved it. It helped with his gassy tummy, and he loved the movement. And never underestimate the power of taking a car ride. The motion and view out the car window may calm the fussy child and allow you to take a breath. You also can try setting the baby carrier on the dryer while it’s running or on the counter as the dishwasher chugs away.

Another technique is to hold your baby facing outward from your stomach, so he can suck his hands. This mimics a baby’s position in the womb. Keep moving, swaying back and forth, and go from room to room. Looking in a mirror on your journey through the house is a fun way to entertain your baby, too.

Remember to work out your own stress. Plan a workout session when Daddy gets home or find some alone time. You’ll have more stamina to manage the crying calmly. Get out of the house! Go for walks, which is always calming. The fresh air will do you both good.

If your baby cries around the same time each day, have something to look forward to while you take care of her. Stream your favorite show or podcast while trying to calm your child during that fussy time. You might even look for a new favorite comedian. Laughter is helpful for anyone who is reeling from uncomfortable emotions. It gets you out of your head and away from feelings that make you depressed or anxious.

Bedtime crying can be the most trying time for parents. Know that sitting outside the doorway as she cries will end. Go in every few minutes to reassure, and that bit of time will end. A spinning mobile above the crib may help distract.

When you know your child is full, dry and warm, yet is still crying, remember he is a little person finding his way in the world. A tight hug and humming sound can do wonders. Breathe together, and the crying will end—eventually!

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

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

Sources: Parents.com, HealthyChildren.org.

Get out of the house! Go for walks, which is always calming. The fresh air will do you both good.

PRENATAL VITAMINS WHY THEY MATTER AND HOW TO CHOOSE

Growing a new life requires a lot of energy and nutritional resources. Equip your body with what it needs for this monumental task.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnant women need a minimum of 300 mg of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) a day. Because many vitamins do not contain this, pregnant mothers may need to obtain their daily minimum through fatty fish or fish oil.

Pregnant mamas also need extra folic acid and iron. Folic acid assists in preventing abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. Iron helps support your placenta and overall fetus development while preventing anemia. These also can be found in many everyday foods like darkgreen leafy vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds, among others.

While a healthy diet ensures you and your growing baby receive the key vitamins and minerals you both need, including DHA, iron and folic acid, let’s be honest: It’s hard to eat well during that first trimester. Whether the nausea has you gagging at the thought of certain foods, or you just can’t keep anything down, it’s tricky. It’s also a lot of pressure. Meals can become tedious. You may develop an aversion to certain smells, textures and flavors. You may love Brussels sprouts one day and despise them the next. You may barely make it through dinner. The chewiness of chicken may send you into a spiral.

That’s where prenatal vitamins come in. Prenatals can help fill in those gaps and still support you and your growing baby on days you can only stomach saltine crackers and ginger ale. Today, there are prenatal vitamin

subscriptions available, so getting your hands on sufficient nutrients for you and your baby can be even easier. Where should you start?

If you’re trying to conceive, go ahead and start researching brands of prenatal vitamins so you can begin taking one. If you’re thinking about trying to conceive, start researching. If you just found out you are pregnant (congratulations!), start researching. Talk with your doctor and cater your research to your specific health needs. For instance, you may need extra amounts of a particular nutrient, or maybe you want a vegan option.

If you’re newly pregnant, it may take a bit of trial and error to find just the right brand and type. For example, maybe the large pills are too difficult to swallow and make you extra queasy. Try a prenatal

gummy option that you can chew instead. Maybe one brand is too strong and gives you an upset stomach. Maybe try a different brand that lets you take two smaller doses a day to break it up.

That being said, your health care provider may suggest a higher dose of specific nutrients, depending on certain circumstances. In addition to folic acid and iron, try to look for a vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D. You may even look for one containing vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and iodine. Again, many of these nutrients can be obtained through foods, but a supplement helps just in case you can’t stomach them.

Try to find that balance between healthy foods and a good prenatal vitamin. You’ll still need to try to fit those healthy food options in, even if it’s hard some days. Drink plenty of water, too.

Though a world of options is out there, here is a quick outline/checklist of questions to help get you started.

• What is the best prenatal for vegetarians?

• What is the best prenatal multivitamin?

• What is the best prenatal vitamin subscription?

• What is the best prenatal for pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• The best prenatal with DHA?

• The best gummies?

• The best prenatal protein powder?

• The best vegan-friendly prenatal?

Once you ask yourself or a doctor these questions, you can research brands that cater to your specific checklist. Your

local pharmacy, Walmart, Target or even Amazon should carry your chosen prenatal.

Although prenatal vitamins are designed to be good for your body and fill in any gaps, they do come with some side-effects. To minimize tummy trouble, stay hydrated, sneak more fiber into your diet, stay active during your daily routine (if your health care provider approves) or consider a stool softener.

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

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

If you’re trying to conceive, go ahead and start researching brands of prenatal vitamins so you can begin taking one. If you’re thinking about trying to conceive, start researching. If you just found out you are pregnant (congratulations!), start researching.

MAMA ON THE Mend Y

Let me help you pull you back to earth, Mama. Read these words and then read them again. Pass them on to someone else who needs to hear them. Let’s change the narrative of postpregnancy bodies and minds together.

ou’ve done it. You have brought a life into this world. Look at you! Whatever the journey was that brought you to deliver your baby, know that you are a warrior.

Your Instagram feed might tell an entirely different story, though. Rather than reading positive and uplifting messages about easing into this new life and reality, you are instead being bombarded with judgmental articles detailing exactly how to get your mom-bod to bounce back ASAP. No really, like now.

The pressure on new moms (and secondtime and third-time moms) to immediately revert back to the person they were before their babies arrived is worse than ever before.

Let me help you pull you back to earth, Mama. Read these words and then read them again. Pass them on to someone else who needs to hear them. Let’s change the narrative of post-pregnancy bodies and minds together.

Healing takes time

It took your body over nine months to create this human. Your body is not the same. Things have moved, swelled and shifted. It is ludicrous to think you will get into your pre-baby jeans in two weeks. Or two months. Or 20 months. If your priority is anything but giving yourself rest, nourishment and self-love, you are doing it wrong. You can’t be a great mom if you’re exhausted.

Mental over physical

Too much time is spent talking about what a mom should do about her “post-baby body” and not nearly enough spent talking about her post-baby mental space. New moms are experiencing all the emotions. From joy and elation to fear and absolutely paralyzing anxiety, a mixed bag of feelings ebb and flow each day.

Becoming a new mom is overwhelming, even if it’s your second or third go at this.

Don’t hesitate to be vocal with your family about what you are experiencing. Consider asking for someone (ahem, your partner) to step up and help out. Take a long bath, read a good book or binge watch as many shows as you want. You have earned the right to take as much time as you need. Cash those chips in.

Don’t sleep on doc visits

While your baby’s needs are taking up precious bandwidth right now, resist the urge to skip your own postpartum doctor visits. Your doctor is there to help you identify anything that might be off or that could lead to further issues down the road.

Not feeling so thrilled about this whole mom life thing? Tell your doc or therapist. Concerned about how tired you are? Don’t keep it inside. This is a time in your life when it is imperative to overshare. There is no shame in being brutally honest about what you are experiencing as a new mom. Trust that your doctor has heard and seen it all.

Ditch the junk food

Nutritious food is crucial for a recovering mom’s health and well-being. Additionally, if you are nursing your newborn, those fruits and veggies will help with milk supply. Please remember, eating healthy has nothing to do with getting your figure back after Baby but has everything to do with taking the best care of yourself so you can be the best version of you.

In addition to eating healthy foods, do what you can to get water throughout the day. Yes, caffeine can once again become a part of your life, but coffee can be dehydrating and cause other issues. Buy a cute new water bottle if it will help, and make water a priority. If water really isn’t your thing, add cucumber or lemon slices to jazz it up and keep the fluids coming.

Use technology to help

Mom brain is real—and maybe even worse—than pregnancy brain. Your mental energy is prioritized for expenditure on caring for your new baby. You’re not cheating if you enlist help. Utilize technology to remind you of the things that will make life easier. Ask your digital helper (i.e., Google or Alexa) to remind you to pump at a certain time, or to automatically order diapers on a regular cadence. Investigate apps that help you track your baby’s naps, feedings and diaper changes so you can be armed with information at each pediatrician’s appointment. And remember, this is a skill that both parents should be utilizing. Don’t be afraid to dole out responsibilities to your partner—you’re in this together!

Speak up

There is a misconception that mothers inherently know what they’re doing. The unfortunate reality is that there is no magical mom manual that downloads into your brain after your baby leaves your body. As a new mom, I didn’t know the right cadence for bringing my son into the pediatrician. During his 6-month appointment, I discovered my son was behind on several benchmark checkups to monitor his growth. I initially felt the urge

to apologize for my incompetence, but I instead looked at my son’s doctor and said, “No one told me when to come in. I am new to this. Please help me.”

If you were lost, you’d ask for directions. This is no different. Lean on the experts who know the answers.

Be ready for anything

This new mom gig can be touch and go. Some days you will feel like you’ve got the whole thing down to a science. Other days may feel heavier and more challenging. Despite whether you’re having a good day or bad day, know that they are collectively forming the story that is a life with your baby. Every moment is important, the good and bad. It is crucial to remember that you’ve been given a beautiful responsibility—and to take each day as it comes. Ask for help when you need it, ignore social media ads and cherish every moment with your child.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.

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

Four Ways to Heal Faster

1. Delete social media. Or, at the very least, avoid it for a while. Take pictures of your baby and your life at home over the next few months. You can always send photos to those you truly care about or post about them later.

2. Get out of the house. If weather allows for it, do what you can to take a walk with your baby every day. It doesn’t have to be far, but the fresh air will make a world of difference.

3. Ask for gifts that will help. When someone asks if they can help you in any way, give an actual answer that will help you. Ask for a week of grocery delivery or a laundry service or house cleaning. You don’t need a casserole, you need help.

4. Limit the visits. Well-meaning friends and family members will be asking to come by to see the new addition. Schedule a time for the visit and limit the interaction to an hour or less.

splish, splash! it’s time for baby’s bath

bath time can be such a sweet bonding time for parents and their children. It’s a fun way to sneak in some much needed one-on-one time with your baby. On the other hand, bath time can be nerve-wracking for new parents who want to make sure they’re bathing their child correctly. Below are some pointers for bath time with both babies and toddlers.

baby’s bath time

Before you head home with your newborn, ask your nurse whether the hospital offers bath classes. We took a bath class with each of our children, and it was so helpful. The nurse walked us through our baby’s first bath, which left us feeling much more comfortable giving baths at home. It was even helpful with our second child to get a refresher course on anything that may have changed or that we had forgotten.

Babies only need a bath two or three times a week. More than that can dry out their skin. I suggest having another adult on hand to help with bath time until you feel comfortable. It’s important to choose a bath time when your baby is not too tired or too hungry. Before bath time, gather all the supplies you will need and place them in reach of the bath. For newborn babies, you

will give sponge baths until their umbilical cord falls off. The water should be warm to the touch, never hot. You can use a bath thermometer, your elbow or wrist to test the temperature. We used a rubber duck that measured whether the water was too hot or too cold, which took the guessing out of it and was fun for Baby to play with. You will also want to make sure the room you’re bathing your child in is warm and doesn’t have a draft.

To wash your baby you will want to use a soft baby washcloth and mild baby wash with no perfume or dyes that can irritate sensitive skin. Then you will gently wash each area of their body. When bath time is over, drain the water completely and quickly wrap your baby in a soft, warm towel so they don’t lose too much body heat.

Once their umbilical cord falls off, they can move to the sink, bath tub or other baby bath. Your child’s bath time will probably evolve as they grow. We progressed from the Blooming Bath Lotus Bath in the sink to the Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Safety Bath Tub and, finally, to the fullsized bath tub as she grew into a toddler. If a certain tub you have isn’t working, try something new. With our first child, we found what we thought would work best actually didn’t work for us at all.

Bath time is a very calming experience that can help your child relax before bedtime if you make it part of your routine. Usually a bath followed by a bottle and a story was exactly what our little one needed to calm down and get ready for a good night’s sleep.

toddler’s bath time

Toddlers tend to need baths more often than babies, as they are more active, play outside and feed themselves. Bathing two or three times a week is still fine for a toddler, but if you have a toddler who enjoys playing in the dirt like mine does, you might find baths every night are necessary. Our family has found the best time for baths is right after dinner, as our daughter usually makes quite a mess while eating.

Bath time has several educational and developmental benefits. The bath routine provides structure, bath toys provide a unique play experience, and playing in the tub builds fine motor and sensory development, as well as early science and math learning.

Not only is bath time educational, but it is fun! We like to make bath time fun by incorporating bath toys. Some of our favorites are foam letters and numbers that stick to the tub, stacking cups with propellers that all strain the water differently and bath books. We also like to play her favorite music during bath time and let her splash around. Bath paint and bath crayons are great ways to let tots express their creativity. The best part is the paint rinses away in the tub, so no mess to clean up! Do your best to make sure your toddler stays seated in the bath, as it can be very slippery. With all of the fun splashing around, your toddler might not want to get out of the bath. To keep your child from going into full

bath safety tips

meltdown mode, make sure you let them know what to expect. You can say, “At the end of this song, we will get out of the tub.” Another technique is to tell them you’re going to count to 10 and then it will be time to get out and dry off. We have started draining the water for our daughter and she waves and says, “Bye-bye, water.” It works like a charm.

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, Missouri.

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

n Never, under any circumstances, leave your baby alone in the water. If you forget the soap or towel, take the baby with you.

n When preparing the bath water, don’t place the baby in the bath until the water is finished running. The temperature can quickly change and become scalding hot.

n Set your water heater at 120 degrees to prevent scalding hot water or burns.

n Empty the bathtub completely after bath time.

n Add anti-slip strips or mats to the bottom of the tub.

n Use a spout cover so your child doesn’t hit their head on the water spout.

n Don’t use toys with holes in them like squirt toys. They are fun, but can quickly encourage bacteria, mold and fungus to grow.

ditching diapers! a

re you bracing yourself for the big day? Or counting down the days until you get there? Maybe a little bit of both? Or maybe you’ve dabbled in it a little and waved the white flag in surrender. What exactly am I referring to, you might ask?

Potty training! You’ve been knee-deep in diapers for a few years now and perhaps dreamed of how amazing it will be to go diaper free ... but to be honest, the process of getting there can be quite the task—both for you and your child! Children need to be ready for potty training to stick and be successful, so here are a few tips to help get you on your way.

Wait for the right time. Just as children walk and talk at different ages, the same can be said for potty training. There is no specific age, but more a timeline of possibility, when your child might be ready. As a general rule, most children are ready between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. “Don’t start potty training until your child is ready. Every child is different, and it is easy to get caught up in the comparison game” Kathleen Russell, Overland Park mom of three, wisely shares. “Your child will give you cues when he is ready—telling you when he’s gone to the bathroom in his diaper, asking to have a diaper change or showing signs of interest in sitting on the toilet.”

Have the right equipment. Before beginning potty training, have the right gear. You will need a child-sized potty or a potty seat that fits on your toilet, training pants or underwear, and wipes or toilet paper. Some people opt for flushable wipes, but beware— any plumber will tell you those are a little tough on your household plumbing. Build the excitement a bit, too, by letting your child pick a fun potty seat or underwear or buy some fun smelly or colorful soap to wash hands with after. Also, if you are considering a reward system to encourage your child, you will want to stock up on stickers or treats too.

Demonstrate and explain. Children learn by example, so it is important to demonstrate how to use the potty. Let your child watch you (since he follows you into the bathroom all the time anyway!), and you explain in simple terms what you are doing. Older siblings can sometimes be helpful here too, as well as books and videos or even demonstrating with your tot’s favorite stuffy what to do.

Give it a go. Once you have decided on the day for potty training, clear your calendar. It is hard to be consistent and help your child be successful if you’re out running errands everywhere, so plan to be at home for a few days to encourage the process. Some people opt for letting their child run around naked, placing a

potty seat in a main living area, or utilizing a potty watch or visual timer. Whatever method you decide on, know there is not one right way. You just need to stay consistent and positive. If you have a cando attitude, chances are your tot will too. Start the morning by letting your child don a fresh new pair of undies. Make sure he is drinking plenty of liquid and consider employing something like a potty watch that will alert your child when it is time to try. While this is fun, it also alleviates you from being the bad guy who is making your child go potty.

Encourage and praise. Potty training can be challenging, so it is important to encourage and praise your child throughout the process. Use positive reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward, to motivate your child to use the potty. Make sure to celebrate even small successes, such as sitting on the potty or being dry. Melissa Lambert, Overland Park mom of three, recalls some good advice she received: “The best advice I got was to reward for dry undies when they go into the bathroom. Some people reward only when the child actually goes potty, but because you are typically going in the bathroom every 15 minutes or so, they don’t always need to go each time. I found rewarding for being dry was a huge celebration and encouragement for them too!”

Arm yourself with a lot of patience— and maybe a reward for yourself too! Potty training can be a frustrating and messy process, but it is important to be patient and know that accidents will happen. Avoid scolding or punishing your child, but calmly clean up the mess and encourage your child to try again next time. If you notice your child is having more accidents than not, you can decide to table potty training for a few days or weeks, so your child doesn’t feel frustrated. Just because you started doesn’t mean you have to keep going if it isn’t working!

Encourage independence. Potty training is a big step toward independence,

so it is important to encourage your child to take ownership of the process. Encourage your child to pull down her pants, sit on the potty and wipe herself. This will help build confidence and self-esteem.

Though potty training may feel stressful and like something you may never make it through, rest assured most children don’t go to kindergarten in diapers. Take a deep breath, gear up and good luck!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she is living proof you can come out on the other side of potty training somewhat unscathed!

Keep in mind, what worked for one of your children may not work for another ... and that is OK! We have four children, and each one of them potty trained so differently. Both of our daughters decided on their own they were done wearing diapers. We had talked about potty training and purchased fun undies, but it really wasn’t on my radar. Until it was. They each literally came in one day wearing underwear and refused to put a diaper on. I can remember looking at my husband and saying, “Well, this wasn’t on my agenda for today.” But isn’t that just so typical of parenting!

Every child is different, and it is easy to get caught up in the comparison game.

getting ready for pregnancy

are you and your partner hoping to add a baby to your family in the next year? Making the decision to add a baby to your family is an exciting step, and you’ll need to journey through the ups and downs of pregnancy. Though you can never be 100% ready for the big changes that come along with carrying a baby for the next nine months, you can do some important things to get your body ready before you even are expecting.

Visit your doctor

When you feel the symptoms of baby fever, it’s wise to head to your doctor and discuss any questions and concerns you may have before you become pregnant. Make sure to bring a list of current medications and discuss any preexisting medical conditions. Many medications that are safe for you to take on a regular basis are not safe for your unborn child. Your doctor may also recommend that you start taking prenatal vitamins and supplements and pursue genetic testing. If you are currently using birth control, your doctor can explain when and how to stop taking it, so you can start trying when the time is right.

Stop risky behaviors

Drinking alcohol, smoking, taking certain medications and handling chemicals can cause harm to your unborn child. If you have a positive pregnancy test, these behaviors must be stopped immediately, but if you are just starting to try to become pregnant, it’s wise to avoid these substances so you can ensure the safety of your baby. “Six months before we started trying, I started eating healthier, my husband and I both stopped drinking alcohol, and I went off all prescriptions and pharmaceuticals,” says Emily Corder, Olathe

mom of two. Secondhand smoke can be harmful to you and your baby as well, so consider asking your significant other or any other housemates to stop smoking. Similarly, avoid using chemicals such as pesticides and harsh cleaning products during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for a list of what to avoid.

Get other appointments scheduled

Before you start trying to get pregnant, schedule other doctor appointments that may include testing or X-rays that are harmful for the baby. Dentists often do yearly X-rays. If you know you will be trying to grow your family soon, have your dentist perform the annual X-ray while there is no risk of harming the pregnancy.

Maintain a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, give you more energy, get adequate rest and improve overall health. Before you start planning to get pregnant, it won’t hurt to choose healthy meal options and increase foods with folic acid.

Ashely Baugh, mom of three, shares what changes she made before attempting to get pregnant: “I started eating healthier by choosing organic and unprocessed foods, removed a lot of chemicals from our home, including laundry detergents, candles, cleaning products, body washes, shampoos and deodorants. I read various books and started tracking my cycle and ovulation. I also had to change some of my medications.”

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and proof of how amazing our bodies are. These tips to help you get ready for pregnancy can help ensure you have a healthy and happy pregnancy and baby.

A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, give you more energy, get adequate rest and improve overall health.

your pregnancy test is positive! now what?

You noticed some curious symptoms and decided to take a pregnancy test, only to discover you are expecting. In the midst of processing the exciting news that a baby is on the way, you aren’t quite sure what to do next. Here’s a list of what to do right after receiving a positive pregnancy test. Take a second test. Unfortunately, false positives happen, and they can be devastating. Before you celebrate, consider taking another pregnancy test (or two) to confirm you are pregnant. When was your last menstrual cycle? Take a look at the calendar and figure out the date of your last period. This will help you calculate how many weeks you are and when your baby is due. You can find many calculators online, or your doctor will help you pinpoint your due date based on the first day of your last period.

Celebrate! You and your partner are in for some big changes. Give yourself some time to get used to the idea and to celebrate that your family is growing. Make a doctor appointment. Your doctor or midwife will want to see you during the first trimester. Once you have a

positive pregnancy test, call and get your first appointment scheduled.

Stop risky behaviors. If you are currently smoking or drinking alcohol, stop immediately. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your doctor whether they are safe to continue. Be cautious about handling dangerous chemicals such as pesticides and harsh household cleaners.

Stay healthy. Growing a baby is hard work. Eat healthy, stay active and get adequate rest.

Do some research. Once the excitement settles, look into what your insurance benefits will cover, start saving for additional costs and research what type of medical leave your workplace allows.

Decide whom to tell and when. When will you announce your pregnancy? Some couples will want to immediately shout the news from the rooftops, and others may choose to keep quiet about it until after the first trimester. Discuss with your partner what is right for you.

pregnancy perks p

regnancy is hard. It changes us. It takes a toll on the body, the mind and just about everything else. Not to mention how it causes us to worry and overthink. But we don’t always need to state the obvious. Or the negative. What about finding the positives? The perks?

When it comes to pregnancy, we acknowledge there are many difficult things involved. The swollen ankles. The morning sickness. So many things we can’t do.

But what if we celebrate the pregnancy perks, too? The kindness of strangers. Or the beauty perks such as luscious pregnancy hair or quickly growing beautiful nails. Pregnancy perks can be getting to buy or wear new clothes or just being able to park closer to the store entrance in the designated Expectant Mother spot. Let’s spark some positivity and celebrate all the great things to experience throughout pregnancy.

Let’s spark some positivity and celebrate all the great things to experience throughout pregnancy.

Public Pregnancy Perks

You’ll enjoy many very public positives and perks while being pregnant. Many stores and offices have expectant mom parking. Take advantage of this and park closer to the building, a perk made even better in less-than-ideal weather! After all, who wants to walk across a parking lot in the rain eight months pregnant?

Another public perk to pregnancy is the kindness of strangers. People these days aren’t always the nicest in public. But if you’re sporting a big belly, they’re much more willing to go out of their way to help you out. Whether it’s holding a door open or helping to reach the top shelf at the grocery store, the kindness of strangers is a huge perk to pregnancy.

Now, it’s never good to lie, but I’m willing to bet that a pregnant lady or two has used her growing babe to get out of plans before. The introverted pregnant mama will appreciate having an excuse to cancel or delay plans so she can sit at home on the couch and rest. After all, slowing down and relaxing are needed when you’re growing a baby!

Spend the whole day lying on the couch and binging your favorite show instead of going out if you want to. You and your body are putting in the hard work! You need and deserve rest. No one will argue otherwise. So definitely enjoy that pregnancy perk while you can.

Body and Appearance Pregnancy Perks

If you’ve grown a baby or are currently doing so, you know there are some serious hair and nail growth perks. Luscious pregnancy hair is something to celebrate (before it sheds itself postpartum, that is). With all the hormones and extra vitamins you’re producing and taking in, your hair might grow faster and thicker. There’s also that extra all-around glow, right?

Another outward perk to pregnancy is new clothing. You now have an easy excuse to buy new flowy dresses and clothes that make you feel great. Use it up, mama! Don’t spend your whole pregnancy suffering in uncomfortable clothing. Buy those new leggings, oversized sweatshirts and the comfy clothing you want.

While you’re at it, take a nap. Because you have a reasonable excuse to do that any time during pregnancy—and it is wonderful. And do we even need to talk about the fact that you get to miss out on getting your monthly cycle for nine-plus months?

Mindset Pregnancy Perks

Some of the biggest and most valuable pregnancy perks are mindset shifts. Throughout pregnancy, you learn to have grace with yourself. You often recognize your own limitations. Celebrate your strengths, recognize them, but acknowledge that you may have some temporary restrictions. That’s OK!

You might develop a brand new appreciation for your body, yourself and what you’re capable of. You should! The mindset shift of pregnancy allows you to realize what truly matters. It allows you to reevaluate, slow down and grow your appreciation for things you actually care about. While you’re growing new life, focus on what is actually important in your own.

Ways to help appreciate pregnancy perks and positives:

Make a gratitude list each day/ week/month. Try listing three to five things you’re grateful for during pregnancy. They can be as big as just being pregnant or as small as “I got some maternity clothing on sale!”

Another huge pregnancy perk is giving yourself permission to ask for help. It’s opening yourself up to humility and accepting support—especially if you’re not one who typically accepts help often.

Remember, one of the most valuable pregnancy mindset shifts in pregnancy is excitement. Be excited about the future. Dream. Share. Talk about all your hopes and plans. Allow yourself to envision what your new life will be and what your child will look and act like. Do this with your partner and watch how it grows and changes your relationship.

Pregnancy is a complex stage of motherhood. It’s full of concerns, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the what-ifs, the worries and the questioning. But if you don’t stop to appreciate all the amazing and positive things that happen during pregnancy, you’ll miss out on a unique season’s blessings. Take some time to think about the perks today. Think about all the benefits and good things involved in being pregnant.

Even if you don’t actually enjoy being pregnant, try finding one or two things you kind of enjoy about it.

Have coffee with another pregnant friend. Instead of spending that time commiserating over all the negatives of pregnancy, chat only about the good things you’ve experienced.

Ask your spouse or partner for positives. You never know—you might glean some insight into pregnancy perks you haven’t thought of yet!

Document your pregnancy with either some DIY skills or a professional photographer. Photographers have an amazing way of helping you appreciate your pregnant body. Even if you’re uncomfortable in front of the camera, you may walk away from your session with a new appreciation of your appearance. After you get your pictures back from your session, spend some time with your partner looking through them. Remember all the perks, dreams and excitement to come!

Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri. She lives with her husband and two small children.

first-time mom ... for the fourth time

there are 13 years between my oldest and my youngest, and it’s fair to say I’m a very different mom with my youngest than I was as a new mom to my oldest. Sometimes, I’d love to go back in time and impart the wisdom that’s come through experience, garnered from both wins and losses, to my young self. I realize that’s not reality and that if growth has transpired, then it’s not all been for naught. But if I could roll back the hands of time, these are some of the things I’d tell myself as a new mom.

Trust your mom gut

As a first-time parent, I read everything I could get my hands on about taking care of a baby, sleeping techniques, parenting practices for raising toddlers and so many more topics. At the same time, social media was at its advent, and there was no shortage of parenting feeds full of advice, expert or otherwise. Although research made me feel prepared, I quickly realized that my children weren’t lab rats that were going to perform as a book promised. In fact, all my kids broke the mold! I also discovered that a lot of advice coming from parents in my season of life was overconfident and under-substantiated. In short, I learned that there’s no substitute for trusting my mom gut. No outside source, regardless the amount of higher education or specialized training, will ever supersede your deep know-how regarding your child. You are the expert of your little one! Navigating food allergies, speech delays, learning disabilities or giftedness, or complex social dynamics are areas where your intuition can tremendously benefit the outcome

for your child. This doesn’t mean that outside help isn’t warranted or required. On the contrary, your intuitions may be the catalyst for seeking truly needed counsel.

You don’t really need it all

I’ll admit it: I was a “stuff” person with my firstborn. When it came to building a registry, I figured the more items on it the merrier! There’s no denying it was fun to have every piece of a complete themed collection from bedding to bouncer, playmat to swing and more. I wanted to try all the things and see what was helpful and what was not. As the first grandchild on both sides of the family, our firstborn naturally got everything we ever dreamed of— times two! And learn we did! After the newness of baby gear wore off, I realized there were only a few tried and true items that made life easier. And with each subsequent child I had, I discovered we needed less and less. Some of my personal favorite items were sleep sacks (used instead of a blanket for added warmth), a soft wrap like a Boba for the first year and a structured baby carrier for thereafter, a comfortable arm chair with a reclining option in the nursery for nursing, cuddling and reading stories, and a travel system (a stroller equipped to secure a newborn car seat into it, which avoids unnecessarily waking up a little one to transfer him/her). Outside of that, I needed to calculate the cost of having items in my home that required upkeep, took up space and created visual clutter.

Battery operated toys aren’t all they’re cracked up to be I could have saved myself a lot of money—and headache—if I had avoided purchasing battery operated toys right out of the gate. Why? For starters, all the noise that spews out of them doesn’t hold a baby’s attention. Second, some babies think the fun is in pushing all the buttons of all the toys all at the same time, which is sensory overload for everyone within earshot. Third, batteries are expensive, and electronic toys consume a ton of them. Our noisy

toys “magically” disappeared over time or simply found themselves battery free. This process was further expedited after we had freak encounters with a toy going off in the middle of the night either by walking past it or turning the light on—the stuff of parenting horror stories! The one exception to that rule was a Winnie the Pooh push toy that my boys just loved. I told myself when the battery went out—which couldn’t possibly be that long, right?—I wouldn’t replace it. Of course, that toy spat out lights and music for over 13 years!

Be fully present

Initially, social media was a way to preserve memories and share my children’s milestones with friends and family. But it also became an escape from reality, a poor substitute for in-person relationships and a place where extremes became norms: Either

bragging about kids’ accomplishments or tearing them down as a means of venting seemed to be the pervasive interweb trends. Over time, I didn’t like how social media was impacting me or my parenting. Worse yet, I realized it only after I’d already wasted far too much time in the abyss. Rather than regulate my usage, I cut it cold turkey in 2020. I haven’t looked back since. The peace I have in parenting my fourthborn, mainly due to the lack of noise coming in from my devices, has been refreshing. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Don’t wish it away

Having a baby is one of the biggest life changes you’ll ever experience. You’ll be exhausted in ways you didn’t think possible, and your body will leak and sag and operate much like a human science experiment. You’ll also love your little one instantly so much that it hurts, and you’ll desire his or her best

at the expense of yourself. The hardest things are often the most rewarding. Naturally, we want the fruit of hardship without having to go through hard things altogether. When sleep deprived with a newborn, it’s only natural to wish time were to pass more quickly until the baby would sleep through the night. After 15 years of parenting, I’ve learned a very simple truth: There is no easy stage in parenting. It’s all hard to varying degrees. If you’re not up in the middle of the night with a newborn, you might be consoling a little one with bad dreams, helping an older child who’s gotten sick in the middle of the night, or staying up past your own bedtime to give space for your teenager to pour out his heart and dreams. Interspersed throughout it all are also sweet memories that will be as precious as they are fleeting. Don’t wish away the hard times or you’ll miss out on the best within those times. (Oh, and eventually they do learn to sleep through the night!).

Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe boymom of four amazing boys ranging in age from toddler to teenagers.

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SKILLMATICS HIGH CONTRAST FLASH CARDS

Designed by educators, these black and white images range from simple shapes to more complex patterns and objects to stimulate Baby’s developing brain and vision. Prop cards up in the wooden stands for stimulating tummy time. Toddlers can hold the durable cards and explore early object recognition and vocabulary. $19.97, birth-12 months, Skillmatics.com

Make change-time and potty training easier. Engineered with unique 3D core technology, extra-stretchy waistband, resealable tab and easy-tear sides for up to 12-hour leak protection and mess-free changes. Dermatologically certified, cruelty-free, vegan and made with feather soft materials to be ultragentle on sensitive skin. $19.97, 12-36 months, RascalAndFriends.com

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FOLLIES, BABY BAUHAUS SOFT BLOCKS SET

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ERGOBABY EVOLVE 3-IN-1 HIGH CHAIR

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by e by

ecrib, hellobed!

it never occurred to me that when our son was 2 1/2 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 1/2 years. 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 step-brother slept in a big kid bed and started asking for her own,” Olathe mom Emma says. “At 2 1/2, 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 1/2-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:

• Allow your child to pick out a bed or the bedding.

• Make the night special when he sleeps in bed for the first time.

• 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.

While transitioning is really easy for many families, it may be a difficult and stressful experience. 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!

baby’s first summer: in kansas city

Make your baby’s first summer extra sweet with fun-filled memories of enjoying the best the season has to offe r.

Builda sandcastle at a local swim beach. In Kansas, you can enjoy the beach at Lake Olathe Park. The beautiful 170-acre lake is surrounded by a 258-acre community park and is popular for fishing, swimming and boating. Also check out Shawnee Mission Park Lake, Kill Creek Lake, Blue Springs Lake, Longview Lake and Smithville Lake Beach

Admire animals at the Kansas City Zoo. Visits to the zoo are a favorite family summer tradition. Watch the elephants play in their swim hole, feed the camels and goats, pet the stingrays, make silly faces at the monkeys, watch the polar bear and penguins, and imitate animal sounds. Little ones especially love the exhibits in the Tropics and Discovery Barn. Train rides, carousel, Sky Safari, trams and boat rides make the day. Tip: Pack your own picnic when you head to the zoo.

Bounce

and play. Head to Urban Air. On select mornings they open the entire trampoline park just for little ones ages 5 and under during Jumperoo sessions. Children can just jump, bounce and crawl around at their leisure.

Yell

for the Kansas City Monarchs. Sunday games are Family Fundays. Enjoy carnival games, bounce in inflatables, play catch on the field and even more! Children 2 and under get in free.

Splash at a sprayground. Kansas City is home to many wonderful spraygrounds—water playgrounds where tots can play and splash on a hot summer’s day. Check out our online guide to “Kansas City’s Spraygrounds” to find one near you. Our top pick is John Anderson Park, with a great nautical theme and adjacent dry playground. Check out the Water Fun Guide on KCParent.com for a complete list of locations.

Feed the fish at Longview Lake Marina. Take your little one out on the dock in his favorite life jacket to visit the marina’s shop where you may purchase fish food for between 50 cents and $2.50 per bag.

Imagine and play at Crown Center’s FREE Under the Sea Adventure Exhibit. Classic children’s tales come to life when families visit Fairy Tale Village. This interactive exhibit includes a reading area where parents can share their favorite tales with their kids.

Read books. Every local library offers terrific free summer reading programs where everyone can earn prizes for listening to books (infants and toddlers) and reading them (older children). Search “Summer Reading Programs” on KCParent.com for a complete guide to local reading incentive programs for families.

Stop and smell the roses at Loose Park. Perhaps the most beautiful park in Kansas City, Loose Park is home to an amazing rose garden, fountains, ponds and trails for beautiful photo ops, plus a playground and sprayground for fun.

Taste

new foods at the farmers market. Farmers markets are a summer delight with fresh seasonal produce and tasty treats for sale. Many vendors offer samples, so you can try before you buy. Read our guide to Kansas City Farmers Markets on KCParent.com.

Swing and slide at the park. Here are three of our favorites: Meadowbrook Park is home to 80 acres of green space featuring the Treeline Adventure destination playground, a pavilion, pickleball courts, fitness equipment, lakes and more. Antioch Park has several great play areas, including Old Dodge Town, a Wild West village. T.B. Hanna Station includes a new playground with a train theme and splash pad that is inclusive for children of all abilities.

Use your imagination at Science City at Union Station. The Let’s Play exhibit offers a variety of interactive environments designed for young learners 3 and under. Moms can rest easy as little ones explore the Babyscape, Pretend Play, Ramps & Runs and Air Play areas.

Meetanimals on a nature walk at one of Kansas City’s local nature centers. Lakeside Nature Center is home to falcons, owls, eagles, toads, frogs, fish and insects. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center features fish tanks, turtles, bird watching, a giant indoor nature play area, walking trails and an outdoor discovery center. Ernie Miller Nature Center has paved trails through the woods; this a great place for a stroller walk.

Make believe at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum. This 3,500-square-foot indoor exhibit is a favorite play area for little ones. Work on the farm, perform at the theater or the puppet show, teach in the school, deliver the mail, care for patients at the hospital or fry up some burgers at the diner.

Enjoy the flowers at the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Gardens. This free, small but exquisite garden near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (another free outing that is stroller friendly) is the perfect size for a toddler outing.

Ride a pony at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Admission is affordable all week long. This destination is a summer must-see, with a dairy barn, petting zoo, tiny tractor rides and playgrounds. A day of fun is guaranteed.

Kristina Light’s family makes it a summer tradition to build sandcastles at the lake.

DAILY

Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times.

Indoor Play 9:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. Enjoy hours of running, climbing, jumping and sliding through incredible play spaces. Independence.kangasplaycenter.com

Visit the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The zoo is open year-round. Pack a picnic and enjoy your favorite animals all summer long. KansasCItyZoo.org

MONDAY

RoKC Play Lounge 8:00, RoKC Olathe. Children 6 months to 6 years are invited to enjoy a two-hour session at the play lounge while parents participate in rock wall climbing.

Gym for Me Mon. & Wed. (Lenexa Community Center), Tue. (Lenexa Rec Center), 9:00. A place for little ones to run, ride and play. Play items available including riding toys, inflatables and balls. Lenexa.com/preschool

Mom or Dad & Me Bumper Bowling Mon. & Wed., 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink. SummitLanes.com

playdates

WEEKLY

Open Gym Mon.-Thu., 9:30 Kaw Prairie Community Church (Lenexa). Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out on hot days! KawPrairie.org/info

Toddler Time Mon. & Thu., 10:00, Ceramic Café. Toddlers 5 and under can paint a selected item for only $12! CeramicCafeKC.com

TUESDAY

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Drive, pull or push your favorite Little Tikes vehicles. Parents must supervise their children. $2/child.

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Pay for Play Tue. and Thu., 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at our amazing outdoor showroom. BackyardSpecialists.com/pay-for-play

WEDNESDAY

Retro Story Time Second Wednesday of the month, 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Hear stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House. Craft activity included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Preschool Story Time First and third Wednesday of the month, 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises geared to preschool children. Pre-reg at JCPRD.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.

SATURDAY

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita Gorman Discovery Center. Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Register at 816.759.7300.

parents night out

50 Nights of Fire: Worlds of Fun June 24-Aug. 12. 50 Nights of Fire features an end-of-the-day pyrotechnics celebration featuring state-of-the-art drone technology, a stirring musical soundtrack and a scrapbook of memories featuring some of the greatest moments of Worlds of Fun’s dedication to adventure and fun. WorldsOfFun.com

Art Course Thru Aug. 21, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Art Course at the NelsonAtkins is an artist-designed mini golf experience located in the exquisite Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Each hole on this nine-hole course presents a creative interpretation of a work of art in the museum’s collection. Nelson-Atkins.org

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing Thru Oct. 1, Union Station. World premiere exhibit tells the story of the web slinger, from his origins in 1962 to his modern-day adventures through original art, interactive displays, photo ops, priceless artifacts from the motion pictures and more. UnionStation.org

White Christmas July 14-22, Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of year-round production TheatreInThePark.org

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 18-20, Swope Park. Dozens of cultures represented at this yearly festival. Enjoy multicultural foods, crafts, clothes, henna and much more. The stage features a full lineup of colorful performances. EECKC.org

Fourth Friday Art Walk Aug. 25, Downtown Lee’s Summit. The Fourth Fridays Art Walk features over a dozen artist pop-ups and showcases inside Downtown Lee’s Summit businesses. DowntownLS.org/fourthfridays

New Dance Partners: The Ultimate Collaboration Sept. 15-16, Midwest Trust Center. For the 10th festival of contemporary and modern dance, four choreographers have been enlisted to create original works for four local dance companies to perform.

JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events

Lenexa Outdoor Concert Series Sept. 17 and 24, Grand Pavilion, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of live music in a lovely outdoor setting at the Grand Pavilion. Lenexa.com

Brunch Bingo Sundays, 11:00-1:00, Chicken N Pickle. Brunch is great, but it’s even more fun when you throw in a game of bingo! Join us every Sunday for Brunch Bingo on the rooftop. Enjoy a Boulevard Beer with your brunch and win Chicken N Pickle gift cards and more. ChickeNPickle.com

New Dance Partners: The Ultimate Collaboration at the Midwest Trust Center.

Remember that YOU are the expert of your baby.

– Julie

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We asked our 54,000+ Facebook fans:

What’s the best parenting words of wisdom you received as a new parent?

Maria: Trust your gut.

Trish: Accept any and all help that is offered.

Mary: Sleep when the baby sleeps.

Amy: Take care of yourself and be sure to make time for fun.

Cathy: This, too, shall pass. This is good advice for EVERY stage of parenting!

Ellen: Be flexible.

Abbie: Don’t buy too much gear. You need a lot less than you think.

Lisa: The first couple of weeks are HARD. That’s okay, it will get easier.

Kara: Don’t listen to the advice and follow your heart!

Val: It’s okay to make mistakes, everyone does.

Trish: You won’t love every minute of parenthood, sometimes it’s hard.

Julie: Remember that YOU are the expert of your baby.

Susan: Don’t lose your sense of humor. You’ll need it throughout your parenting journey!

Lynn: The adage, “The days are long but the years are short,” is so true! Try to enjoy the small moments because they go by quickly!

Big adventures start at The Birth Place.

The Birth Place was carefully designed with you and your newborn in mind. That means cozy suites, luxury amenities and a NICU where you can stay in the same room with your baby. It also means we’re going the extra mile to keep newborns and their families safe and healthy.

• Level II NICU, for babies needing extra care

• Skilled neonatal doctors and nurses

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

• Comforts like queen beds and large windows