KC Baby & Maternity Winter 2022 by KC Parent Magazine

baby

SINCE 2002

maternity

JANUARY- MARCH 2022 | KCPARENT.COM

PREGNANCY MYTHS

busted

getting back in shape AFTER BABY

SECRETS OF HAPPY BABIES

the toddler

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

winter fun IN KC FOR TINY TOTS

SNOOZE PATROL! YOUR ESSENTIAL NAP GUIDE

Trust the women’s care experts. We’re moving women’s care forward in Kansas City by delivering a comprehensive network of services for every stage of life. From minimally invasive heart surgeries and innovative cancer treatments to personalized OB care including a level III NICU, we’re here for you every step of the way. It’s all designed to help you feel whole for your whole life.

Learn more at WomensCareKC.com.

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

StartingPointDental.com Locations: OVERLAND PARK 143rd and Metcalf 913-553-2492 LEGENDS Just north of the Speedway 913-948-8688 LEAWOOD NEW 435 and Roe 913-491-5044

Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

Are You Ready to

Grow A Reader? As your baby’s ﬁrst teacher, you can make the difference in the future of their success by singing songs, listening to music, and, most importantly, reading books every day. Mid-Continent Public Library's Grow A Reader program offers Storytimes, online resources including video storybooks, and, of course, countless books at each of our branches to help start building successful reading skills.

Visit one of MCPL’s 30+ branches or mymcpl.org/Kids to learn more.

Access Early Literacy

kcparent.com january-march 2022

baby&

maternity

everything

pregnancy

issue

JANUARY- MARCH 2022

IN EVERY ISSUE 7

Craft Corner

Ask the Experts 10 Labor & Delivery Guide 16 Media Mix 29 Calendar of Events 32 Belly Laughs 34

PREGNANCY IN YOUR 20s, 30s AND 40s, PG. 8

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

7 Nursery Decoration

11 Healthy Mama

20 Instruction Manual

8 Pregnancy in 20s, 30s and 40s

18 Starting Solids

26 Nap Guide

10 Ask the Experts

22 Secrets of Happy Babies

29 Book Reviews

12 Pregnancy Myths

24 Learn Through Play

32 Playdates

YOUR PREGNANCY

14 New Parent Questions 16 Labor & Delivery Guide 28 Product Reviews 34 Belly Laughs

Our cover features Lindsey from Overland Park. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography. MelissaRiekePhotography.com

baby&

SINCE 2002

ON THE COVER Get Back in Shape After Baby Pregnancy Myths Toddler Instruction Manual Secrets of Happy Babies Nap Guide Winter Fun for Tiny Tots

kcparent.com january-march 2022

11 12 20 22 26 30

maternity

JANUARY- MARCH 2022 | KCPARENT.COM

PREGNANCY MYTHS

busted

getting back in shape AFTER BABY

SECRETS OF HAPPY BABIES

the toddler

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

winter fun IN KC FOR TINY TOTS

SNOOZE PATROL! YOUR ESSENTIAL NAP GUIDE

Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do, down to each strand of DNA sequenced for genetic research. Together, we can help kids overcome whatever’s standing in their way.

Let’s Do More.

baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

EACH LISTING INCLUDES: • MAPPING • FACEBOOK CONNECTION • COUPONS • PHOTOS • SORTING FEATURE

CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM!

Happy winter, Kansas City!

Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Sandy Foster (Grain Valley), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | January 2022 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

baby&

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

SINCE 2002

kcgoingplaces.com

beat the blahs with kc’s

winter fun guide

EASY IDEAS FOR SPRUCING UP

your home

setting

realistic

GO I NG PL YE A R S

10 KC

maternity

JANUARY- MARCH 2022 | KCPARENT.COM

AZINE

PREGNANCY MYTHS

busted

637

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

resolutions

getting back in shape AFTER BABY

SECRETS OF HAPPY BABIES

the toddler

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

LOVE IS IN THE AIR GREAT DATES

winter fun IN KC FOR TINY TOTS

SNOOZE PATROL! YOUR ESSENTIAL NAP GUIDE

GEMS OF KANSAS CITY LANDMARKS LOCALS LOVE

.com

200+

PARTY VENUES AND PARTY ENTERTAINERS

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

FOR KANSAS CITY

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

’m sure you’ve often heard or even said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if kids came with an instruction booklet!” And yes, that would be nice! But since they don’t, we hope that each issue of KC Baby & Maternity can offer some helpful advice and tidbits on everything from pregnancy to babies to toddlers. In this issue, seasoned Olathe mom of six Sarah Lyons has written a “Toddler Transition Handbook” article that you’ll find on pg. 20. While reading through it, I realized that so many of her ideas work not only for toddlers, but for other stages as well! Suggestions like patience, laughter, safety and letting it go work well for the teen years in which I’m currently entrenched! No matter what stage you are in, I hope you’ll find some helpful tidbits in this issue. Starting solids is such an exciting milestone! Both of my girls had their first solid food in the form of a smashed banana because that was what my mom fed me as my first food. It was fun to watch their reactions as they tried something new. What’s funny is today my older can’t stand bananas, while my younger likes them just fine. For great tips on starting solids with your little one, check out Judy Goppert’s article on pg. 18. Although the days seem shorter because we have less sunlight during the colder months, they can seem to drag on because the weather often keeps us from venturing out. If the doldrums seem to be settling in at your home, be sure to keep handy Kristina Light’s article “Beat the Winter Blahs: Ideas from A to Z” on pg. 30. You’ll find a plethora of great ideas to keep you busy and find lots of fun!

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

Member of

CHECK OUT THE

ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE AT KCPARENT.COM!

The comprehensive guide lists more than 200 places for you to host your next party!

kcparent.com january-march 2022

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

Materials Needed:

• White canvas • Paint (We used navy,

drop paint nursery artwork abies are so expensive! Save some money on decorating the nursery with this easy and inexpensive original artwork.

Step one: Put down drop cloth or plastic bags and place canvas in the middle.

Step two: Attach string directly above the canvas (to the ladder). Shake paint and attach bottle to string. We taped the bottle to the string. We did a few practice swings to make sure the canvas and bottle of paint were aligned.

teal and pink. We bought 8 oz. bottles and used about 2 oz. per canvas.) • Drop cloth or plastic bags • String or yarn • Scissors • Tape • Nail and hammer • Ladder or somewhere high to hang the paint (We used the inside part of the garage door.)

Step three: Hammer a nail into the bottom of the bottle to allow air into the bottle so paint will fall from bottle.

Step four: Pull back paint bottle and let it drop to create a unique design!

Step five: We layered our paintings and switched out colors a few times until we got the look we were happy with!

Step six: Let dry and enjoy! 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.

DIY Initial Art

Salt Dough Keepsake

Sensory Bottles

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com january-march 2022

PREGNANCY IN YOUR 20s, 30s AND 40s

s there a Goldilocks age to pregnancy—you know, not too old, not too young but “just right”? Many a mama asks the question, and as it turns out, there are pros and cons to pregnancy in every decade. What we do know is that for all the concerns of potential risks that come with advanced maternal age, more women than ever are confidently and healthfully having babies later in life. In fact, the number of pregnant women between the ages of 35 and 49 has tripled since the 1970s! So, what’s the verdict? It’s really up to you! But by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and seeking early prenatal care, mamas of any age can have a wonderful pregnancy that results in a healthy baby. Here’s what you can expect when you are expecting in your 20s, 30s and 40s.

20s IN YOUR

THE HIGHLIGHTS: A mama in her 20s will find that she’s typically in peak physical health. Long gone are the irregular cycles that come and go in teenage years, meaning it’s not only easiest to get pregnant, but easiest on your body to be pregnant. Aches and pains will be minimal since your joints have had less wear and tear, and you’re not as likely to deal with complications that arise with age, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or chronic hypertension. Your baby is also at lower risk of medical conditions such as spina bifida or Down Syndrome (at 25, your baby’s risk of Down Syndrome is 1 in 1,250, whereas it’s one in 378 when you are 35). And let’s not forget this other perk: Having a baby in your 20s means you will boast the greatest amount of energy to keep up with your rough and tumble little one. Playing hard and handling those tough seasons of sleepless nights will be far less taxing on you in this season of life than later. On the flip side, being a young mom also means you may enjoy being a young empty nester. And then lastly, being a young mom means you may more than likely have young parents. And there’s nothing better than Grandma’s and Grandpa’s being able to play an active and vibrant part in your child’s life! THE CHALLENGES: As people elect to have children later in life, you may find yourself lacking support within your own social network. Look to build relationships with other mom friends that can relate to the highs and lows of parenthood through programs like MOPS International. Likewise, young couples have equally young marriages, careers and financial situations. Make sure to invest in time with your spouse to build secure bonds that will temper the challenges of navigating this new and uncharted territory.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

30s IN YOUR

THE HIGHLIGHTS: Your body may be primed and ready physically for pregnancy in its 20s, but many women feel they are far more capable emotionally to tackle motherhood head on in their 30s. With an extra decade under her belt, a woman has had time to establish herself personally and professionally along with developing a solid and secure relationship with her spouse. This extra time can provide a financial buffer for the extra expenses that come with a little blessing. Most women have a gaggle of friends that are already in the throes of motherhood, meaning a mom can enjoy shared experiences with her longtime besties. By the time you hit your mid-30s you get a name upgrade: advanced maternal age. You may feel too young to be labeled so old, but rest assured, most healthy women still have very uneventful pregnancies during their 30s. THE CHALLENGES: There’s much to be said for gaining life experience and maturity, but all those perks come with a catch—mainly, your eggs are maturing, too, and they’re also slowing down. Getting pregnant in your 20s might have been a cinch, but expect the process to take a little longer now that your fastest moving eggs have bid you adieu. Even without fertility issues and with good health, a mom in her 30s can expect to spend three to six months trying to conceive. Age might be just a number, but by the time you hit 35, expect to be tested for high risk complications, such as placenta previa or gestational diabetes. Pesky pounds that pack their way on may be to blame, as obesity can be a contributing factor to complications, so how you take care of yourself may be more important than how old you actually are.

40s IN YOUR

THE HIGHLIGHTS: You are older, wiser and far more established. While young moms have the prize of free time looming on the horizon, your “me time” came right out of the gate in your 20s and 30s. Your life experience can reap huge dividends in your pregnancy, giving you the confidence to more assertively advocate for yourself in the hospital, workplace and beyond. Mature moms typically are the most active in their health care plans and are experts in negotiating ideal terms of family-friendly employment like flex time or telecommuting. Of course, if they wish to stay at home, they can do so guilt-free as well. They also come better equipped with coping strategies for high-stress situations, meaning they can take the challenges of parenting better in stride. THE CHALLENGES: Make no bones about it … pregnancy in your 40s, although growing in popularity, is not without its challenges. Simply trying to get pregnant can be one of the biggest obstacles. More than 50 percent struggle to conceive at this age, and time is of essence as your rate of fertility declines 5 percent each month from age 40 on. Risks are much the same as a woman in her 30s with two marked distinctions: chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage. You’re also three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Women in this age bracket may find themselves in the precarious position of caretaking both a newborn and aging parents. It’s also likely you won’t have as many friends with young children in this stage of life. Take heart, though: Motherhood can be the ultimate unifier, bringing women of every age together.

Freelance writer Lauren Greenlee has had the spectrum of pregnancy experiences: three while she was in her 20s and her last as a more “mature” mom. She writes from her Olathe home. As always, please consult your health care provider with questions or concerns. kcparent.com january-march 2022

ASK THE

EXPERTS Alex Brainard, MD

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KC

ADVENTHEALTH

GREAT PLAINS SPCA

Every day, the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center provides the compassionate, expert and exceptional care families expect from Johnson County’s leader in mother and baby care. AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area, serving Johnson County, KS, and Kansas and the surrounding area. 913.831.7722, GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Is it okay to add rice cereal to my baby’s bottle to get her to sleep through the night?

My dog has not been around many children, and I am now expecting. How do I prepare my dog for our new baby?

No, rice cereal should not be added to your baby’s bottle to help her have a better night’s sleep. The most important reason for this is that rice cereal represents a choking hazard for your baby. Also, the unnecessary calories from rice cereal are a concern, as they can lead to excessive weight gain. Additionally, constipation is a very common and troublesome side effect that is seen with this intervention. Sleep issues are one of the most common complaints of new parents, so please reach out to your pediatrician if you want to discuss safe and effective ways to improve your baby’s sleep at night.

Alex Brainard, MD Pediatrics Shawnee Mission Pediatrics

Start refreshing or training your dog on the basics such as “sit,” “wait,” and “no jumping.” The “leave it” command is also a good one to utilize when your dog and new baby are first getting to know each other. Familiarize your dog with the baby gear and strollers. Take the dog for a walk with the stroller prior to the baby’s arrival and have the dog spend some time in the baby’s room so everything is not new all at once. Create a safe space where your dog can go if he feels overwhelmed and never leave your baby unsupervised with your dog.

Ashley Flores Great Plains SPCA

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.

10 january-march 2022 kcparent.com

Healthy Ways to Get Back in Shape Postpartum

ecoming a mom is such a special, treasured experience. You’ve come home from the hospital, settled in and are learning all things baby ... bathing, sleeping and feeding schedules, nursing, tummy time and more. There is so much on your mind that I’m guessing you haven’t really thought much about taking care of yourself, have you? Although it may seem inconsequential to let your own health slip and become less of a priority during this adjustment, it is more important than ever. I remember feeling disappointed at some point in my motherhood journey because my pre-pregnancy clothes didn’t fit me in the same way—well, maybe not at all! The reality of motherhood is your body changes. Your body works for months and months to grow and nurture another life and, if you choose to breastfeed, make food to nourish and feed that little life! We see celebrities, models and others in the spotlight all over Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and Twitter just weeks—maybe even days—after giving birth, having “miraculously” shed all the pounds and looking like glowing pre-pregnant versions of themselves. This is not reality! So, what is a new mama to do? Well, it is no secret that moms are tired. The kind of tired you look back on later and have no idea how you functioned. Sleep is crucial for your overall physical and mental health.

When you are sleep deprived, you don’t think as clearly and are more likely to reach for unhealthy, prepackaged, convenient food options. To help fuel your body with the energy you need to take care of you and your baby, reach for fresh fruits and veggies instead. Sarah Darby, a certified nursemidwife and mom of three, says, “Eating lean proteins, lots of veggies and complex carbs helps support breastfeeding success and eliminates the need for calorie counting.” It is important to note here as well, if you are breastfeeding, some moms actually gain weight while others shed it. Don’t get discouraged if the former happens to you! Aside from sleep and nutrition being integral parts of taking care of yourself post pregnancy, we are so fortunate to live in an area where exercise options are plentiful, not only on your own, but with your baby! Jenna Fujii, owner and instructor of Fit Mama by Fujii, offers Mama & Me newborn support and group stroller fitness. She says, “Our mission is to help every postpartum mom feel welcomed, celebrated and empowered after transitioning into motherhood. Our support groups are designed to create deep, meaningful connections to each other. We focus on nurturing your mental health through physical movement in a supportive group setting.” Similarly, another wonderful option, which I actually attended back when my oldest was a newbie, is

Fit4Mom. Meredith Paranjothi, a mom of one and owner and instructor at Fit4Mom Overland Park, adds, “Being able to embrace our bodies and respect the changes they go through before and after birth is so important. Resuming exercise (after being cleared by your doctor) can help improve physical, mental and emotional wellness. Exercise helps improve your quality of sleep as well as release endorphins that trigger positive feelings in our brains. New moms can focus on strengthening exercises that will help them do all the things they need to do to care for their babies, like carrying car seats, lifting and lowering strollers, getting up and down from the floor while caring for or playing with Baby and performing all the other daily tasks needed for their little ones. Finding a support system (making a date to walk with a friend or joining a group to exercise together) can help a new mom’s emotional health, as well as her physical health.” It’s worth noting your body took 9 months to grow and change to have this beautiful baby of yours, so it’s not going to snap back overnight ... and it may never! Be proud of all that your body has accomplished and give yourself grace! Julie Collett writes from her home in Overland Park. She is a busy mama to four children, ages 10 to 4! kcparent.com january-march 2022

PREGNANCY

MYTHS

BUSTED I

n today’s day and age, information is right at our fingertips. Whenever we’re curious about anything, we just enter a quick search which yields a quick answer. This can be extremely helpful but also very overwhelming—like when you’re newly expecting and doing your best to safely grow your baby over the next several months. With a search, you’ll find numerous do’s and don’ts online but soon see guidance varies from source to source. Then there are the experienced moms and grandmas that mean well but may have outdated information or hold onto myths they swore by when they were pregnant. To help clear up some of the cloudiness of things you may hear during your pregnancy, we have debunked a few pregnancy myths for you.

Myth 2: Deli meat … should I eat? This one requires a little more sifting of information before you decide what to lunch on. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get Listeriosis than the general population.” This bacteria-caused illness afflicts with vomiting and diarrhea and can lead to serious dehydration. Listeriosis also can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm labor. Clearly, you’ll want to evaluate your food options carefully while you’re pregnant! To help prevent getting Listeria, the ACOG offers this guidance: “Avoid eating the following items while you are pregnant: unpasteurized milk and foods made with unpasteurized milk, including soft cheeses; hot dogs and luncheon meats, unless they are heated until steaming hot just before serving; refrigerated pâté and meat spreads; refrigerated smoked seafood; unwashed raw produce such as fruits and vegetables. It’s also wise to avoid all raw and undercooked seafood, eggs, meat, and poultry while you are pregnant. Do not eat sushi made with raw fish (cooked sushi is safe). Cooking and pasteurization are the only ways to kill Listeria.” So if you’re craving a sub sandwich, it’s best to order a grilled chicken or meatball sub instead.

Myth 3: Myth 1: Limit exercise This is a trickier one thanks to the various fitness levels women begin with as they begin their pregnancy, but exercise really does your pregnant body and growing baby good! With my first, I loved going to my prenatal Pilates class and walking our new puppy. With my last two pregnancies, I kept up running until my last trimesters. According to WhatToExpect.com, mothers as well as their babies enjoy significant benefits when expectant mothers make exercise a priority, including reducing the risks of complications during both pregnancy and birth, speeding up your recovery period after delivery, keeping constipation at bay, lowering your blood pressure and easing any back and pelvic pain you may experience. Benefits also include boosting your mood, fighting fatigue and experiencing better sleep. If you’re new to an exercise routine, start slowly and talk with your doctor to make a plan but remember that anything that raises your heartrate and engages your muscles counts. That includes walking, jogging, yoga and dance—but it’s best to avoid contact sports or activities where you could fall while pregnant, such as biking, skiing, or horseback riding.

12 january-march 2022 kcparent.com

Heartburn means your baby will have luscious locks! According to WhatToExpect.com, “Implausible as it sounds, it seems that the hormones responsible for heartburn are the same ones that cause fetal hair to sprout. Early in pregnancy, your body produces large amounts of the hormones progesterone and relaxin, which tend to relax smooth muscle tissues throughout your body, including those in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As a result, food sometimes moves more slowly through your system, resulting in indigestion issues of all kinds, from that bloated, gassy feeling to heartburn. This may be uncomfortable for you, but it’s actually beneficial for your baby. This digestive slowdown allows for better absorption of nutrients into your bloodstream and subsequently through the placenta and into your baby.” Personally, this myth was debunked by all three of my babies! My heartburn progressively worsened with each of my three pregnancies to where I was finally prescribed some medicine for relief, and all three of my babies had very little to no hair at all! If you experience uncomfortable heartburn, try some foods like milk, almonds and papaya while avoiding triggering foods like anything spicy. Keep some over-thecounter antacids on hand to relieve symptoms, too.

Myth 4 : I get to eat for two! Your belly may be growing, but that doesn’t mean you throw restraint to the wind and pad on the pounds. In fact, you may need to rein in your eating habits and change your mindset. According to AmericanCollegofObstetriciansAndGynecologists.org, “The popular saying is that pregnant women ‘eat for two,’ but now we know that it’s dangerous to eat twice your usual amount of food during pregnancy. Instead of ‘eating for two,’ think of it as eating twice as healthy. If you are pregnant with one fetus, you need an extra 340 calories per day starting in the second trimester (and a bit more in the third trimester). That’s roughly the calorie count of a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich. Women carrying twins should consume about 600 extra calories a day, and women carrying triplets should take in 900 extra calories a day.” So feel free to reward yourself occasionally with those fries or ice cream for growing a whole human with your body—but all in moderation for the health of both you and your baby.

You have a lot of things to keep in mind while your baby continues to grow inside your body, but taking your health seriously and having great communication with your health care providers should ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby. And, as with all things in motherhood, trust your gut as well!

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 11, Mason, 9, and Slade, 6, and remembers feeling overwhelmed with all of the do’s and don’ts during her pregnancies and referring often to her copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Building Great Smiles for Life!

Four convenient locations near you!

kcparent.com january-march 2022

New Parent Questions?

Here are A nswers to Y our Top Seven f you’re a new parent, chances are you find yourself wondering about the answers to a multitude of parenting questions. Am I doing this right? Did my baby eat enough? Is my baby meeting her milestones? By the time you find the answers, your child has moved onto a new phase of development and you face a new round of even more questions. Do you find yourself Googling in the middle of the night, texting

your mom and posting questions in Facebook mom groups? The good news is you’re not alone. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions new parents have.

Did you know? A survey by OnePoll for Enfamil parent company Mead Johnson Nutrition found that new mothers spend 1,400 hours of their babies’ first year worrying about their health. That’s 58 days of worrying! Out of those 58 days, the survey said new moms average 330 Google searches regarding their baby’s health.

14 january-march 2022 kcparent.com

HOW DO I CARE FOR THE UMBILICAL CORD?

Persistent Cold

Pediatricians recommend keeping the umbilical cord dry and allowing it to be exposed to air as much as possible. Only give your baby sponge baths until the cord has fallen off. It’s also important to allow the cord to fall off naturally on its own. No matter how close it appears to be falling off, do not pick or pull the cord off. Watch for signs of a red or swollen base, yellow ooze or white pus, a foul smelling discharge or continuous bleeding. If you notice these symptoms, contact your pediatrician, as it could be a sign of infection.

If your child’s symptoms last longer than a week, it might be time for a visit to your pediatrician to rule out something other than a cold.

SHOULD I WAKE A SLEEPING BABY TO FEED HER? We’ve all heard the old advice: “Never wake a sleeping baby.” But is that really the case? The simple answer is it depends. Newborns need eight to 12 feedings per day, which means eating every two to three hours. If your baby is sleeping in 3- to 4-hour stretches, you will want to wake him to feed. Once babies are gaining weight properly, they won’t need to eat as often and they can sleep in longer stretches. As always, check with your pediatrician to make sure your baby is gaining weight properly and able to sleep longer stretches.

IS WEIRD COLORED POOP NORMAL? Before becoming a parent, you probably never imagined yourself Googling colors of poop, but it is one of the most common questions new parents ask. The answer is yes, weird colored poop is completely normal. Depending on whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, her poop can be yellow, green, tan or brown. If your baby’s poop is gray, white, black or has mucous or blood in it, call your pediatrician.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY BABY TO THE DOCTOR FOR A COLD? Unfortunately, babies tend to get several colds per year, sometimes stubborn ones, and knowing whether your baby should be seen by a doctor can be hard. Call or visit your pediatrician if your baby shows these symptoms:

Fever Babies 3 months or younger with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher should be seen by a doctor right away. Call your doctor if your baby over 3 months has a fever of 102 degrees or higher.

Not Eating If your baby is not eating, that’s a good sign he needs to see his pediatrician. Babies can get dehydrated easily. Count wet diapers to keep track—babies should have at least five to six wet diapers every 24 hours.

Breathing Problems If your baby is struggling to breathe or making loud noises while sleeping, you will want to visit the doctor or call a nurse hotline if it’s in the middle of the night. For extreme breathing problems, visit the ER immediately.

If you’re still in doubt, listen to your parent instincts and err on the side of caution. If you feel something is wrong, have your child seen by a doctor right away. The Children’s Mercy Nurse Hotline is also an excellent resource. They are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Call 816.234.3188.

WILL I SPOIL MY BABY BY HOLDING HER TOO MUCH? Many new parents hear they should put their baby down so they don’t spoil her. Science disproves this myth. Babies cry because they have a need. They could be cold, have a dirty diaper or be hungry. Responding to your baby consistently and tending to his needs helps him feel safe and builds bonding and attachment. Kangaroo Care is a method of holding a baby using skin-to-skin contact proven to be medically beneficial for you and your baby. It stabilizes your baby’s heart rate, decreases crying, creates more successful breastfeeding sessions and improves your baby’s breathing patent. It also benefits parents with improved bonding and increased breastmilk supply. So next time someone tells you you’re spoiling your baby, feel confident that you and your baby are reaping the benefits of all those extra snuggles.

DO I NEED TO STERILIZE BOTTLES AND PACIFIERS AFTER EVERY USE? It’s important to sterilize all bottles and pacifiers before their first use. After that, it’s recommended to sterilize them at least once a day for newborns. According to the CDC, sanitizing is most important when your baby is younger than 3 months old, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system.

WHEN SHOULD I STOP SWADDLING MY BABY? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Parents should stop swaddling as soon as their baby shows any signs of trying to roll over. Many babies start working on rolling at around 2 months of age.” All babies are different. Some show signs of rolling before 2 months, even as early as a few weeks old. There are many alternatives to swaddles once your baby has started trying to roll over. A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that keeps your baby warm without loose bedding. It doesn’t restrict her movement, is loose around the chest and is safe for all ages and stages. You can start transitioning your child from the swaddle even before she starts showing signs of rolling. Swaddles like the Love to Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag allow your baby to transition from swaddling. Its zip-off arm wings allow you to free one arm from the swaddle, as your child is ready, until he’s ready to switch to a sleep sack and no longer needs swaddling.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband and daughters Atley, 7, and Ensley, 1, in St. Joseph, MO. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com january-march 2022

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. Whether you're hoping for minimal intervention or seeking a hands-on approach, we make a clear commitment to your health and safety, exceeding strict national standards to ensure the safest possible delivery. 913-676-2300 AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

ADVENTHEALTH SOUTH OVERLAND PARK BIRTH CENTER 7820 W. 165th St. Overland Park, KS 66223 The AdventHealth South Overland Park birth center is now open and provides families with compassionate, state-of-the-art care. The birth center includes: • Eight spacious suites designed to labor, deliver, and recover in the same room. • 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.

16 january-march 2022 kcparent.com

HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061

The four-story Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust at Olathe Medical Center with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. Every detail of the Birth Place is designed to provide the most comforting experience, from personalized music and overhead fans for mom in the delivery room to 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. Find a doctor who delivers at OMC. 913.791.4396 OlatheHealth.org/birthplace

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 january-march 2022

STARTING SOLIDS Gradually switching your baby from just breast milk or formula to solids is an exciting time. Thankfully, the process can be done with ease— and your baby will welcome the new flavors.

18 january-march 2022 kcparent.com

rom the moment babies are born, they are hungry! Drinking in breast milk or formula is the natural, easy way for your infant to get nutrition. You both have adjusted to this simple form of feeding and now, at around 6 months, it’s time for a change. Make it a joyful experience, and your child will welcome new tastes and textures. And get ready for adorable—the faces your child makes at the first taste of cereal are photo worthy! It's around this time that babies typically stop using their tongues to push food out of their mouths and begin to develop the coordination to move solid food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing. Also, this 6-month mark is when babies need complementary food to support growth, satisfy hunger and help meet energy and nutrient needs. For babies who are exclusively breast-fed, waiting until 6 months before introducing solid food can help ensure that they get the full health benefits of breastfeeding. In addition to age, your baby can give you other clues he’s ready for solid foods. Can your baby hold his head in a steady, upright position? Can your baby sit with support? If you answer yes to these questions and your baby's doctor agrees, you can begin supplementing your baby's liquid diet. Wondering about allergies as you look forward to adding more solid foods? Postponing the introduction of highly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, eggs and fish, beyond 4 to 6 months of age hasn't been shown to prevent eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergy. In fact, early introduction of peanuts might even help prevent peanut allergy. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that for most children, you do not need to give foods in a certain order. By the time babies are 7 or 8 months old, they can eat a variety of foods from different food groups. These foods include infant cereals, meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurt, cheeses and more. If your child is eating infant cereals, it’s important to offer a variety, such as oat, barley and multigrain instead of only rice cereal. Only providing infant rice cereal is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration because there is a risk for children to be exposed to arsenic.

KCPARENT.COM

Don’t overload your child. Try one single-ingredient food at a time at first. This helps you see whether your baby has any problems with that particular food, such as food allergies. Wait three to five days between each new food. Before you know it, your child will be on his way to eating and enjoying lots of new foods. Introduce potentially allergenic foods once a few other foods have been introduced—and just one at a time. Potentially allergenic foods include cow’s milk products, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame. Drinking cow’s milk or fortified soy beverages is not recommended until your child is older than 12 months, but other cow’s milk products, such as yogurt, can be introduced before 12 months. If your child has severe eczema and/or egg allergy, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about it. At first, it’s easier for your child to eat foods that are mashed, pureed or strained and very smooth in texture. Adjusting to new food textures can take some time, and your child might cough, gag or spit up.

As your baby’s oral skills develop, you can introduce thicker and lumpier foods. Keep in mind that some foods are potential choking hazards, so select foods that are the right texture for your baby’s development. To help prevent choking, prepare foods that can be easily dissolved with saliva and do not require chewing. Feed small portions and encourage your baby to eat slowly. Always watch your child while she is eating. Some good tips are to mix cereals and mashed cooked grains with breast milk, formula or water to make it smooth and easy for your baby to swallow. Also, mash or puree vegetables, fruits and other foods until they are smooth. Hard fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, usually need to be cooked so they can be easily mashed or pureed. Cook food until it is soft enough to easily mash with a fork. Be sure to remove all fat, skin and bones from poultry, meat and fish before cooking. Remove seeds and hard pits from fruit and then cut the fruit into small pieces.

Cut soft food into small pieces or thin slices. Cut cylindrical foods like hot dogs, sausage and string cheese into short thin strips instead of round pieces that could get stuck in the airway. Take time to cut small spherical foods like grapes, cherries, berries and tomatoes into small pieces, too. Cook and finely grind or mash whole-grain kernels of wheat, barley, rice and other grains. As you go through this process, your little one will begin to get excited when he sees you coming over to his high chair with bright orange carrots, hot dog strips or that bowlful of cereal. Healthy eating habits truly begin early. 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: MayoClinic.org, CKC.gov

Serving the Northland for for Susan L. Storm MD Planning Tot’s over 30 25 years years Laurie D. Riddell MD over Birthday Party Ermalyn Soon? Kubart MD Pediatric Care North Stephanie A Marx MD Find the perfect entertainer, arcade, party supplies, Kathyrn inflatable, Hauptmann MD 8781 n. platte purchase drive live animals, face painter and Susan L. Storm MD Melissa J. Beard MD kansas city, mo 64155 Laurie D. Riddell MD MUCHStephanie MORE!R. Bays DO Ermalyn Kubart MD Heather J. Malone Visit the ALL NEW Party Guide with MD 30Years Stephanie A Marx MD over 155+ venues at KCParent.com tel 816.587.3200 Kathleen Ballenger PNP Sus an MD Kathyrn Hauptmann 878 L a fax 816.587.7644 urie L. Sto Monica M. Rondeau PNP kan 1 n. pla MelissaE J. Beard MDrm sas tte p rma D. Ridd 8781ten. drive citypurchase l 8platte , m urcha 1 Kelly Walther PNP 6 S l . yn DOell Stephanie o 6 www.pediatriccarenorth.com fax city,58mo te R. Bays se kansas 7 64155

Melissa J. Beard MD

M Kub Kat phani art hyr J. Malone e A MD Heather M nH ar aup MPNP Me Ballenger Kathleen tma x MD l i s Heather J. Malone MD s Ste pha a J. Be nn MD Kathleen Ballenger n Hea ie RPNP ard M t .B h D Amanda Finn DO e Kat hle r J. Ma ays D en MD O Nick Stasic lon Bal eM lePNP Monica Rondeau D nge r PN Veda Donner PNP P

Stephanie R. Bays DO

Dee McGuire FNP

415 driv .32 81 5 e telw816.587.3200 ww 6.587. 00 764 .pe 4 dia fax 816.587.7644 tric car www.pediatriccarenorth.com e o rtStorm SusannL. MD h.c om

Laurie E. Riddell MD Ermalyn Kubart MD Stephanie A. Marx MD Kathryn Hauptmann MD

kcparent.com january-march 2022

The Toddler Instruction Manual “It’s a good thing you are so cute!”

his is a phrase many parents often think during the challenging toddler years as they find themselves cleaning up messes, potty training, listening to shouts of “No!” with every suggestion and watching their child throw yet another tantrum. As a mom of six kids, including 7-yearold triplets, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenging toddler moments. I remember many days when the triplets would use their nap time to destroy their bedroom instead of rest. Diaper changes were a wrestling match, and three mealtimes meant mopping the floor three times each day. The days were busy and exhausting, but they were full of giggles and hugs and wet kisses. The toddlers could be distracted with a game of “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” and I could get a laugh from a silly face. At the end of most days, I felt like a triplet tornado had gone through my house, but when I tucked them in at night, I recalled lots of sweet moments as well. Toddlers are defined as kids ranging from ages 1 to 3 years old. During this time they meet many developmental milestones, including learning to walk, talk, interact with others and explore the world around them. This can be a joy for parents to watch but can also become exhausting as kids express their independence and work out their frustrations through tantrums. Although all this is normal, parents can feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Toddlers don’t come with an instruction manual, but these tips could help you survive—and perhaps even enjoy—the toddler years.

Patience

When parenting a toddler, you’ll find your patience stretched to the limits. Whenever you’re dealing with children, it’s best to remember they are learning and testing limits. Try to give grace to yourself and your child and allow for bumps along the way. Set boundaries for your toddler and try

kcparent.com january-march 2022

to remain calm in moments when these limits are tested. Arguing with a toddler is never worth the effort. If you feel yourself becoming angry, simply walk away for a few minutes and return when your patience has returned. Modeling this behavior will help your children understand how to work out their own frustrations in a healthy way.

Laughter

The old saying about laughter being the best medicine could be applied to parenthood. When things seem particularly stressful, or you are overwhelmed by a messy playroom, a little laughter can turn your mood around. Allow yourself to be silly and play with your child. Try to slow down and see the world through toddler eyes. Laughing and playing with your child can also be a good distraction if your child needs to be redirected, and it’s a great way to boost the moods of everyone in the house.

Anticipation

One of the best ways to help keep your toddler from getting into trouble is to anticipate what might be tempting for little ones. Before naps or playtime, scan the room for dangers or messes waiting to happen. Remove anything fragile that can be broken, torn or spilled from the room, or put it up high, out of reach. Pack your car with an extra change of clothing, emergency snacks and diaper supplies in case you need them when you are away from home. When you head out of the house, try to leave a few minutes early in case

you need extra time. If you know a particular toy or situation triggers your child’s feelings of frustration, avoid it if possible. You can’t prevent every tantrum and challenge, but some can be avoided with a little planning.

Let it go

Life is too short to worry about having a perfectly clean house. Toddlers are famous for making messes, dumping toys and moving from one thing to the next in minutes. During the toddler years, try to focus on playing with your kids and allowing them to have fun rather than exhausting yourself cleaning. There will be plenty of years in the not-too-distant future where your house will stay clean. If toy clutter is stressful to you, reduce the volume of toys that are out at any given time. You can do this by rotating toys every few months, only allowing one box of toys out at a time or donating items your kids are not interested in. Toddlers are often motivated by music, so play or sing “The Cleanup Song” and have your child help pick up toys before transitioning to mealtime or bedtime.

Safety

Toddlers are naturally curious, which helps them learn and develop. This curiosity can lead them to do things that are unsafe, though, like climbing where they could fall, putting things in their mouths and getting into things they shouldn’t. Create a safe place for your children where they can play without safety concerns. You may find it easiest to create a play space bounded by gates to help keep kids safe. For some parents, it’s easier to toddler-proof the entire house and give them free rein. Whichever way you decide, your child will be happier with his own area to safely play.

Routine

Toddlers thrive on routine because they know what to expect. When kids know what to expect, transitions are smoother. The whole day doesn’t have to be planned, but having a routine at transitional periods of the day can make things easier for parents and little ones. Naps, bedtime, meals and cleanup time can give your kids the consistency they thrive on.

Perspective

When dealing with the highs and lows of parenting a toddler, try to keep some perspective. The toddler years are short, and your child is learning, discovering the world and growing every day. When she is still and quiet, cuddle up and enjoy the moment. When he wants to be carried, try to remember all too soon he will be too big. Enjoy the sweet moments, embrace challenging ones and try to remember that toddlers are cute for a reason and this stage will pass in the blink of an eye.

Ways to Burn Your Toddler’s Energy • • • • • • • • • • • •

Have a dance party. Go to the park. Run around the block. Sing and play “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” “The Chicken Dance” and other songs that get kids moving. Build blocks as tall as you can and knock them down. Do somersaults. Set up an obstacle course. Play “Red Light, Green Light.” Run in place and do jumping jacks and sit-ups. Play hopscotch. Go on a hike outside. Have a race in the backyard. Who can jump highest? Farthest? Run the fastest?

Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six, including 7-year-old triplets. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

Secrets of Happy Babies h, hey there, Mom and Dad. We’re babies, and we want to be happy. No really. We know you—our parents—think that all we do is cry, whine, wet and be miserable. But really? We just want to be happy. We prefer cooing over crying, and we certainly dig belly laughs over belly aching.

You just gotta crack our code. In the past, we’ve relied on books and blogs to trickle this information to you slowly, so you can digest it in small chunks. But times are tough. We can’t rely on you to read the books, so we’re going to give you the keys to the baby contentment kingdom as you read this magazine waiting for our 3-month appointment. (Spoiler alert: The shots are going to make us cry.) We’ll keep it quick. Pay close attention. You might just learn something that gets you a few hours more rest, and wouldn’t that be great for all of us?

We like real talk Would you believe baby talk doesn’t have to be all “goo goo” and “ga ga”? We babies are smart, and we can handle the big words. Even more importantly, we like variety in words. Mix it up! Talk to us like we’re adults. (Don’t tell us about mortgage rates, though. Save that for the teen years.) We want to hear real conversations with cadence and inflection because it helps prepare us for actual conversations in the future. It’s still okay to use that fun sing-song voice with change in tone and pitch, though, because it keeps us engaged. The bottom line? Open that mouth of yours and tell us what’s up in your world. We’re listening.

We are really not into strangers Before you freak out, we don’t want you to feel bad if you have to take us to daycare. Full stop, that’s not the issue here. What we don’t love is seeing handfuls of people left and right for days at a time. After all, we’re still learning all about the world outside (where everything is so loud), and our parents are the ones we feel the closest to. Did you know that even in the early months we can actually get a little bit of separation anxiety? (Just like the dog you had to get that licks our forehead constantly.) Please keep visits—with friends, family, grandparents, neighbors, cousins and strangers—short and return us to your arms ASAP.

Let’s get physical Babies looooove touch. It’s our literal fave, and you cannot overdo it. We exited the womb after being rolled up like a sardine in cozy goodness, and let us tell you, that departing flight had some serious turbulence. Give us a break and keep us snuggled close. Have you ever noticed when we’re crying, swaddling us up nice and tight calms us down? Or when you carry us in that pricey baby sling you got at your shower that we’re instantly relaxed? It’s that magic touch and closeness. Human touch. We need it, we crave it, and we gotta have it. The good news is hospitals encourage skin to skin contact now, and that’s a great start. Keep it up at home and we’ll be cruisin’ for a snoozin’.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

Speaking of snoozing Look, we’re babies and don’t want lawsuits, so we’ll keep this advice short, but we will tell you this–every baby is different. Some babies need lots of sleep. Other babies don’t need as much. What we would really love is for you to not lose your mind over the number of hours we’re getting. It’s pretty hard to mess us up, promise. When we’re tired, we’ll sleep. And yes, there will be times when we need to sleep and we just don’t want to because, hey, we’re babies and we enjoy keeping you on your toes and scratching your head. Just wait till we’re teenagers! As we grow, it’s up to you how you sleep train us, not your nosy neighbor or a well-meaning grandparent. You’re our parents, and you know what’s up. Stand your ground, do your best, and we’ll be happy. Believe us, we aren’t going to go off to college complaining about how we were sleep trained. We’ll be too busy being mad you didn’t get us the car we wanted.

One more thing on sleeping We. Love. The. Dark. And soft, white noise. And also the dark. Black dark. Heavy dark. Remember that womb we exited? Make our room just like that. Get yourself to that store you love with the bright lights and all the aisles filled with food and toys and get us a noise machine. Then go to the home section and get the darkest curtains you can find. Make our room a cocoon of darkness and calming sounds. Then watch us yawn and get verrrry sleeeeeepy and verrryyy happppyyyy and … zzzzzzzzzz…

Make us work We know you hate to see us struggle, but we’re happiest when we figure those tough things out for ourselves. Let us explore, grab and taste. Allow our eyes to wander and settle on whatever captures our attention in that moment. Watch us and take videos as our world gets bigger each and every day. Let us learn to entertain ourselves. You don’t have to do it all; take a break already. It’s okay if we cry in frustration at first, because that’s how we learn to figure out something else to do. We first have to get mad and cry before we break through to something new. (If only there were an insightful expression about learning to crawl before you walk or something—we’ll get to work on that.)

We love the magic of you This might be hard to hear, but we don’t love nor do we need a giant birthday party. Or 100 gifts on our first Christmas. Don’t bend yourself in half to ensure we experience every imaginable thing on earth there is for a baby to experience. We’re simple folk. We want you. Your smiles, your laughs and even your horrible impression of a choo-choo train delivering green beans into our mouths. (Do you really believe we’re convinced that’s a train? We weren’t born yesterday for the most part.) Give us love, give us snuggles and give us a home where we feel safe. That’s all it takes.

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. kcparent.com january-march 2022

Playi ng

Fun and games provide the foundation of

oy is pretty much unavoidable when playing peek-a-boo with a giggling baby or throwing a ball back and forth with an excited toddler. Although playing with littles is often filled with laughing and silliness, essential learning is occurring. “Play is critical to a child’s development across all areas, including their communication, language, movement and motor skills,” says Stephanie Parks, assistant professor of practice at the University of Kansas. “Everything is developing through play.”

Helping babies discover the basics For babies, Parks recommends a “serve and return” approach, where the child might make a facial expression or gesture, and the parent responds to that action with another meaningful interaction. She said these moments can be quick and simple, but they make a lasting impact, and it’s important for parents to be in tune and present with their children to be able to enjoy those moments. In terms of skills, one of the first that babies learn is eye-tracking. Babies just a few months old or younger see in black and white, so consider taking a stuffed animal that is mostly black and white and moving it around to see how well the baby can follow along visually. Progress to colored objects and more complex things for them to watch. Babies also love pictures. Whitney Mammoliti, a local mom of four who has previously worked as a home educator with Parents as Teachers, suggests taking pictures of people in your family and putting them in zip-lock baggies. This allows your baby to look at the pictures and flip through them. The motion of moving the baggies as they flip through the pictures is the same motion as turning the pages of a book.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

She also suggests putting pictures of various objects on empty Clorox wipes containers so they can roll or crawl to get them. This activity helps babies with their visual tracking and gross motor skills. This can be just one of many games you use to move desired toys and objects away from the baby to encourage gross motor development through rolling or crawling. Overall, Parks recommends open-ended play where a child is given an object that can be used in many ways. She says one reason children often seem to enjoy playing with a box rather than the toy it contained is because the box can have multiple uses, but the toy might only have one primary use. Keep in mind, too, there are many ways of achieving desired development with babies. “It’s not all about the actual toy, materials and skills,” Parks says. “It’s about laying that foundation so that their brains have a strong foundation for everything that happens later.” Although there are always lists of activities you can do with your baby, the most important thing is to simply interact with your little one. “There is no right or wrong way to play with your baby,” says Jennifer Hanson, lead parent educator with North Kansas City Schools Parents as Teachers.

Exploring the world with toddlers As the child becomes an older baby and begins to enter toddlerhood, pinching and grasping are essential fine motor skills important to develop. To encourage this, you can have Baby practice picking up pieces of food with her hands, or you can have him put pom-poms into an empty plastic water bottle. Having toddlers play with play dough also builds strength in their hands and develops fine motor skills. Social skills are also an important part of toddler playtime, Mammoliti says. Playing

to learn

development for babies and toddlers games that teach kids how to interact with others, share and take turns are important too. Even playing common games like freeze dances, Simon says, hot and cold, hot potato, musical chairs and Hokey Pokey all teach listening, following directions and concentration. These games can also help teach the kids how to handle big emotions. Toddlers get a boost in their logic skills from games, too. Mammoliti suggests hiding a favorite toy and giving the child clues to help him find it. Playing memory match games assists with logic and cognitive skills, and sorting shapes and colors are other fun games. Although a variety of online apps and games say they help with fine motor or other skills, both Mammoliti and Parks emphasize the importance of active play over screen time, as active play experiences just can’t be replicated online. While structured, parent-guided play boosts development, Parks says childdirected play also fills an important role. Giving a child various objects, like old milk crates, socks, cups or wooden spoons, and waiting to see what happens allows tots to explore, discover and learn on their terms.

“Follow the child’s lead, and let the child be the one who decides how the play is going to happen,” Parks says. “Let them practice their decision-making skills and move at their pace.” Parks also says there is value in “riskier” play outside, including playing with sticks, running around barefoot and playing in the mud. These activities engage the brain, and the child can be taught how to engage in such play in a safe manner. “Babies and toddlers learn best when they are just interacting with their environment,” Hanson says. “So much of what they want to do is imitate what they see you doing.”

Embrace the mess Sensory play teaches littles about different textures and how things feel in addition to aiding in developing fine motor skills. Despite this, parental dread meets the mess that comes with letting such a young child play with the likes of slime, shaving cream, paint or kinetic sand. From time to time, don’t be afraid to let the mess happen, as important learning occurs when you do. “Messy play is a great opportunity to figure out what the material is and what it does,” says Parks. “It is their way of exploring and investigating the material and how it changes.” Overall, keep in mind that while we break down social, emotional, cognitive and motor skills when we study how littles learn, the reality is children develop these skills all at once, according to Parks. And Hanson says that’s the most amazing thing: “The beauty of play is that it so naturally involves the whole child.”

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom who loves making silly faces at littles to make them laugh. kcparent.com january-march 2022

Snooze Patrol! A Guide to Baby’s Naps

he first couple of weeks of figuring out how to take care of a tiny new human can be tough for parents. On top of feedings, diaper changes and doctor appointments, somehow you must figure out when your little one is ready for a nap each day and how long he should be sleeping. Rest assured, you’re not alone, and there are answers to these questions! Watch for your baby’s cues when trying to figure out when she’s tired. After the first week or two with a newborn, you’ll catch on to her sleepy signs. If you notice your little one yawning, rubbing her eyes or giving other signs she’s winding down (crying, fussiness, disinterest in eating), she’s probably ready for a nap. So how long should Baby sleep? That all depends on age.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

Newborns

6 to 8 weeks

Believe it or not, newborn babies may sleep about 16 hours a day (waking for feedings and changings), and two to four hours at a time, day and night. At this stage, don’t expect any sort of pattern in napping. Instead, just let Baby sleep as long as he needs. Keep in mind that newborns are sensitive to changes in light, noise and temperature, which can disrupt their ability to relax and fall asleep. So, choose one safe, consistent area for Baby’s nap time and create the right ambiance. Be sure the room is dark and quiet, and it shouldn’t be too hot or cold. Baby’s sleepwear is also important, as the right clothing can also help her relax and fall asleep more quickly.

By this time, your baby will probably be sleeping less often but for longer stretches. He will probably need two to four naps a day, though he may prefer more.

2 to 3 months If you haven’t noticed a sleep pattern developing with your baby’s naps by now, it’s time to take action. When your child naps at the same time each day, her internal clock is set to be sleepy at those moments. So catch your little one’s natural “sleep window” and put her down for her nap when she’s sleepy, but not overtired. When you do this, your baby will readily fall asleep. However, miss your baby’s sleep window, and his body will emit hormones that’ll give him a second wind. This makes it much harder for him to fall asleep.

3 to 4 months

9 to 12 months

At this stage, many babies begin to follow a more predictable daytime sleep pattern. This is a good time to start developing a nap schedule. Remember to do your best to give your baby a chance to nap at the same times each day, but keep in mind that you can’t determine how and when he’ll nap. Only he can. His temperament and natural rhythms are what will help him. While some babies nap for long stretches and easily fall into a sleep pattern, others do better with shorter naps.

Somewhere between these months, many babies wind down to two naps a day. They typically take one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and by 18 months, most children give up their morning nap and, instead, snooze in the afternoon. This pattern usually continues until they’re 3 or 4 years old, though many don’t taper off napping until age 5.

5 to 6 months By the time Baby is between 5 and 6 months old, she will probably be taking two or three naps a day (one in the morning, one in the early afternoon and one later in the afternoon). Many babies are also sleeping through the night around this time—but not all. If your little one isn’t quite sleeping through the night just yet, it’s okay. Every child is different.

Although it’s tempting, it’s not a good idea to rely on having Baby nap in the car during errands. Once in a while is okay. However, if you constantly let Baby nap on the go, your child may not get the rest he needs. If your schedule is packed, and he always seems tired, think about cutting back or rearranging your schedule. You might also consider using a sitter or friend to help out so your little one gets the rest his body needs. Once your baby gets used to a daily nap schedule, stay consistent

with it. A healthy nap schedule is vital to creating healthy patterns of sleep and ensuring your baby gets the deep sleep she needs.

Try these positive sleep associations to help Baby look forward to napping:

• Warm bath • Gentle massage • Lightly weighted swaddle • Rocking • Soft lullaby music

Mom and author Gina Klein resides in Kansas City with her husband, two teen daughters and many furry (and feathered) kids. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

WE LOVE IT By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

MAM ORIGINAL MATTE PACIFIERS

EARTHBABY AROMATHERAPY CALMING MIST Hydrating, calming mist helps promote health and well-being not only for Baby, but for the entire family. Created with natural and certified organic ingredients and enriched with lavender and chamomile. $5, ages birth+, EarthBabyStore.com

Nipple shape mimics a mother’s breast, making the back-and-forth switch between breast, bottle and pacifier easy. Developed with pediatric dentists and available in multiple sizes, colors and designs. $6.99, birth-6 months, Amazon.com

STORKCRAFT 3-IN-1 ACTIVITY WALKER AND ROCKER WITH JUMPING BOARD AND FEEDING TRAY

THE FIRST YEARS FIRST DREAMS PORTABLE BASSINET Safe, cozy and featuring a unique one-hand fold. Mesh sides allow for 360-degree visibility and increased air flow. Includes carry tote and machinewashable sheet. $179.99, ages birth-5 months, us.Tomy.com/the-first-years

MUNCHKIN SWING Features a sleek design and a speaker system preloaded with ambient sounds and classical music. Customize playlists from your phone. $190, babies 5-20 pounds who cannot sit up or climb out of the swing unassisted, Munchkin.com

UPPABABY COZYHANDMUFFS Keep your hands cozy warm while strolling. Stays secured to your stroller handlebar for easy on/off. $44.99, parents, UPPABaby.com

Offers a fun, stimulating and interactive combination of an entertaining toy tray, jumping board and feeding tray. $119.99, ages 6-36 months, StorkcraftDirect.com

KIT & KIN ECO-FRIENDLY COCOMELON BEDTIME JJ DOLL

CHICCO DUO HYBRID BABY BOTTLE The purity of glass and the convenience of plastic in one. Lightweight, breakproof and featuring an advanced patented technology that permanently bonds microthin layers of Invinci-Glass to the interior of a plastic exterior. $19.99/for twopack, ages birth-12 months, ChiccoUSA.com

Bring nursery rhymes to life. This adorable and soft plush is inspired by the popular CoComelon character and is the perfect bedtime friend. $45.99, ages 18 months +, Amazon.com

FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS, VISIT NAPPAAWARDS.COM.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

MEDIAMIX

Play with Your Plate! (A Mix-and-Match Play Book) Written and illustrated by award-winning author illustrator Judith Rossell Play with Your Plate! is an innovative and interactive mix and match board book that can be used to introduce colors, (red watermelon, green peas) and shapes (triangle kiwi, round carrots) to the youngest of readers. Inside the front cover are four miniature board books that open toward the middle and, when open, make up a plate of food. More than 4,000 healthy mealtime combinations can be made by mixing and matching all four quarters of the book! “Can you make a plate of only triangles or circles?” the book asks. “Can you make a plate of only vegetables and fruits?” Now kids of all ages can have fun “playing with their food” with this brightly colored, sweetly illustrated book!

Whose Nose? (Part of the Whose Are These? series) Written by Sue Tarsky, illustrated by Michael Garton Whose Nose? is a darling compilation of large, brightly colored illustrations of various animals’ noses, coupled with clues as to where they might live. There are narrow noses, long noses, wet noses and big noses in this new nonfiction series for young ones. The inside covers of the book showcase illustrations of the animals whose noses are depicted within the book, providing another opportunity for teaching kids about animals both wild and tame. With bright colors and large images, the volume invites little children to cuddle with their adult while learning about the world around them. Whose Tail? is another book in the series. It shows various animals’ tails, from farm animals to zoo animals. That book, like Whose Nose?, also utilizes large, brightly colored illustrations that kids will enjoy.

How Big Is Zagnodd? Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton “How big is Baby? Baby’s SO big!” is a common game played with littles beginning at an early age. Well, now New York Times best-selling author Sandra Boynton brings us yet another silly board book that answers the question of just how big Zagnodd really is. (Would you believe he’s SO big!) Joining extraterrestrial Zagnodd are many of his wild friends from outer space … and then there’s Steve (spoiler alert: he’s human). But Zagnodd’s friends aren’t SO big. They are SO bright, SO fuzzy, SO sleepy and more. Children will love the cute, colorful illustrations of Zagnodd and his fun friends. Sandra Boynton has sold more than 30 million copies of her books, including three books that are on the Publisher’s Weekly All-Time Bestselling Children’s Books list and two that are Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers.

Sandy Foster is a writer and blogger (NadinesBakery.com) who lives in the Kansas City area. kcparent.com january-march 2022

beat the winter blahs in J

Beat the winter blahs for little ones in KC with these ideas from A to Z:

Art: Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (816.751.1238), where admission is free. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infant-friendly, visit to the museum. You’ll find brochures and maps at the information desk with suggested itineraries.

Bounce: Head to Urban Air (UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com). Their tubes playground is designed for children under 52" to climb, crawl and slide. Check the calendar on KCParent.com for their Jumperoo sessions especially for little ones.

Enjoy the outdoors from the indoors: Something is always blooming at Family Tree Nursery (FamilyTreeNursery.com). Family Tree offers some of the largest nurseries in the area with wide selections to enjoy through one of the most unique and fun shopping experiences in the city. Little ones love the fairy gardens and displays.

Find freebies: Discover the freebies for kids at your local supermarket. Many grocery stores offer birthday clubs for children with giveaways or discounts on cake and party goods. Grocers offer free cookies, fruit and treats. And sample day at Costco or Sam’s Club is always a favorite time to shop.

Go to the movies: Matinee movies during the week are always a better value. You can feed Baby in the theater and catch the newest release on the big screen.

Ceramics: Make a ceramic keepsake with Baby’s handprints or footprints at Ceramic Cafe (CeramicCafeKC.com). They supply the ceramics, the paints and the brushes—you just supply the creative budding artists!

Date night: Ward off cabin fever for new parents with a night on the town. Enlist a friend or relative to babysit and check out the ideas on pg 33.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

Just do what you love most: Your little one isn’t begging for a day at the children’s museum yet so enjoy what YOU love most. Find creative ways to continue your hobbies. Read your favorite books during naptime, listen to podcasts while driving or cooking, schedule time with friends, tackle small projects while Baby plays in his high chair.

Home sweet home: Have fun at home! Make play dough, color, cuddle, play with bath toys, finger paint, make cookies and enjoy quality time at home.

Investigate the zoo: The Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) is open year-round. Choose a warmer winter day to visit all the indoor exhibits—polar bear, penguins, Discovery Barn, Tropics—and remember to pack a lunch.

KidScape: This indoor exhibit features a child-sized village where kids love to play at the Johnson County Museum’s new home (913.826.2787). The play area is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Lunch at Legends Outlets: Bundle up and spend a day walking around Legends Outlets (LegendsShopping.com). Shop, take in a movie, eat lunch and relax. Visit Cabela’s and look at fish in the aquarium.

Make things: You’ll find dozens of ideas from KC Baby & Maternity’s Craft Corner on KCParent.com. Try a new DIY project or visit your local craft store. They often sell inexpensive kits for simple projects for all ages.

kc: ideas from A to Z N

Nature exploration: Kansas City is home to many wonderful nature centers, including our two favorites. Burr Oak Woods (MDC.mo.gov) offers a large aquarium of Missouri’s freshwater fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more. Lakeside Nature Center (LakesideNatureCenter.org) is home to some of the best animal exhibits in the area.

Visit loved ones: Do you have a loved one or friend in a local nursing home? Are grandparents nearby? A visit from you and Baby is sure to brighten everyone’s day.

Read: Do you have a favorite book from your childhood that seems long forgotten? Try to find a copy at the library or a local bookstore and reminisce while sharing the classic favorite with your child.

Water play: Science City at Union Station (ScienceCity. UnionStation.org) offers several wonderful exhibits with little ones in mind. Some of our favorites are the water play table, infant and toddler area and a variety of places for sensory play. This is a favorite indoor outing.

Observe pets: You can enjoy the pleasure of pets without owning one. Head to your local pet store where you can watch fish, see reptiles and admire puppies and kitties at play. If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, Great Plains SPCA (GreatPlainsSPCA.org) is one of Kansas City’s no-kill animal shelters, or visit Wayside Waifs, a pet adoption center (WaysideWaifs.org).

Swim: Community centers, YMCAs and local gyms are home to indoor pools offering swim lessons for infants and toddlers. Winter is an oft-overlooked time to take swimming lessons.

Take a walk: Ward off cabin fever by bundling up and braving the elements. Head to your favorite park or discover a new one in our Going Places directory on KCParent.com.

Yum: Check out our Kids Eat Free Guide on KCParent.com and take the family out to eat.

Plan ahead: Take advantage of your local grocery store’s delivery or drive-up/pickup options to simplify shopping and keep Baby out of the winter elements. For even simpler meal planning, pick up freezer meals at Dream Dinners (DreamDinners.com).

Quell your curiosity: Spend a day among the shelves at the local library looking for new books and exploring sections of the library you’ve never explored before. Increase your chances of making a new discovery with a visit to a new branch.

eXplore: Try something new from the Kansas City calendar on KCParent.com.

Zero: The number of days you’ll be bored with all of the above ideas!

Underwater exploration: Walk through an underwater tunnel at Sea Life Kansas City (816.471.4386). Enjoy up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures.

Kristina Light’s girls spent many days in strollers exploring museums and bookstores as infants … and now they share that interest with their mom. kcparent.com january-march 2022

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

playdates WEEKLY

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

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

THURSDAY Jumperoo Thu & Sat, 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

TUESDAY

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium.

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On

Bring the kids to see the Doodle

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

Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay

and under can paint a selected item for

and more! Purchase tickets online at

only $10! CeramicCafeKC.com

MONDAY

VisitSeaLife.com.

RoKC Play Lounge 8:00, RoKC Olathe.

Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper

Zoo. Visit the zoo’s polar bears in Polar

Children 6 months to 6 years are invited

Museum. Tots on Tuesday is now online!

Bear Passage. The zoo is open year-

to enjoy a two-hour session to the play

Sing songs, read books, explore art

round. KansasCityZoo.org

lounge while parents participate in

and make your own art with a Kemper

rock wall climbing.

Museum educator and a Kansas City librarian. Register online. Facebook.

Gym for Me Mon & Wed, 9:00, Lenexa

com/KemperMuseum/events

Community Center. Tue & Thu, 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. A place to run, ride, and play while exercising, making new friends and having fun. $2. Lenexa.com

Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Preschool Story Time First and

FRIDAY

third Wednesday of the month, 10:30-11:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. For ages 2-6. Visit the nature center

Zoo. The zoo is open year-round, and

for stories, songs and surprises

the cooler months are the best time

geared to preschool children.

to visit the penguins and polar bears!

$2/person, including adults. Register

KansasCityZoo.org

at JCPRD.com.

kcparent.com january-march 2022

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland

WEDNESDAY

Penguin Exhibit 10:00, Kansas City

Polar Bear Passage 10:00, Kansas City

Jumperoo Fri & Sat, 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Drum Tao at Midwest Trust Center

parents night out Auschwitz Exhibition Thru March 20 at

South Pacific Feb. 19, Midwest Trust

Alton Brown: Beyond the Eats March 27,

Union Station. This is a groundbreaking

Center. Set against the backdrop of

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland.

exhibition bringing together more

World War II, this classic Rodgers and

Alton Brown is hitting the road with a

than 700 original objects and 400

Hammerstein musical focuses on French

new culinary variety show. Audiences

photographs from more than 20

plantation owner Emile de Becque

can expect more comedy, more music,

institutions and museums from around

and his love interest, Nellie Forbush, a

more highly unusual cooking demos and

the world. UnionStation.org

naïve young nurse from Arkansas.

more potentially dangerous sciencey

JCCC.edu/Midwest-trust-center/events

stuff. ArvestBankTheatre.com/events

Center Square. Kansas City’s only public

TobyMac March 18-19 at Cable Dahmer

Local Life Third Friday and Saturday of

outdoor ice-skating rink is open for its 49th

Arena. TobyMac Hits Deep Tour is back

the month, Downtown Overland Park.

season of great skating fun. 816.274.8411

for another year! The 2022 lineup features

Don’t miss this great way to explore

or CrownCenter.com/iceterrace

TobyMac & the DiverseCity Band along

Downtown Overland Park’s locally

with Crowder, CAIN, Cochren & Co., and

owned businesses, activities and more.

Dancing with the Stars: LIVE Feb. 8,

Terrian. Don’t miss this night of hit music

DowntownOP.org/ThirdFridayLocalLife

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland.

and fun! CableDahmerArena.com

Crown Center Ice Terrace Crown

Tick Tock Escape Games 6398

Starring Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Artem Chigvintsev, Sasha

Drum Tao March 18-19, Midwest Trust

College Blvd., Overland Park. Quality

Farber, Daniella Karagach, Pasha

Center. Drum Tao’s modern, high-energy

and creativity are what separate Tick

Pashkov, Gleb Savchenko and more

performances showcase the ancient

Tock from the crowd. They use sound,

to come! Fans will see time honored

art of Japanese drumming. Combining

technology and other special effects to

dances like the cha cha, foxtrot, salsa,

highly physical, large-scale drumming

bring your game to life in an immersive

tango—and everything in between.

with contemporary costumes, precise

experience you won’t soon forget.

ArvestBankTheatre.com/events

choreography and innovative visuals,

TickTockEscapeRoom.com

the performers create an energetic and unforgettable production. JCCC.edu/Midwest-trust-center/events kcparent.com january-march 2022

bellylaughs

“ Trust your gut.” – Maria

We asked KC Parent’s 54,000+ Facebook fans: What’s the best parenting advice you received as a new parent? 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.

Maria: Trust your gut. 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!

kcparent.com january-march 2022

Penguin Marches Are Back! See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Through February 27 11:00am | Weekends only

Open Year Round kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

The Davis Family

“The NICU was there when we needed it most.” First-time mom Emily had a normal pregnancy until she began measuring smaller than expected at 35 weeks. Diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction, Emily’s pregnancy was induced at 38 weeks. Baby Josephine was born underweight and needed extra care in the NICU. Her parents, who were able to stay in the same room with her the entire time, say they are “forever grateful.” Today, Josephine is a happy, healthy 7-month-old.

The Birth Place’s state-of-the-art Level II NICU stands ready 24/7 to care for our tiniest patients in need. Read the full story at olathehealth.org/NICUgraduate