Natural Baby Magazine
Top Tips for New, On-the-Go Parents
New to Parenthood? Smart Tech Can Help Disabled? Tips on Preparing for Parenthood
5 Ways for Families to Tackle Summer On-the-Go Free Digital Editions!
July 2018
NaturalBabyMag.com
Enter Our New Contest! This month’s contest is for a Harrison and Georgia Teether! (Pictured on the right.) This handcrafted teether will help your teething infant break those budding teeth in.
Win This Teether!
Read more about this teether in our review on page 15 of this issue. Enter is available to residents of the USA only-due to shipping restrictions. Sorry. Enter free online! The winner will be selected on August 31.
Enter Online at NaturalBabyMag.com
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Natural Baby Magazine July 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com
InThisIssue July is CordBloodAwarenessMonth 4 Photos from Our Readers…
Natural Baby Magazine is a publication of Publish In Paradise PublishinParadise.com. © 2018 Publish In Paradise. All rights Reserved. The mission of Natural Baby Magazine is to provide helpful information to expectant and new parents from birth through the first year using all natural products, solutions, ideas and more. No information in our magazines, on our website or blogs is meant to replace advice from your family doctor, obstetrician, pediatrician, midwife or other medical provider. Although we align ourselves with holistic approaches, we are only providing information. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek medical attention whenever necessary.
6 5 Ways for Families to Tackle Summer On-the-Go 9 New to Parenthood? Smart Tech Can Help 10 Disabled? Tips on Preparing for Parenthood 13 Top Tips for New, On-the-Go Parents 15 Product Review: Harrison and Georgia Teether 16 Product Review: Diono Just My Color Radian® rXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat 18 Making the Most of Local Produce
Publisher Angela J. Willard naturalbaby@publishinparadise.com Advertising Email: ads@publishinparadise.com
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Our Cover Model: Joshua Willard-Wilson with his newborn son, Kyle Coy, minutes after he was born via cesarean birth while his mommy, Tanisha Willard-Wilson, was in recovery. Kyle was born May 24, 2018. Congratulations Joshua and Tanisha on your precious bundle of joy!
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To have your baby on the next cover– submit your photos to us online at
NaturalBabyMag.com
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ShowUsYourBabies! Melody Espinoza at nine days old and just two days outta the NICU.
Photo by CG Images
Mother: Delana Bybee
Everly George Mother: Kati George
Submit Your Baby’s Pics for Publication in Our Upcoming Issues! Submit online at NaturalBabyMag.com! Note: Not all photos submitted can be published but we will do our best to publish as many baby
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Natural Baby Magazine July 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com
Harvey Timbrell, enjoying his lunch while out with his mummy!
Mother: Grace Spencer
Connor Cella A lifestyle newborn session that took place June 26, 2018. He is n o t h i n g short of perfect!
Mother: Katelyn Cella
Photo by Alexis Springer Images
Claira Pifer enjoying her first beach day!
Photo by Eternal Alure Photography
Mother: Desirae Pifer
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Natural Baby Magazine July 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com
5 Ways for Families to Tackle Summer On-the-Go Summer is here, which means it's time for fun-filled months of family-time. From barbecues to sporting events and family vacations, summer can be the busiest time of year for families–but, there are some easy tips and tricks you can use to stay on top of a busy routine. Take it from busy mom, entrepreneur, philanthropist and lifestyle blogger Samantha Busch, who manages to juggle it all while traveling around the country with her husband, stock car driver Kyle Busch, and their 3-year-old son, Brexton. "With racing season in full swing and summer approaching, Kyle, Brexton and I are always on the move," she says. "The key is staying connected and communicating and I rely on my smartphone to do just that. I keep things on track with my clothing line, update my blog on the fly, find fun places to explore with my son, and stay in touch with friends and family– regardless of where I'm traveling any given week."
Here are five tips from Samantha to manage a busy routine this summer:
1. Plan ahead: If I know we have a busy week ahead, I do as much as I can to prepare in advance. If it's before a trip,
that might mean researching fun places to explore with my son. Now that we have Brexton, things have changed in many ways with how we travel, including where we choose to stay and what we do during our downtime on the road. So I rely on my smartphone to search for kid-friendly activities and places in advance. 2. Multitask during downtime: If you've ever seen me at a race, you know that I am usually on my phone - I love to watch Kyle's races, but I also use that time to get things done - from updating my blog, to responding to emails and interacting with fans on social media no matter where I'm at. Just because I'm not home doesn't mean my business or charitable foundations stop running. I love Walmart Family Mobile because families can get Truly Unlimited talk, text and data? at 4G LTE speeds for only $49.88/month. 3. Say no sometimes: Do you ever feel like you're constantly on the move and there's never enough time to get it all done? We've all been there. We get caught up in various activities and suddenly we look up and the summer is halfway over. Remember that it's OK to say no. Whether it's an event you've been invited to or a nagging chore on your list, give yourself permission to
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say no and don't give it a second thought. 4. Stay connected: Over the years, I've learned that communication is key when juggling a busy schedule and keeping in touch with family and friends on the road. Thankfully smartphones make it easy to keep loved ones in the loop by sending a group text or using photo sharing apps to share new memories together. With affordable family plans and multi-line discounts, Walmart Family Mobile makes it easy for the whole family to stay connected. 5. Take a family break: Summers are so jam packed that it's hard to find time to spend as a family. Take a break from your daily to-dos and plan an activity or trip that allows you to stop and spend quality time together. Whether it's one day or an entire weekend, try not to think about any responsibilities, just focus on relaxing and making special memories as a family.
To learn more about unlimited family plans from Walmart Family Mobile, visit your local Walmart or check out www.myfamilymobile.com.
*Plus taxes and fees. Additional lines must be of equal or lesser value. Add up to four additional lines for only $24.88/mo. each line. **Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service www.myfamilymobile.com. ***To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. During periods of congestion, Walmart Family Mobile customers may notice reduced speeds versus carrier branded customers. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. ****Does not include tethering. Video typically streams at DVD quality.
Source: BPT
This summer, focus your energy on adventures, making memories and sharing time with those you love most.
Walmart Family Mobile makes it easy for families to stay connected and maximize savings for summer fun. You can get two Truly Unlimited lines? for less than $75 per month. Or you can add up to four additional lines to any unlimited plan for just $24.88 per line.
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Natural Baby Magazine July 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com
New to Parenthood? Smart Tech Can Help Being a new mom or dad can be tough. But smart tech is revolutionizing the way parents care for their little ones, alleviating common parenting worries, such as sickness, the baby sleeping through the night and proper feeding. Eighty percent of American adults use or would use smart products to help care for a new baby, according to a recent survey commissioned by leading faucet manufacturer, Moen and conducted online by Harris Poll in April 2018. The poll investigated what parents are anxious about and how smart tech can make their job a little easier.
Why are smart home products so popular? From the bathtub to the nursery, smart technology can help parents keep their babies safer and provide peace of mind. With smart tech to the rescue, you too can enhance your parenting skills while spending more time enjoying your newborn.
Source: StatePoint
Natural Baby Magazine July 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com
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By Daniel Sherwin for Natural Baby Magazine
Congratulations! You’re going to have a baby, and it’s time to get prepare. A bit of trepidation is normal when you realize that you’ll be bringing home a wiggly, squiggly, squalling infant in just a few very short months. Most new parents anticipate parenthood with a blend of excitement and apprehension. But if you’re joining the ranks of more than 4 million U.S. families with children under age 18 that include at least one parent with a disability, you know that you’ll face additional challenges besides the usual diaper blowouts and toy minefields.
If you’ve lived with your disability for a while, you’ve probably already taken creative steps to accommodate for the challenges it presents. Approach preparing for a new baby as an exciting adventure that requires strategy, a little ingenuity, and a healthy dose of humor.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for parenthood:
Baby Equipment Standard baby gear and equipment isn’t necessarily designed to accommodate physical limitations. Fortunately, big-box stores and online retailers now carry equipment to accommodate parents who may have trouble using their hands, use wheelchairs, or who have vision/hearing impairments. This equipment includes: ● Side-opening cribs permit much easier access to parents who use wheelchairs. Drop-side cribs were banned in 2010 because they contributed to 150 suffocation and strangulation deaths in three years. But there are French
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door-style cribs and DIY tutorials to safely modify an existing crib. ● Accessible baby bathtubs. These tubs make it easier for wheelchair-using parents to bathe babies. ● Wheelchair adaptive strollers. There are several styles available; here’s a video of the Cursum stroller in action. ● Velcro and snaps! Velcro baby bibs and swaddles and clothing with snaps. Most baby clothing, especially newborn clothing, uses snaps or velcro, which is much easier on your fingers. ● Nursing Pillows. Nursing pillows take the strain off your lower back, arms, and shoulders and make it much easier to position your baby for feeding. ● Baby Carriers. Breastfeeding slings, chest harness baby carriers, and wraps. The market has a ton of options for carrying newborns, babies, and toddlers. Here’s a list of the top carriers for 2018. ● Adjustable tables help you change diapers or clothing or even bathe your baby. ● Baby monitors for the hearing impaired. Now you can get a two-part wearable monitor that includes the band you wear and the base you put near your baby.
Looking Glass, a “nationally recognized center that has pioneered research, training, and services for families in which a child, parent, or grandparent has a disability or medical issue.”
Modifying Your Home Your home may already have certain home modifications, like grab bars in bathtubs and non-slip rugs or mats. But it’s likely that there will be other modifications that you’ll need to make so childcare is easier. These include: ● Modified sinks and faucets ● Raised toilet seats to help with potty training ● Lower counters changing easier
to
make
diaper
● Larger hardware on drawers for easier opening ● Lower hanger bars in closets ● Secure storage for medicines, cleaning supplies, and chemicals
If you’re sight-impaired, consider these modifications: ● Use textured items to help navigate your child’s room. ● Remove any tripping hazards like power cords.
For a more comprehensive list of baby care equipment that’s recommended for parents with disabilities, visit Through the
● ●
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(Continued from page 11)
● Label your children’s food with textured tape or braille labels to make meal prep easier.
The American Foundation for the Blind has more ideas on creating a comfortable, useable environment that’s also infant and kid friendly.
Read our blog for more articles. We are blogging about Natural Childbirth, Natural Baby Bums, Natural Baby Feeding, Natural Baby Health, and Natural Baby Learning all in the first year of life. ● 5 Essential Skincare Tips for Baby
A Strong Support System
● 5 Simple Ways Parents Can Make the World Gentle for Baby
Never think that self-care is an indulgence—it’s a necessity! All new parents need a break to relieve the stress brought on from late-night feedings, crying babies, and serious sleep deprivation now and then.
● 4 tips for choosing the right car seat
Whether you ask a friend or family member to watch your baby while you nap, escape into a book, or enjoy a date night with your partner, take time for yourself.
● The Bath Tub
● Before You Give Birth, Ask These 4 Questions About Your Hospital ● 7 Often Missed Baby-proofing Tips ● Tips for Baby’s 1st Foods
● and more….
naturalbabymag.com/ natural-baby-blog
Musician Taylor Hanson said, “Having a baby is a life-changer. It gives you a whole other perspective on why you wake up every day.” And that’s the magic of parenthood.
Daniel Sherwin is a single father of two and the creator of DadSolo.com.
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Top Tips for New, On-the-Go Parents A lightweight stroller is a must have for on-the-go parents.
P
arenthood doesn’t mean putting the brakes on your on-the-go lifestyle.
Whether taking an everyday adventure or traveling far, ensure smoother sailing for the whole family with these tips from Lauren Parry, a mom of two and creator of the blog, “Outfits & Outings.”
For Shorter Trips ● Make diaper bag packing an art form: Remember being able to jet out the door with just your keys, phone and wallet? Life is a bit more complicated these days, even for short jaunts. The general rule is to pack one diaper for each hour you’ll be in transit, plus extras in case
of delays. In addition to wipes and diaper rash cream, it’s also good to carry plastic bags for storing soiled clothing. ● Accessorize: “Before heading out, check the weather and gear up your stroller!” suggests Parry. “Sometimes, you’ll be gone for hours or even the entire day, and you’ll want to ensure you have everything you need, rain or shine.”
Never underestimate the importance of a weather shield to block wind and rain or to add extra insulation on colder days. Fold it up and keep it in the basket of the stroller. A parent console is also useful. It
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adds extra storage and allows you to easily and instantly access go-to items.
For the Longer Haul ● Make sleeping arrangements: Going out of town? Save yourself the hassle of bringing certain baby gear -- like playards and high chairs -- that can be provided by a hotel. But don’t make any assumptions about what’s available. Call ahead to avoid surprises. ● Encourage comfort: Hotels can be loud due to street noise, the sounds of nearby guests and other disruptions. A soothing white noise machine can help, or replicate home comforts by selecting accommodations through a rental-byowner site.
“One thing I quickly learned was that you have to be flexible when kids are in tow. This means you need a stroller that’s adaptable to whatever your needs are at that particular moment,” says Parry. “This stroller’s features -- including an easy-touse hand brake, durable tires, and 3-panel canopy -- make it easy to stay on-the-go and keep my baby happy while I’m out and about.” To learn more about the City Tour LUX, recommended for children up to 45 pounds, visit babyjogger.com. ● Keep hunger at bay: No matter where you’re headed or how you’re getting there, snacks are essential. Cheerios are a good go-to but try to keep a few favorites stored in the diaper bag. When possible, opt for less messy items to minimize the potential for spills and stains.
For Adventures Near & Far ● Get a chic ride: “Whether I’m running errands or on a family vacation, I can’t stress enough how much the right stroller matters,” says Parry, who recommends the Baby Jogger City Tour LUX because of its ultra-compact, lightweight frame and versatility.
Traveling with children is never easy but being prepared will help the whole family have fun, no matter the adventure.
Source: StatePoint
Parry notes that her stroller of choice comes with five different riding options, a reversible seat and accepts an infant car seat or foldable pram to accommodate newborns. Parents can also make it a double stroller by attaching a glider board. Other useful features include a one-hand fold and a carry bag for transportation.
Have A Safe & Fun Summer With Your Family!
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Harrison and
Product Georgia Teether Review Reviewed by Maggie Boitnott and her son, Lincoln Dixon-Boitnott, and Angela J. Willard, for Natural Baby Magazine
We had the pleasure of reviewing the adorable Harrison and Georgia Teethers. We gave a blue-beeded elephant teether to Maggie Boitnott and her son, Lincoln, to test for us and also observed him with the teether. He really enjoyed this teether! It held up with no issues for the several weeks that Lincoln gnawed, yanked and drooled on it. And after all that, it still looked brand new with no visable signs of wear and tear. Lincoln took the teether home (and still enjoys it) while his mom observed him using the teether. She said it’s great but did have one complaint. “The only issue I had was Lincoln would smack himself in the face with the [wooden] elephant. Other than that, he loved it!” Maggie said. The beads of the teether are a soft and sturdy silicone. But the rings and elephant are made of maple wood, which is a hard wood that has been known to cause skin irritation, runny nose asthma-like respiratory issues. If a wood allergy is suspected or runs in your family, you may want to avoid these. Lincoln showed no signs of an allergy. Learn more or get one of these great teethers online at www.etsy.com/shop/harrisonandgeorgia See page 2 for our giveaway of a Harrison & Georgia Teether!
ed Lincoln Dixon-Boitnott, our product tester, enjoy er Teeth ia Georg and son Harri his
The Teether Specs: ● Designed to stimulate baby's visual motor and sensory skills. ● It’s made from FDA approved food/medical grade silicone: this is the same silicone that baby’s pacifier and bottle nipples are made of, and will effectively massage little baby gums. BPA free, non-toxic, free of lead and phthalates and metals ● 100% Organic Maple Wood Rings. ● 1.5 mm thick, strong, good quality cords: Satin Nylon Trim Cord ● It’s big enough for little hands to grip and handle, and it helps stimulate hand-to-mouth coordination, which means baby learns while playing ● It washes easily with soap and water, and also (top rack) dishwasher safe. Always dry thoroughly! ● Teething rings can hold up to a pound of weight. Rings will not come apart or break from normal everyday use. ● For Ages: 3 months – 24 months
Sources: wood-database.com
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Product Review
Reviewed by Angela J. Willard for Natural Baby Magazine
Diono Just My Color Radian® rXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat If you are going on a road trip this summer, or even just to the store around the corner with an infant, toddler or young child, don’t go without the car seat that was built with the child’s safety and comfort in mind. This car seat’s construction is excellent and heavy-duty. The design is very sporty, and the colors are a plus—babies, toddlers and young children are traveling in style with this Diono Just My Color radian® rXT Convertible Car Seat.
We did a test drive with a young toddler and observed the many comfort cushions for the child to have a good ride, but safety is definitely the first and foremost priority in its design and build, with comfort for the child being the second priority, then style. The toddler who enjoyed her ride certainly had no complaints, and after strapping her in I felt very confident that she was extra safe, should anything had happened. On top of the heavy-duty, sporty design, they also include a cup (or bottle) holder that is easily detachable. Now for newborns and rear facing babies, all the head and body cushions are provided to keep baby safe and snug during the ride. It includes extra cushions and head support for a
Photo of Izabella Marie Willard enjoying a ride in the car while testing out the Diono Just My Color Radian® rXT Car Seat.
newborn—so you could take the car seat to the hospital and bring your new bundle home safely and comfortably.
Regarding this new series, the company’s website states: We’ve married the two things that make us great! Our wonderful tried and tested rXT series seat with a beautifully tailored set of new seat cuts, trimmed and detailed in dynamic colors and customized detailing.” On the radian rXT series web page it states: “Lovingly engineered with a full steel frame, the Diono radian rXT all-inone convertible car seat provides unmatched safety for your child from birth
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to booster – and every marvelous moment in between.” The full steel frame is what makes this car seat not only heavy duty but just plain heavy! You certainly would not want to unstrap it and take it into the grocery store—this is staying put in the vehicle—so bring a different baby carrier with you if you plan to take baby out of the car for any reason. The car seat does fold and includes a carry strap for easier storage. That said, if you have this Diono Just My Colo radian® rXT Car Seat, you will never need another one as it is a convertible car seat that can be used rear-facing for newborns as small as five pounds up through young children up to 120 pounds in the booster.
There are many car seats today that seemed to be designed with the parent in mind—one that goes from the car and attaches to a stroller or easily carried around by a handle, or easily attaches to a shopping cart. However, I believe this Diono radian rXT all-in-one convertible car seat was made with the child in mind, and I appreciate that. Safety first and foremost, then comfort for the child.
There are video instructions www.youtube.com/DionoUSA that recommend watching.
at we
You can get more information on their website at us.diono.com and place an order that includes free shipping. Source: us.diono.com
See the table provided: Child’s Age
Child’s Weight
Rear-facing infants
5-45 pounds
F o r w a r d - f a c i n g 20-65 pounds babies/toddlers Booster Seating for 50-120 pounds young children
This car seat is not only built very well with a steel-frame to protect baby in case of an accident but is also equipped with a Safe Stop which is designed to absorb energy and reduce impact to a forward-facing child less than 40 pounds. This car seat also has SuperLATCH straps for use with vehicles equipped with latch anchors, and again only for a forward-facing child less than 40 pounds.
The car seat folds up for easy storage when not in use. →
Diono Just My Color Radian® rXT Car Seat omes in a variety of colors that children will love!
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Photo © nd3000/stock.Adobe.com
This summer, support your local growers by shopping at your local farmers market or other venue for fresh produce, free range eggs homemade jams and jellies and so much more.
Making the Most of Local Produce
F
resh, local produce is in its prime, making now the perfect time to take part in the farm-to-table
movement. Whether you join a community supported agriculture (CSA) group or shop at your local farmers’ market, it’s easy to taste the elevated flavor profile of justpicked fruits and veggies. Make the most of the season with these tips for storing, cooking and savoring fresh produce.
Plan, Prioritize, Prepare Plan what produce you will purchase ahead of time. Many farmers’ markets and CSAs distribute eNewsletters or flyers that highlight what’s available. You can also search for seasonality charts in your region to get an idea of what items are at their peak, and plan accordingly. Once you’ve shopped, prioritize your goods. Use tender greens and any ripe fruits and veggies right away. Roots, bulbs
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and squash tend to last longer and can be saved for later in the week. Next, properly store produce to help to extend its life. If fridge space is limited, consider cooking down greens by either partially boiling or sautéing prior to putting them away, depending on what recipes you’ve selected for those items.
Smoothies, Sauces, Soups Smoothies are a delicious, easy way to pack a lot of produce and nutrition into a meal. And if you’re processing the toughest whole foods, like dark, leafy greens, be sure to use a high-powered blender such as the Ascent Series A3500, which offers five program settings, including one for smoothies. A recipe for the “Everything Smoothie,” which incorporates a wide variety of produce found at your farmers’ market, is available at vitamix.com. Take advantage of tomato season, preparing pasta sauces to enjoy now or freeze for those months when they aren’t readily available from local growers. Try adding red and green bell peppers, and even carrot shavings, to boost the nutritional value of a veggie Bolognese.
Use it Up Remember that nearly all parts of produce are usable. Vegetables like beets, carrots, kohlrabi and turnips have edible greens that make an excellent addition to morning smoothies or a nutrient-rich stir-fry. Compost any remaining scraps. Don’t be afraid of bruises or dents. Greens with slightly wilted leaves can be blended with a bit of water and frozen in ice cube trays for future use in soups or smoothies. If you see a great deal on fruit like strawberries or cherries, buy them and combine with sugar and pectin for an easy freezer jam, or dry them out for on-the-go snacks.
Shopping for whole foods at farmers’ markets or joining a CSA is an opportunity to help local farmers and explore your culinary interests. The availability of specific fruits and vegetables ebbs and flows; capture each at its peak to enjoy the bounty throughout the year. Source: StatePoint
Soups make use of veggies now and later. Warm weather calls for cool concoctions like gazpacho or cucumber dill soup. A cabbage soup that combines hearty potatoes, onions and carrots can be made for cool fall nights or stored in your freezer for winter.
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