SO BEAUTIFUL BABY SUMMER 2019
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QUICK& EASY MEALS Even the pickiest eaters will love
Hush Little Baby Expert sleep secrets you won't want to miss!
MODEL CALL! Is your child our next cover model?
IS YOUR CHILD OUR NEXT COVER MODEL? Does your child love the camera? If so, we are taking ongoing cover model registrations and photo submissions for upcoming issues of the magazine. Children ages newborn to 11 years old are eligible to enter and they do not need to have any modeling experience in fact, we love getting entries with photos that parents have snapped that show the kids just being their cute selves! When submitting photos, be sure to send your favorites that show off your child's personality and charm!
Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis and winners will be announced approximately six weeks before the next issue comes out. Have uestions? Email us at info@sobeautifulbaby.com Feel free to check out other contests by So Beautiful Baby including Model of the Month, Pretty Princess Contest, Perfect Prince Contest, and Model of the Year. For more information and details on how to register go to: SoBeautifulBaby.com/contests
CONTENTS HEALTH 04 HUSH LITTLE BABY: EXPERT SLEEP SECRETS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS 10 10 QUICK AND EASY HEALTHY MEALS EVEN THE PICKIEST EATERS WILL LOVE 12
SUMMERTIME BLUES, WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
MODEL CALL 2019
SO BEAUTIFUL BABY MAGAZINE MODELING CONTESTS COVERMODELCONTEST.COM
HAPPINESS 16 37 KID-APPROVED ACTIVITIES
BEDTIME MADE EASY
17 AMAZING BIRTHDAY PARTIES 28 THE SUMMER VACATION ROADMAP
Get the latest tips on getting baby to sleep and getting some much needed rest for yourself, too / p 4
ADVICE 30 TAME TEMPER TANTRUMS FOR GOOD 35 8 MUST-HAVE APPS FOR PARENTING 36 HEALTHY POPSICLE TREATS TO BEAT THE HEAT
HIT THE BEACH
IT'S PARTY TIME
SUMMER VACATIONS FOR EVERYONE
BIRTHDAY BASHES ON A BUDGET
Beaches, camping, and amusement parks, it's family trip time / p 28
Throw amazing parties without breaking the bank / p17
© Copyright 2019, So Beautiful Baby Magazine, All Rights Reserved
Hush Little Baby It’s 2:00 a.m. and you’re up for the ifth time with your 10-monthold baby. She’s eaten several times, and you’ve rocked her back to sleep each time in the rocking chair. You have to get up at 7:00 a.m. to make breakfast and get your other children ready for school. You long for a block of 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep so you can feel somewhat refreshed and be able to function at a semi-normal level. To make matters worse, you remember the women that told you how their babies slept through the night during the irst few months, and you begin to think something is wrong with you. “What am I doing wrong?” you ask yourself. Getting your baby to sleep can seem like an impossible task, especially if this is your irst child or if all of your previous children gave you little to no problems in this department. After a few days of sleepless nights or several weeks of constantly interrupted sleeping, you may feel little like yourself any longer. Your days may be illed with poor uality naps, grumpiness, and brain fog. You may ind that you struggle to ind the time or energy to eat right or exercise and that you just do not feel 100%.
"You long for 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep."
EXPERT SLEEPS SECRETS Getting your baby to sleep can seem like an impossible task, especially if this is your first child.
Even though this is only a short season in your life, it can feel like forever when you are in this period. If you feel that you have tried everything to get your infant to rest comfortably at night and create healthy nighttime schedules for yourself and your entire family, check out this list of expert tips to see if there may be something you could change for your baby to get a better result. A few changes can make a huge difference.
Swaddle For newborns, swaddling is important not only for keeping them warm but also for giving them that same tight, secure feeling that they enjoyed in the womb. Karen Barski, RN, also mentions the following bene its of swaddling. -Longer sleeping times -Decreased infant anxiety -Decreased nightly wake-ups -Decreased face scratching -Improved soothing for infants with colic
As with all infant-related activities, swaddling must be done correctly to work well and to keep your newborn safe. Be sure to use only one blanket for swaddling to keep your little one from overheating. Also, make sure that the blanket is closely knit or woven so that it does not unravel or get caught on tiny ingers or toes. Your best bet may be to invest in swaddling blankets that use velcro to help you easily get the piece in the correct position. Your baby will feel comfy and cozy in no time at all. 5 |Â SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
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Ideal Sleep Try and Keep Naps the Optimal Length If you have ever heard the phrase “Let sleeping dogs lie,” you have probably thought of how well it applies to infants as well. No one wants to wake up little ones and risk breaking the silence of the day. However, if your infant routinely likes taking long naps, you may need to occasionally wake him up for feedings and playtime during the day so that he is tired and ready for bedtime. Naps should not last any longer than two to two and a half hours on average, and by the age of six months, your child should only be getting two naps each day. Stick to a Routine Routines are vital for children of any age, but they are particularly important for infants who are just learning the difference between day and night. Therefore, it is up to you to create the correct perception of bedtime in the irst few weeks to months of your child’s life so that he knows when it is time to wind down for the evening and starts getting sleepy at that time every day. Keep your routine simple so that you can stick to it every night as much as possible. You might want to include some of the following easy activities in your nightly routine: -Bathing your child -Singing or reading to him -Giving one more before-bedtime feeding -Rocking until your little one is drowsy
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Place In ants in Their Cribs While Still Awake You may think that it is best to wait until your little one is fast asleep before putting him in his bassinet or crib for the night. However, if you want to raise a child who can self-soothe and falls asleep on his own, you need to start helping him learn this from a young age. Instead of waiting until your child is fast asleep to start your tiptoe across the room to his crib, put him in his crib or bassinet when he has a full tummy and when he is extremely drowsy but not completely asleep. This process will teach him how to put himself to sleep. Change the Diaper First If Needed In the interest of helping your infant go back to his crib drowsy after a nighttime feeding, try changing his diaper when he irst wakes up rather than feeding him irst. Feeding naturally helps young babies feel drowsy. However, when you take off his sleeper and change his diaper after feeding, he becomes cold and wide awake, meaning that you will once again have to rock him to a good level of drowsiness. Try Self-Soothing at the Right Age Although it can initially be di icult to hear your little one cry in the middle of the night, you may be surprised at how uickly your child learns to soothe himself to get asleep again without any help from you. Helping your child learn these good nighttime habits, is not cruel if you wait until the right age, which is usually at four months and older. Edward Kulich, MD, recommends waiting one minute or two before rushing into your child’s room by this age. You may be surprised when he starts falling asleep on his own after only a minute. Try Blackout Cur ains and White Noise Make the best sleeping environment possible for your child by creating a dark, cool place that is not illed with little household noises. Use a white noise machine to cover up these household noises, especially if you stay up much later than your infant does. Also, invest in some blackout curtains if your child is going to bed before sunset and waking up past sunrise. Of course, be sure that you keep the room as dark as possible during midnight feedings. You might be able to do this with a good nightlight or with a very dim lightbulb so that you can see what you need to without waking your infant up fully. Finally, keep the sleeping environment comfortably cool at approximately 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent overheating. 7 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
PROMOTE HEALTHY SLEEP
Get Help from Your Spouse or Support Person  Never be afraid to ask for help with nighttime feedings. You might be surprised at just how much more happiness you can gain with only a night or two of solid rest each week. Consider asking your spouse or partner to get up for the irst feeding or for the last feeding each night, or ask him or her to take over your responsibilities for a complete night or two so that you can catch up on your rest. 8 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
If you are a single parent, you might want to ask a close family member or a good friend to stay at your house for a few nights to give you that needed break. According to Mary L. Gavin, MD, newborns sleep at least 14 to 17 hours each day, and some may snooze as long as 19 hours daily. Much of this rest should be occurring at night as babies get on the right day/night schedule. If your baby is not sleeping as he or she should, is continuing to wake you up multiple times eachÂ
you feeling grumpy, exhausted and out of sorts the next day, there are certain things you can do to make the nighttime experience better for everyone in your family. Consider giving these eight tips a go to get back on the right track and to boost your con idence and the happiness levels of everyone in your family.
SLEEPING BABIES = HAPPY FAMILIES
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DECEMBER 2016
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10 QUICK & EASY MEALS Wouldn't it be wonderful if the kids loved everything you make for dinner? In an ideal world, this would be the case, however, it's pretty common to deal with a lot of pickiness when it comes to children and dinnertime. Here are a handful of kid-tested meals that typically get rave reviews.
HOMEMADE PIZZAS 1
The best thing about making pizzas at home is the kids can help cook and they love this! The topping options are endless, or if you want to keep it simple, you can just go with plain cheese pizzas.
TACOS 2
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Most kids love noodles, so this one is sure to be a hit! Let them choose their favorite noodles shapes and offer a few different sauces such as marinara, meatball, and alfredo.
BREAKFAST FOR DINNER This is always fun because kids get a kick out of doing the opposite for dinner. You can cook pancakes, eggs, turkey sausage, and fruit parfaits. Who says being different isn't a ton of fun?
KIDS CHICKEN SALAD Baked chicken on lettuce with fun pasta shapes to boot! Let the little ones pick their dressing and you're good to go!
SOUP AND SANDWICHES Choose from a variety of sandwiches and soups and change them up every week to keep it fun! Anything from peanut butter and jelly with chicken noodle soup to tuna sandwiches and tomato soup will do.
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Tacos are a fan favorite! Chicken, beef, turkey, and vegetarian are great options for taco night. Children can choose from a variety of taco toppings and even make mini burritos, too!
PASTA BAR 3
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POTATO BAKE This one is uick, easy, and healthy! Create your own potato bake bar with lots of toppings to choose from and then pop in the oven and voila! Dinner is served.
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AT-HOME HAPPY MEALS Just like the drive-thru kind but way healthier! You can cook chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries or opt for turkey burgers and apple slices. You can even add a little toy to make it like the real thing!
“Wouldn't it be amazing if the kids loved everything you make for dinner?"
UESADILLAS These little cheesy triangles are always an easy choice for picky eaters. You can add meat and diced veggies and offer mild salsa or dipping sauce to spice things up a bit.
KIDS CHOICE CASSEROLE Have the kids choose their own ingredients to add to a themed casserole dish. Popular choices are Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Asian, and Americana. The best part is getting to choose the theme!
Meal times can be peaceful with a little planning ahead of time. Kids, especially young children, learn what they like and dislike by trying new foods. As parents, we don’t want to cook something different for each family member so the next best thing is to have meal plans on hand so dinnertime isn’t a guessing game Kid-friendly food choices can help make things go a lot easier.
PARENT'S TOP TIPS FOR HAPPY MEALTIMES
Sharing meals together can be a joy, it doesn't have to be a battle. Try these tips out and happy eating!
TRY NEW THINGS Variety is the spice of life! This rings true when it comes to meal times, too. Kids love choices, the more the better. Give some new recipes a try, who knows, maybe you'll discover a new family favorite.
PLAN MEALS AHEAD OF TIME
Create a weekly menu and post it on the fridge so everyone can see what's for dinner each day. Planning ahead saves time, money, and is usually healthier, too. Review the plan weekly and modify, as needed.
LET THE KIDS GET INVOLVED Children love to help out with preparing meals. Have them grab an apron and get started! 11 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
THE SUMMER BLUES WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION Having a baby can be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life. It is a highly anticipated event that is planned months and sometimes even years ahead of time. Most of the time, mothers give birth and adjust to their new baby’s rhythms within a few months. Being tired and a little weepy or having some extra anxiety is normal after having a newborn. It is very common for women to experience the baby blues during this period. These feelings typically subside within a week or two. . There is, however, a more serious form of depression that goes beyond the baby blues, and it affects millions of women annually. The American Psychological Association, estimates that up to 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is when a woman feels down for more than two weeks. The symptoms of depression often include excessive crying spells, feelings of hopelessness, loss of appetite, and lack of interest in her usual activities. The stigma that surrounds postpartum depression is still pervasive, even though it is well known that depression is not something that someone brings upon themselves. Who would choose to feel like they don’t want to get out of bed? Women often feel like it is their fault that they don’t feel 100%, and this is especially prevalent among new mothers who wonder why they feel so awful when they are supposed to be elated because they just had a baby.
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE,
Moms
WHO DOES PPD AFFECT? It is essential that women know that postpartum depression is not their fault at all. It is an illness that can affect any woman, regardless of age, race, education, or income level. There are no boundaries. While PPD can affect any woman, the APA outlines several risk factors that include family or personal history of depression or anxiety, being a irst-time mom, having stress related to the baby, caring for a baby with special needs or colic and excessive crying, experiencing inancial issues, and feeling isolated and without support. How can you help someone who is depressed after having a baby? You may know of a family member or friend who had postpartum depression, and you want to offer your support but don’t uite know what to do or say. You may even feel afraid to bring it up because you don't know what to say or fear you might say the wrong thing.
It can be easy to act like everything is ine and carry on a conversation as usual, but your friend needs help and to be able to talk about her feelings in a nonjudgmental space. . The good news is we can all lend a helping hand, and it doesn’t take much to make a big difference. The following suggestions will help you get the conversation started and provide some initial support to a depressed mom in need: -Ask her how she’s feeling and then let her respond without interrupting -Let her know there is hope and she can get help for PPD -Ask if she needs help with her baby or if there is anything you can do for her such as some meal prep or cleaning to help -Let her know the importance of resting as much as possible -Suggest talking to a mental health professional or joining a support group for new mothers
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HOPE AND HELP FOR WOMEN WITH PPD
Healing Depression ACCESS TO RESOURCES
REDUCE STRESS
ADDING EXERCISE
Online resources are a great place to start. Hotlines, support groups, and therapists that specialize in postpartum depression can be accessed. There are also information brochures and articles that explain PPD symptoms and treatments that are available in your area.
Keeping things as simple as possible can help a woman dealing with PPD. Asking for help with baby, chores, cooking, or other various items on the to-do list can alleviate some stress so that the focus can be placed on what matters most. Any extra rest, even small cat naps can lower stress, too.
If your healthcare provider gives you the okay, exercise, even as little as a daily ten minute walk, can do wonders for your mood. Anything that gets your body moving and your heart rate up some can contribute to the healing process. It may feel like the last thing you want to do, but it can help!
Women do not need to suffer as a result of postpartum depression. There are treatments and support available. If you or someone you know needs help or has uestions regarding postpartum depression, here are some resources that can provide additional support and information: Postpartum Support International: (800) 944-4PPD or (800) 944-4773 Postpartum Health Alliance Crisis Line: (888) 724-7240. PPD Online Support: http://www.ppdsupportpage.com/
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37 KID-APPROVED SUMMER ACTIVITIES - Swimming party - Water b alloon f un - Movie night - Hops c otc h - Arts and c raf ts - Play in the s prink lers
- Family game night -Go on a picnic - Lemonade stand - Make a fort - Backyard camping night - Sidewalk chalk - Blow bubbles - Make homemade pizza - Go to the library - Fly kites - Go to the movie theater - Bake cookies - Make homemade popsicles - Go on a scavenger hunt - Make friendship bracelets - Plant a garden - Go to the farmers market - Ride bikes - Feed the ducks - Volunteer - Go to the children's museum - Roast marshmallows - Finger paint - Play hide and seek - Make homemade playdough - Have a slumber party - Build a sandcastle - Catch fireflies - Have a BBQ - Visit family - Go to an amusement park
AMAZING BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Join the millions of parents who are choosing to throw amazing birthday parties for their children, all without breaking the bank. Extravagant, fun- illed celebrations do not need to be expensive. In fact, with just a short list of birthday party tips, you'll be on your way to having a topnotch party at a fraction of the cost. Read on to ind out how you can create your party plan today and let the fun begin!
BIRTHDAY BUDGETING Children’s birthday parties today may not look anything like the birthday parties you grew up with as a child. You were probably accustomed to low-key affairs that included only family and friends. Perhaps you even had a party with all of your classmates for one special birthday. However, the amount that some parents spend on a typical birthday party for a child today may astound you. Many average parties these days are costing the parents $500 and, in some cases, well over $1,500! You may be asking yourself if you too have to plan on budgeting $1,000 per child annually to help him or her usher in the next year of life. If that sounds incredibly unreasonable to you or if it would be impossible to it into your budget, you can use these six tips to keep your costs under control while still creating a memorable and fun party for your child.
"CREATE AMAZING PARTIES FOR YOUR KIDS"
Choose a Free Venue One of the signi icant costs associated with any birthday party is the venue. Some parents think that choosing a gym, a dance studio, a crafts studio, a zoo or a children's museum or enrichment center will make life easier for them. However, many of these venues charge well over $500 for a simple birthday party package for a dozen children, uickly making your costs escalate. Your cheapest option is to have the party at home, preferably in your backyard if the weather is nice to keep dirty hands and feet out of most of your living spaces. However, if you do have to host the party inside your home, it would be cheaper to pay for a maid service to clean up after the party than it would be to pay for a different venue. Your home is not the only cheap venue option, however. If you live in a smaller space or simply do not like hosting at your home, consider a no-cost park or ask your local library if they have any free or cheap rental spaces. Some restaurants also offer very low-cost party room rentals and include the cost of a children’s meal in the price.
THE BUDGET BIRTHDAY BASH GUIDE FOR PARENTS PLAN FOR SNACKS AND CAKE Once you have nailed down the venue, you will want to think about the food you are serving. Even the cost of simple foods can rise exponentially once you factor in the number of guests that you are serving. If you are serving any children with food allergies or speci ic preferences, your prices may shoot up even higher. To get around some of these costs, be sure to plan an at-home party for the morning or afternoon so that you do not have to pay for lunch or supper. Keep your menu plan to the main birthday cake attraction, some birthday punch, and a few inger foods to keep very hungry children satis ied. If you do have to serve a meal, consider low-cost options, such as a box mix of macaroni and cheese or delivery pizza, which most children will gobble up, no uestions asked. A handful of kid-friendly choices will ensure that there is something for everyone.
CHOOSE HOME BAKED If you are able to bake even the most basic of treats, you should de initely consider going DIY for the birthday cake. Many custom cakes can cost well over $75. Most box mix cakes are fairly fool-proof, and you can keep the cake interesting by choosing a special mold from a baking supply store as well as colored icing for frosting and piping in the cake details.
OPT FOR E INVITES It may feel hard to say no to custom paper invitations that look so pretty and that are so fun for children to receive in the mail. However, it is no longer thought to be poor form to send out e-invitations. Many online shops offer custom e-invitations at only a fraction of the cost of paper invitations. Plus, you will not have to pay for postage, and you may be able to snag free online RSVPs to keep your party planning even simpler. 19 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
CELEBRATE FOR LESS If you absolutely have to have paper invitations, opt for designing them yourself and handing out as many as possible in person rather than mailing them. CHOOSE NO COST OR LOW COST ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment is a huge budget drain for any birthday party. Renting bouncy houses and tents or paying for the time at a recreation center can uickly empty out your wallet. Consider fun at-home entertainment, such as games that all young children enjoy. You can put an adult or two in charge and play Charades, Musical Chairs, Simon Says, Hot Potato or Freeze Tag. If you have a little money to invest, consider buying a piñata, a slip-and-slide mat or some outdoor games, such as bocce ball or cro uet.
"SHOPPING ONLINE LETS YOU SEARCH FOR THE BEST PRICE"
SEARCH FOR BUDGET FRIENDLY DECOR Even if your child is really into a certain character or theme, you can still put your creativity to work to keep your party decor frugal. Try using some items that you already have at home, and search online for tips for making your own decorations. Stay away from your local party store where items can get incredibly expensive, and instead hop online for bulk party decor supplies and bulk toys or candy for swag bags. Shopping online lets you search for the best price from a variety of stores. Plus, you will ind a far better array of options online than you would locally. The key to keeping your child’s next birthday party budget-friendly is to work as much as possible with what you have, to keep the party as small as possible, to choose do-it-yourself options whenever you can and to use the skills and talents that you and willing family members and friends have for entertainment, baking, decorating and more. Remember that you do not have to keep up with the Joneses so to speak to keep your child happy. Instead, focus on creating great memories in a fun, bright, festive atmosphere.
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ROAD TRIP THE VACATION GUIDE
THE BEACHES Sandcastles, waves, and beach volleyball, oh my!
DISNEYLAND? Amusement parks are a big hit for kids and parents, too!
CAMPING 101 Summer family camping trips the fun and easy way...
THREE VACATION IDEAS TO CONSIDER THIS SUMMER
AMUSEMENT PARK MANIA Theme parks are always a hit for kids of all ages. Check out how to make the best of your trip.
BACK TO BASICS: FAMILY CAMPING Camping is making a big comeback! Simplify your trip with our quick and easy camping list and you'll be on your way!
WE ARE GOING TO THE BEACH Beach vacations are an all-time favorite for summer vacation destinations. Make your trip to the seaside kiddo-friendly with the Ultimate Beach List.
MUST-HAVE TRAVEL TIPS Reduce stress and save time with essential travel tips that keep you in the know and prepared for all types of unexpected changes.
SUMMER VACATIONS MADE EASY As school winds down and the last day approaches, it is time for families of all types and sizes to start making summer vacation plans. Summer vacations are not just a luxury; they are an opportunity for a family to bond and create lifelong happy memories. When you plan to be away from home for a while when you have kids, things can become stressful. As parents, we depend
 so much on our home routines and personal belongings to manage our kids, keeping them safe, healthy and entertained. Here are some handy mini-guides to help you successfully plan a fantastic family trip this summer based on the most popular vacation spots for families traveling with kids. Read on and happy summer travels!
DISNEYLAND IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS Amusement parks and theme parks are some of the most magical places on earth, even when you aren’t talking about Disneyland. No matter what size amusement park you are going to visit, this is one of the most expensive vacation options for families but also one of the most memorable. It is a very popular family bucket-list option to visit your favorite theme or adventure park together.
LET'S SAVE MONEY: BUDGET WISELY To avoid overspending make sure to plan your entire vacation itinerary in advance online. If you are going to a major tourist attraction, you can even have a travel agent help you book everything you need in advance. Planning ahead is key and can save you hundreds, if not thousands on your trip.
There are things you can do to save yourself some money as well as some premium items you can splurge on that will make vacationing with kids a lot easier and more fun for everyone.
HOTELS AND LINE PASSES If you need to pinch every penny to afford your trip, then you can save a chunk of money by staying outside of the park. However, staying onsite can have time saving and comfort bene its that will help make things less stressful for your family. With onsite accommodations, your younger kids can break up their day more with downtime and naps. Some park hotel packages include exclusive perks that save you money in other areas. Line passes will be vital in making sure that kids don't get bored, frustrated and over-tired by standing in long lines for rides The passes allow you to jump to the front of the line and can save you hours.
" LINE PASSES WILL BE VITAL IN MAKING SURE THAT KIDS DON'T GET BORED, FRUSTRATED AND TIRED BY STANDING IN LONG LINES."
"LIVE LIFE WITH NO EXCUSES, TRAVEL WITH NO REGRET" Oscar Wilde
CONQUER CAMPING There is no more popular vacation than road trips, camping and seeing national parks. America is home to over 50 national parks and countless nature trails and campgrounds across the US that make perfect family road trip destinations. Camping vacations are popular for families because they are typically less expensive allowing you to drive, sleep in tents or RVs, eat camp ire dinners and spend many hours hiking and enjoying the great outdoors for free. There are many types of camping trips including typical tent camping, RV or camper camping or even renting cabins at family-friendly camping grounds. All of these options provide plenty of opportunity for a great family vacation. Your camping packing list will depend on what your accommodations will be; the more rustic you are getting, the more campaign gear you will need.
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"PACK AHEAD OF YOUR TRIP WITH THE FAST AND EASY FAMILY CAMP LIST"
FAMILY CAMPING MADE SIMPLE Check out this uick and simple packing list for your next trip:
Cooking Utensils Kitchen Supplies Food & Snacks Bathroom & Bathing Toys Tents & Sleeping Bags Clothes & Laundry Music & Entertainment. If you have young children, who have never been camping before make sure to talk with them about any anxiety or fears they might be having so you can minimize them. Even if your child is looking forward to the trip, they may have nagging uestions that need answering so they can fully enjoy their trip. You can also practice camping in a tent in your living room or backyard. This will make sure you have a great camping experience with kids! 26 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
TOUR GUIDE: BEAUTIFUL BEACH TRIPS Often when a person imagines themselves on vacation, they see a sandy beach, rolling blue waves, and a summery umbrella drink in their hand as they soak in the salty sea air. This might have been your dream romantic getaway with your spouse, but now you have added to your family and are ready to upgrade to a kid-friendly beach vacation. These days you can choose from an all-inclusive luxury resort or a DIY beach house from Airbnb. Either way, you can reduce vacation planning stress while packing with this handy checklist for beach essentials with kids.
THE ULTIMATE BEACH LIST 1. Beach clothes and swimwear including cover-ups to help limit sun exposure. Bring shorts, and clothes made of lightweight material that dry uickly
2. Waterproof cases and bags for electronics like cameras and cellphones 3. Beach mat and towels 4. Beach Umbrella for sun protection unless provided by the hotel 5. Lots of sunscreen, child or baby speci ic sunscreen, lip balm, aloe vera cream, and a irst aid kit 6. Hats and sunglasses for added sun protection 7. Portable chargers for electronics so you can spend a full day at the beach with your cell phone 8. Water bottles, snacks and a cooler bag to store everything 9. Handheld fan 10. Waterproof shoes 11. Toys to entertain kids outside at the beach
"THERE ARE NO FOREIGN LANDS. IT IS THE TRAVELER ONLY WHO IS FOREIGN." 27 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
Travel Tips 1. BE FLEXIBLE. Plan for changes and try not to get upset when things come up or need to be modified.Patience comes in handy when traveling with children. 2. MAKE LISTS. About a week or so before each trip, make a list of things you don’t want to forget. It's easy to forget if you don't jot them down. If you think you've forgotten something you can just check your list.
3. LEARN COMMON PHRASES OF THE LOCALS WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD. Phrases such as “please,” and “thank you" go a long way when vacationing out of your home country. 4. DON’T FORGET AN EXTRA PHONE CHARGER (OR MORE) Have you ever gotten to that epic sunset photo spot and realized your phone battery is out and you don’t have charger? Try to bring two to three phone chargers on all of your trips so that you don’t miss out on that perfect picture. 5. ALWAYS BRING A EXTRA CLOTHING It's better not to be caught unprepared. Weather can change quickly, one minute it's hot and the next, storm clouds rolling in...pack a variety of clothing you can layer so you will ensure you and your family are comfortable throughout your trip. 6. CONSIDER BUYING TRAVEL INSURANCE An emergency can be a strain on your pocketbook. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and protection that is there just in case you need it.
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Conquer Temper Tantrums For Good Temper tantrums are incredibly common, especially in very young children who do not yet have fully developed brains and who are often unable to control their emotions well. Despite the prevalence of these emotional outbursts, nearly all parents shrink from the screaming, worrying that it will happen in public, that it will disrupt their plans and that it will make them look like bad fathers and mothers. Plus, it can be hard for adults to deal with these tiny screaming human beings who may set off their own negative emotions. Understand Why Temper Tantrums Occur A temper tantrum is generally a sign that your young child cannot deal with the complicated emotions currently rolling through his or her mind. Unlike older children in which this pattern may be learned through rewarded behaviors, young toddlers often feel powerless to stop their extreme emotions. Besides, tantrums are generally triggered by a speci ic occurrence. Every child has a list of particular items, settings, or situations that set him or her off on the road of screaming or other upsetting behavior. When these children are tired or feeling out of sorts, their tolerance levels for these things goes even lower, making the probability of a tantrum even higher.
REDUCE FITS. INCREASE HAPPINESS.
"Children love to have a say in what they get to do each day." How to Get Those Tantrums to Stop Thankfully, there are things that you can do to get the tantrums to decrease or stop altogether. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, there are positive things that you can do to help even your youngest children keep their emotions in check.
Routines Rule Be sure that you are keeping structured routines for your children. The younger the child is, the more critical these routines become. Routines help your child know what to expect at each part of the day which can help her feelÂ
safer. Plus, daily routines ensure that your child is getting the sleep, meals, and snacks that she needs so that she is well-rested and content. It's a win-win for kids and parents alike.
Tame Toddler Tantrums Today
Help Your Toddler Communicate Emotions Your child uses a tantrum to express his emotions when he does not have the right words. You can help your child ind healthier ways to express his feelings by teaching him words, such as tired, hungry, angry, and sad. If your child cannot yet talk, you may also want to consider teaching him sign language to communicate needs and wants to eliminate certain triggers. Give Toddlers Simple Choices By the toddler and preschool years, children love to have a say in what they get to do each day. They want to feel that they are in charge of what they wear, what they eat, what they get to play with, and where they go. Although they are still too young to have complete freedom over any of these choices, you can allow them to make simple choices, such as deciding between two snacks of which you approve or between two appropriate out its for the day. This decision making empowers children and gets rid of much frustration.
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Use Distractions to Your Advantage Because you know your child so well, you can probably tell when a temper tantrum is about to occur. You may be able to use the power of distraction to stop the negative emotions. If you are at home, offer your child a different activity or show him a book. Call your child’s attention to something new if you are away from home, or come prepared for these situations with a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Watch Your Own Emotions It can certainly be easy to let yourself ly off the handle when your child starts screaming or thrashing about on the loor. However, you must stay calm and visibly demonstrate to your child how to control emotions healthfully. If you yell, your child will try to match your volume. Instead, use a soft, soothing tone of voice.
What you can do about tantrums Staying positive goes a long way! Praise Liberally  As your child learns how to show his emotions correctly, be sure to point out the positive changes you have noticed, and praise your child for good behavior. Your child loves to hear that you are proud of him. However, do not fall prey to rewarding good behavior with gifts or sweets. Although it can be hard to deal with your toddler when he or she breaks down in a temper tantrum over the smallest things, you should take comfort in the fact that these emotional issues are perfectly normal at this age.
"Your child loves to hear that you are proud of him."
According to Ray Levy, Ph.D., "Young kids - namely those between the ages of 1 and 4 - haven't developed good coping skills yet." By giving them some grace as they get through this challenging stage and staying calm yourself, you can help them develop good emotional responses over time and can make your household a calmer one, right now. 33 | SO BEAUTIFUL BABY
B A B Y W E I G H T B O O T C A M P
LOSE THE BABY WEIGHT - THE HEALTHY WAY
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APPS THAT MAKE PARENTING EASIER Let's face it, parents are busy people. There are apps for this! We've compiled a list of fan favorites that have been know to make parenting just a tad bit easier. We hope you love them as much as we do.
WUNDERLIST This list app goes way beyond the grocery list. You can literally make lists for anything and everything. The best part is you can share your lists via text or email. It's the ultimate to-do list and reminder app!
WAZE Get the fastest driving routes to where you're headed. No more getting stuck in traffic unexpectedly for hours! Real-time traffic updates that save you tons of time! This community-based traffic app rocks!
CALM
CHORE MONSTER
The name says it all. Calm is just that. Calm. Get access to relaxing meditations, stress reducing music, and narrated sleep stories that kids love. Even just 5 minutes a day of meditation can give you peace of mind.
No more crying over chores! Kids love to do their housework with this motivational rewards-based app that uses funny little monsters to inspire them to get to work. They earn rewards as they go. Cleaning has never been so fun!
BABY CONNECT Track your baby's daily habits such as feeding, napping, and diaper times all from one convenient app. You can even sync the app with other family caregivers so everyone is on the same page.
WINNIE This app is like Foursquare for parents. Discover local preschools, child-friendly activities, parks, and much more in your local area.
YUMMLY Wondering what to have for dinner? Get recipes that fit your family’s tastes, a special digital recipe box, and one hour grocery delivery. Who said cooking is hard?
COZI FAMILY ORGANIZER Keep all of your family’s schedules and todo’s in one place. Grocery lists, meal plans, school activities and work events can all be planned and shared.
Summertime Homemade Popsicles INGREDIENTS
3 cups frozen fruit ½ tsp vanilla extract 16 oz yogurt 1 cup coconut water 1 packet stevia 2 ripe bananas popsicle sticks popsicle molds DIRECTIONS
Place ingredients in your blender and blend thoroughly. Pour into molds and freeze for 3-6 hours. If you don't have a blender, not to worry. You can also dice the fruit, mix it with the yogurt, and layer it into the popsicle molds for a chunkier, but just as yummy version! The fun thing about homemade popsicles is you can mix it up in terms of ingredients and create an entirely different lavor each time! For a dairy-free version of the recipe, simply replace the yogurt with a natural juice of your choice. Do you have a recipe you would like to share with our readers? If so, send it to us at: info@sobeautifulbaby.com
Benefits of Sleep Training
How do you feel when you are sleep deprived? You are most likely grumpy, impatient, and unproductive. Which is completely normal! To be a functional, creative, and coherent person, you need to sleep! And to be the best parent you can be for your child, you have to be rested. You owe it to your baby and yourself. The good news is that as a sleep coach, I can help you sleep better at night and teach your baby to sleep through the night and take blissful naps. Teaching your children how to become independent sleepers and to fall asleep on their own is possible and is a skill they can learn. Through sleep coaching, my job and duty is to teach your child how to drift into the dream world without your help. This means, without being nursed, rocked, walked to sleep, etc. It is to teach them how to fall asleep unassisted, and to stay asleep.
Our babies work extra hard at all times, even while sleeping. They are growing and developing and assimilating information so fast; they need their sleep to process and to stay healthy. Their sleep is so important, and it should be a priority to their good health. If you are at your wit’s end and you are ready to help your baby to sleep better and to develop lifelong sleep skills, consulting with a sleep coach may be a good option for you. The coaches will design a sleeping plan, they assess it as they go and identify what your child needs according to your current situation and what you want for your family. This is huge! .Prioritizing your goals while using a kind and gentle sleeping method to teach your baby to sleep better, provides you with a clear understanding of what you should do to support your baby in the process.
"Fostering healthy sleeping habits today will benefit your child’s behavior, wellbeing and sleep hygiene for a lifetime." EVE CASTELLOBRANCO, LULLABY SLEEP CONSULTANT
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