Here are few items that all new parents should have to make days (and nights) easier.

The Boppy Pillow

Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, the Boppy is your friend.  Boppy pillows help elevate and position infants to make feeding more comfortable for the baby as well as mom and dad.  The pillows stretch to fit any waist size, so they are always comfortable.  There are tons of adorable slipcovers to choose from to help personalize your Boppy.  Not only are the pillows great for feeding, they are also fantastic for tummy time and play time.  As your baby learns to sit up, the Boppy provides a comfy and supportive seat for them to show of their new skills.

The Peanut Shell

The Peanut Shell Baby Sling is nothing short of amazing.  The stylish line is for on-the-go moms who are sensible as well as stylish.  Unlike other baby slings and carriers, Peanut Shell slings are designed to fit the body comfortably.  They come in different sizes to ensure proper fit.  These slings give you multiple options for “wearing” your baby as they grow.  You can carry your newborn tummy to tummy or carry your toddler on your back.  Whether you’re busy around the house or out exploring the world, the Peanut Shell will keep your hands free and your baby snug and secure.

The Bouncer

The bouncer is a staple in the homes of new parents.   The cuddly, cozy seat offers soothing sounds and gentle vibrations to calm fussy babies.  Some styles come with head support, flashing lights, and cheerful music.  Bouncers are compact and light weight which makes them easy to move around the house.  Most styles are ideal for travel and are easy to store when not in use.  Even after the batteries have died, the bouncer will still entertain and comfort your baby.

A + D Ointment

From diaper rash to dry skin, A+D will keep the whole family protected.  This ointment is gentle enough to use at every diaper change and can reduce the chances of your baby getting a diaper rash.  The whole family can use it on eczema and dry skin, as well as minor abrasions.  This ointment is inexpensive and is a necessity for the changing table and diaper bag.

Gas Drops

Gas is a common cause of irritability in infants.  Gas bubbles are painful and cause serious discomfort.  Gas drops are the best defense.  They are safe to use at every feeding (only use as directed).  Drops can be given to babies by mouth or mixed into formula.  Gas drops are over-the-counter, so no prescription is necessary.

The first few weeks of parenthood are tough.  Preparation can help make the transition from couple to family a little smoother.

As your pregnancy progresses, your body will go through various changes. The physical changes will be the most obvious to you, but you don’t always see the mental and emotional changes coming. They can catch you off guard! Whether you are prepared or not, you will have a few bad days during your pregnancy.

The best way to triumph on tough days is to look on the bright side. Stay positive. When sad or angry emotions start to get the best of you, think about what really makes you happy. Remember, your reward will be great at the end of pregnancy. After all your hard work, you will have a beautiful baby to show for it. At times, it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but know that pregnancy does not last forever.

It is especially important to keep your head up if you are having a complicated pregnancy. Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook will help you handle the rough road ahead. Avoid harboring bad feelings for long periods of time. Sadness can have a snowball effect and get out of control. If you begin to notice negative thoughts staying with you for several days, talk to someone about it. If your partner or family are not able to lift your spirits, bring this to your physician’s attention. Any bout with depression can be difficult and can worsen if not recognized and treated properly.

Being happy is good for you, your baby, and your partner. Your happiness and well-being is of the utmost importance to your significant other. If you are constantly disappointed, uncomfortable, or sad it takes an emotional toll on your loved ones. They begin to feel helpless and disappointed because they are unable to help you feel your best.

One of the most important reasons to put on a happy face is Happy Moms have better births! Delivering a baby is serious business. Stress, anxiety, and even depression can make it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. The more aware and connected you are with your body, the easier it will be for you to manage your labor and have a better birth experience. It may be impossible to achieve a mind-body connection if you are unable to clear your head of negative thoughts.

You are allowed to have your bad days. It comes with the territory. The tough times will come and go, just don’t let them get the best of you.

Have a great pregnancy!

We all know the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy. It is just as important to maintain those habits after birth. Parents introduce babies to their first foods. In most cases, the mother is an infants primary source for food. By introducing children to healthy foods early, they develop a desire to eat these foods as they get older. It is quite simple to make sensible food choices when it comes in an “open and serve” setup like most baby food selections do today. It may become more difficult to make healthy choices for your child as they advance to table food.

If healthy meals were not a part of your lifestyle before you had a family, it may not be an easy switch to make. Slowly change your eating habits to mirror the needs of your child. Begin to add more protein and fiber into your diet as you start cutting back on the excess sugars and fats. The change will not happen over night, but over time healthy eating will be a part of your life.

Once you have made the switch to a balanced diet, you will naturally lean towards feeding your child the same foods you eat. As your child matures, the good eating habits will come naturally. By feeding your child quality foods, you can lessen their risk of obesity and many other health problems.

Bon Appétit!