Easter, baby showers, and a happiness that only the sunshine and a recorded heartbeat can provide are all on the way as spring rolls in.
The most fun way to celebrate this season is with gift baskets for your clients.
A spin on a traditional Easter Basket, you can offer clients the option to fill a basket with certain keepsakes or products. Choose a few items at different price points and bundle different options or make it mix-and-match to personalize for each family. Your basket may be a basket, or you can use a cute bag, tote, or other item you can personalize with your logo!
An ultrasound frame to place their photo in will make a great addition to a basket. You can opt for a traditional frame or a recordable version.
Small items such as magnetic photo frames are often skipped over but do provide a fun gift for a grandparent or a simple keepsake to keep on the family refrigerator.
Tie-Dye, gray, or our original vintage - you cannot go wrong. Bunnies are perfect for spring! You can add a bunny onto a basket if clients want to choose a second heartbeat animal, or simply stick with one option. You could also swap the animal out for a heartbeat pillow.
Our Bunny sweaters are adorable! We also have the sweetest pink and blue options to choose from, alongside of our other accessories.
Ask a local bakery to partner with you for the month (or longer). You can offer families a delicious baked good and include the bakery’s information in the gift baskets (maybe with a coupon) in hopes to throw the bakery some baby shower business.
Tiny eggs, little bunny ears, or a sweet caption bubble can make a picture more fun to share on social media. You can create your own or order on Etsy.
Start stuffing some baskets!
]]>Did you know that the dye seeps through the shell of the eggs and will be eaten along with the hard boiled eggs? Yep. That's right - you may think you are just decorating the eggs, but reality is that you are allowing the dyes into your children (or yourself).
Washable Paints: Allison from No Time for Flashcards makes it easy for kids to color eggs in a plastic bag! Just squeeze in some washable paints with the egg and shake up for little-to-no clean-up for parents!
Melted Crayons Easter Eggs: If you love the melted crayon look, check out how A Thrifty Mom creates bright, beautiful eggs!
Decoupage Eggs: Oh the toddlers will love tearing up tissue paper for this one!
Bird Eggs: Grab the feathers, google eyes, and everything else craft-related for these fun eggs!
According to the FDA, in 2007 Americans were consuming five times more artificial food colorings than they were in 1955. That number in no way has decreased in the last decade. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of these dyes, even as they are band in other countries across the world due to their significant side effects. Countries throughout Europe have banned food dyes and insisted on strong labeling with warnings including all health risks to these dyes. But yet, here in the United States we not only promote the use of dyes, but they are included as ingredients within our health-boosting supplementation and medications.
The seven FDA approved food dyes include:
Some of these artificial colors (Yellow Dye 5 & 6) are derived from toxic coal tar. Coal tar is a mixture of many chemicals, derived from petroleum. It is recognized as a human carcinogen. These colors may also be contaminated with low levels of heavy metals and even be combined with aluminum substrate. Aluminum compounds and many heavy metals are toxic to the brain. Coal tar is used for purposes such as: roofing, outdoor sealants, exterior paints, and heating. This should obviously NOT be ingested. (source)
Current research is working towards providing a link from artificial dyes to potential autism trigger, sleep disturbances, and other chronic problems in children. Previous studies show links to artificial dyes and cancer, hyperactivity, ADHD, allergies, and sterility. (Source)
Each dye can be traced to its own set of possible side effects:
Blue Dye No. 1 can cause hyperactivity, skin rashes, bronchoconstriction – especially when combined with other artificial colors- and chromosomal damage. It may also cause issues with the gastrointestinal tract while inhibiting cell respiration and lead to ADHD, asthma, and other allergic reactions. (This dye is banned in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway Switzerland, and Sweden.) New studies show that Blue Dye is also absorbed through the skin.
Blue Dye No. 2 is a synthetic coal tar dye commonly added to pharmaceutical drugs and is also used as a medical diagnostic aid. The dye, which is banned in Norway, has been known to cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems, brain tumors and other allergic reactions.
Green Dye is linked to tumors and gene mutations in test animals. It can cause allergy-like reactions, hyperactivity in children and potential cancer. Asthmatics and those intolerant to aspirin are at increased risk of a reaction to this dye, which is prohibited throughout Europe.
Red Dye No. 3 has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals.
Yellow Dye No. 5 is one of the most dangerous artificial colors. Derived from Coal Tar, the dye is linked to cancer and provokes asthma attacks, skin reactions, and hyperactivity in children. It has been banned in Norway, Austria, and Finland.
Yellow Dye No. 6 is linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, nausea, and nasal congestion. It is often used in medications and supplements Yellow Dye #6 is banned in Finland, Norway, and the UK. Unfortunately, these reactions and their connections to artificial food dyes have largely been dismissed by the FDA.
In 2004, an analysis of fifteen studies found evidence that artificial colors worsen the behavior of children with ADHD. Even after studies found that artificial dyes affect the behavior of children without behavioral disorders, the FDA continues to deny any significant link between food dyes and behavioral problems. By eliminating food dyes and food additives, studies have continuously shown increased improvements in children’s behavior.
]]>Studies are showing that fear places your mental health at risk, increasing chances of postpartum depression. A lack of natural light (as we end a gloomy winter) and plummeting Vitamin D levels means your health can really start diminishing, impacting your breastmilk supply and connection with your baby.
This can be avoided by simply taking a high-quality Vitamin D3 supplement and getting outside every day, even for short periods of time, no matter the weather.
The next threat is a bit trickier to fix -- your air quality.
As viruses continutie mutating and potential airborne virus strains begin spreading, it’s important to surround your family with healthy air. We know that airborne viruses have a hard time spreading outdoors, in purified air, or in spaces with high-grade built-in filtration systems, so looking at the air quality inside the place your family spends its time is important.
There are several ways you can improve your house’s air quality including eliminating toxins, installing purifiers, and adding plants to your space.
Scented air-freshener plug-ins are toxic unless you have purchased or made your own natural versions. The same goes for scented candles and spray fresheners. Take a good look at what you using to keep your house feeling and smelling clean. Look at ingredients in cleaning products, too. You (and your baby) are inhaling all of these things.
Every home should have a mold inspection. If there is current mold, have it taken care of as soon as possible. Beyond mold, look for signs of heavy dust, check HVAC system coils and filters, and clean out your drinking filters (as they can accumulate mold and disperse the spores into the air).
There are many types of air purifiers including UV light and ionic options, individual room and whole-house options. While most purifiers pull pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air, you need to look for a professional grade product that eliminates mold, viruses, and bacteria. If you can find a model with a cleanable HEPA filter, grab it! It will save you hundreds of dollars over the years. If you own your home, you may want to invest in a filtration system that attaches to your furnace or ductwork that filters the air while still in the air ducts.
Even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, you can still have plants in your home. You can plant a variety of species in decorative pots throughout your house. Avoid the most finicky plants and stick with easy-to-keep-alive versions!
According to Plants.com, plants “scrub the air clean, add moisture to dry air and release oxygen. According to NASA, houseplants remove up to 90 percent of toxins in the air. You can’t see or smell these pollutants, but they can come from regular household items. The EPA estimates indoor air can be up to 1,000 times dirtier than outdoor air! Indoor pollutants can build up and aggravate asthma, allergies, and other illnesses.”
“Plants absorb the carbon dioxide and viruses we exhale. When plants absorb gases through their leaves, it stays sequestered or moves into their roots. Microorganisms that live in the soil, help breakdown and neutralize the toxins before turning them into food.”
Choose your favorites or pick from this list of top air-cleansing (and easy) plants:
Remember to watch the soil for any signs of mold or bacteria growth and fertilize regularly!
]]>While new virusues and mutations are alive and ever-spreading, the extreme trepidations (and overly-sanitized homes with no outside germ exposure) are not healthy for a pregnancy, and everyone knows that now. With a wealth of information about healthy lifestyle choices, proper clean eating, vitamin intake, exercise, and needed germ exposure, we should adapt and move forward. The hardest part of the journey is taking your health into your own hands.
Some hospitals may still have extreme protocols in place, but you have the ability to fight and have the birth you deserve. You must be educated and make the best decisions for yourself, your baby, and your family - even if that means standing up (respectfully and kindly) and going against the masses. If we want to fully regain normalcy or create a higher level of respect throughout pregnancy, we must fight harder now than ever before. Giving birth masked and alone, setting mothers up for the domino effect of interventions, post-birth challenges, and entering motherhood without the ‘village,’ is not okay, nor is improper education and hostile environments.
Let's OWN our labors and births.
The alternative birthing community (midwives, homesbirths, birth centers) was overwhelmed in 2020+ with women who wanted to birth outside of the hospital. So many were turned away, though, because they were not actually prepared for an unmedicated, natural birth. These practices are now fully caught up and prepared to help you. A homebirth is successful when both partners and birth team are on the same page. You must be educated and ready (as easy as taking amazing birthing classes!)..
Your bond and relationship with your birthing team is vital right now. If you can have a doula along with your partner, that would be even better, but a midwife establishes that foundation for a truly supported birth.
Even if birthing outside of a hospital scares you, consider your risks of birthing within one after educating yourself. Weigh both sides well before choosing. Perhaps a midwife at a hospital works for you, or search for an OB who will allow your partner with you at every appointment.
OB’s are not one size fits all. Find the practice that you connect with and respects your wishes. You want a team that will fight for your rights and not make you feel wrong for wanting them.
Whether you plan a natural birth, a medicated labor, or need a c-section, well-studied birthing classes are a must. You want to be educated and ready for anything.
Again, your knowledge is the key to achieving the birth you want.
You must put in writing what you want. You must then spend an hour or more reviewing this with your birth team. If you are not on the same page, there is always time to find a new team. You don’t get any do-overs once labor has started, so fight the good fight now.
You need a village after your baby arrives. This includes trustworthy friends and family members. It means having loved ones come over to check on you so you are not alone.
No one talks about what happens after you give birth. You must have a pediatrician lined up, and today that means finding one that supports your choices for your baby and does not push anything on you.
That sixth sense you gain as a mother is there for a reason. Do not ever ignore it.
]]>Are you the only one covered in mosquito bites right now?
Did mosquitoes only find you after you became pregnant?
Only 1/10th of the population is truly attractive to mosquitos. They are a nuisance, and every year, come spring and summer, new eggs hatch and come for blood (literally).
Did you know that they aren’t sucking our blood for food? Only female mosquitoes bite, and it is because they need our protein to develop fertile eggs to lay. How appropriate is it that a pregnant woman's blood is what helps those bloodsuckers reproduce?
While genetics play a huge role in who gets bit, there are other ways mosquitoes are attracted to us:
Type O Blood: Yes, Type O Blood is sweeter than the rest! (With Type A being the least sweet) 85% of the population secretes a smell that tells mosquitos what blood type they are.
High Output of CO2: The larger you are, the more Carbon Dioxide you breathe out. It seems that the mosquitoes come swarming, as they can sense CO2 from 50 meters away.
Sweat: Not just typical sweat though. We are talking about exercise sweat that was triggered by lactic acid. Although, an increase in body temperature is also tempting to a mosquito.
Alcohol: Drinking causes the body temperature to rise, which may call the mosquitoes to come bite.
Dark Clothing: Red, black, and dark blue attract mosquitos while light colors leave them unphased.
When pregnant, you breathe out a higher amount of CO2 (21% more than normal) and this attracts mosquitoes. You are twice as likely to be bitten than a non-pregnant woman. That’s right mamas, those of you rocking a bump all spring and summer are just eye candy.
But what can you do? You certainly do not want to cover your skin (the most porous organ of the body) in Deet – a known carcinogen.
The jury is out on the true effectiveness of natural repellants, but for a lot of people, they work. You can stock up on one from a local natural food store, or create one from these great options (According to Healthline):
You can also purchase a pre-made version!
Badger, Herbal Armour, Babyganics, and other great brands are stocking the bug spray shelves now.
You can always make your own if you are feeling all herbally and oily!
Protect yourself the best you can, no one knows what icky viruses those little biters are carrying this season!
]]>Learning about your baby’s zodiac sign can help you to understand him and work with him instead of against him throughout his life. It can be a powerful tool, why not explore it? Something to consider is when your baby was due, and when he actually arrived, too, as it can lead to a blend on signs!
A child due August 26th, but came August 12th is possibly meant to be a Virgo, but arrived a Leo. Her personality may be a cross between the two signs. She may be creative, passionate, and determined to leave her mark on this world, but yet the most emotional, peaceful “Earth Fairy.” She may be compassionate and kind-hearted, but yet a driven perfectionist. She could simply be the most tender soul.
But, it is rarely what you want to happen. If the love is there, there are several ways to help it evolve after having a baby.
Change is inevitable, and so is fatigue after your baby is born. With exhaustion comes arguing and failed expectations. This can break any couple down, but the key is to recognize, rebuild, and become a team. It doesn't hurt to smile every day, too.
And always... always dream together.
What do you want to achieve with this reel? Are you unboxing products or highlighting items you want to sell? Are you introducing a new product or demonstrating your ultrasound machine’s clarity? Defining your objective will ensure your reel is focused and effective.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating a reel that resonates with them. Research what’s trending seasonally and add the latest music, colors, keepsakes, and images.
Start with a hook to grab attention, then highlight the benefits of your product or service, and end with a strong call to action! Avoid anything too overwhelming, keeping it short and fun.
Don’t be afraid to include your clients in your reels. If you have an amazing gender reveal or big sibling interaction, use the footage to draw in more business. Include testimonials, too!
Consider providing exclusive deals or discounts for those who share your reel. You can hold a giveaway or share a secret coupon code!
End your business reel with a clear call to action. Whether it's visiting your website, booking an appointment, subscribing to your newsletter, or making an online purchase, guide your viewers on the next steps they should take to reach you.
It may seem overwhelming to start creating business reels, but it can be a fun addition to your working day. You’ll definitely experience team bonding with your employees and lots of laughs!
]]>Any mother who has lost a pregnancy will never see a rainbow the same way again. Every rainbow is a miracle and a sign that there can be peace after a storm, even though they will always miss the child they lost.
Needless to say, a rainbow baby needs ALL.THE.RAINBOWS. Whether you are the gorgeous mama having the baby, and you are in search of everything to make you happy, or you are someone who loves a mama having this baby, these rainbow gifts will make you smile.
Holding the recorded heartbeat of the rainbow baby, this pillow will be snuggled for years to come.
These cards are a wonderful way to share the news with extended family. It builds a connection no matter the distance.
A handcrafted beautiful figurine that highlights the undeniable love between a mother and her rainbow baby.
Baby blankets are always great, but a rainbow blanket will have a special meaning.
Monthly pictures are a great way to document the baby’s first year.
A baby book with a footprint page or a frame that displays the print will provide a great experience once the baby arrives. By including small paints in the color of the rainbow, a beautiful piece of art will always make them smile.
Share the excitement with friends and family at the baby shower with gender reveal scratch-off tickets!
]]>Cassidy “Curly-Haired”
Claire “Bright and Famous”
Deirdre “The Most Beautiful Woman of Ancient Ireland”
Einin “Little Bird”
Ida “A Thirst for Goodness or Knowledge
Kyla “A Beauty that Only Poetry can Capture”
Maeve “The Cause of Great Joy”
Mona “Little Noble One”
Neila “Female Champion”
Nora “Little Honorable One”
Oona “Queen of the Fairies” or “Unity”
Teagan “Beautiful”
Ardan “High Aspiration”
Art “Champion”
Brian “High, Noble, Strong”
Colman “Little Dove”
Conall “Great, Mighty”
Davin “Little Deer”
Dillon “Faithful, Loyal”
Eamon “Guardian of the Riches”
Fergus “Strong Warrior”
Hugh “Fire”
Lorcan “Brave Warrior”
Quin “Intelligent”
Redmond “Counsellor, Protector”
Riley “Courageous, Valiant”
]]>Get into the spirit with a good beer, some Irish potatoes, a four-leaf clover, and some crafts with the kids.
This craft is great for toddlers to young children. Pulling apart cotton balls and gluing them down is a great fine motor skill. So is cutting strips of paper. If your child isn't ready to cut, then you can pre-cut the rainbow pieces. I love that you can make this craft ahead of time and your child can wake to find a little pot of "gold" beneath it on St. Patrick's Day!
Another great rainbow craft - because you can never have too many rainbows.
You can get as creative as you'd like with this one.
Teaching the order of colors in the rainbow, and creating a 3D picture will make for a fun activity.
\What a great learning activity. All ages will enjoy making it, and everyone will walk away learning something.
Homemade playdough is fun to make with your kids! Create all the colors of the rainbow, and toss in some glitter for fun!
Any other "Magic Wand Loving Children" out there? My children - yes, my boys too- love wands. Adding ribbons for movement, glitter for sparkle, and green for the holiday will have everyone smiling!
This one looks like it *may* turn into a huge mess... especially with a toddler. But, it would also be a great lesson in explaining that artists think outside of the box. By using a fork instead of a paintbrush, the artwork takes on a look that wouldn't be obtained any other way!
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Turn the ultrasound appointment into a game show extravaganza! Before the appointment, ask the siblings to bring along their best detective skills. During the ultrasound, point out different parts of the baby's body and let the siblings take turns guessing what they are. The winner gets bragging rights and a small prize.
Who says ultrasound appointments must be serious? Bring out the artist in big siblings by turning the baby bump into a canvas. Before the appointment, provide washable markers and let siblings unleash their creativity on Mom’s belly. During the ultrasound, the little one(s) will be surrounded by colorful masterpieces, making it a truly unique experience. Make sure you have pictures taken throughout the entire process!
Make the ultrasound appointment more of a bonding experience by allowing siblings to “shop” for a special souvenir to remember the day. You can offer a shelf of options from Heartbeat Animals/Pillows to record messages or Baby’s heartbeat into to snuggle at home, to personalized onesies with “I’m Loved” on them that siblings can then decorate.
Ask the parents if siblings have a say in the baby's name, and then turn it into a friendly competition. Before the ultrasound appointment, ask that each sibling secretly comes up with their top three baby names for each gender. During the ultrasound, learn the baby's gender and keep it a secret. Collect the favorite names of the correct gender from the kids and let the fun begin! Set up your camera and let the family video chat with any others they’d like to include, but ultimately, set up a dart board or other game in which the parents can select a name! Once they read a name aloud, pop the confetti bombs and start cheering. Make sure parents get the entire list of names to take home for the baby book, even if one of them is not the winner.
Why not capture the joy and excitement of the ultrasound with a silly sibling photo shoot? Before the appointment, gather some props like baby hats, pacifiers, or even an ultrasound frame. During the ultrasound, have the siblings strike their goofiest poses while holding the props. These photos will be a hilarious reminder of the day your little one made their first appearance!
Never forget that you are strengthening more than the bond between a mother and her unborn child, you are providing the connection for older siblings to start bonding with their newest addition! Have fun creating ways to make every appointment memorable.
]]>Researchers continued to dig into these results, and they pursued what impact kindness has on pregnancy and pregnant mothers. Just as you can imagine, the benefits are worth talking about! While the study was meant to be based in an African American culture, the results were overwhelmingly clear that all cultures experience the benefits of kindness during pregnancy.
Acts of kindness from families, friends, and even strangers may help buffer against the chronic stressors experienced daily, and may help prevent activation of the body's physiologic response to stressors that could lead to preterm labor.
Researchers continue by stating:
“…asking for acts of kindness from families, friends, and even strangers strengthens social connectedness to pregnant women in their community. It establishes new social norms about how pregnant women are valued, treated and respected. It encourages and engages conscious, active participation from community members in promoting healthy pregnancy for all women.”
Most women believe that it takes a village to become a good and capable mother, but our society lacks this village as an overall whole. It’s time to recreate, rebuild, and hold one another positively accountable to uplift and provide support and kindness to new mothers.
It doesn’t take much time; it doesn’t take much effort. It simply takes kindness. Removing the walls to your own heart and breaking through our society’s false expectations of independence and personal priorities will allow us all to open our eyes and actually see everyone around us for who they are - a part of our own village.
(Enlarge for clarity, the image is directly from the research study.)
This image is called "The 100 Acts of Kindness" and was created by researchers to be utilized by families, friends, and strangers of pregnant mothers everywhere. While these 100 acts are wonderful, they are not the only ways to show kindness. Pull ideas from the list or add to it with your own ideas, but always know that your kind actions are a part of a much bigger picture.
]]>Wait, what's that? A Grandparent Sprinkle? Absolutely!
You've never heard of a grandparent sprinkle? Well, don't worry, we've got you covered.
A grandparent sprinkle is a fun and informal gathering to celebrate the exciting arrival of a grandchild. It's similar a baby shower, but with a twist. Instead of focusing on the expectant parents, the spotlight is on the soon-to-be grandparents. It's a chance for them to share their excitement and joy with their friends and family!
Every good party needs a theme, right? So, why not pick a theme that reflects the grandparents' personality or interests? Whether it's a sports theme, a garden party, or a retro 60’s vibe, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure it's something that the soon-to-be grandparents will love!
Decorations are a must for any celebration. Go all out with balloons, banners, and streamers. And don't forget to include some baby-themed decorations too.
No party is complete without some fun games. Consider organizing games like "Guess the Baby Picture," "Baby Trivia," “Name that Nana (picking the perfect grandparent name),” or “Lessons on Spoiling a Grandbaby!” You could also set up a photo booth with props for some hilarious and memorable pictures.
Food is always a highlight, but at this sprinkle, there can be anything from catered goodies to homemade backyard BBQ. Make sure you include several dessert options!
Just like a baby shower, a grandparent sprinkle is a great opportunity to shower the soon-to-be grandparents with gifts. You can include anything that may be needed if the grandparents will be helping often, like a stroller, pack-n-play, or car seat, or you can wrap sentimental items like ultrasound frames, Heartbeat Animals with Baby’s heartbeat recorded and a message stored inside, or even a scrapbook filled with memories!
Gather your friends and family, sprinkle some love and happiness, and get ready for the grandparent adventure of a lifetime!
]]>There are several things to know before you post:
Don’t forget you should also:
Tag the company of the product you are sharing (@Mybabysheartbeatbear). It will allow the post to be seen (and shared!) with ease.
Collaborate with local influencers, experts in the pregnancy and parenting world, and businesses in the industry to create engaging content.
Offer exclusive discounts, promotions, and giveaways for products or services.
HAVE FUN! The best part of creating social content is to smile, laugh, and have a great time.
]]>Books are worth investing in, even it means extra library trips! Bedtime (or anytime) is made better with a shared book with your children. Typically, you will come across the famous classics as 'must-haves,' but we wanted to add a few that you may not know as well to your list.
Books Written by or with Illustrations by Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (and the Baby Bear version!), The Mixed Up Chameleon - His works and words are so much fun.
Pinkalicious Series by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann
Llama Llama Series by Anna Dewdy (I love all EXCEPT the Red Pajamas because I feel like a scared llama needed his llama mama!!)
Shine-a-Light On It Books: These are fantastic books – From the Rainforest to the Human Body, you can shine a light to learn about it all.
I Miss My Monster by Amanda Noll
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Mercer Mayer Series: All of the Little Critter books are fun.
Peep/Look/See Inside Books: Look Inside Space, Peep Inside a Fairytale, See Inside Fairyland, See Inside General Knowledge, See Inside Science, See Inside London, See Inside Ancient Rome, See Inside Planet Earth, See Inside How Things Work, and See Under the Sea -- the entire collection is worth reading.
That’s Not My… Series by Usborne Books: Not my Squirrel, Penguin, Princess, etc…
Muddle and Match Books: Create your own adventure! Another great idea by Usborne.
Mo Willems Books: You cannot go wrong with any of his books. Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! Piggy and Gerald
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
My Truck Is Stuck by Lewis and Kirk
Pete The Cat Series by James Dean
Splat the Cat Series by Rob Scotton
The Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett
The Day the Crayons Quit (and The Day the Crayons Came Home) by Daywalt and Jeffers
The Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell
The Book With No Pictures by Novak
The Berenstein Bears Series by the Berensteins
Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell
Sandra Boyton Board Books: (ALL.OF.THEM.) Little ears love these books.
Books by Don and Audrey Wood: The Napping House, Silly Sally, Heckedy Peg, etc - all are wonderful!
Good Night, Good Night Construction Site by Rinker and Lichtenheld
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashlety Spires
Andrea Beaty Books: Iggy Peck, Architect Ada Twist, Scientist Rosie Revere, Engineer
Curious George Series by H.A. Ray
Big Plans by Bob Shea - "BIG plans I say!"
Gordy and the Magic Diet by Kim Diersen
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl (ANYTHING by Roald Dahl)
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Rainbow Magic Fairy Series by Daisy Meadows
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Completely Cassidy-Accidental Genius by Tamsyn Murray
Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson
The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair by Williamson
The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne
Fly Guy by Ted Arnold
Junie B Jones by Barbara Park
Minnie and Moo by Denys Cazet (The entire series is fun!)
Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Dr. Suess Books: The Cat in the Hat Learning Library, I Can Read with my Eyes Shut, One Fish, Two Fish, The Foot Book
The Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
The Tickle Tree by Chae Strathie
Peanut Butter Jellyfish by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Captain Underpants by Dave Pikley
Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman
If Kisses Were Colors by Janet Lawler
The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman
Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel
When the World was Waiting for You by Shields and Currey
Harry the Dirty Dog – Glen Zion (The whole "Harry" series!)
Snowmen at Night -Caralyn Buchner
Bear and Friends – Wilson and Chapman
Car Goes Fast - Michael Garland
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From the day your baby is born, she is learning, changing, and developing on her own timeline. Both physical and social markers will take place and her personality will gradually shine. There are certain milestones she will hit, though, roughly around the same time as other infants her age. Don’t be alarmed if she doesn’t hit these stages right on schedule, but a significant delay is worth speaking to your pediatrician about.
Newborns do a lot of sleeping, nursing, and pooping, but there are still milestones to look for:
The countdown to the first birthday is on! Be on the lookout for:
This sounds as though mothers are not eating, but in reality, it can include several variations of malnutrition. Due to nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, decreased appetite, and food aversions, avoiding meals can happen. These same ailments can also trigger skipping specific food groups or only intaking items that meet a craving instead of meeting the body (and growing baby’s) needs.
The human body requires essential nutrients to remain healthy, this need drastically increases while growing a baby. Calories are a necessity, yes; however, the quality of calorie is a very underdiscussed topic that should be taking place within every prenatal conversation. Protein, micronutrients, amino acids, magnesium, and healthy fats are vital at a cellular level for a woman’s body to properly maintain a healthy pregnancy.
There are several signs that your body may be lacking nutrients.
This is more than the traditional tiredness that pairs with pregnancy. When you feel as though you become exhausted without exerting effort or accomplishing anything, there could be a deeper cause, including under consuming proper minerals, vitamins, protein, iron, and calories.
The rumbling tummy even if you are eating, may signal that the calories being consumed are not providing the body with quality well-absorbed items. Adding higher quality protein into each snack and meal should ward that rumbling.
Growing a baby increases your body mass due to an enlarging uterus, added organ (the placenta), water retention, and multiplying living cells that develop into a heartbeat and a constantly blossoming human being. This leads to added pounds. Some women will gain more than others, but lack of weight gain can be a sign of malnurishment.
Low blood sugar triggers sleepless nights, and what you eat dictates your blood sugar. It can be very hard to get comfortable and accomplish a good night’s sleep while pregnant, but if chronic restlessness is occurring, consider evaluating what you are eating throughout the afternoons/evenings.
Constipation can occur randomly, but if you are regularly not having typical bowel movements, look into the foods you are consuming to ensure quality fiber, protein, and fats.
Losing hair by the handful is a complaint you will learn about after your baby arrives and your hormones rebalance; however, you should not experience it while pregnant. Just as your skin and gut are impacted by the nutrients you ingest, your hair is also impacted.
As your body changes, embrace your cravings while munching a well-balanced, whole food, high-quality diet.
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Research is showing how excessive and early screen time for children is causing life-altering issues from obesity to learning disabilities and delayed motor skills.
Keeping the screens to a minimum can be hard in our current culture, but doing so may provide wonderful benefits to your child! Not only will the family bond be stronger, but boredom breeds creativity, and you will have the ability to learn more about what sparks joy in your baby.
Taking notes from those who are educating at home, the folowing ideas are lumped into several categories and weekly themes. They should keep your kids interested, promote educational conversation, involve the whole family, and keep everyone happy!
Ask your toddler how people get from place to place and talk about the options: car, bus, train, bike, plane, etc. Talk about engines, power, speed, or lack of these for each mode of transportation. Use colors and sizes with younger kids to play matching race car games or category games.
Trains and tracks, Matchbox cars, ride-on toy for inside, toy planes (we love the vehicles you can take apart and rebuild!)
There are hundreds to choose from!
Learn about why some creatures hibernate and why some do not.
Play Dough and toy animals
Animals, animal sounds.
Zoo Animals (Little People Zoo is great!)
The number of oceans, the animals, and plants that live in the ocean, salt water versus fresh water (and drinking water).
Kenetic Sand
Directions, adventures
Compass, binoculars, pirate costumes, maps
Colors, Mixing Colors, Creating Rainbows
Wooden Rainbow Stackers
Studies show that the babies of exercising moms tolerate the stresses of labor and delivery better than babies of non-exercising women.
One-year-old children of exercising moms are shown to perform significantly better on the standardized Bayley Scales of Infant Development when compared to non-exercising moms.
Five-year-old children of exercising moms tend to weigh less than the children of women who did not exercise during pregnancy.
Other benefits include:
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Depending on your budget (and your mood), one of these ideas may be exactly what your relationship is craving this Valentine’s Day!
Get dolled up or wear your favorite stretchy pants and head out for a date night. You can reserve a table at a fine dining restaurant - or skip the fancy and follow your cravings. You can see a movie first to avoid the crowded Valentine’s Day theaters.
Call and book a special appointment through an elective ultrasound boutique nearby. You and your partner can ‘ooooh’ and ‘ahhhh’ over your sweet little baby for a few minutes. Make sure you record her heartbeat and bring home a My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear Animal with an adorable Valentine’s Day tutu or bowtie!
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t sing your heart out in the front row. Mix up some mocktails and grab some tickets to a concert before they sell out. Your nap the next day will be well worth the late night.
Valentine’s week and weekend tend to book quickly at highly reviewed spas, so start calling around now. You can reserve yourself a prenatal massage, facial, and mani/pedi and let your significant other choose his package.
Sometimes you just want to go shopping. From baby clothes and nursery furniture to new art for the walls of your house, it can be fun to walk around stores as a couple. You can window shop, drive to the outlet stores, or search through antique shops together. Make sure you stop for a fancy coffee or tea and sit down every so often.
It’s ok to skip dinner and head right for dessert. Find a small bakery and share a sampler-style plate of the highest recommended baked goods.
Did you know that grabbing takeout and staying in your pj’s all evening may help keep your stress levels down? If that’s not beneficial enough, having sex while pregnant is great for you!
No matter how you celebrate this Valentine’s Day, make sure that you take a few moments to soak in exactly how you are feeling at this stage of your relationship.
]]>If you haven't heard any of these terms, you may be new to the breastfeeding world. Many women give labels when they reach milestones such as 6 months or a year of breastfeeding. Don't worry, you don't have to turn your breasts into trophies, but you may want to know how so many women have made it to reach their goals with (what seems like) ease!
The key is that you must learn how to breastfed – and TEACH your baby.
Support Groups: Most major hospitals will have a lactation consultant host a monthly breastfeeding support group. There are also 1,000’s of breastfeeding related groups that can be found through facebook or meetup.com that will connect you with experienced mothers and lactation consultants to help you through your journey.
Feed on Demand: Throw out any idea of scheduling your baby right away. Would you like it if someone told you that you couldn’t have a sip of water and had to wait 3 hours? Let your baby nurse as often as she wants, or as often as possible. You will both be happier throughout the first few months.
La Leche League: LLL (http://www.llli.org/) is the best place to start. For 60 years, LLL has been educating mothers about breastfeeding. There are LLL leaders located internationally! Even if it is a bit of a drive, it is worth it to attend a few meetings. You will meet other mothers and be able to ask any questions you may have. Just go and listen to the stories; these mothers are real, and they may be your greatest resource.
Kellymom.com: This website is just plain fantastic. Go and play around on it; open each tab and learn. Everything is researched and fact-based. There are articles, videos, Q&A, and just so much information.
Dr. Jack Newman: http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/ Another fabulous online resource, Dr. Newman provides the most up-to-date breastfeeding information through his webpage and facebook page. His book is worth investing in as well.
]]>A floor bed may sound strange, but a quick search will have you wondering if it isn’t brilliant.
The Montessori approach to parenting emphasizes independence and self-direction from a young age. One of the main differences between a Montessori philosophy and traditional parenting during the baby and toddler stage is the use of a crib. In the Montessori method, a crib is not used, and instead, a mattress is placed on the floor in the child's room. This approach allows the child to move freely and explore their environment safely.
While this may sound dangerous to you, let’s breakdown the process. As a newborn, a baby should sleep within arm’s reach of Mom, whether she chooses to use a bassinet, co-sleeper, crib in her room or to bedshare safely. This encourages the feeling of security, a strong bond, and the ability to sense if something is wrong. Once Baby starts rolling or parents are ready to transition to a separate room, a floor bed is used. Traditionally, this occurs between 5 months and a year old.
Supporters of the Montessori approach state that the use of a crib limits a child's independence. They also believe that a mattress on the floor allows a child to develop important gross motor skills, such as crawling and walking, at their own pace. Floor beds also allow for more natural sleep patterns. Babies can wake up and fall asleep on their own schedule, without being confined to a structured sleep routine. This can help to promote healthy sleep habits and a more restful night's sleep for both the babies and parents. This setup can potentially reduce the risk of injury from a fall out of a crib or having a limb stuck in the railings. A floor bed also makes for easy snuggling, bedtime reading, and transitions if Baby falls asleep elsewhere.
Before jumping in, learn more about the Montessori method and how to properly babyproof the room in which the floor bed will be placed. As with every aspect of parenting, this requires research and gut intuition!
]]>Many families are trying to cut back on spending, and as children come into the picture so does the question of becoming a stay-at-home (or work-from-home) parent. If you are struggling with the choice between daycare and daycare prices or keeping your baby at home, but taking a pay cut, you are not alone. The trick is to track every dime you spend and categorize where the majority lands each month. From there, figure out what you will be bringing home monthly if you drop to a single income and plan to live off of it for at least 2 months before your baby arrives to see if it is possible (while stashing your money in the bank).
If that seems like a daunting task, scroll through our budget-pinching ideas for ways you may be able to save a little extra from now until your baby makes his or her debut.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, offer your clients something extra special with their ultrasound - a second recordable heart to store inside their Heartbeat Animal.
After recording a baby's heartbeat into the original recorder, the second recorder can be used to capture a message, song, or poem. Families can choose to surprise a grandparent with a recording, have a big sibling sing a lullabye, or even create a time capsule to cherish their emotions forever.
You can keep a playlist of popular songs and a running list of beautiful quotes, poems, or love messages for families to choose from. Are you drawing a blank? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Pair those baby heartbeats with one of the following sweet Valentine’s Day inspired ideas.
“I’ll Love You Forever, I’ll Like You For Always. As Long as I’m Living, My Baby You’ll Be.”
“I love you right up to the moon—and back.”
“On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, ‘Life will never be the same.’”
“There is no place like home.”
“Let me love you a little more before you’re not little anymore.”
“For all the things my hands have held the best by far is you.”
“I am your mother, you are my child. I am your quiet place, you are my wild. I am your calm face, you are my giggle. I am your wait, you are my wiggle. I am your dinner, you are my chocolate cake. I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake. I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo. I am your goodnight kiss, you are my I love you.”
“And then my soul saw you and it kind of went “Oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.”
“I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
“Ten little fingers, ten perfect toes, fill our hearts with love that overflows.”
“Fairy tales do come true. Look at us, we had you.”
“I loved you from the very start. You stole my breath, embraced my heart. Our life together has just begun. You’re part of me, my little one.”
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Technically, a doctor will not diagnose SAD until you have experienced the symptoms throughout the same season for three consecutive years, but I’ll tell you from experience that it doesn’t take but one season to really know that you have it.
We have the ability to change this. We need to tackle winter head on! We know what is coming, so let’s set a plan and put it to action. Sure, we will struggle and have crappy days, but we will beat the blues this year and enjoy our pregnancies!
Exercise Goals: Saying you will exercise is not enough. Set a goal. “I will walk 10 miles a week.” (On a treadmill, outside, whatever.) Order a prenatal yoga DVD, or something with higher energy to get your blood flowing!
Eat Well: Feeling down triggers the body to crave and eat sugar and carbohydrates, as well as processed foods. This can cause unnecessary weight gain, gestational diabetes, and many health problems. Cut down (or eliminate) gluten and possibly dairy, as it is an inflammatory. Eat small meals often to keep blood sugar leveled.
Go Outside: Fresh air speaks to the soul. Even in the dead of winter, go outside and see the sky, breathe the air, and connect with the earth.
PLAY: Play music, dance, laugh, and find a happy moment in each day. Light a candle, diffuse essential oils, cook your favorite meal, just stop and enjoy the day. Socialize: It is the last thing you want to do when depressed, but being around happiness can be contagious. Call a friend on the phone, meet for lunch, or just sit at a coffee shop and be surrounded by happiness.
Supplement: It’s no secret that the body is lacking in nutrients when depressed. Stick with high quality products that have little to no fillers, dyes, or sugars.
Chiropractic Care: A great chiropractor is worth his weight in gold. Not only can he make sure the body is properly preparing for labor by assisting baby into a good birth position, but he can keep the body in alignment, helping to process stressful situations.
Acupuncture: Well-known for the therapeutic results, acupuncture can heal or prevent (or at least help) the body process stress and handle depression. With no risk to the fetus, this is a great preventative measure to try.
Himalayan Salt Lamp: Salt lamps are known to purify the air by balancing the ions. This helps with health issues such as asthma, but it can also help “de-fog” the mind. There are specific Himalayan salt lamps made to beat the winter blues, and I will be investing in one as a holiday gift to myself this year! (You can never have enough salt lamps in the home.)
Light Therapy: Talk to your health care provider about utilizing a light therapy SAD lamp. Morning is the best time to sit and soak in the light, as it will help your mood throughout the entire day. Seasonal Depression is not to be taken lightly, especially when there are two lives affected by the illness. Take steps to prevent winter blues from effecting you and your growing baby this season!
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There is something so special about sharing the sound of your baby’s heart beating with the world. Take a short video with a heartbeat animal and an ultrasound picture and share away!
As the coffee drinker finishes his/her cup of joe, they will have an unexpected surprise. Hopefully, they don’t choke on their last gulp!
“Roses are Red Valentines are Sweet Our Family is Growing By One Heart And Two Feet!”
Have heart-shaped cookies made with the family member’s names on them, including one smaller one with “Baby” scrolled across it. You can choose any wording and cookie shapes that you can dream up! (Original Source: Pinterest.com)
Pregnancy sparks excitement, love, and happiness within new parents’ hearts. You can use these emotions to dictate just what you want to do with your business for the month of February. This is a great time to promote new package offers, gift items, and photo opportunities.
Make friends with your local bakery and have a beautiful tray of chocolate-covered strawberries, mini cupcakes, truffles, or other sweets on the counter as your customers enter. You will hit on the senses of smell and taste just before they experience seeing and hearing their precious baby. That’s four senses within minutes of one another… you’ll have happy clients.
A giant chalkboard will do the trick! Use pretty chalk paint markers to decorate your board and invite customers to leave a sweet note of how in love they are with their baby. You can include love quotes, too.
You can order a backdrop and pin it to the wall, create a balloon arch, or paint yourself a pretty chalk wall to decorate, but the idea is to give your clients a place to take a sweet picture that they will share on social media - ultimately, tagging your business! This is free marketing!
Sell your keepsakes hard in February. You know just how wonderful it feels to capture a baby’s heartbeat for a family - and the bond that it strengthens within a family. This is the month of LOVE; every family takes home a heartbeat.
Add pink or red tutus or bow ties to your My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear Animals for the month of February. It seems small, but it will be a detail they pick up on and mention to friends and in their picture comments on social media.
Have you added our newest collection to your boutique? Heartbeat Pillows are selling out in ultrasound studios everywhere, and you can add them to your business, too. From the moon and sun to hearts and rainbows, couples will want to snuggle up and hear their baby's heartbeat again and again.
You can find a student photographer or a new local photographer to capture 2-3 pictures for your customers. These can be as simple or elaborate as you can dream up. Our newest magnetic frames are the sweetest addition to every package, but if you pair them with instant photos, they will be posted on the fridge that day.
]]>Alba: Meaning bright and white.
Aspen: Inspired by the Colorado winter.
Carol: Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the sound of carols filling the air.
Charity: Winter is the season of giving.
Eirlys : Welch for snowdrop.
Ember: A name of warmth in the season of cold.
Gwyn: Meaning white covered.
Holly: The holly berries only ripen in the winter, making them one of the most beautiful foliage of the season.
Hope: Hope fills the season of winter - hope for great things.
Iclyn: Meaning compassionate, the icy name fits any winter girl.
Imani: Means faith.
Ivy: A vine that withstands the cold and maintains its beauty.
January: The most winter-filled month of the year.
Joy: The world needs as much joy as possible.
Juniper: A beautiful evergreen tree.
Natalie: An old tradition for any girl born on Christmas Day to receive this name.
Neva: Spanish for snow or ice.
Noelle: Meaning Christmas
North: The North Star, the North Pole.
Paloma: Meaning dove.
Poppy: the Iceland poppy flower blooms in the early winter.
Snow: Growing in popularity, this name may remind you of a princess, but it’s true meaning will always be tied to winter.
Storm: Symbolic of the blizzards and ice storms, this name is powerful and strong.
Vail: inspired by the mountains.
Winter/Winnie: the season itself makes a beautiful name.
Angel: A biblical symbol inspires a beautiful name.
Aster: The star of Bethlehem
Aubin: Meaning white.
Bear: Meaning strong and brave.
Blaze: The blaze of a warm fire throughout a cold season.
Cane: For the love of everything peppermint.
Christian: A traditional choice for the holiday season.
Clay: Dreidels were created from clay.
Douglas: Inspired by the Douglas Fur tree.
Drummer: Oh little drummer boy.
Erwin: Meaning white as snow.
Gabriel: The name of the archangel who heralded the news of Jesus' birth
Heath: An arctic evergreen bush.
Jack: Inspired by Jack Frost.
Jasper: Believed to be a name connected to the Three Wise Men.
Joseph: Mary and Joseph, of course.
Judah: Hanukkah inspired.
Kris: Kris Kringle.
Nicholas: The magical man of Christmas goes by many names, but St. Nicholas may be the most popular.
Noble: A popular tree throughout the holiday season.
Noel: Meaning Christmas
Saint: A handsome name for a winter baby.
Vale: Inspired by the mountains.
Whittaker: Meaning white field.
Ziv: Meaning brightness.
]]>Your baby will need more than a onesie on, but less than you’d think, especially with babywearing. Car seat safety includes never putting a winter coat on a baby while in the seat. Instead, use a blanket over the baby once she is buckled in properly.
You can also use a blanket in a wrap or carrier while the baby is on you to ensure she is warm enough.
Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs to grow and stay healthy, of course, but breastmilk is also like magic. It creates new antibodies for whatever environment you are currently in. (How cool is that?) Baby’s immune system takes 6-8 weeks after birth to fully develop, so breastmilk will help!
Breastfeeding in public can be a challenge for a new mom. Do not worry about strangers, worry about feeding your baby. I recommend sitting in front of a mirror at home and practicing your nursing position, shirt lift technique, etc. It will boost your confidence!
NO ONE should be touching your newborn without your consent. A brand new baby needs no one but Mama. Carrying around the absurdly heavy car seat is bad for your back, potentially harmful to your baby (NEVER set it on top of a shopping cart!), and a bold invitation for strangers to approach you. My absolute favorite carrier for the newborn stage is a ring sling, but you may prefer a different version. You want your baby to be high on your chest and within kissing distance from you. YouTube has wonderful tutorials for teaching you how to properly babywear and feel confident about it!
(Read specific immune-boosting ideas Here ) Make sure you are eating well and taking extra supplements through the winter (Vitamin D, etc).
Don’t over do it, especially if you are still bleeding after the birth. Once you have healed, you may be feeling great, but know that the cold weather can be exhausting. Keep your errands and trips out of the house at a comfortable length and always err on the side of 'shorter is better.'
Crap happens. Typically it happens when you are in public. So does spit up, very loud crying, clothing malfunctions, and all the emotional needs (for Mama and Baby). There is no shame in leaving after only 5 minutes.
Do not ignore your crying newborn. Listen for her cues. Hold her close the entire time. Take time to sit and nurse her, change her diaper, or just love on her.
Your first few trips out should not be solo in the cold. Have your partner or a friend ride with you.
Well-ventilated areas will be your best bet to bring the baby. Stores, malls, or other venues are a breeding ground for airborne illnesses, as fresh air is not well circulated. I know that it’s winter, and outside activities are hard to come by in most parts of the country, but if the day is nice, bundle up and meet friends outside for a good walk. If you are dying to get out of your house and the weather is not cooperating, just limit your trip and nurse your baby whenever possible.
If you have a preemie and are already stressed, it’s definitely worth waiting a bit before going out. That being said, please keep boosting your immune system and breastfeed like crazy. Invest in a great sling (or other newborn carrier) and go out when you are ready!
Don’t go into public if you are not comfortable. Wait a few months until the baby has created her own schedule and you are comfortable with nursing. You do what you feel comfortable with.
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