Thursday, February 9, 2012

My Top Items to Have on Hand for a Sick Baby or Toddler

When you are sick as an adult, it is easy to get in the car and go pick up cough medicine etc. but when you have a sick child, you want to have everything you might need right at your fingertips.  Here are my favorite things to have on hand because they really do help when your little one gets sick. Remember, I am not a doctor, just a natural mama.  Always consult your pediatrician before giving your child any medicines.

Tylenol and Ibuprofen
Yes, I know these are not natural but you will learn quickly, that being a natural parent often requires the acceptance of traditional medicines.  There is no denying that if your child has a fever that Tylenol and Ibuprofen can bring it down fast.

Old Indian Syrup for Kids
This stuff is great for kids and adults.  It really helps break up the mucus when they have a yucky cough.  I use the one by Plantery Herbals.

Honey
Great for a cough but not for children under 1.  They should not have honey.

Hyland's C Plus Cold Tablets
 These are nice because you can give them to children under 2.  Many homeopathic medicines are for 2 and up so these are great.

Coldcalm by Borion
 We use the adult version of Coldcalm for ourselves and it is amazing.  You cannot use it until children are 3 years of age but I heard it works wonders.

Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator
 This is so much better then the bulb aspirator.

Saline Nasal Spray
A must have for sticky booger noses.

Bach Flower Remedy
Again, another great item for adults as well as children for those stressful days.

Boiron Camilia Teething Relieff
 I love these because they are in a liquid form.

Gaia Kids Defense Herbal Drops
These are just nice to have if you are going to be traveling or think your child may be exposed to a lot of germs etc.  Just add a few drops to water.

I hope this list helps you out in preparation for your next sick days.  I just had my first round of a sick toddler so I was glad I discovered some of these items.  Remember, you can get most of these items on www.diapers.com and they will deliver next day if you spend $25.  I swear by it!

Monday, February 6, 2012

The Art of Hurrying


One thing I have learned as a stay at home mama, is what I call "the art of hurrying".  These are tips that I think are helpful for moms because we all know how it feels to be hurrying in the shower, hurrying to eat breakfast, hurrying to brush your teeth etc.  These are my tips for new mamas.

Teach your baby to love their crib
From a very early age, we taught Tallulah to love her crib.  After every diaper change, or in between clothing changes or whatever it might have been, we would put her in her crib for just a few minutes.  This would allow her time to play for a bit in her crib and enjoy hanging out.  This has come in handy as she as gotten older.  I have put her in her crib for times when I had to use the bathroom, vacuuming, laundry and showering.  I always have the monitor with me, in case I need to check on her.  This is a great thing to do but remember, keep it short like 15-20 minutes once they are older.  

Keep the routine predictable
Every day, Tallulah knows that when we are getting dressed that she will hang out in her crib while mama takes a quick shower.  She knows that she gets dressed, brushes her teeth and then mama showers and does the same.  The other important thing is that Tallulah knows that after doing this time in her crib that a fun activity like going to the park or the aquarium follows next.

Books and books
Read to your babies!  We have read to Tallulah since she was very little and now she can hang out in her crib and look at books while I shower and get dressed. She also looks at books when she wakes up in the morning which gives me an extra 20-30 minutes in the morning.

Plan ahead
If you know you are going somewhere that will require you to take a snack, lunch or an extra pair of clothes, pack your bag the night before or at least pack your bag mentally.  Prep snacks ahead of time. Use a fun snack cup that is easy to travel with.  Keep an extra pair of clothes, diapers, wipes and plastic bag in the car for random messes. Do not forget snacks for yourself. I love Clif bars, they are super yummy, have good protein and easy to pack!

Surprise toys
Always have secret toys that are only played with for special circumstances, like if you are in a hurry and need a special toy to entertain your little one or you are going to a lunch with friends or going for a longer drive then usual. 

Keep your routine simple
Keep your hair, make up and outfits simple. Plan your outfit out ahead.  If you know it is going to be a busy day, shower the night before if you have shave, wash your hair etc.  You can still look amazing while keeping it simple.

Take time for yourself
Make sure to take time for yourself.  Maybe find a mom that you can trade time with so you can both go to yoga or pilates and alternate watching each others children.  Or find time, to have a cup of tea but use really good tea. Treat yourself to one yummy thing a day, so good tea, good coffee or good chocolate, whatever your "yummy" thing is.

These are all things that make my daily routine a lot easier and bring ease to not only my day but also to my child's day.  I hope they work for you!