ML Interest Tag: first-aid

Perfect Powder: Portland’s Top Family Ski Destinations

by Allison Sutcliffe

Bring the kids to these ski resorts near Portland so they can learn the ropes—make that slopes—this season

Winter is here, and while Portlanders know that means rain in the Rose City, it also means snow in the mountains. That’s why now is the perfect time to take the kids skiing or snowboarding at a nearby Portland ski resort over a long weekend or whenever you’ve got time. Offering everything from lessons on the gentlest bunny hills around to expert black diamond runs your kids can aspire to conquer, these spots top our list for winter family fun. We’ll keep wishing for more of the white stuff so you can hit the slopes with the kids all the way through March.

Fantastic Places to Ski near Portland

Mt. Hood Skibowl

two kids ski down a mountain doing pizza wedges with trees in the background ski resorts near Portland
Shutterstock

With close to 1,000 acres of terrain, 69 day runs, and over 300 inches of snowfall each year, there are hours of fun to be had at Skibowl. And the short drive from Portland makes it a great starting point for Portland families interested in a ski day. Beginners have lots of choices at this ski mountain, including runs at Skibowl East near the snow tube and Adventure Park, plus kiddie snowmobiles, a kiddie carousel, Frosty’s Playground, and an indoor play area when they need a break. Lessons are available for kids as young as 4 (including snowboarding), and it's easy to sign up when you get there. But Skibowl isn't just for beginners. This ski area also boasts more black diamond runs than at any other ski resort in the state.

Good to Know: Night skiing is definitely a thing at Skibowl; their 36 lighted runs easily tell that story. Part of the nighttime mountain fun? Cosmic tubing.

Drive time from Portland: Just under 1 hour

87000 U.S. 26
Government Camp, OR
Online: skibowl.com

Related: Snow Much Fun! 8 Places to Go Sledding & Tubing

Mt. Hood Meadows

Meadows offers varied terrain that challenges skiers at all levels on over 2,150 acres. From Heather Canyon to South Canyon, and from Buttercup to Show Off, there’s something for everyone. For children between the ages of four and fourteen, camps, lessons, and clubs are available. You can purchase your lift ticket or season pass online in advance. 

Insider Tip: For something a little different, try a snowshoe tour at Mt. Hood Meadows. They're family-friendly (although usually best for older kids) and some run through March, so you've got plenty of time to plan one this year.

Good to Know: If lessons aren't something your kids are up for, you can drop them at the Meadows Daycare. One of the only ski resorts in the nation to offer state-certified care for kids as young as 6 weeks, parents can sign kids up for the day or for a run of days so they can get in all the runs. Just be sure to get your reservations ASAP as spots are limited.

Drive time from Portland: About 90 minutes

14040 Hwy. 35
Mt. Hood, OR
Online: skihood.com

Timberline Lodge

The fact you can ski for 10 months out of the year, and the addition of Summit Pass (formerly Summit Ski Area), makes Timberline an easy choice for Portland families on the hunt for a ski resort they can return to year after year. Get to know the 1,685 acres of skiable terrain at both Timberline and Summit Pass with the kids. Summit Pass is a great spot for beginning snowboarders and skiers alike. It's also where you'll find the snow tubing lanes. It's a great option for families looking for lessons and affordability. Six high-speed quads, two doubles, and one surface lift get families where they need to go. And although the two terrains aren't yet lift connected, there are plenty of shuttle options so you can try their both on your trip. 

Insider Tip: Timberline's terrain parks offer everything from the Schoolyard (perfect for beginners) to Conway's big jumps. Even if the kids aren't ready for it yet, it's fun to watch others tackle the snowy jumps and rails.

Good to Know: Beginning ski lessons are available for kids as young as 4 on weekends (and holidays) only.

Drive time from Portland: About 90 minutes

Online: timberlinelodge.com

Related: 9 Easy Weekend Getaways Your Family Needs This Winter

Cooper Spur

Located on the north side of Mt. Hood this historic ski area (it's one of the oldest in North America) offers lots of rideable terrain for first time skiers and boarders. An affordable option for families, this ski area is on the smaller size. The double chairlift will bring you to the top of the runs where you'll find gentle blues, a few greens, and one black diamond. Kids ages 7 and up can learn the ropes on the tow rope when they sign up for a group or private lesson. No matter which option you choose, the price is hard to beat.

Drive time from Portland: About 90 minutes

10755 Cooper Spur Rd.
Mt. Hood, OR
Online: cooperspur.com

Hoodoo Ski Area

an adult and kid at a ski resort near portland with snow and a lift in the background are going down a hill side by side
Lex Valishvili via unsplash

For a full day or better yet a family weekend trip, Hoodoo Ski Area in Sisters, just outside of Bend, is a worthy destination. You'll find it at the summit of Santiam Pass, drawing visitors from all over the state, thanks to its central location. The mountain has five lifts and 34 runs that are a nice mix of green, blue, and black, so no matter how many times you've taken to the slopes (one or 100 times), you'll have plenty of powder to explore. 

Insider Tip: The Autobahn Tubing park is currently closed due to staffing shortages.

Good to Know: Winter weekends here offer up a little something extra, like mountain mascot Harold the Hodag's birthday on February 18, Winter Carnival the following weekend, Ski Bike Fest in March, and more. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming extras that are worth the drive.

Drive time from Portland: About 2.5 hours

Online: skihoodoo.com

Where to Go Cross-Country Skiing

Teacup Lake

J G D via unsplash

Escape the speed demon crowds, and enjoy downhill’s quieter winter kin—cross-country skiing. Enjoy 24 kilometers (that's about 12 miles) of groomed trails, relative solitude, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood once you pass frozen and snow-covered Teacup Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. There are groomed tracks and a skating lane, and all are groomed Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Teacup’s pristine trails stay that way because dogs and snow shoes are not allowed; that plus a friendly emphasis on a particular standard of trail etiquette. When you need to warm up, head to the Ray Garey Cabin to shake off the cold.

Insider Tip: If you're a family a first-timers, Teacup offers an array of learn-to-ski classes for kids as young as 6.

Good to Know: An Oregon Sno-Park permit is required to park here. Only pit toilets available on-site.

Drive time from Portland: Just over 1 hour

Online: teacupnordic.org

Related: 8 Wondrous Hikes That Are Best in Winter

a family skis at a ski resort near portland during winter, snowy background with mountains
Shutterstock

Tips for a Successful Ski Day with Kids:

1. Expect shorter skiing days, especially if naps are still part of your family routine. Runs open early, so you can make the most of your day by getting up and at 'em as early as possible. Then heading back down the mountain around afternoon nap time. There's no doubt the kids will be tired after a day on the slopes.

2. Snacks and water are a must. No matter where you're eating on the mountain, everyone always seems to be hungry at the same time. Avoid meltdowns by packing extras for hungry kids, and avoid wait times by eating around peak times.

3. When it comes to buying gear, kids' growth spurts make buying a little frustrating financially, so renting is a great option. Although the one piece of gear to purchase (according to experts) is a good helmet.

4. It’s always a good idea to check weather and road conditions at ODOT's Trip Check before heading out for the day. Snow conditions on the mountain are a must too. All of these resorts have condition cameras that livestream so you can plan your day to go as smoothly as possible.

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There’s an Amazon FSA Store & It’ll Save You Tons

by Karly Wood

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, is that you can never be too prepared when it comes to stocking up your home medicine cabinet. Rather than hand over your hard-earned paycheck to a national pharmacy chain that is always more expensive, we’ve got the ultimate hack: the Amazon FSA Store.

If you haven’t heard of this section of Amazon, you’re not alone. Launched a little on the sly, the storefront is packed with Flexible Spending Account-eligible products only (so you won’t get stiffed on the reimbursement). To refresh your memory, an FSA is a special account you can contribute funds to from your paycheck for the specific purchase of health-care related products or services. It’s pre-tax and always comes in handy.

While many people use their FSA funds to cover co-pays, procedures and prescription medication, there is actually a slew of over-the-counter products that you can purchase using the funds. Some categories include:

Ok now that you’re excited to do some shopping, let’s talk about savings and how the Amazon FSA store saves you big bucks. First, you can pre-load your FSA card into your account so you are never stuck shopping without it. Because let’s be honest, we all have good intentions about submitting those receipts for a reimbursement, but then––life.

In addition to not paying out of pocket, you can snag must-have products at typically low prices that Amazon offers. For example, you can pick up a three-pack of First Response Early Pregnancy Tests for $9 on Amazon, or head to Rite Aid and fork out $14. Need Medela Breast Milk storage bags? You can pay $13 on Amazon or $20 at Target.

We could go on and on sharing the screaming deals you can find on your must-have FSA products, but with over 10,000 products, we’d be here all night! Do yourself a favor, and the next time you place your Amazon order, add a few eligible products to your cart to stock up.

––Karly Wood

 

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Best Tips on Finding the Perfect Childcare

By Sara Mauskopf

 

I was talking to a mom the other day—let’s call her Beth—who shared with me a daycare horror story. Beth put her daughter in a daycare near her home that looked quaint. As a new mom, she didn’t know any other parents who had sent their children there but she was in a crunch to find childcare before she returned to work and this place was affordable, convenient, and had an opening. Within a few weeks of her daughter starting at the daycare she saw some red flags—one day she picked her child up with a dirty diaper, other days her child seemed excessively hungry, and sometimes the childcare provider was not forthcoming with details about her daughter’s day.

Ultimately she decided to take a costly leave of absence from work and figure out a better childcare situation. She later found out that there had been complaints filed against the daycare and their license was in the process of being suspended. She felt fortunate she intervened when she did and had the means to take a leave from work. She asked me how parents prevent these situations from happening in the first place.

Finding high-quality childcare is top of mind for working parents and it’s not easy to figure out how to navigate the process, especially as a new parent. But you don’t have to leave the situation up to chance and prayer.

Here are five things you can do as a parent to empower yourself and ensure you’re placing your child in a safe and loving environment.

Get parental approval

If you don’t know parents first-hand that have sent their children to a daycare provider, then ask the provider for references and call them. The more information on a facility or individual, the more comfortable you will feel leaving your children in their care. My company, Winnie, recently compiled a free database of every daycare and preschool, starting with San Francisco where you can get information about the provider, reviews from parents and other critical safety info like the adult to child ratio. We did this because we want to equip parents with the information they need to ensure their child’s well-being and make life easier for working moms & dads.

Check the licensing database

Did you know that there’s a licensing database when you can find information about all licensed daycares and preschools in the United States? If it’s a daycare, even an in-home provider, look at the licensing database. All licensed daycares and preschools are inspected regularly and these inspections are public information. You can also see if any complaints have been filed against the school and even subscribe to updates in case their licensing status changes.

Visit and ask questions

Ask to visit the provider, ideally while children are present. This will give you a feel for their st‌yle and if it jibes with yours. Ask questions to understand how the provider communicates with parents, what the physical environment is like (e.g. is it childproofed? Is it clean?) and what children do as a day-to-day routine.

Check their safety procedures

One thing that’s very predictable about children is that they are unpredictable. Accidents and emergencies happen so you want to ensure your provider is trained and prepared for the worst. Check the basics like training in first aid and CPR but also understand their policies around illness, evacuation procedures, and vaccines. Finally, you’ll want to really understand their philosophy around discipline. The most important thing for a childcare provider is that they have lots of patience and never resort to harsh language or violence with your child.

Trust your gut

Even if everything looks great on paper and checks out, you have to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you need to act like Beth did and pull your child out of the daycare until you sort the situation out. Beth didn’t have a lot of information to go on at the time, but she acted swiftly and prevented the situation from getting worse.

Short mom to tall kids. CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of parents across the United States. Still getting the gist of this whole parenting thing.

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How to Babyproof at Grandma & Grandpa’s House

by Jamie Davis Smith

If you are lucky, there is a grandparent just waiting to get their hands on your little one for a night or two. Making sure Grandma's house is safe, stocked and ready to go for a visit is your key to regular date nights! We have some suggestions to make visits to Grandma's house as fun and stress-free as possible for everyone involved. 

4Moms

1. A Place to Sleep & Play
Your little one needs safe spots to nap, sleep and play at Grandma's house! The good news is you don't need to take over their home and set up a separate nursery and playroom for your tiny tot to feel like they are at home. Get a great travel crib, like the 4Moms Breeze Plus above, you can use for overnights with the grandparents (and when you travel farther away). As a test run, let your little one spend some time, or even nap, in the travel crib at your place so they are not adjusting to both that and sleeping in new surroundings. If you don't already have one at home, check out a service like BabyQuip that will deliver one right to Grandma's front door. 

2. Baby Gate
Babies who are mobile, including crawlers, need baby gates on stairs to keep them safe. But there is no need to drill holes in the walls. Pressure-mounted baby gates will work on most stairs. This type of baby gate does not require any permanent hardware to be installed to be used safely. Instead, tension keeps these gates in place. That means you can remove them when you head home. To cut down on expenses, use the same gate in your home and bring it with you when you visit. 

3. Cabinet & Door Locks
Just like at home, it's important to keep little ones away from sharp objects, cleaning supplies, medications and other everyday household items that could pose a threat to baby's safety. Adhesive, magnetic cabinet and door locks are a great solution. These locks from Eco-Baby do not require any drilling to install, and they can be activated or de-activated with built-in latches. That means grandparents can babyproof her cabinets and drawers only when their favorite little person is over for a visit and open them freely when their house is a baby-free zone.

4. Outlet Covers
Once a baby starts crawling and for many years afterward, outlet covers are a must. These are small, unobtrusive, inexpensive, only need to be installed once, and are easy to remove. Just arrive at Grandma's house with a box and this babyproofing item can be knocked off your list in under 10 minutes! 

Motorola

5. Baby Monitor
Grandma and Grandpa will need to keep an ear open for when baby wakes up from a nap or emits middle-of-the-night cries of hunger. Functionality and ease is the name of the game when it comes to a grandparent-friendly baby monitor. The Motorola Touch Connect has a large touchscreen for viewing, two-way communication and comes with pre-loaded lullabies. Plus, if Grandma accidentally wanders out of range with it, an alarm will go off.   

6. First Aid Kit
Buy a baby first aid kit to send to Grandma's house or make one of your own. If you go the DIY route, include some basic first aid and grooming items. A nasal aspirator, baby pain reliever and a thermometer are a must. Because no one likes getting scratched by little nails, try a grandma-friendly bbluv electric nail trimmer, which uses tiny emery boards rather than clippers to get the job done. To add a little humor to baby's stay, an Oh Sh*t Kit Max from Rafi Nova contains a variety of everyday essentials and hacks to make sure Grandma is prepared for (almost) any situation. Consider including a form that allows grandparents to consent to medical treatment in case of emergency. 

7. Make Grandma's Life Easier
Once baby starts solids, a couple of hacks can make a visit easier: Pack a variety of baby- or toddler-size portions of foods in a Bentgo box that Grandma can use for feedings at home or on the go. Make clean-up easier with the gift of a cordless wet-dry floor cleaner like a SLYDE. If more than one grandchild will be visiting, label everything with stickers from Mabel's Labels that are waterproof and nearly indestructible. 

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured photo: iStock

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Babysitter Interview Tips & Must-Ask Questions

by Sarah Blight

If you’re new to the world of finding someone to watch your baby, read and bookmark these interview questions to ask a babysitter. From their experience and certifications to availability and flexibility, these nanny or babysitter interview questions will give you a better picture of whether this is the right babysitter for you. You’ll also find helpful tips on how to conduct a babysitter interview.

Personal Questions

iStock

These interview questions will help you learn more about the babysitter's personality and whether they meet your basic requirements.

1. How would you describe yourself?

2. What do you like to do in your free time?

3. Did you grow up around younger kids (siblings, cousins, neighbors)?

4. What is your availability? Do you have time constraints that would prevent you from staying later if necessary?

5. Do you have reliable transportation? What kind?

6. Do you smoke?

7. Would you be comfortable taking a drug test?

8. How much do you charge?

Experience Questions

PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

These questions can help you determine whether this babysitter has the necessary experience.

9. Describe your babysitting experience. How long were you with each family? What ages were the children?

10. What are your favorite and least favorite parts about babysitting?

11. How comfortable are you with changing diapers?

12. What are your methods for putting a baby down to sleep?

13. What was your scariest/most challenging babysitting situation? How did you respond?

14. Do you check on babies while they sleep? Why or why not? If you do, how often?

15. Do you have first aid and CPR training? If so, when were you certified? If not, would you be willing to get it?

16. Do you have references I can contact?

Scenario Questions

PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

These interview questions will give you an understanding of how well prepared this babysitter is to care for your child.

17. The baby starts choking; what do you do?

18. You are getting ready to give the baby a bath when you smell smoke; what is the first thing you do?

19. You and the baby have been playing when you notice that she starts rubbing her eyes and crying. What do you think that means, and how do you respond?

20. The baby just had a blowout in his diaper. Explain how you handle it.

Interview Tips

1. Call the references your babysitter gives you.

Ask them questions like:

  • How well do you know the sitter?
  • Has he/she worked for you specifically as a babysitter? If not, what was his/her role?
  • Is he/she punctual?
  • Is he/she dependable?
  • How did he/she handle a difficult situation while caring for your child?
  • Would you hire him/her again?
  • What three words would you use to describe him/her?

2. Check out the person on social media.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and other social media sites are great ways to find out if the persona your babysitter is portraying to you is the one they portray to everyone else. Google is also a handy tool to find out the inside scoop on your prospective babysitter.

3. Discuss your expectations.
Do you expect your babysitter to perform household tasks (folding laundry, doing dishes and taking care of light housework) while working for you? Do you have a strict eat & sleep schedule you want the sitter to follow? If so, communicate that during your interview. Having crystal-clear expectations will help you both as you gauge whether this is a match.

4. Request a trial run while you're home. 
Schedule a time for the babysitter to watch your baby while you're home. You can evaluate how the babysitter interacts with your baby, if they use common sense, how their diaper-changing and feeding skills are and their general demeanor and confidence with babies. It will also help you determine if your baby responds well to the sitter.

—Sarah Blight

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3 Family Road Trip Hacks Every Family Needs

By Marissa Goldstein

Photo: Marissa Goldstein Rafi Nova

This past April, my family took our first post-pandemic trip. We packed our two sets of twins (ages five and three), laptops, bag-o-cords, luggage, bikes, scooters, double-stroller, and a kid-sized port-a-potty into our minivan and drove from Boston to Orlando and back. We drove, and drove, and drove. We spent more than 46 hours in the car covering 13 states. We had so much fun in those 2800 miles that I’m already planning a 4-week road trip to the West Coast for the summer. 

Traveling is our passion and our business. We lived in Vietnam for two years. While we were there, we traveled to 20 countries with our first set of twins strapped to our back. Those trips inspired us to create our family-focused travel accessory brand Rafi Nova and our first product: a carry-all bag built for life-with-kids that moms actually want to wear long after the bottles and diapers phase. 

After traveling thousands of miles with four kids, there are 3 simple hacks that keep my husband and me sane and our kiddos happy. They fall into 3 buckets: Packing, Planning, & Being Present.

Hack #1: PACKING: Prepare to be unprepared.

Want to enjoy the everyday adventure more? Prepare but don’t over-prepare. If you over-prepare (especially with young children), you’ll spend hours packing but only use a fraction of it while you spend hours reorganizing it. Pack the essentials, and leave the rest. Let’s unpack (ha!) this happy medium:

What to Pack:

  • Pack for 4 days max—no matter the length of the trip.

  • Use a laundry bag to store dirty clothes, and plan to do laundry every 3-4 days. Less packing means less organizing, and kids LOVE laundromats! 

  • Pack diapers and wipes for 5 days. Restock along the way.

  • Pack a small extra bag with 2 days worth of clothing for roadside emergencies and late-night check-ins.

  • One packing cube per person (except, of course, Mom—she gets as many as she wants). 

  • Pack all shoes together in their own bag.

  • Pack all toiletries and first aid items together in their own bag.  

  • Store snacks and drinks in a car cooler. Separating snacks like goldfish, popcorn, and granola bars into ziplock bags makes them easy grab-and-go options. Pouch yogurts, apple sauce, and cheese sticks are other favorites (kept in the cooler filled with ice-packed Ziplocks).

Hack #2: PLANNING: Less is more.

  • Have a destination planned out (in our case—Disney) but make the trip about the journey rather than the destination. REMEMBER THAT PART. Just like life, it’s about the journey, not just the destination.

  • Think about places and stops you want to make along the way but leave time to be spontaneous. We planned two stops; our alma mater, the University of Maryland, and Charleston for some southern charm. All other visits were spur of the moment. In Charleston, we heard that Amelia Island was the place to go—so we spent two nights there instead of Hilton Head. In Richmond, we stumbled upon the best park ever and spent a day playing with the kids. In DC, we happened upon the Presidential motorcade, stopped and showed the kids Civil War history in Fredericksburg, VA, and in Georgia, we stopped at a peach farm after seeing a sign for it.

  • A road trip with kids is far more enjoyable if you stay flexible and go with the flow. Your family will be miserable if you try it any other way.

Hack #3: BE PRESENT: Embrace the chaos. 

We’re often planning for the future or analyzing and complaining about the past. Staying present and enjoying the journey will make all the difference on your trip. However, it can be hard to practice when your smartphone is also competing for your attention. So first, know what does not work for your family. For us, strict and busy schedules, extended seated meals (no surprise), and long walks (instead we use those stroller, bikes, and scooters) never, ever work. So what did work for us?

Keeping expectations low, a flexible schedule, and adapting to our kids’ needs and interests. 

We prioritized:

  • Being good partners. We give each other “time off.” One of us takes the kids outside while the other gets time for themselves, even if it’s only 15 minutes. This is a game-changer and keeps us both a lot happier.

  • Reminding each other to put down our phones and engage the kids (trust me—not all the time, but not infrequently either).

  • Bringing the stroller everywhere. This allows the kids to be buckled in and us to exercise our bodies and minds.

Our family motto is life is chaotic—and it works for us. Life cannot be scripted, and things will not always go as planned. We embrace the chaos and explore the new opportunities it presents to us. We’ve discovered so many amazing surprises by being open to adventure. 

In a nutshell, prepare to be unprepared, be curious, and embrace each day as it unfolds (amazing things will come of it)! The present is really all there is, and it’s where little kids hang out and thrive! See how much our little ones taught us in 20 days? 

RELATED:
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Insider’s Guide to the Best Family Trips for Every Age & Stage

Marissa Goldstein is a mama to two sets of twins, blogger behind @TwinsonthegoX2, & Founder of Rafi Nova (www.rafinova.com), a sustainable fashion brand that unites parents through thoughtful and ethically made bags and accessories. Marissa, her husband, and their 4 kids under 4, split their time between Boston and Vietnam.
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When They Only Want Mommy: A How-To Guide to Reclaiming Your Space

By Cara Maclean

As a new mom, it can be flattering when your children only want you. No matter if it’s a scratched knee, a bedtime story, or that special way you put on their socks, kids gravitate toward Mom. It can make you feel loved, needed, and (after a while) like you can’t be away for more than a moment. Actually, not even a moment. They find you fast.

Children don’t mean to insult your partner by refusing assistance, and they don’t consciously intend to monopolize all your time. (Even though they often do both.) They simply seek comfort. At all times. And they are used to you.

 

What’s the best way to share parenting responsibilities?

There may not be an official best way that applies to all situations. There may be places where you want to be the go-to parent, and others you want to share. Even though your partner might already want to share in the duties, you might find you need to be the one to initiate communication. Often dads aren’t even aware of a problem unless we communicate our needs.

If you’re like most moms, the bulk of child interaction defaults to you. Plus, we sometimes overlook our need for space and time to ourselves. If we do recognize the need, we either feel guilty or dread the logistical challenges involved. (If you think, “What would I do anyway?” It’s is a clear sign that you need time to connect with yourself.) Remember, you are a better parent when you have time to recharge your own battery. If you’re in a spot where you want your partner to share the love AND have your kids running to both of you, try these three steps.

 

Step One: Communicate Your Needs

The first step is shining light on the issue. There’s a chance your spouse doesn’t even realize that you’re not in maternal bliss with your kids hanging on you 24/7. After all, that’s what moms do, right? You might need to let him know that you want a more balanced distribution of hang time (so to speak). Approach this conversation by recognizing the benefit of both parents and different parenting styles (even though hopefully you’ve discussed and decided on your overall parenting approach already). When you frame the conversation in terms of a win-win for everyone, especially the kids, you might get even more buy-in. Even if the issue deals more with your child’s behavior, having a conversation with your partner is always the place to start.

 

Step Two: Create Bonding Moments

No matter how upset your children get when you’re away, encourage your partner to develop his own way of playing and dealing with tough situations. Hopefully, there are already games and things that your partner and kids do together. You want them to be comfortable with each other when there’s not a crisis. That’s the place to start. Then, practice with the ‘crisis’ moments. If your child bursts into tears when you leave the room, have your partner come up with a game, story, or distraction to lessen that reaction and develop a stronger relationship. If you are the eternal boo-boo fixer, then let your husband craft his signature way of dealing with scraps and bruises. (And this could mean giving him the first aid kit and saying you really need to go to the bathroom, like, right now. Whatever works.)  Creating time when your kids play with your partner (especially if it doesn’t happen automatically) helps them develop a stronger relationship that will continue to grow as everyone matures. Sometimes you might be able to be home for these shenanigans, and sometimes you may need to physically remove yourself from their space.

 

Step Three: Remove Thyself

If you are always available, then your children will always want you. It’s good for you and your children to have some time away from each other. This cannot be overstated: It is good for you AND your kids to have time away from each other. Set a regular ‘mom’s out of the house’ time where your partner takes over. It doesn’t matter what you do with this time, but make sure you honor it. Keep to the schedule to give them time to grow and work out their own system. It’s ok for it to be awkward, for the kids to cry, and for your husband to find his own way of parenting without texting you constantly. That’s necessary for everyone’s comfort level. Note: Be wary of controlling what happens when your partner takes over. The benefit of different parenting styles is accurate, and even though it won’t be like you do it – whatever “it” is – everyone will be happier and healthier. And if the house is destroyed when you come home (thus, feeling like more work for you), revisit Step One and continue the conversation.

These three simple steps have endless variations and may need to be revisited as your relationships develop, your children mature, and your needs evolve. Don’t be afraid to have awkward conversations, speak up for what you need, and persist through any uncomfortable behavior from your child, spouse, or yourself. Changing up the expected dynamic is bound to push buttons and bring up emotion. Rest assured that when you can be away without crisis, you’ll be happier and your family will thrive no matter who’s got the snacks.

 

Cara Maclean, Wellness Coach & Writer, works with moms to undo what keeps them exhausted. We cultivate the calm, joyful energy needed to handle any challenge with humor and grace. Author of Just the Way It Is: A Look at Gifted/2e Families, Spring 2022, GHF Press. Learn more at CaraMaclean.com

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26 Cheat Sheets Every Pregnant & New Mom Needs

by Sarah Blight
Partner Content

It might feel like you have nine long months to figure out what you need to know about pregnancy and raising a tiny human, but trust us, your delivery date will come faster than you think. This is the time to speed-learn some of the answers to common new-mom problems that will inevitably pop up. Here are 26 helpful infographics and guides for new parents that cover everything from feeding to finally mastering that baby wrap. Scroll down to see them all.

Pregnancy Nutrition Guide

You might not know which types of fish are high in mercury. Or maybe you don't remember if you can eat cheese or not—it's okay if it's pasteurized, right? It's easy to forget exactly what foods are best for expecting moms. This handy graphic will fill you in quickly.

Partner

Finding the Right Bottle for Baby

It's important to find a bottle that just right for your baby. The First Feed Bottle from Tomee Tippee is a great choice because the unique extra-slow flow nipple was designed with newborns and premature babies in mind. The milk flows at a slower rate, which allows for easier first feeds, and the bottle is designed with a natural feel, an “easy latch” nipple and a venting valve, so your baby won’t take in as much air as a regular nipple. It even comes with a Breast Milk Storage Pot, so pumping moms can express milk and feed their little one in a flash.

Making Sure Baby Is Drinking Enough

This clear guide helps you determine that baby is getting enough breastmilk or formula as well as how to balance liquids with solid foods.

Pregnancy Weight Chart

Wondering how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy? Check out this chart that gives weight averages by BMI and tells you where all those new pounds are coming from.

Baby Weight Chart

Keep track of how big baby is during pregnancy with this handy chart that offers helpful visuals for each week, starting at week four.

Pumping 101

If you're pumping, it's important to know how to safely store breastmilk. Keep this cheat sheet on your fridge so you remember the rules.

Milk Supply Hacks

On that note, if you're planning on pumping when going back to work, use these tricks and tips to keep up your breastmilk supply.

Rx for Nursing Moms

What medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding? Check out this list, and be sure to ask your health provider before taking anything.

Baby Habits Month by Month

Wondering what typical sleep, feeding and playtimes look like for babies? Check out this graphic for baby details by month, from newborn to the first birthday.

 

Poop Happens

You've been baptized into the parenting world of bodily fluids, but what does it all mean? Unravel the mystery of baby poop with this insightful graphic.

 

Baby Bathing How-To

There are always questions when it comes to bathtime: How often? What products do you need? How can you keep baby safe? When it's time to give baby a bath, take a peek at these useful tips to make cleaning your little one safe and fun.

Recognize Those Hunger Cries

Trying to understand the signals your baby sends you may be easier said than done. This feeding cues chart will give you visuals to help explain what your baby might be trying to tell you.

 

Master Swaddling

In the hospital, nurses will hand you your baby as a perfectly swaddled burrito, but how do you replicate that magical cuteness at home? Here's a visual how-to.

Nail Baby's Sleep Outfit

The age-old dilemma: How should I dress baby for bedtime? What's appropriate at different temperatures? This guide offers handy tips that promote safe and comfortable sleep. 

 

Dressing Baby for the Weather

It's handy to know whether your baby is dressed warm enough for cold weather, and this cute visual will help you out!

Pack the Ultimate Diaper Bag

Having a checklist to use when packing and repacking your diaper bag is clutch! Check out this cool list, which has all sorts of great suggestions about what you might want to have on hand at all times. 

Up Your Baby Photography Game

A baby is born, and the family paparazzi descends like no other. How does one get those super cute, Instagram-sensation style newborn photos? This newborn photography guide can help you out.

Milestones to Photograph

You now know how to get those cute staged shots, and you have basic ideas on effective ways to make your photos look super professional. Next, consult this list of milestones for those sweet moments you won't ever want to forget.

Be a Wrap Star

You're super excited about the baby wrap you received for your shower, but you have no idea how on earth to tie it! Don't worry, here are six ways to wrap your baby.

Babywearing Positions

You've figured out the baby wrap, but what's the best position for your baby to be in while using other types of carriers? The visual above from Baby Wearing International will help.

Review CPR Steps

Getting certified in baby CPR is a helpful skill for new parents and caretakers. Also handy is this chart, which you can keep as a reference on the fridge, for family as well as babysitters.

 

First Aid Reference Guide

Like CPR training, a first aid class is critical with a new, tiny human around the house. Use the infographic above to review when needed.

Fever Guide

It can be hard to know when a baby's fever is worth a trip to the doctor. Use this infographic guide to help you figure out when not to worry and when to call your pediatrician.

First Baby Foods

Here's a cheat sheet on foods to try when your baby starts solids. This valuable graphic reveals which foods are beneficial (and tasty!) for baby, and it also shows what foods are good as your baby grows into a toddler and beyond. 

Get More Sleep

Every parents' biggest question is "How can I help my baby sleep?" You can find sleep training tips here that are worth their weight in gold.

Teething Tips

Oh, the dreaded teething phase that seems to last forever. Use this teething chart to add some levity to your toothy ordeal.

featured photo: Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash 

—Sarah Blight

RELATED STORIES:

11 Major First Year Milestones & When to Expect Them

Advice to New Moms from Moms Who’ve Been There

Real Talk: 8 New-Mom Milestones to Look Forward to (Or Not)

 

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The #1 Safety Tip All Parents Should Know

By Ken Swearengen

As a first responder, I’ve come across my fair share of heartbreaking scenes: people losing homes to fires, teenage suicides, messy car accidents, and elderly patients who have had to go to the hospital alone because of COVID restrictions. As a father I count myself lucky I haven’t had to come across any pediatric patients yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.

As an Emergency Medical Technician in training, we learn to prepare for the worst, and that includes treating children whose lives are in danger. So when any of my friends ask for first time parenting advice, I always tell them the same thing:

The best thing you can do as a new parent is to take an infant and child first aid and CPR course.

My wife and I took one offered by the local community college once before my daughter was born and again right before my son was born. We were fortunate enough with my daughter to never need the skills that we learned, but my son was another story.

As a tactile child, he very much liked to explore his world by putting everything and anything in his mouth. He’s also one of those kids who likes to chipmunk food in their cheeks while they play.

First, it was a piece of leaf. Then it was part of a cracker, a chunk of chicken, a crispy piece of kale, and—just a few weeks ago—a piece of half-chewed sandwich.

Every time our first aid training kicked in. Five quick back slaps and the food came right out. And if that didn’t work, I knew exactly what I’d need to do next—five abdominal thrusts—to keep my son breathing and safe. 911 is a wonderful invention of modern civilization but when minutes count the best thing you can rely on is being prepared for the worst.

If you’re in the US, the American Red Cross and American Heart Association (AHA) both offer Infant and Child First Aid and CPR classes in just about every town and sometimes even online. They can generally be completed in about 6-to-8 hours.

You can find Red Cross classes here and AHA classes here.

As a parent, you already know how wonderful—and stressful—kids can be. Take the time to reduce some of that stress by learning how to help save them from their wonderfully curious selves.

By day I'm a father of two wonderful young kids as well as a software developer with a regular mid-life crisis. By night I'm a volunteer firefighter and EMT-in-training. As a former philosopher I'm particularly passionate about helping others lead a happy and healthy life through self-reflection.

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What Your First-Time Babysitter Needs to Know

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

You’ve done your research, interviewed babysitters and cross-checked their references. But entrusting a new sitter with your sweet baby can still be an emotional task. Preparing a detailed list of information and going over it with your sitter before you head out the door empowers your babysitter—and will help ease your jitters about handing off your babe to a stranger. Here’s the 411 on the most important info to share with your sitter.

The Basics

Joshua Rodriguez via Unsplash

Leaving your phone number is a given. Providing the address and phone number of the location you plan to be at is also helpful, in case your phone dies or you're away from it. You should also make sure that your home address (and cross streets) are prominently displayed on your list, in case your sitter needs them. This list is also a good place to note relatives' names and phone numbers, the number for Poison Control (800-222-1222) and your family doctor. If you have a landline, make sure the sitter knows that number in case his/her phone dies. 

Health & Wellness

Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

If your child requires daily medications, label each clearly along with a checklist of the dosages and times to give each one. In fact, preparing syringes for your babysitter guarantees that your child will receive the proper dosage. Setting alarms can help, as well, for timely administrations. Also, inform your sitter when to contact you during a medical event (such as in the case of vomiting, a minor injury or a mild fever) and when they should contact your child's physician or 911. Consider leaving your insurance information in case of emergency and also a list of your child's medical conditions. 

Your Baby's Routine

Life is Fantastic via Unsplash

Structure and routine create a sense of predictability and calmness for children, especially babies. Making sure your babysitter knows the ins and outs of your daily routine will help make a new face a little less scary. Leave a detailed schedule that includes mealtimes, naptimes, bedtimes and what the routine might look like for each: Does your infant have a preferred baby bottle? Do you sing a specific song before putting them in bed? Which direction do they face in the crib? Do they get a book and bath before bedtime?

The Lay of the Land

Bantersnaps via Unsplash

Your home is new territory for your babysitter, so give a quick tour before you leave. Make sure they know where all the essentials are: diapers, clothes, special toys, bottles, teethers, cleaning products and any other items they might need during their time in your home. You should also let them know where to find emergency items, like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and flashlights (in the event of a power outage). Even if you've shown your sitter these things, leave a list of where to find them should they forget once you've left. Your sitter will also appreciate tips on how to use remote controls for the family TV and any other appliances with quirky controls. If you have house rules, like no shoes in the baby's room, make them aware of these as well. 

Keep It Simple

Glenn Carstens Peters via Unsplash

When preparing your written instructions, keep it simple. You will be handing your new sitter a wealth of information, so checklists, numbered or bulleted lists and short, clear sentences will make the information easier to read and follow. Not sure how to organize your info? There are some great templates you can use to organize your notes for the sitter, like these or these. 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured image: iStock

RELATED STORIES:

How to Interview a Babysitter: Must-Ask Questions & Interview Tips

First Aid for Babies: 8 Quick Tips to Keep Kids Safe

New Indoor Playtime Toys & Activities for Toddlers

 

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