A Mother's Haven

Are you using sunscreen on your baby? There are so many different options out there and frankly some of them might be doing more harm than good! The EWG has published their Suncreen Guide  giving customers tips on what sunscreens are the safest for themselves and baby. Before you go outside, EWG suggests the following: 1. Wear clothes. Shirts, hats, shorts and pants shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays, reducing risk by 27%. 2. Plan around the sun. Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. 3. Find shade – or make it. Picnic under a tree or take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade, reducing the risk of multiple burns by 30%. 4. Don’t get burned. Red, sore, blistered skin means you’ve gotten far too much sun. 5. Sunglasses are essential. Not just a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation. 6. Check UV Index The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activ...

Prenatal Yoga provides a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere where you can enhance the bonding process with your baby while supporting the development and strengthening of your body, mind, and spirit during pregnancy and after pregnancy. The yoga exercises and postures, deep breathing techniques, and mantras greatly impact the quality of your pregnancy and birth experience as well as the many changes your body and emotions go through after the baby arrives. This class ends with an extra-long relaxation period. This class is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other pregnant women who can relate with you as you experience the miracle of the life growing within you and the transition of becoming a mother. The benefits of a regular prenatal yoga practice will provide you with the healthiest and most peaceful pregnancy possible. Prenatal yoga practice can also help ease morning sickness, alleviate edema, and prevent varicose veins. The benefits of a regular postnatal  yog...

Ah the joys of pregnancy! You're glowing, your belly's growing... and with that, sometimes you develop back problems. Lucky for you there are now a number of support products to ease discomfort and let you progress with ease and style. As your belly grows, you may find it uncomfortable and difficult to move with this sudden new weight. The Upsie Belly by Belly Bandit provides immediate relief, making it easier to increase your range of motion and daily activity throughout your pregnancy. Featuring revolutionary SecureStretch materials that mold to your body with just the right amount of tension. This allows for strong support and a stable fit while the exclusive soft-front closure allows you to move freely, without digging or discomfort. Because your baby bump is all the matters, Upsie Belly is created from ultra soft bamboo made from viscose materials. Instantly relieves pregnancy discomforts: - Minimizes stretch marks - Adds back and abdominal support - Helps rel...

Nurturing your toddler's self-esteem is essential to boosting his self-worth and laying the foundation for your child's development as he tries things on his own. Self-esteem is believed to come from having a sense of belonging, believing that we're capable, and knowing our contributions are valued and worthwhile. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child develops pride and self-respect — in himself and in his cultural roots — as well as faith in his ability to handle any life's challenges - whether social or educational. Here are ten simple strategies to help boost your child's self-esteem: Give unconditional love. A child's self-worth blossoms with the kind of no-strings-attached devotion that says, "I love you, no matter who you are or what you do." So go ahead and lavish your child with love. Give him/her plenty of cuddles, kisses, and pats on the shoulder. And don't forget to tell him/her how much you love them. Discipline with l...

The Belly Bandit wrap is designed exclusively with a woman's post pregnancy body in mind. The seamless creation hugs your body for a comfy inconspicuous fit under most garments. The smooth, tagless design and latex free materials won't irritate most skins. Among many of its benefits, you'll find that the Belly bandit : - Provides a Slimmer Look Instantly - Helps lose inches faster - Reduces Discomfort - Supports Back & Legs - Adds Support While Breastfeeding - Improves Posture HELPFUL HINTS FOR SIZING YOUR BELLY BANDIT     SIZES BAND SIZE FITS BELLY SIZE X-SMALL 28"-32" /71 cm-83cm SMALL 33-37"/ 84cm-95cm MEDIUM 38"-43" / 96cm-111cm LARGE 44"-49"/ 112cm-126cm X-LARGE 50"-57"/ 127cm-126cm Due to the size and shape variations in women's bodies, it may be tricky to size yourself for a Belly Bandit. Correct sizing is essential for comfort and product effectiveness. Buying a B...

Little travelers need a surprising amount of stuff! Here are some tips and a checklist of items that can help alleviate stress while traveling. - Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to take, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them. - Use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap. - Be prepared for leaky diapers and baby spit-up on the airplane: Tuck an extra outfit or two for your baby – and an extra shirt for you – into your carry-on bag. - Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in resealable plastic bags. - Pack each of your baby's outfits in its own zipped plastic bag so you don't have to hunt around for tiny socks, shirts, and so on. - Take your camera, battery charger, and an extra memory card. - Take a clip-on reading light so you can read without disturbing your baby. - Take the phone number for your baby's health care provider in case you have questions whil...

I was pretty clueless when my daughter was born. In 2000 I had never heard of tummy time or Baby Einstein. I followed my instincts and spent my time with her holding her, singing to her, talking to her, lying on the floor with her, going for walks and of course nursing her and changing a lot of diapers! I even managed to give her a bath every so often. When teaching newborn care classes many parents ask me what to do with a baby all day (and night) long. The obvious basic care of feeding, diapering, bathing and dressing are clear to them but what else? Here are some ways to interact with your newborn: – hold her – massage her daily  Touch is the most important sense in newborns. The more a baby is touched or held, the more it lowers her stress, promotes healthy weight gain, enhances her immune system and lowers her heart rate. – do tummy time  Tummy time has many benefits including strengthening the back and neck muscles, which will help her learn t...