I mean, let’s face it. There are going to be times when you aren’t around your baby. Whether you have to work, run some quick errands, or just get some time to yourself. Your baby is going to have to learn how to take a bottle eventually, and it honestly doesn’t have to be a struggle. There are a few things that once you understand, can prepare you to make the switch from breast to bottle back to breast easier.

Why Babies Sometimes Prefer Bottle to Breast

Understanding the reasons behind the preference can help you better reverse it. Bottles are not the enemy here, as some may have it seem. Going from bottle to breastfeeding or vice versus, can give a momma some much needed relief. When handled correctly. 

First it’s important to understand that when baby refuses breast but takes bottle it does not have to mean you will be pumping for the rest of your breastfeeding journey. Or that you will have to end it all together.  

Bottles are just easier, period. And that’s for everyone involved. Mother gets a break and baby often doesn’t have to work as hard to get milk. Which is what can cause a bottle preference. Three tips to curve a bottle preference: 

1. If you can, purchase bottles that are shaped similar to a breast. This will ensure that your baby still has to open their mouth (and activate the same muscles) they would when breastfeeding. 

2. The slower the flow the better. Breastmilk does not just freely flow out of the breast. Your baby has to actively work to get milk. This includes sucking, squeezing your breast, adjusting their head, among other things. When the nipple flow on the bottle is too fast babies can get used to a faster flow and then end up getting frustrated when they are reintroduced to breastfeeding. 

3. Hold the baby as upright as comfortable for them when they use a bottle. Almost as if they are sitting straight up in your arms. It’s okay to have a little lean, but the point is to have the bottle working against gravity not with it. Again, mimicking breastfeeding in the flow of the milk. 

How to Reintroduce Breastfeeding After a Period of Bottle Feeding 

If it’s been a while since you’ve put baby to breast and you’re worried about your supply, or maybe missing that bonding that comes with breastfeeding, don’t worry. I know you may be wondering  how to breastfeed a bottle fed baby or even how to get baby back to breast, I’m here to tell you it’s doable. With a little bit of consistency and some tips you can be back to breastfeeding in no time. 

Start by Switching to a Slower Flow Nipple

As I mentioned above in my tips, a slower flow on the nipple is going to be key when going back to breastfeeding after bottle feeding. Having a slower flow nipple will more closely match that of your breast, decreasing the likelihood of frustration for your baby during feedings. 

Avoid Using a Pacifier During the Transition Back to Breast

When switching from bottle to breast it is important to avoid a pacifier if you can. Artificial nipples can cause a lot of confusion especially since the way a baby sucks / uses them is completely different from when they are at the breast. Additionally, if baby uses your breast as a pacifier it will help build and maintain your milk supply more effectively. Remember breastfeeding based on supply and demand. The more baby demands, the more the body supplies. Putting baby to breast as much as possible can also prevent mastitis. So take advantage of every opportunity to put baby to breast, if you can.  

Offer the Breast First Thing in the Morning (Not the Bottle)

If your baby seems lazy on the breast after a bottle try breastfeeding first thing in the morning. After sleeping for a longer stretch your baby will be very hungry, use that to your advantage. Offering your breast when they are hungrier could make them want to work harder for the milk. Also, mornings are when milk supply is most abundant, and your breasts are probably fuller. This will give your baby instant gratification at the breast. As an added bonus, if you have a teething baby they will be less likely to bite while nursing if latched while still sleepy. 

Nurse Baby Skin to Skin

The transition from bottle to breast can be hard for the both of you, so utilizing every option you have is vital. Skin to skin not only promotes milk production, because it stimulates the milk hormones prolactin and oxytocin. It also strengthens the bond between you and your baby. Creating calm moments just for the two of you can help when reintroducing breastfeeding after a bottle.  

Nurse in a Distraction-Free Zone

We all get distracted, right. That includes babies. And throw in something that isn’t giving the instant gratification we’re used to and anything is going to be better than trying to figure things out. Making time to nurse in a calm, quiet and even dark room to alleviate distractions will help your baby focus on the goal at hand. Breastfeeding! Remember calm and steady wins the race. 

Try nursing in a calm, quiet space whenever possible to avoid distractions. If baby consistently fails to empty the breast, it could result in engorgement or mastitis. 

Breastfeed When Baby Is Sleepy (There Will Be Less Resistance)

Sucking is a natural born reflex, something babies can do in their sleep. When your baby is in a light sleep try bringing them skin to skin next to a full breast and see if they latch. You can also try holding your baby for their entire nap and nurse at the earliest hunger cues. Sometimes initiating the let-down (using hand massages to get milk release) before putting baby to breast helps as well. This gives an instant reward, similar to the bottle. 

Consistency Is Key!

I know trying to figure out how to breastfeed again after stopping can be frustrating. But it is important to remember your why. Even if you aren’t getting much success. Just like it took time for baby to get adjusted to the bottle, it is going to take time for them to get back adjusted to breastfeeding. It will definitely take some patience and perseverance, but it is not impossible. 

Common Issues & Questions When Baby Refuses the Breast After Bottle Feeding

If your baby is not taking breast after a bottle and you are wanting to reintroduce breastfeeding rest assured it can be done. Returning to breastfeeding after bottle using the tips and tricks mentioned above will definitely make it easier. If you’ve tried and still have concerns, here are a few of the most common issues and some advice from a breastfeeding momma of five. 

Can I reintroduce breastfeeding after exclusively pumping? 

Yes you most certainly can. It would actually probably help your milk supply too. Our breasts are stimulated to produce not only how much milk baby drinks but also on their saliva. 

When going from exclusively pumping to breastfeeding, start to omit pumping sessions with feeding sessions. The goal here is to slowly get rid of the pump. No, I don’t mean throw it out. I know how much those things cost. And plus, you can still pump for days when you’ll be out more or may be want to use your breastmilk for some of its amazing uses. 

 What I am saying is, the more you put baby to breast, the more likely you will have success with switching to breastfeeding from exclusively pumping. Remember supply and demand. 

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

This can happen if baby associates breastfeeding with something negative. Maybe baby has spent hours crying at the breast frustrated due to an inability to latch correctly. Or maybe they’ve had their face slammed into the breast one too many times by a well meaning consultant trying to “help” teach your baby to latch. 

I remember with my second born the lactation consultant grabbed her by the back of her neck and very forcibly put her face to my breast. I was so upset, I took my baby off of my breast and gently guided her to it. While she was well meaning, that lactation consultant could have caused issues for me later on had I not corrected that in the moment. 

The best way to fix this? Take a break. I know it sounds counter productive, but hear me out. Your baby currently associates breastfeeding with something negative. Continuing to force them will only exacerbate that. And increase your frustrations. 

Give yourself some grace and take a break. A few more days of bottle feeding is not going to be the end of your breastfeeding journey. Come back relaxed and ready to give it a go again. You and baby will thank you for it. 

How do I get my baby to like the breast over a bottle?

While ultimately this comes down to perseverance and consistency, there are a few things you can do to boost their love for the breast over the bottle. First, try different positions. The football hold, cradle hold or even the side hold. Try as many as you can until you find one that works for you and baby. Being held by mommy in a comfy position all snuggled up will definitely help win them over to the breast. 

Try nipple shields. These are usually pretty inexpensive and can help baby with any nipple confusions. Easy to attach to your breast, you can have baby breastfeeding in minutes. Made of silicon they feel and taste similar to the nipple of a bottle these may make the transition easier. Expressing some milk in the end may help peek your babies interest. 

Make sure to also rule out a nursing strike. Nursing strikes are when baby flat out refuses to breastfeed or only feeds for short periods. These can be causes by ear infections (they make it comfortable to suck), infant acid reflux, too fast (or too slow)  of a let down, breastfeeding in a not so calm environment, or pain due to injury or surgery. 

Your Mental Health Is Important!

Finally, do your best, but remember not to stress. One of the best things about babies is how adaptable they are. While these things can take time, and eventually some babies get it, do not let breastfeeding take over your life. If you are determined to breastfeed after bottle, even if your baby is as stubborn as my fourth child, keep on pushing. But if you notice you are starting to feel shame or guilt around this transition, remember that fed is best. And sometimes that can look like putting your mental health first and pivoting from the original game plan. Whatever the outcome, you got this momma!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Reintroducing Breastfeeding After Bottle [It Is Doable!] appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

So while this may still be somewhat of a foreign concept to me, the more I read about it, the more I want to learn all the ways I can help fill my child’s love tank. 

Learning your child’s love language can help you make informed decisions when parenting them. Speaking to your child’s love language can ensure your child knows without a shadow of a doubt that they are loved. 

If you have a child under five it may be hard to determine their love language. Check out this toddler love language quiz for a starting point. Keep in mind that yes, It’s good to know your child’s primary love language, but practicing ALL five of them is a most powerful expression of love for any child.  

The 5 Love Languages of Children

When you think of love languages, remember that we all express love and experience it in different ways. The common thought on this is that there are five love languages. Within these five we each have a primary one. How we express love to others is ultimately how we wish to experience it.  

While they can be described in a number of ways, the love languages list boils down to this; 

1. Physical Touch
2. Gifts
3. Words of Affirmation
4. Acts of Service
5. Quality Time

So when it comes to your child, think of how they may be showing you affection. This will be a telltale sign of how they wish to be loved.  

It’s important to remember that each child is going to crave attention and affection differently. Finding out which means the most to your individual child can help not only create a strong bond with your child but even ward off unwanted behaviors. 

One of the easiest ways to find out your child’s love language is to take a love language quiz for kids. You can take it for them or if they are old enough have them answer the questions themselves. 

1. Service

Known as acts of service, a child who appreciates thoughtful gestures fails into this love language. Things like helping them tie their shoes, or carrying their book bag to the car without them asking really speak to them. 

How to Tell?

Most kids are going to appreciate you bringing them a gift or going the extra mile to do something, so how do you know if this love language is how your child seeks love? When a child asks you to fix a bicycle or help put their pants on, he or she does not merely want to get a task done; this is their cry for love and attention. 

Having a child whose primary love language is acts of service may seem daunting. I mean, are you required to do every task they request of you for fear of them growing up feeling unloved? Thankfully not.

If your child’s primary love language is acts of service, this does not mean that you have to jump at every request. Instead, try to be sensitive to the requests. Remember that your response may either help fill their love tank or slowly empty it. Each request calls for a thoughtful, loving response.

2. Gifts

While most children love getting gifts, a child whose primary love language is gifts will be happy with even the smallest tokens that represent your love. 

How to Tell?

These are the children who go out of their way to give you gifts. Think of the time you went on a walk and they handed you a flower they had just picked. Or when they spent hours decorating a card for your birthday. For these children, the time, thought and effort of the gift are what truly matters. More than the actual present itself. 

3. Affirmation

With so many different expressions of love, it can be hard to get them all straight. When a child’s love language is words of affirmation what that means is speaking encouraging and endearment and affection to them. This can look like giving them praise for completing a task. Tell them how much you love them. Or even telling them much you enjoy when they draw, sing or color. Be mindful that besides giving words of affirmation, the tone of voice, gentleness of the mood and sense of caring all communicate emotional warmth and love to your child. 

How to Tell?

As powerful affirming words would be for this child, harsh, criticizing words will have an equally negative effect. The same will be true when they are yelled or screamed at. Words are very powerful for anyone, but especially for a child who thrives off of them. 

4. Time

I think in life, we have so many things battling for our time. From our jobs to our children. And it can seem like such a struggle having to choose. But for parents of a child who feel loved by the time a person gives them, the victor of this never ending battle has already been chosen. 

Quality time is more than just being in the same room as your child. It’s focused attention. It involves giving a child your undivided attention, even if for just short periods at a time. 

How to Tell?

Children who speak quality time as a love language crave their parents’ undivided attention. They need you to be fully present in order for their emotional love tank to be filled! This can look like always asking you to play with them. Watch as they do some silly trick or ask to help you with things. It’s more about being in the moment with you than anything else. 

A great time to fill this portion of a child’s love tank is right before bed. Spend some time asking them how their day was. What were some of their favorite parts of the day or if they had anything they’d like to change about it. Reading a book is another great way to spend quality time with your child. 

5. Touch

We’ve all felt a warm embrace from someone and instantly knew we were loved. Or maybe you’ve had a reassuring pat on your shoulder that was just what you needed. Physical touch means more than hugs or kisses. Pats on the back, holding hands, high fives or even an arm around the shoulder are all great ways to show affection for a child with this love language. 

How to Tell?

While all children need physical contact with their parents throughout their lives, even when it’s not their primary love language. For children who do have this as their primary love language, physical touch communicates love to them more deeply than any other love language can.

Creative Ways to Fill Your Child’s Love Tank According to Their Love Language

It’s great knowing what love language best makes them happy and feel valued, but knowing is not just enough. Now you have to speak your child’s love language. Once you’ve determined your child’s love language there are things you can do to help fill their love tanks in a special way. 

Think of writing them love notes everyday for the month of February if they resonate with words of affirmation. Or maybe quality time is really their jam, in which case teaching them how to tidy up around the house could serve as a win for the both of you! 

There are so many ways you can get creative and help your child feel loved, seen and valued. Some of which may even surprise you! 

If Your Child’s Language Is Service

Acts of service may seem a little daunting, at first glance it seems as if you are going to be sending the rest of your days in servitude to your child. But I can guarantee that is far from the truth. When thinking of ways to express love to your child, refrain from looking at it as if it’s a chore. Instead make it fun! 

Is it bedtime? Instead of telling them to go to bed, carry them. Once you get to their room, make a game out of tucking them in! Dinner or any meal time can be another opportunity, cooking their favorite meal, making a creative “animal” with their food, or even blending their favorite fruits into a smoothie and bringing it to them. 

Other ways to demonstrate acts of service for you child include: 

• Finishing a chore for them 
• Doing a surprise room makeover 
• Making their bed for them one day 
• Fix (or replace) a broken toy 
• Breakfast in bed 
• Picking them up from school early one day 
• Got a reader? Buy that next book in the series they’re reading. 

If Your Child’s Language Is Gifts

It’s important to remember the gift is less important here. Thinking of them, knowing who they are and what they would like, means the most for a child whose love language is receiving gifts. For example, for my daughter’s eighth birthday we surprised her with an American Girl Birthday Party. Complete with her own American Girl Doll, that she got to name, dress and even pick accessories for.

And while I am absolutely sure she loved the party, what really mattered to her was that I remembered how much she wanted an American Girl Doll. I mean, this was something she had been talking about for almost a year at that point. Every chance she could, she’d mention how cute they were and how she would love to have one. By throwing her that party, I told her not only do I listen to you, but I think about you and I love you. 

Receiving gifts can look like: 

• Creating a photo album or book about them and some special moments you’ve shared
• Hand picking flowers for that nature lover 
• Writing your child a song or poem and then giving it to them 
• Creating a photo album or scrapbook all about how special they are
• Picking up something at the store to add to their collection of…(rocks, cars, trading cards etc)
• Hanging a special photo of you and them 
• Buying small toys / gifts “just because” 

If Your Child’s Language Is Affirmation

The love language words of affirmation is closest to my heart because it is one of the ways I feel most loved. Words mean a big deal to a child who’s love tank is filled by affirmations, which means while we as parents must be conscious about telling them how much we love them. We also need to be mindful when we discipline them. 

With that being said, there are traditions, especially for valentines day, you can implement that will surely fill their emotional tanks. 

• Start a love journal with them. The two of you can write letters and love notes back and forth
• Give compliments randomly throughout the day. Things like, “I love being with you. I love being your Mom.”
• Be loud in singing their praises for their efforts and achievements
• When a mistake is made, acknowledging their good intentions, creativity, efforts, or determination
• Painting rocks with encouraging sayings to give to them 
• Writing love notes in their lunches

If Your Child’s Language Is Time

When it comes to quality time, it’s less about what the child does and more about who they do it with. This particular child is going to want your undivided attention. And while that may not always be possible, here are a few ways to make it happen: 

• One on one dates – try to do this one a month or even once a week if you can 
• Be present and have open and honest conversations 
• Reading a book to them before bed 
• Finding ways to have special moments with just them (I brush my teeth with my four year old each night before bed. Just him and I)
• If you have multiple children, try having scattered bed times so you can have a few minutes alone with each child
• Showing up for class performances, presentations or shows
• Find a shared hobby (My oldest and I put puzzles together every Friday). 

If Your Child’s Language Is Touch

There are so many ways to express love through touch, and they go beyond simply giving hugs and kisses. Think of epic tickle fights, wrestling matches, or even something as simple as having your child sit on your lap as you read to them. 

When your kiddo’s love language is touch other ways to demonstrate it can include: 

• Holding hands as you walk through the store 
• High fives after they’ve completed their homework 
• Creating an at home spa and giving each other facials 
• Piggyback rides on the way to check the mail 
• Create a secret handshake just for the two of you 

Conclusion

Identifying your child’s love language is a key part of nurturing their emotional development. But as mentioned in the first half of this post, showing love in all five ways is best. And don’t be surprised if the way your child craves love changes. As we grow our needs change along with our mental development. What that means is a child who once loved hugs and kisses may be less interested in all that mushy stuff and just want to spend some one on one time with you. Do what you can to be mindful of how you child shows love as they grow. This continued connection will help foster a strong relationship as they grow, even if their need for affection changes. 

The post How to Use Your Child’s Love Language to Fill Their Tank appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

It’s almost here, one of the best months of the entire year. If you’re into all things love and happiness like I am, then these Valentine’s Day ideas for kids will be right up your alley. 

Growing up as a Jehovah Witness we didn’t celebrate many holidays, so making Valentine’s Day special for kids is something I love to do. It fills my heart with so much joy watching their faces light up as we do crafts together or they read why their momma loves them so much! I’m sure there’s an extra little push somewhere in there to make up for the things I missed out on. But who’s actually keeping track?

Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas

Creating crafts with my kids is always loads of fun. Sike. Who am I kidding? I can’t stand it. My perfectionism kits in and I end up overwhelmed and overstimulated from the “mess.” But since I’m a momma, I suffer through it anyway. That is until I found some valentine crafts for kids that are actually fun. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still messes to be made, but at least you can enjoy the mess and actually make some good memories.  

For these arts and crafts to do with kids on Valentine’s Day grab some hot cocoa with the little marshmallows, let go of the need for everything to be perfect, and enjoy your kids. I’m speaking mostly to myself here, however feel free to heed the above advice as well. I know it’s easier said than done, though. 

1.  Paper Heart Mobile or Garland

Setting aside the millions of pieces of construction paper you may have laying around afterwards, this craft is on the cleaner side. Grab any color (or multiple) of construction paper you’d like, string (fishing lure if you’d like it to be invisible), tape (double sided if you’re fancy) and scissors. 

The best part about this, hearts come in so many different sizes and shapes that embracing the inevitability of our kids creating misshapen hearts will actually make this craft better! Bring on the creativity and even cut inside some of the hearts to make “heart frames”. The number of hearts you create will depend on how long you want your garland to be. 

After the hearts have been cut out, lay out the string on a flat surface. Place each heart along the string, making the spacing between them as close to even as possible. No biggie if it isn’t though. Since this will be hanging no one will notice. Once everything has been laid out, tape the hearts on, hang, ignore the lopsided hearts, construction paper that somehow made it into your child’s hair and enjoy! 

2.  Heart-Shaped Crayon Wreath

Okay, so I think you’ll like this one for sure. No construction paper or cutting involved at all. Already off to a good start, right! To make this craft, you can purchase a heart shaped wreath or use cardstock and create your own. Once you have your base (the wreath) grab the crayons. Get creative and make a pattern using only red, pink and white or use every color and make it a rainbow heart. Either way you can’t go wrong. You are going to glue the crayons onto the base. Again here you can’t really go wrong. I’d recommend gluing them all in one direction but rotating might look just as cool. To make this easier, a hot glue gun would work well, but super glue is also an option. 

3.  Painted “You Rock” Valentines Rocks

A huge fan of painting rocks, my oldest absolutely loves this. With there being several ways to go about it, the level of mess here is really up to you. There are kits you can purchase that come with the perfect rocks, paint, and even gemstones. If you are more on the adventurous side ( and by this I mean you have the patience to do so), go outside and find some rocks. The smoother the easier they are to paint. Pro Tip: The closer to a body of water you find them the smoother they will be. Rock paint (and markers) can be found at your local craft store too. Once you have all the supplies, lay out some trash bags, put on some smocks and let the kids go at it. These typically take a few hours to dry. 

4.  Homemade Valentines Box

No matter what you plan to use it for, we give our kids “love letters” the entire month of February so making DIY valentine boxes work out perfect for us. Or if you child needs one for school, this is a fun craft that can easily take on a life of its own. From something simple to a box that is more involved and has tons of details the possibilities and mess level, are endless here. Pro Tip: Take some of the work off your own hands and buy a premade box so you only need to decorate it. 

5.  Painted Noodle Necklaces

If you’re an adult, you’ve probably made a noodle necklace at least once in your life. And if not, then now is as good of a time as ever. Supplies outside of noodles of course, include paint, string, and any additional decorations you think your child may like. This can include gems, beads, different shapes, really anything. Pro Tip:  Keep in mind that when it comes to making a necklace, the bigger the noodle the easier it is to string. Especially for small hands, so rigatoni is a good choice here. This one can get kind of messy, but putting down trash bags (or brown paper bags) or some type of protectant on the floor will make that less likely. And don’t forget paint smocks. 

6.  Button & Bead Picture Frame

Another classic from my childhood and I know I’m dating myself here. Here me out, while this is probably one of the messier ones, and ultimately will need more patience, it is also one of the sweetest. I mean, what grandparent doesn’t want to display a picture of their grandchild in the picture frame made by said grandchild. 

For this, head to your local craft store and get an array of buttons, beads, and other small accessories. Varying the sizes and color of each will make this even more fun. While you’re at it, go ahead and mentally prepare yourself to be finding beads for weeks to come. In some of the strangest places too. 

For the actual frame you can choose paper or wood. I suggest laying out the pattern or design the beads and buttons will be in before gluing anything down. That way, if anything needs to be adjusted or moved you can do so easily. Once your child has everything laid out just how they’d like, start gluing. A hot glue gun or super glue could work for either frame choice above. 

Valentine Gift Ideas For Kids

When it comes to valentine goodies for kids my first thought is always candy. Chocolate actually. And while there isn’t anything wrong with giving chocolate or any other candy, if you’re looking for some none treat based alternatives, check out the list below:

7. The Gift of Time

One thing we can never get back is our time. It is something that is so precious but often taken for granted. Gift your child the gift of some special one on one time for valentine’s day. Maybe you guys head out on a date, or have a movie night right in your living room. Whatever it is, remember it’s not the activity as much as it is the experience. So worry less about making it fun, and focus solely on loving on them, and speaking their love language. 

8. “All About You” Gift Baskets

Who knows your child better than you? No one right! So making them an all about you gift basket is the perfect way to show this. Get a few of their favorite things, things they’ve been asking for, and even some things that remind you of them and put them in a basket. Nothing says I love you more than a personalized basket full of gifts picked out specifically for someone. And guess what, since no child is involved in making this, the possibility of a mess is very low. 

9. Fancy Family Photoshoot

Valentine Photoshoots are so much fun! And they don’t have to be in a studio either. Get creative and have fun in the process. This year we took ours to Target. It was so much fun playing around in their Valentine decor while making memories with the kids. 

10. Friendship Bracelet Kit 

My daughter loves anything that involves a bracelet and I’m a huge fan of the variety this craft offers. You can make bracelets that need no other supplies beside string, add some beads if you’re in the mood to be picking them up for the next few weeks, or go for less on the accessories, which means less of a mess, while still delivering a big bang. Finally, you can also purchase some pre-made ones and make everyone’s life easier. 

11. Hot Cocoa Bombs

These are newer, well at least to me, and definitely something I want to try and make. From reading different recipes it doesn’t seem too hard. Now with me being about as good at baking as I am at keeping plants alive (which has been an absolute disaster) I am not at all about to pretend I can walk you through making these. Instead check out this recipe here. 

Kid-Friendly Valentine Decoration Inspiration 

Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be any fun without valentine decorations for kids. It’s a way to really get the kids excited for the day. But also, who doesn’t love pops of red and pink all over their home. One way to make Valentine’s Day special for kids is to even decorate their rooms. Most of these decorations can be used in multiple places. 

12. Foam Heart Walls

Easy and quick with a huge impact, foam hearts are an easy way to decorate any wall. They come in a variety of sizes too! Bonus for the easy set up and clean up. Add an extra dose of love and write affirmations on a few of  them. 

13. Deck the Doors with Hearts

This is one of my favorite Valentines traditions. Every year for the entire month of February we put heart shaped loved notes on our kids doors. Then in the morning they get to read their new note. You may think it would be hard to come up with 28 new things to love about your child every day, and sometimes I struggle. When I’m having trouble I do a quick Google search of different ways to tell your child you love them. 

14. DIY Posters

What’s cuter than a homemade poster to hang in your room from your mom? Easy to assemble, especially if you have a cricut, create an entire poster dedicated to how amazing and special your child is!  Another great option is to create something on Canva and have it printed somewhere. 

15. Candy-Filled Mason Jars

I know, I know, I mentioned earlier I would refrain from anything candy related, but how could you blame me. Anything that involves a mason jar is basically mandatory. You can line your fireplace, add some to your entryway table, or use the jars as part of your Valentine tablescape. Use red and pink colored candies like M&M’s, gumballs, or any other candies that are the right colors. Use a Valentine Day themed cupcake wrapper secured with some twine to make it extra cute. 

16. Melted Crayon Heart Art

So first, as I’m sure you don’t already own one of these, you are going to need a heart shaped silicone baking tray. You will be happy to know, this is on the lower end of mess. Literally just taking crayons, removing the paper wrapping and putting them into the baking dish. From there let them melt in the oven for 15 – 20 minutes at 250 degrees. Talk about easy. Oh, don’t forget to break the crayons (if you’re lucky enough to even have whole crayons in your home). But don’t be like me and feel bad for it. I don’t know why but for some reason I always feel like I’m about to get in trouble for breaking crayons. And no, do not ask how often I’m breaking crayons. 

17. Heart Doilies Tablescape 

I have found memories of paper doilies from my childhood. So a tablescape made with heart shaped doilies holds a special place in my heart. Decorate your table in a variety of ways with paper doilies and don’t be afraid to add other things. Such as those melted crayon hearts I mentioned earlier. 

Valentine’s Day Meal Ideas

Of course Valentine’s means a special meal. Making some fun valentine’s day recipes for the kids will definitely make them feel loved. No matter if you are making valentine treats for little kids or Valentine day lunches for your school aged kids, they are sure to love it. 

18. Heart Pretzels

Here’s another chance to use that baking mold you just got! If you haven’t tried baked pancakes, it’s a thing. An amazing thing at that. But if you’re more of a stovetop person, you can still create heart shaped pancakes. Actually, you have options. Choose from a cookie cutter or a pan that has hearts already molded into it. 

19. Pink Milk

Add natural red food coloring to your favorite milk for a fun Valentine day drink. Or even use it for a bowl of cereal for some extra giggles. 

20. Heart-Shaped Fruit Salad

Grab the heart shaped cookie cutters and have some fun! Watermelon and strawberries are perfect fruit for cutting into hearts. Add some cherries, blueberries and a little pineapple for some texture and pops of color. 

21. Love-Themed Waffle Bar for Breakfast

The words waffle and bar literally give me so much joy. Grab all your favorite toppings, your waffle maker, whip up some batter and call everyone down for breakfast. It’s that simple! Fruits, chocolate, preserves, whatever you can imagine. Don’t forget the powdered sugar, syrup and honey. Warning you now, this will result in lots of mess but also lots of laughs. 

22. Chocolate Fondue Fountain 

Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a fondue fountain in their kitchen as a kid! And the best part, there is literally nothing that doesn’t taste good covered in chocolate. Pretzels, fruit, bacon, crackers, there are so many options here. 

23. Mini Heart Donuts 

Hack: make homemade donuts from a can of biscuits in your airfryer for even more love. One of my favorite recipes takes less than 20 minutes. 

Pop up your biscuits (I prefer the plain ones) and start creating your donuts. You an use a cookie cutter, scissors or your hands to get the shape you want. Next combine cinnamon, sugar and melted butter together. Once its blended together well, cover your donuts and add them to the airfryer. Cook for 7-9 minutes and boom! Yummy at home donuts. 

24. Heart-y Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is a level of comfort food that screams the person who made this loves you. Cut the bread into hearts before cooking for some extra pizazz. 

Meaningful Valentine Projects for Kids

Looking for some valentine ideas for children that will have more meaning behind it? Because yes, being showered with love is great, but we are raising emotionally healthy humans who can also shower others with love. 

25. Handmade Cards for Your Children’s Classmates

Taking time to create their own valentine cards will not only spark their creativity but also help teach some good lessons. Valentine card ideas for kids can go one of two ways. Super messy and not so messy. So depending on your level of commitment will dictate that. 

26. A Random Act of Kindness

Something I believe we all should do way more often, showing a stranger a random act of kindness is the perfect way to show love on Valentines day. Something like picking up the tab for the person behind you in a drive thru, having your child help a neighbor bring in their groceries or even helping a younger sibling with their homework are some examples. 

27.  Paper Airplane Love Notes for Family

I know us moms like the idea of non-candy Valentines every once and awhile. Especially with the amount of candy Valentine can bring home. Well this paper airplane doubles as “the toy” and the Valentine in one! 

28. Decorate Sugar Cookies for a Neighbor

Let’s face it, we all love Sugar Cookies. Plus they are one of the easier cookies to bake, which means less mess. No I haven’t forgotten about that. Don’t’ forget to decorate them with sprinkles and icing in red and pink to spread the love.

29. Serve at a Homeless Shelter

Something many may not think of, volunteering at a homeless shelter can be meaningful in a number of ways. Not only will it remind our children to be grateful for what they have, but it can also help install some important values. Things like being kind to others no matter their circumstances. Or the realization that one decision could lead them to something similar. 

30. Bake & Deliver Brownies to Local Fire Station

Such a sweet gesture. Be mind of any allergies and opt to make them nut free. You may also need to check with your local station prior to baking. I know a lot of protocols have changed over the years.

Conclusion

So mama whether you were looking for craft, treats, or activities I hope these fun, easy and unique Valentine’s Day Ideas for kids helped you a ton. And I am hoping even more that it helps you create some special moments with your kids. As messy, or not so much, as you’d like them to be.

The post 30 Ideas to Make Valentine’s Day Special for Kids appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

As a breastfeeding momma, there’ve been plenty of nights where I searched the internet with questions about engorgement vs mastitis. Especially as a new mom to my first baby. So if you have stumbled across this post from doing the same, I want to start by saying yes, breastfeeding is hard. Yes, your breasts are made to do this but that does not take away the stress, frustration, or feelings of devastation that can come with it. And if you are struggling in any way with your breastfeeding journey, please know you are not alone. 

With that being said, I hope this post can help inform and empower you through your journey in Motherhood. 

What Is Engorgement?

To put it as simple as I can, engorgement is when your breasts get too full of milk. During the first few days after birth this is completely normal as your body figures out how often baby needs to fed and how much baby will eat. During the first few days / weeks your milk flow may be all over the place until your supply is established. It’s especially easy to see how one could confuse the two. However telling the difference between engorgement vs mastitis comes down to the symptoms, causes and even treatment.

Causes of Engorged Breasts

As I mentioned above, the weeks after birth your body is doing a lot of adjusting, as are you and baby. Babies are not born knowing how to breastfeed properly. Some may catch on pretty quickly while others struggle in the beginning. Even when your newborn has caught on to breastfeeding there may still be some days that go better than others.Especially during the beginning. This fluctuation in production can cause engorged breasts. 

Other reasons you may get engorged would be to baby not emptying the breast during a feed. Additionally if your baby misses a feeding. Like perhaps they slept through the night for the first time. Or baby’s eating habits have changed, maybe eating less or more due to teething or a growth spurt. 

Signs & Symptoms of Engorged Breasts

If you’re wondering, can engorgement cause pain? The answer to that would be an astounding yes. Breasts can get so full that they are hard, swollen and very painful. If they are severely engorged your breast will become hard, shiny, warm and lumpy. As for your nipples, engorged nipples feel like a lumpy painful mess as well. Often becoming flat and tight. Which, for anyone wondering, feels completely different from if baby bites your nipple while nursing.

What Is Mastitis? 

Mastitis is an inflammation/infection within the breast tissue. Most common in breastfeeding women, but mastitis can also affect non – breastfeeding women and men. Mastitis can be very painful and if left untreated will create large amounts of puss around the breast tissue. This may result in a surgical procedure being needed to remove the abscess. 

Causes of Mastitis

Depending on what you read, you can find quite a few different causes of mastitis. But ultimately mastitis is a result of bacteria found on the skin and saliva making its way to the breast tissue through a milk duct or crack in the skin. This typically happens from a blocked milk duct in a lactating woman. Being under a lot of stress (which new mom isn’t?) places moms at an increased risk of mastitis. As does having a low iron count. 

Signs & Symptoms of Mastitis

The signs and symptoms of mastitis are often very similar to a blocked milk duct. Only affecting one breast, sometimes a red wedge-shaped mark will develop. I’ve personally experienced red streaking radiating from the affected breast. I also experienced flu-like symptoms such as body aches, a fever and was extremely fatigued. Other symptoms of mastitis can include: 

• Overall feeling of unwellness.
• Nipple discharge, nausea, headaches and chills
• Nausea
• Headaches 
• And chills. 

Breast Engorgement vs Mastitis: How to Tell the Difference 

I’ve been in the same painful position you are, so I know there’s probably one BIG question on your mind: how do I know if I have engorgement or mastitis? As a mom who was once new to breastfeeding I can understand the confusion when it comes to knowing the difference between mastitis and engorgement. Confused as to whether you need antibiotics or a hot towel to soothe the soreness in your breast, because as we all know the quicker we can get the right treatment the better.  

But knowing what to look for can help alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress and potentially stop mastitis from developing. Since prolonged engorgement can lead to a clogged milk duct which ultimately causes mastitis, getting treatment quickly is critual. 

First know the signs of mastitis vs engorgement. While engorgement is painful and can cause a lot of discomfort, it typically does not come on overnight nor does it have flu like symptoms similar to the ones I listed above.

Additionally a hot towel, increased feedings and a breast massage will soon soothe  engorged breasts vs mastitis most likely will require a doctor’s visit. 

Does Engorgement Lead to Mastitis?

While one or two occurrences of engorgement is no cause for worry, such as what is typically within the first few days after birth. If your baby is not emptying your breast well for a prolonged period, getting some assistance from a location consultant may be necessary. I say this because prolonged engorged breast can lead to a blocked milk duct and then potentially mastitis. So the quicker we can get baby draining the breast the better for everyone. 

What’s the Difference Between Engorgement and a Clogged Duct?

One of the more common complaints for breastfeeding mommas is a blocked milk duct. Often the cause of prolonged engorgement, a blocked milk duct feels like a hard lump or wedge within the breast. It can move locations as baby feeds, and the pain can be mild to moderate. Decreasing after feeding. Unlike mastitis, a blocked milk duct is not warm to the touch or show any signs of redness in the affected area. Additionally symptoms of a blocked duct gradually appear and may include: 

• Breast discomfort centralized to one spot. 
• Decreased milk being produced during pumping.
• Stringy or fatty looking lumps in expressed milk.

Does Mastitis Make Your Breast Hard?

Mastitis while breastfeeding can be super frustrating and cause some extreme pain. Accompanied by tenderness of the breast, mastitis causes a lump in the breast tissue. This lump or wedge will be hard and painful. And in some cases it can even be hot and swollen. While engorgement does not cause your breast to get hard this is yet another difference of engorgement vs mastitis.

How I Recovered from Mastitis  

I’ve breastfed five children over the course of 11 years at the writing of this post. In this time I have dealt with mastitis three times. Once with my second child and twice with my last. As I’ve mentioned above the symptoms literally happened over night. I went to sleep with a hard lump in my breast, thinking it was a clogged milk duct. I massaged it with a warm towel before bed. Not getting any relief I decided I would try to pump in between feedings in the morning. 

However, by the time morning came that lump had turned into so much more. It hit me like a ton of bricks each time. I was extremely tired, had a really bad headache and couldn’t breastfeed my child without being in a lot of pain. The first time I ever dealt with mastitis I had no idea what to do. But by the third time I was prepared and got over it without a trip to the doctor. 

What worked for me when treating my mastitis

The name of the game is to try and keep your breast as empty as you can. The fuller your breast gets, the more pain you are in. At least that is what  happened to me. So outside of feeding my son more often than I typically would, I also tried to pump in between nursing. Nothing major, I just tried to make sure I pumped for at least 5 -8 minutes on each breast each time. 

Massaging my breast really seemed to help. What worked best was taking a hot shower before the massage. Pointing the shower head directly on my breast I would massage the lump in a downward motion while the hot water ran down my breast. Once I finished in the shower, using a warm towel I continued to massage my breast for as long as I could tolerate it. Massage can be done manually or with a wide toothed comb. Using oil, HPA Lanolin or soap can help the comb glide smoothly.

Staying hydrated, getting lots of rest and eating well also helped a ton. Each time I experienced mastitis, how long it lasted varied. The first time being a little over a week with me having to get antibiotics from my doctor. While this last time was maybe two days with no appointments or medications needed. 

Tips to Prevent Both Engorgement and Mastitis

Outside of the engorgement most new moms face directly after birth, other reasons you could be experiencing it are baby starting to sleep longer stretches, baby transitioning to solids and not feeding as often or reintroducing breastfeeding after bottle. Which can undoubtedly come with its own sets of challenges. 

And while most of these situations are out of your control, there are ways to prevent engorgement and mastitis during these times. In the beginning when you and baby are just learning how to latch, feed, and empty the breast properly, your body is also learning how much milk it needs to produce. One way to prevent engorgement directly after birth is to make sure to  initiate feeding in a timely manner. So at the first sign of hunger cues, if possible. I personally like to have a timer/alarm. Feeding my newborns every 2-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 at night. 

Seeking help with positioning and latch during feeding is another way to prevent engorgement. Lactations consultants typically work in hospitals and are available 24/7 if assistance is needed. If you’re having a home birth your midwife can offer advice and assistance in the days following your birth as well. Most make home visits! 

Finally, having a well fitted, loose bra does wonders. I can’t tell you how uncomfortable I was with my first trying to figure out breastfeeding and dealing with a wired nursing bra. I hated it! Later on I also learned that tighter fitting bras (or bras that put pressure on the breast) can cause engorged breasts or a clogged milk duct. Yet another reason to grab some super soft and super comfy nursing bras that allow for easy unrestricted nursing. 

Conclusion

Most of the preventative measures I listed above can work just as well for mastitis, engorgement or a clogged duct.  However, wherever you find yourself on your breastfeeding journey, dealing with mastitis vs engorgement or even a clogged milk duct, remember to: 

• Rest when baby rest 
• Nurse from the affected breast first 
• Moist heat, such as a warm washcloth, and massage before and after feeding will help decrease pain 
• Same as above (moist heat and massage) during a nursing session to help drain any blockage in the ducts
• Pumping in between feeds if possible 
• Cold compresses after nursing to help with swelling 
• And pain medications / anti-inflammatory meds can help too (consult your doctor first) 

Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, but that does not mean there aren’t pros and cons to it. There are days where your patience will be tested, you’ll long for control of your body back and you’ll definitely wish you could sleep like your S.O. sleeps for just once. All in all though, once this journey has come to an end you’ll hopefully look back fondly and be proud of the sacrifices you made. And enjoy the amazing bond you’ve created with your little one. 

The post How to Tell the Difference Between Engorgement vs Mastitis appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Moments and experiences are what we hold on to. Stuff can only make someone happy for so long. Soon after receiving a gift, it’s long forgotten. Instead of giving things that may end up broken or lost, gift experience based presents for Christmas to make lasting memories with those you hold closest. 

What Exactly Is an Experience Gift?

 If you are a minimalist then this will be right up your alley. 

Sometimes also called experiential gifting, presenting an experience based gift instead of a physical one is a way to give more than just material things.

Instead of spending hours running from store to story on Black Friday looking for the perfect gift. People are prioritizing memories over things and it’s a wonderful thing to witness in person. 

Why Gift Experiences This Christmas Instead of Traditional Presents? 

Experiences in many ways are priceless, as they help shape who we are as individuals and give us broader perspectives in life.

Creating memorable experiences that’ll allow you to live life to the fullest is what life is about. So many people regret not experiencing more in life, as opposed to not buying more. 

Moving away from buying more things creates potential for memories that can bring you and those you love closer. 

What are the best experience gifts? I’ve put together a list of some of our favorites as well as some I have on my bucket list. After doing tons of research on this I’ve seen some amazing ideas and can’t wait to share them. So let’s jump right in. 

Best Christmas Gift Experiences for Kids

Depending on the age of your child, what’s considered the “best” can differ drastically. With that in mind this list will have a variety of fun experiences for Christmas gifts for all ages. There will be some experience gifts perfect for toddlers, some best for school age, teenagers and of course a few for all ages. 

1. Day Trip to the Children’s Museum 

Children’s Museums are great family activity christmas gifts. Good for all ages, you are sure to have some fun and a little bit of learning too. Children’s museums often have tons to do the weeks before and after Christmas, so this is a perfect opportunity to make the most out of this gift. 

2. A Crafts Subscription Box 

The gift that keeps on giving. Subscription boxes are the perfect experience gift because you’ll get something new each month to create. Bring back the same joy and excitement as when they opened their first box. Make it even more special by creating with your kiddo. 

3. Night at the Theater

Did you know you can rent out the movie theaters now? I bet you also didn’t know you can bring your own gaming console and hook it up to the screen. Talk about playing in HD! Could you imagine the look on any kid’s face when they walk into the theater and realize it’s been rented out just for them.

4. Zoo Trip

Animals make everything fun so a trip to the zoo is always a good time. Plus this is a great gift that can quickly turn into a family tradition for parents and baby. Even more so during Christmas since most zoos have so much to offer. Things like Christmas with the animals, one on one with animal trainers and other special experiences. Pro tip, get a membership and you can get even more great perks. 

5. Adventure of Their Choice 

I’ve seen this done a few ways. From granting your child a “Yes” day where you aren’t allowed to say no. No matter how outrageous the idea. To ask them what the best day ever would look like to them and making it happen. Whatever path you decide to take, this is one of those unique gift experiences they’ll never forget. 

6. Theme Park Vacation 

Theme parks never go out of style and there is always something for everyone. From toddlers to teenagers, the variety of rides and activities at any given theme park are sure to please your whole family. 

Wondering how to go about giving this experience? I’m always down for a surprise, so I’d say pack the kiddos in the car and don’t tell them where you are going until you arrive. 

7. A Day Getting All Dolled Up with the Girls 

What princess wouldn’t love this. Especially if, like my daughter, they spend most of their days being the only girl in a house full of her brothers. 

Invite all her friends over, lay out the pretend make up and dress up clothes and let them have at it. Don’t forget tons of snacks, all the best movies, and a no boys allowed policy to really bring this gift to life! 

8. Special Lunch with a Family Member 

Planning a special lunch with their favorite person adds a little extra touch that is sure to make them smile. Ask the family member to go the extra mile, if they’re able. Then have your baby get all dressed up as if going on a date and make sure they are picked up in style. 

9. One-on-One Time with Mom and Dad 

Think of something special that particular child would love to do or let them decide. Heck, you don’t even have to leave the house. Carving out time to sit and watch a movie together or chat about what’s been going on in their life can be just as special. 

10. Visit to the Rock Climbing Wall or Trampoline Park 

Places like Fearless, SkyZone or any others kill two birds with one stone. Get all that energy out AND make some great memories with you and your babies. Don’t be afraid to climb up that wall or jump with them. 

11. “Coupon” to Summer Camp 

This is a cute idea that can be delivered in a few ways. A homemade coupon book with lots of options including one for summer camp. Or maybe you put together a box of things your child would need for a summer camp. These could be put into their own individual envelopes and decorated. Then the final envelope could have a flyer about a summer camp. 

12. Scavenger Hunt 

One of my favorites and a great Christmas morning tradition. Take the borning out of the present opening by creating a scavenger hunt for the presents. Or maybe a hunt filled with clues to the location you plan to take them to, or a scavenger hunt outside that ends in a big prize. There are so many possibilities and all of them are sure to be loads of fun. 

13. BFF Sleepover

Have you seen those cute sleepovers that involve tents for everyone and all the cute robes / coordinated gifts? Man I wish there was something similar when I was a kid. It looks like so much fun and I am sure any kid would have a blast. 

Experience Gifts for Mom or Dad

This has to be in my favorite top 10 experience gifts of all time. And it’s not because I’m a mom. Well maybe a little, lol. 

14. A Day Off

As a mother we all know how valuable a day off can be. But have you ever thought of giving dad one too. Funny thing, my husband and I just discussed this the other day. As much as he tries to make sure I have self care time and alone time it truly never dawned on me that he needed the same. So this is a great gift for either mom or dad. Or maybe grandparents can give both of you a break! 

15. Spa Day

If you’re scratching your head looking for a Christmas experience gift for mom, look no further. Just the thought of a relaxing massage, a nice foot rub and a facial has me so excited. Get a gift certificate to a spa close to you or find someone to come to your home. You could make it even more special and try to do all these things on your own. 

16. Golf Trip 

If you live near a golf course this is an exciting experience to give. Most even have golf clubs you can rent. Not really into golfing, you don’t have to be. With places like Top Golf they’ve made it way more fun! 

17. Romantic Dinner at Home Cooked by You

Set the mood with some candles and soft music playing in the background. Dinner at home can be better than going out to a restaurant. Make sure to still get dressed up as if you were heading out to add to the experience. Pro tip, if you aren’t that great of a cook, have something delivered and plate it. 

18. Book a Ride in a Hot Rod 

Old school cars are so much fun. Not only is it cool to learn the history behind that particular vehicle but most owners have some amazing stories to tell about how they obtained their cars. And you’d be surprised how many are willing to rent out or chauffeur people around. 

19. Night at the Hotel 

There’s nothing like spending the night in a hotel, leaving all your worries behind. Having someone else be responsible for cleaning up, making the bed and even breakfast. If this isn’t the perfect Christmas gift for any mom or day, I don’t know what is. 

20. Gear to Use with Their Favorite Hobby 

Maybe she wants to learn to sew or he would love to take care of the yard more. Even if you can’t get them everything they would need, investing even a little could be the start to something amazing. 

21. Food Tour

Perfect for any foodie on your list, or anyone really. I mean who doesn’t like eating. And if it means the kids are left at home, any parent is going to be down! 

Buy gift cards to a few different restaurants around town so they can do so at their leisure. Or spend the day taking them from restaurant to restaurant trying all the yummy goodies! Depending on if they are an introvert or extrovert I’m sure this is one gift that is sure to be appreciated. 

22. Dinner Cruise 

A great way to experience all the amazing food a city has to offer. Send them on a dinner cruise in a different city or even an exotic location. With tons of options in almost every major destination across the globe, this is sure to be a sweet journey no matter where you go.  Averaging around 2-4 hours this is definitely something you’d want to do with someone. 

23. Game Night with the Whole Family

Twister, Monopoly, Scrabble, throw in some charades and it’s bound to be a great time! Not in to board games or want to switch it up, Nintendo Switch offers tons of multiplayer games like Mario Party or Super Smash Bros. Oh, I can’t forget to mention the newest game that is all over TikTok at the moment, What do you meme! 

24. Be Their Housekeeper for a Day 

For those that have no time to clean their own homes or could use some help, a clean home could be the perfect gift. They may not consider paying for a cleaner themselves, but gifting them that service could be greatly appreciated!

The best part about this is there are so many ways to make this happen. You can do the cleaning yourself. Or you can hire companies such as Molly Maid to give a helping hand. Keep in mind that a lot of maid services do not do dishes or laundry. But services like SudShare can help with some of that. 

25. Pottery Lesson 

This is one of the few Christmas gift experiences I wish someone would give me. I’m tired of getting lopsided cups and bowls from my kids. I’d love to make my own hot mess bowl that can’t hold anything more than the keys and a few paperclips, lol. No, seriously I love my kids and all the wonderful things they make for me. 

Find a local pottery and grab that gift certificate. This is a unique gift that could potentially turn into a new found hobby! 

26. Hunting Excursion with Dad

For the dads that love guns, hunting and all things outdoors gifting him a weekend away in the woods would make his day. Consider getting  him a cabin supplied with all the food and supplies he’d need. Surprise him with all his guy friends and try not to call him for the first few hours, lol. 

27. Day Out with the Grandkids

Active grandparents are God’s gift to parents. Especially when they love their grandkids as much (if not more than) they love their own. This one can be considered a gift for all parties involved. Mom and dad get a break and grandparents get to make some memories while enjoying their grandbabies. 

Christmas Gift Experiences for Couples

If you’re a part of the couple or you happen to know a few, these gift experiences for Christmas should both bring on the romance and make magical memories. 

Make each numbered idea an H3 and provide brief (2-3 sentences) of discussion for each:

28. All Expense Paid For Date Night 

Whether gifting for your person or a couple you know, no one ever said no to a date night. Grab tickets to the movies, find a special restaurant (maybe one that has some significance), and end the night with a stroll through the park eating dessert. 

29. Fancy Picnic Setup 

 A picnic in the park or even your own backyard can be the perfect experience for couples. It’s such a romantic and fun way to spend a few hours together. Pack some of your favorites, some drinks, don’t forget the treats.  And enjoy some peaceful time outside together. 

30. Book a Couples Massage 

It doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, old, young, healthy or unhealthy,everyone loves a massage. Add in experiencing it with your partner and make it even better. 

31. Guided Tour of Little Known Spots in their City 

Have a couple who loves to travel on your list. No matter how long they’ve lived in their city, there are bound to be places or things they’ve never experienced. Book a tour of the city’s most historic spots, some of the best tea shops or bookstores. An Art District would be another great spot to take a closer look at, as those areas are often ever changing with new installations, pop up shops and more. 

32. Fun Couples Photo Shoot 

Who doesn’t want some adorable images of them with their loved ones. It really doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a few nice photos that they can have for themselves. Who knows, they may end up using them for a save the date one day! 

33. Romantic Wine Tour

A weekend away tasting delicious wines from different vineyards could be the perfect gift for any wine connoisseur couple. Make sure to check if the vineyard has Christmas gift vouchers for couples. 

34. Sushi-Making Class 

62% of Americans love sushi so if you have a sushi lover on your list this is perfect for them. Let them immerse themselves in this Japanese cuisine for the day. 

35. Fondue Night 

For the cheese or chocolate lover on your list, a Fondue Night would be perfect. Not limited to fruit, dip meat, cheese, marshmallows or whatever else you can think of in your Fondue. 

36. Weekend Campsite Rental

Outdoorsy couples are sure to love this. Camping or even glamping for the weekend can be an adventurous way to get some rest and relaxation. With so many options, from renting cabins or paying for campsites, to trying out tiny homes or even decked out tents, RV’s and school buses.

37. Horse & Carriage Ride 

Not just a valentine’s date idea, horse and carriage rides can be just as beautiful during the winter months. Snow topped buildings surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights is the perfect backdrop for a romantic Christmas gift. 

38. Murder Mystery Dinner Show 

For any Law and Order, First 48 or other crime shows, a murder mystery dinner is sure to be up their alley. Some shows even allow audience participation. Which means, whomever you gift this to could very well end up being the criminal! 

39. Itinerary for a Natural Trail Hike 

Getting to enjoy the outdoors, exploring new places and having time together, yes please! Add in a picnic basket filled with goodies to turn this up a notch. 

Ideas for Everyone Else on Your Christmas List (Him, Her, Families & Coworkers)

This next set of experiences as Christmas gifts are perfect for anyone. No matter how you know them or what they’re into, there is sure to be something for everyone. 

40. A Cooking Class

If your friend or someone you know is a foodie, this would be the perfect gift. Even better that most can now be found online! They can learn chocolate making, cake decorating, bread making, vegan cheese making, fermenting or how to cook a specific meal all from the comfort of their own home.

41. Fishing Day with a Friend 

If you have a friend who loves fishing, this is the perfect Christmas gift experience for him. There’s no better way to reel in the best present then when he snags that Big Mouth Bass to hang on his wall! 

42. Tickets to Their Favorite Sports Team Event 

Nothing compares to seeing a live game of your favorite sport. If you have a huge sports fan on your list, consider gifting them tickets to the next local game. 

43. A Painting Class 

Have you heard of the painting classes where you can paint, have yummy appetizers, and sip on champagne? I’ve been to a few and they are SO much fun. This is great for someone who may not know how to paint freehand but still wants to give painting a try. 

44. Online Course That Teaches a Skill

With so many different courses / classes offered online —like the dance lessons, DJing, learning a new language to voice lessons for those that want to try their hand at music. 

45. Paintball Excursion 

Think of a Nerf Gun war but for adults! Paintbull is the best way for the recipient to practice their camouflaging skills while simultaneously working on their aim. 

46. Bowling Gift Certificate

No matter your level of expertise, bowling is fun for everyone. Most bowling alleys have arcades and great bar food, so you’ll still have a blast. Don’t forget your socks!

47. Escape Room Night 

This is such a great experience to gift. Escape Rooms have been gaining in popularity for a long time now. And they can be so much fun with a group of friends. With an array of different options, this is a gift that anyone on your list can enjoy.

48. Orchestra Tickets 

From classical music to hip hop, tickets to the orchestra can intrigue anyone. The genre of music that you can find being played by your local theater are endless. 

49. Zoo Membership 

Know an animal lover? Most annual zoo memberships end up paying for themselves in the first trip or two. Plus they often come with extra perks like special member only days and discounts. 

50. Concert Tickets

Got a music lover on your list? Tickets to their favorite artist’s next concert will surely make them smile. Add a band tee for some extra fun. 

51. Gift Card for Ice Skating 

Ice skating is a great gift for any age. Children love it and adults can live out their childhood dreams of being a figure skater like Jill Trenary. Oh, was that just me, lol. Regardless if they used to try and ice skate on their frozen driveways or not, gifting someone a gift card for ice skating is sure to make them smile. 

52. Project-Based Subscription Box 

Subscription boxes have really changed over the years and there are so many to choose from. Boxes for those who love the arts or getting crafty, to boxes for history junkies. Just make sure whatever you gift, it’s not just another item 

No matter who you have on your list, there is an experience gift fit for everyone. Did I miss any of your favorite Christmas gift experiences? Let me know!”

The post Best Christmas Gift Experiences for Everyone on Your List appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Having a new baby means not only starting your own family but also starting your own traditions. And having Christmas traditions to start with your new baby that the whole family will enjoy can bring an extra bit of magic to those memorial years.  So if you’re looking for how to celebrate baby’s first Christmas in a fun and exciting way, look no further. I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite traditions that are sure to bring some magic to your Christmas. 

Tradition #1: Make a Handprint Ornament Each Year Starting with Baby’s 1st Christmas

I can’t think of anything sweeter than hanging baby’s 1st Christmas ornament on your tree year after year. And if you continue with the tradition as they grow you’ll be able to watch as their hands grow and change. After they turn 18 don’t forget to compare their last to the very first if you really want to turn on the water works. 

Tradition #2: Knit Baby’s 1st Stocking & Use to Teach Them How to Knit as They Grow

Knitting is something I’ve always wanted to learn, especially since its something my grandmother used to love and passed down to my mother. Unfortunately for me, its not something she nor my mother will be able to teach me, but if you are a knitter then this is for you. Making your baby’s first christmas stocking can hold so many memories. You can start it while you’re pregnant so it’s complete by the time you give birth. As they get older continue knitting and teach your child how to knit with it as well. If kept in well enough condition it can soon be something that is passed down from generation to generation. 

Tradition #3: Make Meaningful Christmas Eve Boxes for Each Other 

I love this idea as a tradition to start from their very first Christmas and onward. Putting together a box of things that are special to you and baby each year is the sweetest thing. Make sure to take pictures, or even keep them so as they grow you can look back at each year. It’s almost like a Christmas time capsule. 

Tradition #4: Take Yearly Christmas Light Car Ride Tours

This is one of those Christmas activities for babies that everyone can enjoy. We started doing this on Christmas eve each year and our children look forward to it. Some cities (we’ve moved more times in the last three years than I’d care to admit) even have drive-through Christmas lights that you can pay to attend. These are typically a few miles long and have some of the most extravagant light setups I’ve ever seen. 

If you’re looking for a free version of this, check out Facebook to see if there are any groups that coordinate with homes who do light shows. When we lived in California I joined a few groups so I always knew where the best light displays for the year were going to be. We found some amazing houses that way. One neighborhood did a drive through type of display with a theme.  Each house on the block participated and it was always our favorite stop. 

Tradition #5: Make Your Own Advent Calendar Each Year

Advent Calendars are a popular tradition associated with Christmas. And making your own is sure to bring this activity even more meaning. There are a number of ways to make these. From purchasing a premade book to collecting things like toilet paper roll holders. The possibilities are endless here. Fill it with candy, toys or anything else you like and have fun with it! 

Tradition #6: Snap a “Gift Bow on the Head” Picture in the Same Place of Your Home 

This is the quintessential picture of a baby pulling a bow off one of their presents and sticking it on their head. What a cute tradition to keep up year after year and watch them grow. May I add the bigger the bow, the cuter the picture. 

Tradition #7: Start an Elf on the Shelf Alternative

Confession time, I’ve never been a fan of Elf on the Shelf. The thought of some toy doing random things around my house in order to convince my children to behave just didn’t sit well with me. So when thinking of ideas to make Christmas with baby memorable I knew an Elf wouldn’t be one of them. But what could you do instead? 

I found so many alternatives. A few of them have the same idea behind them and others are really cool. For example these North Pole Ninjas are too adorable and I couldn’t get over how creative this Little Lamb of Bethlehem is. Encouraging children to serve others and learn about the birth of Jesus. My momma heart is so happy. 

Tradition #8: Get Matching Holiday-Themed Pajamas for the Whole Family 

This is something I wish I had started sooner. It is so fun looking back on the years previous to see how much our family has grown. Both in size and amount of children, lol. I also get a kick out of seeing how our pajama styles differ with each passing year. While I typically pick an overall theme / color I allow the kids to pick the style of pajamas they want. My daughter loves a dress but surprised us one year and went for a onesie. All in all, this is probably my top things to do with my children as they grow and makes a great Christmas morning tradition as well. 

Tradition #9: Pop Open Christmas Crackers at the Christmas Meal 

So this is a tradition I needed to do a little research on. Started in London by a wedding cake baker, this tradition has spread far and wide across the United Kingdom and other commonwealth countries. If you’re like me and always looking for ways to turn things into a learning experience this is a great way to do so. Including a little history lesson, cultural and diversity lesson all while learning to serve and love others, yes please! 

To give a little more information, these crackers are used as table decorations that make a snapping sound when pulled open. Often containing small gifts, a paper hat and a joke they take two people to pull apart. 

Tradition #10: Serve at a Soup Kitchen Together

Don’t know if I’ve mentioned this or not, but I am all about teaching my children to serve others. Especially when it comes to the holidays. There are so many who are less fortunate than us and it is my goal to help my children understand that just because someone is in a bad spot in their life does not mean they are less than us. As we all know, any major life event can have us in less than ideal situations. 

But how do you do this with a baby? Wouldn’t this be easier to start once they get a little older? If you want, sure, but my solution mama can wear the baby in an infant sling for the first year or two!

Tradition #11: Start a “Year in the Life” Journal

Of course, you’ll have to pen the first few years of their journal, but they’ll be able to pick up their own journal entries around age 5 or 6. Even just cute little scribbles are fun to look back on! And once they reach adulthood passing these on to them to cherish will be greatly appreciated I’m sure. 

Tradition #12: Make Homemade Christmas Cards (Baby’s Handprint Will Suffice!)

There are so many precious moments to be had with this one. Of course, in the beginning sticking to something easy like baby’s handprint. But once your little one grows bigger its the perfect time to get more adventurous. As they learn to write, having them sign their name or write out Merry Christmas is sure to make whomever you send these cards to smile extra big. 

Tradition #13: Enjoy a Local Christmas Parade 

High on my list of things to do for baby’s first Christmas is a Christmas Parade. Always a huge fan of Macy’s Christmas Day parade in New York I would love to visit with my family one year. In the meantime, finding a local Christmas parade has been so much fun for us. The excitement of getting up early, packing snacks, and spending time together dancing and laughing as we watch floats / all the characters drive past has been unmatched. It’s definitely something to do with the whole family if you can. Or even give as a Christmas gift experience if you’re planning to move away from presents. 

Tradition #15: Bake & Decorate Cookies for Santa

While Santa may actually be mom or dad, baby doesn’t have to know that. And depending on the age of your little one, you can start off with premade cookies that you only have to pop in the oven. Then once they get a little older and can help bake, making them from scratch will be a great bonding experience for the whole family. 

Tradition #16: Make a Holiday Bucket List with the New Baby (& Cross an Item Off Each Year)

Another favorite tradition for 1st Christmas ideas of mine. What I love most about this is that the list can be ever evolving. As your family changes and baby grows, allow them to have some input. The pure enjoyment to be had from checking each thing off will serve as a wonderful memory within itself. Family traditions like these create the kind of moments that children remember for a lifetime. 

Tradition #17: Start a Family Sleepover Night on Christmas Eve 

One of those perfect Christmas traditions to start with a newborn. Just imagine all the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents celebrating Christmas eve together. Sharing stories, presents, cookies and hot chocolate in a room filled with love. I can’t think of a better tradition to start with your family. And it’s bound to build lasting bonds and magical moments for everyone. 

If you are able to include extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles) consider having each family wear their own Christmas pjs. How cute would it be to have five different families depicted in your holiday pictures in their own pjs each year. One family is all red, another in striped green and white and yet another in the buffalo red and black pjs. Just too adorable. And then maybe consider switching up the locations from year to year as well. 

Tradition #18: Start the Want, Need, Wear, Read Tradition Early

We started this tradition last year and honestly, I wish we had started sooner. If you’re looking for easy and relaxed Christmas gift traditions to start with baby this is the perfect one. It makes gift giving that much easier, especially as they get older. Not only that, but it helps to drown out all the extra noise around stuff. I’ve never seen my children so excited about getting socks as they were last year. 

The way their faces lit up when they opened their presents really shocked me. I had asked each of them what they thought they needed and each one replied with new socks. First, can we get into how they are taking ownership of their own wardrobe at such young ages. But also the pure gratitude when they received exactly what they asked for. Priceless for sure.  

If you’re thinking of starting this but worried your child may feel left out, they won’t. It’s been the best decision for us and my children have grown more appreciative of their things. They’ve even been taking better care of said things. Win Win to me! 

All in all, if you’re a new momma looking for Christamas traditions to start with your new baby, I hope this list gives you a pretty good starting point. There are so many things you can do here, but don’t be afraid to come up with your own. You know your family best so do what is going to work best for you and them. No matter what Christmas traditions you come up with, your baby is going to be happy just spending time with you. 

Are there any Christmas traditions I’ve forgotten about? What are some of your favorite family traditions? Leave a comment below!

The post 18 Memory-Making Traditions to Start on Baby’s First Christmas appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Creating Christmas morning traditions for the whole family can help make it one of the most magical days of the entire year. Moments filled making memories not soon to be forgotten, with activities that can be passed down through generations, are priceless. Presents come second when time together is encouraged and prioritized. 

Establishing family traditions is a great way to bond with one another. While all children love getting a new toy, that excitement can soon wear off. Whereas years from now they can look back on their childhood with fondness as they reminisce on their favorite Christmas mornings with mom.  

But with technology consuming so much of our daily lives, how do you get them away from the tablets and tv’s long enough to make these memories? Easy, threaten to take everything away, lol. No, seriously that is a complete joke. Instead emphasize with them. Let them know you understand how fun and exciting beating that high score on their favorite game can be. Or how much you too like catching up on your shows. And then invite them to collaborate with you. Take a look at the list below and ask them what they’d like to do. Don’t be afraid to compromise. I do this often with my oldest. 

This may look like saying, if you can give me “X” amount of your time to try out this new Christmas morning family tradition with us, you can have “X” amount of time on your tablet. Let me insert my disclaimer that this may or may not work. Heck, it only sometimes works for my own kid. But what I have found is that being more collaborative instead of authoritative always gets me better results. 

So give it a shot if you’re up to it. Look over these ideas, pick a few that sound like a good fit for your family. Then ask them to vote on their favorite. I mean, I’m sure it will do more harm than good. 

1. Read the Christmas Story 

From adults to toddlers, it’s important to remember what Christmas is all about. Books like these help remind us of the reason for the season. Sorry to use that corny cliche there but it fits so well, lol. 

Seriously, reading books together, especially if you start young, creates a special bonding time for you and your littles. Add in a miracle such as the Christmas Story and it’s just a match made in heaven. Which is why I think this is a perfect Christmas tradition to start with baby. 

2. Christmas Breakfast Tradition Ideas

Christmas morning breakfast traditions are a fun way to celebrate. I mean, who doesn’t like food! They do say it’s the way to the heart. So why not include a fun Christmas breakfast tradition for your family. Some of my favorites are listed below:

Christmas Tree or Rudolph Pancakes

You can literally make just about anything out of pancakes. From famous landmarks to your child’s favorite Christmas character. And no need to fret if you aren’t super artsy. You can literally find anything on Amazon. Just look at this pancake pan and this waffle kit even comes with food grade markers to make your pancakes even more realistic. Decorate them yourself or let your kiddos join in on the fun. Either way, I’m sure you’ll have some delicious pancakes when it’s all said and done!

Breakfast Casserole

This is my mother in law’s favorite Christmas morning tradition. And she’s been making, or even buying, breakfast casseroles for as long as I’ve known my husband. Which is going on 13 years. 

If you’re like me and casseroles really aren’t your go to dish, I’ve found this recipe that not only looks easy but so tasty! 

Not really in the mood to cook? Hey, it happens. Plus If your kids are anything like mine, having someone ask you a million times if they can “help” may not sound too appealing. No judgment on my end. I get it. I did mention that my mother in law also buys her casseroles from time to time. From Costco, if anyone is interested. 

And before you think, but isn’t this supposed to be about making memories, you can make just as many memories eating together as you can cooking together.  

Cinnamon Rolls and Sausage

Cinnamon rolls are a staple in my home. So any chance we get to cook them we jump at. This is a yummy breakfast that offers a lot of variety in how you cook it. Turn it into a casserole, keep it simple or make a delicious breakfast sandwich. Whatever you decide, include the kids (if you can) and have a great time. 

Snowman Waffles

Seriously, what could be cuter? Super easy to make, you can get as creative as you’d like. Add some powder sugar and fruit for a more realistic approach. Layer some mini waffles and turn it into a waffle sandwich. And you can even forget pretzels for arms. Truly the ideas are endless with this one. 

Not into breakfast or cooking in general, don’t worry. There’s so many other ways to create some magical memories for your family on Christmas morning. 

3. Cook Extra & Take to an Elderly Neighbor

In my experience, the best Christmas morning traditions are the ones that put others first. I’ve learned first hand how important it is to serve others as often as possible. But especially when it comes to the elderly. There is so much to be learned from others who’ve been here longer than we have. And most older neighbors love getting time with young children. It truly warms their hearts. And if you don’t have an elderly neighbor close by, consider visiting a nursing home.  Sadly there are so many elders whose family can’t visit them often. If you go this route, just make sure to check with the staff about any outside food policies they may have. 

4. Take a Christmas Morning Family Photo

This is a must-do tradition for families on Christmas day. Don’t take it too seriously though. No need to hire a professional photographer. Although you can if you’d like. 

With the way most of these cameras are set up on our phones, a good tripod is all you’ll need. Then when the kids are older you can look back and literally watch them grow up. And maybe even challenge them to recreate your favorite ones! 

5. Create & Play a Christmas Morning Playlist of Family-Favorite Songs

Christmas carols, family dance parties, the possibilities are endless with this one. Waking up to the sounds of your favorite Christmas songs, running downstairs and being greeted by your family and a yummy breakfast. I mean, could you ask for anything else. Make sure to let everyone pick one of their favorite songs to be included on the list and watch the magic happen. 

6. Decorate a Gingerbread House

Sometimes leaving your house is more hassle than you’d care to tackle, especially on a holiday. Again no judgment as I have five kids and stay home whenever the opportunity arises. So what to do on Christmas day at home? Gingerbread houses are always super easy to find, come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a breeze to put together. We’ve made a few in our time and the kids love getting creative with their food. We’ve gone so far as to build our own village once. And they are always so excited to eat them once they’re done. 

7. Open Presents with a Twist!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the presents. There are tons of ways to turn this somewhat boring part of Christmas into something amazing. It’s okay, you can admit watching your kids rip off the wrapping paper it took you hours to fold just right, isn’t the most exciting part of the day. Or is that just me. 

Christmas Gift Scavenger Hunt

Who says all the presents have to be under the tree? Turning present opening into a scavenger hunt is a great interactive way to amp up the fun. Especially if you’re looking for a new way to introduce experiences for gifts. 

To do this, start by hiding all the gifts. You may want to start with one under the tree, but that’s completely optional. From there write out clues or hints that will help your kiddos figure out where to go to find their next present. Add these clues to the presents. The idea here is to have a clue that leads to another present. You can create a time limit or leave it untimed, completely up to you. Make it even more fun by starting off by putting a clue in the bed next to them while they sleep. So as soon as they wake up they can start the hunt for their presents. 

White Elephant Game

Such a fun game and bound to bring about some good laughs. The White Elephant game is where one person starts with a gift but can end up with a completely different gift by the end of the game. 

The way it works is that one person will open a wrapped gift. From there each additional person gets a turn and can either open a wrapped gift or steal one from someone else who has already opened a gift.  If your gift gets stolen you can either open a new gift or steal one from someone else. 

Dirty Santa Game 

Another fun game, this one is sure to bring all the laughs. Find as many weird, crazy gag gifts as you can. Wrap them and then assign a number to each of them. Now each person in the family picks a number and wraps their crazy gifts. Add an extra dose of fun by allowing negotiation for the best gift. Sure to get lots of laughs and confusion. 

Christmas “Hot Potato”

This one takes me back to elementary school so it holds a lot of nostalgia for me. To play hot potato as a family, have everyone sit in a circle. Start some music, that Christmas Morning playlist from above would definitely come in handy here. Make sure to have someone in charge of stopping and starting the music randomly. Next pass a gift around the circle until the music stops. When it does, whoever has the gift gets to open it and keep it. Have that person exit the circle and start again. Keep going until everyone has a gift. 

The Christmas Pinata

This one can serve a dual purpose. Piñatas are a common element in parties across different countries and especially in Mexico around Christmas time. The story of their origin combines cultures, traditions and religions. So this is a great way to bring in some education, teaching about other cultures and diversity, while still having fun. 

If you aren’t sure what to put in your pinata, go beyond candy. Small toys, mini balls, erasers, pencil, necklaces, mini bags of cookies, plastic toy rings and so much more. Honestly just raid the dollar section at Target or Walmart as most of those items would be perfect. 

8. Set Up a Christmas Morning Hot Cocoa Bar 

This is such a fun Christmas morning tradition. Who doesn’t love hot chocolate! Plus it’s so easy to put together. Fill your bar with marshmallows, a variety of hot chocolate options and of course you can’t forget peppermints! Grab some peppermint straws to stir the hot coco with. Have a few different sizes and colors of marshmallows, and whatever else you can think of to make this a unique family experience. I personally love those Andes mint chocolate candies so of course there’d be tons of those as well as any other candies my family may love. 

9. Donate Gifts to Your Local Shelter

I started this a few years ago with my kids and its something we’ve come to look forward to. And there’s actually a few ways we do this. A few weeks before Christmas the kids will go through all of their things and decide what they want to keep versus give away. This not only includes toys, but also clothes, shoes and anything else they may want to donate. 

We also make sure to allow our kids to Christmas shop for other families. Taking them to different stores to pick out gifts for children that we then donate to various charities / organizations. As I mentioned before I found out a long time ago that serving others brings my heart great joy and I hope to instill the same in my children. 

10. Write a Family Gratitude List

Always important to remember all the things we have to be thankful for, so why not make a list. This is a great way to reflect on all the blessings your family has received that year. And can serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come. It’s especially cute to display it somewhere in your house until next year.

What Are Your Favorite Christmas Morning Traditions?

After reviewing this list I hope it’s gotten your creative juices flowing. Even if you didn’t like what you saw here, my hope is that you can start a Christmas morning tradition for your family that is sure to make it magical. 

How do you make Christmas morning special? Are there any traditions that I forgot to mention? Leave them in the comments below!

The post Top 10 Christmas Morning Traditions to Start with Your Family appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Your little angel has finally started sleeping well and you’ve been getting some good rest too. Then all of the sudden your baby starts waking up several times of night again for feedings and snuggles. Not to worry, your baby is likely just experiencing sleep regression. As a new mom I had no idea about sleep regressions or when they could happened in babies.  Although sleep regression in babies can be nerve-racking, its something most parents experience.

What is Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression is perfectly normal, and most infants experience it a few times during their first two years of life. If this is your first baby sleep regression, while perfectly normal, can come as quite a surprise as pediatricians and even other parents may not talk about it much. Knowing when are the sleep regressions in babies can help you feel better prepared.

Sleep regression is when a baby who has previously been sleeping well, suddenly has trouble settling down for the night or begins waking frequently throughout the night for a period of two to four weeks. Sleep regression can also affect the length and quality of naps that your baby takes. It is important not to confuse sleep regressions with colic which can also start around the same time.

What are some signs of sleep regression in babies?

Common signs of sleep regression include a sudden refusal to nap or shorter naps. These can leave baby crankier and they can become overtired before bedtime arrives. Increased waking through the night, difficulty falling asleep, and an increase in crying are also signs of sleep regressions. If you notice your infant is fussier or crankier then normal they may be about to transition into a sleep regression.

You should note sleep regression are not typically accompanied by a fever or other signs of illness. If your baby is experiencing these symptoms and has a fever, runny nose, congestion, pulling at the ears, or other signs of illness a trip to the pediatrician may be in order. 

When are the sleep regressions in babies?

I’m sure you’ve heard this enough already, but please remember that every baby is different. Some things my youngest has done, that none of my other four children ever did. With that being said, sleep regression in babies is pretty common and seems to happen around certain age gaps. When sleep regressions in babies happen seem to line up with when a baby is going through a major mental leap.

3 to 4 months

The first common period of sleep regression in babies happens around the three to four-month mark. And unfortunate this change in sleep habits will be permanent. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your baby won’t sleep through the night again. It just means that your little one is moving away from their newborn sleep habits. This is the time they begin to develop their more mature sleeping rhythms.

Newborns sleep for most of the day. As they grow they don’t need quite as much sleep. Around the 3 to 4 month mark, your baby will start to wake up fully in between sleep cycles. During they day this is a great time to play with them and entertain their growing minds. At night however, they may need some help getting back to sleep. 

6 months

At six months of age, your baby still needs to be getting around 12 to 15 hours of sleep total each day. You may notice around this time that your baby experiences another sleep regression. When the six-month sleep regression in babies happens it is around the same time they are learning to roll over. This milestone plus learning to sit up on their own, and babble to themselves may keep baby up at night.

All of these fascinating developments may mean that your baby wants to spend more time awake than sleeping as they adjust to them. Make sure that your baby has plenty of time during the day to practice all of these new skills. That why when it is time for them to sleep they are more inclined to do so. 

8 to 10 months

Around eight to ten months your baby will start to crawl and may pull up to stand, and they really like to practice, even when they should be sleeping. Many babies around this age also suffer from separation anxiety and may cry out in the night for the simple reassurance of seeing that you are still there. 

12 months

Around 12 months your baby will stand up and will probably begin to walk shortly thereafter. Many babies experience sleep regression just after reaching big developmental milestones like standing and walking and beginning to talk. 

18 months 

Many babies don’t experience the 18-month sleep regression, but for those that do, it is often related to a recent growth spurt or teething. This sleep regression doesn’t usually last quite as long as some of the others can as long as you stick to your bed/nap time routine. Your little angel will be back to sleeping through the night in no time. 

24 months

Your baby is no longer a baby anymore, they are officially a toddler but that doesn’t necessarily mean that all of your sleep problems are over. Two-year-olds can still experience sleep regression and it is often related to separation anxiety (again), night terrors, and being more independent. Just maintain a consistent bedtime routine, and let them know that now is the time for sleep, not play. 

Tips for dealing with sleep regression

By the time your baby is 3 to 4 months old you should have a consistent bedtime routine for your baby. This will help your baby to know that it is time to sleep. Your bedtime routine may be dinner, bathtime,  reading a story, a bottle, or nursing session, and then laying them down for bed. Having an app to help track their feedings, naps, and growth can make finding a routine easier.

What NOT to do during sleep regressions

Im sure we’ve all heard this famous advice; lay the baby down drowsy but awake. I can not stress this enough. You are your babies safe space. And research shows babies need to feel connected to their parents before they can fall asleep. It’s why babies fall asleep so quickly in our arms. Why a simple rock and lullaby can get most infants back to sleep quickly.

Another piece of advice I despise, is taking your time to get to baby after they’ve woken up. Depending on your child’s age they may not be developmentally ready to settle themselves back to sleep. And no amount of repositioning will change that. Having mommy close by or having something to suck on however will help them go right back to sleep. 

These are all outdated theories on baby sleep. Research now shows sleep is not something that needs to be taught. And doing so in a negative manner can have lasting side effects.

What can I do when sleep regressions start in my baby?

So if all of the above is outdated, what can you do to help your baby fall back to sleep faster when sleep regressions start? Watch for baby’s sleep cues. Sleep cues might include yawning, rubbing their eyes, or looking off into space. Often times these cues are displayed well before we realize baby is tired. When your baby starts displaying these cues, find a quiet place for them to rest before they become overtired. 

Rule of thumb here: If baby is yawning, you’ve missed their sleep window. Don’t panic, this just means it may be a good idea to lay them down earlier next time.

Routines are key

Having a consistent routine established will help keep baby on track. Even with all the chaos from missing out on regular sleeping times, the more consistent you are with naps / bedtime the more successful you’ll be at settling baby each night.

Separate play time from bed time

Keep the room dark. Keeping the room dark at bedtime and nap time signals to your baby that it is time to sleep. When it is time to wake in the morning and after naps fill the room with natural light to help them learn daytime nighttime cues. 

Sleep aids help tons

Consider a white noise machine. A noise machine will provide a low level of consistent noise that can make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. You can buy a noise machine or you can download an app for one. 

Nurse baby back to sleep

If you are a breastfeeding momma, let baby nurse back to sleep. A lot of times our babies just need to feel comfort before they can drift back into sleep zone. Nursing an infant back to sleep is a quick way and easy way to soothe them.

Sleep regressions are just as hard on the parents as they are on the baby. Especially if you had gotten used to (finally) getting a bit of sleep yourself. Just remember that all of these sleep regressions are perfectly normal stages of development and that not all babies will experience all of them. Knowing when are the sleep sessions in babies is the first step in preparing yourself for them. And as well all know, preparation is the mother of success!

Do you have any tips to share for dealing with sleep regression in babies? 

The post When To Expect Sleep Regressions In Babies And Tips to Help  appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Have you ever heard of a child who liked to clean? Tidy up time for toddlers can go one of two ways. It can either be loads of fun and super productive or…not so much. 

With five children, and recently starting to work from. home with my toddler, I’ve had plenty of trial and error when it comes to getting my children to enjoy cleaning up. Some of them don’t mind it at all, while others can’t stand it. 

I’ve had a few years to perfect my tips and tricks and I’d love to share them with you. In hopes that your toddler turns into a happy to clean child instead of one of the others, LOL. 

What Is “Tidy Up Time” and Why Is It Important?

When you start to teach toddlers how to tidy up it’s important to make it as fun as possible. If you’re like me and working on how to be a better mom to your toddler then this is going to be especially true for you. 

The first step is telling your toddler the tidy up meaning. Seeing as this can be different for different household, I’ll let that up to you. But I will say tidy up to us means cleaning up. I shouldn’t say a deep clean, but definitely not a quick straight up either. It’s somewhere in between. 

One of the first ways we implemented this was by talking about the importance of clean up after playtime. Since that seems to be the hardest time to get toddlers to tidy up, I always like to start there. The more practice and communication there is around it, the easier it becomes for them. 

I mean, I get it though. Who wants to stop playing to clean up? No one. 

How to Make Tidy Up Time Fun and Productive

Any time you can make something fun for a toddler the chances of it being a success go up significantly. I often have to remind myself to stop being so serious and let loose. Once I’m able to do that, it’s easier to be creative and have fun in the moment when trying to think of tidy up time ideas on the spot. 

Use a Tidy Up Timer 

My second to youngest son is super competitive. So I try and use this to my advantage as often as possible. Which is how I came up with the tidy up time timer. He loves to race against the clock to tidy up. And it’s the cutest thing watching him zip all over the room to put his toys away while asking how much time he has left. He’s beaten the timer quite a few times too! 

You decide what time you want to allot to tidying up, but some common timers include 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes. The amount of time will vary depending on the size of the mess. If you do decide to try the race against the clock method, just make sure to remind your toddler that everything needs to be nice and neat. As well as in its place. 

Be Specific About What Is Expected

Since working on being more intentional as a parent I’ve been putting in extra effort to be a better communicator. Stating my expectations before, during and if needed after a situation has helped tremendously. I am able to gently remind my children what it is that is expected of them and how we discussed that being achieved. 

I’ll admit I’ve had to let go of a little control in the process and remind myself of a few things. One being that as long as the task gets done, how it goes done (within certan guidelines) does not specifically matter. But again that all goes with being more specific about what I am looking for. 

Our children can’t read our minds and I believe that we often forget that. I’ve found myself saying “now they know better” about things that I just assumed my children would know. But when asked about it later, they in fact, did not know any better.  So now I like to err on the side of caution and over-explain versus under explain. 

Show Them Where Things Belong

Clean up time is always easier when you know where stuff goes. And its much easier to keep something clean when everything has its place. 

Take the time to show your toddler where his toys go. Maybe even have labeled bins (using images of the toys) to serve as a reminder. 

Display Pictures of What Each Area Should Look Like After Tidying Up

You can do this in a few different ways. If you plan to use labels on the toys bins, use pictures of what each bin or that area should look like as the background. This is a great way to help your toddler remember what things should look like once tidied. 

Keep a picture on your phone. I like to use the term nice and neat when it comes to cleaning. I tell my kids to make sure you leave it nice and neat. Since nice and neat can me something different for different people I started showing them what I meant. This cut down on a lot of confusion and also acts as a visual reminder of how I expect things to look once they have been cleaned up. 

Play Music

I grew up waking up on Saturday mornings to my parents playing their favorite music while we did our chores. It was a family ritual almost. We’d spend most of our Saturdays deep cleaning our home and tending to our yard all while my dad’s favorite jazz or R&B played in the background. 

Too bad they didn’t have tidy up songs like they do now. I’m almost positive that had we listened to songs about cleaning up, it may have actually made some of those moments a little funner. 

My kids love listening to music while we all clean up and I’ve listed some of our favorites below:

My Top 3 Favorite Tidy Up Time Songs That Make It Fun

A quick search on Youtube for tidy up time songs for toddlers will yield quite a few results. Some of which are great, while others not so much. Seeing as I’ve done this five times over now, I’m happy to share what we like to use in our house. These songs are great for two reasons. Of course, toddlers love them. But they also aren’t super annoying for the parents. 

1. The 5 Minute Clean Up Countdown Song

This is a great song for when I need to use a timer for cleaning. Sometimes I play it as a warning to when tidy up time is about to start. Or when I need to give my toddler a visual timer for how long we will be tidying up. 

2. The Classic Clean Up Clean Up Everybody Everywhere Song

Everyone knows this one. It’s a classic and a favorite in my home for years. It’s funny, because none of my children ever really liked Barney but they love this song. 

This is a favorite to use with in the beginning. When I first start introducing cleaning up to my toddler this is my go to play. Takes the stress / anxiety out of having to tidy up. Plus it makes it a lot more fun. 

3. The Tidy Up Song by Singing Walrus

I like these tidy up song lyrics because it reinforces not leaving a mess. I was taught to always clean up before you leave an area or place. And that’s the same thing I am trying to teach my kiddos. The lyrics in this song are perfect for that. 

How Long Should Children Spend Tidying Up Each Day?

One thing that is important to remember, toddlers have a short attention span. Asking them to clean up for longer periods of time is asking for trouble. Assuming they can clean big messes with minimal assistance is asking for meltdowns. 

Its the same with any adult. Walk into a cluttered room and you’re bonded to shutter at the thought of cleaning it up alone. 

If I’m cleaning I’ll ask my toddler to do a simple task that will empower him and help me get done faster. 

If we’re cleaning up a mess he’s made, I’m happy to jump in and help. Ultimately I try to keep things to less then 10 minutes at a time. With no more than 3 – 4 times of cleaning total per day. 

Yes, they need to learn how to tidy up but keeping in mind where they are developmentally will go a long way in making tidy up time fun for everyone involved.

The post Fun Tidy Up Time Ideas to Teach Toddlers the Value of Cleaning appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Working from home has become increasingly popular, but what if you’re a mom?  If you’ve ever thought working from home with toddlers was impossible, think again. Being a work from home mom just got a lot more doable. Noticed I said doable, not easy. Children of any age offer their own sets of challenges, but toddlers especially. 

If you’re new to working from home with your toddler and have been feeling (a bit) stressed or overwhelmed, you are not alone. This year was my first go at it and with two under four it has been nowhere near a walk in the park. 

One thing that kept me going, especially on the harder days, was my commitment to spending more time with my children. I’ve worked as long as I can remember. From my first job at the age of 15 to working 60 plus hours a week pregnant with my third. It’s been all I’ve ever known. I got up, went to work, just to come home too exhausted to effectively connect with my toddler, then regretted all of my decisions, went to bed and repeated it all again the next day. It was literally a nightmare. So making the switch to working from home sounded like a dream come true, but boy was I in for a surprise. 

Let me be the first to admit working with a toddler presents a fair amount of struggles. What I’ve learned is that that just means you have to get a little creative. This can look different for each family, but I’m happy to share my tips on getting work done with littles at home, AND actually enjoying it in the process. Take what you can, make changes where applicable and leave what you don’t need. 

Is It Possible to Work From Home with a Toddler?

Sure it is! With that being said, I am not going to say it’s a walk in the park. Like most things that involve toddlers, there’s always a new challenge waiting just around the bend (lol). 

Working from home with a toddler can bring about some major frustrations. Attending zoom meetings while your little one yells for their blue cup in the background may be less than ideal. But that doesn’t make it impossible. Whether you’re working from home with your babies out of necessity or by choice, please know it is indeed possible. 

Mom-Approved Tips for Working From Home with a Toddler 

These tips for working moms with toddlers, babies or a combination of the two are aimed to help you get the most out of your day. While also keeping those little ones entertained in the process. And hey, if you can apply some of these to squeeze in time for a new hobby or some self care, I’m not going to complain. 

1. Get Dressed 

This may seem like a simple task, may even seem completely unnecessary. But I can tell you it isn’t. One of the things I had to fight with when I first started working from home was depression. Thinking I was inadequate and less “productive” left me feeling useless. Which eventually worsened my depression. It wasn’t until I learned how to be intentional with my time that things started to change. Plus, remember you are still working, even if it’s from home. Taking care of yourself and keeping some level or normalcy (even if it has a new look to it) can help keep your mental health in order. And help the days run smoother. 

2. Establish a Routine

Your schedule while working from home with a toddler will look a little different. Adjusting your routine, and adapting your toddler’s schedule will ultimately be necessary. And this is the part where I need remind you to give yourself grace, especially if you’re new to working from home with babies. 

You aren’t going to come up with the perfect routine overnight. It will take some time. Some things may work while others not so much. Be flexible and keep in mind that each day may look completely different. The key to setting up a routine is to have an idea of what each day should look like. This in no way means that they will. But ultimately will give you something to go off of instead of flying by the seat of your pants. 

When I first started I knew that I wanted to be able to take a walk with my toddler every morning. But I made sure not to have a set time for it. Instead I used a time frame. As long as we took our walk before 11am I was satisfied. And on the days that didn’t happen, I was okay too. When it comes to working at home I’ve found that having set blocks of times for certain events is way more effective than trying to adhere to a rigid schedule.

3. Make the Most of Nap Time

Let’s face it, nap time will be one of the only times during the day you can get some uninterrupted work done. So give it your full attention. Turn off the television, stay off social media (and ignore the urge for mindless scrolling) and dive head first into work. And I know how us mommas like to use nap time to get things done around the house, so you’re going to have to pick and choose wisely. Which brings me to my next point:

4. Eat the Frog 

Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize; aka do the most pressing work-related tasks first. Make a mental (or written) list of items that absolutely can not wait and tackle them while your toddler is doing some self directed activities. 

And this may sound crazy, but you are going to have to get used to doing an hour of work here and an hour of work there. The days of working several hours in a row are just gone. Take this into consideration when making your to-do list. It is a very realistic expectation to assume you won’t get EVERY task done that day. Keep a running tab of what tasks are the highest priority and reevaluate frequently throughout the day. 

5. Accept a Non-Pinterest Perfect House 

Comparison is the thief of joy. Do not let this idea that your home has to be spotless distract you from your goal. Accept the mess. I don’t know how else to say this, so I am going to say it one more time. Your home will not be perfect, and that is okay. 

If you’re a single mom working from home with a toddler please know, your value is not found in the cleanliness of your home. Where other parents have a partner of some kind, it is solely your responsibility to care for, provide for, and keep your tiny humans alive. Do not put more on yourself than necessary. 

If you have to clean during the day (I completely get it because my anxiety will start to flare up if my home gets too messy) try adding  tidy up time breaks to your routine. Taking a few minutes to load the dishwasher, or having your toddler help empty the dryer are small tasks that will help your home stay functional throughout the work day. 

6. Dedicate Mornings or Evenings for Distraction-Free Work 

One of my favorite things to do is wake up before my children, but especially my toddler. Tiny humans demand a lot of attention, so having some distraction free time to meditate, drink a hot cup of coffee, or whatever else you like to do can really set the tone for the rest of your day. But especially if you are working from home. 

When working from home, having non-traditional hours is a great way to get strategic with the work day. Whether that’s getting up before everyone else or staying up a little later and skipping out on your favorite television shows. Whatever will work best for minimal distractions. 

7. Make a List of 15-Minute Mindless Tasks to Tackle Throughout the Day 

No matter if you are working for yourself or employed by someone else there are always duties that you can essentially put on autopilot. These are going to be job functions that require less mental work from you. Quick and easy things that can be done while you work from home with a toddler. Sending emails, setting up calendar invites, scheduling zoom meetings, creating to-do lists are all examples of such tasks. 

Having a list readily available for you to glance through from time to time will not only help keep you on target, but also help with feeling more productive. We all love a good check mark or strikethrough on the long to-do list. 

8. Rotate Through Independent Play Activities

Independent play is key to entertaining your toddler while working from home. It’s one of the ways you’ll be able to tackle some of those mindless activities mentioned above. If you want to prevent boredom, and get more things done, teach your child how to play independently while limiting the number of toys they have access to. Having just a few ways for your child to entertain themselves throughout the day is a good place to start. Making sure to rotate their toys and activities will not only help foster creativity and independence. But you can watch as their imagination sparks with each rotation. Even if it’s toys they’ve played with before. Since there’s been a chuck of time since they last saw them, it will be like they’re new all over again. And you will get more done! 

9. Engage in One-on-One Time with Your Toddler

Children need to feel connected to their parents, they thrive on it. Making time to play one-on-one with our babies is not only a great way to be a better mom to a toddler. It’s also a win-win for both parties when parents are working from home. Remember that routine I spoke of earlier. While the day does not have to be timed out by the very minute, something else toddlers thrive on is knowing what’s coming next. 

When mommy says,” I can’t play right now because I’m working, but we can have an extra dose of fun during our play time to make up for it.” It is much more likely that your child will be willing to wait, because the precedent has already been set. Whether that’s 30 minutes of play before lunch, or having mommy all to themselves after nap. Setting up quality time in the routine can help alleviate stress in other areas. 

10. Capitalize on Weekends

Working from home full time with a toddler is no joke, but there’s always the weekend. Try to set aside a few hours one day out of the weekend to set yourself up for success for the following week. Friends, family or dad can give some undivided attention to the little one so other things can get done. Depending on how your home is ran this may look like a number of things. Giving yourself a block of time to work uninterrupted. Using it to run errands, get meals ready for the week, catching up on laundry or getting the house in order. Whatever you need to prepare for the coming week. 

11. Refuse the Mom Guilt 

As moms we shame and guilt ourselves enough as it is. Working from home with a baby and toddler won’t be any different. There are going to be moments where you think “ I should be spending more time doing XYZ,” or “I can’t believe I wasn’t productive today, I have to do better tomorrow.” Do not let these negative thoughts get in the way. You are a force to be reckoned with. An amazing momma doing her best for herself and babies. Yes, you’re going to make mistakes along the way. Yes, some days won’t look nearly like you’d plan. But do not, I repeat, do not allow mom guilt to steal your shine. It will be hard, but that doesn’t make you any less than. You got this!

12. Remember the Blessing of Working from Home 

One Google search will show you there are tons of jobs for moms with toddlers. What it won’t show you is how hard it can be. In those moments remind yourself of your why. That little smile is what keeps you going. Being at home, spending these moments with your little one is something a lot wish for. It’s something I wished for for FOUR children, until I was finally able to make it happen. Acknowledge that it’s hard, stressful, frustrating even. But also remember how huge of a blessing it is. 

How to Keep a Toddler Busy While Working From Home

I mentioned above that teaching your baby how to play independently would be a key to your success while working from home. But learning how to occupy a toddler while you work can take some getting used to. While I prefer to avoid screen time as much as possible, it is one thing I will use if I need a quick 20 minutes to handle something unexpected. Blocks, cars, small (but not too tiny) people, are fun ways to keep little ones busy as well. I’ve found that sensory tables (or buckets) are another great way to keep children occupied for longer periods of time.

If you’re wondering how to keep your 2 year old or 3 year old busy don’t forget about the great outdoors. For some reason, outside just makes everything better. Coloring on the sidewalk with chalk on a sunny day or running around in the fenced in backyard (maybe through the sprinkler maybe not) can help keep any child busy. And don’t be afraid to ask. By the age of two or three most children are able to communicate what they would like to do. Use that to your advantage. 

How Do You Manage Working From Home with a Toddler?

As mentioned before, the past year was my first time tackling working from home with my children. Getting creative was probably the best thing I could have done. From filling pans up with water and handing all of my measuring cups to my toddler, to taking impromptu baths filled with bubbles and toys One thing I’ve learned is that perfection does not exist. But more importantly you will never know if you never try. 

Entertaining someone else while simultaneously running your own company or working for someone else’s is no easy task. As you venture down this path, whether forced or elective, give yourself and your toddler grace. Make sure to implement chunks of self care in there from time to time as well. Nothing is worth your sanity and no company deserves your mental health. 

If you’re a pro at working from home with the babies, leave a comment below with any additional tips / tricks I may have left out.

The post How to Work from Home with a Toddler (& Actually Enjoy It) appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.