Considerations Here are five things to consider before taking out a loan from the Bank of Mom and Dad. Is Your Family Borrowing Friendly? This should be considered both from a relationship aspect and a financial aspect. Relationship-wise, this can be a tricky territory. There is the question of whether your relative is the kind who would lend you cash without emotional “payment” in guilt, never-ending reminders, or unreasonable demands. For example, if they help pay for IVF, will they then feel they have the right to dictate your treatment choices?...

This is good news for parents who choose to breastfeed. While breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of obesity in children, parents can also take other steps to help their child maintain a healthy weight throughout life. Multiple studies have found a correlation between breastfeeding and a reduction in obesity. In particular, researchers have found that associations are dose-dependent, effects are diminished when breastmilk is consumed from a bottle, and effects are weakened when a baby receives supplemental formula....

First, find a comfortable position for yourself. You can nurse your baby while lying on your side or sitting up. If you are lying down, cradle your newborn’s head in your arm. If you are sitting, make sure your arms are supported. You can use a firm pillow to cushion and support the arm that is holding the baby. Try to stay warm and comfortable when you nurse. Your milk flows more easily if you are warm and relaxed....

Our latest review focuses on a solution to a very annoying problem as a parent: keeping toys secured in the car seat or stroller. We tested out the Bright Starts Lots of Links to see if this was a useful product to avoid a common travel meltdown. Read on to see what we (and our son) thought. Design: Bendable and squeezable but easy to lose Each set features 24 colorful links, with multiple textures, ridges, and nubs....

You may be wondering if Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) is safe for a breastfeeding parent. The answer is yes. When taken in the proper dosage, very little medicine is passed to the baby through milk, and studies have shown that parents taking Advil does not cause an adverse risk in the infant. “Minimal amounts of ibuprofen and acetaminophen enter breast milk,” says Amy Peterson, IBCLC, lactation consultant for Evenflo Feeding and co-author of “Balancing Breast and Bottle: Feeding Your Baby....

The good news? Whether you have just begun your breastfeeding journey or are a seasoned pro, probiotics are safe to use. In this guide, we’ll dig a little deeper into how probiotics work, the possible benefits of using them while breastfeeding, and any safety precautions you should take to protect yourself and your nursing baby. What Are Probiotics? First, a quick biology lesson: Our bodies contain both “good” and “bad” bacteria....

To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized more than 45 antigen tests, including 17 at-home options. There are a few things you should know before you start playing Dr. Mom or Dr. Dad, though. What Are At-Home COVID-19 Tests? At-home, or antigen, tests are over-the-counter screenings used to detect an active Coronavirus infection on the spot. Some call for at-home sample collection and require a lab for interpretation, but for the most part, at-home antigen tests are quick, convenient, and affordable—and they can be completed entirely at home....

After your little one goes down for the night, you list out some foods that you know are healthy. Avocado, oatmeal, sweet potato, and banana make the list. Then you start to add some protein-rich options like eggs, chicken, and salmon. Salmon sounds like it could be the top choice. You know it’s full of omega 3’s for your baby’s growing brain and it’s “good fat.” But, you aren’t sure if salmon is a safe first food....

If you keep Aleve (naproxen) on hand, you should know that this drug is not generally considered safe to take when you are pregnant. Aleve belongs to a class of drugs that should be avoided during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks gestation. “Aleve has been associated with a change in the fetal heart that affects how blood flows through the heart that can lead to high blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs....

During pregnancy, you may be wondering if lash tinting is safe to do. There are potential concerns over the safety of the dye used, as well as possible eye injury, irritation, or infection from the procedure, says Megan Gray, MD, an OB/GYN at Orlando Health Physician Associates. Complicating matters is that doctors don’t all agree on whether or not lash tinting during pregnancy is safe. However, generally, many experts give the beauty treatment their okay, assuming appropriate safety precautions are followed....

Plastic bucket Detergent Wool mitt or soft sponge Chamois cloth (optional) Towels Window cleaner Soft cloths Vacuum cleaner Vinyl cleaner (optional) Toothbrushes

In children, eating breakfast is associated with everything from increased attention span and healthy body weight to sharper memory and improved test scores. But our busy lifestyles often mean it’s hard for kids to eat a balanced meal (or any meal!) in the morning. Almost half of all families skip breakfast on a regular basis. That doesn’t always mean that children are not eating at all. They may be grabbing an early morning snack in lieu of breakfast or eating on their way to school....

What Does Not Cause ASDs? Where to Get Updates on the Latest Research What follows is by no means an exhaustive look at the science behind the causes of autism. The interested reader can follow on a regular basis the latest discoveries and ongoing research. It is best to read the actual study or report than to read summaries and news releases. In order to gain an understanding of this highly controversial topic, the reader is advised to consult a wide variety of websites and journals such as those listed below and form his own opinion:...

Make a Sand Snowman It may not be the season for snow, but a sandy beach can provide another fun opportunity to build a snowman and set the scene for a unique holiday card. You can showcase your sandy snowman creation. Or you can feature your family with your sand snowman. Bring Santa Hats to the Beach There are so many options for adding Santa hats to your beach shots this summer....

Of course, ovulation is only step one. Your chance of getting pregnant over several cycles of Clomid use is approximately 30%. If you don’t conceive after six months, it’s time to move onto another treatment. First Month Efficacy Depending on which research studies you reference, the odds of conceiving during any one Clomid treatment cycle are 5.6% to 20%. The effectiveness of Clomid varies depending on the cause of infertility....

Materials needed: Paper, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, etc.A clothesline or ropeClothespinsKid-made art: paintings, drawings, photos, collages, any lightweight works of artSnacks Pick a day and time for the show at least a week ahead, so everyone has time to make some art. The invitation should include the names of the hosts, the address, the date, the time, and what it’s all about. You can use the same invitation for artists and parents....

Children, specifically, have been dealt a stressful hand during the pandemic. Their routines have changed significantly, yet, unlike adults, they may not comprehend the full picture. Structure and routine are essential for children, and schedule changes can bring about anxiety and negative behavior. Consistency and transparency from both parents can help kids work through their feelings during this time. Let’s explore some common co-parenting challenges families face and how you can navigate them while maintaining your family’s collective mental health....

Many families choose this type of combination feeding method, whether out of necessity (e.g. low breast milk supply), convenience, or simply personal choice. In some cases, breastfeeding and providing formula may be recommended by a doctor for medical reasons. Reasons for Supplementing With Formula The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first four to six months and then continuing to breastfeed up until one year or longer, along with the introduction of solid food....