Stomach Pain in Early Pregnancy Abdominal pains is a frequent symptom in early pregnancy and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your pain is severe or persists, you should contact your healthcare provider. For instance, it could be the result of digestive issues or a sign that you need to change positions or use the restroom. Most commonly, you may experience nausea during early pregnancy (morning sickness), which is normal and usually nothing to be concerned about....

Directions Place bag over your child’s head and mark where his eyes and armholes are located with crayons. Remove the bag and cut out the holes for eyes and arms. Place the bag over the back of a chair to make decorating easy. Cut ribbons, yarn, paper, ribbons, and string into assorted lengths, not to exceed the child’s height. Cover the front, back, and sides. When the glue is dry, place bag over child’s head and lead him in front of a mirror so he can see and admire the results....

If you find yourself in this situation, start by taking stock of everyone’s needs, wishes, and resources. You can use the following worksheet to help you plan for the future with your in-laws. The basic rule is simple: Treat elderly in-laws with dignity and respect. For that to happen, however, there has to be communication. Try the following five ideas to help you work with your in-laws to make their golden years shine....

One Step AheadHow can you teach math to your children if you struggle with it yourself? Yes, there are those among us who truly love math— people who grasp math concepts quickly, remember the laws and formulas easily, and retain this information over theyears. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them. And, judging from my contact with families around the country, most parents are in the same boat. According to a recent U....

Maybe you can handle almost any color of fluorescent hair, but you have a lot of difficulty with your daughter wearing miniskirts and go-go boots to school. Or maybe baggy pants that droop around your son’s feet make you afraid he’s going to fall on his face. As particular issues arise, have frank discussions with your teen. She may half-agree with your concerns about her belly-button-baring halter top, so she might not be as upset by your comments as you think....

When shopping for baby teethers you should make sure it’s durable, made from safe materials (think BPA- and PVC-free), and has appealing features to intrigue your baby (think colors, rattle sounds, and shapes). A teether with different textures is also a great option, as this will help stimulate their gums to relieve pain. We researched popular teethers from trusted brands with these features in mind. Here are the best baby teethers to help your little one through the teething process more comfortably....

“Kids always want to be comfortable, and Easter is no different! Comfort and looking good can go hand-in-hand,” Dina Sweeney, chief merchandising officer at children’s clothing subscription box service Kidpik, tells Verywell Family. “A good Easter outfit has an element of dress-up, mixed with items that can be worn every day, like denim and khakis.” Easter is a great time to add some new picks to the closet that look and feel good....

The best books for 3-year-olds make learning fun and can be a great way to broaden their world view and introduce them to more diversity—of skin color, culture, class, ability, body size, family makeup, gender expression, and more. We carefully considered diversity, material, age recommendations, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best books for the 3-year old in your life. Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $9 While reading a story over and over again may drive some parents and caregivers crazy, for children it’s comforting and actually good for them....

“Independent play encourages children to have agency or take charge of their environment and interaction with it,” explains Rebecca Mannis, PhD, a learning specialist at Ivy Prep. “It also gives kids the space to experiment and make the experience their own.” The best way to encourage independent play is to give kids time and space to engage in their surroundings without intervening or trying to lead them towards a certain goal, according to Alanna Gallo, the founder of Play....

Before making your selection, consider your child’s age and size to ensure you choose a sled that fits their weight and abilities. It’s also a good idea to factor in durability for the long haul. You may be able to find plastic sleds as low as $20, but they are less likely to survive more than a season. Conversely, heavier wooden toboggans with metal runners will often last a lifetime, but the price tag will reflect that....

While it’s fun to give them a present that celebrates their role in your child’s life, it can also be helpful for them to receive something that makes their home more cozy, fun, tasty, or welcoming to your kid. Use this guide to find the right gift for your budget, lifestyle, and needs. Price at time of publication: $61.20 Price at time of publication: $198 for Set of 2 Lamps Price at time of publication: $29 for 11 oz white Price at time of publication: $199 Price at time of publication: $134....

When looking for a bike trailer, pay attention to its size and weight, and then take your own athletic abilities into consideration. Additionally, keep safety in mind by checking for harnesses, and look for a bike trailer with covering and ventilation. We carefully considered design; material; ease of assembly; ease of use; age, height, and weight recommendations; ease of cleaning; safety; and value when reviewing products. Here are the best bike trailers to turn your two-wheeler into a transportation superstar....

Beyond the size and fit, You’ll want to consider the different types of lining commonly found in snow boots, like faux fur, fleece, and felt. You should also check to ensure the boot is waterproof to keep feet not only dry, but warm, too. We carefully considered sizing, insulation, material, value, and design when reviewing products. Here are the best snow boots for kids. Price at time of publication: $55 Price at time of publication: $39 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $56 Price at time of publication: $99 Price at time of publication: $43 Your best bet for sizing is for your child to try on the boots themselves....

It’s best to find postpartum bleeding products that are fragrance-free, specifically after birth, and provide more than just your average coverage. We carefully considered design, value, absorbency, sizes, and materials when reviewing products. Here are the best pads for postpartum bleeding to aid in your recovery. The Stayfree Maxi Pad earned our top spot because it’s super absorbent no matter how heavy or light you’re bleeding. The pads are designed for “multi-fluid absorption,” which makes it ideal for the days following childbirth when you’re bleeding, maybe using liners with witch hazel for soothing, and possibly having trouble with your bladder (postpartum recovery isn’t pretty, but at least there’s a baby to snuggle during it!...

“When used appropriately, scooters provide another type of fun physical and mental activity for children,” Natalya Vernovsky, MD, an Illinois-based pediatrician with Just Answer, tells Verywell Family. “They stimulate development of strength, balance, coordination, and ability to focus.” When choosing a scooter for your child, you’ll want to make sure it’s just right for their age, size, and skill level—not to mention just right for your budget. We carefully considered value, design, age and weight recommendations, and safety features when reviewing products....

What’s Journaling Used For? Journaling is often a good activity for kids who are reluctant to write or, in some cases, reluctant to speak. The beauty of journaling is that it can be tailored to fit the needs and interests of the person writing it. For instance, it can be used to record gratitude, exercise, diet, emotions, sleep, dreams, invention ideas, future plans, areas of study, or schoolwork. Journaling for School Success The versatility of journaling means it can be incorporated into many different areas of learning, including math, science, and social studies....

According to Dr. Betty Choi, pediatrician, author of “Human Body Learning Lab,” and mother of two, “Street lamps and neighborhood lights can shine through a window and get in the way of much-needed rest. To block the brightness, blackout shades or curtains can help an infant fall and stay asleep.” Whatever type of window treatment you choose for your child’s room, make sure it is safe. Cords should be secured to the wall to avoid the risk of strangulation, and curtains should be made of nontoxic materials to maintain a chemical-free space....

The right pair of maternity pajamas for you will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and climate, not to mention whether you sleep hot or cold while pregnant. Above all, you should choose something that will keep you comfortable. And, according to Jennifer Lombardi, birth and postpartum doula, if it’s cute and makes you feel good, that’s even better. We spoke with doulas about how to find a well-fitting and comfy set of maternity pajamas and evaluated sets from top brands for sizing, materials, comfort, nursing-friendly design, and price....