KC Baby & Maternity Fall 2021

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support a family with a baby in

NICU

ways to calm a fussy baby miserable with

morning sickness?

babyproofing 101

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(check out our tips inside!)

Two locations: AdventHealth Shawnee Mission 9100 West 74th Street 913-676-2000

We’re here to do everything in our power to empower you on your journey to parenthood.

AdventHealth NEW South Overland Park 7820 West 165th Street 913-373-2000

Safe beginnings We know the safety of you and your child is your biggest concern when having a baby. It’s ours, too. At AdventHealth, we exceed strict national standards for the health of moms and babies. And by caring for 5,000 families each year, our experience ensuring the safest delivery possible is clear.

AdventHealthKC.com/BirthCenter

Birth Center

Building Great Smiles for Life!

Four convenient locations near you!

Need a Story On The Go? Mid-Continent Public Library has a fun new story for you to listen to each week no matter where you are! Enjoy a new story every Thursday selected and read to you by our storytime experts!

Call 816.701.6904 or visit mymcpl.org/story to listen online.

Access Your World

For more early literacy tips and ideas, visit GrowAReader.org/KCBaby. kcparent.com october-december 2021

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OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2021

IN EVERY ISSUE Ask the Experts 10 Craft Corner 11 Labor & Delivery Guide 16 Media Mix 29 Calendar of Events 32 Belly Laughs 34

ADDING TO THE NEST, PG. 12

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

17 Q&A on Newborn Care

11 Craft Corner

10 Ask the Experts

18 Babyproofing 101

20 Ta-Ta Thumb

12 Adding to the Nest

24 Calm a Fussy Baby

29 Book Reviews

14 Morning Sickness

26 Healthy Habits

32 Playdates

YOUR PREGNANCY 8 Support a NICU Family

16 Labor & Delivery Guide 22 Why Full Term Matters 28 Product Reviews 33 Date Night

Our cover features Charlotte from Lawrence.

Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com

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OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021 | KCPARENT.COM

Y BA B & MA YE A R S T

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ON THE COVER

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miserable with

morning sickness? (check out our tips inside!)

babyproofing 101

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Support a NICU Family 8 Morning Sickness 14 Babyproofing 101 18 Ways to Calm a Fussy Baby 24

ways to calm a fussy baby

YOUR LOVE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO KEEP HER HEART BEATING.

Ziah was born with half a heart. Thanks to an at-home heart monitoring app invented by Children’s Mercy, her parents enjoy these smiles every day.

It’s another way that love drives lifesaving innovations to give families more moments just like this. Learn how your LOVE WILL help more kids by giving today at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.

kcparent.com october-december 2021

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Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janell Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Sandy Foster (Grain Valley), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Emily Morrison (Independence), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | October 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

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AZINE

• DAY TRIPS • CRAFTS & RECIPES

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• PUMPKIN PATCHES

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Enjoy fall, Kansas City!

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B

oth of my girls were thumb suckers.

And I probably let them keep the habit a bit too long. Tori was 5 when she quit (at the urging of our dentist), but we didn’t have Ally quit until she was 7. (The dentist couldn’t tell she sucked her thumb, so I figured no harm, no foul.) Each girl had a lovey that she would hold while sucking her thumb. After the age of 3, loveys had to stay in bed, so the girls only sucked their thumbs when in bed. Nevertheless, it was a habit they had to kick. To help them stop, we would place a band aid on their thumb at night as a reminder to keep it out of their mouth. We kept a goal chart, and they worked toward rewards. After 30 thumb-free nights, each got a big treat to celebrate successfully kicking the thumb sucking habit. If you have a thumb sucker or a little one that uses a pacifier and it’s time to give it up, check out Judy Goppert’s article on pg. 20. And good luck!

Even though it’s tough, you’ll get through it!

With this issue, we focus on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I am fortunate that neither of my girls had to spend time in the NICU and always turn to writers who have had NICU experiences to compose articles about what to expect, how to help and to offer tips and encouragement. Although I knew that Olathe writer and mom Sarah Lyon’s triplets were in the NICU, it never registered before that they were in two different hospitals at the same time. Wow! As her triplets are now 7, her NICU days are in the rearview mirror, but she is able to write beautifully and share many thoughtful and meaningful tips for parents dealing with a NICU situation on pg. 8.

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

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ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE AT KCPARENT.COM!

The comprehensive guide lists more than 200 places for you to host your next party!

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Margaret Sarver, Editor

KC Baby & Maternity is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec).

It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. KC Baby & Maternity is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to KC Baby & Maternity will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of KC Baby & Maternity.

kc pumpkin patches Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch

Looking for a fall adventure? Visit KC’s #1 destination pumpkin patch… Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch! Enjoy dozens of attractions including the historic Country Carousel, Little Bud’s Railroad, the petting barn, Uncle Lester’s Pig Races, and much more! Find your perfect pumpkin in our u-pick pumpkin fields. Enjoy a wine slushie in our depot. Just don’t forget to pick up some of our famous pumpkin donuts! Carolyn’s is open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31. Visit CarolynsPumpkinPatch.com to purchase season passes or discounted tickets. Come to Carolyn’s this fall and help us celebrate 30 years of farm fun!

Weston Orchard and Vineyard

Enjoy a u-pick pumpkin patch, u-pick apple orchard, hayrack rides, apple cannons, rat racers, bouncing pillow, low ropes course with zip line, kids corn maze and more! If you play hard enough to work up an appetite, enjoy kettle corn and caramel apples to keep your energy up. Open seven days a week, 9:00-5:00. Apple cannons available on weekends only. OrchardWeston.com

Johnson Farms

At Johnson Farms, you’ll be in the country, but close to your home at a real farm. Take a wagon ride out to the u-pick pumpkin patch, veggie patch, sunflower or apple orchard. Experience our

giant jumping pillows, giant tunnel maze, rally cars, authentic fire truck, barnyard arcade and animal corral all INCLUDED in your admission. Delicious food and Safe Health protocols in place each time you visit! Plenty of parking and outdoor fun for all ages.

JohnsonFarms.net, 816.331.1067 @johnsonfarmsMO

Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store

Store hours 8:00-6:00 (Mon-Sat), 9:00-6:00 (Sun). Live music, food trucks, kettle corn and caramel apples. Watch as fresh cider is pressed and enjoy the delicious cider donuts! Fall family fun will be happening Sept. 17 to Oct. 31. Enjoy the Family Farm 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Mon-Thur), 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (Fri-Sat) and 9:00 a.m.-6 p.m.

(Sun). Venture through the 10-acre corn maze, huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, children’s play area, jump pillow, wagon rides and more! 913.837.5202. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch

When you buy a ticket to Fun Farm, included is your hayride out to our vast pumpkin patch. We have over 60 varieties of pumpkins to choose from on our farm, so get pickin’! Come out to the farm and pick out a pumpkin (or two…maybe three) to carve with the kids, use as porch decorations or to make your favorite pumpkin recipe!

Enjoy tons of kids activities, shows, performers, play areas, specialty equipment…and yes, farm stuff. FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com

KC Parent is giving away 50+ FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite pumpkin patches!

PLUS find our geo-based ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE. All the details are at KCParent.com.

pumpkin patch fun!

Traditions your family will love year after year. Come and enjoy... t t t

Acres upon Acres of Pumpkins Historic Country Carousel Petting Barn with Farm Friends

t t t

Little Bud’s Railroad Rides Kids Zone featuring Fort Liberty Weekend Pig Races

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World Famous Pumpkin Donuts Fudge, Kettle Corn and Other Delicious Farm-Made Treats

17607 N.E. 52ND street liberty, MO 64068 www.carolynspumpkinpatch.com

open

Sep 18-Oct 31

6 Days a Week. Closed on Tuesday.

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Proudly celebrating our 30th year!

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kcparent.com 8/9/21 7:37 PM october-december 2021

PULLED TWO WAYS: Balancing Life with a NICU Baby and Kids at Home

“M

y heart is in three places.” Those were the words going through my mind as I drove between the hospital and our home seven years ago.

Our family grew by three overnight with the birth of our triplets in 2014. At the time we already had three young children, and because the triplets were born six weeks early, they spent time in the NICU. To make it more difficult, one of the babies was transferred to another hospital where she would have open heart surgery and stay to recover. This left us with three kids at home, two babies in a NICU 10 minutes away and one baby in a different hospital 30 minutes from home. I felt like my heart was broken into three pieces as I would try to split my time equally while weighing who needed me more at any given moment. It was a very challenging time both emotionally and physically.

According to the National Library of Medicine, between 10 and 15 percent of births result in the baby’s being admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the United States. For many parents, the baby in the NICU is not their firstborn, creating the challenge of balancing life at home, work, recovery from childbirth and care for children at home with spending time in the hospital with the baby. Attempting this balancing act creates a lot of stress for everyone involved. Kansas City families who have been in this situation have some priceless information for families who may face this challenge in the future.

Be present

For parents struggling to find a balance between home and the hospital it is always best to remember to focus on the moment.

“You can’t be both places at once, as much as you may want to be. It is important to be present in the moment,” says Gardner mother of three Jennifer Rogers. “If I was at home with my older two, that is where my focus and energy went. If I was at the NICU, the baby would be the center of my attention.”

Find a routine that works

Each family is unique and will have different schedules and needs. The key is to find a routine that will work best for you. “My 3-year-old went to daycare during the day, and I spent that time at the NICU. I would spend the evening with my family at home.

This helped my 3-year-old feel normal, which

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transferred to my feeling more normal as well,” says Nathalie McKenzie, mother of two from Kansas City, MO. Laura Colon, mom of three, shares a different tactic her family used: “My husband and I split the time. He went during the day, and I was usually there at night.”

Distance creates even more challenges, but routine can help there, too. “When my youngest was born at 27 weeks, we lived an hour from the hospital,” says Amber Roudebush, mother of three from Butler, MO. “I would spend all day and night at the hospital and drive home and spend the next day and evening at home. I repeated this process for 58 days.” Figuring out some rhythm for managing this season creates the consistency that will be helpful to young children and give your life a sense of normalcy.

Your baby is in good hands

When you are away from your baby, it’s normal to have feelings of guilt and worry.

Rest assured, your child is getting the best care at the hospital with experienced NICU doctors and nurses. “I had to realize my baby was in wonderful hands even when we weren’t with him,” says Jennifer Rogers. “His nurse loved him and cared for him just as well as we would have.” Knowing this makes it easier to focus your time and energy on your older children when you are away.

This too shall pass

As hard as it is to imagine, your child will eventually leave the NICU and begin to grow and gain strength over time.

Already having a busy household with older children who need your care adds another dimension of challenge. Keep in mind that, although it seems to drag on forever, this time will pass and become a distant memory. Try to take things one day at a time and do the best you can.

NICU parents tend to have feelings of guilt. There are guilty feelings associated with how much time is spent with the baby (or with older children), whether the mother did something wrong to cause a premature birth, and guilt about not giving your child the “normal” attention that goes along with celebrating a new family member. These feelings are very real, but parents should try to give themselves grace in the situation. Your baby is in good hands with the NICU doctors and nurses, your child’s time spent in the NICU is temporary, and your children at home know you are doing your best. Walking through the experience of having a baby in the NICU is difficult, but soon enough you will be watching your child grow and thrive at home with the older siblings.

How to Help a NICU Family Friends and family are usually willing to help a family while they face the challenge of having a baby in the NICU, but many are unsure how to lend a hand. Here are some ways to make this difficult time easier for a NICU family, especially one with other kids in the home.

Provide meals – Preparing a meal, having pizza delivered, stocking the freezer with quick-fix meals, mailing a gift card or dropping off groceries will lighten the load and give the family less to worry about.

“As hard as it is to imagine, your child will eventually leave the NICU and begin to grow and gain strength over time.” — Sarah Lyons

Do yard work – A great way to help out a NICU family is to mow the lawn, shovel snow, water plants or manage the garden.

Help with the other kids (or pets) – Offer to babysit older children while the parents are at the hospital. You can also help by carpooling to school and activities, taking the kids to the park or driving the siblings to and from the hospital if visitors are allowed. If the family has pets, offer to help out with pet care.

Listen – Ask how they are feeling and how the baby is doing and just listen. Having a friend to talk to can really help.

Encourage – Let them know you think they are doing great. Parents have a tendency to blame themselves or feel like they are letting their children down.

Encouraging words can give them a big boost.

Check in – Send a text or a card and let them know you are there for them.

Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six children, including 7-year-old triplets.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

SOURCES: Trends in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Utilization in a Large Integrated Health Care System – PubMed (NIH.gov) kcparent.com october-december 2021

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ASK THE

EXPERTS Emily M. Clark, MD

Megan Maciel

ADVENTHEALTH

KVC KANSAS

Every day, the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center provides the compassionate, expert and exceptional care families expect from Johnson County’s leader in mother and baby care.

AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals.

913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

Q

Q

Help! I’m 36 weeks pregnant and can’t get comfortable at night to sleep. What can I try to get a good night’s rest?

What supports are available to foster families?

This is a very common symptom, especially in late pregnancy. Improving your sleep can have such an impact on those last few weeks of pregnancy!

Here are some things you can try: • Keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time.

• Avoid screen time at least an hour before bed.

• Sleep on your side and use a pregnancy pillow.

• Stay hydrated to avoid leg cramps.

• Keep active during the day by taking walks or doing light exercise.

• Develop a calming nighttime routine.

KVC Is committed to every foster parent’s success and provides personalized support to your family. We encourage our foster parents, like any parent, to develop a support system around them and work with extended family, faith communities, employers and friends to develop a network of care around the family.

KVC provides ongoing training opportunities to address specific behavioral needs, working with birth families, and navigating the child welfare system. Additionally, we offer access to a clothing closet, school supplies, holiday gifts and ongoing supports.

Emily M. Clark

Megan Maciel

Obstetrics & Gynecology Women’s Care Obstetrics & Gynecology

Director of Recruitment and Communication KVC Kansas

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer.

Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.

10 october-december 2021 kcparent.com

CRAFTCORNER

N

pumpkin family eed a cute fall baby announcement or just had a baby and short on time? This five-minute craft will check all of the fall boxes on decorating your pumpkins this year!

Step one: Decide what things you need for your pumpkin family. Do you want to decorate all the pumpkins or keep it simple and just add eyes? Up to you!

Step two: Assign each pumpkin to a family member. For example, biggest pumpkin is Dad, smallest pumpkin is Baby.

Step three: Add the pumpkin details. For example, for my family, Dad is wearing glasses, Mom is wearing a hair bow, son is wearing a hat, and Baby has a pacifier and a bow. You decide what each pumpkin will look like based on your family, and you’re done! Quick and easy!

Materials Needed:

• Pumpkin(s) • Pumpkin decorations

based on what your family looks like.

For example, I used googly eyes, 2 bows, a pacifier, a pair of old glasses and a toddler hat.

• Scissors • Glue stick and/or tape

Step four: Set up your pumpkin family outside and snap a quick picture to share your news with your friends and family!

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict.

Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

Finger Puppets

Button Handprint Art

Easy Toddler Painting

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com!

kcparent.com october-december 2021

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ne st

adding to the

how to prepare for baby #2

t

he decision to expand your family is a major one. Huge, actually. It’s a bigger decision than some parents realize. There are so many factors to consider before taking that next step.

First off, kids are expensive—100 percent worth it, but expensive! Can you budget to be able to provide for multiple babies? Are you a stay-at-home or working mom? Will you need to finally pull the trigger on purchasing that minivan you’ve been eyeing?

It’s important to be realistic about adding to the family, in addition to dreaming big. Having a family of seven

12 october-december 2021 kcparent.com

kids might sound magical and fulfilling until you’re spreading yourself too thin and not meeting everyone’s emotional needs.

On the other hand, you might be just the kind of parents to love and lead a big brood.

Before my second baby arrived, I was worried about my firstborn. Would he feel left out? Would the transition be tough on him? How could I even love another human as much as my firstborn?

Well, a mom can and she does—it’s amazing! You’ve just got to be intentional.

Adding another bundle of joy to the mix, admittedly hard, is just the best. Prepare yourself, and you can do it, even on the tough days.

Exhaustion is an undeniable reality. Some days you’ll just want to send your older kid to Grandma and Grandpa’s house so you can snuggle with your baby or close your eyes for a moment when he does. Some days you should do that. Other days, put together a puzzle with your toddler while your baby stretches in the Pack ’n Play.

Magical days happen, too. Those are the days when you’re snuggling your newborn on the couch while your older kiddo plays directly across from you, occasionally running up to you to kiss his baby sister on the head and pet your hair. Maybe you’ll sit with your firstborn and play with Play-Doh while your baby naps right next to you.

Remember those sweet moments when you’re in the thick of parenting more than one child. Because you will have days they both poop at the same time and need some major cleanup. Or you might be starving, but your toddler is having a meltdown because he wants to play outside, but it’s raining, and your newborn needs to nurse again. You’ll long for a peaceful moment to breathe, but your baby is cranky from teething and your son is cranky from boredom.

Every mom has advice and stories from the trenches, each uniquely her own, familiar and relatable. There is no all-encompassing perfect advice, only a survival guide of general principles. Glean from others but know you’ll find your groove. I will offer one piece of important advice: Soak up all the moments you can with your first baby before your new one arrives. Just enjoy that one-on-one time.

And when your second arrives, include your other kiddos as much as possible.

Once you’re a family of four—or more— there is no going back, and your time will

be significantly divided among a number of small children who need you nearly every waking moment. Remember that when you begin to stress about not accomplishing tasks you think you should be able to finish.

Do what you can and be at peace about it.

You really don’t have the uninterrupted time you used to have before you became the mother of more than one.

Help your firstborn through this challenging season, too. Tell him you love him until it becomes excessive. Even if he gets tired of it. Hug her out of the blue. Get a box of fun toys out of the closet. Remind her that her feelings are valid—it’s okay to want Mom’s attention even when you’re changing the umpteenth diaper of the day.

Even when you’re drained, remember that your beautiful choice to bring another kiddo into the world in turn rocks your firstborn’s world. It’s your obligation to validate big brother or big sister’s emotional needs. You won’t be a perfect mom, but you’ll be one who tries. You’ll inevitably be running on empty some days. Ask your partner or family members for help so you can reset.

Mom pro tips:

• Snag moments to yourself. Wake up 15 minutes before everyone else to listen to music or meditate and stretch while drinking your coffee.

• Let Grandma, Grandpa or Aunt Susan babysit for you.

• Include your firstborn in anything and

everything you do with the new baby. Let the older sibling be part of it all.

• They won’t nap at the same time. Just accept • Get a special present or “goodie basket” for your other kid(s) before the baby is born.

I went to Dollar Tree and collected a few of my son’s favorites before his sister was born. I wanted him to feel special, too.

that and move on. And laugh about it.

• You may have to help your 5-year-old get his head un-stuck while you’re breastfeeding your newborn.

• Sometimes they both cry at the same time. • Meditate. A lot. Try to find your calm Or get sick at the same time.

• You might feel like you’re running around in circles accomplishing nothing some days, yet you’re totally exhausted. I think that’s normal.

• It’s hard at first, but you’ll get used to

being there for two tiny humans at once.

• You’ll wish you could clone yourself.

• You might finally give in and let your older kiddo eat ice cream for breakfast.

• You may start a load of laundry and forget to switch it over to the dryer for two days.

• There will never be enough coffee. Ever.

before adding to the household. It will benefit both you and your kids.

• Sign up for a meal delivery subscription or just meal plan. Prepare frozen casseroles, stock up on snacks and caffeine. Did I already mention coffee?

• You’ll probably ignore a lot of phone

calls for a while, and that’s okay. Text messaging works, too.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

The starting point for a healthy smile.

You care for them in so many ways...

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StartingPointDental.com Locations:

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Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

kcparent.com october-december 2021

13

Mi

e b l a ser

N

with Morning Sickness?

othing puts a damper on the excitement of finding out you’re pregnant quite like that miserable, queasy feeling that starts to rear its ugly head around your sixth week. Morning sickness is the term for nausea and vomiting that can happen when you’re pregnant. Contrary to its name, expectant mothers will tell you the nausea and vomiting can hit anytime, day or night, and usually feels more like “all day sickness.” In fact, 80 percent of women report their symptoms last all day.

The cause of morning sickness is attributed to the increase in hormones in the mother’s body. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a pregnancy hormone made by cells formed in the placenta. These levels peak at about the same time as morning sickness symptoms. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels also rise, which relaxes the muscles of the digestive track. Another contribution to the queasiness is the fact that pregnant women experience a sharper sense of smell. Some women experience a metallic taste in their mouth that leads to nausea, and excessive saliva during pregnancy can also be a contributing factor to morning sickness.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, morning sickness affects more than half of pregnant women.

It’s often one of the toughest pregnancy symptoms to deal with, but you can find comfort in the thought that many health care providers believe morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy, because it means the placenta is developing well.

Morning sickness symptoms vary between expectant mothers. Some women experience just a bit of queasiness from certain foods or smells, while others have nausea and vomiting many times a day. For most moms-to-be, symptoms begin to subside between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy, but there are some expectant mothers who never find relief and experience it throughout all 40 weeks of their pregnancy. If you’re experiencing weight loss, signs of dehydration, severe vomiting and are unable to keep food and fluids down, contact your doctor. This could be a more severe condition called Hyperemesis gravidarum that affects about three percent of pregnant women.

Are you miserable with morning sickness? Here are a few remedies to try out.

14 october-december 2021 kcparent.com

Find Your Triggers

Stay Hydrated

As the days go on, you will find what foods, smells and time of day trigger your sickness the most. For me, the smell of coffee made me nauseous, so I steered clear of Starbucks and did my best to avoid the break room at work. You will also find what foods sit well with you. For me it was grilled cheese, and yes, I had it for breakfast every day!

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re vomiting often. If you’re having trouble keeping liquids down, try ice chips or freezer pops. Also, drink between meals instead of while eating. Sports drinks like Gatorade can also help you replenish electrolytes.

Eat Often Do your best to eat small meals often throughout the day instead of three main meals. You don’t want your stomach to get too empty or too full. Keep snacks like a protein bar or a bag of almonds with you at all times. Foods on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) are known for helping with upset stomachs. There are also several snacks believed to help with nausea. It’s a good idea to stop eating spicy foods until you are feeling better. Anything with lemon or ginger (think lemon drops, lemonade, ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger snaps) can help. Peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candy is also helpful for some. Other moms swear by crackers or Popsicles. Eat whatever you can keep down to stay hydrated and nourished.

Rest Resting is important throughout your entire pregnancy, but especially when you’re experiencing morning sickness.

Your body is working in overdrive, so it’s important to give it a break. It won’t always be an option, but if you are having an especially hard morning, take a vacation day and rest your body. Give yourself some grace and return to work when you’re feeling better.

Talk to Your Doctor If your morning sickness symptoms are keeping you from your normal routine and are absolutely unbearable, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for a medication that is safe for you and your baby.

Morning Routine The morning tends to be hard for moms to get out of bed and get going. Place some crackers and a soda on your nightstand within arm’s reach before bed. When you wake up, eat some crackers and take a few sips of the soda. Give it a few minutes to settle before getting out of bed.

TRUE/FALSE QUIZ

FALSE – Morning sickness can occur anytime.

Prenatals

1.

2.

You should eat several small meals per day instead of three large meals to help curb nausea.

Sometimes prenatal vitamins can cause nausea. Try taking your vitamins with a small snack before bed. Some moms find relief by using the gummy prenatals.

TRUE – Several small meals per day will keep you from having an empty stomach or getting too full.

Preggie Pops

3.

Preggie pops are morning sickness lollipops and lozenges that provide an all-natural way to ease morning sickness. Keep these in your purse to help curb your nausea at any time. You can find these on Amazon.

Sea-bands You may have used these acupressure wrist bands for car sickness or travel sickness, but many expectant moms find relief from morning sickness with these too. They work by applying pressure to the Nei-Kuan point in the wrist. This natural, drugfree option is worth a try.

B6 The vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been shown to reduce morning sickness symptoms in some mothers. B6 helps your body process proteins, which may reduce nausea. Check with your OB-GYN before taking any new supplements.

Morning sickness occurs only in the morning.

All women experience morning sickness.

4.

FALSE – More than 50 percent of women experience morning sickness—so almost half don’t!

Women who experience horrible morning sickness are having a girl.

FALSE – There is no data to prove this. Some

women have girls and never experience morning sickness.

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and two daughters, Atley, 7, and Ensley, 1.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com october-december 2021

15

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16 october-december 2021 kcparent.com

Q&A

ON NEWBORN CARE

Becoming a new parent and bringing your little bundle home for the first time is exciting. However, no matter how much you prepared for this special homecoming, the days ahead are sure to give you many surprises. You may find some of your questions embarrassing to ask the pediatrician, but don’t worry. When it comes to your new baby, no question is silly. In fact, below are some questions many new parents have asked, along with some helpful answers from doctors and nurses. Maybe you’ll find the answer to one of your own questions.

QUESTION: If I hold my baby too much, am I spoiling her?

ANSWER: Babies are cuddly and cute for a reason. They’re meant to be held! It’s completely okay to hold your baby during the day, whether in your arms or attached to you in a baby carrier. Nighttime, however, should be time for your baby to wind down on his own without being held and rocked to sleep. Babies who are held or rocked to sleep have a hard time drifting off on their own, and they’re unable to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake in the night.

Instead, try putting your little one in her crib drowsy, but awake, and on her back. This allows her to learn how to fall asleep on her own.

QUESTION: Do I have to breastfeed for one year?

ANSWER: Breastfeeding has a myriad of benefits, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for 12 months, and exclusively for the first six. However, if a mom is no longer enjoying it, she should stop breastfeeding.

QUESTION: How many bowel movements should my newborn have in 24 hours?

ANSWER: Newborns who are breastfed will generally have three or more bowel movements per 24 hours by day three or four (normal stool for breastfed babies is extremely loose).

Infants who are formula fed will generally have one bowel movement per 24 hours (normal formula-fed stool tends to be pasty). However, some infants can have up to 20 per day and still be completely normal.

QUESTION: How many layers should I dress my baby in when we go outside?

ANSWER: Always dress your baby in one more layer than you have on. If you’re wearing a shirt and a coat, your baby needs those plus a blanket. If it’s windy or chilly outside, put a hat on your baby as well.

QUESTION: How often should I bathe my newborn?

ANSWER: Your baby should have three baths a week or fewer.

More than that will dry out his skin. Be sure to wait until his umbilical cord has fallen off before bathing him.

QUESTION: What if there is oozing or blood after the cord has fallen off?

ANSWER: A bit of yellowish white gunk at the site of the cord that dries over a few days is normal, as long as the skin around the base of the cord remains normal color. (If it becomes increasingly red, call your pediatrician immediately.) You do not need to use alcohol.

Also, a few drops of blood on the diaper as the cord is falling off is normal. If it bleeds a lot (which is rare), apply pressure to stop the bleeding and call your pediatrician right away.

As a new parent, you will have a lot of questions pop up during the first year. Don’t be afraid to ask your baby’s pediatrician or nurse. They’ve heard it all, so there’s no reason to fear that your question is odd. In the meantime, be sure to always put Baby to sleep on her back, keep up with doctor appointments and immunizations, breastfeed if you can, and keep her sleeping space clear of pillows, crib bumpers and toys.

Gina Klein is a mom and author who resides in Kansas City with her husband, two daughters and many wonderful pets.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT IN BABY’S FIRST 24 HOURS? FIND OUT AT KCPARENT.COM. kcparent.com october-december 2021

17

Babyproofing 101

S

o, your baby is moving and shaking now! Babies in motion can be hard to handle. I know, you carried them for 9 months, feed them, clothe them, watch them poop on everything and this is the thanks they give you! I know the feeling all too well. Believe it or not, this is only the beginning of an amazing process. Before you know it, your little one will be off to prom and then to college, and then you’ll be asking yourself where the time went.

For the moment, though, let’s focus on the present—crawling comes before getting a driver’s license. And now that your baby is ready to roam and explore on her hands and knees, the time has come to babyproof the house. So, let’s get into it!

We all believe our home is the safest on the planet until something happens. So how can we prevent accidents from happening to our little ones—especially the dangers we don’t see?

First things first:

18 october-december 2021 kcparent.com

Get on Baby’s level.

You’d be surprised what you can see when you experience a little tummy time. The first time I got the floor with my little one, I immediately saw all the sharp edges and the shiny things I keep on my entertainment center. From that perspective, it started to make sense why the baby always crawled over to it and used the openings to pull himself up so he could reach those appealing objects to pull down. To lower my blood pressure, I removed all the shiny glass and pointy objects from the entertainment center, made sure the furniture piece was anchored and gave my valuables a new place to live. Seeing the world on all fours can help you understand your child’s perspective and also give you peace of mind.

Start in areas where your kid spends the most time.

It’s easy to go out and buy bulletproof glass, shields and fireproof blankets to build an impregnable fortress with, but does that guarantee your baby’s safety?

Maybe not so much. Instead, think about where your child spends the most time.

Going all out on the most expensive trinkets isn’t necessary, but you can eliminate lurking dangers in a focused area. Living rooms take precedence in most households. Make sure your child can’t pull down things that could pin him underneath. Make sure heavy glass, small items and things with sharp edges are far out of his reach, too.

Proof as the child grows.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly your child grows. You’ll be even more shocked at how quickly she learns how to open gates, pull things down from tall places and climb out of enclosures. My kid likes to climb out of the crib and touch electric sockets. I’m not quite sure whether that’s a mark of genius or a cause for concern, but I’ve taken precautions. I’ve found it helpful to cushion the outer perimeter of the crib and bought plastic covers that are hard for children to remove from sockets. It cost me a few pillows from my bed and, I believe, around 10

bucks for the plastic covers. Buy what you need, improvise creatively and remember before you spend hundreds of dollars on babyproofing gadgets that tots will outsmart them and outgrow them.

Curious little ones learn daily, which means you’ll have to work to stay a step ahead of them.

Always ask for help!

KCPARENT.COM

Assistance is key! What most firsttime parents make the mistake of doing is thinking they can do it all. That’s just not true. Although some are really good at balancing a baby with the regular stuff of life, everyone does not have that gift—and even the very best can learn a thing or two. We all need a little help, and you’d be surprised at how many friends, family and colleagues are willing to jump at the opportunity when a little cutie pie is involved. It takes a village to raise a child, and you’ll need a village and your family plus two more. Make use of that network when the network is together because

babies require a constant watchful eye.

Family barbecues, for instance, are a great example of when you may be able to call for some safety supervision backup. If you’re hosting or even just participating, you can easily find someone to step in and watch your little explorer until you are back in the room. My favorite excuse is the bathroom. It’s an easy out for a quick break, and someone is always willing to watch the baby for the few minutes of solitude you need. My only caution is to assign someone specific and trustworthy before you walk away.

Be smart when it comes to hot and clean.

I don’t know about the children in your life, but the ones in mine are obsessed with things that plug into the wall. And with colorful cleaners—particularly in the kitchen and the bathroom. To children, chemicals scream, “Juice!” The colorful packaging is dangerously appealing. My advice to you: Lock it up. I like to keep my

cleaners in a bin that snaps shut because the lids are a bit harder for kids to open, and I lock up the bins somewhere safe, usually in the bathroom under the sink.

When I use my curlers or anything hot, I try to stay in one place and I make sure the children can’t reach. One trick that I use when cooling my curlers down or even using them when kids are close in range is setting the hot coil inside the bowl of the sink and the cord on the counter. The house doesn’t burn down, and no one gets hurt.

If all else fails, create a checklist. You know what works best for your kids and for your home. Grow with the proofing and with your child.

Jessica Samuel lives in Kansas City and is a freelance writer and photographer.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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kcparent.com october-december 2021

19

Say ta-ta to that thumb!

Got a kiddo who constantly sucks his thumb, pacifier, finger or hair?

Here are some tips to wean little ones off easily and kindly.

T

here is a classic line in the movie Gone with the Wind, when Rhett Butler asks one of the older Southern ladies how to get his darling daughter, Bonnie, to stop sucking her thumb for fear it will mess up her perfect mouth. The lady quietly says, “Put quinine on her thumb.

She’ll stop sucking it!”

That was a bit harsh, but it certainly would do the trick! Thank goodness there are more reasonable, safer ways to stop the sucking impulse in youngsters. Actually, many babies begin sucking their thumb in the womb, so it’s not surprise this selfcomforting can continue even into the preschool years. Be it a pacifier, finger or thumb, constant sucking on something can have an effect on the speed and development of teeth. Little ones who rest their thumb passively in their mouth throughout the day are less likely to have dental problems than children who suck more aggressively.

So how does this calming habit hurt? It’s the tongue’s constant thrust in the mouth that can cause the speech issues. You can begin to stop this activity by asking children to take that thumb out of their mouth while talking.

Let your child know he doesn’t have your attention unless the thumb exits the mouth.

Say something like, “I can’t hear your words

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kcparent.com october-december 2021

while your thumb is in there. Can you please say it again without your thumb?”

Most will stop this on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Remember, never be negative! Positive reinforcement is a must, and you know your child, so don’t push his buttons! Making it a negative thing and being forceful or cross won’t help and, in fact, can make it worse. Most children suck their thumbs when they are tired or worried.

It is a safety blanket used for reassurance, so always be calm and conciliatory and offer lots of praise for effort. Even though there are lots of techniques to try to stop your little one from sucking her thumb, none is a quick fix. Just as with any other habit, stopping the thumb-sucking takes time and patience.

Try not to worry about your child’s thumb-sucking until her permanent teeth start coming in. But if you want to discourage the habit before then, try to address the reasons behind it. If you can identify times and places when your child is particularly likely to suck her thumb, for example while riding in the car, you might try giving her a substitute, such as a cloth book to flip through. Or if she tends to suck her thumb when she’s tired, try altering her schedule to help her get more sleep. Openly

pressuring your child to stop can motivate her to suck her thumb even more.

Using positive reinforcement and encouraging behavior change in your child are always more effective than focusing on the negative. Parents must set up a reward system and take note of the days the child does not suck his thumb. Praise your child verbally and give him some reward at the end of the month.

Oftentimes, that thumb ends up in the mouth without your child’s even thinking about it. One simple reminder technique is to cover the thumb with a thumb guard or mittens.

Distract, distract, distract! The best way to help your child kick the habit would be to distract her by involving her in activities that require the use of both hands. Parents can keep their children busy by giving them puzzles or blocks to play with.

One local mom had to bite the bullet and call in some extra help when her son simply wouldn’t quit sucking his thumb at age 8. The family’s orthodontist said quitting could save him two extra years of braces.

They talked with a dental hygienist who has developed a business visiting children in their homes to help them learn to stop sucking that thumb. During the visit, the

hygienist asked him gently, “Why do you think it might be a good idea to stop sucking your thumb?” As he lay curled up on the couch, he answered, “Because of braces.”

When she left, she gave the family an ACE bandage, three large safety pins and medical tape. She came back three days later and explained that for 10 nights, he was to sleep with the medical tape around his thumb and a bandage gently wrapped around his straightened arm. Mom was to affix large safety pins on the bandage in three different places; near his wrist, at the bend of his elbow and at his biceps. The bandage and pins made it difficult to get that thumb up to his mouth. He kept his thumb wrapped with medical tape through the day.

This young boy’s mom also learned some things like some feelings, objects and places made her son want to suck more.

For instance, fleece blankets triggered the sucking. He did finally succeed in losing the taste for his thumb!

Understanding that this habit is natural and will, in most cases, resolve on its own is a comfort. Take it one step at a time. You and your family will learn and be stronger from the experience!

Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Sources: MotherAndBaby.com, BabyCenter.com, Parents.com

kcparent.com october-december 2021

21

G

E

D E ISTAN H T G IO N C

Why reaching full term matters

A

t 37 weeks pregnant, you’re on the home stretch and eagerly awaiting the arrival of your baby.

Your doctor warned you that these last few weeks of pregnancy would be the toughest. And she was right. You can’t sleep. You can’t get comfortable, and every five minutes you have to go to the bathroom.

What’s wrong with just having your baby now?

Gather your patience. Most doctors discourage elective inductions or cesareans before 39 weeks, which is considered full-term, unless waiting poses a health risk to a mom or baby.

If everything is normal, “safety for baby comes first, and so 39 to 41 weeks is ideal as far as the growth of baby,” says Rabiya Suleman, OB/GYN, Overland Park Regional Medical Center. “Before that, we can’t guarantee that your baby isn’t going to have a NICU stay.”

The risks. Babies born before 39 weeks are at higher risk of suffering from breathing problems and other health issues.

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“For baby, one of the last organs to fully develop is the lungs,” says Raschelle Schowengerdt, OB/GYN, Meritas Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, North Kansas City. “Every week the baby is born early significantly increases the chance of respiratory distress after birth.”

And that means an increased likelihood that your infant will need supplemental oxygen or respiratory support in your hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In addition to breathing issues, babies born prematurely may have more trouble eating and are at greater risk of developing jaundice.

Necessary medical evaluation and treatment also can mean time apart from your newborn. “This disrupts bonding—a very crucial time in the cycle of the mom-baby dyad, and may be a source of anxiety and depression for them both at the time of separation and possibly later down the road,” says certified nurse midwife Eva Miller, APRN, clinical director, New Birth Company, Overland Park. Furthermore, Miller says this separation can negatively impact breastfeeding success.

Benefits of waiting. Going into labor naturally without medical intervention increases the chances that your labor will go quickly.

“With an induction of labor, oftentimes multiple medications are needed to coax your body into labor. The process can last several days,” Dr. Schowengerdt says. “An elective induction of labor increases the risk of needing a cesarean by 50 percent.”

What about scheduled c-sections? Or what if you choose VBAC? “Repeat c-sections we deliver at 39

weeks,” Dr. Suleman says. For women who choose vaginal birth after a previous cesarean (VBAC), she advises waiting for natural labor to occur to increase the chances of success.

Medical interventions that can prevent preterm birth. According to the March of Dimes, preterm birth can cause lifelong disabilities for a baby, and often death.

Women who are low in progesterone, which is a hormone that helps maintain pregnancy, are at higher risk for problems with conception, miscarriage and preterm labor. Let your doctor know at your first prenatal visit whether you’ve experienced preterm birth in the past. If so, your physician may recommend a weekly injection of 17-hydroxyprogesterone between 16 and 36 weeks.

“It has been shown to decrease the chance of recurrent preterm birth by approximately 50 percent,” Dr. Schowengerdt says.

What you can do. Healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy can also help prevent preterm birth.

At your first prenatal visit with your health care provider, share your pregnancy history and discuss any drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements that you take, your emotional and physical health and your lifestyle habits.

As soon as possible—at least three months prior to conception if you can—begin taking prenatal vitamins (available over the counter) that contain at least 400 mcg folic acid, which can help prevent brain and spinal cord birth defects.

Maintain a healthy weight through a nutrient-rich diet and moderate exercise. Most pregnant women only need to add about 300 more calories to their daily diet. Exercises like walking, swimming or prenatal yoga can help you stay fit and strong and help you manage low back, hip and pelvic pain.

Don’t forget to see your dentist. “Studies have found that women with infected gums/teeth are at higher risk for preterm labor,” Miller says.

Avoid high risk sexual behavior or switching partners during pregnancy. “A sexually transmitted infection can cause the water around the baby to break early causing preterm labor,” Miller says.

“Safety for baby comes first, and so 39 to 41 weeks is ideal as far as the growth of baby.”

As always, notify your health care provider if you have any concerns during your pregnancy. “Something as simple as a UTI (urinary tract infection) can cause an expectant mother to go into labor,” Miller says. Symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, frequent urination, feeling of inability to empty the bladder, burning, and irritation that may or may not be accompanied by a fever.

Above all, remember that you’ll reach the finish line soon enough. In the meantime, make every week count toward giving your baby the healthiest start possible to the marathon of life.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her family, which includes her husband, two active boys and a menagerie of pets.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Common reasons for early induction Your doctor may recommend an induction before 39 weeks if you or your baby faces health risks. Common reasons for early delivery include:

• You’re expecting twins/multiples.

• You’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or pre-eclampsia.

• You’re experiencing complications with diabetes.

• You have a vertical incision on the uterus or you’ve had a previous surgery on your uterus, which makes a vaginal delivery dangerous.

Source: Dr. Rabiya Suleman, OB/GYN, Overland Park Regional Medical Center kcparent.com october-december 2021

23

g n i m Cal A FUSSY BABY

D

id you sign up for parenthood to have a content and smiley baby only to bring home a very fussy baby? What do you do? Don’t worry! First, you’re definitely not alone—and you’re a great parent! Second, we have compiled a quick collection of ideas you can try to help calm your fussy newborn.

In an article at News.ChildrensMercy.org, experts advise that it “can be normal for an infant to cry up to 6 hours each day [and] that crying peaks at 4 weeks of age and begins to decline around 4 months of age.

[But] it does come to an end!”

I’ve asked a few moms for their best tips, and these moms have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves to pass on to new moms—or even seasoned moms—with an especially fussy new baby.

The first suggestion is based on touch.

Babies love to be near their caregivers.

Comforting nearness can be shared through light, soothing touch, skin-to-skin contact

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or simply wearing Baby throughout your day. Nearness can reassure Baby. Karen Hepp, mother of four, simply says, “Wear that baby!”

Carriers come in a plethora of styles, so do your research on what will work best for your lifestyle. You might even see whether you can borrow or try a friend’s carrier or check out a store that will allow you to try them on. I had a basic Baby Bjorn I used for my first two babies a decade ago and then moved on to an Ergo 360 for my third, and it ended up being a much better fit for me. I used it a lot! If you’re concerned (or have been told by some well-meaning people) you will spoil your baby by holding him too often, relax. According to News.

ChildrensMercy.org, you can “hold your baby as much as you want. You cannot spoil a baby.” They also recommend walking or rocking your baby, simulating motions like the ones Baby experienced inside the womb.

Talking to your baby also gives comfort.

Sarah Lyons, an experienced mother of six, three of whom are triplets, says, “Newborns feel comforted by some light pressure. I learned this from nurses in the NICU. Their skin is super sensitive, and rubbing or scratching their back, like a bigger kid might enjoy, is annoying or ticklish to them. Just simply resting your hand on them can calm them down. Sort of like a weighted blanket, but it’s a warm comforting touch.”

Another veteran mom has a reliable arsenal of tactics for calming fussy babies.

Heidi Murray, mother of four including a new baby, says matter-of-factly that what quiets her babies are “boobs, baby wearing, shushing/side holding and walking.”

Speaking of walking, movement and change of scenery are other great suggestions. A couple of ideas are going for a drive or long walk to lull Baby to sleep.

Remember, these tiny humans we care for are completely dependent on us for all things. Sometimes they crave to be in a new position. Other times, they have a gas bubble they need help releasing. Simple

movements, such as sitting them up, holding them in a new position like the football hold or doing bicycle legs can help alleviate any gas pressure. Amy Siebert, mother of two, says, “My daughter liked the football hold, being swung and facing forward so her body faced the same way as mine versus into my chest.”

“Newborns feel comforted by some light pressure. Just simply resting your hand on them can calm them down. Sort of like a weighted blanket, but it’s a warm comforting touch.”

Water also creates soothing motion for babies. Casey Frasser, mother of four, says, “Put them in water or take them outside.

It’s magic!” Lori Tate, mother of four, agrees with the water tip. “Baths or showers helped calm my baby. My youngest would just chill out if we got in the shower together. I think it was a combination of noise and warmth.

He is 4 now and will still ask for a bath if he is calming from a fit.”

Another tip is to add or remove stimulation. Simple shushing noises can help calm a baby, as can other types of white noise from a sound machine, app or even a vacuum. Michael Houghton, mother of twin girls, says, “Both my girls had colic. I used to place them on top of the dryer in their car seats. Worked like a charm.” (Remember, caregivers must be with their children at all times. Speak to your pediatrician about trying this tip with your own babies.)

On the other hand, sometimes babies need less stimulation. “Try removing some of the stimulation from the area. Adults can also get grouchy and overwhelmed with too many noises, touches, things to look at,” says Sarah Prescott, mother of three.

“Parents will often keep trying new things and adding more and more, but sometimes we all just need some quiet.”

Personally, I have raised three little babies so far to 11, 9, and 6 years of age, and a season that sticks out to me is when our second baby was horribly fussy from about 2 to 4 months old, usually each night between 7:00 and 9:00 or so. The only thing that would calm him was to wear him facing away from you so he could see the world and walk around outside. Luckily, this was springtime, and he did eventually grow out of that phase. But based on that experience, my repeated heads-up to all parents of new babies is that it took about four months after the birth of each of my babies before I felt like I wasn’t treading water. It took about that long each time to finally figure out our new system and feel like I knew what I was doing again.

Our final tips are to trust your instincts and ask for help. Remember that many other humans around the world have been new parents and have figured it out—so you can do it! Reading books, websites and posts in parenting support groups and attending new parent and baby classes can all be great tools to help you decide what’s best for you and your baby. But each baby is different, and if you need help, please ask for it and seek it out.

Premier Pediatrics in Overland Park, PremierForKids.com, reminds new parents, “You as primary caregiver(s) may need help or a break. This is normal and okay.

Assistance is preferable to unintentionally taking stress out on a child. Consider getting some help from relatives or friends or hiring a babysitter.”

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 11, Mason, 9, and Slade, 6, and once listened to static on the car radio for 45 minutes to get her fussy baby to calm down while on a road trip—but she still loved those years in the weeds.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com october-december 2021

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We want our children to grow up happy and healthy, and forming habits early can only help the process.

developing healthy habits

t

he first few years of life are developmentally crucial for children, and we parents do everything we can to start them off in the best possible way. We read books, chat with other parents, research topics, schedule checkups—and the list goes on. When we think about beginning a healthy path for our children, there are many different topics involved: diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep, screens, mental health, social and emotional well-being. As life gets busy, it can be easy to let the healthy aspects of your lifestyle slide. Here are 10 ways to develop healthy habits early on:

Variety As your child begins to experiment with food, make sure to offer a wide variety.

Experiment with different spices and seasonings and remember to keep children’s plates colorful with fruits and veggies, too.

Jennifer Bourne, Liberty mom of three, says, “I think baby-led weaning helped start healthy eating habits. My daughter was

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eating all different kinds of foods before she was even 9 months old. She’s 10 now, and I think that played a big role in establishing healthy eating habits early on.”

Involve your child You may really want to just go grocery shopping or cook alone (which is okay too!), but consider letting your child help out once or twice a month. Shopping together, discussing choices, allowing your child to pick out healthy options, helping to plan and prepare a meal are all ways to begin developing healthy habits. Suzanne Johnson, Overland Park mom of three, shares, “We cook together and have tools their size that are kid appropriate, so they can join in and feel successful.”

Drink up Introducing juice, chocolate milk, soda or even energy drinks to your child early on can be tempting but resist the urge!

Not only are drinks like these unnecessary for their little developing bodies, they are

bad for their teeth, too! Water is a healthy alternative and necessary for hydration.

According to WebMD.com, toddlers should be drinking between 2 and 4 cups per day, with that increasing to 5 cups per day for children ages 4-8.

Be active Who wants to exercise if it’s not fun?! I certainly don’t! Find ways to incorporate exercise into your child’s day in a way that adds a bit of fun. It doesn’t have to be complicated either. Go for a walk and stomp in rain puddles, skip out to the mailbox, make an obstacle course out of couch cushions and pillows. Keep in mind the point here is to have your child active!

Exercise together Exercise is almost always better with a friend, so find physical activities your family can do together. If you have very young babies, plop them in a carrier or stroller and head out for a walk or jog. If your kids are a bit older, they can walk with you or ride a

scooter or bike. “We hike, paddleboard and walk as a family for exercise and fun,” says Jenna Fujii, a Prairie Village mom of two.

Limit screen time Because technology plays such an integral part in our daily lives, it is easy to fall into the tech trap with our little ones: a little TV time here, a little there, Facetiming with Grammy, playing on your phone while in the store and so on. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under the age of 18 months, unless it is video chatting with an adult (one that may be out of town). From ages 18-24 months, screen time should be limited to watching an educational program with a caregiver. Young children need face to face time with real people they can engage and interact with, not machines!

Be a role model I realize this might be easier said than done. I’m definitely guilty of sipping my Diet Coke at lunch while my kids drink water ... but I’m a work in progress! Our

children are so impressionable, which makes it that much more important to set the right example. Let them see you work out, make good food decisions and take care of yourself.

Get those zzzzz’s Sleep is key for a healthy lifestyle for young children. Consistent nap and bedtimes are important, as well as maintaining a routine surrounding those times. Very young children need sleep to allow their brains to develop—literally.

Routine checkups You could be tempted to skip the doctor and dental checkups, but don’t! Your child should have a checkup once a year and be visiting the dentist every six months. These measures are helpful in catching anything out of the ordinary early on.

do daily affirmations with our daughter in the mornings when she wakes up. We start her day by saying, ‘You are beautiful, you are smart, you are worthy, you are loved,’” shares Amanda Shimerda, an Overland Park mom of one. “We are trying to start healthy habits with mental health, selfesteem and worth.”

Remember, just because you fall off the wagon one day with your child and give in to juice or watching screens or get off the sleep schedule doesn’t mean you completely throw in the towel. Think of it like dieting ... take a breath, regroup and get back at it as soon as possible. We want our children to grow up happy and healthy, and forming habits early can only help the process!

Mental health matters

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where starting some of these healthy habits with her four kids was easy ... and some, not so much!

It is never too early to start a positive mental health outlook and shape the way our children feel about themselves. “We

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com october-december 2021

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WE LOVE IT

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

GRUB HIGH CHAIR

DON’T BE RASH DIAPER + ALL OVER BALM

Converts to a toddler chair and can easily be taken apart and put right into the dishwasher. Streamlined design with adjustable one-piece tray and foot rest. $149, 6 months-3 years, us.Tomy.com/products/grub

MADE FOR ME DOUBLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP

BABY BUM SHOWER An easy-to-use portable soap and water dispenser that provides a solution for single-use baby wipes. Compact, made with food-grade silicone and holds enough to change 10 dirty diapers. $39.95, birth-24 months, BabyBumShower.us

SENA AIRE A good night’s sleep is in the palm of your hands.

The SENA aire portable travel crib opens with one hand—in seconds.

Advanced air design provides 360° of ventilation for ultimate airflow, allowing you to turn any room into baby’s room. $379.95, birth-30 lbs., height 35 inches, NunaBaby.com

Stick-like shape provides an easy, mess-free application— just push up and swipe!

Produced in small batches and specially formulated to care for sensitive skin. $14.99, Embeba.com

Smaller, lighter and significantly quieter. Ideal for on-the-go use, the USB-rechargeable pump lets you simply charge it up, get comfortable and pump away. $159.99, TommeeTippee.com

THE FOURTH TRIMESTER JOURNAL With powerful artwork and insights, prompts and grounding meditations, this journal is a trustworthy companion and an invitation to anchor into the present moment of your new motherhood, allowing inspiration to ignite. $16.95, Shambhala.com

PHILIPS AVENT ANTICOLIC BOTTLE WITH AIREFREE VENT Designed to reduce feeding issues such as colic, gas and reflux. It keeps the nipple full of milk, even when held horizontal, so that Baby can drink in a more natural and upright position. Can be used with or without the AirFree vent. $24.90/4-pack, 1 month+, Philips.com/Avent

KIT & KIN ECO-FRIENDLY DIAPERS Containing only the gentlest ingredients and materials with no harsh chemicals and specially created to be kind to the most sensitive skin.

Each purchase funds the preservation of rainforests through the World Land Trust (WLT), as well as supporting sustainable community development projects through FUNDAECO. $49.99/per case, birth+, us.KitAndKin.com

FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS, VISIT NAPPAAWARDS.COM.

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MEDIAMIX

Paper Peek Colors Written and illustrated by Chihiro Takeuchi Acclaimed author and illustrator Chihiro Takeuchi’s Paper Peek Colors gives children a vibrant look at the bright colors around them while offering a playful seek and find component.

Each page begins with the name of a color and, underneath, an object that represents the color. For example, the color blue has water as the object. On the opposite page, a large raindrop cutout exposes many different images colored blue.

Turn the page for more fun! “Can you find …? One Submarine, Two Starfish, Three Seahorses, Four Jellyfish, Five Fish.”

Babies will love viewing the brightly colored pages while learning about shapes, colors and, later, counting too!

Takeuchi has written several children’s books and been a Selected Illustrator two years in a row at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy.

Jane Foster’s Black and White

By Jane Foster Young children love stark contrasts, and Jane Foster’s Black and White board book will not disappoint. On each two-page spread, one page is dark with white lettering naming the black and white animal that is shown on the opposite page.

For example, “Shy armadillo,” is written in white against black on the left side of the page, while a darling illustration of a white and black armadillo can be found on the opposite page!

Jane Foster is a self-taught illustrator and textile designer whose designs have been featured in Vogue magazine, World Wildlife Fund and retail stores such as Ikea around the world. She has written seven books for children and two craft books for adults. She lives in Devon, England.

Who Says Peekaboo?

A Highlights for Children book, illustrated by Vanja Kragulj Babies love to play peekaboo! The brightly colored Who Says PEEKABOO? shows playful images of real-life toddlers hiding while baby animals do the seeking!

Each time an animal finds the baby, the animal makes a noise. The puppy says, “Woof!” while the duck says, “Quack!”

Children can play peekaboo along with the babies in the book! Other concepts that can be introduced to little ones are colors and the sounds different animals make. This colorful board book combines photos of real children and animals along with colorful illustrations.

Highlights for Children has been encouraging joyful learning since 1946 with magazines, toys, games, books and puzzle books. Vanja Kragulj is a Canadian surface designer, graphic designer and illustrator. Her work is full of color and whimsy and appeals to both adults and children.

Sandy Foster is a writer and blogger (NadinesBakery.com) who lives in the Kansas City area. kcparent.com october-december 2021

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A D elight in c utumn ELEVEN WAYS TO

IN KANSAS CITY

For young children, autumn conjures images of apples, bats, pumpkins, fall leaves and campfires. Celebrate the best of the season with these fun traditions the entire family will love!

Tip: Invite family members and friends on an outing and make memories together!

APPLE PICKING

PUMPKINS

Autumn and apples … the two go hand in hand, and this fall you can create family memories as you pick apples at a local orchard. Check out one of our top three favorite Missouri apple orchards: Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch in Kearney, Weston Orchard and Johnson Farms in Belton. Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch is home to a variety of animals including miniature horses. Their Keebler Village playground features terrific treehouses kids love to explore, and they offer jumping pillows and other attractions to enjoy, including a brand new train opening for the season this year. Weston Orchard takes families on hayrides and offers jumping pillows, petting zoo and a variety of fun play spaces and fabulous photo ops. Johnson Farms is a beautiful agritourism site with a nice orchard and tons of fun during pumpkin season.

Their pig races, goat play yard, petting zoo and variety of play spaces are always tons of fun.

Pumpkin patches in the metro offer many wonderful family attractions. Corn mazes, trains, play spaces, hayrides, corn cribs, carousels, zip lines, rides, concerts, ponies and pumpkins are just a few of the enticements Kansas City’s pumpkin patches have to offer visitors. In addition to the farms listed for apple picking, we also love Carolyn’s Country Cousins and Louisburg Cider Mill’s pumpkin patches.

Carolyn’s is one of the biggest patches in the metro and enjoyed by generations of families. Their famous pumpkin donuts, fabulous petting zoo, jumping pillows, train, pig races, carousel and fall fun play spaces create a carnival atmosphere the entire family loves. Check out the KC Pumpkin Patch Guide on KCParent.com to discover the best patches in town. BONUS TIP: We’ll be giving away FREE pumpkin patch tickets on KCParent.com all season long! Enter our giveaways for a chance to win.

HOOTS AND HOWLS AT THE ZOO

FESTIVALS

We love visiting the Kansas City Zoo on a fall day when the air is crisp and the animals are playful. The koalas and the Elephant Expedition are favorite new attractions to check out this year. In addition to these, we still love the Discovery Barn, Australia, Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Tropics and sea lions. The first four weekends in October at the Kansas City Zoo are filled with zoo spooky fun during the annual Hoots and Howls, as well as Boo at the Zoo on Halloween Weekend. Come in costume and celebrate with the entire family. Enjoy fall decorations, enrichment for the animals and fun for all. Visit KansasCityZoo.org for information. Bonus Tip: Visit the zoo on Oct. 30 & 31 for Boo at the Zoo! Bring the kids in costumes for lots of fun!

Autumn means fall festivals in Kansas City! Enjoy food, crafts, rides, barbecue and more. Find them all in our Festival Guide on KCParent.com.

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LEAF WATCHING AT LOCAL PARKS

DAY TRIPS

Autumn in Kansas City ... the air is crisp, the leaves will be changing, and that means wonderful weather for a day of family fun at the park. Visit “Going Places” on KCParent.com and search parks to find the best parks near you—or perhaps a new green space to enjoy a little farther from home.

Fall is our favorite season for day trips! Many of our favorite destinations are less than two hours away and feature apple picking, pumpkin patches, historic sites and hiking trails! Search “Day Trips” on KCParent.com for inspiration.

BATS

RIDE THE RAILS

The nocturnal animal, native to Missouri, the “Cave State,” and found throughout Kansas as well, has become a classic symbol of autumn. You can learn more about bats through fun programs at our local nature centers: Missouri Dept. of Conservation: MDC.mo.gov and Ernie Miller Nature Center: JCPRD.com/328/ Ernie-Miller-Park-Nature-Center.

Enjoy an autumn-themed train ride with the entire family. On weekends, enjoy rides aboard the Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Call for more information: 816.331.0630. Or visit the Kansas City Zoo and ride the train through the animal exhibits.

FUN AT HOME Do you remember roasting pumpkin seeds with Grandma? Making leaf rubbings in kindergarten? Jumping in piles of leaves with your brothers and sisters? Savoring the scent of mulled cider or curling up with a bowl of popcorn and a classic book or film? Some of the best fall memories a family can enjoy are celebrated with traditions at home.

FARMERS MARKET

TURKEY WATCHING

We often think of farmers markets as a summer tradition, but farm fresh produce is enjoyed throughout the fall as well!

Yellow squash, zucchini, pumpkins, apples, nuts, farm fresh cheeses and other wares are available at more than 30 farmers markets. They range from small markets selling exclusively organic produce to the City Market with more than 140 local vendors. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, homemade soaps, baked goods and even live animals. Discover Kansas City’s farmers markets on KCParent.com.

Take the family to Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs) to watch wild turkeys in their native habitat. Burr Oak features five hiking trails winding through the woods, where quiet visitors observe deer, turkey and other wildlife. Inside the nature center, enjoy a bird watching gallery as well as hands-on exhibits for children, a native Missouri fish aquarium and educational programs for all ages. Best of all, this outing is FREE. 816.228.3766

Kristina Light loves fall most of all! She blogs about local pumpkin patches annually on KCParent.com. You’ll find photos and tips to make the most of your pumpkin patch visit!

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>> FALL 2021 CALENDAR Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

Mom or Dad & Me Bumper Bowling

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On

9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per

Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5

person, you get a game, shoe

and under can paint a selected item

rental and drink on Mondays and

for only $10! CeramicCafeKC.com

Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

Polar Bear Passage 10:00, Kansas City

TUESDAY

Zoo. Visit Nuniq, the zoo’s newest polar

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium.

KansasCityZoo.org

bear at home in Polar Bear Passage.

Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland

and more! Purchase tickets online at

Discovery Center. Take the kids to the

DAILY

VisitSeaLife.com.

ultimate indoor playground for the

Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or

WEDNESDAY

at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Preschool Story Time First and third

FRIDAY

JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times.

biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets

Wednesday of the month, 10:30-11:00,

Passport to Play Wonders of Wildlife,

Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit the

Jumperoo Friday and Saturday,

Springfield, MO, invites you to enjoy

nature center for stories, songs and

Urban Air (Overland Park). A special

educational programs, speakers and

surprises geared to preschool children.

time when entire park is open

animal encounters that will make each

For ages 2-6. $2/person, including

for children 5 and under with a

visit a unique and passport-worthy

adults. Register at JCPRD.com.

parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

adventure. WondersOfWildlife.org/play

MONDAY

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

THURSDAY Jumperoo Thursday and Saturday,

Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas

Urban Air (Lenexa). A special

City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition

time when entire park is open

is open at the zoo. Reserve a time

for children 5 and under with a

online and plan a visit with the family.

parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

KansasCityZoo.org

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

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kcparent.com october-december 2021

Yesterday and Today: the Interactive Beatles Experience at Midwest Trust Center

parents night out The Inhale Exhale Tour: Mercy Me

Union Station. This is a groundbreaking

KC Jazz Orchestra and Hanover Big Band (Germany) Oct. 22, Midwest Trust

exhibition bringing together more

Center. Celebrate the creative thread

talented Dove Award-winning artists

than 700 original objects and 400

that joins these sister cities as the Hanover

are known for the songs “I Can Only

photographs from over 20 institutions

Big Band returns to Kansas City for

Imagine,” “Greater” and “Flawless.”

and museums from around the world.

another joyful collaboration with KCJO.

CableDahmerArena.com

UnionStation.org

JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events

Lenexa Chili Challenge Oct. 8-9,

KC Rep. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. About 200 teams

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: Murder at the Overlook Hotel Oct.

compete in the chili, salsa and hot

22-23, 7:00, Holyfield Winery. Enjoy

ghosts Past, Present and Future and

wings contests in hopes of taking home

interactive live murder mystery dinner

rediscover the true meaning of the

the Grand Champion prize. Teams host

theater that will leave you laughing.

holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits,

private parties on Friday night and give

Arrive early to sample local wines.

Tiny Tim and the irresistible Fezziwigs

out samples to everyone on Saturday.

HolyfieldWinery.com

and hear the haunting and joyous

Auschwitz Exhibition Thru Jan. 23, 2022,

Oct. 30, Cable Dahmer Arena. These

A Christmas Carol Nov. 19-Dec. 26,

“Candlelight Carol”—all this and more

Lenexa.com

History on Tap - Immigration: Through a Modern Lens Oct. 13, 7:00-9:00,

his redemptive journey with Christmas

Yesterday and Today: the Interactive Beatles Experience Oct. 24, Midwest

to kindle your Christmas spirit. KCRep.org

Trust Center. Connect with “Yesterday

Mariachi Los Camperos Fiesta Navidad

Shawnee Town 1929. This presentation

and Today” at this all-request show, which

Dec. 4, Midwest Trust Center. The

by José Faus brings together the

does away with the wigs, costumes and

mariachi giant played a key role in the

dynamics of immigration told through

fake accents. Be a part of the show as

development of mariachi music in the

the lens of visual art and poetry.

the musicians recreate the energy and

United States. Celebrate the holidays

$5/each. Reservations required.

spirit of the world’s most popular band.

with an explosion of music and color!

ShawneeTown.org

JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events

JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events

kcparent.com october-december 2021

33

bellylaughs

Whenever my son, 5, asks how I did something— “Mommy magic,” I reply.

– Audra

We asked KC Parent’s 53,000+ Facebook fans: What clever/funny fibs have you told your children?

Lindsay: I told my kids if they didn’t behave in the car, when we went through the drive-thru they would receive a Sad Meal instead of a Happy Meal.

Lucinda: I left the clock at “spring forward” for an extra week after it was supposed to “fall back.” Kids went to bed an hour early, and I got an extra hour in the evenings.

Katie: My daughter thinks Chuck E. Cheese is only open for birthday parties.

Kourtney: When my daughter asked for ice cream we gave her yogurt. She was shocked at a birthday party when she was about 5!

Marjorie: When I’m extremely tired of hearing and answering “why” questions from my nearly 4-yearold son, I tell him that my mouth is broken and I can’t talk anymore.

Timothy: Cranberry juice is “red pop.” So the only “pop” they knew was cranberry juice. Too bad they learned the facts of “pop” from classmates.

Jamie: That the finely chopped spinach in all of their meals was actually a spice. I even showed them a jar of dried parsley.

Audra: Whenever my son, 5, asks how I did something—“Mommy magic,” I reply.

Christina: When the very loud and obnoxious toy ran out of batteries, I told my son it was broken.

Mary: I told my kids they only get 10,000 words to speak each month. When they are extra chatty I tell them, “Careful, you’re close to 9,000!”.

Tina: When I have a food I don’t want to share with my kids, I tell them it’s spicy.

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kcparent.com october-december 2021

Congratulations on 25 years of serving Kansas City!

Create here. Thrive everywhere.

The Culture House Conservatory of the Arts Störling Dance Theater Underground Summer Broadway Series

TCH Recording Studio Störling Conservatory Bachelor’s Degree Program New Works Program STAR Program

www.culturehouse.com

October 30 & 31

Open Year Round kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234