KC Baby Magazine Winter 2020

baby

&

JANUARY- MARCH 2020 | KCPARENT.COM

BENEFITS OF

baby talk

calming

STRATEGIES for toddlers

SINCE 2002

maternity

before THE BABY tips for planning

PREGNANCY

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN THE

AVERAGE MOM?

Every pregnancy is unique.

Shouldn’t your delivery be too?

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•Board certified pediatric dentists •Compassionate team of experts to put every child at ease •Professional dental cleanings and the best restoration for children •Kid-friendly environment, including encouraging oral education and fun incentives Schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations today!

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913.387.3500 Overland Park 913.764.5600 Olathe

913.378.9610 Prairie

Village 913.745.2500 Shawnee

913.299.3300 Kansas City kcparent.com january-march 2020

3

baby&

maternity

everything

pregnancy issue

JANUARY- MARCH 2020

IN EVERY ISSUE 7

Craft Corner

Labor & Delivery Guide 16 Calendar of Events 31

PREGNANCY MYTHS BUSTED, PG. 12

YOUR PREGNANCY 8 Before Baby Prep Work

Belly Laughs 34

YOUR BABY 10 Baby Talk Benefits

YOUR TODDLER 7 Handprint Keepsakes

12 Pregnancy Myths Busted

20 Tips for New Parents

28 Winter Fun

14 Second Baby Showers

22 Postpartum Nutrition

30 Calming Strategies

16 Labor & Delivery Guide

23 Test Your Mom IQ

31 Playdates

19 True or False Labor 24 What to Bring to the Hospital 26 New Product Guide 34 Belly Laughs

Our cover features Gideon from Shawnee. Photo by Swade Studios Photography.

SwadeStudios.com

baby&

SINCE 2002

JANUARY- MARCH 2020 | KCPARENT.COM

BENEFITS OF

ON THE COVER Planning for Pregnancy 8 Baby Talk Benefits 10 Are You Smarter Than the Average Mom? 23 Calming Strategies for Toddlers 30

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kcparent.com january-march 2020

baby talk

calming

STRATEGIES for toddlers

maternity

before THE BABY tips for planning

PREGNANCY

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN THE

AVERAGE MOM?

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. See Ziah’s story at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.

baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

W

hen you discover you are expecting your first child, overwhelmed is probably one of the best ways to describe how you feel.

So much information is out there, and as a newly pregnant mama, you’re on info overload. You’ll hear so many different things from so many different people.

Everyone who has ever had a baby will have some nuggets of wisdom to share. How do you sift through it all? First, trust your gut.

Second, find a doctor you’re comfortable with and follow his advice. Third, know your tribe and go to them when you need to bounce around ideas. And I hope you can come here to find some helpful tidbits as well! Thinking about getting pregnant?

Check out “Before the Baby” on pg. 8.

Is exercise during pregnancy okay? Head to pg. 12 for “Pregnancy Myths Busted.” Time to pack your bag for the hospital? “10 Things to Bring to the Hospital” on pg. 24 helps with deciding what to bring and what to leave at home. And, our Labor & Delivery Guide, starting on pg. 16 and online at KCParent.com, is full of great info to help you choose where to deliver your bundle of joy.

Once Baby arrives, the onslaught of info doesn’t slow down, but never fear. We’ve got you covered beyond pregnancy as well!

You’ll find info on postpartum nutrition, when Baby will start talking, dealing with toddler meltdowns, indoor fun for little ones and so much more in this issue. And parents, you need a night out every so often!

Check out Date Nights on pg. 32 for tons of great events!

VIRTUAL HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE! Check out the interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com to find videos, photos, social media and more.

KCParent.com

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kcparent.com january-march 2020

Bundle up and stay warm during the winter months, Kansas City!

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Debbie Clark Debbie@KCParent.com Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Megan Coffey, Overland Park Julie Collett, Overland Park Judy Goppert, Lee’s Summit Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe Gina Klein, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Regan Lyons, St. Joseph Sarah Lyons, Olathe Emily Morrison, Independence

LOCAL CONTENT

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

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

Member of

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.

CRAFTCORNER

Materials Needed:

t

salt dough keepsake

• 1 c. salt • 1 c. flour • 1/2 c. water • Mixing bowl • Rolling pin • Paint/glitter spray (optional) • Straw and ribbon (for turning into an ornament)

his is the perfect keepsake for you or loved ones that can easily be turned into an ornament, as well. Be creative and have fun making this special keepsake of your little one to remind you of how small that little hand once was!

Step one: Mix the first three ingredients together in your mixing bowl.

You may need to add more flour or water to get a play-dough-like consistency.

Step two: Roll into a ball and flatten with the rolling pin.

Step three: Press your child’s hand into the dough.

Optional step: If you want to turn this into an ornament, make a hole using the end of a straw at the top. Writing the date on the back with a toothpick is another idea.

Step four: Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours. If your handprint is still doughy, put back in for another hour.

Optional step: Paint or use glitter spray to cover your handprint; use ribbon to turn it into an ornament.

Megan Coffey is a former kindergarten teacher and lives in Overland Park with her husband and two kids. She loves encouraging creativity with her children through art and play.

Button Handprint Art

No-Mess Painting

Night Light Makeover

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com january-march 2020

7

N

ot everyone gets the benefit of planning for pregnancy. But if you can, planning can make a big difference in the health and well-being of both you and your future baby.

“The healthier you are going into pregnancy, the healthier your pregnancy is going to be,” says Dr. Sara Talken, OB/GYN, Specialists in Women’s Care, who delivers babies at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

schedule a preconception appointment As soon as you begin thinking about starting a family, schedule a preconception appointment with your physician. Discuss your lifestyle and chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disease and mental health issues. Many health issues, if not carefully managed, can complicate a pregnancy.

take a prenatal vitamin Ideally, six months prior to conception, start taking a prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid, available over the counter or with a prescription. A prenatal vitamin helps to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly, which are neural tube defects occurring in the first four weeks of pregnancy—usually before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if the neural tube (which later becomes the baby’s spinal cord, spine, brain and skull), doesn’t close properly, the

developing brain and spinal cord are exposed to amniotic fluid. Spina bifida causes paralysis, hydrocephalus and learning disabilities. Anencephaly is fatal to an infant, often resulting in miscarriage or death soon after birth.

“Studies also show that if you take a prenatal vitamin at least three months before pregnancy, you can reduce your risk of preterm delivery and promote healthier outcomes,” says Dr. Devika Maulik, perinatologist, who treats patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital and Truman Medical Center.

attain a healthy weight Weight can affect your ability to conceive. According to WomensHealth.gov, women who are underweight may have irregular menstrual cycles, and their bodies may stop producing estrogen. Obesity can make it harder to get pregnant too.

“If you’re trying to get pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, fertility greatly increases with just a five percent weight loss,” Talken says.

Being overweight can also increase the risk for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm delivery. Ask your doctor for recommendations about how to achieve a healthy weight.

eat from the rainbow Get into the habit of integrating more wholesome foods into your diet. Keep meals well-rounded with healthy carbs,

Before the Baby: planning for your pregnancy

“ 8

kcparent.com january-march 2020

the healthier you are going into pregnancy, the healthier your pregnancy is going to be.

“

lean proteins and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.

A fish oil supplement could also help prevent preterm birth, Dr. Maulik says.

Avoid restrictive diets like keto or other low-carb diets, especially while pregnant.

“A baby that is deprived of carbohydrates, which are needed for adequate development, can actually grow smaller and not in a healthy way,” Dr. Maulik says.

consider genetic testing You and your partner may also wish to seek genetic counseling.

“If anything raises a red flag, then we can do genetic testing on the parents before they even conceive to see if anything that they’re concerned about is actually an issue,” Dr. Talken says.

A blood draw can determine whether either of you are carriers for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy or fragile X disorders.

of a certain age?

While it may not sound flattering, if you’ll deliver your baby in your mid-30s or older, you’re considered of “advanced maternal age.” You may wish to ask for more extensive genetic testing prior to pregnancy and consult with a perinatologist during pregnancy for more detailed anatomy screening ultrasounds.

“We now have an amazing non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), which is a simple blood draw taken as early as 10 to 11 weeks.

It screens fetal DNA for trisomy 13, 18, 21 (Down syndrome) and also includes X’s and Y’s to determine gender if desired,” says Dr. Sharla Shipman, OB/GYN, Women’s Clinic of Johnson County, who delivers babies at Olathe Medical Center.

These tests won’t change the outcome of any health issues or developmental delays, but they can help you plan ahead.

“It is often a great relief for higher-risk patients when they are negative. For an abnormal result, we can get started early pairing a family with a good specialty doctor and support system for their baby’s challenges,” Dr. Shipman says.

conception. If you’re hoping to get pregnant in the near future, Dr Shipman advises both partners to steer clear of areas considered at high risk for Zika.

According to the CDC, Zika is a virus spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Often, the infection has no symptoms, and it can be sexually transmitted from a male partner. The virus can cause severe brain defects, including microcephaly, which stunts the development of a baby’s brain.

“Future moms and dads need to avoid travel to high-risk Zika areas for six months prior to trying for pregnancy,” Dr. Shipman says. “This is a frustrating new factor for patients who wanted to travel to Mexico or certain Caribbean locations prior to starting a family.”

prioritize self-care Strained relationships, demanding careers and exhausting lifestyles could make it harder to get pregnant and can interfere with a relaxed, healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. Manage stress through regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing and time with friends. If you continue to struggle, seek guidance from your physician, a licensed counselor or other trusted resources.

“When we empower ourselves to make good choices, we start to see ourselves as strong and become less willing to allow stressful situations and people in our lives,” Dr. Shipman says. “I believe that ‘empowerment decision’ is a natural transition to becoming parents because we begin to see ourselves as moms and protectors.”

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer.

She and her family, which includes her husband, two active sons and a quirky mutt, reside in Olathe.

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

avoid exposure to toxins If you smoke, vape or abuse substances of any kind, now is the time to quit. As much as possible, avoid spending time in environments where you are exposed to secondhand smoke or other dangerous fumes.

If you live in an older neighborhood or home, ask your doctor for a blood test to check the levels of lead in your system.

“Lead can contribute to a lot of perinatal complications such as preeclampsia, which is like a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy,” Dr. Maulik says.

planning a babymoon?

Although many couples plan babymoons when an expectant mother is in her second trimester as one last hurrah before the baby arrives, others may prefer to plan a fun getaway before

your preconception appointment • Bring a list of your questions, concerns and current medications.

• Be transparent about your lifestyle and past and current health issues (including STDs).

• Ask when and how to stop using birth control.

• Include your partner (his health history can affect your pregnancy too).

kcparent.com january-march 2020

9

importance of

y

b a by talk

ou new parents must admit that, besides the lack of sleep, dirty diapers and odd feeding times, having a baby in the house is fun! It naturally brings out your inner child that’s been hidden away for many years. You now find yourselves playing peek-a-boo, singing silly songs to your little one and speaking to her in high-pitched voices. Sometimes you may feel a bit awkward about the one-way, cartoony-sounding conversation you carry on with your little, nonverbal human, but talking to your baby is very natural and important.

It actually benefits your baby! Especially how you talk. Research says the more you exaggerate your vowels and raise the pitch of your voice while talking to your little cuddle bug, the more your baby will babble.

New findings in research confirm that the quantity of words you use with your baby is not what spurs early language development. The style of speech and

10 january-march 2020 kcparent.com

social context in which speech occurs are what matter most. Parents in the studies who used a raised voice pitch while talking to their babies individually (with no one else around) had 1-year-olds who babbled the most.

Believe it or not, babies understand the general meaning of what you’re saying long before they can speak clearly, and they also absorb the emotional tone. Here are some ways you can encourage your baby to learn to communicate with you before he can say words clearly:

Imitate. Let your baby know that what he is feeling and trying to communicate with you is important. Have a back-and-forth conversation in baby talk. This teaches baby the give-and-take of an adult conversation.

Also, imitate her vocalization—“goo-goo,” “da-da,” etc. Smile and mirror her facial expressions and gestures, too.

Don’t interrupt. When your baby tries to talk back to you, don’t interrupt or look away. He needs to know you care about listening to him.

Use your eyes. Eye contact is important when communicating with your baby. She will respond better to speech when you are looking right at her.

No TV. Limit how much TV your baby sees and hears. Too much has been shown to stunt babies’ language growth. Your voice is much more entertaining than the one on the big screen. Right?

Narrate your activities. During meals, baths or play, tell him what you’re doing and what he is looking at. For example, “I am washing the bowl. This is a bowl.” Keep your sentences short.

Need a new title to read to Baby? KCParent.com has great reading and book lists.

And, search the calendar for story times all over KC! Repeat. Say something more than once to your baby. It’s good to say the same thing over again because babies need to hear words many times to understand them and learn new words. This is a key aspect of baby talk.

unhappy with what he is doing, make large eyes and a frowny face to let him know that you are not happy. Smile when you are having fun, and laugh when something is funny. This helps little ones connect verbal communication with nonverbal cues.

Read. Take out one of her books and read

Sing songs and silly rhymes. This is a

sound, you make the sound, too, and then wait for him to respond. This teaches him how to have a conversation. These will be your first conversations together!

fun way to help your baby develop language skills. No matter if you’re in the car, giving her a bath, or putting him to bed, sing! It doesn’t matter whether it’s off-key—your baby will love it. As the old Sesame Street song reminds us, “Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing … sing a song!”

Use nonverbal cues. Use an expressive face when you speak to show the emotions you are feeling at that moment. If you’re

Add on words. When your baby gets a little older and says a word, add on to that word. For example, if Baby says, “Car,” you

to her. Point to and talk about the pictures you see.

Copy his sounds. When he makes a

say, “Yes, red car.” This helps get her into the next stage of talking.

Teach your home language first.

It’s important for babies and children to learn to speak in their home language first.

They’ll learn English later.

If your baby isn’t speaking as quickly as you thought she would, don’t worry. Every little one develops at her own pace. However, if you have concerns of any kind, talk with your baby’s pediatrician about it.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein has two teenagers who no longer appreciate the high-pitched, playful voice, so she uses it when talking to her dogs, cats, bunny and bird instead. They respond well!

kcparent.com january-march 2020

11

PREGNANCY

MYTHS

BUSTED P

regnant women are often barraged with a bunch of do’s and don’ts. Read these books. Avoid lunch meat like the plague.

Hang up your ice skates for the season. While most guidelines come with good reason, others have been passed down from generation to generation without due cause. When in doubt, ask your medical provider to dispel fiction from fact. For now, let’s get a head start by dispelling 10 very common pregnancy myths.

Myth 2: You need to send your cat packing.

There’s no need to call the animal sanctuary when you find out your family is growing.

After all, petting and feeding your feline friend is still completely acceptable. What is off limits, however, is taking care of the litter box (or cleaning up any animal feces in the yard, for that matter). Passing poop duty on to another family member may make you want to break out in a happy dance, but the reason for rejoicing isn’t because you’re abdicating responsibility: It’s because you’re avoiding a possible parasitic infection known as toxoplasmosis that causes miscarriage, birth defects or still birth.

Contracting toxoplasmosis is incredibly rare but a risk not worth taking.

Myth 3 : Sweets are a no-no.

Sugary treats aren’t a healthy snack choice whether you’re pregnant or not. But if you have a sweet tooth, here’s one fact you’re sure to get behind: Dark chocolate in moderate doses actually does more good than harm throughout pregnancy.

Elizabeth Triche of the Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, studied 1,681 women and found that those who ate 25 grams of chocolate daily had a lower risk of preeclampsia. Another study, published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care confirms this, saying that dark chocolate and other flavinoid-rich foods are where the money’s at. Three cheers for chocolate!

Myth 1: You should eat for two.

This free pass for a feeding frenzy often does a huge disservice to pregnant women. Growing a human is a lot of extra work, but your body only needs an extra 300 calories a day to keep up with the demands that pregnancy brings. So, while it’s not a time to diet, it’s also not the time for a nine-month series of consecutive cheat days. Be mindful that not all calories are created equal. Moms-to-be should aim to get those extra calories from food sources that are high in omega 3s, calcium, iron, folic acid or protein while also avoiding sugar and saturated fats.

12 january-march 2020 kcparent.com

Myth 4: Morning sickness will wrap up by noon.

One of the biggest misconceptions about morning sickness is that it only takes place in the morning. As many a pregnant woman finds out, morning sickness can be an equal opportunity meal offender that makes breakfast, lunch and dinner all unappealing. Nausea is often a common first pregnancy symptom due to the surge of extra hormones flooding through a woman’s body. Most find that it goes away when moving into the second trimester, but for an unfortunate few, morning sickness may be a way of life throughout pregnancy.

Myth 5: Exercise is off the table.

Pregnancy is not the time to set a PR, but it is a fantastic time to maintain or even establish an exercise routine.

The ACOG recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (“moderate” translating to breaking out in a sweat and having an increased heart rate but still being able to carry on a conversation). Talk with your medical provider to establish your own personal fitness do’s and don’ts. All pregnant women should avoid contact sports, activity that requires lying on your back (which decreases blood flow to the uterus and brain), or jumping into a hot tub, sauna or hot yoga class (along with anything else that ups your temperature beyond 102 F degrees).

Myth 6: You’ll never have stretch marks if you use the right product.

Creams, gels and oils marketed to help pregnant women avoid stretch marks (or reduce the ones you already have) are bountiful.

Unfortunately, those claims don’t really deliver. What research now indicates is that stretch marks are hereditary, and once those skin fibers tear, there’s no going back to the way things were before.

Save yourself the money and focus on moisturizing through natural means, such as drinking plenty of water and applying a small lathering of coconut oil to your bump if it’s feeling dry.

Myth 7: Seafood is off limits.

If you’re looking for an excuse to indulge your sushi craving, don’t head to your favorite sushi joint just yet. Raw fish is a major no-no while pregnant. Likewise, so is consuming seafood with high levels of mercury, such as tuna, swordfish, orange roughy and mackerel. But don’t think that all fish is off the table.

In fact, the FDA recommends that pregnant women eat two to three servings of low-mercury seafood such as salmon, tilapia and shrimp.These options are known to be good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which can aid in Baby’s development and prevent dreaded pregnancy brain fog. So enjoy!

Myth 8: Eating three square meals a day is key.

Your parents might have drilled into you the importance of three balanced meals as a kid, but now is the time to kick that habit to the curb. Dr. Stuart Fischbein, co-author of Fearless Pregnancy, recommends that pregnant women actually eat somewhere between six and seven small meals. Eating a variety of foods frequently will keep blood sugar in a constant range, which is optimum for both a mom and a baby.

Myth 9: You need to just grin and bear it.

With all that pregnant women are told not to ingest, sometimes they get confused and think that medications should be off the table, too. Not so. There is absolutely no need to suffer through a migraine or a cold without some form of relief. As always, consult with your OBGYN before taking any prescription drugs.

Most experts agree that these over-the-counter medications are good options for your maladies: Tums or Mylanta for heartburn, Tylenol for headaches, Robitussin for coughs and sore throats and Benadryl for allergies.

Myth 10: Your due date is golden.

Due dates are determined by adding 280 days to the day of your first missed period. Since menstrual cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days, due dates are more like due guestimates.

Still, many moms look at due dates as though they’re golden.

The reality? Only 5 percent of babies are born on their actual due dates. A more accurate way to prepare for Baby’s arrival is to assume Baby will come any time from two weeks before to two weeks after the due date.

Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer and a mom of three hailing from Olathe.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com january-march 2020

13

showering THE SECOND BABY

Throw a Baby Sprinkle A baby sprinkle is like a baby shower, but scaled down and more low-key. Instead of showering the expecting mom and baby with gifts, you sprinkle them with smaller items. Sprinkles are typically more casual and require less preparation from the host.

Gifts usually include smaller items like clothing, diapers and wipes, as opposed to the big ticket items, such as strollers and basinets, you would give at a shower. This is a fun way to show your love for the mom and child without planning a lavish party.

Host a Freezer Shower Freezer showers are a fun and practical way to prepare the mommy-to-be before her new baby arrives. Simply ask the guest of honor for a few of her favorite recipes that can be frozen. Then assign each guest an ingredient to prepare and bring to the shower. Then all guests work together to prepare the freezer meals. Another option is to ask each guest to bring a frozen meal already prepared. Just make sure each meal has a label with the name of the meal, the cooking temperature, baking instructions and date the food was prepared. By the end of the party, the mom will have plenty of freezer meals to get her through the hardest weeks after the baby is born

Plan a Sip and See

w

hen the second baby is on its way, most parents still have all of the essentials they need from their firstborn, but it’s still important to celebrate the newest little one on the way and

make sure the mom-to-be is feeling loved and special. Here are a few fun ways to celebrate the new addition without hosting a traditional baby shower.

14 january-march 2020 kcparent.com

A sip and see is a fun way to celebrate the new baby after his arrival. Invite friends and family to casually drop by and sip on tea, coffee, soup or other refreshments and meet the new baby. Guests will feel no obligation to bring a gift, and they are able to meet the baby at the same time. New mothers love sip and sees, because the occasion allows them to introduce the new addition to friends and family and prevents visitors from dropping by unexpectedly during the first few weeks after the baby is born.

Splurge on a Spa Day Shower Is the momma-to-be looking for a little relaxation? Throw her a spa day shower!

Reserve a few hours at a local spa and meet

a group of ladies for manicures, pedicures and massages. The guests will chip in to foot the bill for the guest of honor. This is a win-win for the mom-to-be and the guests, because everybody could use a day at the spa. After the spa, meet for brunch, cocktails and mocktails at a favorite spot.

Your guest of honor will leave feeling relaxed and ready to welcome the new baby, and so will you!

Diaper and Beer Party Who says dads can’t join in on the fun?

A diaper and beer party is a great way for dads to celebrate the new baby with their friends and collect diapers at the same time.

Diaper and beer parties usually take place at a bar or someone’s home. Guests are asked to bring a package of diapers or wipes with them. The guests drink the night away, and the dad-to-be gets to enjoy one last hoorah before the baby arrives. When the party

is over, everyone has had a great time and the parents won’t need to buy diapers for several months after the baby arrives.

DID YOU KNOW...

Card Shower

the United States ranks

If you want to do something special for the expecting mother, but you don’t want to plan an entire party, a card shower is the way to go. Put together an online event inviting friends and family to send a card to the mother-to-be. You can make a special request for family and friends to write a message or words of advice in the card. You can also suggest they send a book in place of a card to start the little one’s library. A card shower takes minimal effort to plan but will be memorable for the mom to look back on later down the road.

third worldwide for amount

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and 5-year-old daughter.

States is more than $30.

spent per capita on baby showers? According to LilBabyCakes.com, the average expenditure on a baby shower ranges from $200 to $1,000, and the average amount spent on a shower gift in the United

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section ADVENTHEALTH BIRTH CENTER 9100 W. 74th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 More families choose the AdventHealth Birth Center, formerly known as the Shawnee Mission Birth Center, to deliver their babies each year, not because of the amenities, but because of the outstanding doctors and dedicated nursing staff who ensure you are comfortable, both physically and emotionally, during your stay.

From low-intervention births to the Level III NICU staffed in partnership with Children’s Mercy, the Birth Center takes every step to ensure a safe, personalized birth experience.

913.676.2000 AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER 19600 E. 39th St. S. Independence, MO 64057 Centerpoint Medical Center takes the unique needs of expectant moms and personalizes each birth experience. Nearly 8,000 babies have been born since Centerpoint opened in 2007 and, with the most advanced, family-centered care backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources, we offer private, spacious labordelivery and postpartum rooms, dedicated lactation consultants, and an electronic infant security system and robust communication for Baby’s safety. Centerpoint also has a Level III NICU supported by experienced neonatologists, specialized nurses and more.

816.698.7300 CenterpointMedical.com/ uniquedelivery

16 january-march 2020 kcparent.com

Check out the virtual Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com MENORAH MEDICAL CENTER 5721 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66209 The spa-like environment at the Women’s Center at Menorah Medical Center is nurturing, relaxing and secure for expectant moms, featuring private and spacious suites for labor, birth and recovery for the length of stay. Backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and expertise, the Women’s Center provides compassionate doctors specializing in mother-baby care and experienced nurses and support staff dedicated to caring for moms and newborns. Should the need arise, Menorah has a Level II NICU for babies requiring advanced 24/7 care.

1.877.769.6636 MenorahMedicalCenter.com/ uniquedelivery

OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061

The four-story Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust at Olathe Medical Center with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. Every detail of the Birth Place is designed to provide the most comforting experience, from personalized music and overhead fans for mom in the delivery room to queen-sized beds in the MotherBaby Suite. The Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) includes secure, webcam-enabled nurseries and individual rooms where you can stay overnight with your baby.

Find a doctor who delivers at OMC. 913.791.4396 OlatheHealth.org/birthplace

kcparent.com january-march 2020

17

HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section OVERLAND PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 10500 Quivira Rd. Overland Park, KS 66215 The comfort and nurturing environment of Overland Park Regional Medical Center is matched only by our expertise and resources including experienced, skilled nurses and board-certified obstetricians and perinatologists available 24/7. Our spacious birthing suites are designed for privacy and relaxation. Also offered: the region’s first and most comprehensive certified nurse midwife program, high-risk momand-baby specialists including Johnson County’s most advanced NICU with access to pediatric specialty care and the region’s only dedicated antepartum unit. We’re here for your family after you go home too, with a dedicated Pediatric ER and Johnson County’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

913.541.5058 OPRMC.com/uniquedelivery

RESEARCH MEDICAL CENTER 2316 E. Meyer Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64132 Expectant moms feel confident and comfortable before, during and after giving birth with modern and spacious birthing and recovery suites at Research Medical Center, which is backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources.

Research has doctors specializing in mother-baby care and dedicated, experienced nurses and support staff, plus the region’s most comprehensive certified nursemidwife program. Research is one of only a few hospitals in the region to offer comprehensive OB hospitalist and OB emergency services, and a Level III NICU is available.

816.276.3206 ResearchMedicalCenter.com/ uniquedelivery

18 january-march 2020 kcparent.com

IS IT TRUE LABOR‌OR FALSE? Your due date is near; your hospital bags are packed and ready. The contractions have begun, and at times, they take your breath away. While still bearable, they’re coming a lot more often and lasting much longer than before. Anxiety and excitement set in. Could this be it? Is it really time to head to the hospital? The chart below tells some of the differences between true labor and false.

FALSE LABOR

TRUE LABOR

How often do the contractions occur?

Often irregular and do not get closer together.

Come at regular intervals and last about 60 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together.

Do they change with movement?

May stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions.

Continue despite movement or changing positions.

How strong are they?

Usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.

Steadily increase in strength.

Where do you feel the pain?

Usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region.

Usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen.

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

Check out the interactive virtual

Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com where users can find comprehensive information on hospitals, including descriptions, images, videos, social media links and much more!

Other hospitals in the Kansas City metro that offer labor and delivery services include: Lawrence Memorial Hospital Liberty Hospital North Kansas City Hospital Providence Medical Center Saint Luke's East Hospital Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Saint Luke's North Hospital Saint Luke's South Hospital Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill Truman Medical Center Lakewood University of Kansas Health System kcparent.com january-march 2020

19

DON’T SWEAT IT TIPS FOR

new parents

h

aving a baby is one of the most exciting and anticipated moments in a parent’s life.

You’ve prepared the nursery, installed the car seat, read parenting books, and now it’s time to bring your baby home to start a new life together. This season is fun and exciting but also exhausting and overwhelming. Adjusting to a new infant at home takes time, but there’s no need to sweat some things as you enjoy your baby and figure out your new normal.

HOUSEWORK A neat and clean house is a nice thing to have, but the thing about housework is that it never goes away. Once you get the house clean, it’s messy again. While you enjoy your new baby, try to let some of the cleaning go. Do the bare minimum while you rest, recover and recuperate from birth and snuggle your newborn.

COOKING Immediately after bringing home Baby is not the time to cook elaborate meals—or sometimes any meals at all. However, you do need to eat regular and nutritious meals, so keep it simple. Stock the pantry with items that are quick and easy to eat while you care for the baby. Wendy Haviland, Overland Park mom of two, says, “I prepared freezer meals before the baby was born so I had something to put in the oven or crock pot when I was tired from taking care of a newborn.” Dream Dinners in Overland Park

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is a helpful resource for making affordable freezer meals in a short amount of time to meet your family’s needs all month. You can also ask friends to set up a meal train where family and friends can bring dinner during the first few days after the birth of your baby. This will eliminate the need to shop and cook while you are recovering.

SPOILING BABY When I first became a mom I was warned that I shouldn’t hold my newborn too much or while he was sleeping because it might spoil him and then he would never sleep in his own bed or let me put him down for a few minutes. This is simply not true. There is no such thing as a spoiled baby. Newborns sleep most of the day and they find great comfort in being held. It also creates a strong bond between parent and child. There is no such thing as sleep training a newborn or spoiling a new baby. Enjoy as much cuddle time as you care to and let that worry go.

NAPTIME

TAKE TURNS

One old saying is true: Sleep when the baby is sleeping. This piece of advice really is one of the best you’ll receive. As a person who likes to keep busy, I found it hard to allow myself to take naps during the day. Once the exhaustion of being up most of the night nursing my newborn hit me, I decided to give myself permission to doze when my baby does.

Moms need rest, and your body needs time to recuperate after the stress of giving birth.

New moms, especially those breastfeeding, easily get overtired. As much as possible, share the task of caretaking with your partner. Some moms will find it hard to pass the baby care to their husbands, but dads often feel left out and want to jump in. He may not do things exactly as you do, but that’s okay. As long as Baby is clean, fed and happy, there’s nothing to stress over. Sharing the load also gives Dad time to bond with Baby as well.

ACCEPT HELP

TAKE A BREAK

It can be hard to accept help when you are used to doing everything yourself, but when you have a new baby at home any help offered can be a huge blessing. Take people up on their offers to bring meals, help with older children’s carpool or clean the house. And don’t just have them do the quick, easy chores you can keep up with. Let them vacuum the house, do laundry and wash dishes—all tasks that seem to pile up quickly. While you have help, jump in the shower, take a nap or run a muchneeded errand. People offer to help because they want to. You can always pay it forward when you find your new normal.

Having a new baby can be physically and emotionally taxing. It is okay to admit you need a break sometimes. If you feel overwhelmed, schedule a time your spouse or a friend can take care of the baby while you step out of the house for a bit.

Breastfeeding moms may find it difficult to get away for extended periods, but even taking a break for an hour or two can do a lot to improve your mood.

BE FLEXIBLE When you are adjusting to having a new baby, realize it will take a while to find your

routine again. When planning an outing, think ahead. Pack extra diapers, clothes for you and the baby and anything else you might need. Be prepared to feed Baby on the go if needed. Also accept that sometimes an outing will not go as well as planned— heading home early is okay. Be flexible and go easy on yourself when it comes to taking Baby out for the first time and when trying to get things done around the house. This is normal and will get easier in time.

Adding a new family member is both exciting and disruptive. In time, you will adjust to your newborn and won’t be able to imagine your family without the new addition. In the meantime, give yourself, your spouse and your other children time to adjust to this big change. Use your time to focus on Baby, and let less important stuff wait for later. No need to sweat it!

Sarah Lyons is part-time writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family.

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

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www.dreamdinners.com OverlandParkKS@dreamdinners.com 913.491.6733 kcparent.com january-march 2020

21

m

postpartum nutrition

ost pregnant mamas are diligent about taking care of their bodies and knowing how important nutrition is for the growing baby.

But what about after Baby is here? Pregnancy and childbirth really take a toll on our bodies.

While you may be tempted to slack off a bit on your nutrition regime, postpartum nutrition is just as important. Proper nutrition is crucial for healing your body and, if you are breastfeeding, your milk supply as well.

Whether you are a brand-new mom or have delivered multiple babies, you have a lot on your mind postpartum and, unfortunately, nutrition for yourself may not be one of them.

First and foremost, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Drinking water is helpful for many functions of your body, plus it will help keep your milk supply up as well, if you are nursing. Be sure to fill your plate with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables during meals. While this can be difficult in the winter months, find what you can, then opt for frozen, which can sometimes be healthier than fresh, depending on where the veggies were shipped from. Here are a few other nutrition needs you may not be aware of postpartum:

Protein: To help rebuild muscles and tissue, choose from foods like beans, lean meats and eggs.

Calcium: Calcium is pulled from your body during pregnancy for Baby and during breastfeeding for milk, so add up to three

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servings of calcium-rich foods like cheese, yogurt, beans and almonds.

Carbohydrates: For energy and general healing, add oats, brown rice and other whole grains to your meals.

Iron: if you lost a lot of blood during delivery, you need to keep your iron levels up with foods such as spinach, nuts, lentils and beef Proper nutrition isn’t necessarily rocket science, but as a mom of four myself, I can say that laziness sometimes takes over. I know what I should be eating, but doing it is another story. When busyness strikes, it feels easier to grab a carb-heavy snack from the pantry rather than take the time to slice up a red pepper. Right after delivering a baby, when you should be resting and recovering, is the worst time for meal and snack preparation. If you have yet to deliver, take a weekend and prepare some healthy freezer meals and stock up on nutritious foods for postpartum. If you are reading this while snuggling your newbie, take the shortcut and buy already prepared and bagged produce. Better yet, ask a friend or family member to prepare some healthy meals and snacks for you!

Victoria Weber, postpartum doula and founder of Nettle + Honey says, “The postpartum body craves warmth and nurturing externally and internally. The

more we nurture our mothers, the more they can nurture others. A mother’s fulltime job is to rest, feed and love her new baby.” This can seem counter to our culture as we are exposed heavily to messages about losing the baby weight and bouncing back quickly. But I dare to say, forget what our culture says. Go lie down and put your feet up with that baby snuggled up on you … and munch on some red pepper!

Julie Collett, mother of four, has tried to keep her postpartum nutrition in check but has sometimes digressed to chocolate chip cookies and Diet Coke!

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

Quick and easy postpartum snacks • No Bake Lactation Bites (from TheBakerMama.com) • Trail mix • String cheese and carrots • Hard-boiled egg • Apple slices dipped in Greek yogurt or nut butter • Whole wheat crackers with hummus • Avocado toast • Cottage cheese with cucumbers and tomatoes

Are You Smarter Than the Average Mom?

6

8

9

3

5

Is my baby’s poop normal?

2

When do babies get their first tooth?

How much do diapers cost for a year?

What is cradle cap?

When should the cord stump fall off?

1

Do newborns cry tears?

7

When do babies smile?

10

How often should I bathe my baby?

1 Most babies start crying tears around 2 weeks of age, but some can take longer.

2 Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months,

though when those first tiny pearly whites make their appearance can vary quite a bit from baby to baby.

3 Based on .20 per diaper and 10 diapers a day, in your

4

How much sleep do newborns need?

How much should I budget for formula?

baby’s first month, you can expect to spend about $60 on diapers. Baby won’t go through quite as many on average as she gets older.

4 Newborns up to 3 months need 14 to 17 hours of

sleep, and infants up to 12 months need 12 to 16 hours (including naps).

5 The cost of baby formula across popular brands can

average between $1,200 and $1,500 during a baby’s first year, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

6 Your baby’s reflex smile will disappear by the time

she’s 2 months old, and her first real one will make an appearance somewhere between 1-1/2 and 3 months.

7 Seborrheic dermatitis is a noninfectious skin condition

that’s very common in infants, usually beginning in the first weeks of life and slowly disappearing over a period of weeks or months.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of three wonderful kiddos and looks back longingly at those blurry baby years.

8 The umbilical cord stump should dry up and fall off by the time your baby is 8 weeks old.

9

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

Sources: PremierforKids.com, HealthyChildren.org, SmartAsset.com, Parents.com, WhatToExpect.com, BabyCenter.com, MomLikeYouMeanIt.com

10

Stools (bowel movements) vary in color, consistency and frequency. Normally, color varies from yellow in breast-fed infants to browns and greens in formula-fed ones. The consistency varies from thin appearance like watery mustard, to thick paste.

Until your child’s cord has come off and the navel heals, it is best to just sponge bathe the baby. kcparent.com january-march 2020

23

things

to bring to the hospital

l

ike most expectant moms, you have probably had an overnight bag or small suitcase sitting in your closet or a corner of your room for the past few months.

Knowing it’s handy at a moment’s notice is a comfort; you can grab it and be out the door when you go into labor. Some websites even offer fully prepacked labor and delivery bags with luxurious toiletries that make your stay in the hospital a special treat. This adventure is a bit like going on a short trip, so whatever you would normally bring along, you can pack to take to the hospital. Remember, these are the last few hours before a new little person becomes more important to you than anything else, but you still matter and taking care of yourself will make you better able to take care of your baby.

What are some special items you should stash inside for you and your baby?

Here are some ideas: 1) Why not download a playlist to your phone of all your favorite music so you can play it throughout your labor and delivery?

Music is comforting and calming, and it is fun to imagine as you record how you will feel when you listen in the hospital. Invest in cordless ear buds and a wireless speaker so you can stream your music easily.

2) Pick out a pretty top or nightgown for yourself so you have it when people come visit you in the hospital. Select one with buttons so you can feel comfortable nursing and snuggling your new angel. Also pack flip-flops or soft, non-skid socks for walking

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kcparent.com january-march 2020

the halls. A couple maternity bras and nursing pads will come in handy, and if you plan to nurse, pack some soothing nipple cream. Put in some soft mesh underwear and heavy-duty sanitary pads. Be sure to pack your going home outfit too.

3) Check that you have all your toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, travel shampoo … and lip balm. Hospitals are very dry, and most moms say this is a musthave. A headband or hair tie is also helpful.

4) Nonperishable healthy snacks you like are good to have on hand. If labor goes on long, you have something to boost your energy, such as popcorn, crackers, candies such as Life Savers or mints, and your favorite bottled water. You can prepare your own energy snack and bag it for this special time, or pack grapes and sliced apples and oranges.

5) Bring your own bath towel. The hospital will provide a thin one, but the comfort of your own will be welcome. Also, pack a nursing pillow and burp cloths.

6) Pack a second wallet or small purse in your bag so you can have your insurance card and drivers license on hand for identification.

7) Make sure you have all your chargers for your phones so everyone stays in touch and you can take all those pictures!

8) Another idea is to bring along a journal so you can jot down thoughts you have before the baby is born, right after and throughout the process. Then you can go back and read how you felt and show your child when he is older just how special his entry into the world was. Also, bring along an inspirational book you have so during quiet hours, you can calm your emotions and thoughts.

Here are some ideas for Baby: 1) Pack newborn baby diapers in your bag and wipes so you will have them as soon as your baby arrives. Pack several of your cutest infant clothes inside so you can dress Baby for visitors and that first photo. You can even get matching outfits for you and Baby!

2) Make sure you have an approved infant car seat. This is what you will use to carry your baby out of the hospital. Put soft, warm blankets inside and any carrier cover you have. Lots of nice ones are available.

3) Pack a tiny stocking cap or hat. No matter what the weather, it’s good to keep that soft newborn noggin warm and dry.

Don’t worry if you forget something in that bag. Daddy, grandparents or friends will be happy to bring you anything you need during your hospital stay. It will give them a chance to see you and that new miracle!

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

Sources: TheBump.com, MotherAndBaby.com, Mom365.com

For a list of must-haves to stock at home for Baby, head to KCParent.com!

Serving the Northland for for Susan L. Storm MD over 30 25 years years Laurie D. Riddell MD over Growing young minds around the world.

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kcparent.com january-march 2020

25

BABY & NEW MOM PRODUCT GUIDE

NAPPA AWARDS

BY ELENA EPSTEIN, DIRECTOR OF NAPPA AWARDS

Toys & Books

Violet the Fawn Cuddle + Kind Doll A stylish, handcrafted doll with a big impact. Each doll provides 10 meals to children in need. $70, ca.CuddleAndKind.com

Dimpl Five vibrant silicone bubbles in varying sizes and colors provide a sensory adventure. $12.95, 6+ months, FatBrainToyCo.com

Lovevery Play Kits The Story of Rock and Rap Meet music legends like David Bowie, Janis Joplin and Kendrick Lamar in this delightful board book series. $8.99 each, SilverDolphinBooks.com

Learn & Groove Dancing Panda

Ditty Bird Books Playful learning through music and sounds, featuring gentle touch contact points for inquisitive little fingers to activate your favorite “ditties” on each page. $16.49, 6 months-3 years, DittyBird.com

Learn & Groove Shakin’ Colors Maracas Includes three play modes that introduce colors, numbers and music in English and Spanish. $14.99, 6+ months, LeapFrog.com

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kcparent.com january-march 2020

An innovative early childhood subscription learning program delivering stage-based developmental toys to your door. Starting at $36/month, birth to 24 months, Lovevery.com

Shake, dance and spin around to the music while learning numbers and letters. $34.99, 9+ months, LeapFrog.com

On the Go Lullabuddy Tiny, great sounding music player for newborns—comes preloaded with award-winning lullabies that soothe, calm and relax both Baby and you. $49.50, LullaBuddy.com

UPPAbaby G-LITE

Bassinet Sheet Set

One of the lightest full-size umbrella strollers with a mesh sling seat. $179.99, 6 months to 55 lbs., UppaBaby.com

Super soft jersey cotton with adorable designs. $19.95, birth to 24 months, KidsNSuch.com

Milk Snob Pouch An easy and cute way to keep your baby snug and secure. $38, birth to 24 months, MilkSnob.com/collections/pouches

CUDL by Nuna Features an integrated infant booster for newborns, which then easily unzips as your child grows. Have baby face out or switch to backpack mode for growing toddlers. $219.99, birth to toddler, NunaBaby.com/cudl

JuJuBe Core Convertible Bundle A four-in-one configuration, quickly transforming from a grab handle carry, backpack, messenger bag and tote. $75, JuJuBe.com

TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print Stylish and spacious with five pockets in main compartment and a separate opening for a fully padded laptop sleeve. $165, TwelveLittle.com

Eight-Panel My Play Portable Play Yard Creating a safe play area in seconds, this lightweight, foldable play yard is ideal for home, park, beach or travel. $79.99, 6 to 24 months, Amazon.com

Bath & Sleep Time

Shower Me Blossom Storybook Gift Set Charming book-inspired set with seven fullsize luxurious and gentle bath and body care products. $125, LiloBlossom.com

Baby Feeding MyTime Highchair Features ergonomic backrest, a footrest that can be reclined in three positions and easy-toadjust height settings in four positions. $199, birth to 36 months, Inglesina.us

Electric Steam Sterilizer

by Tommee Tippee A sleek, compact sterilizer that cleans five bottles in five minutes with the click of a button, killing 99.9 percent of all germs quickly and easily. $69.99, TommeeTippee.us

b.box Insulated Food Jar Keep food at the perfect temperature—warm for up to five hours or cold for up to seven hours. $24, BBoxBaby.com

EVLA’s Kitchen Baby Food Maker Nanit Plus Overhead HD camera tracks everything happening in your baby’s crib and provides personalized, scientifically-backed sleep guidance. $279, birth to 36 months, Nanit.com

Allows you to create fresh, healthy, homemade baby food with the touch of a button–it steams, blends, reheats and defrosts. It even sterilizes and self-cleans. $129.99, Amazon.com

For more product reviews, visit NAPPAAwards.com kcparent.com january-march 2020

27

W

intertime is slower and simpler for many families.

When we ask readers how they love to spend winter with their little ones, the three favorite answers are:

• Stories • Fun and games • Snow, snow, snow!

winter fun with little ones

beloved stories Cuddling up with a good book is a beloved cold-weather activity. These ideas bring the stories to life for little ones.

at home with your little one: Local libraries offer weekly story time sessions specifically with little ones in mind. Reading aloud to little ones from the very beginning has been proven to aid in early literacy development and a lifelong love of reading. After story time, check out books to enjoy with your child at home. As your child grows up from baby to toddler, add in some fun activities to coordinate with the books you read. If you enjoyed Harold and the Purple Crayon, spend some time coloring after you read. If you read Green Eggs and Ham, make a surprise lunch of sliced ham and green scrambled eggs (add food coloring).

When you read The Three Bears, use brown lunch sacks to make bear puppets. Many simple activities bring stories to life and allow you to create memories together.

out & about with the family: For a fun outing, head to Crown Center, which is hosting a brand new FREE exhibit for children titled “Fairy Tale Village” (Feb. 8-May 3).

Visitors will experience classic fairy tales in an enchanted world where kids interact with characters from their

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favorite stories and rhymes. Favorites include activities inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and The Three Little Pigs.

Children will meet the Ice Queen and watch as Pinocchio comes to life. In addition to the charming hands-on play areas, parents will find a reading area where they may share fairy tale books with their children.

Fairy Tale Village

for grown-ups: Movies are revisiting fairy tales with a new twist for grown-ups in many upcoming or recently released films. Stream one of the remakes (Maleficent, Snow White and the Huntsman, Mirror, Mirror or others), or head to the local theater for a night out. Gretel and Hansel is set to release on Jan. 31 as a horror film inspired by the fairy tale. And Disney is releasing its newest live-action remake, Mulan, in March. The Ward Parkway AMC is one of our favorite local theaters and is right in the same shopping center as Charleston’s, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner before or after the show. Charleston’s makes outstanding firecracker shrimp, chicken piccata and the steaks. The waitstaff is known for top notch hospitality and exemplary service. This is a top pick date night option for new parents yearning for a grown-up meal and pleasant conversation.

fun & games Winter is a favorite time to explore play. Enjoy toys and games in a new way.

at home with your little one: Fat Brain Toys in Overland Park is our favorite local toy store for openended toys and games that are fun and educational. Treat your little one to a new toy and enjoy it together this winter. Personalized name puzzles were a favorite in our family for all four of our little girls. The store offers a variety of simple toys for babies and toddlers and even sells screen-free activity kits for tactile, creative, educational playtime.

out & about with the family: This winter, Independence Center opens the District Jungle, a brand new, family-friendly experience for all ages.

Specifically for little ones is a soft play area with padded flooring and a cute jungle theme. They also offer highend mini vehicles for visitors to use throughout the shopping center. If you’re visiting with family, older kids, teens and adults will enjoy the new climbing walls,

ropes courses and Rollglider, an aerial ride combining the thrill of free falling and hang gliding into one. An arcade and new dining options are available for the entire family.

for grown-ups: Hire a babysitter and plan a night out playing games. Pawn & Pint is a fun pub-style eatery with a vast collection of games for every interest. With hundreds of board games, card games, strategy games and dice games, the spot truly offers something for everyone. Simply pay the cover fee and you can play games all night long. Guests borrow games from the shelves lined with hundreds to choose from, then return them to start another. The menu features pub classics, making this a great casual night out.

snow, snow, snow Winter is often a season of snow in Kansas City. Here are a few ideas to enjoy winter’s wonderland.

at home: Bundle up and head outside to enjoy a bit of time in the snow with your little one. Take a few pictures of Baby’s first snowfall for the family scrapbook. After

Kansas City Zoo

just a bit of time capturing snowy smiles and snuggles, head back inside and curl up with a warm blanket.

out & about: The Kansas City Zoo is open yearround, and the zoo’s resident polar bear and penguins love snow! You can enjoy both exhibits indoors (after a short walk with the stroller). Winter is one our favorite times to visit the zoo as it is less crowded and the animals are more playful. In addition to our snow-loving pals, the Tropics and Discovery Barn are additional indoor favorites on a cold day.

for grown-ups: Head to a paint-your-ownmasterpiece shop (you’ll find them all on KCParent.com in our Going Places section). They offer step-by-step painting instruction for beginners, and many of the selections on their winter calendars feature beautiful snowy scenes. This is a great parents night out to relax and explore your own creativity!

Kristina Light loves playing in the snow with her four daughters who know that snow-play is always followed by hot cocoa and a good book.

District Jungle at Independence Center

calming

i

STRATEGIES FOR TODDLERS WITH SENSORY NEEDS

t’s 2:00 on a Saturday at Walmart.

Just as you start to reach for a gallon of milk, you hear the shrill cries of a toddler losing his patience in a shopping cart. We’ve all heard a toddler or two throwing a tantrum at the grocery store. Maybe he’s tired, maybe he’s hungry or maybe he’s experiencing sensory-overload.

You immediately sympathize with both the parent and the child (or at least I know I do).

As a mother of a boy with various sensory needs, I get it. And I have a few strategies you might try to incorporate into your daily routine to help minimize these stressful moments.

Sensory bins A speech-language pathologist introduced this idea to us, and I’m absolutely obsessed. The one she first brought to a therapy session contained dry beans. My son would bury his hands in it and even dip his feet in. The end result was a calmer, more focused kid. When he’s feeling extra antsy or anxious, I just pull one of these out at his little table.

I tried making one (slightly messier) bin with cornmeal and some tiny tractors and dump trucks we had on hand. I filled an old Rubbermaid DVD container with coffee beans, old-fashioned oats, rocks, dinosaur figurines and other random little toys.

Kinetic sand works great, too.

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Water play I try to give my 4-year-old a bath once or twice a day, usually with Lavender-scented bubble bath. If he’s not up for a bath, I move his step stool in front of the sink and fill it with water and add bubbles. He splashes toys around in it while watching himself babble or sing in front of the mirror. Water seems to have a relaxing and calming effect on him.

Play-Doh I’ve actually started carrying Play-Doh in my purse or backpack. I get it out at restaurants, in the car or in waiting rooms when my son gets antsy.

Tents, Tunnels and Trampolines We received a retractable tunnel one year for my son’s birthday, and the next year he got a couple of tepee-style tents.

They became an everyday essential as well.

When he felt overwhelmed, he’d retreat to his tent or tunnel and, once he felt at ease, he crawled back out. Sometimes he took his favorite books or toys inside.

Trampoline time became an asset to our days. Letting off some steam by jumping around for a few minutes while listening to music released all of that toddler energy.

Compression shirt This was another idea from our SLP. We ordered something called a compression

shirt, which is stretchy like a tube top and fits under your kid’s clothes to give extra comfort and feel like a constant hug. I’ve tried putting it on him before outings where he seems to get most overwhelmed and overstimulated, like the mall, grocery store or library story time. I’d label it a successful tool so far. Weighted vests and weighted blankets seem to have the same effect.

The great outdoors Lastly, just being outside for a few minutes is great for your toddler’s senses.

At least 30 minutes a day of outside time can make a positive impact on your child’s mood. Go to the park, the walking trail, or even sit in your driveway and blow bubbles.

Incorporating these activities into your child’s day won’t eliminate meltdowns altogether but should significantly reduce them. I guarantee you’ll notice a calmer kid if you try one of these suggestions when overwhelmed overload begins.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 4-year-old son and two dogs.

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

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DAILY Open Jump Daily Urban Air in Overland Park. Urban Air Overland Park is an attractive solution to a common problem: needing one place to entertain kids of every age.

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Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times for all ages, every day of the week!

MONDAY Parents FREE Monday 9:30-8:00, Paradise Park. Parents are free at the Children’s Discovery Center with a paid child’s admission.

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Pay-4-Play Tue & Thu, 11:00-5:00, Backyard Specialists, Olathe. Come out to huge display lot to play on trampolines, swing sets and basketball hoops. Admission charged.

Playdate Thursdays Third Thursday of the month, 11:00-Noon, Independence Center. Let your kids move, learn, create and connect with new friends! Each playdate includes a craft, reading from Mid-Continent Public Library, and select months include an activity.

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Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles ... lots for your little one to play and learn. Admission charged.

913.895.6390, OPKansas.org Preschool Indoor Playground Tue, 9:3011:30, Irene B French Community Center.

Drive your favorite Little Tikes vehicle, jump in the bouncy toys or pretend in the kitchen. Parents must supervise their own children during playground time.

Admission charged, Merriam.org Creative Story Time Tue & Fri, 10:30, Ceramic Café. Enjoy a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack. CeramicCafeKC.com

WEDNESDAY Little Leapers Wed 10:00-Noon & Sun

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft. 816.325.7115, GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

FRIDAY Junior Jaunts Third Friday of the month, 10:15-11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infant-friendly, mini museum tour. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org

Paint Me a Story Alternating Fridays, 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a ceramic piece, listen to a story and enjoy a snack. Admission charged. 913.661.2529, PaintGlazeAndFire.net

9:00-11:00, Sky Zone locations. Little ones discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. Admission charged.

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SATURDAY

What’s for Dinner? Wed & Sat, 3:00, Burr Oak Woods. The captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Wednesday and Saturday.

The snakes will be fed every other Friday. MDC.mo.gov

Saturday Morning Nature Program

Weekend Family Activities 1:00-4:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO). Art activities led by museum guides. Nelson-Atkins.org 10:00-10:30, Prairie Park Nature Center, LawrenceKS.org. Programs may include a short video, slideshow and of course going outdoors to enjoy birds, wildflowers, bugs or a stroll through the park.

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Danú – St. Patrick’s Celebration at Yardley Hall at JCCC Genghis Khan: Bringing the Legend to Life Exhibit open thru April 26, Union Station, GenghisKhanUSKC.com.

Journey back 800 years to experience the treasures and stories of Genghis Khan’s 13th-century Mongol Empire.

Presented in Kansas City for the first time, this world tour exhibition invites your entire family into an adventure across the vast grasslands of Central Asia, among the relics of Genghis Khan’s reign.

Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt Exhibit open thru March 29, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org. Drawn from the world-renowned Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, the exhibition will bring together works that present the richness of life in ancient Egypt, focusing on the role of women—goddesses, queens and commoners. Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt will provide a unique opportunity

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for visitors to experience the discovery of the tomb of one of the most famous figures of the time.

Outdoor Ice Skating Crown Center Ice Terrace, CrownCenter.com. Enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor rink.

Regular admission is $7, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $4, or skaters may bring their own. Save on admission during Two-for-One Tuesdays! After 5:00, pay one full-price admission and receive a second for FREE. (Skate rental not included.)

Indoor Ice Skating Independence Community Ice, IndependenceCommunityIce.com. Public skating sessions are open to skaters of all ages and skill levels during both daytime, evening and weekend open skate sessions.

Continuing Education with JCCC Ongoing, JCCC.edu/academics/ ce/index.html. JCCC offers a variety of noncredit courses both for career development and for personal enrichment.

Take an art or cooking class to learn a new skill or hobby, or explore a topic that may boost job productivity and career potential. You do not gain college credit but may earn CEUs (continuing education units), certificates and licensures.

KC Restaurant Week Jan. 10-19, KCRestaurantWeek.com. Celebrate Kansas City’s premier dining event at hundreds of restaurants throughout the metro. Savor and save with special multicourse menus during the 10-day event, all with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Don Bosco Centers. No matter where you decide to dine, everyone wins thanks to special multicourse lunch and dinner menus at discounted prices.

A New World: Music from Final Fantasy Jan. 17, Folly Theater, FollyTheater.org.

A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY presents music selected from the entire FINAL FANTASY catalog, in fresh arrangements for small ensembles, giving the audience a surprisingly personal encounter with the beloved themes, characters and settings.

tale like no other. That this tale is as important today as it was then speaks to the human condition.

Danú – St. Patrick’s Celebration March 7, Yardley Hall, JCCC.edu/theseries.

Travel on a musical journey to Ireland!

A moving and memorable concert experience, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!

An American in Paris Feb. 15-16, Yardley Hall, JCCC.edu/theseries. Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical recreates the streets of mid-century Paris against the backdrop of the lush Gershwin score.

Frankenstein March 6-April 5, Copaken Stage, KCRep.org. A storyteller, accompanied by a live musician, unravels Mary Shelley’s iconic 200-yearold science fiction masterpiece as a haunting and heartbreaking cautionary

Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17, 11:00, begins at Linwood & Broadway and proceeds south along Broadway to 43rd Street, KCIrishParade. com. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with one of the city’s longest-running traditions. Enjoy locally built floats and performers during this annual holiday tradition.

The Roasterie Tour Offered daily, Dancing with the Stars LIVE! March 10, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, ArvestBankTheatre.com. TV’s biggest dance show returns on tour this winter with Dancing with the Stars: Live! Fan favorite professional and troupe dancers in a brand-new production showcase every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, ranging from ballroom and jazz to modern and hip-hop.

reservations required, the Roasterie, TheRoasterie.com. Come by for a tour and learn all about cupping, roasting and blending processes. You’ll learn about the history of the company, get a behind-the-scenes look at the factory and experience a manual coffee brewing demonstration along with a Q&A. The Roasterie also offers great coffee classes for java-drinking enthusiasts.

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