January 2022 Momaha Magazine

We’re Here

When Your Child Needs Specialized ENT Care When little ears hurt too often or when that sore throat just keeps coming back, you can trust the experts at Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat with the care of your child.

Backed by more than 40 years of research, our physicians specialize in treating problems ranging from chronic ear, nose and throat illnesses to complex head and neck disorders calling for specialized surgical care.

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Ear, Nose & Throat

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January 2022

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boystownhospital.org

CONTENTS

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2022 editor-in-chief

KILEY CRUSE kiley.cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

consulting editor

CO U R T N E Y B R U M M E R - C L A R K cbclark@owh.com 02-444-3118

assistant editor

MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

momaha.com editor

A S H L E E CO F F E Y ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

KILEY CRUSE

designer

JENNIFER FRENCL

cover photo

A D O B E S TO C K

custom publishing sales coordinator

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

4 Editor’s Column 10 Parallel Play 13 Bookshelf 15 Be Well

5 Two-Ingredient Bagels 7 Snowman Knockdown 8 The Great Outdoors 12 Craft Stick Bird Feeder 14 Sheet Pan Pancakes

N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2022 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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Wife to Kevin and mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

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LEARNING TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF MY LEAST FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR

W

inter has never been my favorite time of year — even when I was a kid.

Yes, I went outside and had snowball fights, went sledding and explored the wooden area near our house with my siblings, but I would have rather had summer any day — and twice on Sunday.

As I’ve grown older, my feelings for winter have grown … worse. It’s especially hard with kids. There’s so much prep getting kids’ coats, hats, gloves, scarves and boots on. They get hot and frustrated very quickly (my oldest has a habit of taking all of his outdoor winter items off and we have to do everything over when we arrive to our destination).

I never enjoy the snow and ice and muck.

But I live in Nebraska and winter is, unfortunately, unavoidable. So I’ve tried really hard these last couple of years to enjoy it. I think of it as a time to stay home a little more. To catch up on books and movies. Do crafts — both with my kids and by myself.

And we try and force ourselves to head outside to explore the winter wonderland around us. It’s actually really pretty (especially with a blanket of fresh snow) and there’s so much to see and learn.

In this issue, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy this winter — whether it’s crafts, recipes or a list of ways to explore nature.

However you spend it, I hope you stay warm, safe and happy this winter. Only three months until spring!

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January 2022

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TWO-INGREDIENT BAGELS DOUGH • 2 cups of self-rising f lour (see note) • 2 cups of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt EGG WASH • 1 large egg • 1 teaspoon of water • Pinch of salt SUGGESTED TOPPINGS • Ever ything bagel seasoning • Cinnamon sugar • Sharp cheese such as asiago or Romano

HOLE IN ONE Score big for health with Two-Ingredient Bagels TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey

D

o you wish for a healthy bagel that’s easy to make?

These Two-Ingredient Bagels are about as easy and healthy as you can make bagels. (They’re not low-carb, but they’re about as good as you’ll get.)

All you need is self-rising flour and plain Greek yogurt. (And a couple other things you definitely already have at home including eggs.) Once you’ve formed the dough into bagels, you can cook them as-is or top with your favorite bagel topping!

We like everything bagel seasoning, but you can do whatever you like best.

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. 2. Using a spatula, combine two cups of selfrising flour and one cup of Greek yogurt in a large mixing bowl. The dough will be loose and shaggy.

3. Add more yogurt, a little at a time, mixing until the dough forms a non-sticky ball.

Precisely how much Greek yogurt you need depends on its moisture content. If you add too much Greek yogurt, you can add in a little more flour.

4. Knead the dough on a well-floured surface for five minutes. The dough should be stretchy and somewhat firm.

5. Use your hands to roll the dough ball into an 8-inch log. Using a knife, divide the dough eight equal parts. Use your fingers to make a hole in the center of each part and work with your hands into a bagel shape. Place the bagels on a greased baking sheet or nonstick baking mat.

6. Whisk together the water, salt and egg and brush onto the top of each bagel. Then add your toppings and bake for 20 to 22 minutes.

7. Remove the bagels from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 450F. Put the bagels back in the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes. Enjoy!

NOTE: Don’t have self-rising flour? It’s super easy to make: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Whisk well.

Adapted from recipegirl.com

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Every child, everywhere, deserves the very best. It’s why Children’s Hospital & Medical Center combines the largest group of pediatric specialties in the region, the most advanced technology and the biggest hearts all in one place. Together, in this safe and welcoming environment of excellence, we’re shaping the future of pediatric medicine to deliver the very best for kids.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org or call 1.800.833.3100 to find a physician near you.

CAR E

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January 2022

|

A DVO CACY

|

RESEARCH

|

E D U C AT I O N

BUST UP BOREDOM Snowman Tin Can Knockdown a fun winter activity

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

SNOWMAN TIN CAN KNOCKDOWN

• Empty tin cans • White spray paint • Orange and black paint or permanent markers • Pom-poms, bean bags or tennis balls 1. Wash and dry six or 10 tin cans.

2. Spray-paint the outside of the cans with white paint. You will probably need a couple coats.

Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats.

(Alternately, you could brush on white acrylic paint.)

3. Using orange paint or a marker, add a carrot shape to the middle of the can.

4. Using black paint or a marker, add the rest of the facial features: eyes, mouth and even eyebrows.

5. Set up your tin cans indoors or outside, depending on the weather. Indoors use pompoms or bean bags to knock them down.

Outdoors bean bags and tennis balls work well.

TIP: If you have young children or if you are nervous about painting details onto the cans directly, try cutting out the details from cardstock or felt and gluing them on.

EXPAND THE GAME

Make it harder each time by moving your throwing line further away from the tin can snowmen.

Grab a larger ball and try bowling a ball instead of throwing it.

Turn it into a math game by adding numbers to the back of the tin cans. Then have the kids add up the points of what they knocked down.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Omaha area boasts lots of outdoor activities, even when it is cold MARJIE DUCEY

I

World-Herald Staff Writer

MICHAEL FORSBERG

Elsa Forsberg walks a trail before sunset at Audubon Spring Creek Prairie near Denton, Nebraska.

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January 2022

t’s always so tempting to spend the coldest days of winter bundled inside on the couch, watching a movie.

But somehow, those sunny, 30 degree days start to seem warmer and the kids get antsy stuck inside.

So here’s some fun activities to get you off the couch and outside.

You don’t have to go far to find nature.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium offers a backyard adventures camp from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 for ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 11. Seek out species native to Nebraska and learn how to find them in your own backyard.

Cost is $65 with a zoo membership and $70 without.

Have you ever tried snowshoes? Fontenelle Forest rents them for $5 for one hour. It’s best to call for reservations at 402-731-3140. If that sounds too strenuous, the one-mile ADAaccessible Riverview Boardwalk is an easier stroll that still provides a great view.

Fontenelle’s Acorn Acres is a one-acre outdoor playscape for kids willing to venture outdoors or they can check out birds of prey at the Raptor Woodland Refuge. If it’s too cold outdoors, Habitat Hollow has re-opened for the younger kids in your family. It includes nature coloring and baby birder stations, a critter observation area (turtles, frogs, salamanders, snakes) and a make-and-take option.

The popular Mudpies program returns to Fontenelle Forest this month. It’s a structured program for children ages 3 to 5 years that encourages exploration of nature and interaction between a child and their caregiver. Each week, a natural science topic is explored through crafts, outdoor exploration, songs, stories, outdoor hikes and more. Each program will feature a different craft or activity, along with story time and an outdoor guided hike. The Tuesday and Thursday morning classes are $5 per child for members. Nonmembers pay $5 per child plus daily admission for accompanying adult(s).

One adult is required for every two children.

Preregistration is required.

Winter birding is also popular and you’d be surprised how many birds can be spotted at

KAYLA WOLF, THE WORLD-HERALD

Left: Hikers, from left, Olivia Clark, Shelby Huenink and Sophie Huenink walk through the woods with their parents at Mahoney State Park.

FONTENELLE FOREST

Below: Animal tracks can be seen in the snow at Fontenelle Forest.

Fontenelle Forest during the winter months.

Speaking of birding, get your family involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count that runs from Feb. 18-21. Count the birds in your backyard and enter your total at birdcount.org.

Looking to go further afield? Check out the tallgrass prairie at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center in Denton, Nebraska. You can organize a scavenger hunt there or just see where animals live in the winter on three kinds of wetlands: ponds, marshes and creeks.

Check out each one as you explore — what is the same, what is different? And what types of plants and animals live in or near the water?

Closer to home is Heron Haven at 118th and Old Maple Road. Download an app called SEEK. Take a photo of a plant or animal with your phone and SEEK can help you figure out what it is, and tell you a little about it. It is from iNaturalist and is a great way to get young explorers involved in nature and becoming a

community scientist.

Nebraska’s State Parks are another great place to visit in the winter. Search for wildlife tracks, peak through binoculars to watch birds or skip rocks on the ice. Don’t limit s’mores to only the summer months, roast marshmallows or hot dogs over a fire pit. Heat from burning wood is very comforting in January. Spend an afternoon ice skating on a scenic frozen pond or lake. Mahoney State Park’s Activity Center has an outdoor ice rink and skates can be rented.

Schramm Education Center’s newly renovated and expanded indoor aquariums feature all kinds of aquatic species along with interactive activities. Or head to Lincoln and try indoor archery at the Outdoor Education Center there. There are also outdoor archery ranges and 3D target trails.

It’s almost like being outdoors, but the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory at

Lauritzen Gardens offers lovely tropical warmth as you walk around the exotic plants. Go on a leaf hunt and see how many different leaves you can find.

The Lauritzen Gardens education staff has all kinds of ideas, even for a brief trip to the backyard, to use up some of that overflowing energy.

1. Go on a nature walk: Go for a walk and use all your senses to see what you can find, make a list. Go multiple days and see how your list changes.

2. Fill a bird feeder or make a wildlife tree ornament, and watch all the wildlife that visits.

3. Snowflake study: They come in lots of different shapes and sizes, draw a few of the ones you find.

4. Look for animal tracks in the snow,

or on the bank of a nearby creek. See if you can find marks left by people, birds, dogs, squirrels, deer, rabbits.

5. Look at trees and notice their different branches and bark. Do you see any nests?

Animals need places to hide, rest, feed and sleep during the cold winter months. A tree can provide shelter to lots of different animals.

6. Winter provides some of the most clear night skies. Go outside after dark, and look at the moon and stars. Make a moon journal, and learn some of the constellations.

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ADOBESTOCK

PARALLEL PLAY IS AN IMPORTANT LIFE SKILL FOR KIDS ASHLEE COFFEY

Momaha.com Editor

“B

ut I want him to play with me!”

This is a common phrase I hear from my 5-year-old son, Elliott.

Normally, my two kids play together nicely. But sometimes my 8-year-old son, Sam, decides he either wants to read or just play with toys by himself.

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January 2022

This isn’t OK with Elliott.

He’s always been a bit of a needy child. When he was an infant, I called him my “Velcro baby.” He always needed to be with me or my husband. If he didn’t see us in the room with him, he’d cry.

As he’s grown, it’s stayed much the same, though he has gained some independence. Especially when Sam started school and no longer attended daycare with

him. That was a big turning point for us.

But then the coronavirus pandemic hit and both of my kids stayed home with us for more than a year.

Gone were Elliott’s days of being without any of his family members. There were no other kids to play with.

No other adults to interact with. Just us.

He regressed a lot.

Starting school this year has definitely helped him,

but we still struggle at home some. Lately, we’ve been trying to introduce the idea of parallel play.

Parallel play, if you’ve never heard the term, is the idea of children playing alongside each other without needing to interact. So in my case, one child might be playing with toys while the other does a puzzle next to him.

A New York Times article about parallel plays states, “Although not a discrete developmental phase, engaging in parallel play is an important part of how toddlers learn to interact with others, share and become social beings.”

(I also want to point out here that parallel play isn’t just for kids. It’s good and healthy for adult relationships if done right.)

While we’re still working on playing independently — there are some good and bad days — here are some ways we’re helping Elliott to practice and gain confidence in parallel play.

ENCOURAGE HIM.

Elliott is 5. If I tell him, “Go play by yourself,” he gets easily overwhelmed.

So when he’s upset that his brother wants to do his own thing, my husband or I sit with Elliott and ask him what he’d like to do. If he shrugs his shoulders — his usual response — I help him come up with stuff to do. I

doesn’t do him any good and I don’t think it’s healthy.

So we started out small and have gradually increased the time. We set timers, too.

They used to be small increments — five to 10 minutes at a time — and have gradually increased to anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

For example, if Sam wants reading time nowadays, we give him 20 minutes (he also gets 30 minutes at bedtime) and set a timer so Elliott knows how long he has to play independently. He has a clear understanding of the expectations and can see the timer counting down.

When he successfully plays independently, we make sure to praise him. We tell him great job and ask him LET HIM HANG OUT WITH US. about what he did and what he enjoyed about it. We Sometimes a change of scenery is good for kids. If make sure to point out and praise independent play they mainly play with toys in their room, it can be fun to when he does it on his own, which is becoming more bring them out into the living room. often. We want to build his confidence that, “Yes, I can Depending on what Elliott wants to do, I will play by myself and have just as much fun.” encourage him to bring his activity out to wherever I It’s such an important life skill to have — learning to am. That way he can sit and play and still be able to talk do your own thing even if you have someone sitting to me if he needs. He feels less alone than being in the right next to you. My husband and I do this all the time room with his brother, who often gets so engrossed in — whether we’re hanging out on the couch reading a his books that he completely ignores Elliott. book, or if he’s playing video games and I’m doodling on my iPad. START SMALL. PRAISE OFTEN. It’s nice to just hang out with someone and not feel We don’t make Elliott play for hours by himself. That an immense pressure to entertain each other.

offer to get out a bin of specific toys for him. I mention coloring, playing with Play-Doh, doing a puzzle or playing a game.

When he’s especially stubborn, and none of those ideas sound good to him, I tell him I’ll give him a few minutes to think about it and he can come find me when he’s ready. More often than not, he’ll start doing one of our suggestions on his own after I leave.

While I do think it’s important for kids to be bored and figure it out on their own, sometimes kids in that younger age group just need a little bit of help. When there are so many choices (and you’re already in a bad mood), picking something can be hard.

Further Your Child’s Walk

with calming reads the whole family can enjoy. Stop by the bookstore today to check out our extensive selection of children’s daily devotionals.

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Best Sellers • New Releases Marriage Resources • Gift Lines Photo Frames • Children’s Toys Personalized Engraving • Journals Mugs • Holiday Merchandise

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FOR THE

BIRDS

Craft Stick Feeder an easy craft project for all ages TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey

N

eed something to do on a cold winter’s day? Get out the crafts.

Gather the kids and make these fun, easy and colorful bird feeders made out of craft sticks. Everyone will have a great time making them, and the birds will thank you for it!

CRAFT STICK BIRD FEEDER • • • • •

Craft sticks Twine Markers Hot glue gun Bird seed

1. To start, color all of your craft sticks. We used markers but you can also use acrylic paint if you’re feeling particularly brave. Ours took about 30 sticks total — four per color and six for the base. If you can find them, you can also buy already-colored craft sticks.

2. After you’re done coloring (and the sticks are dry), it’s time to assemble the base. Lay six sticks next to each other. Glue two extra sticks over the top to hold the base together. Once dry, flip it so the smooth top faces up and the sticks holding them together face the ground.

3. Once your base is done, it’s time to start building the walls around the outside of the base. Put two drops of hot glue (or wood glue but remember, that takes longer to dry) in each corner. Lay two more sticks in the opposite direction of the bottom. Then add more drops of glue to those corners and put another two sticks down going in the opposite direction. Remember, you’re laying them down alternating horizontal and vertical directions. Be sure to add a perch in the middle of the feeder.

4. Once everything is dry, cut the twine in four equal strips (the length is up to you). Tie each strip to the second layer from the top. I put a drop of glue on top of each knot to keep it in place. Then, grabbing all the pieces of twine, tie a knot in the top to hang it up.

5. Hang up outside, fill with bird seed and enjoy!

Inspired by madewithhappy.com

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January 2022

PLENTY OF READS

BOOKSHELF

‘BAD KITTY’ CHAPTER BOOKS

By Nick Bruel

6 children’s series or box sets for young children

‘AMELIA BEDELIA’ BOOKS

By Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril

For readers who are first starting to tackle chapter books on their own, there’s the “Bad Kitty” series.

Kitty, the main character, is a housecat with many dislikes, from baths to birthdays to family members. But over the course of the series, Kitty learns that many of these things can actually be enjoyable experiences. As she tackles new adventures, she teaches the reader that optimism and open-mindedness are keys.

This set includes seven of Nick Bruel’s chapter books and an interactive journal where readers can answer questions about their own adventures.

Amelia Bedelia is a young girl who learns to problem-solve her way out of a variety of situations, making a host of new friends along the way. These short, fastpaced chapter books are geared toward children ages 6 to 8, and might appeal to readers of the Magic Tree House or Junie B. Jones series.

This boxed set includes the first four chapter books in the series: “Amelia Bedelia Means Business” “Amelia Bedelia Unleashed” “Amelia Bedelia Road Trip!”

“Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild!”

‘PIGEON’ SERIES

By Mo Willems

‘IF NOT YOU, THEN WHO?’ STORIES

By David Pridham and Emberli Pridham, illustrated by Anyu Rouaux

‘PETE THE CAT’ STORIES

By Eric Litwin

Pete the Cat will not let the stains on his favorite shoes ruin his day. In “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes,” he encounters strawberries, blueberries and other messes that dirty his bright white shoes, but rather than being upset, Pete the Cat focuses on the good. This mindset is also present as he explores his new school in “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” and when he loses a button in “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.” Best for children ages 4 to 8, this series emphasizes positive thinking when faced with challenges. This peppy feline friend encourages readers to take these challenges in stride and look at them as lessons.

As children, we are often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The “If Not You, Then Who?” book collection shows kids just how many possibilities there are. These stories also emphasize hobbies and passions that can help children have a beneficial impact on their surrounding communities. Titles include: “The Inventor in the Pink Pajamas” “Let The Games Begin!”

“Noah’s Treehouse” “We’re Going Green!”

‘SISSIES ADVENTURE SERIES’

By Marisa Howard

Being a big sister comes with many responsibilities — one of which is helping your younger sister explore the world.

In “Sissies Adventure Series,” the big sissy can’t wait to show her little sissy all S the fun things they can do, PH OTO N.COM AMAZO with lessons on what it takes to be an amazing brother or sister.

The three-part series includes “Sissies at the Sea,” “Sissies in the Mountains” and “Sissies go to Mexico,” and is best suited for children up to 4 years old.

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” is a children’s title recognized by readers around the world.

In this Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, a bus driver takes a break and asks the reader not to let the pigeon drive his bus.

While the driver provides the reader with a list of reasons the pigeon shouldn’t be allowed to drive, the pigeon tells the reader about all his qualifications. This contrast leads the reader to make decisions based on moral responsibilities while also exploring the art of persuasion presented by the pigeon.

Mo Willems’ series includes eight other titles, each exploring the responsibility of keeping promises, the power of persuasion and the value of being held accountable, while also making the reader laugh.

— Nicole Maher, BookTrib.com

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SHEET PAN PANCAKE

• • • • • • •

FLUFFY BREAKFAST

Sheet Pan Pancake can feed whole family of picky eaters TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

P

ancakes are always a crowd-pleaser.

The only problem is your family either has to eat in shifts or you have to keep the first pancakes warm while you cook up the whole batch.

And then there’s trying to please everyone.

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January 2022

Do some in your family like blueberry pancakes.

Chocolate chip? Plain?

Welcome the Sheet Pan Pancake. These super fluffy buttermilk pancakes bake up quickly and they are easy to personalize to everyone’s individual tastes.

3 cups f lour 2 tablespoons baking powder 3 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2¾ cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 8 tablespoons butter, melted, divided • 2 teaspoons vanilla 1. Preheat oven to 425F. 2. Add flour, baking powder, sugar and salt to a large bowl. Stir to combine.

3. In a second bowl, add milk, eggs, 5 tablespoons melted butter and vanilla. Whisk until well mixed.

4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients.

Whisk gently. Batter should be lumpy but not have loose flour. Overmixing will result in rubbery pancakes.

5. Spread 3 tablespoons melted butter evenly over a half sheet pan (18-by-13 inches).

6. Pour in the pancake batter and spread evenly in pan.

7. Add any toppings. (Ideas follow.)

8. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown.

9. Cut and serve warm with butter or maple syrup.

TOPPING IDEAS Bananas

Strawberries Raspberries Blackberries Blueberries Apple slices and cinnamon Chocolate chips Bacon Pecans or walnuts Colored sprinkles Peach preserves and toasted almond slices Peanut butter and banana — banana slices with 2 tablespoons melted peanut butter drizzled over the top Berry cheesecake — berries of your choice topped with 3 tablespoons cream cheese and 1 tablespoon sugar mixed together and drizzled over the fruit Chocolate covered strawberry — sliced strawberries and chocolate chips

BE WELL PATTI IDERAN AND MARK FISHBEIN | American Academy of Pediatrics

I

n discussions about helping babies learn to fall asleep on their own, you may hear “selfsoothing” mentioned a lot. The term can sometimes be interpreted as a parent making a baby “cry it out” or ignoring their cries. This is absolutely not true.

Allowing babies to learn calming strategies gives them an important life skill. Leading by example and teaching good coping skills from the beginning helps babies become happy, well-adjusted children.

Teaching how to self-soothe involves a learning curve for you as well as your baby. If your baby is extremely irritable, for example, they may be hungry (and then you need to feed them) or very tired (and then you need to try to help them sleep). If you think your baby is in pain, you need to address that.

If all of these are ruled out and your baby is fed, changed and well-rested but fussy, then you can try the CALM baby method, a progression of calming techniques.

When your baby is crying, you may have the instinct to immediately pick them up. Instead, slow down and take steps to really learn about what your baby needs. Try each technique slowly and be sure to pause to see how your baby responds.

The order of the progression is important because you are doing less at the beginning by just using your voice and more at the end when you are holding and possibly feeding your baby.

The goal is for your baby to calm with less intervention from you, and for you to move away from holding your baby all day, which happens frequently with fussy babies. Here are the 10 CALM method steps.

THE CALM BABY METHOD PROGRESSION

A 10-STEP METHOD FOR PARENTS TO HELP BABIES LEARN TO SOOTHE THEMSELVES

1

Look at your baby.

2

Talk to them.

3

Put a hand on their belly or chest.

Hold their arms or curl their legs up toward their body.

4

Roll them onto their side (only when awake).

8

up your baby and 6 Pick hold them at your shoulder, but don’t move.

Place a pacifier in their mouth or assist them to get their hand or thumb to their mouth.

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OTHER STRATEGIES TO TRY

all is

calm

Swaddle your baby and rock them.

5

Hold and rock your baby.

In addition to the CALM steps, you can try massaging their back while you are holding them, singing to them, walking with them and using white noise.

When babies are extremely fussy, we tend to try many things to help them calm. But sometimes this means we are adding more stimulation to an already overwhelmed sensory system, and this can backfire. We advise parents to try one strategy for about five minutes before moving on to the next. This allows your baby to process the sensations and gives them time to settle.

Other things you can try include standing up and holding your baby firmly while they are sucking on a pacifier, shushing or patting them, and swaddling and rocking them. Just don't attempt all the strategies at once or too quickly in a row, or they will get overstimulated.

You can also try decreasing the intensity of the interaction; talk more quietly, move more slowly, use less animation in your face.

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Feed them, if you think this will help.

STICK WITH IT AND ADAPT

Every time your baby cries, try the strategy, and do this for at least a day to see if it helps your baby to make a change. If you feel like a certain strategy works some of the time, try that one first.

As babies get older, their cries change, and so should your strategies to help them calm.

Sometimes parents find a strategy that works well with their baby, such as doing squats with their baby in their arms, that is much more difficult to do with an older, heavier baby. Be open to trying something different that may be more suitable or safer for your baby as they grow.

If you and your baby are still frustrated, more resources can help.

Consider contacting a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in treating infants, an infant mental health specialist or a pediatric developmental psychologist. These professionals can help you understand your baby, help you learn how to read their cues and help you promote selfregulation.

Patti Ideran has worked in pediatric occupational therapy for over 35 years. Dr. Mark Fishbein is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. They are the authors of “The CALM Baby Method: Solutions for Fussy Days and Sleepless Nights.”

For more information, go to healthychildren.org, the website for parents from the AAP.

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