Pregnancy & Motherhood Archives - Page 2 of 5

Have you ever packed your bags and halfway down the road realized that you left something behind at home, raise your hand. I know I am guilty! I then must re-buy the item elsewhere usually at a higher price point. It is so easy to forget those essential items because we already have enough going on in our mind, add in packing for a baby, and phew! Packing for a toddler whether you are going on a road trip or flying across the country, is no easy task.

I remember packing for our first trip with our toddler, I thought oh my goodness, how many bags does one small human need? Of course, when we got to the destination and started unpacking or needed an item we realized we had forgotten it. Here are some of the most essential items we make sure to bring on our trips. You can also download my Toddler Essential Vacation Checklist so you never forget what to pack your toddler.

Packing for a Toddler: The Essentials

Clothes- make sure to bring at least 2 to 3 extra outfits, we know how messy babies can be or if they have an explosive poop. Be prepared by packing a few extra for that “just in case situation.”
Diapers and wipes- I have packed diapers, thought it would be enough, but ran out. Make sure you are packing enough for the whole trip. Easiest solution to this would be to buy a buy an entire box. Don’t forget the overnight diapers as well!
Diaper cream- that nasty poop and rash can pop up at any time, make sure you have diaper rash cream handy to help ease the irritation. Our favorite is Aquaphor Diaper Rash Paste.
Medicine- bring Tylenol or Motrin incase of a fever (you never know if they will be teething or catch something) I like to always pack baby Benadryl as well incase of an allergic reaction or itching.

Load up for the Car or Plane

Toys- bring toys for the car and to entertain them for the whole vacation, some of my go to toys are water beads, Melissa and Doug wow water books, a playdough tray, a shape sorter, and stacking cups.
Snacks for the car and the trip- our favorite is pirate booty, cheerios, plum snack bars, and goldfish. Head over to my shop to see the snack cups we use. They are perfect for the car or plane.
Tablet or computer with hotspot to allow your child to watch their favorite movie or TV. This is best for long car rides or trips.

Eating out on Vacation

Sippy cups, silicone placemat and bib- take these to restaurants.

Bedtime Essentials on your Trip

Lovey or favorite stuffed animal to help calm your toddler with any nerves while being away from home.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wash cloths and body wash
Books for bedtime- we bring our daughters favorite books, again try and stay as consistent as you can with your bed time routine that includes reading books before going to bed

Just In Case

Pack n’ play- luckily my parents have an extra pack n play at their house so we haven’t had to haul this, but it is definitely something I would recommend bringing to help keep the night time routine as consistent as possible.
Portable high chair- we use the booster seat that came with our highchair
This may not be feasible, but if you have an additional camera/baby monitor
White noise machine- most babies sleep with white noise, if you do not have a portable machine, use an old cell phone! I use our Spotify account and loop music through that.

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If you are traveling over the holiday weekend, I hope this quick list helps you feel a little more prepared. Do you have any other suggestions for traveling or packing with a baby or a toddler? I have not ventured on a plane yet with ours, any suggestions would be helpful!

What does it mean to practice self-care? Self-care is a term used to help assist and take action to improve your own health. Self- care looks different for everyone. What one person may enjoy doing and brings them peace, may be different than what brings peace and tranquility to another. It is important to practice self-care so you can have positive energy and be the best you.

Are you wondering how can you take care of yourself while caring for your children and life’s everyday responsibilities and struggles? We know how busy moms can be and how easily we forget to give them credit or the time they deserve. Moms so often selflessly put others first. It’s that constant struggle between getting the laundry caught up, planning activities, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, preparing for the next day, etc.

I haven’t been the best at practicing my own self care advice, but it is something I have been working on lately because I know when the second baby arrives, I will need some “me time.” With a toddler running around, it can be hard to find time during the day. This weekend I plan to get a haircut, get my nails and toes done, something I don’t think I have done in over a year! Why? I just always put it off because other things seem to matter more.

I needed to change my mindset.

One of my biggest suggestions is to make the time! Head over to my printables to grab a monthly calendar. Use it to add things you would like to do. I have found writing it down and putting it into a calendar has given me more opportunity to follow through with my activity.

This weekend is Mother’s Day and what better way to celebrate than to encourage self-care for the woman you love and who are in your life! Mom’s need to be rejuvenated and cared for just as they nurture and care for others around them. I was able to collaborate with some amazing woman to help give some ideas and tips to help practice self-care.

Ideas, Tips, and Simple Acts to Practice Self-Care

To practice Self-Care is to practice Self-Love; that means, you need to learn how to step back when things become overwhelming and acknowledge that it’s okay not to be okay. I think mind setting is very essential to help us refocus and identify our priorities.

Mitchelle from www.mamabuzzblog.com

Teach Them Young

Start teaching your children from a young age that self-care is important for everyone! When I want to take a shower alone, go for a run, or get ready, I explain to my young kiddos how important it is for Mom to have some time to take care of herself too. It is really important to me that I raise my kids to continue with self-care as they grow into adulthood too, and that starts with modeling. It can be hard to find the time with kids during the toddler years, but including them in the conversation is a great first step!

Katelyn from https://www.freshlybrewedmama.com

The Importance of 5 Minutes

With hectic mom schedules, we find that taking five minutes to reset is a game changer. It can be coffee & silence in the morning, or a night time quick peel off facial after the kids go down. Making sure we take a break, before we break.

Melissa from https://www.heavenlyimperfections.com

Treat Yourself to Mimosa’s

Have the mimosa! Take time for yourself and celebrate all you have accomplished! My request for Mother’s Day this year is mimosas! I plan to sip mimosas and skip the laundry and dishes for the day! I plan to give myself the permission to just relax and enjoy watching my babies! Give yourself permission to let it all go! You deserve it!

Amanda from https://aplace4mamas.com/

Curl up With a Good Book

For me self care is definitely reading a book with a warm cup of tea. It relaxes me and let’s me destress. I can do it while my daughter plays on the floor next to me, but it’s even better to do while she’s napping and I can step outside and read on the front porch.

Zoe from Awitchymamaskitchen.blogspot.com

My self care often begins after my 2 year old daughter goes to bed between 8:00-8:30 PM. I like her having an earlier bed time so that I can incorporate a little me time before I go to bed myself. I love to make myself some chamomile tea and pull out the latest book that I am reading while I snuggle underneath my blankets. This is the epitome of self care to me and I find it so relaxing to have this time to unwind and get some rest for the following day.

Jasmyn from https://justjass.com/

Enhance Your Shower Experience

My favorite way to practice self care is by making my shower time a spa like experience. As the mom of a toddler, I don’t always have time for baths or other me time activities, but showers are a necessity, so why not make the most of them? I use nice bath products, shower steamers, play relaxing music, and either light a nice candle or use my oil diffuser. Even if I only get 5 or 10 minutes, it is still time I got to myself.

Erin from www.themindfullyscientificmama.com

I have two little kids and love to intentionally enjoy my daily shower. I see it as a little break and relaxing me-time when my husband watches the kids in the meantime. It may seem like a small thing, but makes a big difference for me as a full-time mommy these days.

Tabea from https://mymommyheart.com

Be Artistic

Sometimes, the monotony of daily life grinds you down. In order to keep my sanity, I try to do something creative every day. Lately, I’ve been taking macro photos and posting them on Instagram. I also enjoy drawing pictures on my son’s snack bags. My biggest stress relievers are jigsaw puzzles. I can sit and work on one for hours (if I had that much free time)! Any of these creative outlets allow me time in my own head to process my thoughts. It’s during these times that I tune everything out and focus on me.

Misty from https://lifebetweenthedishes.com

Go Outside & Get a Breath of Fresh Air or Exercise

I love to go for a run! To get out in nature and enjoy the flowers and birds singing helps me clear my head! If I go by myself, listening to a podcast or music is relaxing to me, but it is also fun to take my boys and show them how to find joy in the nature around us.

Elizabeth from www.discoveryplaywithlittles.com

Work out frequently. Teach your child to respect your workout time, or better, work out with you. I set the fixed time during the day to do my morning exercise (30 minutes a day) and my son sees me working out everyday as well. He used to ask for my attention all the time, but I patiently ask him to wait until my workout is done. Now either he plays alone while I do my exercise or joins me.

Mai from www.mommyinstinct.com

I’m one of 4 children so we always struggled for present ideas. For many years now I take my mum out for ‘memory days’. This can be afternoon tea out, a trip to a city with lunch or even a day shopping. She loves these days and memories last longer than flowers and chocolates.

Lynne from www.theswaneffectmum.com

Hang upside down for 2 minutes. Whether that’s in a swing or just letting your head drop off the couch while your legs are up. This gives your body some great vestibular input which in essence empties your sensory cup ( the one that spilling over from noise and being over touched)

Holly from Otholly.com

When I am short for time or cannot escape from kids, I will do three little things that make me feel like I took time away from little ones for self-care: 1. A 5 minute guided meditation 2. Turn on my favorite song and have a dance party 3. Say positive affirmations for mirror talk.

Kate from www.kateable.com

No matter what you decide to do or if you practice self-care this weekend, try to make it into a consistent routine! If you would like to share your routine, feel free to share in the comments! Us moms are always looking for suggestions.

TIPS THAT WILL HELP PACKING FOR A TODDLER