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How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a First-Time Mom

The pregnancy period, labor and caring for a newborn are all challenging parts of a new life as a mom. These parts take a toll on both our physical and mental health as a first-time mom. When mom is happy and healthy, so is the baby. Hence, new moms should pay special attention to maintaining their mental health in order to raise a happy and healthy child. After giving birth, moms often focus on their newborns and neglect their needs. Due to those reasons, they often disregard their physical and mental health. That’s why postpartum depression frequently happens.

You have a lot to take in as a first-time mom. Regardless, you shouldn’t neglect your mental health. To avoid doing that, you should learn how to recognize a mental health issue, for starters. Then, you should reduce your to-do list. It’s essential to indulge in self-care to maintain your mental health. Decreasing the time you spend on social media can also have positive effects on your mental health. And finally, what also helps is practicing positive self-talk.

Recognize a mental health issue

To maintain your mental health as a first-time mom, you should first be aware of its importance. Only after you’ve grasped its importance can you focus on recognizing a mental health issue. The more you know about the most frequent mental health issues for new moms, the quicker you can start dealing with them. After delivery and follow-up appointments, most doctors discuss signs of postpartum depression with their patients. Typical signs of postpartum depression include lack of sleep, focus and overwhelming feeling of sadness and irritability. Other common mental health issues that can affect new moms are clinical depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. There are therapies that can treat each of these.

no mood disorder vs the baby blues vs postpartum anxiety vs postpartum depression — Copyright 2022

Reduce your to-do list

When you give birth and come home from the maternity hospital, you’ll have a lot of daily tasks related to your baby. And this should be your main focus. The baby requires constant care. It will nap, eat and need a frequent diaper change. That leaves you little time for other household chores. You shouldn’t force yourself to try and do everything, because it’s almost impossible. And what’s more, it can lead to mom burnout, which can cause other issues. So, to avoid this from happening, you can ask a family member to help you or hire temporary help. Try to minimize the necessary errands by shopping online for newborn baby clothes or groceries.

Indulge in self-care

Self-care is an integral part of our mental health. Everybody should indulge in some form of self-care, especially first-time moms. That doesn’t mean that you need to spend hours at the gym or spa. You simply need to do something that relaxes you. That can be reading a good book, taking a brisk walk, going for a swim or booking a relaxing massage. You shouldn’t feel guilty for doing this. You know what they say – a happy mom equals a happy family. Keep that in mind. You deserve to take a break and devote some time to yourself.

Decrease the time you spend on social media

Spending way too much time on social media can have detrimental effects on our self-esteem, well-being and mental health as a first-time mom. To avoid that, it would perhaps be the ideal time to take a social media break and go offline for some time. In that way, you will be able to focus more on your newborn and nurturing yourself. You will also be less inclined to compare yourself to other moms and your baby to other babies.

Practice positive self-talk

Being a new parent, more specifically a new mom, as moms tend to spend practically their whole day together with their baby, is quite challenging. It is also exhilarating at times. This is all normal, most parents have good and bad days. One of the best ways to make yourself feel good about yourself is to engage in positive self-talk. It will be crucial in those moments when you’re having bad days. Positive self-talk will allow you to focus on the positive things and in that way, boost your self-confidence. It’s difficult to start practicing it, but once you have a grip, it becomes much easier.

Being a mom is one of the best ‘jobs’ in the world. It is also one of the most important ones. That’s why you should do whatever makes you happy and calm.

Author Bio

Jess Cooper is a part-time journalist and blogger based in Sydney, Australia. She is an energetic, creative highly motivated person with plenty of interests. The most prominent areas of interest include makeup and cosmetics, fashion, style, event organization and decoration, healthy food, fitness, learning languages as well as home improvement. Jess loves learning about new things and having the chance to combine those insights with her ideas and spread them to the world. She enjoys having a mindful and well-organized, healthy life, filled with all kinds of different activities and interwoven with close friendships.

10 Steps To Preparing Your Home for a Newborn Baby

When it comes to preparing for a baby, it’s no exaggeration to say that new parents have a lot on their minds and even more on their must-do lists, from a safe place to sleep to an unending selection of bottles and baby toys. If you can relate, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the financial responsibilities that come with parenthood.

Preparing your home ahead of time will assist you to avoid becoming overwhelmed later. There are numerous products that need to be accommodated in your home. Plan out where all of the items will go and how you’ll get them there at least a month before the baby arrives. This way, you’ll be prepared when the baby decides to arrive. Furthermore, you can see everything and it is a good time to try things out this way. You can make suitable changes if anything doesn’t work or if your mind changes. You may not have or utilize certain products right away, but it’s a good idea to think about them and plan for where they’ll go.

10 Steps to Preparing Your Home for a Newborn Baby — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

It’s never too early or too late to begin making preparations for your new baby. You will be better prepared for your future financial demands if you create a solid foundation before bringing your bundle of joy home.

Before you start planning for your child, you should assess your financial status. If you haven’t already, make a list of your income, expenses, debt, and other financial commitments and begin to assess them. Maintaining a personal budget will help you figure out how you’ll pay for the new baby’s costs and where you should start saving. Don’t forget to set aside emergency savings in case of unforeseen bills or problems. The focus of your personal financial audit should be ongoing over your assets and obligations.

So, let’s get prepared your home for your newborn baby with these 10 steps.

Organize Your Baby’s Room

In the first year of life, a newborn goes through so many stages and changes. At different ages, babies begin distinct stages. So you want to think about and prepare each room in your house for a baby.

The baby will require a place to sleep, store their belongings, and change their diapers. Although the infant may not spend much time there at first, the baby will eventually use its own room.

You need to prepare a room for it, paint the walls, make some renovation and order furniture for your family new member.

Initially, you may want to keep the baby in a bassinet or in your room. It’s all up to you. As long as the infant is safe, do what works best for you and the baby.

In the nursery, prepare the crib. If you need to put one together before the baby arrives, do it well ahead of time. Then, in the crib, place the mattress, waterproof mattress pad, and sheet, and you’re done.

Prepare a Changing Station

Prepare and stock the nursery’s changing table with a variety of things, including the following:

- Diapers
- Wipes
- Cream for diapers
- Hand sanitizer
- Blankets
- Q-tips
- Changing table covers
- Ointment or healing lotion
- A few toys to keep them occupied during the transition.

You may also have another diaper changing station, depending on your home structure.

Prepare the Baby’s Wardrobe

Onesies, pajamas, socks, pants, and outfits should be stored in closets and dressers. Prepare a couple of each item that has been washed and is ready to be worn by the infant. However, because you don’t know what size the baby will be when he or she is born, don’t go overboard with the newborn clothes. It’s a good idea to have a few baby outfits on hand just in case, but retain the tags on a few of them so you can return them if you don’t need them.

5 Important Factors to Consider for Baby Onesies — .

Prepare the Feeding Area

A newborn eats frequently throughout the day, particularly in the beginning. As a result, multiple feeding spaces may be beneficial while preparing your home for a baby. A feeding station in the living room, nursery, and bedroom is required. You can feed the infant in the nursery if he or she wakes up in the middle of the night. You’ll feed them in the living room for the rest of the day.

Items to have on hand at a feeding station include:

- Comfortable chair
- Table
- Boppy to support the baby and make nursing more comfortable for you
- A number of burp outfits
- If necessary, use a nipple shield or other feeding accessories
- Kleenex
- A full jug or cup of water
- Snacks
- The remote, a book, your phone, or something to do while the baby eats, etc.

Prepare Area in the Living Room

With a new infant, this is the location where you will most likely spend the most time. It is the location where the infant will eat, sleep, play, and relax. A swing, floor or play mat, bouncy seat, jumperoo, pack n play, and different toys may be found in this section. Use the information below to create a comfortable space for you and your baby.

Prepare Area in the Kitchen

When it comes to preparing your home for a baby, the kitchen is another place where the baby will require a lot of space. If you’re utilizing bottles, you’ll need to set aside space for the bottles and parts. Your kitchen counter will be taken up by bottle drying racks and grass.

Then there’s the matter of finding storage for bibs, spoons, bowls, cups, baby food, and formula in cabinets and drawers. Made-to-order bottles and food will necessitate some refrigerator space. You’ll need space for a high chair and/or counter space for a bumbo or tabletop seat once your kid is ready for solids. Place items on hard, level surfaces away from the edge and any other potentially dangerous items that the infant might come into contact with.

Prepare Area in the Bathroom

You should maintain a baby tub, baby shampoo/soap, towels, and wash cloths in your bathroom for when the baby needs to be cleaned. When the baby becomes older, he or she will need something to do in the bath, so keep some bath toys on hand. A kitchen or bathroom sink can be used as a baby bathtub as an alternative to a baby bathtub. It simply lacks the necessary backing.

Prepare Area in the Garage

Another area to think about while preparing your home for a baby is the space required in a garage, porch or patio, or outside storage facility. Again, you may not have all of these goods right away, but they will be available soon. Strollers, small cars, toys, bikes, and a wagon will all require transportation.

Ensure Baby Safety at Home

Always consider safety first when preparing your home for a newborn baby. Things should be kept away from window blinds or shades with strings that could suffocate the baby. Place items away from windows where the infant could be exposed to the sun, as well as décor and furnishings that could harm the baby. The kid will not be mobile immediately away, but it will happen quickly, so it isn’t a bad idea to plan ahead.

Things that babies could get into and damage themselves with, such as diverse décor and knick-knacks, vases, and sharp furniture, should be moved and/or put away. Installing locks on kitchen cabinets, covers on outlets, and latches on drawers are some more useful safety precautions. Babyproofing kits for your home are available at stores.

Organize and Clean Your Home

Now that you have all of your baby stuff set up and ready throughout the house, give it a thorough cleaning before the baby arrives. With a new baby, you won’t have the opportunity to do this for a long. Clean up any messes or heaps and return everything to its proper location.

Then, restock on toiletries, paper goods, and other home things as needed. Be sure to stock up on diapers, wipes, and diaper cream with the arrival of your kid.

Preparing your home for baby in advance will make things simpler for yourself during this period. Do not put off getting ready, because he or she might arrive sooner than expected. Rather than panicking near the end of your pregnancy, be prepared and feel in command before the baby takes over.

Author Bio

Bianka Andrews is a financial professional at Instant Loan Online who enjoys writing and photography. Besides creating educational content on her personal financial blog, Bianka is a mother of two who likes to share her experience and challenges of daily parenting life.

Benefits of Surrogacy For Everyone Interested

Want to learn more about the features and benefits of surrogacy? Is it something you’ve considered for starting your own family? Or perhaps you would like to know more about helping someone else by becoming a surrogate? Read on to learn more about how surrogacy works.

Surrogacy is an agreement that includes a woman (the surrogate) that decides to carry and give birth in place of another person or a couple (the intended parents).

Surrogate mothers also receive many benefits on their surrogacy journey, and if you decide to become a surrogate, you will not only help other people to become parents but you will also be paid and get different benefits to support you on your surrogacy journey. Surrogate moms are of much value to couples that can’t conceive on their own or would choose this option for some other reason maybe, but it is never a simple decision to make.

What is Surrogacy?

As mentioned in the beginning, surrogacy is an agreement, but it also involves complex medical procedures from start to finish. Yet, it is a process that brings tremendous joy to the intended parents and puts a surrogate mother on the amazing journey of a lifetime that can benefit her and intended parents alike. Life is being created as a result and this is a great result of the surrogacy journey.

The Definition of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a process where a person agrees to carry a child for another couple. Usually it happens because the couple can’t have children, but they may also opt for a surrogacy solution because of some other aspect of their lives that is affecting them.

Surrogacy agreement, should one be initiated, is supported by a legal action to make it valid in law terms. It is because of the importance and complexity of the surrogacy process that it is covered by rules and regulations that help to define relations of all the parties involved.

Surrogacy Controversy

Some controversy about using a surrogate to have a baby still exists, and everyone should be aware of this. The legal requirements can be complex and they can be vastly different from country to country and from state to state (if you are from the US).

Nevertheless, whether it’s because of health problems or other highly important factors, surrogacy could still be the best option for you and your loved partner depending on your life situation.

Benefits of Surrogacy

Depending on the particular life situation of both surrogate and intended parents, there are different benefits for everyone involved. Some of the common ones are:

- High success rates. Modern surrogacy process ensures that the surrogacy journey is healthy and secure for everyone involved.
- Intended parents keep genetic connection to their child. There are intended parents that feel the need to have a biological connection to their children, and gestational surrogacy can make it happen.
- Since it is a common practice for the surrogate and the intended parents to make a legal agreement, everyone’s responsibilities and obligations are known in advance which secures clear conscience for everyone.
- Surrogate’s experience of pregnancy. While pregnancy is certainly a burden on the body, it also presents an amazing journey of bringing a new life into the world.
- Compensation and other financial benefits. Surrogates also get compensated for being surrogates and they usually receive numerous financial benefits such as medical procedures fees, monthly allowances, pregnancy clothes reimbursements and possibly many others depending on the agreement.

How Much Do Surrogate Mothers Get Paid?

How much a surrogate mother gets paid will vary greatly depending on where in the world you live. Of course in some parts of the world surrogacy is not even allowed, so it is better to gather as much valuable info on it as possible before you decide to opt-in.

For the US locations, a rough estimate of base payment is from $30,000 to $60,000 and on top, you can add remuneration for other costs and expenses a surrogate mom has. All of this will depend on many aspects of your particular surrogate journey, so if you are interested it is better to contact an actual agency where you can get a more precise estimate.

Do You Need to Hire a Surrogacy Agency?

The surrogacy process is a complex process from biological, psychological, medical, and legal points of view.

Usually, it is better to hire a certified agency that can help everyone involved through each stage of the surrogacy process. Agency personnel will consist of professionals from different backgrounds, who will readily assist all surrogacy activities from start to finish.

They can help through every aspect, from medicinal and psychological to legal, and prepare for surrogates a benefits package that will almost always include various forms of compensation and other important help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many valuable benefits that both surrogates and intended parents can have from going through the surrogacy process. For surrogates that includes a life changing experience of carrying a child and also different benefits, including financial compensation. For intended parents, the birth of their child may very well be the most precious thing that they could have ever imagined.

Author Bio

Andrea is the Founder and Director of the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia. She entered the world of assisted reproduction over twenty years ago as a three-time egg donor. The experience profoundly impacted her, and she maintains contact with her recipient families to this day. Andrea started the Hawaii Surrogacy Center, which is the leading provider of surrogacy services in her home state. Upon relocating to Pennsylvania, she sought to provide the same warm and highly personalized service to families in the Greater Philadelphia region.

How Pregnancy Forces One to Make Many Lifestyle Changes

Pregnancy is a time in a couple’s life that brings uncontrollable joy. No one expects problems with pregnancy, but it is possible. Taking preventive measures before pregnancy will ensure a healthy start for the mom-to-be. This often comes with having to make some lifestyle changes before, during and following pregnancy.

As stated earlier, expecting mothers do not what to hear the news that their pregnancy is taking a turn for the worse. With little to no fault of the mom, some medical conditions can cause a problematic pregnancy. This article will discuss lifestyle changes to help minimize any problems that can occur. But first, let us explore the type of complications that pregnancy can present for couples.

Complications in Pregnancy

- Miscarriages. The reason for a miscarriage is unknown and usually occurs in the first trimester, 13 weeks of pregnancy.
- Ectopic Pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
- Gestational Diabetes. Gestational diabetes increases blood sugar during pregnancy, putting the mom at a higher risk for diabetes after pregnancy.
- Incompetent Cervix. The fetus’ growth can cause problems for the cervix, causing the cervix to open and deliver the baby before the due date.
- Placental Abruption. It occurs when the placenta is partially or completely detaches from the uterus before the baby is born.
- Low-Lying Placenta. This rare occurrence usually happens in the second or third trimester, causing the placenta to attach to the bottom wall of the uterus.
- Increase or Decrease in Amniotic Fluid. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus during pregnancy. Too much, although rare, amniotic fluid can cause premature rupture of the amniotic membrane. Whereas not enough fluid can prevent the fetus from developing properly.
- Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is presented as high blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine.
- Premature Labor. Premature labor occurs between 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Most premature deliveries are spontaneous.
- Venous Thrombosis. This is when a blood clot develops in the pregnant mom’s leg, usually occurring with women over 30, overweight, and a family history of thrombosis.
- Molar Pregnancy. Occurs from an abnormality of the placenta. Instead of the embryo forming in the uterus, an abnormal mass takes formation instead.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS). FAS is the excessive use of alcohol during pregnancy, causing physical and mental defects for the fetus.
- Eclampsia. It is the progression of preeclampsia, attacking the central nervous system causing seizures.

As mentioned earlier, pregnancy can present with problems that can be life-threatening. But a healthy pregnancy can have its rewards for mom and dad-to-be. It is crucial to make some lifestyle changes when considering pregnancy.

Meeting with your gynecologist to discuss the dos and don’ts for a healthy pregnancy is an excellent way to initiate healthy lifestyle changes. If your gynecologist does not monitor pregnancy, this is also an opportunity to discuss recommendations for an obstetrician.

Pregnancy Lifestyle Changes

- Healthy Weight. Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy helps to eliminate any complications that may occur. Consider losing weight if you are obese or overweight. The added weight can cause problems during pregnancy.
- Diet Change. There is nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite foods. The key is to eat more fruits, vegetables, foods high in iron, calcium, and fiber, dark leafy greens, asparagus, seafood such as salmon, shrimp, and catfish. Eat smaller portions at least 5 – 6 times a day and never skip breakfast.
- Use Prenatal Vitamins. Prenatal vitamins have nutrients critical for the baby’s neural tube growth. They also help to create new blood cells.
- Exercise. There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant. One is aiding in preparation for your pelvic floor for delivery and recovery. Exercising also helps to boost your mental health during pregnancy while staying in shape.
- Remove Alcohol, Cigarette, and Caffeine Intake. Sorry coffee lovers, but limiting caffeine during pregnancy to 200 mg per day should be considered. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes is recommended during pregnancy.
- Stress Management. Cortisol is released when you are experiencing a stressful moment. To help minimize stress, try using essential oils, candles, meditation, yoga, or simply talking to someone.
- Understand Chronic Medical Conditions. Understanding chronic conditions can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Some chronic diseases are inherited, but with the proper management from your obstetrician and primary care provider, you can still have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Who says you cannot be stylish before, during, or after pregnancy? During pregnancy, you are engulfed with many emotions, some good, some not so good. Everyone can use a pick-me-up moment with a little bit of shopping. With various styles offered, Fawn Design provides stylish diaper bag collections, motherhood bundles, satchels, original and mini diaper bags to choose from that will have heads turning.

Since no one can foresee the future, planning a healthy pregnancy will help ease any concerns. Including your healthcare providers in your decision can provide you with the necessary advice needed to ensure both mom and baby will be off to a healthy start because this will be the beginning of a beautiful and unbreakable relationship for years to come.

Author’s Bio

Gemma Hamilton is a marketing enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her family and friends by visiting various natural landscapes and hanging out on beautiful beaches. Besides nature-tripping, she’s also very passionate about writing quality content for Fawn Design, which helps build professional relationships with people and share informative insights to various audiences interested in different types of topics.

Ways To Get Ready for Your Third Trimester

If you’re entering the third trimester of your pregnancy, it can feel like there’s a lot to get done. Read on to discover some of the best ways to get ready for your third trimester. Finish your pregnancy with calm and peace of mind!

Ways to Get Ready for Third Trimester — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Prepare Your Nursery

If you haven’t already been busy getting your nursery perfect for your baby, now is the time to get everything ready. Put together your crib before it gets too hard to bend over, and your third trimester will be a breeze. Get all your baby’s furniture set up so you can just look forward to bringing them home.

Understand the Risks of Birth

Understanding the risks in the birthing process is crucial during your third trimester. If you haven’t taken a birthing class, now is the time to sign up. You can also attend breastfeeding and infant CPR classes to better prepare yourself. You should also be aware of the most common birthing injuries that can happen to your child, so you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

Pay Attention to Baby’s Movement

If your baby’s movement decreases, it’s best to let a doctor or midwife know as soon as possible. Chances are it’s nothing to worry about, but you’ll want to keep everyone informed to make sure everything is going smoothly.

Postpartum Plan Printable Workbook — Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.

Have a Plan

When you go into labor, you’ll want to know exactly what to do. Take your last trimester to talk with your doctor and midwife about your preferences. You should also determine when to head for the hospital or birthing center. Learn about each of the stages of labor and how to identify them so that you’ll be ready when the time comes. It’s equally important to have a postpartum plan as well, what you’ll do once you come home with baby.

Pack a Hospital Bag

Part of planning for the perfect birth is packing your bag for the hospital. Bring your insurance card, a change of clothes, an outfit for the baby, and your favorite toiletries. Don’t forget to pack an extra phone charger too!

Put in Baby’s Car Seat

As you approach the end of your third trimester, you’ll want to install your baby’s car seat in your vehicle. Get everything ready for the big day by installing your car seat ahead of time, ensuring you understand how to operate it, and can get your baby on board with ease.

Decide on a Name

Chances are you’ve already got a list of names picked out for your baby, but your third trimester is the time to narrow that list down. Taking the time to choose the perfect name for your baby is one of the best ways to get ready for your third trimester. Enjoy this important process and prepare for their special birthday!

Now that you know all the best ways to get ready for your third trimester, schedule time to get everything set up for your baby and finish your pregnancy off strong. With the right preparations and planning, you’ll be ready for anything your third trimester brings!

Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

4 Practical Ways to Limit Screen Time

Do you currently limit your screen time? These days, everywhere you look someone is interacting with their phones. Whether you’re playing Candy Crush while waiting in line at Starbucks or scrolling through TikTok, screen time builds up.

In fact, the average American spends an average of 4 hours and 23 minutes on their phone every day. This is time that could be better spent on creating a self-care routine or with your family.

To improve your mental health and reduce your phone usage, below we’ve outlined 4 tips to help you limit screen time.

Practical Ways to Limit Screen Time — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Turn Off App Notifications

When you feel that familiar vibration in your pocket, it can be hard to resist checking your phone. You might think to yourself, “What if it’s a text from so-and-so? What if it’s an emergency?” But when you go to check your phone, you find it’s just a notification from Instagram.

If this only happens a couple of times a day, it’s probably not something to worry about. But if you’re like most people, this situation happens regularly and you don’t just look at your phone for a second and then put it away. A notification could send you down a rabbit-hole of flipping from app-to-app on your phone for overwhelming amounts of time.

To stop this cycle before it starts, turn off any unnecessary notifications in the settings app on your phone. You may even want to turn off all app notifications for a week and see what you can live without.

Keep Your Phone Out of The Bedroom

The blue light emitted from phones inhibits your ability to produce melatonin, reducing your quality of sleep. This can leave you feeling groggy and irritable the following day.

To achieve a better quality of sleep and limit your screen time, leave your phone in another room when it’s bedtime. Invest in a digital alarm clock so you can wake up at a decent time without being tempted to browse TikTok first thing in the morning.

Embrace New Activities

It’s tempting to reach for your phone when you don’t have anything better to do. When your life is rich with calming activities, however, it’s easier to keep your phone at bay.

Pick up new hobbies with friends and family. Maybe you start going on walks with your kids or go to yoga with your friends. This gives you an opportunity to strengthen your relationships while you limit your screen time.

Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to live life on autopilot. When you’re not connected to the present moment, you can mindlessly scroll on your phone without even thinking about it. Practicing mindfulness can help you regain control of your time and cope with anxiety.

Establish a meditation routine in the morning or before bed. Simply sit down and follow your breath. If you find your thoughts wandering, take note of the thoughts and redirect your focus back to your breath.

With consistent practice a couple of minutes a day, you’ll start to recognize the thought patterns that govern your life. Becoming more mindful of what triggers you to reach for your phone and how it affects your mood can empower you to limit your screen time.

Closing Thoughts

Smartphones are convenient tools when used in moderation but can negatively impact your life when overused. To limit your screen time, turn off notifications, keep your phone away from the bedroom, embrace new hobbies and practice mindfulness.

The more you distance yourself from phone overuse, the more time you can spend on self-care and your relationships. To find out more about smartphone dependency, take a look at Clario’s infographic below.

Author’s Bio:

Rhett Rivera was born and raised in the small, farm-town of Waterford, California. His extroverted personality led him to pursuing a degree in Public Relations at California State University, Fullerton, where he discovered a passion for digital communications. After interning at Social Wise Communications creating content for social media and pitching stories to newsrooms, Rhett found his way to Siege Media, where he creates top-notch content that drives traffic for clients.

5 Important Factors To Consider for Baby Onesies

The amount of information that gets thrown your way when you’re a new parent can be overwhelming. Something as simple as choosing your baby’s sleeping attire even has some rules to follow. Knowing the five important factors to consider for baby onesies can assist you in finding exactly what you’re looking for.

Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance when you’re looking at baby clothing. However, it can be easy to lose focus when you find something so cute that you need to see it on your newborn. Unfortunately, recalls of dangerous onesies are common. Garments that include hooks, ribbons, flowers, and buttons do not fulfill safety regulations because these features are choking hazards. Likewise, avoid clothing with drawstrings or waistbands, which might induce strangling. Your last thing to worry about is using flame-resistant material.

Size & Style

Purchasing something cute only to discover it doesn’t fit can be a huge bummer. Not to mention, exchanging or returning the item can be a headache. Ensuring that your child’s onesie fits is vital because the right size helps them move freely and comfortably. Most outfits have established dimensions to help you choose the right size for your child, although you’ll notice that some sizes appear different depending on the brand. If you struggle with what size to select, always go with the larger one, because they’ll eventually grow into it. 

Finally, you’ll want to choose something that allows easy access. Zipper onesies may be easier to change. Sadly, you might run into complications if a slider falls off one side of the track. Snaps are quick and easy—assuming your baby stays still. But late-night changes in the dark can be more challenging with snap onesies. 

Should You Hire a Sleep Training Professional? — .

Non-Irritating Fabric

Newborn infants have ultrasensitive skin. Most parents stick with cotton because of this, although there are other alternatives. Soy-based fabrics, for example, are ideal for babies’ skin, and it also helps the environment. Sustainable cotton or any other natural material shouldn’t harm your baby’s skin. If it does, consult a pediatrician immediately.

Seasonality

Consider the season and the environment while selecting your onesie. If you’re shopping for something in the middle of winter, for instance, try buying something for spring instead, because winter will only last another month or two. Furthermore, assess your climate and location. What might work in one part of the country at any given time might not be ideal in another.

Cost

Rather than focusing on the adorableness of baby onesies, think more about the practicality. Don’t overspend on items your child will seldom wear, such as formal party attire. Limit that to a couple of sets for specific events. Likewise, limit the number of newborn outfits you purchase; babies develop quickly, so there’s no need to break the bank over something they’ll wear for only a short amount of time.

These five important factors to consider for baby onesies will aid in your goal of finding the perfect article of clothing. Hopefully, by following these suggestions, you’ll have a newborn who sleeps through the night, allowing you to do the same.

Author Bio

A Mom’s Guide to a Sunday Reset Routine

As a new week comes creeping in, it’s normal for both moms and their kids to be consumed by Sunday dread. Let’s face it—your kids probably don’t want to go back to school, and you might not be mentally prepared to juggle pickups, drop offs, practices, recitals, and play dates. It’s overwhelming just typing about it.

However, with a thoroughly planned schedule, you can turn the Sunday scaries into a time for self-reflection and knocking out the tasks that have been weighing you down. Keep reading to learn more about a Sunday reset routine, how to organize them, and how to set your family up for a successful week ahead.

A Mom's Guide to a Sunday Reset Routine — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

What is a Sunday Reset?

A Sunday reset routine is essential for all busy moms and can help you center yourself for the week ahead. By listing out all of the things you need to do for the week and the order in which you’d like to complete them, you can become a taskmaster and supermom.

Or maybe you have some chores you’d like to accomplish before the chaotic week rolls around. You can schedule large, medium, and small tasks to yourself so you can move forward through the week with a clear mind and clean home.

How To Create a Sunday Reset for Your Family

Since a Sunday reset routine is all about tuning in to your personal and familial needs, it’s important to balance out the tasks you will choose to complete. You can do these in four simple steps:

1. Evaluate

First things first, take a deep breath and a look around at what you’d like to accomplish for the day and week ahead. It’s important that you reflect on your previous week and the various roadblocks that stood in your way, or the achievements that made you proud of your hard work.

Were there any moments where you ran late for a practice or for dropping the kids off at school? Adjust your schedule and how you can herd your kids to get them somewhere on time. Did you not get enough alone time? Find a gap in the schedule where you can take a bath, get some fresh air, or read a chapter of a book.

2. Plan

Planning is when you can take your evaluation stage to the next level. This is where you journal, write a to-do list, or comprehensively plan everything you’ll accomplish in the upcoming week.

A tried and true method is the 1-3-5 rule: Pick a single major task (like scheduling a family doctor appointment or grocery shopping), three intermediate tasks (taking the family dog on a walk or cleaning the kitchen), and five small tasks (calling a loved one or doing your nails) to focus on during your Sunday reset routine. This can help you create a rigorous schedule that will give you a feeling of fulfillment before the work week starts.

3. Reset

The most important part of your Sunday reset routine is, well, the reset. Approach it with intentionality and purpose. Whatever is on your checklist should get done so it doesn’t keep you up at night.

Whether your checklist is full of busy work and chores or more focused on being a guided meditation for mental wellness, be present throughout the process. Putting your plans into action can be a fulfilling experience, and making it a routine can be a great way to inject this fulfillment into every week.

4. Rest

When it’s all said and done, you should end your weekly wellness reset on a relaxing note. Whether this means spending some quality time with your kids or getting some time away from them, make sure you find fulfillment in your resting time.

Use this time to complete a relaxing small task that you assigned for yourself. Do some yoga, read a book under a fluffy blanket, or even take a small nap. This rest is an important detail when completing your routine and getting ready to tackle the next week.

Sunday Reset Routines for Busy Moms

If you’ve had an insanely busy week and feel like your hair is sticking up from all ends, then maybe organize your Sunday reset around relaxing. If you’ve ever had the “feminine urge to just not,” you might benefit from sleeping in or moving mindfully with a low-energy workout.

Keeping a low profile and staying off of social media or technology may also benefit you. Why not nourish your body and mind with an empowering smoothie or other fresh food? Take time to reset your body and mind.

The “That Mom” Sunday Reset

Let’s be real—as much as you’d like to relax, there’s always something that needs to be done. If this sounds familiar to you, try the “that mom” Sunday routine.

Take advantage of the day by cleaning the house while your kids play outside. If your spouse is around, completing acts of service may be fulfilling for the both of you. Don’t make yourself anxious, though. Regulate your nerves by listening to an audiobook or guided meditation while you plan your next move.

Sunday reset routines are an essential part of creating a mindset of accomplishment to get you and your family ready for the work and school week. If you’d like, you can loop your kids into the activity, too.

A family that resets together, can tackle anything together.

Author Bio

Mona Freund is a San Diego based content marketing specialist. Her background in psychology and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to design to wellness. When she’s not creating new content, you can find her teaching kids how to swim, baking delicious desserts, or snuggling with her puppy Pesto.

4 Things to Do with Outgrown Baby Clothes

Your little one’s wardrobe lives up to the motto “out with the old, in with the new.” As your baby enters new stages, you have to decide what to do with their outgrown clothes. There are many useful ways to repurpose your baby’s outfits. Here are four things you can do with outgrown baby clothes.

Save Clothes for a Future Child

If you’re planning on having another child in the future, consider saving pieces that are in good condition and will keep your child warm and covered. If the clothing is something the baby will wear only around the house, some stains are fine.

Store the clothes in containers under a bed, in vacuum storage bags, or even in diaper boxes. Organize the clothing by size and label the containers so that it’s easy to find the right clothes when you need them.

Keep a Few Pieces for Nostalgia

You might want to keep a few items so that you can look back on specific moments in your baby’s life. Consider keeping clothing associated with important memories, like a fun playdate or get-together with family, or something especially significant, like your baby’s first outfit.

You can store these clothes in a memory box and pull the box out when you want to look at them. Or you can display them in a shadow box with some other sentimental photos or items. Don’t feel compelled to treasure everything your precious baby has ever worn—photos can do the trick, too!

Give Them to People You Know

You can give baby clothes to friends, family, and acquaintances. Seeing a friend’s baby in the clothes your baby once wore can bring you joy, making this a great thing to do with your outgrown baby clothes.

If you need baby clothes again in the future, the people you’ve helped will probably be happy to return the favor. Swapping clothes like this keeps well-loved, functional pieces in the mix while filtering out old clothes and introducing new pieces with minimal cost.

Donate Items to an Organization

You can donate clothes to a charitable organization, nonprofit, or church. These groups will pass on your high-quality items to families in need. While you should check the requirements of your specific donation site, you can also look at general recommendations for donating.

Donate clean clothes in good condition, free of rips and stains. Your facility can also tell you their donation procedures and whether they have a greater need for a particular type of clothing.

Keep It Up!

Like many aspects of motherhood, going through your baby’s outgrown clothing is a task you’ll do more than once. There are many useful places you can send your baby’s old clothes. You’ll avoid getting overwhelmed with clutter by periodically going through your baby’s wardrobe. Ultimately, this will help you reclaim space and focus on your baby’s current adventure.

How To Keep Your Children's Closets Organized

Author Bio

Unique Ways To Promote Confidence Postpartum

Understandably, you felt good about how things were going before you had your baby, and you carried yourself more confidently. But in the postpartum phase, you’re looking at a new person. Your body experienced a lot of changes, your state of mind is going through shifts, and you have a tiny human relying on you to show up for them.

The challenges you face as a new mom can feel defeating, but there are a few unique ways to promote confidence postpartum. It’s important to remember that your feelings are valid, but let’s look at a few ways to boost your mood!

Get Some Fresh Air

This is something so simple that we often forget how vital it is. Regardless of the time of year you have your baby, make it a point to take a breath in the fresh air. Sometimes 10 to 15 minutes can significantly restore our energy and promote healing within the body.

If this idea stresses you out, consider taking your baby for a stroll in their buggy. You can count on your little one sleeping a lot in those first few weeks, so dress them appropriately to the season, grab an extra blanket, and enjoy getting outdoors.

Consider Trying Shapewear

One of the more popular ways to boost your confidence is investing in shapewear. The key with shapewear is ensuring it fits well, so measure yourself three times to guarantee accuracy when shopping for your piece.

Another helpful tip for wearing shapewear postpartum is its benefits depending on the type of birth you had, and it can hold things together and give you a sense of pre-baby normalcy.

Catch Up With Old Friends

The act of socializing can create a healthy self-dynamic that people tend to lose sight of when the only person they communicate with is their new baby. But reaching out to your friends and having them visit you and the baby can significantly boost your confidence. They may even be willing to bring a goody basket or warm meal, which can help you tremendously as you continue to adjust.

Use Positive Language With Yourself

Another unique way to promote confidence postpartum is speaking positively to yourself and about yourself. The words you use with yourself shape your mindset about how things are going, and positive comments can genuinely make a difference when things get tough.

You could also try putting little sticky notes with small reminders that you’re doing you’re best. These random but small messages throughout the day can make a significant difference in how you view the situation and overcome short-term obstacles.

It’s critical to seek medical attention if you’re in a low place; there is no shame in asking for help. And remember, mama, you just entered a new chapter. Give yourself grace, practice patience, and enjoy this love-filled, tired, and adventurous ride!