Archive: parents

Mommy Math: Tech Savvy Moms

Kids aren’t the only tech savvy family members out there. Moms make use of their smartphones, computers, social media and even blogs to make their lives easier and keep in touch with friends and family. Crowd Science and Mashable polled groups of mothers on how they use technology to enhance every day life.

5 Finger Foods for Picky Eaters

Little ones can make meal times tough. Many children hit a phase where they refuse to eat what we put in front of them unless it’s a certain color, is one of two food items or contains 75% sugar. Sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason for these dietary decisions, but as parents, we know that they simply can’t continue. Growing kiddos need the right nutrients in order to stay healthy and strong. Check out these ideas for healthy finger foods that your picky eater will love:

Sweet potato chips

Cut a sweet potato or two into thin slices and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and a tiny bit of salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Health benefits: Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A, C and D, meaning they play a role in healthy teeth, bones, skin and a healthy immune system.

Frozen blueberries

Frozen blueberries are a fruity, tasty treat. Simply stick a bunch of them in the freezer or pick up some already frozen ones from the grocery store. Give them to your little one as a snack or first thing in the morning. To them, it’s like having ice cream for breakfast!

Heath benefits: Blueberries boost memory, key for those just starting out in their academic careers. They’re also high in fiber.

String cheese

String cheese is a fast, easy option that’s especially great for those who don’t get enough milk. Bonus: string cheese is easy to pack and an excellent grab-and-go food. Pick up skim versions if you’re worried about high fat content.

Health benefits: Cheese is a source of dairy for healthy bones, nails and teeth.

Hardboiled eggs

Hardboiled eggs are quick to make. Plus, they’re really inexpensive. Their unique texture may be enough to intrigue picky eaters, enticing them to eat this fun finger food.

Health benefits: Eggs are high in protein, B12 and iron, which is especially beneficial because the American Academy of Pediatrics says that 15% of children under three years old don’t get enough iron.

Grain-dusted strawberries

Chop up a few cups of strawberries and dust them with ground Cheereos. You can also do this with peaches, bananas, avocadoes or even tofu.

Health benefits: This tasty snack combines the health benefits of fruit and whole grain, incorporating nutrients like fiber, Vitamin C and potassium.

Sources:

–Martha Steward

-“9 Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes.” Care 2 make a difference.

-Galland, Leo. “Surprising Benefits of Blueberries.” Huffington Post.

-Jacobsen, Maryann. “10 of the Best Finger Foods for Toddlers.” Raise Healthy Eaters.

-Giorgio, Katie. “Finger Foods for Toddlers.” Baby Zone

-Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/freedigitalphotos.net

5 Toddler Clothing Must-Haves

Toddlers are constantly on the go. They’re crawling, rolling, running and falling. Clothing that’s both easy to move around in, but strong enough to withstand the abuse it’ll go through is key. Read up on some of MomTrusted’s toddler must-haves.

Cotton shirts

Go for cotton. Cotton’s one of the easiest fabrics to wash and dry. It doesn’t wrinkle as badly as some. Plus, it’s usually one of the least expensive fabrics, making it easier to part with when it gets a giant grape juice or grass stain. Also, avoid turtlenecks (unless they have snaps) because they tend to be tough to fit over heads when bodies are squirming around.

A cozy, hooded jacket

Warm exterior is essential for little ones in a chilly climate. Toddler love to run wild outdoors so make sure they’re prepared to fight the elements. A hood is also important for keeping ears warm and they’re great because they won’t get lost like hats and ear bands.

Black leggings

Leggings stretch, making them easy to move around in and easy for you to put on your child. Black is key because the color camouflages grass stained knees and a sandy behind.

Real shoes

For the first time, your little one will need regular shoes instead of little booties or socks. Since walking’s a bit new, make sure they have a sticky, rubber sole for extra traction. Also keep in mind that laces can be annoying since toddlers can’t tie bows yet. You may want to opt for Velcro.

Warm PJs

Make sure to keep your child warm by buying him or her snuggly sleepwear. Fleece is nice and toasty. Plus, it’s soft! Avoid onesies, especially for those in the process of potty training. Accidents are most likely to happen at night and onsies can be tough for your tot to wiggle out of and they make the changing process tough.

Sources:

-“Products you need for you toddler.” Baby Center.

-Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

7 of the Healthiest Foods to Feed Your Baby

Around four to six months, babies begin to develop the coordination to swallow foods. When moving from milk to solids, start slow with mushy foods. And remember that you can blend just about anything into an easy-to-swallow puree. Here are some healthy options for baby solids:

Baby cereal

Mix baby cereal with breast milk for an easy transition. This will start to get your child used to a thicker consistency, while still keeping things familiar. Plus, the extra grains are a great source of iron.

Avocados

The unsaturated fats in avocados are similar to those in breast milk so avocados make for another great transition food. Plus, they make great snacks on the go! They travel well because they can stay at room temperature.

Squash

High in vitamins A and C, cooked squash is simple to prepare and a baby favorite. It’s gooey texture is easy to eat and tough to choke on. Squash’s vitamin C will build a healthy immune system, help heal wounds and build scar tissue. The vitamin A will help with vision and maintain healthy skin, hair and teeth.

Apples

Apples are a tasty treat that little ones love. Just like squash, they’re high in vitamin C. Just peel the skin and chop the apples into tiny pieces to prevent choking.

Beans

Try feeding your child kidney or pinto beans. By about eight months old, you baby should be old enough to eat beans and they’re easy to prepare- just serve them right out of the can. Beans are a great source of protein and antioxidants.

Broccoli

Just because you didn’t like broccoli as a kid, doesn’t mean your baby won’t. Broccoli tends to get a bad rep taste-wise, but you baby doesn’t know that. Not only is it filled with calcium and fiber, but chilled broccoli can provide some relief for teething little ones.

Bananas

Gooey and easy to gum, bananas are a great choice for those just starting out on solid foods. You don’t even need teeth to eat them. Plus, bananas are a great source of potassium, key for healthy muscles. They could even help sooth the ache of growing muscles.

Sources:

-“The ten best foods for babies.” Baby Center

-“Vitamin C” and “Vitamin A” Medline Plus 

–Baby Food 101

–US Dry Bean Council

–WH Foods

-“Solid Foods.” Mayo Clinic.

-Photo courtesy of federico stevanin/freedigitalphotos.net

Fitness Tips for Moms on the Go

Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is never easy, but it’s even tougher for busy moms. Take the start of a new year as an opportunity to revamp your health plan. Here are some fitness tips for moms to help squeeze workouts into your busy schedule:

Set a routine

And stick to it! Pick a few days a week and put your workouts on your calendar. You already have everything from play dates to soccer games on it, so the best way to guarantee your own time is to pencil yourself in.

Overlap workout time with social time

No matter how hard you wish, there are only 24 hours in a day so take advantage of the little free time you can squeeze in. Get a group of friends together and go on a bike ride. Call up your sister for a running buddy. And socializing while you exercise will make burning calories a lot more fun!

Find a gym with daycare

Lots of gyms are family-friendly and have childcare options available. Many even have special playrooms so your kids can run around and get some exercise while you’re pounding away on the treadmill.

Sneak in mini workouts throughout the day

Don’t have time to set aside for the gym each day? No problem. Just sneak in simple exercises like crunches, pushups, squats or planks during nap time or while your little one’s tuned into Sesame Street. If you do so on a daily basis, you could start seeing results within a month.

Bring your toddler along

Can your little one join in on the fun? Coordinate a stroller run with other moms or buy a bike with a child seat on the back.

Don’t forget about what you’re already doing

Chasing a toddler around, cleaning the house and walking the dog are workouts in themselves. Pick up a pedometer to see just how much ground you’re covering every day.

Sources:

-“Workout tips for working moms.” Every Day Family

-“Family Go Fitness.” Disney

-Photo courtesy of photostock/freedigitalphotos.net