TheFreethinkingMama

Summer Vacay with Baby? 

No Sweat!

Ahh, summer is upon us, and with it comes glorious vacation. Sunbathing on a beach with a bright blue cocktail in hand—tiny umbrella included...Oh, wait. You have a baby? The days of carefree (and effort-free) vacations may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing trip with your little one! On trips to Sweden and Italy with my tiny tot, I picked up a few tidbits on packing wisely for a trip with LO. This comprehensive list of baby travel gear is sure to get your summer escape started off right!

In the Diaper Bag

Since many summer “vacations” require tons of walking, consider leaving the diaper bag at home and taking a backpack instead (and a Fitbit if you are counting steps)! A nice hiking bag will fit all of baby’s gear while keeping your back from breaking. Our 20 liter Dakine Heli Pro fits everything our tot could ever need!

Baby sunscreen. The higher the SPF the better. Just make sure it offers UVA and UVB protection.

Diapers and wipes. Take my advice on this one: Leave the cloth diapers at home! Pack just enough to comfortably get you to your destination. Plan to buy more when you arrive. Huggies Overnites are great for long flights or road trips!

Wet/dry bag. The SkipHop Grab and Go is perfect for storing clean and dirty diapers when there is no trash can in sight. It’s also great for storing a changing pad, wipes, ointment, and a change of baby clothes.

Diaper changing station or changing pad. The SkipHop Pronto is perfect for the hotel room. I recommend taking a smaller changing pad on the go.

Hand sanitizer. You may be lucky to find a restroom for changing baby, let alone one that offers a sink and soap. Bring tons of little bottles. I have an unhealthy obsession with the travel-size offerings at Bath and Body Works.

Sippy cups. Pack a few spill-proof Munchkin Click Lock cups in your luggage, and keep one in the diaper bag on a daily basis. Keep a baby-friendly water bottle on hand at all times.

Sippy clip. The Booginhead SippiGrip is super handy for ensuring that cups don’t fall on the ground or get lost. It’s also nice for strapping toys to the stroller.

Toys and books. For those transatlantic flights, save baby’s favorite toys for when the others just won’t cut it. Pack toys wisely. Those that can entertain baby for extended periods and leave a small footprint are optimal.

Snacks! You never know what airlines or gas stations will have for baby. I recommend whole grain breads that don’t crumble easily (try naan or pita), Cheerios, bananas, and fruit/veggie squeeze packs, or bring a variety of jarred foods. Don’t forget about eating utensils and spill-proof Tupperware.

Passports. Remember to order baby’s well in advance!

When packing the diaper bag, don’t forget pacifiers and pacifier clips, baby hats and sunglasses, plastic sandwich bags, burp cloths, bibs, diaper rash ointment, and an umbrella.

In the Luggage

Cut down on the amount of luggage you bring by packing smart. My new trick is to lay out all of my tops in one stack and then roll them into one large roll. Same for pants and shorts. It really does save space!

Baby clothes. The amount will depend on the length of your trip and access to a washing machine. I recommend lightweight pants that dry quickly but keep baby’s legs out of the sun. Pack mix and match outfits to save time and space.

Baby socks and shoes. A thicker sole (read: not crib shoes) will hold up better if baby is walking around outside. Pack one or two pairs that will match everything.

Baby swim gear. A must for those hitting the beach or pool! I love the Charlie Banana Extraordinary swim diaper.

Baby monitor. Just remember to bring the necessary converters and adaptors if you are traveling internationally. We love our dual voltage Motorola MBP33!

Baby-friendly soap. Ask your pediatrician for samples of Dove liquid soap. It works great as soap and shampoo. Just make sure it is the basic kind with no smell.

Baby medicines. If possible, pack a round of antibiotics just in case. Also, don’t leave home without Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Children’s Benadryl, and a thermometer. Consider bringing the amazing NoseFrida aspirator and saline in case baby gets stuffy. Of course, if baby has other medicines, don’t forget those! Remember to have important medical phone numbers on hand in case of emergency.

Dish cleaning supplies. A tiny bottle of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and a Munchkin bottle brush should meet your dish cleaning needs.

Copies of passports. Speaking from personal experience: If you lose a passport overseas, it can help immensely to have a paper copy on hand. It may not get you home, but it will get you started at the nearest consulate.

Camera, charger, and an immense SD card. 32GB will probably be enough to capture all that baby magic. *wink*

Baby carrier. I would have been lost in Europe without my ErgoBaby!

Umbrella stroller. I debated not taking a stroller on our Italy trip, but am so glad I took one after all. I left the Uppababy Vista at home, as it would not have done well on trains and planes (although it would have been amazing on cobblestone). Several reasons to choose a small, cheap, lightweight stroller for your trip: If you hate it, you can ditch it. It is light enough to carry up and down stairs (possibly with baby strapped in). Lastly, if you lose it, you won’t cry about it. Babies R Us offers a great umbrella stroller for around $20!

When packing luggage, don’t forget PJs, baby nail clippers, baby toothbrush, and formula if necessary!

If this is your first summer getaway with LO, it may not be the most relaxing vacation, but it is sure to be a trip like no other. Good luck, Godspeed, and Bon voyage!

Peace and love,

TheFreethinkingMama

Baby’s First Dental Exam

“Bracing” yourself for baby’s first dental exam? Come prepared and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised!

The AAP recommends scheduling baby’s first dental exam between the appearance of their first tooth and one year of age. Of course, your pediatrician’s recommendation may differ, so be sure to check first!

When selecting a dentist for your LO, you should first decide on a general or pediatric dentist. We decided a pediatric dentist would be optimal for our tot, since he can be a handful even under normal conditions. As it turns out, many pediatric dentists choose to be out-of-network with insurance companies. This doesn’t necessarily mean your insurance won’t cover any of the costs, or that your dentist won’t file with the insurance company. However, it may mean you are left footing some of the bill yourself. If your priority is to find an in-network dentist for your LO, check with your insurance provider.

Before scheduling baby’s appointment, make a list of questions for the dentist. This list should get you started!

Do you have any advice on getting baby to cooperate during toothbrush time?

How long should I spend brushing LO’s teeth? How many times a day should I brush them?

Should LO be in charge of the toothbrush, or should I be in control?

What kind of toothbrush and toothpaste are best for baby?

How do you feel about bottles and sippy cups?

Is it okay for baby to suck a pacifier or thumb?

How can I best treat teething symptoms?

Is fluoride safe for my LO?

How important is it to really clean baby’s teeth during brushing, as opposed to simply creating a consistent brushing routine for baby?

How can I modify baby’s diet to optimize dental health?

These questions are not just to learn more about baby’s dental hygiene. They are to learn more about the dentist and staff. You can get a good feel for a dentist’s philosophy and bedside manner with these types of questions. If they are impatient or you don’t agree with most of their answers, or if you simply don’t feel comfortable with the dentist or staff, look for another practice! If you aren’t comfortable, baby is sure to pick up on your vibe.

Try to schedule the exam for a time when baby is not expected to be tired or fussy. Once the exam has started, the dentist will probably sit knee to knee with you while you hold LO. You will probably lean baby back so the dentist can look in baby’s mouth (upside down). Pro tip: Don’t wear anything low cut, lest baby clings to your neckline when being leaned back. *wink* 

Don’t expect any real cleaning at the first exam. The dentist will most likely just take a quick peek inside baby’s mouth. If those pearly whites are looking good, an actual cleaning appointment may not be recommended until baby is at least 3 years old, or when you think baby would be reasonably calm and cooperative for it.

Best of luck at baby’s first appointment!

Peace and love,

TheFreethinkingMama

Baby playdates are the best...But between 6 and 18 months, LO stands in a tricky stage of limbo. No longer just a cute lump that shakes a rattle while you chat with other Mamas, yet not ready to engage in meaningful interactions with other babes. Baby is engaging in “parallel play” with other tots (playing side by side but not really with one another), which can lead to disputes of ownership and questions about sharing LO’s prized possessions with other babies.

How’s a Mama to respond when baby’s toy becomes the object of interest for another tot? It can be a daunting task to handle all three parties (two babies and the other Mama) gracefully. Let’s say your precious tot is enjoying a favorite wiffle ball and another baby shows interest in the toy (read: pries it directly from baby’s little hands). If your LO loves wiffle balls as much as mine, there may be some hard feelings and loud protesting. For better and worse, here are a few options:

a. Tell LO that it’s important to share and let the other baby use the ball. This may be a tempting strategy. You can keep the other baby and Mama happy and are “teaching” your own little one a bit of altruism in the process, right? The truth is, before 18-24 months, the concept of sharing and prosocial behavior is beyond baby’s comprehension. Evolutionarily, it makes sense that a baby’s primary goal is to take what is wanted/needed for survival (if my LO could talk, he would tell you he might die without that wiffle ball). With that in mind, try to see this situation from your LO’s perspective. If a (knowingly slobbery) acquaintance asked to borrow your favorite Kate Spade tote, you might be less than willing to comply. Further, forcing baby to share before they are developmentally ready may wound a developing sense of self-worth by signifying that their needs are not as important as the needs of other babies.

b. Return the ball to your LO (the “rightful owner”). This may not be the most popular strategy, as it has the potential to irk other Mamas in the process. “Oh no you didn’t just take that ball from my sweet little Timmy and give it to your toothless rug rat.” No one wants to be the Mama that disregards the feelings of everyone else just to make their LO happy. And rightfully so. It would be imprudent to teach your baby that they are the only ones that matter in this world. Your tot’s needs are important, as are those of other babes. Although infants are yet incapable of understanding the desires of others, this state of egocentrism is no reason to model selfish behaviors yourself. Indeed, if you want your tot to learn that sharing is caring, the best way to do this is to model prosocial behaviors. For instance, share a bite of your favorite snack with baby and let them know that you love sharing with your favorite little sweetheart.

c. Find a replacement toy to distract your LO. This is a solid strategy. Diffuse the situation easily by offering up an equally nifty toy for your LO and hope they take the bait. Even better, if there are two of the same toy, this can often have a happy ending. Although this age does not come with the ability to understand other babies’ perspectives, it does have the advantage of being easily distracted. Don’t let it go to waste.

d. Look to the other Mama to talk some sense into their thieving tot *wink*. Another Mama’s intentions to get involved will vary depending on the situation and, of course, the Mama. Regardless of her response, it is important to show your baby that you are concerned about their well-being if they seem perturbed. Then again, there will be times when the babies may magically work through their troubles independently. In which case, neither Mama needs to trouble herself with getting involved. Whether baby found another toy to fill those empty hands or simply found something better to do, independent problem-solving is a laudable skill (and will leave more time for Mama to squeeze a little adult conversation into her day).

Just remember, your strategy for dealing with sharing snafus will depend on the temperament of your baby as well as that of the room. Regardless, in just a few short months, your baby will be teaching you the meaning of sharing. "Mama, I shared my crayon with little Timmy...and we both shared it with the wall. Ya proud?” Hope you are ready...I’m working on it myself!

Peace and love,

The Home is a Well-Oiled Machine

Looking for ways to use those baby-safe essential oils? These ideas may give you some inspiration for using your EOs with baby and around the home. Citrus oils are especially great for using all over the house, since most of them are relatively inexpensive and lose their potency before most other oils.

Bergamot: Can help with stress, anxiety, or depression. To reduce stress, try diffusing a blend of bergamot, grapefruit, and sweet orange or lemon. When used on (adult) skin with a carrier oil, it can relieve itching, psoriasis, and acne. It can be phototoxic, so avoid sun exposure after skin application.

Cinnamon Leaf: Can help with stress and fatigue. Diffusing cinnamon can put some pep back in your step! (For this reason, I would not recommend diffusing it before baby’s bedtime.)

Fir Needle: I love diffusing fir needle as a baby-safe alternative to eucalyptus when we have a house full of stuffy noses. Fir needle also makes a great addition to homemade air fresheners.

Grapefruit: Wonderful for increasing energy. I just feel so much bouncier when I diffuse grapefruit. When used with a carrier oil, it can be used on (adult) skin to help with cellulite, water retention, and toxin build-up. Try blending 1oz grapeseed oil (astringent), 8 drops grapefruit oil, and 7 drops lemon oil for a "post-pregnancy cellulite-be-gone” rub. Whether it works or not, you will come out smelling like a...well, delicious citrus fruit of some kind. *wink* (Grapefruit is phototoxic, so I don’t recommend applying it to the face.)

Lavender: This may be the most versatile EO out there. It’s not my favorite smell by any means, but it certainly serves many purposes around my home. It is anti-bacterial, so it is great for making homemade wet wipes and cleaning sprays. It is also known for its ability to dissolve stress and beckon the Sandman. Lavender is one of the safest oils and would be a good choice to help with itching or small cuts (in the proper dilution). For Mamas-to-be out there, lavender is thought to help with labor pains (possibly because it is so relaxing) and with post-pregnancy stretch marks. I need to try it for that!

Lemon: Like other citrus oils, lemon is great for a pick-me-up when you feel like you are dragging. Lemon is an effective de-greasing agent, so it also makes a handy kitchen cleaner. You can also put 2-3 drops in with your dishwasher soap before washing the dishes to help clean the dishes and machine. Lemon can be used to dispense of lingering smells, such as cigarette smoke. Lastly, lemon is useful for promoting the health of your ten tiny tootsies. If you have athlete’s foot or chilblains, applying lemon to your toes with a carrier oil may help!

Sweet Orange: Considering it is one of the least expensive oils, sweet orange is a great investment for the home. It blends well with nearly any oil (I especially like it with peppermint). Sweet orange serves double time in the kitchen by cleaning the counters and doing away with a grumpy mood (I find myself pretty cranky when the kitchen is a mess).

Tea Tree: One of the safest oils, tea tree is great for almost any skin ailment, including itching, cuts, and insect bites (when used in the proper dilution). Although it has a “medicinal” smell, I love how earthy it is. In fact, I recently used some in a homemade perfume. Try blending 20ml grapeseed oil, 1 drop eucalyptus, 1 drop tea tree, 4 drops patchouli, and 3 drops Four Thieves blend for a trip down memory lane to Woodstock (or whatever hippie hangout you used to haunt).

If you are wondering about proper dilutions, I recommend using a 1% dilution on little ones (only with baby-safe oils). This would be 6 drops of EO for every 1 oz (30ml) carrier liquid. For everyday adult skin care, I recommend a 2% dilution (just double the 1%). If you are having a short-term health issue, a dilution of 3-10% is usually the way to go.

Do you Mamas have other ideas for using your baby-safe oils around the house? Do tell! I am always looking for new ways to keep my house smelling yummy!

Peace and love,

Having trouble prying little one's mouth open for toothbrush time? In addition to brushing your own teeth with baby, try using the tiniest dab of baby-friendly toothpaste to get baby in the mood. 

The ADA's new recommendations are to use fluoride toothpaste (no more than a grain-size amount) on infants under 3 years. For children 3 to 6 years, use no more than a pea-sized amount. Just keep in mind that too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, which is a harmless change to the color of tooth enamel. The costs and benefits of fluoride should be weighed when deciding on a toothpaste. Either way, any brushing is better than no brushing at all! 

My LO loves his new Tom’s Toddler Natural Training Toothpaste ($3-4 at Target). Is it free of weird stuff? Not even close...Thanks, Colgate-Palmolive! It contains Carrageenan and Xylitol among other things, but if it means those teeth will be sparkly clean, I will live with it.

Good luck getting baby to open up for that incoming toothbrush!

Peace and love,

Che Bella Vista!

Before my little one was born, I perused the stroller aisle at my local Babies”R”Us with little knowledge under my belt about what would make a good stroller. So, the travel system with the cutest pattern (a Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect in Happy Hedgehog) won out. Fortunately, I had unknowingly chosen one of the best, and most reasonably priced, travel systems on the market. Baby loved his infant car seat and I loved being able to click in and go! 

As time went on, baby outgrew his infant seat and I began to use the stroller by itself. Although the Graco stroller had some excellent features (see below), my LO hated not seeing me because he faced forward. He would crane his neck up as far as he could and stare at me pitifully. Well, I took pity. After doing extensive research (we are talking 60+ hours), I finally landed on a 2015 Uppababy Vista. The 2014 model didn’t quite do it for me, as it was missing several key features. Although its steep price tag puts it in the “luxury stroller” category, this may be one of the best baby purchases I have made so far. 

Which type of stroller is for you? Read on to find out!

Pros of the Graco FastAction Fold ClickConnect Stroller

Inexpensive! With the stroller, car seat, and car seat base, it runs between $150-200.

Has great storage: Two cupholders, a place to store keys/phone, good sized storage basket, snack tray, and cupholders for baby.

Folds with one hand and stores very compactly. It fit so well in the back of my Honda Fit!

You can fold the stroller with a reasonable amount of baby gear still in the storage basket.

The harness is straightforward and easy to use.

The tires will never go flat.

Cons of the Graco FastAction Fold ClickConnect Stroller

Definitely not the smoothest ride. Baby is going to feel those bumps and curb hops. I would not recommend this stroller for a trip to Europe or other cobblestone-happy regions. Indeed, you may be the only person on that continent with such a travel system. If you like the “fanny pack and American flag bandanna” look on vacation, though, by all means, take the stroller along. *wink*

The canopy does not extend, so there are many times when baby is not shaded from the sun.

There are a limited number of recline settings. At times an extremist, my LO never seemed happy with any of the options. He always wanted to be either more reclined or more vertical than possible.

The stroller is not reversible, so baby will always be facing forward.

The brakes are not very flip flop friendly.

Because there are double wheels in the front, it does not do very well in tight spaces. Turn on a dime, it does not.

It has a slightly obnoxious Velcro peekaboo window that is sure to wake baby from a slumber if opened.

Pros of the 2015 Uppababy Vista

Flip flop friendly brake. Perfect for those Texas summers (Texas springs, falls, and winters, too!)

Comes with a bassinet, which is the only one on the market that has been tested and approved for overnight sleep for newborns. Great space-saver if you are in a small house or apartment.

Reversible! For me, this is the most important part. Baby can face you or the wide world.

Has multiple recline options, ranging from completely horizontal to completely vertical. Perfect for napping babies and alert babies alike!

Has a huge extendable canopy with UV protection. No matter where that pesky sun is, there is always a way to protect baby’s sensitive skin and eyes.

Has a wonderfully quiet magnetic peekaboo window. It’s the little things, you know...

Can convert to a double stroller when the time comes. It even offers the option to add a rollerboard for an older child. The possibilities for configurations with the bassinet, seat, rumble seat, and rollerboard are endless!

Folds smoothly and has an automatic lock to keep it folded.

When you want to reverse the seat, the parts snap in and out, well, in a snap!

Can be folded with the seat in place, unlike most other luxury strollers. Keep in mind that the seat must be in the forward position to do so.

Has a huge storage basket under the seat. Perfect for grocery shopping or a large diaper bag.

The handlebar has multiple settings for the petite and Amazonian alike.

Such a smooth ride. One-hand maneuverability that will allow you to pop onto curbs like a pro. With the handle bar extended fully, this is even easier given the extra torque. This stroller truly turns on a dime. I was worried at first because it is slightly wider than the Graco, but I can honestly get in and out of smaller spaces with the Vista. Also, dirt roads and cobblestone are a cinch. The stroller’s suspension is a force to be reckoned with.

No flat tires. The wheels have great suspension and there is no need to worry about filling them with air.

Fits in the trunk of my Honda Fit. It does take up more space than the Graco, but it will fit when configured correctly.

Can be used for light jogging and it has front wheel locks.

Comes in super cute colors. My husband (of all people) insisted we spend the extra $50 for the Georgie blue color. Several of the new colors cost a bit extra because of the black metal frame (or so the company says). The Georgie has a lovely sheen to it and it is a very high quality material.

Once folded, it can stand on its own.

Comes with a rain cover and mosquito net for the stroller. Perfect for those outdoor excursions with baby. Do you think he might be ready for Lollapalooza next year?

If you do a lot of traveling, it is possible to buy a smartly-designed travel bag for the stroller that includes insurance if something happens to the stroller during travel. Not pointing any fingers at the airlines, but yes, it would be covered if it was damaged during air travel as well. The Libertarian in me thinks this might be a good purchase when dealing with the TSA. That’s all I’m saying.

Cons of the 2015 Uppababy Vista

It certainly doesn’t win the award for cheapest stroller. The 2015 runs around $820-860. If you shop around, you can get a slight discount. I ordered mine via phone through a Colorado-based company called StrollerDepot. They gave me a nice discount, and there was no shipping (or sales tax, since I am in Texas). I have also heard that you can order it in person at Bed Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon.

The brake can be a bit loud if baby is sleeping.

In order to fold the stroller with the seat in place, it must be forward facing. It does take a little bit of experimentation to find out the best way to configure it for trunk storage.

No cupholder. Ugh! I know it is a small investment, but you would think they would spring for a place to store your water bottle! I currently have Think King Stroller Hooks on mine to hang my CamelBak bottle. If you want an organizer, I hear the Britax cupholder works better with the Vista than the Uppababy cupholder. I will let you know if I cave and decide to get one.

The harness straps are not the most user-friendly. They sometimes come loose on their own, and they occasionally disconnect from the back of the stroller. That being said, there is no re-threading necessary to adjust the fit of the harness and the buckle snaps together easily.

The ugly warnings for the harness are glaringly posted on the outside of the shoulder pads. I know, I know. Safety first. But still...Couldn’t they put them somewhere slightly less conspicuous?

My husband complains that the belly bar scratches the side of the stroller frame when it is not clicked in. I tell him that it should always be clicked in, anyway, but he says he thinks it happens when he is adjusting our LO. This is entirely possible.

It doesn’t seem to lay evenly on its side when being stored. This can be annoying if it isn’t situated in the trunk correctly, especially when making many stops and starts.

Sometimes part of the large storage basket is blocked by the stroller’s footrest. This will depend on the angle of the footrest and the recline position of the seat.

Does not fold easily with items in the storage basket. You will need to remove the items before storing the stroller.

I hope this article helps in your quest for a stroller with the perfect balance between price and quality. Check back soon for a review of LO’s new convertible car seat!

Peace and love,

The Too Common Cold

Is a cough, runny nose, or cold getting baby down? It’s no surprise. I recently had a chat with a pediatric nurse (my little one’s GiGi, aka, my Mother)... who told me that babies often get up to 11 colds a year. Yikes! If I didn’t know better, I would go out and invest my money in a pharmaceutical company (or maybe the Swedish makers of the NoseFrida). If baby has a mild case of “feeling yucky”, maybe one of these remedies will help. 

Just don’t forget to check with baby’s pediatrician before trying any of these strategies, especially if baby is very young (less than 3 months), or you suspect that LO’s “cold” might actually be something worse!

NoseFrida ($12-18). A weird little gadget used to literally suck the snot right out of baby’s schnoz. Blows the pants right off a standard nasal aspirator. Just don’t forget to buy extra filters.

Vicks BabyRub ($5-7). It’s important to avoid using regular Vicks VapoRub on babies, as it can actually make breathing more difficult for them. But, I have had luck with the Baby Vicks. Instead of rubbing it on baby’s chest, try spreading a little on those tiny toes. That way, it’s much harder for baby to accidentally ingest. 

Baby-safe essential oils. If you have a diffuser, it is worth it to give lavender, tea tree, or fir needle a try. If you want to give eucalyptus a shot, just make sure it is Eucalyptus Smithii and not Eucalyptus Globulus. Check out my article on baby-safe oils for other ideas.

Cool mist humidifier ($30-90). Doctors recommend these to subdue coughing and congestion over warm humidifiers to avoid potential burns caused by the hot water used in warm humidifiers. However, they are both equally good at humidifying the air, and by the time the moisture reaches LO’s airways, it is the same temperature anyway. Cool mist humidifiers tend to be cheaper, though, and may save money on your electric bill since there is no heating element used.

Saline ($5). Saline is great, especially when used in conjunction with the NoseFrida. It will really help loosen all that mucus in baby’s nose, and will help the NoseFrida work even better!

Steamy bathroom. Many friends of mine swear by this trick. Run a hot shower and just let baby hang out in the bathroom for a while to breathe in the air (obviously not in the shower itself!).

Elevate the crib. Try raising one end of the crib with old phonebooks (do they still make those?!) or another safe type of riser. Just make sure not to elevate baby with anything in the crib that could be a suffocation hazard (e.g., pillows).

If your baby’s cold is accompanied by a low-grade fever, ask baby’s doc about using a little acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) to reduce the fever.

If your baby’s cold is accompanied by congestion or a runny nose, ask baby’s doc about using a little diphenhydramine HCl (Children’s Benadryl), cetirizine hydrochloride (Children’s Zyrtec), or fluticasone nasal (Flonase) to help with those sinuses.

I know how tough colds can be on little ones and their loving Mamas and Papas. I hope these ideas will help you through this tough time (that will hopefully pass very soon). Just remember, colds in little ones can last 10-14 days and may peak around day 4. 

Gesundheit! (That actually means “Health” auf Deutsch.)

Peace and love,