Babies

10 Things To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

March 23, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

The birth of my three boys were such incredible experiences. These are memories I never want to forget. But let’s be honest here… I’ll gladly forget the next few days after the births. You know, the days when you’re stuck in an uncomfortable hospital bed in pain, your body’s doing weird things, you don’t have your normal shower, and you just want to be home. The best you can do is pack as much of your home comforts with you to help those days be as bearable as possible. Here is a hospital bag checklist to help you out.

Halfpintpeeps.com makes parenting easy. Check out all the things you should know if you're about to be a new mom or dad! Don't forget these essentials in your hospital bag!

Hospital Bag Checklist

Hair Ties

That’s so nice that there are those women in TV shows and movies who have babies with their hair down and still look gorgeous after the delivery is over. But for the rest of us in reality-land, you’re going to want some hair ties. The last thing you need is your hair getting in your face as you’re busy trying to push a football out of your… you know what. You also won’t want to worry too much about doing your hair in those days after the delivery as well. My favorite hair ties are the metal-free Ouchless kind by Goody. This should be a necessity item on your hospital bag checklist!

Facial Wipes

You can’t always work a shower around visits from family and friends, but that does NOT mean you can’t keep your skin looking clean and fresh! Facial wipes are perfect for quick touch-ups that will keep your face oil- and shine-free. My absolute favorite wipes are Burt’s Bees facial cleansing towelettes.

Flip Flops

Hot, swollen feet. Plan on it. Ease some of the discomfort by packing flip flops to let your feet breath. My Sanuk flip flops are some of my most comfortable! They come in all sorts of varieties.

Phone Charger

Do NOT forget your phone and device chargers! You’ll be so bored without something to look at and play with. Plus, you’ll be glad to be able to schedule times for visitors.

Cash

Have some extra cash on hand for vending machine drinks and cafeteria breaks. Your husband will especially thank you for thinking of this.

Comfy Socks

Hospital staff will do their best to keep you comfortable, but it can still get cold in hospital rooms. Pack an extra pair of comfy socks to keep your toes happy. They’re not always the prettiest, but slipper socks are seriously the BEST for puffy, pregnant feet!

Extra Bag

Not only are you going to head home with an extra person, but you’ll also have more gifts, paper work, and items you weren’t planning for. Bring an extra bag to fill with all your new things. Ju Ju Be has some really adorable bags you’ll love!

Belly Bandit

I can not tell you enough how much I love the Belly Bandit! I was given one for my third delivery and it made me wish I’d had one for my first two as well! For any kind of delivery, from regular to C-section, the Belly Bandit helps you feel like your insides are right back where they belong.

Breast Pads

If this is your first pregnancy, you won’t have had experience with breastfeeding yet, but you won’t want to forget to be prepared for this new experience. One thing you’ll need are breast pads. I always liked the nursing products at Target. Here’s a helpful list of tips for using breast pads.

Gownie

Hospitals do clean used gowns but when you consider all that those gowns go through and absorb… just yuck! I heard about Gownies a few years ago and have been giving them as gifts to expectant mothers ever since. Everyone who’s received one tells me how much they LOVED having it!! Plus, it never hurts to have a little extra style in the hospital. Find them here.

I hope this hospital bag checklist helps you feel a little bit more comfortable at the hospital! Before you go, check out my post on 10 hospital necessities for new dads.

14 Early Signs of Pregnancy

January 20, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

It’s been a few weeks since you and your guy, well, you know… and it’s still too early to take a pregnancy test. Waiting to find out if your pregnant can be the worst! But you may not have to wait until a pregnancy test after all… Here are 14 early signs of pregnancy (before your missed period) to help you get your much anticipated answers.

Halfpintpeeps.com knows all about parenthood--in every stage! Don't just wonder any longer by knowing these telling signs of early pregnancy!

Early Signs Of Pregnancy (Before Your Missed Period)

Shortness of Breath

Are you feeling unusually winded after even mild physical activities, such as going up stairs? This could be an early sign of pregnancy. Growing babies require oxygen too, leaving you with less than normal. Read more about it here along with suggestions for what you can do to relieve the symptom.

Early Signs Of Pregnancy (Before Your Missed Period)

Fatigue

Being tired after a long week at work isn’t anything out of the norm, but feeling downright exhausted at times you know are unusual for you might be an indication that you’re undergoing an increase in hormones. Learn more about fatigue during pregnancy from American Pregnancy Foundation.

Nausea

Can’t seem to beat that “flu” you’ve had for a week or so now? You might be experiencing your first go around with morning sickness. This symptom is most commonly noticed around week 6 of your pregnancy but can start earlier as well. The second trimester is usually a little kinder on the tummy than the first. Until things settle down for you, try to find foods that will settle your stomach. Saltine crackers and sipping on Coca Cola were my go-to nausea fixes. Find more info about morning sickness here.

Increased Urination

Find that you’re having to make bathroom stops more often? Increased urination is another early sign of pregnancy as your body is working to create extra fluids.

Headaches

Yet another sign of increased hormones, headaches can be in indication that you’re pregnant. If this is indeed the case, be careful to take pg-safe acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen to manage your symptoms.

Backaches

As your body has to adjust to the weight of a growing baby in your front, the ligaments in your back will loosen. This can cause lower back pain that will continue throughout your pregnancy. American Pregnancy explains more here.

Cramping

You might already be used to some PMS cramping, but if the pain is more persistent than normal it could be an early sign of pregnancy. As your uterus stretches to make room for a baby, it can cause some aches and pains. Parents.com gives more information here.

Food Cravings & Aversions

If your normal appetite for foods has changed in unusual ways lately, pregnancy might be the explanation. Whether you’re suddenly craving new (and possibly weird) foods, or if foods you once enjoyed now make your stomach turn, learn more about these signals here from Baby Center.

Constipation & Bloating

Extra progesterone produced during pregnancy can cause a sluggish digestive system, leading to constipation and bloating. To help fight those waistline blues, Healthline shares 5 remedies for constipation during pregnancy here.

Mood Swings

Feeling a bit like an emotional roller coaster lately? Pregnancy mood swings could be the culprit. All those extra hormones are hard to keep in check, but be assured that everything should return to normal with careful care of your changing body.

Higher Body Temperature

As your body prepares for a growing baby, your blood flow increases by as much as 20%. This jump in blood flow results in a higher basal body temperature making you feel unusually hot. Read more from Kidspot.

Smells

Are certain smells suddenly super repulsive or off-putting? This could be an early indication of pregnancy.

Dizziness

Low blood sugar and blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to dizziness. If you’re experiencing some new light headedness or head spinning, you could be pregnant. Find out more on The Bump.

Spotting

Wait? I thought being pregnant meant you’d miss your period…? It does, but if your period was a little earlier or lighter than normal, it might not be your period but, rather, a sign of implantation bleeding. This can occur after a fertilized egg attaches to your uterine wall. This is one of the early signs of pregnancy (before your missed period) that gets overlooked the most. American Pregnancy explains it all here.

I hope these early signs of pregnancy (before your missed period) help you out during this exciting time in your life! If you are in fact pregnant, take a look at my post on safe exercises you can do while pregnant.

Birth Stat Signs: Personalized Nursery Decor

January 15, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

The newest big thing in baby nurseries is personalized nursery decor. Birth stat signs take your baby’s nursery to a whole new level. Today’s post has inspiration to help you choose personalized nursery decor you can definitely live with. Once the baby grows, their name or birth stat sign will become an heirloom to treasure. Here are some of my favorite birth stats nursery decor ideas.

Birth Stats Nursery Decor

At Etsy, you will find tons of handmade, personalized nursery decor to love! One of my favorites is this personalized sign from Forever Wedding Crafts. This is a custom sign made from birch wood, and the price is insanely reasonable!

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You will also find this custom birth details wall art made by Little Lady Print Shop. This is a custom printable file which is sent to you for printing. There are a whole slew of colors to choose from, in a variety of sizes.

A growth chart is another option for personalized nursery decor. Wayfair has a ton of options to choose from, so no matter what your nursery theme is, there is a personalized growth chart to match.

Amazon is yet another place to find personalized nursery decor. I love this personalized decal you can easily install on any wall in the baby’s nursery.

A picture frame is a great way to showcase baby’s birth stats in a way you can save forever. This is a solid wood frame that is made to last.

At Oopsy Daisy, find lots of unique styles of personalized nursery decor, like this Happy Animal Herd personalized wall art. This is a large 24×18 canvas with a resin finish that gives your personalized wall art a really beautiful finish.

Finally, check out Paper Source for personalized prints perfect for baby’s nursery. Their designs are printed on #130 weight paper that is made of 30% post-consumer recycled content. If you are concerned about being environmentally friendly, these prints fit the bill.

Now that your nursery is all set up, don’t forget to check out my post on how to survive your first month as a new mom.

How to Survive Your First Month As A New Mom

September 30, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As you anticipate that first month with baby, new mom worries may seem overwhelming. But there are several tips and tricks to know that will help you survive.

First Month With Baby Tips & Tricks

A dear friend of mine is a recent new mom. As I watch her go through the experience, I remember when I became a mom. I have such sweet memories of those first few months–it’s a profound experience to be a mom! But I also remember how overwhelming it is. You’re just home from the hospital and totally exhausted. And the reality that you are now responsible for someone besides yourself hits big.

All new moms learn a lot that first month. I’m sharing what I’ve learned with you, and one day you’ll pass it on to someone else!

Caring for the Cord

Today there are four simple steps to properly care for baby’s umbilical cord:

Keep it dry: Allow the cord stump to dry out. To do this, avoid covering it up as much as possible. Fold baby’s diaper under the cord so that it stays out of the diaper.
Keep it clean: When the cord stump gets dirty, use a soft cloth and warm water to carefully clean the cord. Gently dab it dry with a clean cloth.
Sponge Baths Only: It’s important to keep the cord stump as dry as possible, so no full baths until the cord has fallen off.
Leave the cord stump alone: Let baby’s cord stump fall off on its own. It should fall off within a few weeks of his birth.

What Baby Wants

I remember one of my biggest concerns was how I would know what my crying baby needed? After baby came, I surprised myself with what I realized… I somehow just knew. Baby didn’t always stop crying right away, but I knew what to do to help. I also realized I was doing all I could. Even after all his needs are taken care of, sometimes baby just needs to cry. And don’t forget, Dad can help and comfort baby, too!

Caring for Diaper Skin

Although you never want to disregard something that causes your baby pain or irritation, diaper rashes are fairly normal. Baby’s skin is adjusting to life out in the world and is super sensitive as a result. Any time her bum is sitting in moisture for too long, a rash can occur. The best way to prevent and treat diaper rash is to apply a diaper cream that contains zinc oxide. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a great choice!

A more concerning symptom you’ll want to watch for is a rash made up of many itchy little red bumps. The itchy little bumps can signal a yeast rash. If you see these bumps, consult your pediatrician for a prescription cream.

About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is different for every new Mom and baby. Some of your babies take to you without a problem but others may be finicky. Dr. Jane Morton from the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto offers solutions to 10 of the most common problems with breastfeeding.

About Bath Time

Sponge baths are recommended for the first month with baby, until the umbilical cord is gone. After that you can make more of a splash.

Set Up: Be sure to prepare the bath area before you bring baby over. Make sure there are no items within baby’s reach. But be sure that you have easy access to everything you need!
Position: If you use a sink, face baby’s head away from the faucet.
Temperature: Test the water temperature on the inside of your wrist. It should be warm but not hot.
Cup: Use a plastic cup to help rinse soap off of baby. Be careful of her eyes.
Timing: Notice how bath time affects your baby. If he gets energized with baths, plan them during the day. But if bath time relaxes him, plan them right before bed or nap time.

Baby’s Bowel Movements

Breastfed babies have yellow, lose, seedy-looking stools. A formula-fed baby has stools of different colors and odors, but should still be fairly loose. Watch for red, black or white stools, or stool that is hard like small pebbles. Report these signs to baby’s pediatrician.

Caring for the Soft Spot

Another concern during the first month with baby is his soft spot. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is a thick, protective membrane on top of baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t grown together. This is normal, and allows baby to safely navigate out of the birth canal. Like any part of baby’s growing body, protect the soft spot as much as possible. However, it is not something to overly stress about.

Hopefully you feel more prepared for that first month with baby. My other tip is to be sure and take time for yourself!

10 Tools You Need for Homemade Baby Food

September 23, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Making homemade baby food is easier than it might seem when you have the right equipment. Here are 10 tools you need to make homemade baby food.

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1. Food Masher

With a food masher, you can make sure that your little one is able to dine safely. Not only can you mash food into the right size and consistency, but you can also mash regular items that you made for dinner.

2. Babycook Food Maker

This type of device is an “all-in-one” tool, one that’s perfect for parents who are short on time but want to feed their little one homemade baby food. It steams, blends and reheats.

3. Baby Food Storage

Once you’ve taken the time to make safe homemade baby food, you’ll need a way to store it. The 4-ounce baby food storage set is designed for this purpose. Free of BPAs and leak proof, these food storage containers are handy and convenient. If you prefer to keep things organic, then shop at Organic Lifestyle, which is a site that sells organic towels and bedding.

4. Hand Blender

A hand blender is a tool that will make it easier for you to make homemade baby food. Use it to blend, crush and puree food to a safe consistency.

5. “The Wholesome Baby Food Guide”

For healthy and tasty baby food recipes, consider getting “The Wholesome Baby Food Guide.” This handy book is filled with recommendations and advice about the foods that are appropriate for your child as well as the best ways to prepare them.

6. Ice Cube Trays

It’s easier to make homemade baby food in batches. You can then freeze it in ice cube trays. Once they’re frozen, just defrost them when needed. If you need a cooking reminder, then consider using List Plan It. This affordable program will help you keep your daily life on track.

7. Baby Food Mill

If you prefer low-tech tools, then get a baby food mill. They work by pureeing soft foods and grinding them through a mesh sieve. They’re easy to use and clean.

8. Potato Masher

When your baby is ready to start eating clumpier food, use a potato masher to blend it down into a safe consistency. This tool will help you manipulate the texture of the food to create different consistencies.

9. Steaming Basket

To soften veggies before blending them down into a safe consistency, you’ll need to either cook them in the oven or steam them. A steaming basket will make it quick and easy for you to soften them.

10. Grapefruit Spoons

Scoop out the flesh of fruits, squash and potatoes with a grapefruit spoon. This tool makes the task painless. It also decreases food waste.

Tools one, two, three, four and five were found at Parenting.

We came across tools six, seven, eight, nine and 10 at Baby Center.

The Best Tips For New Parents

April 1, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

New parents often feel overwhelmed and understaffed–and that’s a completely normal feeling! But you don’t have to feel that way for long. Arm yourself with the best tips for new parents, because that’s what will help you settle into your new roles as quickly as possible. Here are the tips new parents need.

Tips For New Parents

New Dads

New Dads often get the short end of the stick because Mom is the one who gives birth. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make Dad feel important! New Dads have hospital needs you may not think about, but taking note of them helps a new Dad feel less stressed.

Money Saving Tips

Let’s face it, it’s not cheap to have a baby. Fortunately, there are resources to help offset all those costs. One way is by knowing how and where to get free stuff for new Moms. Sign up for an Amazon baby registry and get free welcome gifts!

Newborn Tips

New parents learn pretty fast that their tiny newborn has round-the-clock needs only they can address–especially Mom. So becoming new parents is extremely demanding! I have great tips to help you survive that first month.

Pampering Tips

Finding time for yourself is perhaps one of the biggest challenges parents face–and not just in the beginning. It takes some planning but you can get some time for yourself in your day, and that only helps your mental and emotional health be the best it can be. Here are some tips to help you find that time!

More Tips For New Dads

New Dads are tired and stressed, just like new Moms. They too need help to survive those first weeks of parenthood! Have you thought about putting together a survival kit for the new Dad in your life? It will definitely come in handy!