Parenting

10 Hospital Necessities for New Dads

March 2, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Preparation is the name of the game when it comes to having babies, and here’s a hospital checklist for dads. While moms-to-be generally pack a hospital bag weeks before the due date of their babies, dads may not think to do so. It’s important for dads to pack a bag too since labors are usually long, and it would be a tragedy to miss the birth of your baby because you ran home for something. Here are 10 hospital necessities for new dads.

Halfpintpeeps.com is the best place to go to make parenting easier! Find tips and tricks to take answer all of your questions. If you're an expecting parent, make sure you read this list of items a new dad needs at the hospital.

Hospital Checklist For Dads

1.Bring a Watch

Not only should you bring a watch, but you should also bring one that features a second hand. The process of labor requires a reliable counting device.

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2. Clothing

Once you get to the hospital, you won’t know how long you’ll be there. In fact, you’ll likely be there for hours. Having a clean, comfortable change of clothes will make you feel better. You’ll also need things for your new baby.

3. Cell Phone and Phone Numbers

The hospital bag for the dad to be should include your cell phone and important contact information. When you get to the hospital, you’ll want to make a few phone calls to let everyone know that your baby is on the way. Once the baby arrives, another round of calls will be in order.

4. Water and Snacks

The hospital will keep your wife hydrated and fed, but you will be on your own. To keep your energy up, stock your hospital bag with water and snacks. Consider getting high-energy food items like energy bars, nuts and cereal.

5. Toiletries

Make sure that your hospital bag checklist includes toiletries, things like deodorant, toothpaste and your toothbrush. You may also want to add soap, styling products and shampoo.

6. MP3 Player

Consider bringing an MP3 player to listen to music. This will save the battery on your phone. Music is calming, and it will keep you entertained. Different devices with varying degrees of storage space are available at Amazon.

7. A Camera

This is an important moment, making it one that you’ll want to document. Don’t rely on your smartphone for your first pictures of your new baby. Instead, bring your nice camera to snap memories of this major event.

8. Smartphone Charger

Bring a smartphone charger. You’ll want to make sure that you have access to your phone while your wife is in labor and after she has the baby. Not only is it important to be able to stay in touch with your family and friends, but it will also keep you entertained.

9. Pillows and Blankets

The hospital will probably give you pillows and blankets, but they can be uncomfortable, so pack two sets in case you wind up spending the night at the hospital with your wife.

10. Cash

Your hospital bag checklist should include money. Cash always comes in handy. You may not have a hankering for the snacks that you brought, necessitating a trip to the vending machine. Or, you might need a soda or other cold beverage. Do everything you can to make your trip to the hospital as comfortable as possible.

I hope this hospital checklist for dads helps you out! Check out my post on 10 things to pack in your hospital bag for more ideas!

6 Sensory Bottles That Will Calm Upset Kids

February 9, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Sensory bottles are used to help children (and adults) calm down when they become upset or anxious. The idea is to give the individual a safe object on which to focus their attention, thereby diffusing anxieties within. It’s kind of like an interactive “I Spy” book inside a bottle. Grab an empty bottle and fill it with water and tiny objects that will interest your child. It really is just about that simple. Read on for 6 suggested sensory bottles for kids that will calm them when they are upset. You may or may not catch me using bottle #3 to calm down on rough days in my classroom…

Halfpintpeeps.com will give you all the inspo you need to become not just a regular parent, but a cool parent. Find activities and ideas you and your kids will love. Try out these homemade sensory bottles that are great for upset kids.

Sensory Bottles For Kids

1. Do You Want To Build A Snowman Bottle?

Rhythms Of Play shares a snowstorm in a tube with this Frozen-inspired sensory bottle. Fill the bottle with snowflake confetti, sparkles, glitter, and any other Frozen related items. This sensory bottle will be sure to help freeze all those anxious feelings.

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2. In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Space enthusiasts and Star Wars fans in particular will get great use out of this galaxy sensory bottle. Use mineral oil, blue candy dye, glitter, and any space themed trinkets you can find. Read more from Preschool Inspirations.

3. Just Keep Swimming

Don’t let a meltdown get in your way. Keep your little Ocean Explorer swimming with an ocean-inspired sensory bottle. The sand is the best part! A Little Pinch of Perfect shares how to make your own.

4. It’s Nice With Rice

Keep everyone nice and calm with a rice-filled sensory bottle. The colorful pom poms are fun pops of color. Get the DIY tutorial from Mama Instincts.

5. Glowing Attitudes

This glow-in-the-dark sensory bottle will help get upset attitudes glowing again. Use a Sharpie to draw on a Jack-O-Lantern face at Halloween time for an extra haunt of fun. Get the directions here.

6. Where Bluebirds Sing

I don’t know if bluebirds really do sing “somewhere over the rainbow,” but hopefully your child will with a rainbow sensory bottle. Fill the bottle with colorful water beads to make the rainbow effect. Get more details from Ryan and Marsha.

Looking for more things to make? Check out my post on how to make a kid-approved lava lamp in 3 groovy steps.

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.

The Absolute Best Pets For Kids

December 19, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

So your kids are begging for a pet? There are great reasons to get a pet, including helping your kids to learn more responsibility. But it can be hard to know what kind of pet is right for your kids. Today’s information on the absolute best pets for kids will help you make what can be a tricky decision a little easier.

The Best Pets For Kids

Dogs are the number one choice in pets for many families the world over. There’s plenty of reasons for that. Kids tend to bond with dogs like no other, and dogs are wonderful companions for kids and adults. Just know that there are important considerations to make first:

A dog {particularly a new puppy} requires a lot of care and training.
Research what breeds are best for families, because some are not well-suited for young kids.

So your kids are begging for a pet but you don't know what the best pets for kids are. You're in luck. We have a list of the best pets for kids. Guinea pigs are a great choice.

Some families adore having guinea pigs as pets. Do you know that guinea pigs are actually quite intelligent, and will respond to a child? They also handle well because they generally don’t bite. Guinea pigs are very social creatures! One of the considerations to be aware of is that guinea pigs need an abundant supply of vitamin C to be healthy.

So your kids are begging for a pet but you don't know what the best pets for kids are. You're in luck. We have a list of the best pets for kids. Birds are a great choice but they do require a bit of work.

One of the best pets for kids is a bird. Many kids enjoy birds, because they’re colorful to look at and fun to play with. Some types of birds learn melodies and will copy certain behaviors from your child. But be aware that some birds are noisy. It’s also necessary to clean the bird cage at least weekly–and it can get pretty dirty.

So your kids are begging for a pet but you don't know what the best pets for kids are. You're in luck. We have a list of the best pets for kids. Cats are always a good choice.

Cats are up there on the list of best pets for kids, probably right after the dogs! The main difference between having a dog for a pet, or having a cat, is the playful level. Dogs are definitely more playful than cats, but cats still like to cuddle sometimes {on their terms}. Cats are mainly independent, which is a bonus since they tend to take care of themselves. The downside of a cat is the chance of begin scratched, as well as changing the litter box.

Whichever pet you decide is best for your kids, don’t be afraid of the additional maintenance and care. Just add things like cleaning the litter box to your family chore chart!

5 Memorable Things To Do With Your Kids During Christmas Break

December 17, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

This Christmas break, be prepared for the possibility of bored kids with ideas of things to do with them. Christmas break is a great time to capitalize on family time and make memories with your kids to last a lifetime. Here are 5 memorable things to do with your kids during Christmas break.

Things To Do With Your Kids During Christmas Break

Not everything you do with the kids during Christmas break has to fun and games. In fact, some of the things you can do involve organizing after the influx of new toys. Here are some ideas!

If you're looking for things to do with your kids during Christmas break, you're in the right spot! Sledding is one of the funnest things you can do during their break from school.

If you live in a snowy climate, be sure to take time for winter sports during Christmas break. It’s the perfect time for skiing, snowboarding or sledding. If an ice skating rink is near your home, that’s a fun activity too.
One family takes the opportunity to build a giant snowman every New Years Eve day–provided the weather cooperates. After your snowman building activity, head back inside for hot cocoa and a favorite family movie.
After Christmas and before New Years is a great time to remember those who aren’t as fortunate. One of our favorite things to do with the kids during Christmas break is to head to a soup kitchen and help serve meals to the homeless. Another idea is to visit a local retirement home and entertain the residents.
A favorite family tradition is to open a new puzzle and spend the lazy, cold afternoons putting it together. It’s especially fun to find a puzzle with special meaning to your family, such as a picture of a favorite travel spot or activity.
Before Christmas, spend time collecting an assortment of new recipes the family wants to try. During Christmas break, take the kids shopping for the ingredients. Then spend time cooking and baking together and enjoying new foods!

Can you think of additional things to do with your kids during Christmas break?

How To Tell Your Kids About Santa Without Looking Like A Liar

December 12, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As kids get older, it gets harder to keep the Santa secret. But how to tell your kids about Santa without looking like a liar? That’s a tough one, and a lot of parents are afraid of approaching the subject for fear of their kid’s reaction. Today we have some good advice for talking to your kids about Santa, so you can be prepared instead of scared.

How To Tell Your Kids About Santa

Look for the signs that your kids are ready to talk about it

Have you been getting questions from your kids about who Santa really is? Or have they just out-and-out asked you if you are Santa? These are telltale signs that it is time to talk to them about Santa. It’s definitely easier said than done, though! We all like to keep belief in Santa alive and strong, because it’s fun. But it’s also a good idea to let them in on it before they hear it at school, or get teased for still believing.

It’s helpful to know that the average age when a child starts to question whether or not Santa is real is somewhere in the years between 7 and 10, depending on the child. When your child does ask you if Santa is real, ask him what he thinks before you answer. Your child’s thoughts can help guide your discussion.

Santa is a big deal to kids, so it can be hard trying to figure out how to tell your kids about Santa. It will make the whole process so much easier.

Be ready for a range of possible emotions

When your child hears that Santa isn’t real, her reaction may vary from anger or sadness to excitement. She may feel anger that you lied, or she may feel sadness that Santa isn’t real. Some kids feel like being let in on the secret is a sign that they are growing up–you can help them feel some responsibility to help keep the secret from younger siblings!

Are you stressing over trying to tell your kid that Santa isn't real? Here are the best tips on how to tell your kids about Santa. They'll help so much!

Help your child transition from believing in Santa to becoming Santa

How to tell your kids about Santa is a question some parents love to take on, and actually look forward to it. Plan ahead for this important talk. Take your child somewhere special, just the two of you–such as out for lunch or a shopping trip. Explain that she is getting old enough to “help” with Santa, and this is a big responsibility! Little kids get to experience the magic of believing in Santa, but older kids and adults get to be Santa–and that’s the most fun of all!

Not only do your kids now get to help be Santa at home, but in the community. Challenge them to think about the spirit of Santa Claus and how they can help spread it around to those who really need it. Teach them to notice the people around them, and watch for opportunities to “be Santa” to people who need it.

Great news–if your older kids help with Santa, they can also help with your Elf on the Shelf!