Learning through play is the primary way young children learn and practice new skills.  Bath toys can provide hours of entertainment and education for kids.  When selecting bath toys make sure there are not any cords that could cause choking and small pieces that could be swallowed or pushed up their nose, and ensure the toys are non-toxic.

Bath time can be a terrific time to reinforce skills kids are learning like colors, counting, shapes and fine motor skills.  Check out these ideas for fun bath toys:

· Bath paints come in several colors along with a nylon brush.  The paints are a non-toxic soap based product that allows kids to paint on the bathtub walls and create all kinds of art.  Then after bath time the art work simply washes away.

· Bath crayons are another fun way for kids to play and practice writing, coloring and making shapes.  This toy is fun and educational.  Simply spray the tub or shower walls with bathroom cleaner and you’re ready for your next art adventure.  Crayons are non-toxic.

· Stackable cups come in a wide variety of shapes and themes.  Most stackable bath toys have holes in the bottom so kids can fill them up with water and bubbles and watch them empty out.  They can be nested or stacked giving kids building options.

· Rubber duckies come in a variety of sizes and colors. Kids can practice sorting by color and size or count the number of duckies in the water.  They can imagine duck families and role play.

· Baby mirrors are always enticing for babies and toddlers.  Many versions come with suction cups that mount on the bathtub walls.  Kids love to look at themselves and explore finding their body parts.  It also gives them the opportunity to recognize themselves and associate their image in the mirror.

Kids love playing in the bath.  It’s a wonderful time to engage their curiosity and ignite their imagination.  Bath toys can make bath time an adventure on the high seas or turn the bath tub into an art gallery.  Making bath time fun allows kids to be silly and have fun while enjoying part of a bedtime ritual.

About Shira Stein and PishPoshBaby:
Shira Stein is the lead Mom Rep at online baby and parenting gear company, PishPoshBaby.com.  She drives many of the company’s product selections based on experience, testing and customer feedback. In addition, she provides moms and dads with real world advice about the ups and downs of parenting and helps them navigate this special journey. The dream of PishPoshBaby was born out of a desire to find the more reliable baby products and advice available to real moms just like you.  Their high-quality online store supplies facts and advice to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear.  Visit their site at www.pishposhbaby.com for more information and follow their blog.  You can also “LIKE” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @pishposhbaby, Pinterest, and Instagram.

• The Sleep Zone. Most new parents agree that getting baby to sleep through the night is a top priority. Sticking with a bed time routine and getting baby familiar with night time surroundings is the key to success. Keep it simple with the “Four B’s,” Bath, Bottle/Breast, Book then Bed. You won’t believe how quickly baby starts to learn this routine and be completely relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep. For most nurseries, the sleep zone will be the crib and mattress. Baby will spend around eighteen hours a day asleep for the first several months; make this time as relaxing and comforting as possible with a top of the line crib mattress. Be sure to keep excess blankets and toys out of the bed when baby is asleep. They can cause distraction when trying to sleep and can even cause injury and suffocation.

• The Quiet Zone. Having a designated place to read, sing, snuggle and bond in baby’s room is very comforting for them. They will learn very quickly that pleasant things happen in their room, and they will become more confident about being left alone in there. A quiet zone could be a nice rocking chair or even a plush rug on the floor. Anywhere that you and baby can spend time awake together is perfect.

• The Feeding Zone (can be combined with the Quiet Zone). I highly recommend a nice glider with an ottoman. Especially during those early months, you want to give baby cues that they can begin to learn and follow. For instance, always nursing or feeding in a glider in the nursery lets baby know it is time to focus on eating. If you always feed them in a different place, it can take baby longer to latch on and eat properly. Night time feedings are a fleeting privilege of parenthood. Take advantage of these precious times and make the most of it.

• The Play Zone. When baby is very young it can be a play mat or interactive bouncy chair. As your child grows you can rotate in age appropriate toys. It’s handy to have a wall-anchored shelf with low bins so that kids can access their own toys, and even learn to put things back from where they got them.

• The Diapering Zone. This is possibly the most important (and messy) zone of the room. With some organizational skills and simple products, this zone can be tidy and functional. It’s helpful to have a small bin or organizer that you can leave on the changing table. Put essentials like diapers, wipes and diaper cream in the bin so that the important things are always within arm’s reach. Keep a high quality diaper pail right next to the changing table to keep those odors away.

It is great for kids to know that they have their own space to get dressed, play, relax and sleep. Kids tend to sleep better when we have some down time in their own rooms before bed time. Now here’s your chance to take these zones and make them your own.

Good Luck!

Julie McCaffrey, Pish Posh Baby

About Julie McCaffrey, Pish Posh Baby

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

So when the kids walk through the door after a long day of school tired and hungry, all they really want is a little bit of love and something to fill their tummies. In order to have a little after school treat ready for them it takes a little bit of advanced planning and organization, but can be relatively simple. Here are some of the ideas and shortcuts:

1. Homemade Cookies Made Ahead & Frozen. Make a double recipe of chocolate chip cookie dough and/or practically any other cookie dough, like peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies, etc. and freeze the raw dough in logs wrapped in baking paper. Then simply unwrap the dough and defrost it for about 10 minutes or so. With a sharp knife cut slices, pop it on a cookie sheet and in the oven and you’ll have freshly baked cookies in minutes, minus the mess.

2. Fruit Shakes, Milk Shakes or Razzles. These are easy to whip up and always appreciated. All you need is a combination of frozen fruits, ice cubes and ice cream or milk. Add to a blender and you’re good to go. There are always new combinations to try which makes this fun, exciting, refreshing and filling.

3. Mug Cake. Making a cake in a mug is another great option. There are lots of these great recipes out there which you can you can easily do. With just a few ingredients tossed into a mug, you can “bake” a cake in the microwave and have it ready in a flash. Fast & yummy!

4. Healthy and Fun “Fruit Kabobs”. Using fruits that you already have available, like melon, strawberries, pineapple or grapes, and stack them on a skewer in a pattern. Healthy, fresh and fun!

So, try these out. You will see that it’s a win-win! And, do me a favor, please, if you have any simple and yummy treats, please share them with me. I’m always looking for fresh, new ideas. I’d love to hear from you and so would my little guys.

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey, Pish Posh Baby

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

– You don’t need a fancy home gym for a great work out. Put baby in your new carrier or wrap and get moving. Place your feet a little wider than your hips and try moderate squats. To keep the focus on your lower body, do alternating lunges. Baby wearing workouts really get your heart rate up.
– Some people call them pushups but let’s call them “kiss ups!” Start in pushup position and try to kiss the baby on each rep to make sure you’re getting low enough. Even trying these on your knees will give you a tough workout. At the beginning, aim for two sets of ten reps and go up from there.
– What could be more motivating than that brand new fancy stroller parked in the garage? Time to get out and show it off! A fifteen minute walk with a stroller can burn up to one hundred calories. So hit the pavement, enjoy the fresh air and you’ll both love the change of scenery.
– Remember that what you put in your body is just as important as the exercise you’re doing. Prepare yourself with tons of nutritious and convenient snacks. Whole fruits and veggies, hard boiled eggs, reduced fat cheese string cheese and mixed nuts are nutrient rich and so easy. Prep and buy ahead so they are easy to reach for when you only have a few minutes and you’re hungry.
– While baby naps or enjoys a few minutes in the bouncy seat, pop a workout DVD into the player or check online for different free yoga, walking, pilates and core training videos. Mix it up each time for a fun, different workout. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel after a 30 minute video.
Motherhood is wonderful, exhilarating, exhausting and amazing but can also be tough. Remember to listen to your body and take care of yourself. Rest when you can and eat healthy. As always, consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise plan.

Good luck!

Julie McCaffrey, Pish Posh Baby

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

The Institute of Medicine recommends women with a normal BMI gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy*. In the US, 40% of expecting mothers gain more than the recommended amount. During pregnancy, you’ll only need to consume about 250-300 extra calories per day. That equates to an apple with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter (so put that pint of ice cream down!). While nursing, you need upwards of 500 extra calories per day. Make these calories as nutrient-dense as possible with super foods like blueberries, sweet potatoes, avocados, boiled eggs and nuts.

If you’re queasy during the first trimester, try breaking your meals down into smaller snack sized portions and eat more frequently. Try to eat within 30 minutes of waking up and eat small amounts every 2-3 hours throughout the day. Most women feel great during the second trimester. Take advantage of this time by trying some new fruits and veggies. Take a walk with your partner or go for a swim. During the third trimester you’ll need more calories, closer to 400 extra per day. Make sure to include lots of protein and calcium to support that rapidly growing baby.

Once you deliver, you’re still baby’s main source of nutrition. Your body is perfectly equipped to provide that little miracle with everything he/she needs! Even if you’re unable to nurse, you still need to fuel yourself properly to combat those sleepless nights! It is very important to include clean protein, fruits and veggies into your daily diet. Introduce your baby’s digestive system to healthy foods right from the start! Be sure to keep healthy, easy snacks in that brand new diaper bag of yours. Veggies dipped in hummus and fruits with natural peanut butter were always my favorites.

Of course, give in to those pregnancy cravings every now and then and don’t get too hung up on those skinny jeans. Check with your doctor before beginning any new workouts or diet plans and take care of yourself. We’re moms, we get it!

Good luck!

Julie McCaffrey, Pish Posh Baby

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

– Plan ahead—buy seasonal items in bulk to prep and freeze. Organic strawberries get very pricey certain times of the year—stock up when they are on sale. Experiment with local, fresh fruits and veggies. You’ll be surprised to see all the foods your baby is willing to try, and love!

– Ice trays, aluminum foil, and freezer bags—these are some of the cheapest things in your grocery store and they will save you a fortune. Spoon your delicious purees into the ice tray, cover tightly with foil and freeze for a couple hours. Once solid, pop the cubes into a labeled and dated freezer bag and you can take out one or two at a time. Fruits and veggies will keep 4-6 months when frozen this way. Just remember to press as much air out of the bag as you can to preserve the flavor.

– Bananas and avocados—some of the most expensive baby foods to buy organically and the easiest to make. You can get three 2 ounce servings from one banana. Please note, these don’t freeze well so just mash and serve.

– Picky eater? No problem!—Just put baby spinach in all of your purees. Baby won’t notice the flavor and they’re getting tons of vitamins and minerals.

– Start out with one-ingredient purees—bananas, apples, carrots and sweet potatoes are safe beginners. Talk to your pediatrician about possible allergens and how to introduce one new food at a time. As baby gets older, get creative. For instance, try apples, zucchini and spinach all pureed together.

It may seem like a lot of information and effort at first, but it won’t take you long to decide you’ll never buy jarred baby food again.

Happy Cooking!

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

Come up with a practical baby gift registry.

New babies need a lot of things, and a baby registry is one of the best ways to receive them. Family and friends would want to help you prepare for your baby, and providing a list can help them help you.

You can register your future little bundle of joy at your favorite shops. However, make sure to come up with a smart list that will help you save money. Choose the essentials over the frivolous so that you can have a registry that’s affordable and practical. Another important tip: don’t merely skim catalogues before including items in your baby registry. Test strollers, cribs, and inspect baby peripherals minutely to see if you can really use them before adding them to the list.

Get the most necessary things first.

Tiny baby shoes may look precious, but an infant will not need them any time soon. Booties and socks that keep their tiny feet warm are better, so make sure to get them first. The same goes for designer infant clothes that are usually worn just a couple of times before your baby outgrows them.

Also, hospitals typically provide essentials for moms who just gave birth, including infant diapers, disposable baby bottle nipples, swaddling clothes, and nasal aspirators. They’re part of your hospital bill so take those home with you along with your baby. You’re bound to save plenty on infant essentials for the first months.

Choose multi-purpose baby furniture.

Double-duty baby items are practical and save you time, space, and money. For instance, a stroller that features a big storage space underneath can act as a diaper holder. A dresser that doubles as a changing table means you don’t have to buy two separate nursery furniture. You can also get a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed. In short, invest in furniture that grows with your baby.

Buy in bulk.

Getting baby essentials wholesale can spell out hundreds of dollars of savings yearly. Take advantage of buy-in-bulk promos and coupons for your baby diapers and formula. It will mean time and effort saved, (plus gas money!) for you, too.

Upcycle or borrow.

Don’t throw away money on “special occasion” clothes. Borrow from moms who have toddlers, or upcycle your own baby clothes. You can do the same with expensive baby furniture and accessories. Someone you know will have most likely held on to their infant’s items, hoping to pass it on to someone in need in the future…like you, for instance!

Best of Luck!

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

Don’t equate special occasions with gifts

Momentous events such as birthdays and Christmas often highlight the acquisitive nature of children. It has become the norm to equate these events to kids getting as many gifts as their little heart’s desire. Instead, help them focus on what the occasion really means. For instance, you can sit them down and have them list three things they are thankful for on their birthday and at Christmas.

And, instead of making it a habit to get them stuff they want on pegged occasions, why not surprise them with a treat on days when they are extra-good? Doing so can help you explain how much you appreciate their good behavior.

Encourage thank-you notes

As previously mentioned, kids can learn how to say thank you at a very young age. Strengthen this habit by having them write or draw thank-you notes to people they receive gifts or favors from. This activity will encourage them to see the positive things in the stuff they got and list them down, instead of focusing on what they don’t have.

Have kids participate in everyday chores

When kids learn the value of work before rewards, they will eventually become more appreciative of things they receive as gifts. Children who never have to lift a finger to get what they want will have a hard time developing a grateful attitude, since they have no idea of the effort that goes behind obtaining it.

Designate a “thankful” part of the day

Before bedtime or during meals, have the whole family enumerate what it is they’re thankful for that happened during the day. A simple “mom hugged me” or “the dog was extra playful” are more than enough to have young kids reflect on what they should be appreciative of…even in the smallest things.

Lead by example

If you catch yourself criticizing an unattractive gift you received from someone, stop. If you’re always whining about other people’s shortcomings, stop. Kids pick up negative behavior like this, so be vigilant about it. Instead, create an atmosphere of gratefulness by saying “thank you” to people who do even little things for you, such as someone opening the door when your hands are full. Kids will find it easier to be thankful by default if you make a habit of doing it yourself.

Best of luck!

Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

Talk to your baby all the time

Conversing with your baby in a soothing voice is a great way to bond with them. It’s also highly effective in building language skills and word association. You can read stories out loud with your baby, or simply “narrate” things you do regularly, such as describing the colors during outside strolls, or the texture of certain objects. Doing these will also aid you in developing baby’s visual, auditory, and tactile senses.

However, talking constantly in a loud, intimidating voice must be avoided. Many people are inclined to think that this is a form of discipline, but it will only create negative associations for your baby, and hinder learning progress.

Sing, dance & clap

Let the no-holds-barred silliness help you with your baby’s brain growth. Every chance you get, sing and dance for baby, with or without music. You can also clap along to nursery rhymes and encourage them to do the same. It will help stimulate your child’s coordination skills and spark creativity at an early age.

Regularly provide all baby necessities and comforts

When your baby’s needs and comforts are met regularly, you are providing them with an environment conducive to learning. A baby who’s hungry, constantly needs diaper changing, is uncomfortable with the temperature and noise levels in the room, and who’s generally miserable will not be able to learn anything new.

Take baby out for walks

Invest in a durable and comfortable stroller that you can use to take your baby out for daily strolls. Choose one with a sun-protection canopy, a reliable safety harness, and durable wheels so you can focus on stimulating your baby’s senses outdoors. Point out trees, interesting cloud formation, and outdoor vignettes that can pique their interest. You can also bring baby to a place that’s filled with nice, aromatic smells, such as a bakeshop or a field of flowers.

Give your child gentle massages

Stimulating by touch, paired with talking in a calm voice, have been proven to aid baby with positive association. Many parents practice baby yoga on their little ones, but tactile development can be as easy as rubbing baby’s legs and arms with a gentle massage oil, and simply rocking them in your arms to sleep.

Get age-appropriate toys

Newborns and babies under a year old can appreciate a softly padded jungle gym. These typically come with playmats they can lie down on, and dangling soft toys of different textures which they can grasp or look at. Some can be installed on cribs and playpens, and can play music. As baby grows, toys usually become more colorful and educational. Soft building blocks and things that run on wheels can help with baby’s brain growth and sensory development.

Before buying a new toy, make sure to look up reviews to see if they are age-appropriate, and meet safety standards. Always be on the lookout for toy recalls so you can avoid those that pose safety and health hazards.

Enjoy your baby!

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

Give thicker purées as an intro to solid food

To get babies ready for solid food, you can help them strengthen the muscles in their mouth by giving thicker purées to eat. Start doing this a couple of weeks prior to transitioning them from baby food. If you have been giving your child baby food from jars, add a bit of puréed vegetables or fruit to it. You can also try thickening it with some cereal.

Demonstrate the art of chewing

When you have your baby’s attention during mealtime, pick up some of the food and put it in your mouth in a slow, exaggerated motion. Then start to make chewing noises and gestures. Open your mouth once in a while to demonstrate what is happening to the food. It may be tiring and a bit silly, but it’s a great introduction to show baby how to self-feed.

Watch out for self-feeding cues

Once your baby starts picking up the food and trying to put some in their mouth, you’ll know they’re ready for solids. A self-feeding baby also has a relatively strong grasp, or knows how to “pinch” food with their fingers. Regular spoon-grabbing and spitting of thin puréed food may also be indications, but you have to make sure they aren’t just reacting negatively to the food or the feeding.

Go for foods that easily dissolve

Your baby is definitely ready for the big switch from baby food to solids if they easily mash thick purées with their gums. Knowing how to deal with the occasional lumps and strange textures in thickened baby food means they are ready for the real thing. Start with mashed bananas and other soft fruit. Slowly introduce a new variety of mashed food, including boiled potatoes and carrots. You can also opt for branded “transition” food that easily dissolves with saliva. Just make sure to monitor everything new you introduce to your baby and their reactions to each, such as gagging and coughing.

Try Solid food, cubed

To encourage children to pick up their own food and feed themselves, give them diced portions. They need to feel the texture of the food with their fingers and control what they put in their mouths. Continue demonstrating how to “gum” the food so they can learn how to chew by imitating you.

Good luck & happy feeding!

Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.