Little Teether Teething Blog

Surviving Road Trips with Kids

Surviving Road Trips with Kids

Road Trips! People have mixed emotions about road trips. I have personally always loved them. I love travel - flying, driving, cruising - you name it! It's fun to get away and it's fun to mix up you're routine a little bit. But, along with the fun comes a lot of stress - making sure you have everything booked that you need to, packing all the right things, not forgetting anything, setting up anything at your home before you leave (pet sitters, mail delivery, etc). And then you add kids to the mix. If you're traveling with kids, it's a whole new ballgame. You will thank me for these 5 tips and necessities for traveling with kids. 

1. Have a bag for each kid that you keep by their seat. Consider these emergency bags. This isn't the bag of toys or snacks. This is a bag of diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, common medicines they may need, bandaids, etc. Each kids bag will be different dependent on their age and needs but these are things that you don't want to have to go digging through your suitcase for when there's an "emergency"on the road. 


2. Download new Apps or Movies on your smart devices. If you aren't opposed to screen time on the road trip, download some apps or tv shows/movies that won't need Wifi. If it's something your kid hasn't seen before, it's likely to hold their attention longer. Again, these downloads will be different depending on the age of the kid. We LOVE the Homer app for our girls. It's educational and super interactive and they give you material based on your child's education level (it will ask questions at the beginning to determine this). 

3. Snacks! Snacks! And more Snacks! In our family, we do trivia questions for the good snacks (fruit snacks, chocolate, skittles, gummy bears). My husband and I come up with the questions for each girl based on what they would know. For our 3 year old, things like, "Name a fruit that grows on a tree". If she gets it right, she gets to choose a fun snack. This helps to pass the time and helps prevent them from inhaling a whole bag of skittles in 30 seconds. In addition to the FUN snacks, we bring a VARIETY of all type of snacks - chips, trail mix, dried fruit, veggie straws, nuts, etc. And don't forget to have a few beverage options (but limit the intake, for obvious reasons). You can't have enough snacks! 

 

4. A new gift! I always have something new for each kid. I try to not break it out until we've exhausted all other options. It brings some excitement later in the trip. Sometimes it's something they've been wanting, other times it's something that just makes sense for a road trip. Just something fun, new, easy to travel with. Don't forget to get a gift for the hubby too! 

 

5. HYPE UP THE TRIP. My mom always did this when we were little and it made us SO EXCITED for trips. Talk about it days before the trip. Get new pjs for your kids to wear in the car. Get them a new, fun blanket or pillow or stuffed animal (again, age dependent). Tell them that you have fun surprises for them throughout the trip. Have them help as much as they can with packing, looking at maps, figuring out where to stop for lunch. Make everything so fun for them so that it is the best time for everyone. 

Traveling was intended to be fun! So as stressful as it gets, remember the whole intention of the trip! Turn on some fun music, have some mini dance parties. Be prepared for lots of stops - account for a few extra hours of travel time. And don't forget to take lots of pictures! Have a blast! 

We'd love to hear any tips you have! Or any must-have toys for travel! 

Go-To Tops for the Nursing Mom

Go-To Tops for the Nursing Mom

As if nursing isn't already one of the biggest challenges and most uncomfortable experiences that comes with having a baby, your regular/cute clothes aren't practical to get the job done. This isn't everyones experience, but for me, I had trouble trying to find clothes that would make nursing easier in public. I already preferred to have a nursing cover on if I was in public, so once I had the cover on, I wanted bras and tops that allowed for easy access. 

So I'm here to tell you some of the tops that made my life easier and that every Nursing Mom would absolutely adore. 

 

1. This top from Bela Bum Bum is more on the pricey side but it is perfect for working out and also looks adorable with jeans. It's intended for nursing but is ultra flattering. And because of the design, there's enough coverage to nursing discreetly without even using a nursing cover. The inner layer has a criss-cross neckline that you just pull aside for nursing access. 

2. H&M is surprisingly great for maternity and nursing clothes. They have a good variety of casual wear and more formal wear. The price range is more on the inexpensive side which is great for clothes that you won't need to wear forever. I love this nursing dress if you're needing to dress up or go to work! It has a V-neck that easily pulls for nursing access. It's perfect for pregnancy and postpartum. 

3. Target wins again! They have all types of options for pregnancy and nursing at a variety of price ranges. I love this top because you can pull off a sophisticated look without anyone knowing that your top is designed for nursing. 

4. If you want to look CUTE and have the highest-end when it comes to QUALITY, Nordstrom is your best friend. Their clothes are expensive but so dang cute. This Jumpsuit is trendy, adorable, and perfect for nursing. It zips deep enough down the front that it makes nursing discreetly a breeze. 

5. And of course an Amazon pick because who ISN'T doing 90% of their shopping on Amazon these days? This is a 3 pack for $34.99 and comes in a variety of color options! It's a simple lift-up nursing top! 

If you had success with other tops or other brands, I'd love to hear in the comments. These are just specific ones that I personally love! All moms need to know the best and most helpful tips when it comes to anything parenting!!! Can I get an Amen?

QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL DOULAS

QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL DOULAS

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Are you in the market looking for a doula for your special day? Well, this article may help you navigate the process.

Here are some questions to help guide your process in finding a doula. Ultimately, the important factor making sure you feel comfortable around her as you will be spending one of the most important events of your life together!

There are two types of doulas.

  1. Birth Doulas
  2. Postpartum Doulas 
  3. Birth Doulas:
  • What is her personal birth philosophy?
  • Is she available around your due date?
  • What is her education and experience?
  • Does she help you feel confident in yourself and in the birth process?
  • Does she respect your unique perspective and preferences for your labor and birth?
  • How does she support your partner's role and needs?
  • What is the back-up situation for emergencies?
  • What are her fees and what is included?
  • Will she provide references?
  1. Postpartum Doulas:
  • What is her philosophy about parenting and supporting women and families during the postpartum period?
  • Does she help you feel confident in yourself and as a mother?
  • What is her education and experience?
  • What is the back-up situation for emergencies?
  • What different types of services does she offer?
  • Is she someone who I s compatible with your lifestyle?
  • What are her fees and included?
  • When do her services begin after birth?
  • Will she provide references?

Have you ever had a doula? If yes, how was your experience? Share in the comment below. 

This article is written by Rupal Asodaria; a mom and inventor of NursElet®. She lives with her family in beautiful town Fremont located in San Francisco bay area. Her must have essential baby product #NursElet has been featured in many national magazines and recognized by moms from all around the world. You can find her products on NursElet.com and Amazon.com.

Feel free to follow her journey along on social medias at

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

5 Best Teething Products for Babies

  • Our Silicone Teething Toys: Not only are they super stylish and affordable, they can also be attached to a pacifier or clip. They are lightweight and easy to hold, easy to chomp, and easy to clean. They are non-toxic, food-grade silicone, BPA-free, and free of phthalates, lead, cadmium, and heavy metals. They can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand! They don't get safer or cuter than these! 

 

  • Our Silicone Teething Necklaces: We hear compliments about these necklaces being so stylish for mom that they wear them even when they don't have their teething baby with them! The beads are trendy, affordable, and we have colors to match EVERY outfit (yours or baby's). They are non-toxic, food-grade silicone, BPA- free, and free of phthalates, lead, cadmium, and heavy metals. There is a breakaway clasp which causes the necklaces to pop off if pulled to hard - as a safety feature. They are so easy to clean - in the dishwasher or by hand! Every mom needs this product! 

  • Marlarkey Kids Munch Mitt: This product was designed as a solution to the problem of kids dropping EVERYTHING! It is designed for babies between the ages of 3 to 7 months. It's worn as a glove on the baby's hand so that they are essentially gnawing on their hand without getting all their germs and chapping their on skin. There is a Silicone portion on the glove that soothes the baby's gums and the mitt even makes a sensory-stimulating crinkle noise while baby chews on it. Moms think of everything! 

  • Safety First Mombella Elephant: This modern-looking teether is easy for little hands to grasp, has raised nubs at the top which feel great on the gums of the teether and also can double as an introductory toothbrush for those first teeth. A pediatric specialist helped develop this product, it's 100% silicone, and is safe for the dishwasher and fridge. 

Top 10 Unique Baby Shower Gifts

Let's talk about Baby Shower gifts! It can be stressful thinking of the perfect gift. I'll be honest -- I always appreciated most when people gifted me something off of my registry. My husband and I intentionally chose the things we knew we needed or wanted for baby! However, nothing blessed me more than the unique, thoughtful, creative gifts from friends who knew what was trending and who knew my personality! The cutest things on the market are typically not sold at the big stores that most people use for registries. This makes online shopping really fun, and you're going to love the shops and products I'm sharing with you today! 

My recommendation for a Baby Shower gift is to choose something off the registry that the mom or couple created, if they have one, and then also choose something unique and not-so-typical! I've compiled a list of my Top 10 recommendations for unique Baby Shower Gifts. 

Tip: Always wrap the gift in cellophane, tie with a cute ribbon, and attach a Little Teether teething toy to the ribbon! Presentation is 90% of the gift, in my mind! 

1. Some of the most popular and trending gifts right now are the Batzkids Milestone blankets, crib sheets, pillows... Everyone at the baby shower will be impressed by this gift! And it's such a fun way to document baby's fun milestones! Honestly, the hardest part about this gift is choosing which one to order! 

2. I'm sure you've discovered the world of Etsy, but let me tell you about one of our favorite shops! Bebe Nourri has the CUTEST custom onesies and t-shirts. These gifts are always loved because they are so thoughtful and absolutely no one else will be showing up with an identical gift. 

3. Have you heard of Nurselet? Your friend may or may not decide to nurse/pump. This gift would be ideal for someone who knows they want to breast feed. This Nursing Bracelet is designed to hold up your shirt while you nurse or pump - this elevates back pain and also the hassle of your shirt constantly falling down. When you're not nursing, the bracelet can be worn around your wrist to remind you which side you need to nurse on next! Pregnancy brain does not end once the baby is born - I know from experience! This is such a meaningful gift for a mom who has committed to the breastfeeding journey! 

4. Bear and Bunny is one of our other favorite Etsy shops. You will quickly become obsessed with the leggings and shorties on this website because they grow with your baby - more bang for your buck! The one pair of clothing you won't have to pack up after 3 weeks of them wearing it. Isn't it cruel how quickly kids grow? While you're ordering a few pairs for the baby shower gift, you may as well grab some for your own kiddos! 

5. The reason I love Candy Couture Shop so much is because they have ALL types of gifts. From jewelry to pool floats to coffee mugs, everything is adorable. The reason I recommended them for Baby Shower gifts is because you will find something super meaningful for mom. When was the last time you were at a Baby Shower and the mom got a gift? A really popular item right now is Monogrammed Necklaces. A simple necklace with the first letter of the future baby's name. If this doesn't bring an emotional pregnant woman to tears, I don't know what will. 

6. River Babe Threads has cute apparel for the whole family. We love this company and can't recommend their products more! They are super popular, affordable, and adorable. Grab something boring off the registry, add in an item from this shop, and your Baby Shower gift will be the cutest one at the party! 

7. Okay so maybe we're obsessed with clothing, but Wire and Honey is the neatest company. They create hip, urban apparel that represents all things inspiring. We stand behind this company and want their message to spread throughout the world, one Baby Shower at a time. 

8. I should actually warn you about this next site, Stitches By Natalie. You are going to melt when you see their products and you will want EVERYTHING. I have never found a more unique and thoughtful gift before. They have so many memory and keepsake animals and products that are made from significant items of yours or your children. They embroider adorable animals with birth information or anything you want. This is a gift that will be kept FOREVER. 

9. For whatever reason, I feel like a lot of gifts contain clothing at baby showers, but there aren't always a ton of gifts that contain cute baby shoes. I loved when I got shoes because, for one, those itty bitty shoes are just adorable. For two, they're so expensive and baby's feet grow so fast that its a pain to have to buy them all yourselves. Everyone will love a baby shower gift that has baby shoes in it, and Mon Petit has some of our very favorites, for both genders. 

10. Last but not least, every gift MUST have one of our Little Teether teething products. Mom's all love the teething necklaces because they are so stylist and functional. And the teething toys are the perfect gift used to wrap a present. The teething toys are such fun colors and designs that they are the sweetest addition to any gift. All babies go through the LONG teething phase, so you'll be the new best friend if you get mom and/or dad stocked up on these products. Babies start showing symptoms of teething as early as 3 to 4 months, sometimes earlier. 

I hope this was helpful! Remember that you will be appreciated just for showing up to the shower, with or without a gift. But we hoped to compile a list of some fun shops that maybe you hadn't heard of before, to create a sweet and thoughtful gift. No matter how small or inexpensive the gift is, wrap it up with cellophane and all eyes will be on you as you walk into the party!