Choking is one of the top fears of parents starting their babies on solids. It can be scary to see your baby gag on food or purées. Interestingly, studies actually show that babies might have the same risk of choking during BLW (baby-led weaning) as infants following traditional spoon-feeding. (2)(3)(4) Still, with proper safety checks and preparation, choking may be prevented. It’s important to ensure that you offer foods with a lower risk of choking, no matter what weaning approach you choose....

We must learn to smile at fear.” – Chogyam Trungpa, Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher & author He uses the imagery of the Warrior archetype to describe the mindset we can adopt to cultivate courage and bravery in the face of adversity and fear. According to his teachings, bravery can be considered a spiritual practice where fearlessness is characterized by the willingness to fully feel and acknowledge our emotions, whether it be sadness, anger, or frustration....

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 people have an active allergy at any given moment and 3 in 4 people develop an allergic reaction at least once in their lives. (1) Whether they be seasonal allergies, skin allergies, or food allergies they’re the result of an overactive immune system. This means that the immune response is overly sensitive to elements in the environment. Allergens include grass, pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, medications, latex, dairy products, gluten, shellfish, eggs, nuts, additives and preservatives, and other chemicals....

But you can also find cheaper options available from each brand’s official website or other online shops. You can also find online importers for European formulas in the US. While these imported formulas may be more expensive than US brands, you can compare prices offered among the online retailers so you can still save some dollars at checkout. Where can you buy baby formula online, and which retailer offers extra options, such as gift cards?...

Now the world’s largest food company, Nestle acquired USA-based Gerber in 2007. (1) Today, Nestle sells different formulas, including Gerber Good Start Formulas. Which of these formulas can be a good choice for your baby? Can they provide complete nutrition, and are there options for babies with sensitive tummies? Read on to find out. Gerber Good Start Formulas Gentle Pro Soothe Pro A2 Extensive HA Soy Grow Nutritious Toddler...

There are two types of pregnancy tests: urine and blood. Although these two differ in methods, all pregnancy tests detect a special hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The developing placenta produces this hormone after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus (implantation). Both types of tests have their advantages and disadvantages. Urine tests can be purchased over-the-counter at any local drug store or online. However, the results from urine tests can also sometimes be inaccurate....

Signs of constipation include bowel movements that occur less often, hard stools that make going to the bathroom painful, having to strain, abdominal pain, and bloating. Constant straining during bowel movements can lead to hemorrhoids. Possible causes of constipation: Unmanaged stress & anxiety Lack of physical movement Dehydration A diet lacking sufficient fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and healthy fats Specific medications Microbiome imbalances Mineral deficiencies Hormonal imbalances While occasional constipation is normal and often resolves on its own chronic constipation may be a sign of a deeper problem with the digestive system....

Although you can survive motherhood without getting one, infant tubs (aka bath seats) can make your life easier. Especially if they offer a bath mat, non-slip seats, or suction cups to help keep the tub securely in place. Baby bathtubs make it easy to bathe your baby in the kitchen sink or bathroom tub. Here are important things to keep in mind when choosing, buying, and using baby bathtubs:...

A good high chair can make mealtimes safe, comfortable, and easier to clean up. It can be useful in BLW (baby-led weaning), by giving your child their own space in the dining room while enjoying meals with the family. If you’re planning to do BLW, you might be asking yourself whether you need a high chair. You might be asking questions like: “How can I get my baby to like their high chair?...

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to our organs and tissues via blood vessels like arteries, veins, and capillaries. When blood flows well throughout the body, we experience a healthy flow of vital energy, known as prana or chi. Poor circulation can lead to irregular blood pressure, varicose veins, potential blood clots, cellulite, and even heart disease. Luckily, there are several ways to improve your blood circulation naturally:...

Lactose-free formulas may come from dairy sources but their lactose component is removed. Dairy-free formulas are those that come from completely non-dairy sources, such as soy or other plants. They’re also lactose-free. Both types of formulas may be ideal if your baby has the following: Colic, reflux, or gas due to food intolerances and sensitivities Frequent constipationor diarrhea Special dietary preferences (such as vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, etc.) Certain medical conditions (cow’s milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance, lactose sensitivity, etc....

This is a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be. This is the place of creative incubation. At first, you may find that nothing happens there. But if you have a sacred place and use it, something eventually will happen… Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.” – Joseph Campbell, author of “The Hero with 1,000 Faces” Time spent in this space is time wisely invested because it serves as an incubator for our ideas, projects, visions, goals, and dreams....

Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil increases their effectiveness. They help essential oils be better absorbed into the skin. A carrier oil (aka base oil) is a vegetable oil typically extracted from the kernels, nuts, or seeds of a plant. Different carrier oils have different health benefits, nourishing effects,and therapeutic properties. They can form an essential part of your beauty and wellness routine. It’s important to make sure you’re only using high-quality body oils....

Proof? The top 10 most popular names for boys are classic favorites that withstand the test of time, according to data collected by the SSA (Social Security Administration): (1) We agree with all the parents who picked these names – they’re cool choices even if they’re a blast from the past. Do you know the meaning of these timeless names? Continue reading to find them in our list of 225+ baby names for your little one....

He’s the principal teacher credited for reviving interest in Hatha Yoga, aka the physical yoga. Krishnamacharya taught several students who then became world-renowned yoga teachers themselves: B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi among others. The film, which was released in 2012, was written by Marieke Schroeder and produced by Jan Schmidt-Garre. The Evolution Of The Physical Practice of Yoga 100 years ago yoga wasn’t considered a form of physical exercise....

The child custody battles are difficult and painful in many relationship conflicts, but agreeing to co-parent can help all the family members cope with the situation. The primary goal of co-parenting is to help your kids deal with difficult changes because of the new arrangement. Studies show that children living with just one parent (sole child custody) may be more likely to develop emotional, behavioral, and mental health problems than those in intact or co-parenting families....

Who Owns Hello Bello? Hollywood actors and husband and wife team Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard co-founded Hello Bello for their two daughters. Is Hello Bello A Good Diaper Brand? Yes. Hello Bello is a cruelty-free brand that prioritizes non-GMO ingredients (free from GMOs or genetically modified organisms) and uses as many organic ingredients as possible. According to the brand’s help desk, they’re currently in the process of getting Non-GMO Project Verified and are already following the Project’s best practice standards....

Although many baby food processors can indeed be expensive, they can also be a handy gadget to have at home to help you prepare baby puree or steam finger foods for baby-led weaning. QOOC baby food makers are all-in-one kitchen tools that steam and blend food for your baby, but are they worth your money? Can you use these food makers to prepare several batches or just a single serving of baby food?...

This creates a snuggling sensation that might calm and comfort your little one. Snuggle Me claims that they’re the inventors of the original baby loungers and the leader in safety for this baby product category. Like other baby loungers, the Snuggle Me is a baby product that gives extra support when you need another pair of arms to hold your baby. Thanks to this lounger and other similar products, parents like you can relax for a while and rest your tired arms....

They’re a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), not to be confused with HSV-2 which causes genital herpes. They manifest as small fluid-filled blisters that appear on the outer edge of the lips though they can also appear in the nose or cheek area. Cold sores are contagious (even if the blisters aren’t visible) and can be spread by close personal contact, kissing, and oral sex....