Healthy Yoga Mom

A baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating. Giving them a special smash cake all their own is a fun and celebratory way to mark the occasion. But health-conscious parents may not want to introduce sugar, eggs, chocolate, or other ingredients to children at this age. In my opinion what we provide for them now in life is what they will later crave and look to for comfort. If we give them sweet potatoes and chicken, they will find that delicious, satisfying, and normal. If we give them fast food, their norm will adjust accordingly. Beyond philosophical reasons, many children at this age have not yet been introduced to eggs, and a special first birthday party is probably not the time to do it. Parents may also want to steer clear of chocolate because it contains caffeine.

Luckily there are many delicious and healthy options to make sure your special child gets a memorable first birthday cake. Here is a list of ideas to please every palate. …

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We love books at our house. We have two tall bookshelves overflowing with novels, a wide shelf with children’s books stuffed in at every angle, books stashed in drawers and under beds, and piles of books towering precociously on coffee and end tables. And yet, when I get the question “what books do you like,” I never seem to have the right answer. Well, today I have an answer! Here are five great children’s books that seem to stay at the top of the pile and make their way into our hands whenever it’s time for my children and I to sit in our big arm chair, cuddle up, and read a good story.

1. Marguerite Makes a Book

(by Bruce Robertson)

Fitting of our obsession with books, this book is about making books. It follows a girl in the 1400’s who wants nothing more then to help her father finish the artwork for the handmade book he is making for his patron. It’s an inspiring story of a young girl taking on a challenge and using craftsmanship to prove her talent, while offering historical perspective on how books used to be made. You can read more about the book here. …

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Cloth diapering shouldn’t be complicated. Unfortunately there are so many different styles, folds, and covers it can feel a bit overwhelming.

I’ve put together a quick primer, followed by the solution I used for both my children.

 

 

 

Cloth Diaper Styles

There are various styles of diapers, and if you want to get nitpicky you can read all about them online. (Here is one article on styles of cloth diapers with a pro/con list).  I highly recommend choosing your top five diapers and ordering one of each, then testing them out beforehand. It’s difficult to find brick and mortar stores that have all the styles on hand, and you’ll thank yourself later before you drop a big investment into a large order of them. I describe the top two styles in my book below. …

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We’ve all experienced a midnight rumbling in our bellies at one time or another, but pregnancy takes it to a whole new level. Eight to twelve hours is a long time to go without food and your body and baby may crave nourishment. Waking nightly from a restful slumber is a call you can answer with healthy, filling snacks.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods to quench your cravings and satisfy your growing baby’s appetite. Avoid quick-burn sugary foods and try including something with protein instead. Prepare snacks the day before and have them ready to grab to minimize awake time.

Midnight snack list

• Peanut butter on warm toast
• Mini-bagels and cream cheese
• Turkey sandwich
• Carrots dipped in almond butter
• A boiled egg
• Plain yogurt with a teaspoon of honey (skip sugary yogurt brands)
• Cottage cheese and peaches
• Crackers and hummus

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HealthyYogaMom is written by Tess, a writer and mother of two who is passionate about health, happiness, and a sustainable living on the planet. Learn more about Tess here.