Mother’s Day Gift Idea

You might want to pass this post along to the one who will be buying you a gift…I’ve decided all moms, especially ones with newborns, need a Kindle- the Amazon book reader.

There are 2 main reasons for this:

1. When my new baby napped in my arms is when I finally had the time to read The Baby Book and The No Cry Sleep Solution, and all the rest of my untouched books on my nightstand…but after I figured out how to balance those huge books on my lap without disturbing baby,  inevitably the minute I would turn the page the crackling noise of the paper would wake him.  How was I ever going to learn how to put him down to sleep if I couldn’t get past the first page of the book without waking him? Even when I discovered the quietest way to turn the page, the awkward way I had to position my arms and crane my neck left me uncomfortable and hardly able to focus on my reading material. The Kindle changed things- the pages turn with the silent press of a button, and it weighs next to nothing. (Also a plus, since you can throw it in your diaper bag without taking up precious space.)

2. It holds over a thousand books. This is important because as you’ll soon see your bookshelf will be completely taken over and crowded out by copies of Happy Baby: 123, Dinosaur Roar, etc etc etc…so you’ll have no room for books of your own- problem solved with your new digital book!

You can also adjust the font size if you’re reading in a dimly lit room- key during naptime…

I was a reluctant convert, because I LOVE books so much, specifically the physicality of them. I thought a digital reader would somehow take away the magic…but there were books I wanted to read, and it doesn’t matter how much I love them if I never have a chance to read! My husband, knowing I was on the fence about it, bought me a Kindle as a gift so I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, how “real book” it seemed, and how much reading I actually got to do!

You can also subscribe to the Integrative Mom blog on your Kindle, and every time I post something new, you can read it there!

Slides and Fractures

Just something I came across and wanted to share:

Broken legs from sliding down the slide are a common playground injury in children aged 14-32 months.  You may already know this, but the reason is what I didn’t know:  This happens most often when the child is sitting on an adult’s lap while sliding. These findings were published in The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. It makes sense when you think about it- the adult’s weight propels the duo down the slide, and if a tiny foot gets stuck on the side (which happens often) it can result in a tibia fracture.

Conclusion? From the Journal: “If the child is unable to use the slide independently, another activity would be more appropriate.”

Ask Holly: Coconut Water During Pregnancy?

Hi Holly-

I have been seeing coconut water in lots of stores lately and wanted to ask you- is it safe to drink during pregnancy? If so, what are the benefits of drinking coconut water? Thanks.

Jessica S.

Athens, GA

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for your question. It’s one I’m asked often. Yes, it is safe to drink coconut water during pregnancy, and there are many benefits. Here are the top 3, in my opinion:

  • It treats morning sickness by keeping you hydrated- coconut water is full of electrolytes and better than any “sports drink” on the market.
  • It regulates your digestive system- it’s no secret, pregnancy slows everything way down, and coconut water will keep things moving!
  • It contains lauric acid- helpful for baby’s developing brain.

Look for the brands in the aseptic tetrapaks, and drink up!

Sprout Organic Baby Food

Has your baby tried Sprout Organic Baby Food?  If not, he should.  This might very well be the best tasting baby food on the market.  (Yes, I try them all personally to taste what baby is eating!)  My son, who never really likes any commercially prepared baby food, loves Sprout.  This is the only kind he will actually finish a whole serving of, then ask for more.

Sprout comes in many exciting flavor combinations created by celebrity chef Tyler Florence.  Our favorites are: Peach Rice Pudding, Pasta with Lentil Bolognese, Roasted Pears & Apricots, and Baked Sweet Potatoes & White Bean.

Baby loves Sprout, it’s made of a variety of healthy foods, and it’s 100% organic!  What more could you ask for?