With the busy hustle of summer, I figured it might be fun to share some parenting tips and tricks that help myself and my family on the daily! Some of these are feeding related, but many are simply valuable tips and knowledge I’ve gathered along the way! Keep in mind, many of these are specific to my family and myself, but can always be modified to fit your needs as well!
When you open formula or prepare food, always write the date on the container! This will help you keep track of how long things have been sitting before being served!
Cluster Feeding is very real for breastfeeding babies, combofeeding babies, and formula feeding babies!
One of the best moments during the first week of my daughter’s life = my parents came over, watched baby, and let me take an uninterrupted nap! I slept so deeply for ~3 hours and felt SO REFRESHED afterwards! Take that nap or whatever you need, especially early on!
You CAN ask for help!! In fact, you SHOULD! “It takes a village!”
Work on establishing your “village” from the start! Whether it is full of family, lifelong friends, or neighbors you just met- start forming those bonds and building that village!
Start Introducing Common Food Allergens once you are starting solid foods!
Really struggling to calm baby down or keep your toddler from destroying everything in sight?! Nature and water always do the trick!
Take baby outside!
Try a bath!
Fresh air, sunlight, and water can do amazing things! In some ways, we are kind of like super fancy houseplants if you think about it lol
Kindness and empathy can go a longgg way.
Write things down! Write reminders! Mom Brain is very real
Extra tip: In my Google Calendar, I put reminders for myself for moments in the year! This includes things like a yearly reminder before school ends, “get teachers gifts!” as well as personal reminders, “this x time period is very busy for us” so I can prepare a bit better!
**Our personal crazy busy times = early Feb (dance competition time!) + May (end of school/start of summer!) + Mid- July (W’s bday + summer + busy season of work) + Last Weeks of August + Last Weeks of October. Leaving myself a reminder during these timeframes has been incredibly helpful!!
Maybe one of the most important things I've learned along the way though?
There will always be someone who does not agree with your parenting choices or style. You don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea. Just the best possible tea for your child!
Practical Tips & Resources:
Since the formula shortage has unfortunately continued on + we can clearly see how important total infant feeding education is, check out a resource I made- I've updated my infant formula comparables guide which categorizes each formula based on nutrient breakdown and other special features! It also has common terms to know when it comes to formula feeding!
Storage Guidelines
Wondering how long a bottle of breastmilk can remain at room temperature? Confused about how long prepared infant formula can stay in the refrigerator? Not sure about the storage guidelines for breastmilk and formula?
Take a peek at a recent Instagram Post + Check Out Our Shop For Resources!!
Parenting can be so hard. Confusing. Overwhelming. Difficult, Scary.
Let's end with 10 affirmations for those difficult days. Those tough moments.
Take a breath & repeat after me <3
I am a strong and capable mother, providing the best care for my baby.
I trust my instincts and make choices that are best for both myself and my baby.
I am patient and understanding as I navigate the journey of infant feeding.
I embrace the unique bond I share with my baby during feeding times.
I am grateful for the opportunity to nourish and nurture my baby through feeding.
I am doing my best, and that is more than enough for my baby.
I listen to my baby's cues and respond with love and care during feeding.
I am confident in my ability to provide the nourishment and comfort my baby needs.
I prioritize self-care to ensure I have the energy and strength to care for my baby.
I seek support and guidance when needed, knowing that I am not alone on this journey.
Remember, every parent and baby are unique, and the most important thing is to create a positive and nurturing environment for both yourself and your baby during feeding times. You deserve joy. You deserve peace.
You are doing a wonderful job!
❤❤
Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3
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Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)
Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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