Traveling with a new baby and all of their clothes, diapers, toys, strollers, car seats and ‘stuff’ can be a little overwhelming. Here are few tips to make it easier.

Think about how long you will be traveling and be sure to bring enough diapers. Newborns can wet right through down to their blankets.
If you’re going to grandmas’ house, or any destination regularly, you can leave supplies there, that way you don’t need to travel with so much gear. Speaking of so much gear, if you’re struggling with the expense of everything you need to buy for travelling with a baby, check out Shopppok.com where you can look for local classifieds. It’s a great way to save a bit of money. Try to cut down on the amount you buy too; it can be tempting to get everything that’s recommended to you but every mother eventually tailors their own system.
If you are going to be gone for an extended period, organize things in separate bags that fit inside one bag. Color-coded, or clear bags, can come in handy. An inexpensive box of zip lock baggies in different sizes from the grocery store will do well. This is where a good diaper bag comes in handy. It should have enough room to carry everything you need whilst also making it easy to grab things in a rush. For some reviews of the best diaper bags out there check out mommyhood101.
Pack clothing items for the flight in a small carry-on bag along with crackers and something baby can drink. Check the rest of your baggage, especially if it is a non-stop flight.
When planning your plane trip make sure that you leave a half an hour earlier than you would normally. Checking the stroller at the gate is much more convenient. It will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. This could be the time to invest in a car seat that pops in and out of a stroller. You may find a stroller similar to this on websites such as Stroller Buzz, (www.strollerbuzz.com) so that you find traveling with a baby a lot easier. Check with the airline as they all have different policies on bags and strollers. When taking off or landing having the baby nurse or suck on a bottle will help with the pressure in the ears and keep baby more quiet and comfortable.

Before you leave (for a short trip or long), check for a clean diaper, see that food jar lids are tight, and that you have the right clothes for the season. Bring a sling or snuggly for carrying baby to free up your hands for carrying bags and pulling luggage.

While visiting, bringing 2-3 diapers for an hour trip to a store is plenty, along with an extra blanket, one change of clothes, a bottle, crackers or food jars, and a few toys. Don’t forget baby wipes for quick clean ups and a baggie to put the soiled items in.

Remember to be patient and to expect the unexpected. Don’t worry, you’ll figure out what works for you. AND don’t forget Mothers special Blend for sore nipples, diaper rash, and Mom and baby massage.

With a new baby on the way and a changing body you might be trading comfort for fashion for the first time. Keep these fashion tips in mind when shopping:

• Your shoe size might be increasing so don’t spend too much on shoes, but find at least one comfortable, supportive walking shoe. Walking is great exercise. Relax in the evening and ask your partner to give you a foot massage. Keep Mother’s Special Blend handy for this necessary treat.
• Look in your wardrobe for items that can be expanded with a little ingenuity. Think hair tie looped through your button hole onto your button to increase your waistband. Or a shoelace threaded through your jeans. A long cami for support and comfort, covered with a loose top or a short robe for a jacket.
• Borrow clothes from a friend that wears a larger size. Check out a charity shop for classy bargains. Treat yourself to a special maternity outfit that you will wear for special occasions, one that you can wear for more than one pregnancy or for a special keepsake.
• Fashion for the new mom from head to toe starts with a supportive bra. This is the time to ask for help from a foundation expert. Many department stores offer fittings as a free service. Some bras are good expanding all the way through nursing.
• Next is your expanding belly and a comfortable fit. We recommend two items to build your wardrobe on. First is a pair of pregnancy jeans, the other a black skirt with an elastic waistband that you can dress up or down with a top and scarf or two. This is the time to pamper yourself and help prevent stretch marks with Mother’s Special Blend skin toning oil. Apply after a bath or shower on tummy thighs, legs, buttocks, and breasts. Keeping your skin moisturized and soft is key to preventing stretch marks.

Vitamin supplements or vitamin rich foods?

Even when you have a diet with all of the veggies and fruit you can consume you might need some vitamins to supplement your diet. Ask your health care practitioner what the best prenatal vitamin is and then see what your local health food stores offer.

Natural sources of needed vitamins and nutrients:

Calcium – for strong bones and teeth. Calcium also helps your circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems run normally. Dairy products are the richest source of calcium. Many fruit juices and breakfast cereals are fortified with calcium, too.

Folate and folic acid — help prevent birth defects. You need at least 400mc daily
(always check for this on your prenatal  vitamin list of ingredients and adjust the amount with your health care provider, as this nutrient keeps your babies spine and nerves healthy )

Fortified cereals are great sources of folic acid. Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and dried beans and peas are good sources of naturally occurring folate.

Vitamin D3 — Help build your baby’s bones and teeth and keep your bones strong too.
Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, are great sources of vitamin D3. Other options include fortified milk and orange juice.

ALWAYS drink lots of water.

Have fun learning about and choosing the right foods. The internet is a great resource for information that can make you feel confident that you are supporting you and your baby.

Here are a few tips for when you can’t get to sleep:

• Be active everyday, getting your exercise early
• A warm bath with candles will wind you down
• Eating a small amount of yogurt or drinking a cup of camomile tea can help keep you from getting hungry during the night
• Meditate with gentle music that will lull you to sleep
• Make sure to turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed (tv, computers, phones)
• Dimming the lights and listening to soothing music can help make your space conducive to sleep

Having a special date night each week is a must have to maintain the close bond with your partner. Remember they are on the outside wanting to help you anyway they can, and don’t always know how. Share as much of the wonderful things you are experience with your body as you can. Let them into your world so they can experience a bond with your baby as well.

Even after the little one arrives, share the care taking and closeness of being a parent with your partner. They don’t have the maternal bond, so it’s important for them to form a bond of their own. And be there for each other! Even if it’s only a few minutes, take time to show appreciation for each other.

Its always good to have something healthy available that can double as a quick breakfast or filling snack.  I recently discovered this muffin recipe and absolutely love it.  It’s packed with energy and the main ingredient is nutrient rich buckwheat flour, which also happens to be gluten free.  Bananas offer a little something sweet, carrots give a little texture, and flax seeds provide your omega-3s.

Check out the recipe here:

http://www.sheletthemeatcake.com/2010/02/m-c-s-buckwheat-muffins/

The Holidays are here and are often a special time to visit with friends and family.  At special events, look around and you will see the caring faces of people who will be there to help you raise your baby.  Take care of yourself this holiday seasons and break out of your normal routine. There are so many things to enjoy over the holidays!

• Nutritious foods. Good homemade foods that fit the season. There are so many new and traditional dishes, and good company and special foods always make a meal more fun.  Enjoy a nice variety of nourishment for you and baby.

• Good company and conversation. Spend some extra time with family and friends.  These people will be excited for you and your new family.  It is often very mentally nourishing to spend time with people that are important in your life.

• Pampering body care. Being pregnant is a great excuse to take extra special care of your body and health.
  • After a nice meal, get everyone out for a walk.  Take in some fresh air, get the blood moving and stretch out your legs.
  • Take a warm bath.  A good soak will be relaxing and can sooth your muscles.  Use some Mother’s Special Blend afterwards for silky soft skin!
  • Catch some extra ZZZZs!  If you’ve been super busy recently, indulge in a nap or sleep in a little longer.  Good rest is important for a happy you and a healthy baby.

• Books and movies. If you are in a cold climate for the holidays, take advantage of extra time to catch a movie or read a good book.

• Local attractions and events. Check out local attractions or events.  If you’re traveling, this is a good opportunity to see more of a different place.  If you’re at home, its still a good chance to do or see something that’s outside of your normal routine.  It can also be a fun way to visit with friends and family by getting out of the house and doing something new.

Be thankful for all of the good things around you.  Surround yourself with positive experiences and thoughts.

~ Best wishes for the holiday season from Mothers Special Blend