Nanny to Mommy

Bringing home a new baby is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences of parenthood. While you’re preparing the nursery, stocking up on diapers, and mentally adjusting to life with a newborn, there’s one family member you may be overlooking: your dog.

When I was pregnant with my first child, one of my biggest worries was how our beloved dog would handle the transition. Would he be jealous? Would he feel neglected or, worse, act out? These concerns kept me up at night. The good news is, with a little preparation and thoughtful planning, the transition from “only fur-child” to “big furry sibling” can go surprisingly well.

I’m not a dog trainer or a behaviorist, but I am a mom who’s been through it, and these are the practical steps that worked for our family. Every dog is different whether you have a Bernedoodle or Great Dane, so your results may vary, but I hope our experience offers some guidance and reassurance. 

1. Breastfeed
My TOP Tip for saving money with a baby is breastfeeding. No wasting anything, no cleaning anything. Even after breast pads (which Udder Covers sells a variety of reusable ones), cream, and a nursing cover (FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers with code BABYSAVINGS, just pay S&H), you still pay less than formula. If you need to pump, go through your insurance to get one. A law was just passed so you should be able to get a hospital grade quality pump completely free! Having supply issues? Try this Supply Boosting Cookie Recipe.
Although I am a very strong breastfeeding advocate, I do realize that it's not for everyone and sometimes you need to supplement, and formula is expensive. Here are some well-known formula makers, that you can sign up for email updates, along with money saving coupons and checks, they will sometimes send you samples. :)

2. Cloth Diaper
Okay I am going to be honest. I never cloth diapered. I did see a ton of benefits, except the extra laundry which meant more of my time. And being a full-time mom, plus taking care of my friend's daughter, AND now being a Professional Blogger, I feel my time is valuable. Now I am NOT saying that people who cloth diaper don't value their time. This is just the reason I didn't BUT saying all that, I am seriously considering it with my next baby.
The upfront cost is what is so hard to swallow. My friend found this site called Alvababy.com that sells cloth diapers for $5!!!
Now, again, I understand that clothing diapering isn't for everyone, so I suggest looking into the following retailers for possible coupons or samples. Also, there are a TON of printable coupons online as well.
Huggies, Pampers (save points through their Gifts To Grow program and get cool stuff, like FREE Shutterfly products). Thing to remember when buying diapers is, the bigger the diaper, the fewer in the package, so make absolutely sure before you move up a size. And remember nothing is wrong with store brand, test them out, they may work for you. And if you are couponing, buy in BULK. Tape the receipt to the box, so you can exchange them if need be.

3. Make Your OWN Baby Food
I made about half of Sweet Pea's baby food. I had a food processor that got shocked during a lightning storm, even though we have surge protectors. PLUS, I found jar baby food to be easier when we were on the go. But of course, even that didn't make the task any easier. Invest in a good food processor and you're good to go. Make a TON and then freeze it.
Not into Homemade Baby Food? I signed up with Beechnut (who send you a welcome package for whatever stage your child enters) and Earth's Best. I also contacted HappyBaby who sent me free samples and coupons to try their products. Of course I love Buddy Fruits as well. Look into ingredients with whatever baby food you choose.


4. Make Your OWN Baby Clothes
Okay I never did this, but I LOVE Pinterest and look at the most adorable things I have found:
Turn Old T-Shirts into Baby Sacks
Old Shirts into Dress
No Sew Onesie Make-Over
Those are just some ideas. You can also cut old onesies, hem it, and make them into shirts. Also look into garment extenders. There also a TON of online sites I love that sell baby clothes really cheap, including: Totsy, ThredUp (like new, used clothes), Zulily, and WittleBee. Another great way to save money on baby clothes is to shop consignment shops or yard sales. My mother-in-law did this for us. Our crib AND changing table were practically new, and she only paid $150 for both! So, deals are to be had and don't be afraid to haggle. Also, there are some online sites where you can exchange stuff, like TheBump's Swap Spot board, SwapMamas.com, there are multiple Facebook groups, or if you feel like risking it, Craig's List. I have had a lot of luck with TheBump and SwapMamas! ALSO, don't snub your nose at sales racks. There is nothing wrong with your baby wearing last year's fashion when you are on a budget!

5. Everything Can Be a Toy
Boxes, pots, and pans; OH MY! My daughters' FAVORITE toys are not the ones we intended for her. Although she loves her Sophie the Giraffe, is that a practical toy for the mom and dad who are on a budget to buy? Not really. Pans with plastic spoons are musical instruments. I also love Coffee mate containers filled with dry beans. They are BPA-free and make a great rattle!

6. Baby Gear is Expensive
Free is nice, but there are some things that are just going to be expensive because safety is more valuable in the long run. Car Seats are something you should NOT get used because you don't know if it was in a car accident. And even cheap ones can run between $60 to $100. If you don't get one as a baby shower gift, just remember, even the cheap ones have to meet the same standards according to government regulation as the higher end ones. You can read more about Car Seat Safety HERE.

7. Don't Waste Money on NON-Essentials
Poor new, first-time parents. We fall for the gimmicks left and right of things we MUST register for and buy to have everything ready for baby. I have found that a diaper changing pad on top of a dresser, can not only save money but also save space. And don't buy expensive crib bedding sets, the Consumer Product Safety Administration AND the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against thick comforters and crib bumpers. So why are they still sold like that? Beats me. But all you need is a fitted sheet and a thin blanket. You also don't NEED a wipe warmer either. Be practical and do your research. Don't register for it but if you get it as a gift just say, "Thank You". And just ask for the gift receipt later. :D

I hope you found this list helpful. And for the experienced parent's out there, what tips do you have to save money on baby?

As moms, we live and learn every single day. Some lessons are tough and come from experience, while others, thankfully, we learn just in time. During Child Passenger Safety Week, I feel it’s so important to share my personal story in hopes of helping other parents avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made.

I’m not a certified car seat technician, and I don’t claim to be an expert. But I am a mother with real-world experience and that counts for something. My goal isn’t to judge or shame; it’s to educate and support. Parenting is hard enough without the added fear that we’ve unknowingly put our child in danger. So, let’s walk through some key car seat safety tips, together.

Panama City Beach here we come! Yes there are TWO WEEKS until our vacation so (since I am doing my own bit of packing) I thought I would share my advice and experience for packing with a small child/infant.

There are SO many things you need when you are going on vacation for a child. Things that aren't even in your normal every day life that you wouldn't think about packing.




First of all you need to think about where your child is going to sleep. We took a pack-n-play for my daughter to sleep in last year and plan to do the same this year. BUT if you have limited space, maybe you can call the hotel/condo and see if they have a crib, pull away bed, pack-n-play, or some other portable bed for your child to sleep in. Some nights my daughter would end up in the bed with us. I was still nursing and it was only in the wee hours of the morning. This is what she was use to at home though. I suggest trying to stick to your normal sleep schedule as much as possible or slightly adjust it as the days go on. Just remember that when you get home, your child will still be on vacation time if you change their normal routine too much.

Next thing to consider is food. If your baby is on formula, you should DEFINITELY bring enough formula for the entire trip so you can make sure you can get the good deals. What I highly suggest is buying snacks or foods that your child loves but doesn't get very often, that way when you are out at a restaurant, they have their pre-meal snack and are pre-occupied with it as well. And if you don't mind nursing in public then I wouldn't worry about a pump. But if you milk share or are a power pumper and you are flying, I would call the airline ahead to make sure they know you are bringing breastmilk on board and ask for any of the rules that go with that.

Okay so now that the two main factors are considered. Remember you are going to need two outfits per day. Plus an extra outfit, just in case. Also bring as many bathing suits as you have. If you can afford it, I suggest getting at least two bathing suits for your little one. That way they don't have to put on a cold one. Little ones just don't understand and won't want to put it on or will scream, so it will save you the headache.   Remember the sunscreen! I suggest BabyGanics because the FDA doesn't regulate sunscreen and this one is really the safest for baby on the market.  Also remember to bring any loveys and a backup if you have it. Also anything that will make the new place like home. If you do a bed time routine that includes reading, then bring books. If your child prefers a certain type of sippy cup, bring only that kind along. Children don't do well with change and this will make the adjustment easier and help you stay sane.  

With a child you learn about things that you never thought wold be an issue. In the past few weeks my family has been dealing with Hand, Foot, Mouth or HFM, Sty/Stye also known as Hordeolum, and then a suspected urinary tract infection believed to be caused by bubble baths.

She seems pretty happy about it.

        First of all I had never heard of HFM. As most of you know, I worked at a day care and was a nanny for five years. I never have even crossed a case of HFM. But apparently it is on the rise. What it is are small red bumps located on the child's hands, feet, mouth, and around their buttock. According to the pediatrician, there is a rise in outbreaks and my daughter had a very mild case because she was showing little to no signs of pain. She did not want to eat which is normal considering that is where the bumps first appear. The cause is from children putting their hands or feet in their mouth. If the child's hand aren't properly washed all the time then the germs can cause this. As with other things, I believe there really isn't a rise of this disease just a more knowledgeable population.



Next on to Stye Eye. The little girl I take care of has a stye that she may have to get removed. Styes are not suppose to last more than two weeks and although not painful can be irritating. They are usually caused by germs getting in the eye due to excessive rubbing of the eyes. The way to get rid of a stye is by making sure the area stays clean, avoiding touching the eye, and warm compresses 4 to 5 times a day.


The Case of the Bad Bubble Bath:
Did you know that you are not suppose to use bubble bath even as an adult? The FDA says they can not regulate any shampoo, conditioner, other hair products, soaps, body wash, or bubble baths because they are not considered something that is consumed. But these types of products go over our eyes, ears, mouths, and pores through out our skin. For 25 years studies have shown that bubble baths are not safe but yet now we have Sponge Bob Bubble Bath, they even make a variety of Baby Bubble Baths. I did not know I wasn't suppose to be giving my daughter bubble baths. I remember having bubble baths as a child and thought what better way to make a bath fun.  My daughter was showing signs of discomfort so we took her to the doctor. I wish it didn't come to my daughter's discomfort for me to realize that the chemicals used in your everyday products, aren't always as safe as you think they are. The doctor said let them play in the plain water, then stand them up, wash them off, rinse off with a cup or bucket of some sort, and take them out. And as cute as bubble bath pictures are, they aren't worth the discomfort of your little one.


This all basically comes down to this...wash your child's hands as often as you would your own and watch the labels on the products you use. Also do research. I would have never guessed bubble bath was harmful until this happened. So if you don't know what a chemical on a label is, then look it up. HFM, Stye, and Bubble Bath mishaps are all common mistakes that I just don't want you to make. And if you are reading this thinking it could never happen to me, well I thought that same thing.

I breastfed my daughter for a year. And it was hard. I struggled with supply issues and the pain in the beginning was almost unbearable (she had trouble latching on). The lactation consultant wanted me to use a nipple shield which only confused me. But I worked through it and we actually made it to fourteen months. And I'm not gonna lie, yes she self weaned but I encouraged it because I wanted my body back. And saying all that, I can't wait to do it with my next baby. It was such a wonderful experience. The snuggling, the bond, the empowerment! It's amazing what a woman's body is capable of doing. Not only can you give birth but you can make food! It's wonderful and even through the hard parts I loved every minute of it.




It's World Breastfeeding Week, and in honor of it, I decided I would tell you the best advice ever given to me.

1. It's hard but you can do it. - There are so many things that can happen, low supply issues, thrush, mastitis, poor latching. But with each one you can work through it. My daughter had poor latching in the beginning due to an undiagnosed lip tie and my body conformed to her, we just had to keep working at it. We also had low supply issues, I nursed frequently, pumped, took fenugreek, and ate breastfeeding cookies. The cookies were the best part. ;)

2. Use nipple cream after EVERY time you nurse. - Your nipples get chapped and that sucks. I suggest Lansinoh.

3. Wake that baby up and nurse every two hours. - Once your colostrum is gone, your milk needs to come in and this is the only to make sure it does. My daughter was jaundice so I received this advice from her pediatrician, FIVE days after she was born. I have a very PRO-breastfeeding pediatrician and without this advice my milk may never have come in. Also feed on demand. Nursing should be your go to thing when your baby cries. And nurse when you feel like you need to. This will help your milk come in, keep your supply up, and help you from getting engorged. If you can't nurse when you feel the need to, then pump.

I miss this.

4. It's really not as exhausting as you think. - You are exhausted in the beginning just by having a newborn. Breastfeeding won't change that. Don't give up just because you think it's exhausting. What's more exhausting? Turning over and nursing your little one or going to make a bottle and then feeding a screaming baby?

5. Push through it. - My husband said this. He wasn't quite on board with breastfeeding and I think that had to do with the fact, he had never known someone to breastfeed and we were new parents. He said this to me after a long night and I was crying from exhaustion. He said remember you wanted this and you know it's best for her, so push through it. I think this goes along with, 'You can do it'. But it really does needs to be emphasized.

So what was the best breastfeeding advice you heard? And for you pregnant-first time moms, why are you looking forward to nursing?

These cookies are so YUMMY! I got them from Dr.Momma.org - Peaceful Parenting.

Major Milk Makin' Cookies
Recipe by Kathleen Major
Detailed recipe with photos found here

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 3/4 c. oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 c. almond butter or peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. flax
3 T brewer's yeast (I bought the wrong kind but you need this to help with supply)
1/3 c. water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
2 c. (12oz) chocolate chips (I used white chocolate)
1 c. chopped nuts of your choice (I used Macadamia)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
In a large bowl, beat almond butter, butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, brewer's yeast, flax and water until creamy.
Mix in eggs.
Gradually beat in flour mixture.
Mix in nuts and chocolate chips.
Add oats slowly, mixing along the way.

Place balls of dough onto greased baking sheets or baking stones.
Press down each ball lightly with a fork.
Bake 12 minutes.

CIO or Cry It Out. I can NOT do this method. I was always the one (before I ever got pregnant) to say, 'Oh they'll be fine, just let them cry'. In fact I pretty sure I said this to a few of my friends who had babies.

Being a nanny I never had to use this method. Both kids would just go to sleep when you put them in a crib or bed. Of course I don't know how they would do at night.

My niece was always a screamer because she had TERRIBLE acid relux. And my nephew would sleep anywhere!

Parents.com and WhatToExpect.com has informed me that I should let my child 'cry it out' so she will learn to self-soothe. I can NOT do this.







It's actually quite funny because 'Raising Hope' just did an episode about this.

I've really, truly never have been a big fan of the CIO method. I don't see how people couldn't just get to a certain point and pick the baby up. I know this is one of those BIG controversial mom debates. But I want to know, is there a way to adjust them without crying?

Since I have a little girl this has been a hot topic of discussion lately in my personal life and online.

I have decided we will wait until she tells us she wants it done. My mom did with me and in my opinion that's what's best. She is my daughter and that is how I see it.

See here's the thing I cried when she got her shots and those were things she needed. I couldn't imagine putting pointless holes into my daughter that will leave scars on her just because 'they look cute'. If she decides she wants her ears pierced than we will get them done for her. I want to be able to explain to her what is going on. People like to say the issue is pain. I got mine done at five and I can't remember the pain. I got my second holes done at 13 and I can't remember the pain. Just because a doctor's office will do it doesn't mean it is necessarily a good thing. Plus, when she is older I can teach her how to take care of them herself and I don't have to worry about one more thing as a new mom.

My husband and I agree on this issue. We have before she was born.

Another issue people point out is comparing it to circumcision. Yes, if we had/have a little boy we would get him circumcised. The reason we would do this is because his father is and we wouldn't want him to feel awkward. To me there is no comparison. They are two totally different things. And we are not saying we would NEVER get her ears pierced. We just don't want to until she's old enough to accept the responsibility herself since it is not a necessary thing. But we will only get them done if SHE CHOOSES to. It's her body, her ears, her decision.

Now I do not judge others who do it. I actually do think it looks cute. I just don't feel like it's my decision to make.

So Momma's with little girls (or soon-to-bes) what are you going to do? What's your view on the issue?

I was going through my Facebook feed and I follow babycenter. They posted an interesting blog, so I thought I would share my views. :)

"I always knew that the moment I held my baby in my arms for the first time I’d feel love like never before. What I didn’t know was that with great love, comes paralyzing fear and massive guilt. Wasn’t quite prepared for that." - read more posted in Honor of BabyCenter's Guilt-Free Parenting Week. So here are the things I won't feel guilty about as a new mom:

1. Making Mistakes. (At least I'll try not to feel guilty.) This is my first baby so I'm going to make mistakes. Example: We took Sweet Pea to the park on Sunday. It was windy and sunny. We forgot a sun hat. I rocked her to sleep on the swing, making sure to cover her face, and then I put her in her stroller so the wind and sun would be off her. As they say, 'You live and learn.'

2. Breastfeeding. Sometimes I have to nurse in public. My baby doesn't take a bottle from me. And I am a terrible pumper (or it could be my pump). Why would she when mommy is so close by? She is also already developing a stranger anxiety with people she doesn't see often (I didn't know they developed it this early but apparently they do). So please explain to me what I'm suppose to do? I cover up and it's the most natural thing in the world. All mammals do it. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, don't look.

3. Passing her off to Daddy when he gets home from work. Two reasons this doesn’t bother me: One, being the only caregiver all night and day is tiring, and I am appropriately exhausted by the time someone else walks in the door, and two, I know daddy misses his baby time as much as Sweet Pea misses her daddy time. :]

4. Not Doing Housework. I won’t feel guilty about putting my baby before my housework. Some things are more important in life. She will only be this age once, the housework will still be there.

5. Letting her be a Kid. I will not feel guilty about her watching TV or eating out every once in a while when she gets older. I did when I was a kid and so did my husband and we are capable, functioning adults. I will raise my kid and not have the TV do it for me. I will not feel guilty about letting her get dirty and be a kid. Jumping in puddles is dirty and fun. And as I said before they are only this age once.

6. Co-sleeping. Nursing has been great for us so far but I was completely incapable of sitting up to nurse at 12, 2, 4, and 6 when she was a newborn. We figured out the side-lying nursing thing and haven’t looked back. Now she doesn't sleep in our bed the entire night like she did when she was a newborn but I enjoyed every minute of it when she did and I actually miss it now.

7. My Birth Story. Lastly, I was induced because of my blood pressure, I had an epidural because I'm a wuss. I only wanted my husband in there with me because no one was there when we created her. I love my birth story and no one is going to make me feel guilty or try to steal my joy about it one way or the other. And that is that.





So mommas or soon-to-bes, what are some things you refuse to feel guilty about?