Regardless of where you use the step stool, there are a couple of safety reminders to follow. “Always place step stools on the ground to avoid falls,” says Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatrician, author of “The Working Mom Blueprint,” and founder of Modern Mommy Doc. “They should never be placed on an elevated surface.” To ensure the safety of everyone who uses the step stool, check the manufacturer’s weight recommendations and age requirements....

You might make your purchase from a registry for an easy solution. But in the absence of a registry—or if you’re just looking to personalize your contribution—our list includes some of the best baby shower gifts you can give, whether you’re looking for practical or sentimental picks. Natasha Burgert, MD, a Philips partner pediatrician based in Kansas, explains that the best gifts are “simple, interchangeable, and long lasting.” And ultimately, the best baby shower gifts are ones your guest of honor can really use....

“This is an important developmental time and one during which teens turn away from their families and start to pay more attention to their friends,” family psychologist Jennifer L. Hartstein, Psy.D., tells Verywell Family. “They tend to lean into their peer groups, connecting over things that they enjoy together, like hobbies, sports, etc.” At this age, kids’ brains are developing at different rates, and they’re starting to understand abstract thinking....

If you’re suffering from excessive back pain and pressure during pregnancy, the first step is to see a professional, according to Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, board-certified women’s health specialist and APTA spokesperson. Pagliano tells Verywell Family, “Always seek the advice of a physical therapist if you’re having pain with activity once you’ve discussed it with your OBGYN. You don’t have to accept pain in pregnancy or postpartum just because it’s a common symptom....

Measure the space where you are going to use the baby gate and check the installation method to see if you’ll need any additional tools for assembly. We carefully considered design, material, ease of installation and use, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best baby gates to meet all your babyproofing needs. The optional stop bracket with this system prevents opening over a stairway for even greater safety....

Choosing the right toy laptop can be rather tedious since it will largely depend on your child’s developmental level. The toy should be age-appropriate but still challenging enough to teach them new skills. Other features to look for include entertainment value (does it have lights and sounds), durability, and travel-friendliness. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these features in mind. Here are the best toy laptops on the market....

If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, consider a toddler pillow that’s hypoallergenic as it will be less likely to cause any type of allergic reaction. Double check the bed’s manual to ensure the bed allows the introduction of a toddler pillow at your child’s age. We carefully looked over design, material, ease of cleaning, and age recommendations when reviewing products. So, if you’re in the market for new bedding for your tot, here are the best toddler pillows to consider....

Body Signs of Anorexia Athletica and the Female Athlete Triad Extreme thinness (body fat Loss of appetite Loss of regular periods Constant pain Stress fracturesRepeated injuries Chronic fatigue Poor endurance Amenorrhea Amenorrhea is the medical term for not having a period for more than six months. Most girls should be having regular (monthly) periods by age 14 to 16. Not having a period is a sign that the body is not cycling estrogen as it should....

Taking Responsibility Trent had difficulty taking responsibility for his actions. He had agreed to come home at six o’clock every night, which was very important to his wife, Holly. She worked part-time so that she could be with their infant during the day, and she often needed to leave at six o’clock for night meetings. Trent would occasionally come home on time, but many nights he would be 10, 20, or even 30 minutes late....

Looking back on the last couple of years compared to the 2022 school year, COVID-19 policies are changing as the CDC gathers more data about the virus, including how the infection is spread and how it affects young children. School districts are making their own decisions on how to best protect children based on the COVID-19 data in their area. In this article, we will discuss how the 2022-2023 school year may look, especially for those starting pre-k....

More: Mom Burnout is Real, Here are 5 Ways to Avoid It The Best Podcast for New Parents The Tranquility Tribe Podcast is your go-to podcast for all things pregnancy, birth, and being a new mom! Hosted by a Maternity Concierge and Family Life Educator, the show dives into practical steps to mastering your mindset around having a baby and learning to care for a newborn. The Tranquility Tribe has revolutionized the way women give birth and what it means to “mom” these days!...

More: What Are The Differences Between Doulas, Midwives And Doctors? What Is HypnoBirthing? HypnoBirthing aims to help expecting mothers to deal with fear or anxiety surrounding birth, and involves using self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques to relax the body before and during labor. The goal of HypnoBirthing is that birth will happen more quickly and painlessly because the body doesn’t fight the natural process when it is in a relaxed state....

As part of postpartum recovery, you’ll experience postpartum bleeding that’s typically heaviest right after delivery (this much I knew). I planned to breastfeed but didn’t realize I’d have to deal with sore and painful nipples. Looking back, I wish I had prepared myself more, so I’m sharing my top five postpartum recovery items to add to your own (or your loved one’s) list. To buy: Always Discreet Boutique Underwear, $21; walmart....

More: Pink’s Reason Why She Won’t Share Photos of Her Kids on Social Media Anymore “It can be hard to accept your postpartum body, but switching your perspective on what makes up beauty can be extremely helpful. See each body part for the gift that it is to you as a mother. Those stretch marks remind you that you are a superhero and brought new life into this world. Your body may look different, but you are the most beautiful person in the world to your child,” says Charise Rohm Nulsen, a health and lifestyle blogger of I Thought I Knew Mama....

You might consider having your toddler start preschool a few months before your due date in order to give them time to transition to their new schedule before the baby arrives. Alternatively, time their first day to a few weeks after your delivery so that they won’t be starting school at the exact time you bring the baby home, which may feel like too much at once for both you and your toddler....

Try not to stay more than a few days. Do not interrupt the household routine. Do not take command of the house or the children. Make yourself helpful. Don’t expect to be waited on. Baby-sit and give your daughter an afternoon or evening out. Always clear dates in advance of your visit. This list should get you started. It does, however, take time to fit into this new mode. Let it evolve slowly....