For those lucky enough to be born in March, count yourself among a select group of creative dreamers who are empathetic and optimistic. According to studies (and a smidge of astrology, if you believe in that kind of thing), here are eight cool traits and factoids that make March birthdays special.

Looking for other months? Check out interesting facts about people born in April, people with February birthdays, and facts about people born in May.

You might end up with a night owl

According to this sleep study published by the National Library of Medicine, sleep habits are affected by when you’re born. The findings suggest that kids born in spring and summer tend to stay up later than those born during the winter months due to the increased photoperiod directly after birth, which leads to phase delay (your body telling you it’s nighttime and therefore bedtime) of the human circadian system.

March is a month of dreamers and heroes

Those born under the sign of Pisces are also charismatic, affectionate, and generous. If you’ve got a Pisces baby, support their boundless imagination with plenty of pretend play, creative outlets, and games. Because those born under this half of March’s zodiac sign are empathetic, they’ll go above and beyond for their loved ones. 

The birthstone for March represents youth, good health, and hope

The aquamarine gem is a luxurious blue, and while it isn’t considered a precious stone, is often associated with not only good health and hope but a feeling of calm, trust, and fearlessness. According to Truly Experiences, sailors used to carry aquamarine with them on sea voyages for protection, as the semi-precious gem was thought to be the treasure of the mermaids.

March babies have pretty good eyesight

While winter-born babies have the best vision overall, babies born in spring have been shown to have better eyesight than their summer friends, according to a study of 300,000 military applicants. A co-author of the study explains that babies born in the summer months have a 25% chance of becoming nearsighted. The reason? The study suggests that the cause might be long-term exposure to natural light in early life.

Solitude is a must for some of those with March birthdays

Pisces babies (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) love people, but they love solitude just as much. Known as super creative and imaginative, March babies enjoy getting lost in their thoughts and are content to spend time alone.

March babies are romantic and soulful

Guided more by intuition than by structure, those born under the sign of Pisces are ideal partners and friends. They tend to be compassionate and have an open heart that forgives and forgets easily. They can tap into the feelings of their loved ones and be empathetic, which is a plus in moments of conflict.

There are plenty of celebrities with March birthdays

Famous people like a little extra luck too! People born in March share their birthday month with lots of famous people, including Justin Bieber, Shaquille O’Neal, Chuck Norris, Queen Latifah, Reese Witherspoon, Bruce Willis, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Park, and more.

—with additional reporting by Karly Wood

 

These back-to-school books are sure to soothe the new year nerves

Whether your kids are headed for the classroom for the first time or they’re heading to a brand-new school, stress levels can be high (for both parents and kiddos). We love the idea of incorporating these back-to-school books into the bedtime routine. They talk about what it’s like to be without mom and dad all day, validate anxious feelings, and show kids that they’re not alone. These back-to-school books also teach little ones ways to handle those jitters so they can feel ready for whatever adventures the school year brings.

From kindergarten help to handling food allergies, these books have everyone covered. We’ve made sure that there’s something for every kiddo. Get the family together and snag a few of these great reads to make sure everyone is feeling their best this year. Backpack, lunch box, and new back-to-school books. That’s a winning combination!


Nothing Stays the Same is a good back-to-school-book
Mighty + Bright

Nothing Stays the Same (but That's Okay): A Book to Read When Everything (or Anything) Changes

$13+ BUY NOW

Every kid will face change: whether it's a new house, family changes, or moving schools. Author and child behavior expert Sara Olsher reminds kids (and their grownups) that it's actually okay. Facing our fears and the unknown is scary, but Olsher aims to give kids knowledge—the best defense against anxiety and fear. Whether it's a big change or something small, this book will help normalize the inevitability of change, giving kids the confidence that they can handle it. Ages: 4-10


I Am Every Good Thing is a Back-to-School book
Nancy Paulsen Books

I Am Every Good Thing

$13+ BUY NOW

Author Derrick Barnes captures the young and confident Black narrator of this book perfectly, demonstrating the pure joy of childhood where each day brings challenges and adventures. The vivid and beautifully done illustrations by Gordon C. James make this book one that will inspire your kids to embrace their own beauty even if things aren't always perfect or they make mistakes. This one teaches them to stay true to their truth, even when they are misunderstood or called things they're not. Ages: 3-8


Misty the oven mitt is a back to school book
America's Test Kitchen

Mitsy the Oven Mitt Goes to School: A Story About Being Brave

$14+ BUY NOW

In this heartwarming and playful back-to-school book from America's Test Kitchen, we meet Mitsy, a young oven mitt who has spent her whole life in the mitten factory. When she's accepted to Miss Copperpot's Academy for Useful Utensils, she's definitely nervous. But her first days at school bring together a great cast of characters, inspiring kitchen facts, and a story to empower kids so that when they feel nervous like Misty, they remember that they can do anything. Ages: 4-8


Jessica Kingsley Publishers

The Nervous Knight: A Story about Overcoming Worries and Anxiety

$16 BUY NOW

'The Nervous Knight' by Lloyd Jones gets kids talking about what causes them to be anxious, thanks to a young knight-in-training who's never without his armour. When we get kids talking, we can normalize these feelings and help them problem solve ways to feel better. This one also includes a guide for parents to help keep the conversation flowing. Ages: 5-7


Viking Books for Young Readers

Not Yeti

$16 BUY NOW

Monsters are loud. And rude. They like to smash things and they always need to be right. But not Yeti. Yeti is different. He bakes banana bread and sings to whales and always has something nice to say. This book by Kelly DiPucchio gets kids thinking about the benefits of being different so that they have the confidence to be themselves everywhere, including at school. Ages: 4-8


sesame street offers good back-to-school books
Random House Books for Young Readers

What If…? Answers to Calm First-Day-of-School Jitters

$9 BUY NOW

Young kids can have lots of anxiety, especially when faced with something new, (like starting school, of course). Luckily, Elmo and his Sesame Street friends are here to relieve those first-time jitters! This back-to-school book by Sonali Fry answers lots of questions (What if I don't like my teacher? What if I don't know where the bathroom is?) to ease your little one's worries. Ages: 4-6


Flamingo Books

My School Stinks!

$14 BUY NOW

The whole family will love this hilarious back-to-school story by Becky Sharnhorst. Told through journal entries about a boy who finds himself at a new school where the other students are REAL animals, he's even dealing with a locker buddy who bites! Is faking sick going to get him out of school? You'll have to read to find out! Ages: 5-7


Mascot Books

Am I a Unicorn?

$15 BUY NOW

In her latest book, author Stephanie Sorkin teaches children the valuable lessons of embracing their uniqueness and accepting others for who they are inside. The story touches on self-esteem and diversity, ultimately teaching the important lesson of accepting everyone's individuality. Ages: 5-8


The King of Kindergarten is a cute back-to-school book for little kids
Nancy Paulsen Books

The King of Kindergarten

$10+ BUY NOW

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone. The hero of this back-to-school book by Derrick Barnes is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. Starting school with positive energy is a great way to get past all of the new school year nerves. Ages: 4-6


Mascot Books

Nutley the Nut-Free Squirrel

$14 BUY NOW

Being different can be hard, especially when you are dealing with a nut allergy. This sweet story from author Stephanie Sorkin delves into the ups and downs of food allergies in an easy to understand way. Bonus: all proceeds from this book go to F.A.R.E, an organization dedicated to food allergy research and education. Ages: 2-6


How to Be Kind in Kindergarten: A Book for Your Backpack

$6+ BUY NOW

From the best-selling author D. J Stenberg, here’s a guidebook that shows kids how to be kind in the new and exciting world of kindergarten. Helping out classmates and cheering up kids who look sad are great ways to make new kindergarten friends. Ages: 3-5


Orchard Books

The Worrysaurus

$9 BUY NOW

It's a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy. This book by Rachel Bright normalizes feelings of worry and helps to problem solve ways to make yourself feel better. 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

This might be the easiest dessert you make, ever

Fun dessert alert! Did you know you can whip up your batch of ice cream right at home without any extra appliances? All you need are the right ingredients and plastic bags. Read on for the “scoop” on how to make homemade ice cream in a bag.

Ingredients for Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag:

1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk (will make about one scoop of ice cream, can sub soy, coconut, or rice milk or use cream)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
6 tbsp. rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes

How to Make Ice Cream at Home:

1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt.

2. Seal the bag.

3. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.

4. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.

5. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.

6. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.

Insider Tips:

A 1/2 cup of milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don’t increase the proportions more than that—a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy. This ice cream won’t have quite the same consistency as a pint of store-bought, but you can control the ingredients so that’s a big win.

If there is a milk allergy, try this with fruit juice. Use straight pineapple juice—it’s a terrific fruit sorbet. OR rice/soy milk as the milk substitute.

This recipe for how to make homemade ice cream in a bag is courtesy of Yuumii, an online community founded by a San Francisco family who wanted to come up with creative ways to spend more quality time with their kids.

Related: 15 Sweet Ice Cream Sundae Bar Ideas

 

If your toddlers are like mine, they want to snack constantly yet getting them to eat something convenient and nutritious is a challenge. Rather than take the easy way out and feed my toddlers a steady diet of mac n’ cheese I asked MamaDoc Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, a pediatrician, mother to two, and Chief Medical Officer at SpoonfulONE for some advice.

Dr. Swanson shared some of her favorite, nutritious, high-protein toddler snacks that your little one will love. You can feel confident about as a parent because they are the same snacks Dr. Swanson fed her own toddlers.

In general, there’s a lack of diverse foods in baby and toddler foods on the market,  so finding a variety of healthy snacks is your toddler likes is important. When thinking about offering a snack, Dr. Swanson advises parents to do their best to keep the sugars low and the protein levels high. She suggests offering lots of diverse colors and textures. According to Dr. Swanson, offering a diverse diet doesn’t just ensure your toddler gets the nutrients they need, it also lowers the risk of developing a food allergy.

photo: Vitolda Klein via Unsplash

Here are Dr. Swanson’s top 10 snacks for toddlers:

  • Hummus and veggies are a great source of fiber and protein. Try carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes for variety.
  • Make a smoothie packed with fruits and maybe even a handful of spinach for vitamin K. This is a great way to introduce foods with new colors and flavors that are easy to love.
  • Cube up some turkey meat and cheddar cheese. Turkey meat and cubed cheese are also known to be great snacks for toddlers’ oral health. This is a great alternative to cracker-like snacks (think Goldfish) that get stuck in toddlers’ teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
  • Peanut butter or any nut butter with apples is a great choice. We know that babies and toddlers need to be introduced to nuts early and often to reduce food allergy risk. This yummy option makes it easy.
  • Black bean quesadillas are easy to make and can be served warm or cold. What kid doesn’t love a quesadilla? Build on the food they already love and add black beans for protein and fiber.
  • Plain, full-fat yogurt with berries makes a great toddler snack. Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics and live cultures, which are friendly bacteria. Top with some berries and maybe even a bit of honey once Baby has reached 1 year. (Honey before age 1 is not recommended due to botulism risk.)
  • Protein-filled pancakes are a great way to sneak in an extra nutritional punch to this staple of toddler diets. Kodiak Cakes are a great choice because their mixes are packed with extra protein and can be combined with an egg and milk to add in even more, but you can also make protein-packed pancakes yourself by using ground-up oats in your mixture.
  • Banana slices with peanut butter on top is always a hit because it is a more sweet snack or treat. It also helps toddlers work on their pincer grasp skills.
  • Eggs are a safe go-to for a toddler snack. Kids definitely can have a preference when it comes to eggs. Try cooking them in a variety of ways: scrambled, hard-boiled, or poached until you find one they love. Eggs are a great protein source and most children love them.
  • Sweet potato fries are a great alternative to regular fries and the perfect finger food for kids of all ages. No salt needed!

Happy snacking!

—Jamie Davis Smith

 

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If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, is that you can never be too prepared when it comes to stocking up your home medicine cabinet. Rather than hand over your hard-earned paycheck to a national pharmacy chain that is always more expensive, we’ve got the ultimate hack: the Amazon FSA Store.

If you haven’t heard of this section of Amazon, you’re not alone. Launched a little on the sly, the storefront is packed with Flexible Spending Account-eligible products only (so you won’t get stiffed on the reimbursement). To refresh your memory, an FSA is a special account you can contribute funds to from your paycheck for the specific purchase of health-care related products or services. It’s pre-tax and always comes in handy.

While many people use their FSA funds to cover co-pays, procedures and prescription medication, there is actually a slew of over-the-counter products that you can purchase using the funds. Some categories include:

Ok now that you’re excited to do some shopping, let’s talk about savings and how the Amazon FSA store saves you big bucks. First, you can pre-load your FSA card into your account so you are never stuck shopping without it. Because let’s be honest, we all have good intentions about submitting those receipts for a reimbursement, but then––life.

In addition to not paying out of pocket, you can snag must-have products at typically low prices that Amazon offers. For example, you can pick up a three-pack of First Response Early Pregnancy Tests for $9 on Amazon, or head to Rite Aid and fork out $14. Need Medela Breast Milk storage bags? You can pay $13 on Amazon or $20 at Target.

We could go on and on sharing the screaming deals you can find on your must-have FSA products, but with over 10,000 products, we’d be here all night! Do yourself a favor, and the next time you place your Amazon order, add a few eligible products to your cart to stock up.

––Karly Wood

 

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Starting daycare is a daunting experience for any parent. When you add in the issue of food allergies the high anxiety experience can leave you worried for your child’s life. But for some of us, daycare is the only option we have. To get through it safely, here are a few tips for dealing with daycare and food allergies.

To deal with daycare and food allergies the best way to start is to take control of what you can. Get involved with food prep and give detailed instructions to those who you fear may not have food allergy training. Bring reminders and have paperwork for everyone involved, so you’re all literally on the same page.

Food Allergies in Daycares

Chances are your daycare will have at least one child that has food allergies already attending. Since 8% of children in the US have food allergies, about 1 in 13 children or 2 students per classroom are dealing with allergies.

Despite this growing number, you may find some schools are less prepared than others to deal with food allergies. Because food allergy education and training is different everywhere, you will have to be vocal about your safety concerns.

Get an idea of how prepared the school is during the first walkthrough or orientation. Explain how severe your child’s allergy is and ask if there are other children with food allergies.

Take a look at where the children eat and how food is handled. Be sure they understand that food allergy safety also means avoiding cross-contamination. Will children be eating allergenic foods and immediately playing with toys?

Ask every question you think of there’s no room for misunderstandings.

Food Allergies & How to Deal With Them in a Childcare Setting

To deal with food allergies in a childcare setting, all teachers and parents should be notified of a child with food allergies in a class. This means everyone knows, so no one from another class comes in and makes a mistake.

Parents share a lot of information from the start. To help with communication be ready with as much food allergy information as you can.

  • Having a doctor’s note always helps people understand the seriousness of the situation (if you’re dealing with a daycare that doesn’t understand, find another one).

  • Leave detailed instructions for the epi-pen.

  • Use food allergy cards and stickers as reminders.

  • Write out substitutes for allergies on the school’s menus so the daycare has options.

  • Have an emergency care plan.

  • Teach your child to be vocal about their food allergies.

This is no time for your child to be called picky—allow your little one to voice their opinion. Let the school know you taught your toddler about food allergies and let them question if a food is safe.

In some cases, the school may not have access to simple substitutes like soy milk for dairy. So you’ll take on the role of providing school lunch earlier than expected.

Learn to Meal Prep

With the hefty price tag of daycare, bringing your own lunch can be a problem, but with a few meal prep ideas, you can keep the cost down. The benefit of making your own lunch is you know what your child is eating each day.

Create meals for the week and take them to the school on Monday. No need to lug milk every day if the school has a full kitchen. Drop off the soymilk on Monday and have the daycare inform you when it’s all out.

This gives the providers the chance to serve the toddlers lunch with the other children. Labeling and prepping is a lot of work, but for some doing it once a week versus every day may help.

Of course, this option will require a lot of communication. This plan depends on the daycare’s st‌yle and how comfortable you are with the ability to avoid cross-contamination.

Take Advantage of Bento Boxes

Make lunch with your toddler’s favorite foods in a bento box. Add crackers, lunch meat, fruit, veggies, and their favorite dip. A bento box doesn’t have to mean big expensive lunches your toddler doesn’t want. Keep it simple and change up the ingredients and it’ll always be fresh.

Sometimes it’s best to choose options that don’t have to be heated so handling is kept to a minimum. However, when you want add a sandwich or dinner the day before and use your regular fruits and veggies as sides.

Skip Breakfast (If You Can)

My boys are allergic to eggs. I’m lucky enough to work from home, so when eggs are for breakfast at daycare, I drop them off a little later. They skip breakfasts they can’t eat at school and have breakfast at home.

If that’s not an option pack up breakfast on the go and always remind the daycare they already ate or they have their own.

When it comes to lunch, give in to your child’s demands. No point in creating beautiful nutritious meals they don’t want. If they want seed butter and jelly three days in a row, don’t feel bad for giving it to them. You still have dinnertime at home to fill the gaps.

While these tips may not get rid of all your fear, being prepared can help put your mind at ease. Making notes on the weekly or monthly menu will keep everyone stay up to date at every meal. Using eye-catching stickers and food allergy cards on bookbags and cubbies is a fun way to use reminders.

When substitutes aren’t an option, bring your own lunch. Meal prepping with bento boxes and skipping breakfast at school can keep costs low. Choose your child’s favorites to ensure they eat every bite.

Starting daycare is hard, but you can get through it, even with food allergies. Once you witness the fun your child has making friends and bringing home artwork, you’ll see why it’s worth it

Photo: Canva

I'm Lydia, a mom of two boys with eczema and food allergies. After feeling lost, I created a blog to help with parenting a child with eczema. Writing about that journey led to my content creation and marketing business, where I am a small business freelance writer.

 

The CDC is reporting higher than normal flu activity, and although February is typically peak flu season, they predict it will continue to be elevated for several weeks.

With all the media focus on the Omicron variant, I have had a lot of parents reaching out wanting to know if it is too late for a flu shot. As a pediatrician, I know the importance of protecting ourselves against influenza, but as a mother, I dread the tears and drama from vaccinations. Of course, if we are going to put our children and ourselves through the stress of “the flu shot” we want to know—is it worth it?

It has been reported that the flu vaccine is only 30% effective against the flu, with such low efficiency, is it even worth putting my child through a flu shot?

I believe that some protection is better than no protection. Influenza is most dangerous for the younger population and the elderly. There are many dangerous and even fatal complications from the influenza virus, so getting your child vaccinated is the best way to protect them from getting the flu, or to help lessen the severity of the flu symptoms.

Does the flu vaccine protect against H3N2?

During the last flu seasons, it was determined that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness against the H3N2 strain was approximately 32%. However, this year’s vaccine has been found to be a mismatch for the H3N2 strain, meaning it’s much less effective than in prior years. Nevertheless, getting the flu shot means you’ll be less likely to become seriously ill.

Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?

No, not at all. It takes an average of two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective. Even though flu season is estimated to peak in late January, flu season is not officially over until May. Getting your child vaccinated now will help protect them against the flu season’s second peak in early spring.

Is there a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray?

Unfortunately, the CDC found that the nasal spray didn’t prevent cases of the flu between 2013 and 2016. Therefore, it is no longer recommended or available in the form of a nasal spray.

If my child is allergic to eggs, can he still get the influenza vaccine?

Health experts say that the amount of egg allergen in the vaccine is so tiny that it is safe even for kids with a severe egg allergy. I recommend that if your child has an egg allergy, you should get the flu shot in a doctor’s office with appropriate supervision, not at a supermarket or drugstore.

Here are five things parents need to know before their child gets a flu shot:

  1. Flu Shots for Babies: Children under the age of 6 months can not get the flu shot, however, they have the highest risk of complications if they get sick with the flu. So, if you have other children in the house that go to school, it is imperative you get them vaccinated to prevent them from giving it to your infant. In addition, research shows that infants get some protection from the flu if their mothers get a flu shot while they are pregnant.
  2. Multiple Doses: If your child has never gotten the flu shot before and is under the age of nine, they are going to need to receive two separate shots of the vaccine.
  3. Call Ahead: If you going to go to your pediatrician to get the flu shot, call ahead and see if you can make a nursing appointment, or make your appointment the first available appointment of the day. I can’t tell you how many children go to the doctor to get their flu shot and catch something else while they are waiting to be seen.
  4. Your Child Can Still Get the Flu: Depending upon the vaccine you are giving, you are protected against 3 to 4 strains of the influenza virus. Therefore, although the vaccine lowers your chance of getting the virus and probably lessens the severity of the symptoms, it does not guarantee that you will not get the flu. If your child has gotten the flu shot, but still shows symptoms of the flu, have them evaluated by their pediatrician.
  5. The Unavoidable Ouchie: The injection itself can cause a lot of tenderness to the area where the shot was given. You can lightly massage the area for an hour after the injection. It significantly decreases the pain to that area.  Also, don’t be too alarmed: your child might experience mild flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccination.

I hope this helps you as you brave what’s shaping up to be a historic flu season.

(And as always, check with your own healthcare provider before taking any medical advice you might read here.)

 

 

RELATED STORIES:

Twindemic Tips: How to Handle the Winter Flu & COVID

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Dr. Katie Friedman
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

My name is Dr. Katie Friedman and I am a board certified pediatrician, wife, mother of two and a sister to three siblings. Along with my sisters, I co-founded Forever Freckled, a website dedicated to helping people with pets, children and everyday lifest‌yle. Come join us in our journey! 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and parents who have allergies in the home know that the balance between finding safe products and enjoying sweet treats is (almost) as challenging as getting the kids to stay in bed after the lights go off. It can be hard to track down candies and chocolates that fit into your family’s needs, so we compiled this list of allergy-friendly items to help you out. Keep scrolling to see the different, yummy options!


Buttermints

Buttermints

$12 BUY NOW

These yummy handmade Buttermint candies are made with essential oils and pure cane sugars.


Amazon

Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Candy

$29 BUY NOW

Free from 14 different allergens, these sweet Enjoy Life Chocolates are also vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO.


Amazon

UNREAL Chocolate Gems

$25 BUY NOW

Made with non-GMO, gluten and soy-free ingredients, these UNREAL Chocolate Gems live up to their name.


Scrummy Gummy Bears

Scrummy Gummy Bears

$39 BUY NOW

These Scrummy Gummy Bears are keto-friendly and made with non-GMO and organic ingredients, making them a delicious option for Valentine's Day.


Amazon

Black Forest Gummy Bears

$11 BUY NOW

These Black Forest Gummies are a tasty treat! They're gluten-free, and some of their products are free of the eight major allergens.


Amazon

Fruidles

$13 BUY NOW

Check out these Fruidles non-GMO candies with no artificial sweeteners. Find them on Amazon.


Amazon

Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice

$7 BUY NOW

These delicious Wiley Wallaby Licorice candies are vegan and contain no high-fructose corn syrup.


Amazon

Dum Dums Pops

$13 BUY NOW

It may surprise you to know that classic and delicious Dum Dums are free of the eight major allergens!


Amazon

Choco No No's

$11 BUY NOW

Try out these dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free and vegan candies from Choco No No's.


Target

Haribo Be Mine Mix

$1 BUY NOW

These classic Haribo gummies are free from the eight major allergens, and you can find them at Target.

 


Yum Earth

Yum Earth

$8+ BUY NOW

Free from the top eight allergens, dyes and GMOs, these candies from Yum Earth are colorful and delicious.

 

—Taylor Clifton

 

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Children’s books should represent the world around us because children need to see themselves represented in the world. While there are many wonderful kids’ books celebrating Black History, these books celebrate the joys of Black childhood with Black lead characters and heroes. Read on for 15 we recommend and order them from a Black indie bookstore.

The Me I Choose To Be

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

In this gorgeously photographed book, your little reader will see the beauty of Black and brown children come to life. NYT bestselling author Natasha Tarpley has teamed up with husband-and-wife duo Regis and Kahran Bethencourt of CreativeSoul Photography to show children that they can be anything they want to be: a free spirit, artistic, joyful, smart, creative and more. 

Get it here, $15. 

Boobies Go Bye Bye: A Weaning Story

DG Publishing

This new book introduces the concept of weaning to your toddler in a healthy, compassionate way, addressing a scarcity in the book market. Not only are there very few books on this topic written for the children themselves, this is the first weaning picture book written by Black women and is the first weaning book ever featuring Black characters. Inspired by personal experience, The Momference, co-founder, Nikki Osei-Barrett, and bestselling author, Cyana Riley teamed up to co-author, Boobies Go Bye-Bye, a toddler weaning story. Ages: 0-3 (or whatever age you need to talk about weaning!)

Order your copy today, $20

The Camping Trip

Candlewick Press

This sweet book from author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann invites us along on Erenstine’s first-ever camping trip. She’s got her bags packed with all the things she thinks she’ll need but nothing prepares her for what it’s really like to be in the great outdoors. The author encourages kids to try new things and celebrate the beauty of the wild. Ages 3-7.

Buy it now, $15

Meet Clarabelle Blue

Adiba Nelson

When mother and author Adiba Nelson struggled to find a single children's book that showed a Black child with disabilities, she wrote one herself. Inspired by Nelson's desire for her own child, who is special needs, to see herself joyfully in a book, and in the world around her, Adiba wrote Meet Clarebelle Blue to do just that. Follow Clarabelle through her day and learn how she is just like you—she loves to giggle, she has to brush her teeth, she loves to laugh—just like all kids. An important book for children of all abilities to read to gain insight, compassion, and the importance of representation. Read more about author Adiba Nelson and the book here

Buy it here, $6

Zoey Has an Allergy

Meet Zoey, a sweet, smart, and spunky five-year-old girl who discovers she has a food allergy. Kids will learn along with Zoey what a food allergy really is, and why Zoey (and any kid) doesn't need to be ashamed. Kids with food allergies can have a hard time speaking up for themselves and keeping themselves safe. Not only will this book do a great service by boosting the confidence of children with food allergies, it will also foster compassion from teachers and peers to understand just what a food allergy means. As such, it belongs in every school and classroom library to help normalize and foster discussion around food allergies. Zoey is the first Black female character in an allergy book to display an anaphylactic allergy and the use of an epi-pen. Author Anisha Angella is an early childhood education and is a childcare coach, consultant, and specialist. Anisha has allergies and struggled with speaking up to keep herself safe, so she wrote the book she wished she had when she was a little girl. Ages: 3 and up.

Buy your copy here, $19

I Am Every Good Thing

I Am Every Good Thing is a Back-to-School book
Nancy Paulsen Books

Author Derrick Barnes captures the young and confident Black narrator of this book perfectly, demonstrating the pure joy of childhood where each day brings challenges and adventures. The exuberant and beautifully done illustrations by Gordon C. James make this book one that will inspire your kids to embrace their own beauty even if things aren't always perfect or they make mistakes, and stay true to their truth, even when they are misunderstood or called things they are not. Ages: 3-7

Get yours here, $12

Sulwe

Simon & Schuster

Written by Kenyan-born actress Lupita Nyong'o, this is as much her personal story as it is the story of young Sulwe, a girl whose skin is the color of midnight. The stunningly gorgeous illustrations by Vashti Harrison are reason enough alone to want this book in your library, but the story itself is beautifully told; it's about differences, acceptance of oneself no matter how we think others see us, it's about wanting to fit in and yet being unique. A vital message for every kid out there, regardless of race or gender. Read it today with your kids. Ages 4-8

Buy yours here, $10

Astronaut Annie

Tilbury House

As Annie prepares for career day at her school, she talks to her family about their hopes for her future as she plans her future career as an astronaut. Suzanne Slade's book includes lots of bonus material about famous female astronauts and facts about the moon, all accompanied by enchanting illustrations by Nicole Tadgell. Ages: 4-7

Buy it now,$12

Black Is a Rainbow Color

Books for Kids About Racism
Roaring Brook Press

When debut author Angela Joy set out to teach her children their first Black History lesson she was not expecting her preschooler to say, "But Mama, we're not black, we're brown." It was then that she realized that she wanted her children, and all children, to understand that being Black was about culture as much as color. Vibrant, stained-glass-like artwork by Coretta-Scott King Award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes accompanies Joy's poetic text as we join a little girl on a journey to discover all the wonderful things that Black is. Includes a suggested playlist as well as an expanded explanation of the historical references in the text to allow parents to explain Black history to their kids. It's an exceptionally designed, written, and thoughtful new book appropriate for kids of all ages and ethnicities. Ages: 4-8 but we think older kids can benefit from this book due to the important historical talking points in the back of the book

Get your copy here. $14

Parker Looks Up

Aladdin

Written by Parker Curry (age 4) and her mama, Jessica Curry, with an afterword by Michelle Obama. Illustrated by Brittany Jackson. This is the sweet story of Parker Curry, a young girl, who went to the National Portrait Gallery one afternoon with her mom. She saw a prancing horse, blooming flowers, a bushy mustache...but before she went twirling off toward home, Parker Curry looked up. There on the wall, she saw the magnificent portrait (by Amy Sherald) of Michelle Obama. Parker didn't just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen, a woman with regality, beauty, truth and self-assurance, a woman who looked like her. This moving story will delight any young dreamer. A great addition to any home library or classroom.  Ages: 4-8

Buy it, here. $11

Princess Cupcake Jones Won't Go to School

Belle Publishing

One of several books in the Princess Cupcake Jones series, we find Princess trying everything in her power to avoid her first day at school. Author Ylleya Fields created Princess Cupcake Jones when, while reading to her then two-year-old, she was struck by the lack of books that featured strong Black children. And so, Princess Cupcake Jones was born. All of the books are rich with the whimsical, spirited illustrations of Michael DeLuca. Ages: 5-7

Get your copy today, $15

Black Boy Joy

Delacorte

From seventeen acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors, edited by Kwame Mbalia—author of the beloved Tristan Strong series—comes a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems about the power of joy and the wonders of Black boyhood. And if it isn't already painfully clear why we need this book in every school library, public library, and bookshelf in every home in America, the dedication says it all: "To the ones they called angry, broken, sad, and hopeless, but were silent amidst your joy." Includes a new short story by Mbalia, too! Ages: 9-12

Get it here, $15.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

fiction books for kids, chapter books
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

When our young reader finished this book he had one critique: the stories were so good he wished there were more! Jason Reynolds weaves together ten different stories, one per block, during the walk home from school. From boogers to jokes to bravery, the neighborhood is full of detours and Reynolds captures them in can't-put-down, totally NOT boring stories. Ages: 10 and up.

Get your copy here, $10

The Only Black Girls in Town

Alberta has been the only Black girl in town for years until Edie moves in across the street. As they become friends, they discover a box of journals in the attic of Edie’s new house. The journals reveal secrets of the past and shocking truths as the 12-year-olds learn that nothing is as it seems. Written by award-winning YA author Brandy Colbert. Ages: 8-12

Buy it now, $15

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching (Book 3)

Rick Riordan Presents (Disney)

Children around the world are jumping for joy and waiting with bated breath for the release of the third (and final) book in the wildly popular Tristan Strong series by Kwame Mbalia. We find our hero on a journey to Mississippi to face his arch-nemesis, King Cotton. Along the way Tristan and Ayanna are met with obstacles brought on by the haints and must outsmart them, with a little help from the gods. Weaving African and African-American folklore into the fantasy setting, make sure your kiddo's calendar is cleared when this book arrives because they will not want to put it down. And if you haven't read the other two books in the series, the third one is due out in early October, so there's time! Ages: 8-12

Join the ranks and preorder it now (out October 5, 2021), $16

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA

Nancy Paulsen Books

Written by Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Brenda Woods, The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA tells the story of a unique friendship between a young white boy and a black WWII veteran. Mr. Meriwether Hunter returns to Jim Crow South in 1946. When he saves little Gabriel’s life during a bike accident, Gabriel’s father offers Meriwether a job as a mechanic at their family garage. Gabriel and Meriwether form a friendship that endures in spite of the extreme prejudices in the world around them. A beautiful read. Ages 10 and up. 

Get it here.$13

featured image: iStock

—Amber Guetebier

RELATED STORIES 

26 Black History Books to Read with Your Kids 

This Author Compiled a List of 500 Diverse Books for Teens & Tweens 

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Food allergies, unfortunately, affect 6 million children, and rates of allergies continue to climb with a near-doubling of children affected since the previous generation. Thankfully, new research guides the way to reverse the growing number of children with food allergies. For the first time, we know ways we can reduce risk and help protect children from developing allergies in the first place.

Guided by science, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now recommend introducing common allergens at around 4-6 months of age. By feeding these foods early in life, before an allergy has ever developed, parents have the opportunity to change the risk for their children.

3 Key Takeaways for Parents

  1. The guidelines recommend introducing your baby to commonly allergenic foods like peanuts, egg, cow milk products, tree nuts, wheat, crustacean shellfish, fish, and soy at 4-6 months. 

  2. The guidelines suggest that introducing common allergens regularly can reduce the risk of your baby developing a food allergy.

  3. The guidelines urge for a variety of complementary foods every day. Diet diversity is great for babies and is a key early habit in lifelong, healthy eating.

The dietary guidelines are a perfect roadmap to help give parents easy, achievable ways to feed their baby the best way. The guidelines specify to “make every bite count.” We know that there is a big gap in the types of baby food available at the grocery store. Most commercially available baby foods lack the essential food groups needed to ensure diet diversity and thriving tummies for your little ones as they grow. Parents need to make a plan to get these into a baby’s diet and keep it in a baby’s diet.

By introducing peanuts, eggs, cow’s milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and shellfish, and fish (all of these can be found in SpoonfulONE) with other complementary foods, you can reduce your child’s risk of developing an allergy to that food. Furthermore, pediatricians agree there is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, beyond when other complementary foods are introduced, helps to prevent food allergy. In fact, delaying introduction can increase risk for babies.

So don’t wait and go slow, when you’re starting solids. Consider trying 100 new foods in 100 days! Parents should feel empowered and confident about feeding their babies early. Maintaining a diverse diet is the key as this isn’t a one-and-done “test.” Aim to feed your babies diverse foods and common allergens regularly—every day if possible, but at least several times per week. Consistency is key here.

We cannot change the modern environment quickly, but we can change the allergy in food odds for our children. 

RELATED:
Why Baby-Led Weaning Was One of Our Best Parenting Moves. Period.
Ask the Allergist: What Is a Food Allergy?

 

Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP is a pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer for SpoonfulONE. Dr. Swanson is an author, a prominent advocate of evidence-based medicine, & devotes her career to prevention strategies. She fosters conversations with clinicians & parents around the importance of early and consistent feeding of common food allergens.