ML Interest Tag: consistency

How to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine for Baby

by Katie L. Carroll

Set your baby up for a good night’s sleep with these helpful tips for establishing a bedtime routine you’ll both enjoy.

If baby ain’t sleeping, ain’t nobody sleeping. To set the whole family up for a better night’s rest, implement a bedtime routine. A consistent routine is soothing and helps your child understand what’s coming next. Read on for tips on how to create a calming daily ritual that will send baby to bed without all the fuss(iness).

photo: Tim Bish via Unsplash

Benefits of a Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine signals to your baby’s brain that it’s time to go to sleep. The predictable pattern and timing can ease your baby into a calm state that allows them to fall asleep more easily. It’s great bonding time and may even help with the sleep regressions that are a normal part of baby development. Once you’ve established a routine, it can also help other people put baby down when you won’t be there for bedtime.

What Age to Start

A good age to start is once your baby begins to show a pattern of sleeping and wakefulness. This can occur as early as 6 to 8 weeks old and as late as 4 months of age. Before 6 weeks, it’s not likely that your newborn will have any kind of established sleep schedule for a set bedtime. If you’ve missed these windows, it’s beneficial for a baby of any age to have a bedtime routine, so get started now.

photo: fujikama via Pixabay

Which Bedtime Is Best

The first thing you want to consider when picking a bedtime is baby’s schedule. Look for signs of sleepiness, like fussiness, yawning and sucking on fingers or a pacifier. Notice what time these signs appear and figure on beginning your routine 30 to 60 minutes before that so baby doesn’t get overtired during the routine. You’ll also want to consider your family’s schedule, taking into account when everyone is home from work or school and when you typically eat dinner. Generally, that means starting between 6 and 8 p.m.

Consistency Is Key

The best bedtime routines are short, simple and most of all consistent, lasting from between 20 minutes to an hour at the most. The most important thing is to make it a true routine, so that it’s the same every night and occurs at the same time. Ideally, it’ll happen in the same location as well, like in the room with baby’s crib. If you expect to have differences in sleep locations, make sure whatever you include in the routine can travel with you.

What to Include

Keep it simple and relaxing. You can include a bath if baby gets one every night. Next, a massage with lotion—like Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion—and then a fresh diaper, pajamas, and a swaddle or wearable blanket. Cuddle your little one while you sing a quiet song or look at a short book. Dim the lights to continue the calming vibe. Nursing or bottle feeding is helpful for lasting fullness before bed. Any quiet activity that gets baby ready for bed and relaxes them works, as long as it doesn’t put them fully to sleep.

Related: Check out these other natural lotions and other skincare products for babies.

photo: Marie Despeyroux via Unsplash

Putting Baby to Bed

You’ll want to put your child to bed drowsy but not asleep. That will give them the chance to learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Ambient noise can help with this as well as drown out any other household noises while they settle down. Try the Sleep Sheep from Cloud B that attaches directly to the crib. You can give them a gentle rub before quietly slipping out of the room.

Related: Check out these other white noise and sound machines for kids.

When to Adjust

You may need to tweak your timing and activities until you get into a good groove, but avoid big changes at first to let your little one get used to the routine. It’s also likely that adjustments will need to be made as your infant grows and develops. Any change in the daytime or non-bedtime night activities, like eliminating a nap or dropping a feeding, may call for a change in the bedtime routine. If baby seems fussy, it may signal that it’s time to move bedtime earlier. A true routine takes time to work, but with consistency and little persistence, it should pay off with better sleep for baby and you.

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I’m a Pediatric Sleep Consultant. Here’s How I Get My Kids to Sleep

By Nicole Cannon

Life has certainly been far from normal. Usually, children are well into their regular school routine at this time of year, but with the pandemic defining every parent’s “new normal,” many children have not yet made the full transition, and their sleep is suffering. Let’s throw in daylight savings, travel, or a sickness, and even the best sleepers can find themselves disrupted. In my practice as a pediatric sleep consultant, I have seen a significant increase in preschool sleeping issues over the last several months, which I believe directly correlates to the lack of physical and mental stimulation children are receiving during the day. Like many families, you may be finding yourself scrambling to get your family back into a healthy sleep routine.

Create a Bedtime Routine 

I always suggest to my clients that they have a “timed routine” which means to have a set time for bed and not just allow children to fall asleep when they seem tired. This can result in bedtime being far too late for their age. Last spring, and over the summer, a lot of families were struggling to figure out their new “normal.” Sleep was all over the map as parents tried to balance working from home and keeping their children entertained. Now that school is back in session, it’s essential to maintain a regular bedtime routine that works for your family. Children of all ages do best with consistency so, that’s why a predictable, nightly routine can be the key to a good night’s sleep.

Start with turning off screens at least an hour before bedtime (blue light from screens can delay melatonin), wind down with bath/shower time, or perhaps washing up at the sink, pajamas followed by brushing teeth. Then move to the bedroom and dim the lights for a few books. At this point, your child can climb into bed and it should take them about 20 or so minutes to fall asleep if bedtime is at an appropriate time. Keep in mind that overtired and under-tired children may struggle more to fall asleep, so keep an eye on that clock! Wake times will vary based on your child’s age and activity levels. Try and stick to this schedule as much as possible but recognize that it’s common to deviate on occasion. After all, sometimes it’s fun to be spontaneous!

Utilize Outside Sleep Resources

You may need to utilize outside resources to help your child wind down before bedtime. Guided meditations and yoga are excellent ways to have your child calm their bodies and minds and settle prior to climbing in bed. Some children are so wound up from their day, especially if they’ve been on screens for a large part of it, and they need a little physical outlet that also helps relax them. Consider reading to your child every single night; not only is it a great part of the wind down routine, but it also promotes early literacy. So, it’s a win-win!

Call in Sleep Reinforcements 

If you’ve established a good routine, you are using your outside resources, but bedtime is still a struggle, then it is ok to get back on track with the help of a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is the hormone released by your body that aids in sleep. Under the supervision of your pediatrician, this can be used for a short period of time to help supplement your child’s natural melatonin production if their bedtime has gotten far off track. The best way to use melatonin is after you’ve tried to implement a steady routine for at least a week since the majority of children benefit most from routine and consistency.

—Nicole Cannon, mommysbliss.com

Nicole is a sleep consultant and mom of 3 boys with a baby on the way. She's a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and has certifications in Infant Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health. Nicole views sleep holistically, addressing all elements in a child’s life that could prevent him/her from sleeping well.

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Celebrate Palmer House Hilton’s 150th Birthday & Bake Their Famous Brownies

by Maria Chambers

Did you know the first-ever brownie recipe came from right here in Chicago? Yep, it did! This iconic dessert was created at the Palmer House in Chicago. In celebration of Palmer House’s 150th, we’re sharing the recipe so you can celebrate this milestone at home. As a bonus, we’re throwing in Hilton Chicago’s guest-favorite Signature Carrot Cake Pop recipe. Read on for the recipes and a little Chicago brownie history lesson to share with the kids.

photo: Palmer House Hilton

Palmer House Hilton Brownie
The first reference to the “brownie” in America appears in the Sears Roebuck Catalog published in Chicago in 1898. Specifically at the direction of Bertha Palmer to be served at the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair in 1893, the brownie was created in the Palmer House Kitchen in the late 19th century. The recipe below is well over a century old, and is the exact same one used for the brownie served in the Palmer House Hilton today! It remains one of the hotel’s most popular confections.

Ingredients: 
14 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1 lb butter
12 oz granulated sugar
4 oz flour
8 eggs
12 oz crushed walnuts
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions: 
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Mix the sugar and flour together in a bowl. Combine chocolate and flour mixtures. Stir 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and continue mixing. ​

3. Pour mixture into a 9×12 baking sheet. Sprinkle walnuts on top, pressing down slightly into the mixture with your hand. Bake 30-40 minutes. ​

4. Brownies are done when the edges begin to crisp and has risen about 1/4 of an inch. ​

Note: When the brownie is properly baked, it will remain “gooey” with a toothpick in the middle due to the richness of the mixture.

Glaze: Mix together 1 c. water, 1 c. apricot preserves, and 1 tsp. unflavored gelatin in saucepan. Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil for two minutes. Brush hot glaze on brownies while still warm.

photo: Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago’s Signature Carrot Cake Pop Recipe

Ingredients:
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cinnamon powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup chopped pecans
3.5 oz. coconut flakes
8 oz crushed pineapple

Directions: 

Baking Process:
1. Spray and paper a 10” cake pan.

2. Combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt).

3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.

4. Add the dry ingredient mixture and mix until all of the ingredients are fully combined.

5. Next add the carrot, pecans, coconut, and pineapple mixing gently with a spatula.

6. Pour into the previously prepared cake pan.

7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350*F degrees.

8. Let it cool down.

Assembly Process:
1. Combine the soft butter in the mixing bowl until well combined and add the powder sugar and vanilla, and mix until you reach a creamy consistency.

2. You will need to melt your favorite type of chocolate.

3. Place the chilled carrot cake in a mixing bowl and break into little pieces. Add some of the cream cheese filling until you reach a scoop-able consistency. (Note: do not add too much filling because your dough can become too soupy to scoop).

4. Scoop the size that you desire to make your cake pop.  Add stick and freeze for at least an hour.

5. Melt some of your favorite chocolate. Add some food coloring to make some fun color cake pops, if desired.

6. Once the cake pops are of hard consistency, dip in the melted chocolate and let them set for a few minutes.

— Maria Chambers

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Considering a Pet? These Five Moms Share How They Decided It Was Time for a Furry Friend

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Growing your family is a big decision—whether you’re considering an additional child or a four-legged friend. You’ll need to think about how your new family member will affect your day-to-day routine, your big future plans, your finances and so much more, but for many, a dedicated furry companion is worth it! We teamed up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to hear from five moms about how their families decided to bring a pet into the mix:

New pet parents have a lot of questions, and Hill’s has a lot of answers! See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

 

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The Gingy Pants

Mom-of-two Heather grew up with dogs, so having a pet in her family was a must. Even though her kids are young, Heather says she thinks growing up with pets definitely helps in developing compassion, empathy, responsibility and consistency.

Texas Forever Farmhouse

Even though her daughter had been asking about a pet for months, Texas-based mom Ryan didn’t plan to adopt a cat. But when her family ended up at an adoption event and met their cat Neville, they knew he was the one. Their cat has been in their home for a few years now and has become a close companion for their two kids.

The Jamie Lynn Show

Jamie Lynn knew that she wanted a dog for her family, the hard part was finding the best time to add a pup to her home. When her youngest daughter turned four and could understand how to be friendly with a big dog, she decided it was the perfect time to get her Goldendoodle Jessie!

Annmarie Bailey

Like most of us, Annmarie spent a lot more time at home in the last year. With big changes already happening, including a newborn, Annmarie decided to add another change to her family’s day-to-day by adopting a puppy, Geno! She was nervous about how her infant and dog would get along, but the two are best friends.

Nashville Wife Styles

Mom-of-two Ashley has a full house with two dogs and a cat! When they were thinking about getting their second dog, Ginger, they considered how their two daughters would be able to help out. The kids have become best friends with Ginger and take turns feeding her and taking her for walks.

New pet parents have a lot of questions, and Hill’s has a lot of answers! See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.
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What Is Month of the Military Child?

By Caitlyn Viviano

It is no secret that military men and women sacrifice a tremendous amount for our country and our freedom. Army, Navy, Air force, Marines, Coastguard, National Guard, all have a unique mission, but make sacrifices some cannot even fathom.

Their children however never even signed up for this life but make daily sacrifices as well and deserve to be recognized. April is Month of the Military Child! We proudly celebrate this month in our household because my children are military children. They have had to be resilient beyond their years at times and have risen to the occasion and overcome many challenges in their short life.

They have lived in three states in the past five years, gone a full year without their Dad at home, and just recently have been told they will be leaving Columbia and moving again this summer. They were not too happy about that and kept asking “Why?” The “Why” is because their Dad is in the military and unfortunately we have very little say in where we live; something that gets increasingly more challenging as kids get older.

My children made it very clear they love where we live. They love their school, friends, and neighborhood and they don’t want to move. Sadly it’s just part of military life and I would be lying if I said all of the upcoming changes didn’t keep me up at night. My kids don’t get to have that consistency other kids may have and that is very difficult. I moved around a lot growing up as well so I can relate to these big feelings. Having to start over in a new state is difficult at any age. The unknown can be scary. But if there’s one thing military children are—it is resilient!

They learn from a very young age that plans can change at any time and they have to make the best of an otherwise tough situation. When the military calls, their parent may leave for a few weeks, months, or even a year. So many feelings and emotions surround being a military family and I teach my children that it is healthy to talk about the struggles and to find others who can relate. Reaching out and finding other military children with similar experiences can be the biggest blessing in not feeling so alone on this journey.

There are of course so many positives to being a military child. For starters, my children get to live in many different places and see different parts of the country they otherwise would not even know existed. They have recently also learned about F16s up close and even sat in the cockpit during a special family day on base. This is a unique experience and one they will cherish for years to come.

As they get older my children are becoming more aware of the unique sacrifices their Dad makes and have great pride in what he does. They admire and look up to him and other men and women in uniform. He is their hero and I hope they grow up with a sense of pride and honor in being a military child. So this month and every month let’s celebrate the thousands of brave military children across the globe and the important role they play in our communities.

Caitlyn is a military spouse and mom to three children and one fur baby. She was an elementary school counselor before becoming a stay at home who enjoys coffee, hiking, and playing in the dirt with her kids. 

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More Sleep Makes You a More Mindful Mom

By Jake Rubin

As a parent, the idea of getting more sleep sounds about as possible as your toddler never throwing another tantrum. Sleep is like the Holy Grail of motherhood, and while finding it won’t reward you with eternal life, it will undoubtedly give you a renewed spirit.

You might think sleep is a luxury you can’t afford, but truth be told, it’s an investment in being the best mom you can be. No wonder there’s a whole week devoted to getting more shut-eye! Yep, that’s right—we’re now in National Sleep Awareness Week, which runs from Mar. 14 through Mar. 20 this year.‍

Of course, we get it, you want to sleep, but your kids wake you up at all hours (insert reason 1,098,097 here). Or, your kids finally sleep through the night, but you can’t shut your brain off long enough to settle into a restful slumber. Well, don’t worry. In honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, here are a few tips for snagging the sleep you need to be a more mindful mom.

1. Know When to Say Goodnight
Does this sound familiar? The kids are finally asleep, and you decide now it’s the perfect time to finish up that last-minute project, wash the dishes, or simply binge-watch Netflix. The only problem is, you’re also exhausted. The next thing you know, it’s at least 11 p.m., and you’re finally crawling into bed, only to have your kids bouncing on top of you by 6 a.m. or even earlier.

Start training yourself to go to bed earlier so you can face the next day with a more refreshed outlook. It won’t be an easy habit to start, but you can do it with patience and consistency. Each evening, after the kids are in bed, allow yourself to take a few minutes to finish up a small task (accomplishing small goals is a great confidence boost), but only do something that will take you about 20 minutes or less. Then, it’s time to unwind and get ready for bed. If you usually get in bed around 11 p.m., then the first night, shoot for 10:45, the next 10:30, and so on, until you can get in bed by about 9 or 9:30.

2. Snag Some Mini-Snoozes during the Day
Yes, napping is like a dirty secret that no mom wants anyone to know about, but it’s a perfect way to recharge during the day. If your baby is sleeping, then you sleep. If your kids are at school, close your eyes for about 5-to-10 minutes a couple of times throughout the day. It might not sound like much, but you would be amazed at how much these frequent mini-naps can do for your overall sense of well-being and patience.

3. Have a Bedtime Routine (for You)
You probably have a set bedtime routine for your kids; maybe it’s getting a bath, brushing teeth, reading a book, then saying goodnight. You need a routine too. As you’re working on bumping your bedtime to an earlier time, start building your routine. Do something that helps you relax, like a cup of chamomile tea, a crossword puzzle, read a book.

Keep a journal next to your bed and take a few minutes before hitting your pillow to write down anything that’s on your mind, whether it’s things you have to do the next day or something troubling you. This gets all of these thoughts out of your brain so you can focus on sleep. Then, right before you go to bed, check out a MamaZen Mindpower Session to help you drift off to dreamland.

4. Dealing with Interruptions to Your Sleep
Of course, these tips are great for prioritizing your sleep, but children love to throw monkey wrenches into plans! So what happens when you’re finally sleeping deep, and your kids start crying or tugging on your covers at 3 a.m.? Well, it’s going to happen, so take a breath, put the kiddos back in bed (try not to put them in yours), then focus on your breathing as you fall back asleep. It also helps to keep everything as dark as possible as you put your children back to sleep, and do so as quickly and calmly as you can. Making a big deal about it will only prolong the situation.

A well-rested mom is a happier and healthier mom. For more ways to draft off to a better sleep, check out the MamaZen app and audio sessions that will help you start making sleep a priority in your life.

 

This post originally appeared on MamaZen Blog.

Jake Y. Rubin, M.A, is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist, a former university professor of psychology, and a recognized expert in hypnosis and hypnotherapy with degrees in Psychology from UCLA and the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. He is the founder of the MamaZen app.

 

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Make This: Lemon Macaroon Chicks

by FoodNetwork.com

Morgan-Hass_Lemon-Macaroon-Chicks_s4x3.jpg.rend.sni18col

Your Easter basket usually consists of chocolate eggs, Peeps and candy galore. This year make a new sweet tradition with these Lemon Macaroon Chicks courtesy of FoodNetwork.com. The easy recipe requires only six ingredients and will be a hit with all your little chicks on Easter Sunday.

Total Time: 55 min
Prep: 30 min
Inactive: 5 min
Cook: 20 min
Yield: about 30 chicks
Level: Easy

Ingredients:
One 14-ounce bag sweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup prepared lemon curd
4 large egg whites
Pinch fine salt
15 small orange and/or yellow jelly beans
60 mini chocolate chips (about 2 tablespoons)

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine the coconut, lemon curd, egg whites and salt with a spatula in a medium bowl until a uniform consistency.

3. Roll generous tablespoons of the mixture into egg shapes, setting them big-side down onto the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the rest of the mix. Bake until the bottom and a few of the coconut frays turn deep golden brown, about 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cut the jelly beans in half lengthwise and set aside.

5. Remove the macaroons from the oven and let them cool enough to handle, but are still warm, about 5 minutes.

6. Take one of the jelly bean halves and pinch an end to make a pointed beak. Hold the point, shiny-side up, and push the rounded end into the side of a macaroon. Push 2 mini chocolate chips, peak-side in, into the macaroon on either side of the beak for eyes. Repeat with the rest of the macaroons and serve.

Courtesy of Morgan Hass for FoodNetwork.com.

Food-Network-Logo
FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and up to 35 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown tenfold and is now the second largest monthly magazine on the newsstand, with over 11.6 million readers.  

 

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The 3 Tips You Need to Get Your Kids to Sleep

By Nicole Cannon
Partner Content

Pandemic life has been anything but normal but one thing is certain, all moms share the goal of keeping their kids happy and healthy. One key aspect of attaining this goal is helping your family get the best sleep possible. Between winter sniffles, inconsistent school schedules, and daylight savings, even the best sleepers can find themselves disrupted.

In my practice as a pediatric sleep consultant, I have seen a significant increase in preschool sleeping issues over the last year, which I believe directly correlates to the lack of physical and mental stimulation children are receiving during the day. Like many families, you may be finding yourself scrambling to get your family into a healthy sleep routine.

I have partnered with Mommy’s Bliss, one of the most trusted vitamin and supplement brands among parents, as they introduce their new sleep line of melatonin products for kids, three years and older. Sleep products, in conjunction with a steady sleep routine, can help your family get on track. Here are some tips you can start using right now for maintaining a healthy sleep environment for your family.

1. Create a Routine 
I always suggest to my clients that they have a “timed routine” which means to have a set time for bed and not just allow children to fall asleep when they are tired. Over the past year, many  families have been struggling to figure out their new “normal.” Sleep has been all over the map as parents try to balance working from home and keeping their children entertained. It’s essential to maintain a regular bedtime routine that works for your family. Children of all ages do best with consistency so, that’s why a predictable, nightly routine can be the key to a good night’s sleep.

Start with turning off screens at least an hour before bedtime (blue light from screens can delay melatonin), wind down with bath/shower time, or perhaps washing up at the sink, pajamas followed by brushing of teeth. Then move to the bedroom and dim the lights for a few books. At this point, your child can climb into bed and it should take them about 20 or so minutes to fall asleep if bedtime is at an appropriate time. Keep in mind that overtired and under-tired children may struggle more to fall asleep, so keep an eye on that clock! Wake times will vary based on your child’s age and activity levels. Try and stick to this schedule as much as possible but recognize that it’s common to deviate on occasion. After all, sometimes it’s fun to be spontaneous!

2. Use Supportive Resources
You may need to utilize outside resources to help your child wind down before bedtime. Guided meditations and yoga are excellent ways to have your child calm their bodies and minds and settle prior to climbing in bed. Some children are so wound up from their day, especially if they’ve been on screens for a large part of it, and they need a little physical outlet that also helps relax them. Consider reading to your child every single night; not only is it a great part of the winddown routine, but it also promotes early literacy. So, it’s a win-win!

3. Call in the Reinforcements
If you’ve established a good routine, you are using your outside resources, but bedtime is still a struggle, then it is ok to get back on track with the help of a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is the hormone released by your body that aids in sleep. Under the supervision of your pediatrician, this can be used for a short period of time to help supplement your child’s natural melatonin production if their bedtime has gotten far off track. The best way to use melatonin is after you’ve tried to implement a steady routine for at least a week since the majority of children benefit most from routine and consistency. If you are searching for safe melatonin products for your child, Mommy’s Bliss has a new great-tasting Kids Sleep Line crafted with a wise blend of ingredients, including melatonin, magnesium, organic chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower. They’re designed to work hand-in-hand with a good bedtime routine to help support restful sleep.

For more bedtime bliss resources, visit mommysbliss.com.

Nicole is a sleep consultant and mom of 3 boys with a baby on the way. She's a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and has certifications in Infant Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health. Nicole views sleep holistically, addressing all elements in a child’s life that could prevent him/her from sleeping well.

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Your Child’s Artwork Could Be Featured on Juicy Juice Packs Nationwide

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Imagine walking down the grocery aisle and seeing your child’s artwork on the shelves. Now Juicy Juice is offering a way to make that come true. The Happy Artist Contest gives kids the chance to see their drawings on juice packs nationwide. 

To participate, parents can submit their child’s drawing of what makes them 100% happy through Feb. 28. Visit JuicyJuice.com/HappyArtist to download and print the contest design template

Juicy Juice Happy Artist

“This year more than ever, it’s important for moms and dads to have activities at their fingertips while many are continuing to spend time close to home,” said Ilene Bergenfeld, Chief Marketing Officer at Harvest Hill Beverage Company. “Taking time to reflect on what makes us 100% happy adds another layer of fun to a simple at-home activity, like drawing, and promotes kids’ creative thinking in a new, artistic way.”

A panel of judges will collaborate and select the winners based on criteria including design and technique, originality and consistency with the 100% happy theme. Winners will be announced on March 15. Participants can visit JuicyJuice.com for official rules and regulations.

Four grand prize winners will have the chance to see their artwork featured on Juicy Juice packs and receive a $500 gift card to go towards art supplies and empowering creativity at home. An additional ten first prize winners will receive a $200 gift card to upgrade their at-home art materials. Some tips for little artists’ parents to know:

  • Stay inside the lines – the template is sized accordingly to Juicy Juice’s packaging.
  • Markers, crayons, colored pencils are all accepted, and the more color the better!
  • Artists of any ability and skill level are welcome to participate.
  • Judging is based on two age group categories: 2 – 6 and 7 – 10.

For more inspiration and ideas for staying engaged and entertained while at home, follow Juicy Juice on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy Juicy Juicy/Featured image: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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Baby Brezza Just Launched a WiFi Bottle Maker & It’s a Game Changer

by Karly Wood

Baby Brezza has been leading the way on bottle makers for quite some time, but even they have outdone themselves with their newest product: a WiFi Bottle Maker!

The Formula Pro Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser is available starting Jan. 5 and will change your bottle-making ways forever. Currently retailing for $279.99 in the U.S. only, the formula mixing machine can be controlled from your phone!

The dispenser uses Baby Brezza’s patented mixing technology to mix formula and water to the ideal consistency and works with nearly all formula brands and bottle types. Parents can customize and set up to five different bottles and select from three temperature settings. Additionally you can choose to dispense anywhere from two to 10 ounces or just dispense water only.

 

You can control the Formula Pro Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser with the free Baby Brezza app for IOS and Android and get notified when a bottle is ready or there is no formula or water.

You can purchase the machine on babybrezza.com and take advantage of an 18 month warranty, or purchase wherever Baby Brezza products are sold.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Baby Brezza

 

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