Fall is in the air, but outdoor fun with baby or toddler doesn't have to stop just because the temperature drops. In fact, without the bugs and sun of summer, you may find you get more mileage out of your adventures in the colder weather. Here are some of our favorite resources for planning cold temperature adventures and gear recommendations. Base Layer A good base layer will fit easily under other layers and keep moisture away from little one's skin. Wool is an awesome choice, but there are other less expensive materials that work well. My favorite base layers double as jammies, keeping kiddos snug in bed and making it easy to layer up and head out in the morning. A footed option, like wool tights, is particularly nice for babies. Fleece Bunting Waterproof Coveralls
Wool Socks Warm toes can make the difference between happiness and sadness on the trail, and wool socks are definitely worth the investment for both you and your kiddo. Costco reliably cares adult wool socks that I wear 24/7 in the winter months. (For baby and toddlers, I've had the best luck hunting for deals online.) And, I keep extra adult socks in the car - they are great over baby hands or mittens or as an extra layer on little one's feet in the carrier or stroller. Boots Because my littles can't pass a puddle by without stomping, boots are essential for us year round. While standard rain boots work in warmer temps, I find the heels wear out much faster than other options and aren't likely to make it past one season's wear with how much we adventure outside. Because shopping for footwear can be tricky, here are some of our favorites that have held up well over time. MyMayu - These are my pick for babies and little walkers. Lightweight and cinching high on the leg, I love these from the moment my little explorers start crawling and scooching around (paired with a coverall). The option to add a liner gives them much more mileage than your standard rainboot. Stonz - I love that these can go on over socks or baby's shoes. Like MyMayu, adding a liner allows you to uses these across several seasons. Bogs - Baby bogs are easily for little ones to get on and off all on their own, which is hugely important as my kiddos enter the "do it myself" phase. My youngest loved hers so much that she wore them for any occasion and with any outfit. Keen - Once my toddlers start racking up the miles on their own, the Keen Encanto Waterproof Boot is my pick again and again. I love buying a piece of gear and feeling confident that multiple kids can use it because of how well it wears. The light lining keeps toes warm in fall temps. Judging by the way my kids continually choose these boots over all other footwear options when we head out on the trail, they are comfortable, too. Mittens All of my babies and young toddlers have despised mittens. A pair of my own wool socks pulled up high on the arm before dressing them in a bunting or jacket was the most effective. As they began to explore more, L-Bow or similar mittens that fasten high up on the arm worked best for us. Investing a pair of waterproof rain mittens may also help your little one enjoy muddy play. Hats and More As far as head coverings, I've found how many is more important than what kind, as hats in our house seem to grow legs and walk away. Scarves tend to drag in the snow or get caught on tree branches, so a gaiter that can be pulled up over the face for more coverage is our pick.
Baby or Toddler in the Stroller
Get Out with Friends My toddlers and big kids always do better on the trail with other kids present. Something about being all together gives them the momentum and interest to make their way down the trail. To find friends for outdoor play and hiking, visit Hike it Baby and find your local branch. If you are local to us, check out Hike it Baby Iowa City and Hike it Baby Cedar Rapids. How to Layer: Video on baby layering from Wrap you in Love Winter Layering Tips from Hike it Baby Infographic from Ella's Wool on How to Layer Baby Now that you are all dressed and ready to go, check out the Nested Mama series on Local Family Fun.
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Today I'm answering a FAQ about postpartum doula support over on the Doulas of Iowa City blog. The answer I share may surprise you! Head over to the DOIC blog and read on.
When did you hire your postpartum doula? Share it with us in the comments below! Looking for a path to take baby and stroller on you inaugural outing? Here is a list of paved path locations you may enjoy in the Corridor. These are also perfect options for wearing baby without having to worry about the terrain underfoot or little walkers who do best on an even surface.
Playground stop and jog in Lower City Park Photo credit Suzanne Halekas Lower City Park, Iowa City Enjoy the ducks and geese on this flat paved path near the Iowa River. Waterworks Prairie, Iowa City This quiet park features prairie and wetlands - perfect for spotting butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Fall at Terry Trueblood Photo credit Heather Trana Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Iowa City Enjoy a 2-mile stroll around Sand Lake. The recreation area also features water rentals and a playground constructed of a natural materials.
Strolling on the Northridge Trail Northridge Park, Coralville This figure-eight paved path features a pond with fountains. Take the trail under the interstate for access to the Coral Ridge Mall or follow it out of the park for a stroll on the Northridge Trail into North Liberty. This trail does feature some elevation changes as it winds through the Coralville neighborhood, so keep that in mind as you plan your outing. Little walker on the Clear Creek Trail Clear Creek Trail, Tiffin For a quiet walk punctuated by the occasional train, take the Clear Creek Trail starting at the Half Moon entrance.
Train watching at Cedar Lake Cedar Lake, Cedar Rapids For an urban stroll, check out the 1.5 mile loop around Cedar Lake. While a portion winds through some trees, the majority edges along railroad tracks, which may delight any kiddos who are train fans. For more mileage take the Cedar River Trail north or south. A sweet stop at Dan and Debbie's Hoover Trail, Ely For another launching point on the American Discovery Trail, hop on the Hoover Trail section at Ely Pond. To make your walk a bit sweeter, stop in at Dan and Debbie's Creamery and grab some delicious ice cream. South Troy Park Trail South Troy Park Trail, Robbins The short and sweet South Troy Park Trail connects to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail - another stretch of the American Discovery Trail! Enjoy the a short stroll in the park or connect to the trail heading north or south for more distance. Bridge and creek on Donnelly Park section of Boyson Trail Lindale Trail, Marion To access the paved Lindale Trail via a short stretch of crushed stone trail, park at Thomas Park and head north or park at the quieter Donnelly Park and head south. For a longer adventure on crushed stone, take the Boyson Trail in either direction.
Do you have another favorite paved path in the Corridor? Share it in the comments below! Looking for more family adventures in the Corridor? See all posts on that topic here.
The transition into life with a new baby stretches everything - your patience, your partnership, your identity, and so much more. The transition into toddlerhood is something else, though. The baby who previously needed to be transported everywhere can suddenly get places under her own power. The baby who only needed milk and snuggles suddenly voices a whole host of other needs and desires, adamantly and at increasing volume levels. Just like having a baby stretches us as parents and asks us to grow in new and surprising ways, the transition into parenting a toddler asks perhaps even more. As Dr. Shefali Tsabary writes in The Conscious Parent: "The transition to parenthood is complex, requiring us to surrender to an irrevocable loss of our identity as we have thus far known it. To create the internal space required to embrace the tending of a new spirit, the pillars of our old lifestyle have to crumble. Who we were before becoming a parent doesn't and cannot exist with the same ferocity. Once children enter our life, their impact is indelible and we are required to reinvent ourselves in response" (96). If you are anticipating the next stage of baby's development into a toddler or find yourself already in the sticky middle-of-toddler-years days, check out these fabulous resources for setting loving limits and holding them with love and respect.
Peaceful Parents, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham To get a sense of Markham's approach, check out the AhaParenting website, which has an awesomely helpful index by age and stage. This is one of my first stops when a new kiddo stages throws me for a loop. It's Okay Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Compassionate Kids by Heather Shumaker One of the most anxious points of toddler parenting for me was learning how to navigate my kids social interactions - when to stand back, when to hop in, and how to be helpful. Shumaker gives so many helpful examples for how to handle situations in a positive and productive manner. Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence by Lawrence J. Cohen In rough stages, sometimes you just need a fresh tool or outlook to come at problems from a positive and collaborative place. If you find yourself in that place, this is a great read. Siblings without Rivalry: How to Help your Children Live Together so You Can Live Too by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Toddler parenting takes on a whole new dynamic when you've got sibling squabbles in the mix. Faber and Mazlish made this a super quick read that's easy to distill and implement. And, it helps me remember that sibling conflicts are normal and the perfect opportunity to build skills of conflict negotiation and compassion. The Gentle Sleep Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith While we'd like to pretend that only tiny babies wake at night, the reality is that waking for reassurance during the night is developmentally normal for toddlers, too. Ockwell-Smith offers gentle suggestions that can help the whole family get more rest while still meeting your toddler's needs in a developmentally appropriate manner. (If you find you need more support making gentle sleep transitions, head on over to Nested Mama's Sleep services.) Mothering your Nursing Toddler by Norma J. Bumgarner Wondering what's normal as you nurse your baby into toddlerhood? This book from La Leche League International provides awesome perspective. (And if you find yourself nursing into a pregnancy, Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hilary Flower is the essential read on the topic.) As a doula and sleep educator, I work with a lot of parents when they are at their most tapped out. As a parent myself, I have plenty of moments that seem more like surviving than thriving. I coach my clients to uncover areas where they can find balance and meaning, and self-care is often a pivot point that can tip survival mode into flourishing for the whole family. When I take a fair assessment of my own life, I find that my moments of frustration with my children or my partner often emerge from my own lack of balance. As the saying goes, you can't give from an empty cup. And, no one knows that truth more deeply than a parent of young children. As important as self-care is to overall wellness, there is another piece that I suggest can be just as significant - finding joy WITH your children. Here, I'm not talking about delighting in every moment - some are challenging and some are just plain hard - no one needs the pressure of loving every second. Instead, try to find mutual points of joy in your life. Maybe you all enjoy a particular series of stories or chapter book read alouds. Maybe you all love your routine of getting a donut on Saturday morning. Maybe each of you can relish the feeling of sand between your toes at the beach. Maybe you geek out together over the same comic book. Whatever that source of joy is for all of you, seek it out. Be intentional. Make time for it, and soak it in. For me, I am my happiest when I'm outside, and I discovered early on with my first child that she loved to be outside, too. Now that I've got a busy trio, I plan to be outside every day, if possible, and make a couple significant excursions to local trails and parks every week.
On the best of days, I can carry that feeling with me through the tricky pre-dinner time and all the way until my kiddos are at rest. And, my ease sets the tone for everyone. Most importantly, we all find joy together.
How do you find joy with your little ones? Are you in need of relief for back, hip, or pelvic pain in your pregnancy? Want to keep your pelvis aligned for optimal fetal positioning? Check out this list of highly recommended chiropractors who offer prenatal chiropractic care in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.
At Robinson Family Wellness we believe Chiropractic is a more proactive, conservative approach to health & wellness. As a chiropractor my main focus is to support patients in reaching their optimal health by allowing the body to reach its full functioning potential. By using very specific low force adjustments I have helped and continue to help many families overcome many obstacles. I love to serve families through all walks of life, particularly focusing on mothers and children. Having a passion for growing families, I chose to continue my education and next summer will officially become a Board Certified Pediatric Chiropractor. In our office we do everything we can to accommodate our patients and families, we even have a private nursing & play space complete with a comfy rocking chair, changing table and a scale for moms to do weighted feeds. We look forward to continued growth in the local community, empowering families to be well and live well.
We offer concerned parents who feel like something is missing in their birth team, a different path that allows them to achieve their best birth possible. Pregnancy can be one the most exciting times in a woman’s life. It can also be one of the most uncomfortable. A properly aligned pelvis and nervous system will help create an optimal environment for your baby to grow. Dr. Mike is certified in the Webster Technique that helps to reduce nerve interference and restore pelvic balance. Chiropractic care can also aid in a smoother labor and delivery.
I have a passion for treating women during the motherhood transition! From preconception to prenatal to postpartum, mothers will receive the absolute best in holistic care. My approach includes chiropractic care with the Activator instrument, which is very gentle, while also utilizing the Webster technique for pregnancy. Additionally, I treat many women with acupuncture for infertility, nausea, pain, inducing labor, and postpartum depression. Being a mother of twins myself, I know how difficult this season of life can be! It’s truly an honor to care for mothers.
My goal is to make moms as comfortable as humanly possibly during pregnancy. I'm certified in the wonderful Webster Technique to relieve tension on the uterus, which gives baby the room they need to grow and develop without restriction. However, all the certifications in the world don't hold a candle to experiencing pregnancy, loss, birth, and postpartum myself. Being a mom helps me treat other moms because I've been there. I've had horrible morning sickness, and the dreaded "lightning crotch." I've wrongly blamed myself for miscarriage. I've rebuilt strength after giving birth. I've cared for a baby with terrible reflux. I adjust moms and babies to help their body's function at 100% and reach their full health potential, but I'm also attentive to their needs nutritionally, mentally, and emotionally. I want moms to feel cared for because they deserve it.
At Awaken Family Chiropractic, we understand that optimal health for a pregnant woman is crucial, as her health and well-being affects the health and well-being of her baby. Ensuring proper nervous system function is vital to the development of the baby, as well as to the health and comfort of the mom. Chiropractic care during pregnancy offers a number of benefits for mom and baby, and I am certified in Webster Technique . Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the aches and discomfort that often come along with pregnancy. Expecting women under regular care have reported shorter labor times, less birth interventions, more energy, improved sleep and more. Adjustments while pregnant are safe and gentle for mom and baby. Our goal is to help moms experience the best pregnancy, labor and delivery that they can!
I enjoy working with pregnant women because of the huge effects chiropractic has on the woman and her baby. This, and caring for babies and children, is the reason I completed my Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics through the International Chiropractic Association in 2005. Chiropractic helps women stay more comfortable during their pregnancies, which allows them to stay active and be at their best during pregnancy. For pregnant women who already have children, it helps keep them active so they aren’t slowed down by pain and unable to engage with their family the way that they desire. I use a combination of chiropractic and soft tissue release, including Webster’s, to allow for optimal position of the pelvis and to balance the supporting ligaments so there’s no constraint preventing the baby from getting into optimal position for birth. By removing interference in the nerves that are exiting the spine, it allows optimal communication to the uterus so there are coordinated contractions to drive the birth process. I also think it’s important to coach pregnant women in regards to nutrition and lifestyle. The investments a woman makes in her body during pregnancy will positively effect her and the baby!
Moms choose me as their Chiropractor because I help them achieve the healthiest and most comfortable pregnancy and birth. They bring their whole families to me to achieve and maintain optimal health so that their children may grow and develop to their optimal potential. I have been in chiropractic since 1996. I have been a doctor of chiropractic since 2010. I have extensive post graduate training in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic. I am also a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. I have been certified in the Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association since 2008. I re-certified in 2017 and in 2018 became an examiner for other doctors to receive their Webster certification. In addition to my extensive prenatal and pediatric chiropractic training, as of 2016 I am also a birth doula, so I have extensive knowledge on how to care for women physically and emotionally through out pregnancy and birth. As well as extensive experience adjusting newborns, adjusting 100's in my career, some of my doula clients only hours old. Fall is my favorite. I'm pretty jazzed to share this guest post over on the Doulas of Iowa City blog. In it your find the perfect pint-sized fall bucket list to keep you in rhythm with the season for baby's first fall.
What's your favorite local fall event? Share it in the comments below! We have so much beauty here in Iowa and that really shows during the fall months. If you haven't already tried hitting the trail with your family, this is a great time to do it! Mild temps keep everyone happy and the crunchy leaves make for awesome nature sensory play. Here area some of our favorite fall hikes in the Corridor that we enjoy as a family. Note: The hikes mentioned vary in difficulty and child safety concerns. As always, use your best judgment in choosing hikes that work for your family. Sandbar along the Cedar River A popular site for family pictures, Palisades-Kepler combines the beauty of fall foliage with the drama of the cliffs along the Cedar River. Pending river level, the extensive sandbar makes for an excellent space to play in the sand. (****Please note that river currents are dangerous and no one should enter the water.****) The Cool Hollow Trail runs through the park and provides a moderate hiking experience. For more of a challenge, the Cedar Cliff Trail goes along the river and provides amazing views -- sturdy kid hikers will still likely need an adult assist at points on this one and young walkers will need to be up in a carrier. Entrance to Cedar Cliff Trail Just down the river from Palisades is the quiet Ennis Preserve. This Linn County Park includes a 1-mile loop trail that takes you through prairie and woods, down to the river's edge and back. The trail has a steep stretch as it approaches the river, where little ones may need to be up in the carrier or hold a hand. Pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful meal in the grass by the park's entrance. This Asian Maple is a favorite spot to play on fall hikes Looking for a little walker and stroller friendly fall hike? The Morgan Creek Arboretum features a crushed stone path that takes you on a loop through trees and prairie with lots of open grass space to romp and play. Side explorations into the creek are available at points, so make sure to wear water proof footwear and messy play clothes. Sun through the trees on a fall morning at Woodpecker Woodpecker Trail is a favorite of my kiddos from the time they can toddle down the trail. You can make it a kid-friendly 1 mile hike or loop it together with the connecting Squire Point Trail for more mileage. Woodpecker does come to one beautiful stone outlook point with a bit of a drop, so keep kiddos close as you approach the water. A great adventure with kid hikers Across the pond from the outdoor classroom The Outdoor Classroom at ICNC is the perfect option if you have a little hiker who wants to explore every leaf or stick on the path. Situated around a pond, the outdoor classroom offers the chance to climb, swing, build, and explore. For more distance, you can check out ICNC's great trail network or the nearby Sac & Fox Trail, too. Exploring with natural materials Still hiking despite the rain This stroller-friendly paved path provides the opportunity to combine your fall hike with coffee by heading north along the trail to Capanna Coffee (which will take you through wetlands) or east to a fork and then up across 6 to Hurts Donut Co. Either option can motivate even the most reluctant of riders or walkers. And, the fall colors along the creek are a treat all on their own! Easy hiking for an early walker Looking for a quieter yet still stroller-friendly stretch of trail? The Clear Creek Trail, entered from Half Moon has a wide path and a peaceful vibe that feels more akin to a dirt trail. Looking for more Corridor adventures? Head here now for all Nested Mama posts on Local Family fun.
Connect with Nested Mama on Facebook and Instagram for more on pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. In a nutshell:
The Whole Brain Child offers parenting advice based on neuroscience and a developmental approach to parenting. Instead of expecting children to behave like miniature adults, Siegel and Tina point to the ways in which children's brains are still under construction. Instead of feeling frustrated when our attempts to communicate and handle tricky situations with our children go sideways, the book encourages us to see these moments as opportunities to parent in a manner that ultimately promotes the growth and emotional resiliency we hope our children will one day possess. My reaction: I love how practically the authors approach each of their tips. For each situation, they offer case study examples and a cartoon briefly summarizing the strategy they suggest. Additionally, they provide a kid-friendly cartoon breakdown of each idea such that you can work with your child to develop his or her own understanding of how the mind works. And, each chapter ends with a section for parents, which draws attention to the fact that we, as parents, have so much growing to do in how we handle our own emotions and frustrations. Some quotations of note: "It's also crucial to keep in mind that no matter how nonsensical and frustrating our child's feelings may seem to us, they are real and important to our child. It's vital that we treat them as such in our response" (24). "Even though we will want to help build this metaphorical staircase in our child's brain, there are two important reasons to maintain realistic expectations when it comes to integration. The first is developmental: while the downstairs brain is well developed even at birth, the upstairs brain isn't fully mature until a person reaches his mid-twenties" (41). "Your state of mind can influence your child's state of mind, letting you transform fussiness and irritability into fun, laughter, and connection" (133). My takeaway: The Whole Brain Child is a parenting text with longevity - helping you understand your toddler to your teenager and even some of your adult relationships, too. If you are looking for a straightforward parenting text grounded in neuroscience that will challenge you to grow alongside your child, The Whole Brain Child is that book. Want to see a simple tool that helps save my sanity day in and day out? Behold - the snack plate! While this tray I got for under a dollar at a thrift store seems pretty unimpressive, it has become a critical tool in how I hand snack time day in and day out. As a parent, I approach family eating and meals informed by Ellyn Satter's division of responsibility. In a nutshell, the parent decides the parameters of meals - what is offered at what time and what location. The child retains control of how much he or she eats and which of the offered foods he or she eats. This model of feeding complements a baby-led solids (often referred to as baby-led weaning or BLW) approach and continues the trust for your child that underlies baby-led solids into their toddler and preschooler years (as well as beyond). In the moment, the division of responsibility approach to eating takes away any possible power struggles around food. Long view the hope is that it encourages a healthy attitude toward food.
Want to try out a snack plate with a single kiddo or younger toddlers? Mini-muffin tins or ice-cube trays can make the perfect solo snack tray. If you do try out the snack tray, let me know what you think!
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AuthorJohanna received a Ph.D. in English in 2014. Now a postpartum doula and educator of childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant sleep, she blogs about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Archives
February 2021
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