LilSugar

8 Tips For Easing the Morning Rush

babysugar — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:15:30 PDT

And they're off! Once the alarm clock rings, many moms feel like they're running the race of their life as they try to get their lil ones, and themselves, out the door and into school before the bell rings. Add a child who is dragging her feet and a missing permission slip to the mix and the whole day can be thrown off. While organizational experts tell us that preparing the night before will make for smooth sailing in the morning, a few time-tested tricks will help you out the door every day.

5 Ways Moms Can Avoid Getting Robbed While Shopping

Heather Maddan — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:00:00 PST

It's common for a mom to get distracted when she's at the mall with her children. While a great deal or a disgruntled tot can steal a mother's attention for a moment or two, it also may make her a target for theft. In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, a woman should be aware of her surroundings and susceptibility. Avoid being robbed by following these five practical tips!

Pain in the Leg! Charley Horse During Pregnancy

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:40:33 PDT

There's nothing worse than waking up with a charley horse, and some mamas-to-be get the muscle cramps or spasms more frequently during pregnancy. If you experience the excruciating pain and are unable to straighten your leg, here's a masseuse's advice for such paralyzing moments. She said to point the toes up toward the knee in a calf stretch. If that is too painful or impossible, use your hands and massage the calf in a circular motion. Hopefully, this will get you back to sleeping like a baby.

Mom Tested Remedies For Pain From Breastfeeding

babysugar — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 08:00:18 PDT

Nursing is painful for most mothers. Thanks to tips from lactation consultants and other mothers, I was able to get through the harsh beginning and make it through many months of breastfeeding. Here are my five top recommendations for nursing mamas.

Lansinoh Nipple Cream - There are hundreds of creams on the market, but Lansinoh ($13) is one of my favorites.
Cabbage leaves - Some women swear that chilled cabbage leaves help with engorgement and swelling.
Washcloths - In the old days, expecting women used to take a wet washcloth and rub their nipples nearly raw so they would be tough when the baby came along.
Bags of frozen peas - When I suffered through mastitis, bags of frozen peas helped to cool down the infected areas.
Nipple shields - Some of my friends have relied on nipple shields to get them from one feeding to the next. They work wonders for nipple challenged mothers.

What was your go-to cure? Share it in comments!

Five Signs Mom Has Postpartum Depression and How to Help

LilSugar — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:55:25 PDT

What to do when it's more than the baby blues? Dr. Karen Binder-Brynes recently contributed to Gwyneth Paltrow's web newsletter, GOOP about postnatal depression. The NYC psychologist has since received inquiries from women all over the globe. As the condition is not uncommon, we asked her for tips on how to tell if a mom has postpartum depression and how to help. Here is her advice: As I mentioned in GOOP, 10 to 20 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. This is not a small percentage. As a result, many of you readers have either suffered from postpartum depression or have friends or relatives who have. Today I am addressing the issue of what to do if you have a friend or relative who may be suffering from this condition.

The first step is in recognizing that your friend/relative is in fact experiencing the more severe condition we call postpartum depression and not just having typical and normal, post birth blues. Most mothers experience some “let-down” after their baby’s birth. They may feel tired, overwhelmed, and may be recovering from the birth process itself, be it cesarean or vaginal delivery. They may have other children at home who need attention, not to mention husbands or partners. What we are addressing here is the more severe and long-lasting syndrome of postpartum depression. This syndrome is marked by longer lasting feelings of sadness, irritability, feelings of self-loathing or loathing the baby, lack of concentration and feelings as if she can not care properly for her baby. In severe instances a new mother can feel suicidal or even homicidal. There is still tremendous shame around this condition and often women loathe to admit these dark emotions to their husbands, relatives, friends, and even their doctors! So how would you know if a friend or relative is suffering from postpartum depression? Here are five behaviors (and suggestions for help) which might help you make the assessment.

Five Tips For Camping With Children

LilSugar — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 06:00:00 PDT

Pitch a tent, it's time to take the kids camping! Lots of families enjoy an annual adventure living in the great outdoors! But to make the trip a enjoyable for young children, we got some great tips from Kampgrounds of America. Do you have any to share?

Five Tips For Camping With Baby

LilSugar — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:00:05 PDT

Sleep under the stars with your lil one! Camping is a great way to get out in nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Lots of families enjoy an annual outdoor adventure and bringing baby on the excursion is exciting! Since toting a tot takes a bit of extra planning, we got some great tips from Kampgrounds of America. Do you have any to share?

Five Tips For Camping While Pregnant

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:00:29 PDT

Sleep under the stars! Camping is a great way to get out in nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Lots of families enjoy an annual outdoor adventure and mamas-to-be aren't ones to miss out! But, to make the trip a bit more comfortable we got some great tips from Kampgrounds of America. Do you have any to share?

Lil Tip: Pop Balloon Animals in the Freezer to Make Them Last

LilSugar — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:00:36 PDT

What child doesn't love a balloon animal? The inflated toys are pretty common at tot birthdays, carnivals, and circuses, but there's a way a parent can try to stretch the creature's longevity. My son and daughter talked me into shelling out $10 for a couple of balloon animal bracelets at the farmers market yesterday, and the man who twisted the Hello Kitty and elephant wristlets into shape gave me a tip. He said to put the critters in the freezer when the kids aren't playing with them and the knotted pets could last for up to a year.

Source: Flickr User loop_oh

BabySugar's Band-Aid Trick For Injured Tots

babysugar — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:30:04 PDT

A bump here and bruise there can quickly add up to a lil one covered head to toe in Band-Aids. Even when there is nothing wrong, wee ones have a way of inventing boo boos just to have another bandage strategically placed on their body. But when tots have an actual need for a wound dressing, the mere sight of a first-aid kit can send them running for cover.

Offering an injured child his choice of bandages may be all that is needed to cool a situation down. Though bandage makers may have specific designs in mind for different wounds, allowing your tot to pick out the bandage he wants can take the edge off everyone involved. Who cares if that knuckle bandage ends up on his face, at least he'll have a smile on while you are applying it! And just remember, if one Band-Aid is good, two is always better.

Do you have some helpful tips for mommy? Join our The Mommy Club over in our LilSugar Community and share your ideas! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.