Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

Creating a Sleep Routine for Our 2.5-Year-Old (Without Sleep Training!)

As a parent deeply committed to gentle and nurturing parenting, the journey of nurturing and guiding our 2.5-year-old toddler, Baby M, has been an incredible adventure. One aspect that has been both challenging and rewarding is the process of establishing a consistent sleep routine.

In this blog post, I want to share our experiences and insights into creating a sleep routine tailored to Baby M’s unique needs and temperament. It’s a journey that involves patience, empathy, and a profound understanding of her evolving sleep patterns.

If you’re a parent facing a similar situation, seeking to establish a bedtime routine that provides a sense of security and comfort for your little one, then join me as we explore the highs and lows, the strategies that have proven effective, and the moments of joy in our pursuit of providing Baby M with a peaceful and restful night’s sleep.

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Koala Parenting: Everything You Need to Know

Ever heard of Koala Parenting? If you’ve been curious about a parenting approach that emphasizes connection, you’re in the right place. Parenting can be challenging, and finding effective ways to nurture your child’s emotional well-being is a common concern. In this post, we’ll delve into Koala Parenting, offering insights and guidance drawn from experts in the field.

Whether you’re a new parent seeking a nurturing approach or an experienced one exploring different techniques, Koala Parenting could offer valuable insights. No fluff, just straightforward information to help you understand and explore Koala Parenting.

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The Best Bedside Bassinets of 2023

We’ve covered a lot of baby products since the inception of Leaf and Steel 7 years, and today we’re happy to present the best bedside bassinets of 2023.

When I was pregnant with Baby M, I researched what felt like every product on the market prior to making a decision. I know how overwhelming all the options can be. This post helps separate the essential features from the unnecessary frills, so you can make an informed decision about bedside bassinets.

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First Day of Fall Traditions to Start with Your Kids This Year

Whether you’re a parent who revels in the beauty of autumn or someone looking to infuse fresh energy into your family’s traditions, our carefully curated ideas are here to inspire and guide you. Today, we’re diving into fall traditions to start with your kids this year!

Crafting the perfect autumn tradition requires a blend of creativity, intention, and a touch of expertise, and that’s where today’s post comes in. You might feel the need to do something special to welcome in the new season, so all of these ideas are relatively inexpensive and focused on experiences, not things.

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Everything You Need to Know about PACE Parenting

Have you ever heard of PACE parenting? PACE parenting is an acronym (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, empathy) for a parenting tool that will change the way you interact with children.

If you find yourself struggling to enjoy parenthood or feel unheard by your child, PACE parenting is for you. In this post, we’ll compare pace parenting and gentle parenting. We’ll also cover the main advantages in using pace parenting over different parenting techniques.

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Playing in the Rain with Your Toddler

Do you remember the feeling of jumping in puddles and feeling the cool rain on your face as a child? It turns out that letting your toddler play outside in the rain can be a fantastic way to boost their physical and emotional health.

Baby M knows that if it’s warm enough, a little rain isn’t going to keep us from getting fresh air and grass stains.

While it may seem counterintuitive to encourage your little one to go outside when the weather is less than ideal, there are plenty of reasons why playing in the rain can be a great idea. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of letting your toddler play outside in the rain, and provide tips for making it a fun, safe experience for everyone. So grab your rain boots and let’s dive in…

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Surviving Sleep Deprivation as a Stay-at-Home Mom

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world, but it can also be one of the most exhausting. I didn’t understand just how tired I would feel. From late-night feedings to early-morning wake-up calls, the demands of motherhood can leave you too feeling like you’re running on fumes.

Sleep deprivation is a common reality for many moms, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and strategies for surviving sleep deprivation as a mom, so you can feel more rested, energized, and ready to take on the day.

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How to Survive Your Toddler’s Blood Test

How do you survive your toddler’s blood test and make sure they have the best experience possible?

What could be more fun than taking a toddler for their annual blood test? I can think of at least 7 million things I would rather do. Today we’re getting into why toddlers need blood tests and how to make the experience as emotionally and physically painless as possible.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

If you are taking your baby for their first blood draw, head over to my previous post How to Survive Your One-Year-Old’s First Blood Test.
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How to Survive Your 1-Year-Old’s First Blood Test

Is it time for your baby’s first year check up? Then it might be time for baby’s first blood test! I’m writing this post because I recently had to take Baby M for her first blood test and it was SO hard to find a post with all this information rolled into one!

Here are some helpful answers to common blood test questions as well as some tips to make the procedure as painless as possible.

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