How to Survive Your Toddler’s Blood Test

February 19, 2023

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.

Let’s Talk Puppy Blues

October 31, 2022

Let’s talk puppy blues and why it’s normal to feel depressed, hate your puppy, or even want to return your puppy in the early days.

Puppy blues or “puppy postpartum” is extremely common.

Let’s say you decide to get a dog. You do all your research, you buy all the toys. You imagine snuggling your little fluff-ball on the couch and taking long walks with your new best friend gliding by your side. You mentally prepare yourself for the first few sleepless nights, the vet bills, and house training.

Depression, anxiety, and feelings of deep regret are not in most people’s vision of early puppyhood. Certainly, they weren’t in mine!

I Regretted Getting a Puppy

Earlier this year, my husband and I decided to get a dog. We did everything “right”. We had good intentions. We researched what felt like every single breed, made pros and cons lists, and investigated how to choose a reputable breeder.

After weeks of deliberation, we decided on a Vizlsa. We had both admired them for a long time and felt that the breed would suit our family best. We both had dogs in the past and thought we knew what we were doing.

We got all the things we needed, got in contact with an amazing breeder, and started saving for the expenses. When we would receive pictures of our growing boy, I was felt with nothing but pride and excitement. It was a very similar feeling to seeing my daughter on an ultrasound when I was pregnant.

I was so excited to have a little toddler and a new puppy. Looking back, I’m not sure what I was thinking, ha!

We picked up Bodhi when he was 8 weeks old. He was the cutest, sweetest, droopiest little boy. He was so calm and slept on my lap the whole 8 hour drive home.

I Knew We Made a Mistake

As we pulled into the driveway he gave me a nibble on the arm. Little did I know, we had brought home a full on land-shark. He was a terror. There was literal blood, sweat, and tears. He bit with such force and determination.

“Aren’t dogs supposed to be in tune with our emotions?,” I would ask myself. He didn’t seem to care. We tried what seemed like everything.

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 8 week old vizsla male puppy

I was constantly covered in bruises, bites, and scrapes. I lost several pairs of pants to the cause. I didn’t love him. I didn’t feel bonded with him. I didn’t feel like he loved me. I didn’t feel like it would get better. I remember waking up anxious every day because I had to manage him.

I would cry all the time. I would beg my husband to bring him back. I felt like we had made a huge mistake. I would tell everyone and anyone how hard it was to have a puppy. Without doubt, having a baby was a breeze compared to him.

I didn’t know for a little while that I was suffering serious puppy blues.

What are the puppy blues?

Here is a definition from Psych Central, “Post-puppy depression, another term for puppy blues, isn’t a formal diagnosis. It’s a term used to describe feelings of regret, disappointment, and dismay that can occur after getting a new dog.”

The puppy blues can be caused by your puppy’s destructive behavior, neediness, or inability to sleep through the night.

What are the symptoms of puppy blues?

According to ChoosingTherapy.com, symptoms of puppy blues include the following:

Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling anxious, sad, and/or hopeless
Feeling helpless and/or paralyzed

Feeling guilty or ashamed
Feeling trapped
Feeling empty inside

Feeling numb
Suicidal ideation
Feeling angry or resentful towards your dog

Thinking you made a mistake in getting a dog, or wishing you could return them
More frequent crying
Increased tension or more frequent arguments with other members of your household

Increased irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Increased muscle tension, headaches, nausea, or stomach upset

Changes to appetite and weight loss or gain
Difficulty sleeping even if your dog is sleeping through the night

Do the puppy blues go away?

Yes, with the right amount of time and training the puppy blues do go away. Ideally, puppies are easier as they grow into themselves, learn to relieve themselves outside, and form a bond with their owner. Speaking with other dog owners or even a mental health professional can be beneficial as well.

Some situations where puppy blues may not go away is if your new dog is reactive or sick. This can lead to ongoing feelings of helplessness and loneliness. A qualified trainer or vet can aid in diagnosing these issues and potential solutions.

For awhile, I didn’t believe people when they said that he would “grow out” of certain behaviors. I really thought we had a lemon on our hands. I thought there was something wrong with him. Diligent training and age definitely helped his behavior and ability to calm down.

Now, Bodhi’s biggest issue is that he jumps on people when they come into the house. This is non big deal with a small dog, but having a 60lb mass of orange muscle jumping up to lick your face can be terrifying. It’s my most significant stressor when it comes to my dog. However, now I have some experience to show me that with the right training, discipline and time, we can get him to a place of safe and joyful greeting.

What can you do about the puppy blues?

The best thing you can do for the puppy blues is to have realistic expectations of your puppy. Puppies are messy, needy, and have no impulse control. Also, most puppies are brought home at 8 weeks old, which is still very young! Embracing the insanity definitely helped my relationship with Bodhi.

The fastest path to forming a bond with your pup is through training. Starting with small, five minute lessons is a great way to start. Sit, stay, and lie down are all basic essentials.

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 6 month old vizsla male puppy

Something else that helped in the beginning was treating it like a new baby. We ordered takeout, used paper plates, let the laundry pile up, and just focused on survival mode.

Training as a Solution to Puppy Blues

However, one of the most helpful skills a pup can learn is how to settle. We taught Bodhi this by rewarding him anytime we saw him “chilling out”. Over time he came to jump onto his favorite chair and put his head down on his paws.

Another thing to save your sanity during the puppy blues is crate training. We chose this crate for our dog and we used it from day one! We began giving him “enforced naps” every few hours. He had a hard time sleeping outside of his crate, so it gave him time during the day to rest. Puppies need a lot of sleep.

Crate training also gives the owner some time to relax, knowing that their puppy is safe. It’s also essential so they are used to being crated in emergency situations, at the groomers, or at the vet.

Will I ever love my new puppy?

Yes! It can feel like that bond will never come, but believe me, it will over time!

I’m sure there are some dog lovers who won’t identify with this post, but puppies are hard.

Now that my dog is a year old, I notice how badly I felt towards him. I was waking up anxious every morning, not wanting to deal with his biting and whining. It really was not how I envisioned getting a dog would be.

He’s still very much a puppy in an adult-dog body. There are some days where his existence feels like more work than reward. He’s still a trouble maker, but I’m able to see my part, like when he’s under-exercised or I left food on the counter where he could reach it.

Now I have the dog that I pictured. He’s my adventure buddy and he curls up at my feet with a bone at the end of the night. He protects our house from allllll the squirrels and is so gentle and loving towards our toddler.

He’s on his way to becoming a sweet old man!

Have you ever experienced the puppy blues? Did you know that it was possible to feel this way after getting a fluffy adorable puppy?
Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

30 Fall-Themed Lifestyle Blog Ideas

September 22, 2022

Today we’re rounding up 30 fall themed lifestyle blog ideas to bring more traffic this autumn!

Fall is a big deal here on Long Island. The weather is beautiful, the leaves change in waves, pumpkin patches and corn mazes cover the North Fork. After some unbearably humid and hot summers, fall feels like a gift.

I love creating fall-themed posts for my blog that match my love for fall! I really wanted to creat this post prior to #blogtober, so that I would have something to reference for ideas.

I’ve written before about how much I got out of #blogtober21 and writing consistently. Writing challenges are an excellent way to become a consistent blogger. Whether you blog for money or treat it as a labor of love, fall is the perfect time to start writing.

Why do content creators produce more content at the end of the year?

Every wonder why your favorite blogger/influencer/YouTuber puts out seemingly infinite amounts of content or videos at the end of the year?

The answer is obvious and the answer is always the same!

Money.
Ad networks and brand deals typically pay more at the end of the year. Brands want to use up their marketing budgets in preparation for the next year.

More content = more clicks = more money.

I remember when I spent more time on YouTube and would see #Vlogmas and think that it sounded absolutely exhausting, it didn’t make sense. Wouldn’t you want to take December off? That’s where the money makes it worth it, of course.

I personally don’t want to spend my favorite time of year (October-December) in front of a computer screen, which is why I schedule a lot of my posts!

5 Blogging Lessons I Learned in 2021

Fall Writing Challenge Tips

Before we get to the list of 30 fall-themed lifestyle blog ideas, let’s look at some tips for creating fall content.

Get outside of the house and get inspired.

Get up and go outside! Enjoy the weather while it lasts. Being out in the world is a surefire way for my brain to start firing off ideas for blog topics.

Go through your current daily routine.

Do you do anything different now that it’s fall? Do you change up the vegetables you eat or drive the long way home so that you can see the changing leaves? Your daily routine may hold more subject matter than you know.

I know I have a special candle that I bring out for fall (I feel like such a loser typing that out but my people know what I mean). I love changing out my wreath and drinking out of pumpkin cups. We also do a lot more chilis and savory meals when the humidity tapers off.

Revamp your own favorite blog posts.

If you’ve completed this list or are looking for more inspiration, why not scroll back to your old blog posts?

Maybe last year you wrote about autumn date ideas, and this year your single. You could write about solo date ideas or fall activities for groups. Maybe this year you had a major life chage, like a new work opportunity or had a child, which changed your perspective on an ideal autumn day.

Fresh perspectives on old topics is nothing new, but it’s a great place to start when you run out of ideas.

Try a new blogging challenge like #Blogtober.

What is blogtober? According to Tea & Cake for the Soul, “Blogtober is where bloggers from all over the world publish a post every day during the month of October. They also link up with other bloggers who are also taking part to share the love.”

You can see my post How to Prepare for Blogtober 2022 for more information about how to get started! I highly recommend blogging challenges if you’re a beginner or you’re stuck in a “writing rut”.

I believe writing is a muscle and by exercising it everyday, we get faster and our writing grows stronger.

I also have a post Why You Should Try Blogtober, which shares my results from last year.

Fall Graphic Printed Tops for Cozy Autumn Days

Below is the list of the autumn blog post ideas!

Your essential fall playlist
Describe your favorite Thanksgiving memory
Your favorite fall baking recipe list

Fall reading list
Best places to see the leaves changing
Best pumpkin patches near you

Fall bucket list
Your sweetest fall memory
Autumn movie list

Halloween costume ideas
Fall fashion finds (see my favorite sweaters here)
Autumn soup recipes

Favorite fall decor (I’m loving velvet pumpkins)
Fall photo dump with stories
Ways to use different fall produce (apples, pumpkins, etc.)

Favorite fall drinks (sweet fall mugs here)
How to plant and take care of mums
TV series to start this fall (HBO, Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

Plan a fall date night
How to roast pumpkin seeds
Fall photo challenge

Describe the process of helping at a food bank or donating school supplies
Unique s’more recipes
Pumpkin carving how-to

Rank cafe’s pumpkin spice lattes
The best fall nature hikes
Rank the best fall scented candles

Describe your ideal fall day
Fall bonfire party planning checklist
Take family Christmas card pictures

So, those are the 30 fall-themed blog topics to keep you inspired and writing this season. I know I plan on writing a post for each and every one this year!

What do you like to write about this time of year? Have you ever written about one of the topics on this list?

What would you add to this list?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

Autumn 2021 Playlist

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

How Parents Can Be Thoughtful Health Advocates for the Whole Family

August 25, 2022

Today’s post is a guest post by Katie Conroy from advicemine.com. If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, head over here!

Parenthood comes with a huge number of fun times and rewarding experiences but also a few significant responsibilities. Maintaining the health and well-being of your family is one of your chief concerns as a loving parent.

That includes your children, your spouse, even your aging parents, and, of course, yourself as well. Being health-conscious is not just about satisfying basic needs, though. You can go above and beyond as a parent by being a mindful, thoughtful health advocate so that your family can thrive for many years to come.

Make Good Lifestyle Choices for Your Household

The first step in living healthier is to make small changes to your daily habits over time. When it comes to personal fitness, you can start by simply going for walks during your work breaks or taking the stairs more often.

As for making choices that benefit your whole family, the best approach is to tackle the issue as a team. For example, children are more likely to eat healthy snacks if their parents are foregoing junk food as well. If you have young kids who enjoy playing outside, consider joining in the games so that everyone gets a little more physical activity.

Find the Right Healthcare Professionals

Medical care is something that you should not approach with an anyone-will-do attitude. Health experts explain that finding the right primary care doctor is very important for building a bond of trust with your healthcare provider. When you have a consistent relationship with one doctor, you can be confident in their knowledge of your family and their intentions to serve your best interests.

Try finding a physician with experience caring for any specific medical conditions that might exist in your family. Your chosen doctor should also be someone who is patient, good with children, and who makes you feel comfortable voicing your questions and concerns.

Organize Your Family’s Medical Records

While your healthcare provider should keep track of your medical history, you can take extra steps toward securing your family’s well-being by keeping your own copies of medical documents. It is a good idea to have both a physical folder as well as a digital storage solution for organizing important documents by the individual. As one example, you can use a free online tool to compile x-rays and other medical images into one convenient PDF file.

When you properly organize your medical documents, it is very easy to review your records whenever necessary. You should regularly check over your bills and other important documents for errors and inconsistencies.

Consider Senior Living for Your Aging Parent

If you have a parent that requires round-the-clock care for a serious health condition, it might be time to talk to them about senior living. Choosing a trusted senior facility will ensure that your aging parent has constant access to skilled nursing and comfortable living conditions. It is not a decision to be made hastily, though, so be sure to read reviews, compare costs, and check detailed facility reports.

Being your family’s main health advocate can be a fulfilling responsibility but also draining at times. You can draw on motivational parenting resources from Leaf and Steel to reinvigorate and reinspire your sense of purpose. With a positive attitude, overseeing your family’s well-being will become like second nature.

What did you think of Katie’s article? How do you make positive, healthy decisions for your family? Let us know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

Easy Oatmeal Round with Sliced Fruit and Whip Cream Drizzle

July 29, 2022

Baby M and I needed a quick, yet decadent breakfast to celebrate the end of the heat wave this summer. We tried this delicious oatmeal cake with sliced fruit and whipped cream drizzle and were not disappointed!

The Base:

2 cups oatmeal

1.5-2 ripe or slightly-browning bananas

2 tsp vanilla

Whipped Cream Drizzle:

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sugar

The Toppings:

Maple syrup

Blueberries

Sliced strawberries

1. Preheat the oven to 300

2. Mash oatmeal and bananas in a bowl

3. Add in vanilla

4. Place a slip of parchment paper onto a baking sheet

5. Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and form into a patty

6. Bake at 300 for 15 minutes

7. Whisk together heavy cream and sugar

8. Slice fruit

9. Once the oatmeal base has cooled, assemble your slice however you’d like!

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

June in Review

July 7, 2022

Happy July!

Man, am I ready for summer to be over. I write this covered in poison ivy, mosquito bites, and one exquisitely swollen bee sting.

Have you ever heard that we’re just pre-programmed to love summer because of our association with school ending? I think it’s true.

I will take any season but summer. Maine, or even Canada is starting to sound good. The older I get, the harder the heat gets.

I know, I know, I’m complaining. It’s just not for me. Do you actually like summer? Tell me I’m not alone…

Anyways, here’s a little recap from June.

The Not-So-Great:

I’m allergic to bees. Not like “oh I don’t like this thing so I’m going to say I have an allergy” – like an allergy-allergy. I got stung twice in 3 weeks by honeybees on the same foot and went on the same yummy antibiotics. Apparently honeybees don’t sting unless provoked (read: stepped on). Me and my epi-pen are ready to fight.

I didn’t try anything new. I didn’t read any books this month and I didn’t listen to any new music. June felt weirdly busy, even though I don’t think I actually did much.

The Good:

I spent most days outside. Despite the bees and other brazen fauna, I think the time outside served me well. There’s nothing like sunshine. I would like to thank my dog and toddler for this.

I got some blog posts up. Not as many as I’d like, of course 😉

I spent time with family and friends. That’s what’s really important to me, at the end of the day. There’s no substitute for quality time with loved ones.

Summer is almost over. It’s July- that means were almost done! I can’t wait for pumpkins and colder weather and for all the bugs to go back underground.

How was your June? Did you learn anything new? Do anything fun?

Any big plans for July?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

My Favorite Baby Items and My Biggest Regrets

7 Things to Do in Cooperstown That AREN’T Baseball Related

Surviving a Road Trip with an Infant

How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer

7 Things to Do in Cooperstown That AREN’T Baseball Related

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

My Favorite Baby Items and My Biggest Regrets

June 27, 2022

I finally have a list of my favorite baby items! Now that I have a toddler I feel like I know what to buy for the next kid. I was tempted to make this list earlier, but I now feel that I have the perspective to really evaluate what I loved, hated, and didn’t need!

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

My Top Baby Item Recommendations

If the item has an asterisk (*) it means we are still using it at 19 months!

Baby Monitor*

I love our monitor. I didn’t want one that synced to my phone or measured her oxygen levels or whatever. I knew before I had her that I would need to rest when I was away from her, and that those kinds of monitors would lead to me over-monitoring her.

We went with the Motorola monitor and it’s amazing! My favorite part is that you can turn the screen and volume off but there are little colored lights at the top that turn on when there’s sound in the nursery. We can also talk to Baby M through it.

It has a pretty nice range, so I can bring it outside with me in the morning while I’m playing with the dog.

Aden & Anais Muslin Blankets*

As a former preschool teacher, I’ve had my eye on these for awhile. My students would use them for nap time and their parents would confirm that they had gotten them as babies. Anything that’s usable for years and softer with every wash is a bargain, in my opinion.

I have dozens of muslin blankets from them, and it’s one of the few items that I’m glad I over-purchased. We use them for everything!

Pottery Barn Circle Mat*

Did you know babies can learn just from watching you? We put Baby M down on this mat from a few days old and let us watch us. It’s a nice alternative to a swing, which can inhibit gross motor development with high levels of use.

Gerber Cloth Diapers*

We didn’t use these as cloth diapers, but as do-it-all rags. They worked as emergency wash cloths, burp rags, high chair cleaners, etc. They retain a lot of moisture!

Jellycat Stuffed Animals*

Ugh, I love Jellycats! They are the softest stuffies ever. We have the raccoon, owl, bunny, and puppy. Baby M just adores them.

Chicco LullaGo Bassinet

I am so glad I went with this bassinet and not one that is right on the side of the bed. Baby M was a loud sleeper, even as a newborn. Like, you can’t imagine something so tiny is so loud. I was able to put her at the end of the bed and get (some) rest.

The Runaway Bunny*

This is my absolute favorite baby book. I read it before I was even pregnant and I cried. It’s an American classic! You can also view my (hopefully future) The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery here.

Baby Jogger*

My mom got this for my husband as a gift and we’ve fallen in love with it. It’s like a mountain bike. If you keep reading you’ll see that my baby didn’t tolerate wraps, so we ended up carrying her pretty much everywhere. She loves this stroller and we love that she loves it 🙂

Baby Bjorn Bouncer

This one is pricey, but worth it. We added this to our registry because we knew we wanted multiple kids and would pass it on to someone who really needs it after. I love the simple, ergonomic design. Baby M really started to enjoy it once she learned how to kick to make herself bounce!

Fisher-Price Calming Vibes Hedgehog Sooth*

We got this as a gift and it’s just the sweetest little toy. It vibrates and plays lullabies. It’s also super soft.

Sleep Sack*

Who invented these things? They’re genius. I can’t remember when we stopped swaddling, but these were the next step. Now, even with a toddler, I don’t have to worry about my angel getting tangled in blankets or being cold. Burt’s Bees has lasted through puke, poop, and many, many washes.

Antilop High Chair*

This is the best high chair. Ever. It is all plastic, so it’s a breeze to clean. It’s under 8lb. It’s sleek, simple, and stylish. I don’t know why anyone would even consider another high chair.

Mushie Bibs*

I love the Mushie bibs. They’re held their shape over time and are so easy to rinse off. I put a command strip on the back of our high chair so I can hang the bibs while they drip dry!

My Regrets

UppaBaby Stroller and Car Seat

This car seat was so dang heavy. And it didn’t last too long before Baby M grew out of it. The stroller is nice, but it really doesn’t come with much. No cup holder, no front pocket, no tray for the little one to have a snack.

Now, we really only use our baby jogger, as it’s just as smooth and has great carriage space.

Little Unicorn Crib Sheets

I love these crib sheets, but they haven’t stood the test of time. They are too shrunken now. I probably didn’t wash them correctly, but what parent wants to read the tag and do a separate load of laundry? No thanks! Our Burt’s Bees sheets have washed beautifully.

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

Call me crazy, but was this ever necessary? We started putting our diapers in a little bag outside of the front door and take it out every night. I feel like this pail didn’t really do much. You have to buy the inserts, and it takes up space.

It has a baking soda scent sanitizing thing-a-ma-jig attachment at the top, but the room still smelled like a dirty diaper. I had to put the whole pail outside in the sun for days to get it to stop smelling. It’s definitely not on my list for baby #2.

Things I Bought Way Too Much Of

Poop Bags

I bought those disposable diaper bags like they were going out of style. Now I used them for the dog and the cat litter. I think I’ve used maybe 5 in total so far. Most people are find with us sticking a dirty diaper in their trash or there has been a garbage can around.

Flimsy Bibs

You know those terrycloth-like bibs? I have dozens. I don’t know what I was thinking. We have a few of the Mushie bibs and that’s all we use! My baby wasn’t a drooler, so I think that made a difference.

Wraps/Carriers

I loved my Solly Baby wrap. And my ErgoBaby Wrap. And our ErgoBaby carrier. My baby hated all three. She couldn’t stand being contained past week one!

Diaper Creams

So, modern day diapers are so effective at holding liquid that there is less of a need for diaper cream/baby powder than there was in earlier generations. We are still on our first jar of Aquaphor.

Nipple Butter

Again, I don’t know why I bought 5 when I only used it once!

Nursing Pads

I loved using reusable nursing pads, but I didn’t need them for long. I also didn’t need the 100 or so nursing pads that I bought. I don’t know why I thought I was going to be walking around like a geyser all day.

Gerber White Onesies

These bad boys stain so easily. I received so many (I registered for so many), and I wouldn’t buy them again. Not only are they easily stained, but the fit didn’t seem to last as long as other cotton onesies.

Baby Socks

So. Many. Socks. Now we have so many partner-less socks. My kid hated them. I really only needed 1-2 pairs.

What are your favorite baby items? Your least favorite?

Do you love or hate anything on this list?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

Breastfeeding Essentials

June 22, 2022

You might have heard that all you need to breastfeed is well…breasts. And that’s true!

However, there are a lot of things that can make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

I was able to breastfeed my baby for 13 months and I couldn’t be more proud of myself!

It required a great deal of luck, stamina, and determination. There were so many days where I wanted to quit.

You’ll see below that there are pumps on this list. Prior to having my daughter, I was given a Spectra pump and Haakaa. I never thought I would use them – but once I needed them, I was so grateful that I had them on hand.

I eventually started pumping during naptime and freezing the milk to build a freezer stash. It is NOT necessary to have one, but it made me more comfortable to have one.

My husband was able to give our baby a bottle of milk so that I could have a break. It sounds counterintuitive, but if I didn’t pump that one bottle every day and get that break, I probably would’ve quit breastfeeding. It gave me a small dose of freedom and time so that I could fill my own cup.

So, keep reading to see what’s on my list of breastfeeding essentials.

A High Quality Lip Balm

An Insulated Water Bottle

Power/Protein Bars

Nursing Tanks

Nursing Bras

A Boppy

A Stylish Boppy Cover

Muslin Cloths

Disposable Nursing Pads

Reusable Nursing Pads

Nipple Butter

Breast Ice Packs

The Haakaa

A Spectra Pump

Spectra Pump Parts (make sure to measure before purchasing)

Breastmilk Storage Bags

The last thing I’ll add is this book on nursing. Friends and the internet were my main sources of help when it came to breastfeeding, but The Nursing Mother’s Companion had a lot of great tips in book form!

Be sure to check out my post on my experience with breastfeeding here!

Did you use any of these while breastfeeding?

Is there anything you would add to this list?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery

June 21, 2022

Mark my words: my next nursery will be The Runaway Bunny themed.

It’s my favorite children’s book and it’s iconic imagery is absolutely inspiring. I collected items for my dream nursery below – now all I need is the baby 🙂

To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of heavily themed nurseries (or themed weddings, parties, etc). I love simple motifs and little details. That’s why this inspo board isn’t loaded with bunnies; it’s a subtle interpretation.

I wanted to include different textures and colors inspired by the book. It’s a little bit whimsical, a little bit grandmillenial. It would be perfect for a little boy or a little girl!

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

Did you do a theme for your child’s nursery?

Have you read The Runaway Bunny?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer

June 21, 2022

Summer is here and things are starting to heat up! I’ve amassed some easy ways to keep your baby or toddler cool in the summer.

Here on Long Island, the temperatures can easily reach the high 90’s in June. On top of the stifling humidity, it can get pretty dang hot!

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

I’m always careful to make sure my toddler doesn’t get too hot. Some days, you just need to stay inside to protect yourself. However, we do try to get out as much as possible. There’s nothing quite like fresh air and sunshine!

Stay Inside During Peak Hours

Some days, it’s much to hot to stay out from 10-3pm, so we usually save our outdoor activities or errands ’til the end of the day.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

This is basic first aid that should be in your repertoire. Make sure to know the signs!

Water, Water, and More Water

Always keep your baby and toddler hydrated! Whether that’s with water or breastmilk or both. We also love the Pedialyte hydrating ice pops on days when it’s super hot.

Try an Ice Cream Maker or Make Your Own Ice Pops

This nostalgic ice cream maker is sure to keep your little ones entertained and cool. I still remember using one in my childhood.

These ice pop makers are perfect for frozen treats.

Did you know you can also make breast milk popsicles?

This one is another quick ice cream maker.

Use a Stroller Fan

A stroller fan is a registry must-have. It’s small enough to throw at the bottom of the stroller when you don’t need it.

This one is super cute! It is re-chargable via a USB port.

Invest in a car seat cooler.

Who ever invented these is a genius! Simply freeze it and place it in the car seat or stroller for a few minutes before letting your little one sit. If it’s really hot I give my little one frozen teethers to hold onto while the car cools down.

Get the Sprinkler Out

Running through the sprinkler is a childhood classic. It seems only kids can tolerate the freezing cold hose water. My toddler also loves playing in her kiddie pool for as long as I’ll let her!

Always Carry Ice Packs

You can use old teething rings, your own coolers ice packs, or these fun ones for kids.

They are great to use in transition from activity to activity, or just as an extra way to keep cool!

Are you looking forward to summer? What do you to do help your kids beat the heat?

How do you keep cool?

Let me know below!

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