When my preemie was born I heard that he might have some delays. Well I’m happy to announce that when it comes to motor skills, he is progressing very well!

At seven months he is crawling and he just learned to sit up all by himself! I’m so excited, but at the same time I know I’m going to be chasing after him a lot! That’s why I’m so excited to announce new Huggies® Little Movers diapers with double grip strips.

I first starting using these diapers with my son when he was getting up on his hands and knees. The double grip strips are soft velcro strips on the sides of the front diaper panel that provide a comfier fit that lasts. Huggies Little Movers also features a SnugFit waistband for an all around stretchy fit. So, diapers feel better for my son when he is starting to move around a lot more.

To help encourage him to move, I like to move with him. Gentle dancing, holding his hands to help him walk, and shaking toys just out of reach to encourage him to crawl are all great ways to get baby moving.

You’re baby will love it and want to give you a big hug

For even more suggestions, celebrity fitness instructor and mother, Nikki Glor, shares her signature moves in the video below!

I shared my son’s moving moment with Huggies and got a $2 off coupon. Share your Moving Moment with Huggies and you could be featured on their facebook page!

How do you encourage your baby to move?

The post Easy Ways to Get Moving with Baby! first appeared on True Aim.

Not only is it the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week 2014, but it is also the official launch day for the new book, Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and More! This book is the culmination of many tears of experience and an attempt to help other mothers planning to breastfeed twins, triplets or more.

Although it shares insights on being a mom of multiples, this book is for any new moms looking to nurse their babes.  Jennifer gives you her expert tips and personal stories on breastfeeding that will give you the confidence you need.

And because we don’t do “excited” in a boring way, we’ve teamed up with the author to host a fanta-bulous giveaway with prizes worth over $450! You’ll be the most prepared mama on the block!

Oh, and from August 1-7, 2014 you can get the book for 70% off! Buy it in the author’s store (PDF) for $2.99 (regularly $9.99!) or on Amazon (for Kindle) for the same price. Use coupon code “WBWBreastfeedMultiples.”

But first… Why a book on breastfeeding twins, triplets and more? Are there really women who want to breastfeed twins? Triplets? Quads? Yep! Many mothers who see more than one (or two, or three!) babies on the ultra-sound screen suddenly become overwhelmed with all the questions flooding their mind:

• Is it possible to breastfeed twins, triplets, quads (or more)?
• Will I make enough milk for all of them?
• What if they’re born early – will they be able to learn to breastfeed?
• Can I feed them at the same time?
• Will I always have someone “on the breast?”

As a mother who has breastfed my triplets for nearly three (yes, three!) years, it is most definitely possible!

What’s in the book?

The Challenges

While in theory breastfeeding one baby is similar to breastfeeding multiples, there are many facets that may come into play unique to a mother of multiples.  In this book, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for nearly any situation a new mother of multiples may face.

Easy to Read

Let’s face it: postpartum mothers have little time to read! This book is designed to give you the information you need to get off to a great start with breastfeeding – who needs to read now about how to deal with jealous triplets fighting for a boob? Time enough to figure that out later! You can read this ebook and be on your way in no time to having the experience you want!

Breastfeeding is Not All or Nothing

Most mothers of multiples feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of need these new little ones come with. Add into the mix the stress of prematurity, exhaustion x 2 (or 3 or more!) and not having the right support and information one needs – it’s no wonder many mothers of newborn multiples don’t make it past the first few days or weeks. But what if each of these mothers knew that breastfeeding twins, triplets or more wasn’t “all or nothing?” What if they heard from other mothers who found a happy medium that worked for their family, resting in the knowledge that even against all odds, some breast milk is better than none? In this ebook you’ll hear from mothers across the spectrum – mothers who exclusively breastfed their multiples and mothers who exclusively pumped for them. They share with you because they want you to succeed! Breastfeeding twins, triplets or more happens when a mother plans and has knowledge – and then is able to adjust to accommodate the needs her babies have. We believe that any and every life-giving drop of breast milk is a celebration and a victory! __________________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Celebrate with a Giveaway!

DayDreamer Sleeper Nurse one baby (or two!) while the other plays happily in this sleeper (stay tuned for a review of this fantastic product!): $129.99 value Amazon Gift Card Babies aren’t cheap! (And multiples are never “two for the price of one!”) But with this gift card you’ll be able to do that last minute shopping (or buy more diapers!): $100 value My Brest Friend Breastfeed your new little ones with comfort – choose a twin breastfeeding pillow and see why it’s the best: $78 value Fit2B Studio Learn how to heal those tummy muscles with access to an exclusive personal retreat with world-renowned fitness experts – all from the comfort of your own home! Oh, and you’ll be able to gift access to your BFF, too: $69.90 value Jennifer Saleem Books This author has created these beautiful paperback inspirational books about breastfeeding – Milkies in the Morning and I will Breastfeed Anywhere: $26.90 value Undercover Mama Choose an undercover nursing shirt in any size and color and nurse those babies without fear of what others may be seeing: $24.99 value Lilla Rose A gift certificate to choose from Flexi Hair Clips, Hair Sticks, Headbands, Bobby Pins, etc. and keep your hair out of reach of little hands! (If you’re already an LR customer, you may choose from the XS Flexi Hair Clips!): $16 value Vision Herbs & Gifts Keep all those little bottoms soft with one hand-crafted Baby Bottom Cream (4 oz.), and one Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer (4 oz.): $14 value

Pregnant and looking for support & encouragement?

Join my community! Ask your questions, get answers and feel supported by other mamas on this same journey! This giveaway runs from August 1st to August 7th and is open to anyone in the USA. Enter below and don’t forget to share this great giveaway with your friends – whether they have multiples or not!!

The post Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a Giveaway! first appeared on True Aim.

I’m not saying you can throw them around like rag dolls.  Don’t get me wrong, their neck muscles haven’t strengthened enough to hold up their ginormous head yet.  But if you’ve ever tried to dress a fussy baby, you know how strong they can protest to having their arms put in their sleeves.

So their are lots of fun exercises your baby can do other than just  tummy time.  Here are a few I like to do.

Newborn Exercises

I love playing with my baby!  Their little faces stare at you with wonder, and you know that they are soaking up the experience and learning so much.  Play is more than just fun!

With all of these exercises, make sure your baby is comfortable and you are present.  If you sense that she is not enjoying it, stop right away.  You’ll also want to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Tummy Time Remix

Yes, this is the most common Newborn Exercise that every pediatrician recommends.  My midwife suggested at least 10 minutes of tummy time a day.  I try to put my newborn on their tummy after every feeding.  Maybe you are picturing your baby on a blanket on the floor for tummy time, but I also like to mix it up.

One of my children’s favorite spots is on daddy’s tummy.  This doesn’t just strengthen their neck and core, but it also creates a bond of trust.  He’s developing a relationship with baby and sometimes that is hard for dads to do if they aren’t involved with feedings.

Another great place is across your knees.  This also helps trapped gas come out.  The important thing to think about with tummy time is that you’re mainly getting them used to being on their tummy.  Some babies hate to be on their tummy so where ever you can get them to do it works.

Have you ever tried a slope?  Make a little ramp with a couple of books under a crib mattress.  Lay your baby facing the lowest part of the mattress so that a little wiggle could end up making them move a little.  This helps motivate your baby, especially when he figures out that wiggling causes him to move, and he will figure that out sooner than you think!

How about a big ball?  A big exercise ball can come in handy.  Try some tummy time on that and slowly move your baby around in a circular motion, front to back, or side to side.

Ok, one more!  This one helps the parent work out too.  Just have your baby do tummy time on the front of your legs.  First, lay on your back and put your knees to your chest.  Place baby on your shins holding their neck with both hands if needed.  Their head should be supported with your knees.  Slowly extend your legs a little bit or gently bounce your legs up and down.  You could also twist your hips from side to side, or just do some small crunches while baby relaxes.

Super Baby!

Another, more exciting, tummy time activity you can do is to hold your baby in a super hero position.  Tuck your arm between his legs, and allow his chest to rest on your forearm.  Support his head with your hand if needed.  Then, gently move them around the room and make lots of flying noises.  Your super baby will be working out his neck and back again, but he’ll be learning to trust you too.

Baby Sit-ups

I wish I could work-out by having other people do sit-ups for me.  That is exactly what you will do for your baby, helping him gain upper-body strength.

Place baby on a blanket on the couch or bed and then hold the blanket on each side slightly above their head with your baby in the middle of your arms.  You can also put your hands under their head for support if needed.

Slowly lift the blanket so your baby comes to a sitting position.  Then lower them back down again.  Baby loves silly faces when you lift him to look into your eyes!

Bicycle Legs

My mother used to do this to me even when I was a preschooler and I loved it every time!  Lay your baby on his back and hold his ankles gently.  Slowly move this legs in a circular motion, like he is peddling a bicycle.  Slowly say the word bicycle and then as you move his legs faster and faster, do the same with your voice, saying the word bicycle faster and faster.  After a few seconds, stop, clap and praise your baby.  I bet you get a huge smile!

Little Dancer

All babies love to be held up on their tippy toes.  Newborns need extra support because standing up is very strenuous for them.  Holding your baby under his armpits, gently touch his toes to the ground or your lap if you are sitting in a chair.  Allow him to balance gently with most of his weight supported by you.  A lot of times your baby will kick making it look like he is doing a little dance!

My babies love being gently bounced while held like this, and it often calms them when they are very fussy.  They like it even more when I make silly little noises and sound effects like, beep beep beep, and boop boop boop while I bounce them.

Sitting Pretty

Obviously, sitting takes practice.  There are lots of ways you can help your baby practice sitting.  I usually put my baby on the couch.  You can put pillows on either side to help prop him up.  A Bumbo infant seat can help strengthen core muscles, but it doesn’t allow them to practice their balance.  So, you’ll want to make sure you are helping them balance without the aid of the seat too.

I’m sure there are lots more activities you can do with your newborn, but those are a few I do often.

Do you have a favorite baby exercise that you like to do?

For more activities for baby, like us on Facebook or follow us on Pinterest!

Discover even more ways to play with your baby!  Visit the Ultimate Guide to Baby Activities!

Or click the image below to join the Ultimate Guide to Baby’s First Year!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Baby Play: Newborn Exercises first appeared on True Aim.

Now, with a fourth on the way, the last thing I would ask for is a cute snugly outfit.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love adorable animal heads on backsides of my kid’s pjs just as much as the next mom.  But if I could go back and do it again, these are the gifts I would put on my list!

The Top 5 Best Gifts for New Moms

1.  Food!

After 23 hours of labor with my first child, I was starving!  It’s the worst hunger I’ve ever experienced.  Where you just can satisfy the emptiness that you feel in your stomach.  No matter how much you eat, you’ll feel hungry again in 1/2 hr.

After going home, it gets worse.  You have to get up and make your own food!  The insanity!  Unless your husband knows how to cook (lucky).  After being up with you through the labor, that’s no fun for him either.

If you want to get the new mom something amazing, make her some freezer meals or set up a meal delivery schedule with this free online meal planner, TakeThemAMeal.com.

You set the days and meals that the new mom would like help with.  Then, family and friends can volunteer by signing up online.  Email reminders are sent out to those who sign up and the new mom.  My church family did this for me after my third child, and it was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.

2.  Sleep!

Oh Sleep.  How doth I loveth thee!  Most new moms really struggle with the lack of sleep they’ll experience in the first couple of weeks after delivery.  If baby isn’t sleeping well it makes it even worse.

You can help!  Make her read my post about helping your newborn sleep.  Then, stay away for the first couple weeks.  It’s nice when people try to show you they care by visiting, but it really makes it harder to relax.

Make a point to visit (after 2-4 weeks) to help with the baby or just hold the baby, while she takes a nap.  Don’t let her stay up and visit with you!  She’ll probably try to protest, but be persistent and make her go and lay down.  Sleep isn’t just want she wants, but what she really needs.

3.  Maid Service Please!

How many of you want someone to come and clean your house right now?  So you know that a new mom would love this gift.  If a maid service is a little too pricey, you could also surprise the new parents by coming over to clean the house while they are in the hospital.  How awesome would that be?

4.  Pampering

Labor is hard work.  After undergoing the most brutal pain and then experiencing sleepless nights, most new moms don’t want to do anything let alone their hair or nails.  After caring for baby all day and night, a new mom needs some pampering too.  A gift certificate to a spa so she can choose whatever she wants, is a gift she won’t forget!

5.  Encouragement

New moms might be questioning their mothering skills after the first couple of nights at home.  Even after 3 newborns, it still takes me a little bit to adjust.  What’s more is that every baby is different; having their own little personality right off the bat.  Most new moms may second guess themselves and their abilities.  Don’t let them!

While advice is nice, please don’t force your newborn parenting methods on others.  If they ask, that is one thing.  What new moms really need is encouragement and reassurance that everything is going to work out, they’re doing just fine, and their baby is the cutest thing ever!

Are you a new mom?  What’s that best gift you’ve been given, other than your beautiful new babe?

For more parenting inspiration follow me on Pinterest.  Thanks for your support!

The post Best Gifts for New Moms: What They Really Want! first appeared on True Aim.