These breaks can be as simple as doing a set of jumping jacks or high knees before diving back into schoolwork—at home or at school. Let’s take a look at why children may benefit from including brain breaks in their own homework routine. Why Brain Breaks Work Taking a pause for the mind while activating the body enhances learning. Research shows that periodic brain breaks can vastly improve kids’ ability to stay engaged during more focused work....

Shocking Statistics About Sugary Drinks Sugary beverages have a hold on us here in America. The Cancer Action Network reports that more than 50% of American adults consume at least one high-sugar drink daily, and the CDC reports that more than 10% of our daily calories (approximately 145 calories) come from these sugary beverages (less than 10% added sugar is considered the daily threshold for a healthy diet). Now, new research sheds light on how this could affect breastfed newborns....

At first, it can be difficult to figure out the subtle cues, but before you know it, you’ll be able to tell if she’s hungry, ready to play, or in need of a nap just by watching them or listening to the sound of their coo or cry. Here are a few of the more common behavior states of alertness to look for in your child. By keeping an eye out for these clues, you can learn more about your preemie’s behaviors and anticipate your baby’s needs....

Keep in mind that newborn noses are small with tiny nasal passages. Because of that, your baby might sneeze often, too. These sneezes don’t necessarily mean they have a cold, but instead are their body’s natural way of clearing the nose of irritants. Below is everything you need to know about newborn congestion, including how to help your baby when they have a stuffy nose and when to call the doctor....

If you have a milk bleb, it might look like a smooth, shiny, singular white or yellow dot (similar to a whitehead pimple). Milk blisters are often associated with a plugged milk duct, but they can also cause plugged ducts. Sometimes they are painful, other times they don’t hurt at all. A nipple bleb will typically go away on its own, particularly with continued breastfeeding, or various remedies may be used to help it resolve more quickly....

Lipids in Breast Milk Lipids make up 3% to 5% of the composition of breast milk. Half of the calories and half of the energy that your baby gets from a feeding comes from the lipids in your breast milk. The fats in your breast milk may also play a role in controlling your baby’s appetite. Since the amount of fat in breast milk goes up as your baby breastfeeds on the same breast, it may fill your baby up and trigger her to stop nursing....

These feelings can be exacerbated when the C-section is planned, i.e. requested by the mother and not considered a medical necessity—as if she’s taking the “easy option.” But new research published recently in Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) shows that planned cesarean deliveries on maternal request are safe for low-risk pregnancies and may even be associated with a lower risk of adverse delivery outcomes than planned vaginal deliveries. The Study The researchers analyzed data on 422,210 low-risk pregnancies over 6 years, from 2012 to 2018....

Instead, your increased nutrient needs can be met by following your appetite, taking a prenatal multivitamin, and adding an extra snack or two each day, as needed. Consuming nutrient-rich foods in your meals and snacks is important, too. As you progress from the first to the third trimester, you may want to slowly eat a bit more. Here are some tips for eating healthy during pregnancy. Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods When deciding what you’re going to eat, include foods rich in vitamins and minerals....

Whether you’re looking for a high-tech sled with a fancy steering system or a simple plastic toboggan, there are lots of great after-Christmas sales on some of our favorite sleds. Right now, you can snag one for the snow-loving kiddo in your life for up to 50% off. Slippery Racer Downhill Sprinter Toboggan Snow Sled Buy Now: Slippery Racer Downhill Sprinter Toboggan Snow Sled, $30 (was $60); amazon.com Kiddos ages 4 and up will enjoy playing in the snow with this classic plastic sled, which is available in three colors....

Or maybe you’re so exhausted you fall asleep the moment your head hits the pillow only to find yourself wide awake after just a few hours. You spend the early morning hours wondering if you’ll fall back asleep and how long you have to lie in bed before it’s acceptable to get up and face the day. You’re not alone. Grief is an all-encompassing experience. For example, coping with miscarriage can affect everything from your ability to think clearly to your immune system’s ability to fight off illness....

Skill: Begins to become more self-aware; recognizes strengths and weaknesses in their abilities. Why It’s Important: Parents spend a lot of time praising children (too much time, some may argue) and encouraging them to excel in all realms. Most children can’t live up to the expectation of excelling at everything they try. Having a good idea of the areas in which they need to focus more energy can help reduce your child’s frustration with schoolwork as it becomes more complex....

You may want to know at what point in pregnancy will you be able to breathe a sigh of relief and stop worrying so much about having a miscarriage. What Is a Miscarriage? An early pregnancy loss is a pregnancy loss or miscarriage before the 13th week of gestation (during the first trimester). Pregnancy losses that occur between 13 and 19 weeks gestation are called second-trimester pregnancy losses or second-trimester miscarriages....

In some cases, a woman may not even be aware she is having or has had a miscarriage because it happens before she even knows she is pregnant. Most likely, though, an impending miscarriage will have some distinct symptoms, although having these symptoms in pregnancy does not always mean a miscarriage is occurring. If you do have any of the following symptoms, it is important to call your OB/GYN as soon as possible, as she may want you to come in for a medical evaluation....

Kids grow super fast, so while you may want to shop way in advance, be aware that a sudden growth spurt can put a damper on those plans. Make sure that you are opting for both style and durability as kids are notorious for being super rough on their clothing. We carefully considered sizing, design, value, and shipping and return policies when reviewing online retailers. Use this guide to find the right clothes for your kid, lifestyle, and budget....

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are scars under the skin, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, CEO, co-founder, and medical director of Elite MD. “They pop up when the skin stretches quickly—think during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and puberty,” she tells Verywell Family. Using a stretch mark cream will hydrate and moisturize your belly as it expands, potentially helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Whether you choose to use a cream or not, it’s important to remember that stretch marks are perfectly natural—think of them as symbols of the incredible things your body is capable of doing and growing....

By 5 months old, your little one is probably trying to master rolling over, passing objects between their hands, and working on their core as they get closer to sitting up independently. According to Lauren Quinn, OTD, OTR/L, CNT, an occupational therapist and NICU clinical specialist, infants at this age are interested in exploring their senses and playing with textures. Follow age recommendations set by the manufacturer to ensure your kiddo plays safely at all times while also looking for baby toys that provide opportunities for exploration and skill development....