To this end, parents strive to ensure that children are shielded from potentially harmful societal markers. But in a world that has become inundated with the sheer abundance of digital technology—not to mention social media—as well as the undeniable sense of fleeting time, how do we protect our children, allow for this shift in global technology and provide for their much-needed cognitive growth?

One way of dealing with the crunch of white noise is to embrace the digital age! And Fox International Channel is here to help infants, toddlers and parents alike with this goal through its revolutionary commercial-free channel—not to mention an awesome app—called BabyTV!

With BabyTV, parents can rest assured that the only message their children will receive from the screen is one both beneficial and age-appropriate.

Though there are certainly other apps and channels out there that promise to “keep kids busy,” BabyTV takes the task at hand quite seriously. With experts in content development and a comprehensive knowledge of digital/screen media, it should come as no surprise that BabyTV is the leading commercial-free channel for babies, toddlers and parents.

BabyTV casts a wide net. It reaches over 100 countries worldwide and is available to the public in 18 languages. The channel has also taken the concept of safe and fun learning one step further by combining its popular commercial-free channel with a host of mobile apps.

With games like Flip & Flash, a new app that perfectly accompanies the TV series by the same name and that harnesses the crucial skills of memory and matching for babies and toddlers, BabyTV safeguards a safe and reliable viewing experience for both children and parents, and an experience conveniently accessible on multiple platforms.

Just as parents set out to define positive markers in every aspect of a child’s growth, BabyTV carefully considers each new topic it introduces via its learning platforms. BabyTV underscores the commitment to positive parenting, parenting that immerses itself in providing valuable building blocks for future learning.

By visiting babytv.com and signing up for the BabyTV Club, parents can make certain that they’re constantly up-to-date with the latest and greatest offerings from the channel. The members-only activities offered through the club include previews of BabyTV series, access to the BabyTV newsletter and other goodies aimed at keeping parents informed.

With the BabyTV app, parents can keep children entertained in the comfort of their own home, while on the road for a family vacation or even while out-and-about running errands for the day. A quick trip to the bank? No problem! A child bored at the grocery store? BabyTV has an app for that! Really, there are hundreds of episodes at your fingertips via BabyTV’s expansive list of apps.

And depending on your particular operating system, many of BabyTV’s episodes can be downloaded to your device for the duration of your subscription to the mobile app. What’s more, with downloads available for iPhone, Android and Kindle, providing for your child’s cognitive future has never been easier!

Try taking digital technology and your child’s cognitive learning to another level. Switch things up—switch the channel! Give BabyTV a try. You and your child will be happy you did.

For more information on BabyTV, including mobile subscription and app prices, please visit babytv.com/mobile.

The post Change the Channel to Cognitive Learning with Commercial-free BabyTV! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The arrival of a new baby will definitely send any household into a flurry of activity in preparation. When the birthing day arrives, you must be ready with all necessary items in your hospital bag. Not sure where to start? Read on to know about the top must-have items you need to bring with you so you can welcome your new bundle of joy with comfort and convenience.

A warm receiving blanket

A receiving blanket is a newborn staple because its warm and fleecy texture helps maintain an infant’s body heat. It is called such because it is typically the first blanket to “receive” a newborn immediately after birth. A hospital may provide one to wrap or swaddle your infant in, but for the duration of your hospital stay and the ride home, it’s best to bring your own.

A take-home outfit for baby

It’s important to keep a newborn snug and warm so a going-home outfit is a must. Hospitals typically provide just a simple undershirt for an infant. It’s best to prepare a couple of weather-appropriate layette set that’s easy to put on and take off, in comfortable fabrics. Winter-born children in particular need thick ones, especially for the drive back home. Consider packing a pair of booties and mittens, a baby bonnet, an easy-tie shirt, and an extra swaddling blanket.

Loose, front-opening shirts (for breastfeeding)

Nursing your baby at your hospital room or in the nursery should be as comfortable and convenient as possible. Bring loose shirts that open at the front to make it easy for you and your new baby. You can also invest in a nursing tent cover so you can breastfeed at leisure.

A going-home outfit for you

Aside from a toiletry and grooming bag, a going-home outfit is something you must thoughtfully pack in your hospital bag. It should be made of baby-friendly fabric and no embellishments that can snag on baby’s sensitive skin and hair. Bring your favorite outfit which makes you look and feel good, and can enhance that new-mom glow for your first pictures at home together. And keep in mind there are very few moms that are able to wear their regular clothes home. You’ll most likely still wear your maternity clothes for awhile.

A rear-facing infant car seat

It may not fit in your hospital bag, but a rear-facing infant car seat is also a must for a newborn. Most hospitals inspect your vehicle for one before you can go home, and if it meets pediatric and national road safety standards. It should be installed properly, and shouldn’t budge an inch in any direction with any movement.

You might feel inclined to include more items to put in your hospital bag for your baby’s delivery, however, many hospitals already provide things such as diapers, bottles and nipples, thermometers, and a basic collection of newborn essentials. To be better prepared, call up your hospital or birthing center for a list of things they give so that you can only bring what’s needed.

Best of luck!

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

The post Packing Your Hospital Bag for the New Baby appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Keep Your Little Ones Warm, Cozy and Healthy with These Cold Weather Suggestions

Baby it’s cold outside and we still have months of cold weather ahead of us! Keep your little one warm, comfortable and healthy during these cold weather months with cozy and practical items from PishPoshBaby.com, Prince Lionheart, Feltman Brothers, The Ollie Swaddle and Kinsights.com.

PishPoshBaby.com:

Your one-stop shop for everything baby, PishPoshBaby.com offers accessories to keep little ones warm on-the-go such as (pictured left to right, top to bottom) the Tivoli Couture 4 in 1 Miracle Wrap ($88.99), JJ Cole Extendable Polar Bundle Me ($119.95), JJ Cole Urban Bundle Me ($44.95), and JJ Cole Lite Bundle Me ($24.95).

Moms and dads can also keep their hands comfortable and warm with the Baby Jogger Handmuff ($39.99) from PishPoshBaby, with a super soft interior and weather resistant exterior.

PishPoshBaby.com also offers in-home accessories to keep children healthy during these cold and flu months such as (pictured top and bottom) the Crane Adorable Cool Mist Humidifiers ($44.99) available in a variety of animals so you can match your nursery or pick your kid’s favorite; and the Duux Air Humidifier Mushroom ($64.95) which also doubles as a nightlight.

Prince Lionheart:

Family owned and operated, Prince Lionheart was started with three core beliefs – quality, innovation and outstanding service – that still hold true today as a popular baby and children’s product company available in major retailers such as Target, Walmart and Toys R Us.

Household and hygiene products for your kids can be uncomfortably cold, but they don’t have to be with these handy wipes warmers that will make sure baby’s buns stay nice and warm even during diaper changes, (pictured left to right) Compact Wipes Warmer, Wipes Warmer Pop and Warmies Wipes Warmer.  

Feltman Brothers:

Feltman Brothers provides traditional heirloom baby clothes for special occasions such as holidays, christenings, newborn gifts, family or birthday parties and Sunday church wear. The brand is renowned for its timeless, classically styled, handcrafted baby designs. Feltman Brothers is a family business three generations deep with a commitment to lasting quality and a passion for creating beautiful, elegant baby fashions and gifts that are passed down from generation to generation.

Adorable handmade clothing for the winter months include sweater sets such as (pictured left to right) Boys 3 Piece Sweater Set with Grey Trim ($58.99), Newborn Heather Grey Cable Knit Sweater Set ($61.95) and Girls 3 Piece Sweater Set with Bows ($62.95).

Cardigans are a great way to keep your little one fashionable warm such as (pictured left to right, top to bottom) the Girls Pink Cardigan with Bows ($45.99), Boys Cable Knit V-Neck Cardigan ($37.99), Boy’s Hooded Cable Cardigan ($34.99) and Cardigan with Cable Rose Bullions ($35.99).

Little feet need to stay cozy and warm, too, making these knit booties perfect! (pictured left to right, top to bottom) Boys Knit Bootie with Strap ($29.95), Girls Knit Bootie with Strap ($29.95) and Grey Knit Booties ($29.95).

Little heads can also keep warm with (pictured left to right) the Crocheted Flowers Hat ($19.95) and Heather Grey Hat with Rolled Edge($19.95).

Also super snuggly and warm is the Jacquard Knit Blanket ($62.95).

The Ollie Swaddle:

Everyone loves babies, especially ones that sleep peacefully. Babies love being swaddled and sleep peacefully and longer when all snuggled up in a cozy swaddle, perfect when home furnaces are having a hard time keeping bedrooms warm. This is a win for both the parents and baby when using the award-winning The Ollie Swaddle ($48)!

The Ollie Swaddle was named after and invented for a baby boy named Oliver, a foster baby that wasn’t thriving until Ollie Swaddle founder (and his foster mom) Hindi developed The Ollie Swaddle. It improves quality and duration of sleep for all babies (including preemies and high risk), reduces fussiness and helps babies self-calm. Its elasticity allows for freedom of movement, while the opening at the bottom makes it easy to change diapers. The custom developed moisture wicking material reduces overheating promoting physiological regulation. Perfect for ages 0-4 months.

Kinsights.com:

Cold weather means lots of cold and flu going around, and you never know when or where your little one might get sick. With Kinsights, you have the ability to store and keep track of your kids’ complete medical information, in a completely secure and free manner. Both parents have quick and easy access to this information, and you can also export and print it so you can have it on hand when you’re traveling or to pass along to a sitter, grandparent, or new doctor.

Being an online community, parents can also easily get helpful advice from other parents on what to do when your kids get sick.

The post BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The most cherished gifts a mother can give to her unborn child aren’t found in the store; they don’t come wrapped in blue or pink ribbon, and they don’t have a hefty price tag.  It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, worry and hope that comes along with pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.  And while those 9 months pass before your eyes, you’ve managed to create a new life worthy of more than just a plush crib and overpriced onesies.

Throughout this journey, a woman’s mind has been running wild with thoughts of her family’s future and how she will be as a parent once the big day arrives.  But what about all of the days that led up that one magical moment? Those are magical moments too, and they should be preserved and celebrated long after childbirth.  Here are some examples of how you can preserve your pregnancy journey and share it later with your child and family.

Write your baby a letter:

Children often know very little about their parent’s personal lives until much later in life when secrets and stories are finally revealed.  Writing a letter to an unborn child is a personalized way of sharing with them the tremendous experience of pregnancy. It is a story solely about their immediate family and the bond shared between mother and child.  It’s recommended to write the letter over the entire course of the pregnancy rather than power through it in one day.  Writing a few lines every week or month will help preserve the precious nuances of the pregnancy and leave the child with a unique story of their journey with their mother.  A few things the letter can include would be important doctor visits, purchasing the first baby clothes, setting up the nursery, special events like baby showers or surprise parties with family and friends and, of course, the first baby kick.  These are moments a mother will enjoy sharing through her letter which will live on long after childbirth.  Compile these letters together or even keep a journal of the pregnancy that can later be gifted to the child.

Make a music album:

From Mozart to Michael Jackson, a mother’s musical taste is often quite unique and eclectic.  During pregnancy, harnessing the belly with headphones and feeding a baby’s brain and soul with music is a precious time for mothers.  Aside from talking directly to the baby in the womb, sharing music is another way to allow them to hear voices, melodies and abstract tones for further brain development.  The music a mother chooses can range from classical to modern, yet regardless of what is chosen, the songs should be recorded and added to a compilation CD later given as a gift to the child.  “Mommy’s Music with Baby,” if you will.  It’s a heartfelt token that a mother and child can share long after giving birth.

Make home videos:

While snapping photos is a truly integral and precious piece of the pregnancy process, putting your experience on film is also an excellent way to preserve this special time in a mother’s life.  With daddy behind the camera asking questions or simply filming ad-lib sequences of daily life, a video such as this will become a memento that can be shared over and over and over again. A fun take on this gift would be to create a time-lapse video of the pregnant belly and its growth over all three trimesters.

The post Priceless Gifts from a Mother to Her Unborn Child appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.