Ask almost any seasoned parent what they miss most about the baby years, and chances are they’ll mention the little things.

The way your baby melts into your arms after a warm bath. Tiny fingers wrapped around yours during bedtime cuddles. Those quiet moments when the rest of the world seems to disappear, leaving only soft pajamas, sleepy smiles, and one last goodnight kiss.

Of course, not every evening looks like that. Some nights are filled with diaper blowouts, skipped naps, overtired tears, and wondering how someone so tiny can have so much energy. But even on the busiest days, a familiar bedtime routine can bring a little calm to the chaos for both babies and parents.

A warm bath. A gentle massage. Fresh pajamas. A favorite bedtime story.

Those everyday moments become more than just part of the bedtime routine. They become some of the memories you’ll treasure most.

Having baby care products you can feel good about simply makes those moments a little easier to enjoy. That’s exactly what the NOW^® Baby collectionis all about. Made with clean, functional ingredients and without harsh chemicals or common allergens, the collection helps parents care for their little one’s delicate skin while creating comforting daily rituals. Most of the products are EWG Verified®, providing another layer of assurance that parents can trust they are free of harmful chemicals. Even better, the products are gentle enough that the whole family can enjoy them.

Whether you’re shopping for your own growing family or looking for the perfect baby shower gift, here’s why it caught our attention.

Tiny Skin, Big Responsibility

If you’ve ever kissed your baby’s chubby little cheeks or rubbed their tiny feet after bath time, you’ve probably noticed just how unbelievably soft their skin is. It’s one of those things every parent falls in love with almost instantly.

That softness is also what makes baby skin a little more vulnerable. Since it’s still developing, it can dry out more easily and become irritated by everything from cold weather and frequent diaper changes to bath products that are a little too harsh.

As parents, we spend enough time reading labels on everything from snacks to sunscreen, so it’s refreshing to find a baby care line that takes a simpler approach. The NOW^® Baby collection features nourishing, plant-based ingredients and leaves out many of the ingredients families often try to avoid, like parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and sulfates. It’s the kind of collection that lets you feel good about what you’re putting on your baby’s skin without overcomplicating your routine.

Splish, Splash, and Sweet Memories

Bath time is about so much more than getting clean. For many families, it’s the first step in winding down after a day of crawling, exploring, playing, and discovering the world. Warm water, gentle bubbles, and a peaceful atmosphere help signal that bedtime is just around the corner.

The Gentle Baby Shampoo & Wash (Calming Lavender) makes bath time feel relaxing from start to finish. Made with calendula extract, chamomile, aloe, and organic lavender oil, it gently cleanses baby’s hair and skin without leaving it feeling dry. If your evenings already include a calming bedtime routine, the light lavender scent is a lovely finishing touch.

If your family prefers products without added fragrance, the Fragrance-Free Gentle Baby Shampoo & Wash offers the same soothing cleansing experience using calendula and chamomile extracts to leave skin feeling soft and clean. While it’s currently out of stock, it’s definitely one to keep on your wish list if your little one has especially sensitive skin.

One of our favorite things is that both formulas are gentle enough for everyday use, making bath time something your family can look forward to night after night.

After the Bubbles Come the Snuggles

Once the splashing is over and the towels come out, it’s the perfect time to give baby’s skin a little extra love. Applying a lightweight moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp helps lock in hydration, leaving those tiny arms, legs, and cheeks soft, smooth, and ready for all the bedtime snuggles.

The Nourishing Baby Lotion (Fragrance-Free) combines calendula extract with shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil to help soothe dry, delicate skin. It’s an easy choice for families looking for an everyday moisturizer that’s both gentle and fragrance free.

If you enjoy ending the day on a calm note, the Nourishing Baby Lotion (Calming Lavender) features that same deeply moisturizing blend of botanical ingredients with the addition of organic lavender oil for a light, relaxing scent that’s perfect before pajamas and bedtime stories.

The easy-to-use pump bottles are another thoughtful touch, especially when you’re trying to lotion up a wiggly baby with one hand.

The Sweetest Part of the Routine

Long before babies understand words, they understand touch.

A gentle massage after bath time can become one of the sweetest parts of the evening, giving parents a chance to slow down, connect, and soak in a few quiet moments before the day comes to an end.

The Soothing Baby Oil (Fragrance-Free) blends organic olive, jojoba, coconut, and argan oils with calendula extract to help nourish delicate skin from head to toe. The lightweight formula glides on smoothly, making it ideal for a relaxing massage after bath time.

If lavender is already part of your family’s nighttime routine, the Soothing Baby Oil (Calming Lavender) offers those same nourishing botanical oils with the addition of organic lavender oil for an extra calming touch before bed.

It’s amazing how just a few quiet minutes can become just as comforting for parents as they are for baby.

Every Diaper Bag Needs a Hero

Let’s be honest. Parenthood isn’t all adorable bath photos and sleepy cuddles.

Diaper changes happen. A lot.

And when irritation pops up, it’s nice knowing you already have something gentle within reach.

The NOW^® Baby Diaper Butter Paste combines zinc oxide with calendula, cocoa butter, vitamin E, olive oil, lanolin, and beeswax to help soothe and protect their baby’s sensitive skin. It’s the kind of product that quickly earns a permanent spot in the nursery, the diaper bag, and yes, even Grandma’s house.

Simple Products, Thoughtful Care

One of the biggest challenges for new parents is figuring out which products actually deserve a place in the nursery. That’s one reason we like how refreshingly simple the NOW^® Baby collection is.

Instead of overwhelming parents with dozens of products, the collection focuses on the everyday essentials that naturally fit into family life, from bath time and moisturizing to diaper care and bedtime cuddles.

One thing we really love is how everything works together so naturally. Instead of feeling like you need a cabinet full of different products, the line gives parents a simple routine, from a gentle shampoo and body wash to nourishing lotions, soothing baby oils, and a diaper paste that’s ready whenever little bottoms need a little extra TLC. It takes some of the guesswork out of baby skincare, so you can spend less time worrying about products and more time enjoying the cuddles, giggles, and bedtime moments that go by all too quickly.

Another bonus? These aren’t products you’ll outgrow after the newborn stage. Whether you’re caring for a baby, a busy toddler, or simply want thoughtfully made products the whole family can use, they’re easy to keep reaching for.

July Is the Perfect Time to Stock Up

If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your baby’s skincare routine, now is the perfect time.

Throughout the month of July, the entire NOW^® Baby collection will be on sale, making it easy to stock up on everyday essentials while saving a little money along the way.

Whether you’re shopping for your own little one or putting together the perfect baby shower gift, the NOW Baby collection brings together the everyday essentials parents reach for most. It’s a simple, gentle collection that helps take some of the guesswork out of everyday baby care, so you can focus on what matters most, making memories with your little one, one bath, one cuddle, and one bedtime story at a time.

The Little Moments Become the Big Memories

Years from now, your child probably won’t remember which lotion you used or which shampoo sat on the edge of the bathtub.

But they’ll remember the feeling.

The warm bath before bedtime.

The soft towel fresh from the dryer.

The gentle back rub.

The extra bedtime snuggle.

Those are the moments that quietly become the foundation of childhood.

Having products you trust simply means spending less time worrying about what’s in the bottle and more time soaking up the little moments that matter most. 

Browse the complete collection:

SHOP HERE

The post More Than Just Bath Time: Building a Bedtime Routine Baby (and Parents) Will Love appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

You pack a lunch with fresh fruit and veggies, only to find the carrot sticks untouched at the end of the day. Dinner becomes a negotiation. Breakfast is rushed. And somehow your child decides that beige foods are the only acceptable food group for the week.

The truth is, feeding kids well isn’t always as simple as we’d like it to be. Between busy schedules, after-school activities, picky eating phases, and everyday life, many moms find themselves looking for practical ways to help support their child’s nutrition.

That’s where NOW^® Kids comes in

The Reality Behind the Lunchbox

Most parents know what a balanced meal should look like. The challenge is getting kids to eat it.

One week they love strawberries. The next week they refuse anything red. Vegetables get pushed aside, sandwiches come home half-eaten, and dinner can quickly turn into a negotiation over “just three more bites.”

No parent gets it right every single day, and that’s okay. Rather than chasing perfection, many moms focus on creating healthy habits over time. A daily multivitamin can be one part of that bigger picture, complementing nutritious meals and an active lifestyle while helping support growing kids.

Meet NOW^® Kids Kid Vits™

When it comes to supporting kids’ nutrition, convenience matters, but so does finding a product they’ll enjoy taking. That’s exactly what makes NOW^® Kids Kid Vits™ such a great fit for busy families.

Kid Vits™ Juicy Orange Chewable Tablets are formulated for children ages 4 and older and provide a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals to help support healthy growth, immune function, and overall wellness.* The easy-to-chew tablets feature a bright, citrusy orange flavor that many kids enjoy (lots of positive reviews!), making it simpler to establish a consistent daily routine. For parents looking to help fill nutritional gaps that can happen with picky eating or hectic schedules, it’s a practical addition to everyday life.

For children who prefer a different flavor profile, Kid Vits™ Berry Lemonade Chewable Tablets offer the same nutritional support in a sweet and tangy berry lemonade flavor. They contain key vitamins and minerals formulated for growing bodies and provide another delicious option for families looking to make daily supplementation easier and more enjoyable for kids.*

Kid Vits™ are sweetened with organic cane sugar and stevia with only 1g of sugar per serving, which is less than many other children’s multivitamin gummies on the market. They contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and are made without common allergens.

While Kid Vits™ are the featured favorite, the NOW Kids supplement line extends well beyond multivitamins. Parents can also explore products like BerryDophilus™ probiotic chewables to support digestive health, Kid Cal™ Chewables for calcium support, Elderberry Liquid for immune support, and a variety of other supplements designed specifically with children’s wellness in mind.* Whether your family is focused on nutrition, digestive support, or healthy development, the NOW Kids lineup offers thoughtful options for every stage.

Simple Support for Jam-Packed Schedules

Let’s face it: life with kids is busy.

School mornings blur into workdays, afternoons are filled with pickups and practices, and evenings often revolve around homework, dinner, and getting everyone to bed at a reasonable hour. In the middle of all that, worrying whether your child ate enough vegetables today can feel overwhelming.

Many parents appreciate wellness solutions that don’t add complexity to an already packed schedule. Keeping a daily multivitamin on hand is one small, manageable step that can fit seamlessly into busy family life.

Your Wallet Will Appreciate This Part

Supporting your child’s health doesn’t have to mean straining your budget. As a family- and employee-owned company, NOW has always been committed to offering the highest-quality products at the best possible prices. Right now, both NOW^® Kids Kid Vits™ Juicy Orange Chewable Tablets and NOW^® Kids Kid Vits™ Berry Lemonade Chewable Tablets are  50% off, making it an excellent time to give them a try or stock up if they’re already part of your family’s routine.

The limited-time savings provide a great opportunity to experience the quality and convenience of NOW^® Kids Kid Vits™ while enjoying significant value. If you’ve been thinking about adding a daily multivitamin to help support your child’s nutrition, this sale makes the decision even easier.

Because Raising Healthy Kids Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Every healthy lunch packed, every outdoor adventure encouraged, every doctor’s appointment kept, and every bedtime story read contributes to the bigger picture of raising healthy, happy kids.

Nutrition is no different. It’s built over months and years, not measured by one skipped vegetable or one picky-eating phase.

For many moms, NOW Kids has become a simple way to support those long-term habits. Combined with balanced meals and healthy routines, it’s an easy addition that helps families feel confident they’re doing their best for growing children. Just like all NOW supplements, the NOW Kids line is exhaustively tested from raw ingredients to finished products, ensuring they are safe, effective and that what’s on the label is what’s inside the bottle.

And with the current 50% savings on both the Juicy Orange and Berry Lemonade varieties, there’s never been a better time to see why these chewable multivitamins are becoming a favorite among health-conscious families.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

The post Real Life, Picky Eaters, and the Multivitamin Moms Are Talking About appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

For most of us, ticks have always been one of those things we try not to think about until we’re suddenly standing in the bathroom with a flashlight, inspecting a child who spent twenty minutes running through tall grass.

They’re right up there with sunburns, poison ivy, and finding something mysterious stuck to your kid’s shoe.

You know they’re part of outdoor life, but you hope they stay someone else’s problem.

Unfortunately, ticks have become a much bigger conversation in recent years, and for good reason.

Parents are hearing more about Lyme disease. More stories are surfacing about Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition linked to certain tick bites that can trigger allergic reactions to mammalian meat. Researchers continue studying other tick-borne illnesses, and health agencies are putting more attention on prevention, awareness, and diagnosis.

If it feels like this topic is suddenly everywhere, you’re not imagining it.

And while there’s no reason to panic, there is a good reason to pay attention.

Why You’re Hearing More About Ticks Lately

For years, doctors, researchers, and patient advocacy groups have been raising concerns about the growing impact of tick-borne illnesses.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced increased efforts aimed at improving research, awareness, surveillance, prevention, and treatment related to tick-borne diseases and conditions such as Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome.

Part of the reason is simple: more people are spending time outdoors, and tick populations have expanded into areas where they weren’t previously as common.

At the same time, awareness has increased. Conditions that may have gone undiagnosed years ago are now being recognized more often, helping families connect symptoms with possible causes.

For parents, the takeaway isn’t fear.

It’s awareness.

The more we understand, the better equipped we are to recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and reduce risks when spending time outside.

More Than Just a Bull’s-Eye Rash

When people think about tick-borne illness, Lyme disease is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often called a deer tick.

One of the most widely recognized symptoms is the bull’s-eye rash, but here’s something many people don’t realize: not everyone develops that rash.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

Because these symptoms can resemble many other illnesses, Lyme disease isn’t always immediately recognized.

Many parents are surprised to learn that some people never notice a tick bite at all. Others never develop the classic rash that gets shown in health class posters and online articles.

When caught early, treatment is often effective.The challenge is recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t seem right.

For more information on Lyme disease, symptoms, and prevention, visit the CDC’s Lyme disease resource center.

The Tick-Related Condition Many People Have Never Heard Of

Most parents have at least heard of Lyme disease.

Alpha-gal syndrome, on the other hand, often gets a response that sounds something like:

“Wait… a tick can make you allergic to hamburgers?”

As strange as it sounds, the answer is yes.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy that can develop after bites from certain ticks, including the lone star tick, which is common throughout much of the southeastern United States.

Unlike traditional food allergies that cause reactions shortly after eating, Alpha-gal reactions often occur several hours later.

People with Alpha-gal syndrome may experience reactions after consuming mammalian meat such as:

• Beef

• Pork

• Lamb

• Venison

Also things like dairy, gelatin capsules, etc.

Symptoms can vary widely and may include:

• Hives

• Itching

• Digestive distress

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe allergic reactions in some cases

Because symptoms can occur hours after eating, many people spend months or even years trying to figure out what’s causing them.

This is one reason awareness has increased so dramatically in recent years.

Families interested in learning more can visit: https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome

A Few Other Illnesses Worth Knowing About

While Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome tend to get the most attention, they aren’t the only health concerns linked to ticks.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Despite the name, this disease occurs in many parts of the United States. Symptoms may include fever, headache, rash, nausea, and muscle pain.

Ehrlichiosis

This bacterial illness can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Anaplasmosis

Often producing flu-like symptoms, anaplasmosis is another condition transmitted through tick bites.

The good news is that these illnesses remain relatively uncommon compared to the number of people spending time outdoors every year.

Still, awareness helps parents know when symptoms warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.

When Something Doesn’t Feel Quite Right

One challenge with tick-related illnesses is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately.

Sometimes a tick bite goes completely unnoticed.

That’s why it’s helpful to be aware of symptoms that develop days or even weeks after spending time outdoors.

Parents should consider contacting a healthcare provider if a family member develops:

• Unexplained fever

• Persistent fatigue

• Joint pain

• Muscle aches

• New rashes

• Unusual allergic reactions

• Digestive symptoms that seem connected to certain foods

Keeping track of outdoor activities and recent tick exposure can provide helpful information for healthcare providers.

As moms, we’re usually pretty good at noticing when something feels “off.” Even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Can You Get Tested?

Many parents wonder whether testing is available.

The answer is yes, although the type of testing depends on the condition being investigated.

For Lyme disease, healthcare providers may order blood tests that look for antibodies associated with infection. Timing matters because the body may not produce detectable antibodies immediately after exposure.

For Alpha-gal syndrome, a healthcare provider or allergist may order an Alpha-gal IgE blood test. Medical history, symptoms, and dietary patterns are often considered alongside laboratory testing.

If symptoms are ongoing or concerning, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider rather than relying solely on internet searches or social media posts.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Outdoors

No parent wants to spend the entire family hike conducting tick surveillance.

The goal isn’t to turn every outdoor adventure into a military operation.

A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk while still letting kids do what kids do best: run through the woods, climb things they probably shouldn’t climb, and come home covered in dirt.

Using insect repellents can help reduce tick exposure. Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment can be applied to clothing and gear, while OFF! FamilyCare repellents remain a popular option for outdoor activities.

Wearing light-colored clothing can make ticks easier to spot.

Long pants tucked into socks may not win any fashion awards, but they can be surprisingly effective during hikes or walks through tall grass.

And perhaps most importantly, perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Checking behind the knees, around the waist, under arms, along the hairline, and behind the ears can help catch ticks before they remain attached for extended periods.

So You Found a Tick. Now What?

Let’s be honest.

Finding a tick attached to yourself is unpleasant.

Finding one attached to your child somehow feels worse, even though the removal process is exactly the same.

The good news is that experts recommend a straightforward approach.

Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.

Avoid twisting, crushing, or using folk remedies such as nail polish, petroleum jelly, or matches.

After removal:

• Clean the area thoroughly

• Wash your hands

• Monitor for symptoms

• Note the date of the bite

Some families choose to save the tick for identification, particularly if symptoms develop later. A GOOD IDEA!

Services such as TickCheck offer tick identification and testing options for those who want additional information.

Where to Learn More

For families looking to learn more, several organizations provide reliable information and educational resources:

CDC Tick InformationCDC Alpha-gal Syndrome InformationGlobal Lyme AllianceLymeDisease.org

The Good News

Camping trips. Soccer tournaments. Nature walks. Fishing weekends. Backyard adventures that somehow end with everyone needing a bath.

Those experiences are part of childhood, and they should stay that way.

The goal isn’t to make families afraid of the outdoors. If anything, it’s the opposite.

Knowing what to look for, understanding the symptoms, and taking a few practical precautions can help you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the things that make being outside worth it in the first place.

Because the outdoors is still one of the best places for families to make memories.

We just know a little more now about what to watch for along the way.

If this topic has you thinking more about family health, wellness, and some of the conversations more parents are having right now, you may also enjoy:

The Rise in Childhood Anxiety: What’s Behind It?
A closer look at the factors many experts believe are contributing to increasing anxiety levels in children and teens, along with resources families may find helpful.

Bright Colors, Big Questions: What to Know About Artificial Food Dyes
Why more parents are paying attention to ingredients hiding in everyday foods and drinks, and what to know about the growing conversation surrounding artificial dyes.

From Sneezes to Surprises: Motherhood Is Beautiful and Also a Little Leaky
A lighter, relatable look at some of the physical realities moms experience that nobody seems to talk about until you’re living through them.

The Low-Effort Travel Trend Moms Are Embracing
Why more families are choosing simpler, less stressful vacations and what that shift says about modern family life.

Because when it comes to raising healthy families, many of these conversations are connected, from what we eat and how we feel to the environments we’re spending time in every day.

The post Let’s Talk About Ticks (sigh) appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.