Parent Savers

Both mom and dad need a break sometimes, and that's the perfect opportunity for a playdate. But, how do you find a group that's right for you and your child? Is there some sort of playdate etiquette you should know about? How do you go about starting a new playgroup in your area?

Your baby has entered the whole of solid foods. What are the benefits of making your own food? What are the easiest foods for them to eat? And what are some quick and simple recipes that won't break the bank?

You're proud of your kids, so it's only natural you would want to "show them off" to family and friends. And nowadays, that means posting cute pics and vids online through your favorite social media platforms. Unfortunately, not everyone has the best intentions when viewing your kids online. Are we unintentionally overexposing our children online? Is social media really to blame? And what steps can we take to keep them safe and secure?

It never fails. The food your toddler loved yesterday is now his worst enemy. Does this mean your child is "normal", or do you really have a picky eater? Why are some children pickier than others? What foods should your child be eating, and how much? And what are some practical tips for introducing new foods into your child's diet?  

Our heart melts every time our children say new words, even if we're the only ones who can understand it. Despite all the cuteness, how do you know if your child is having difficulty with speech development? What milestones should we be monitoring for babies and toddlers? And what differences should we expect in speech patterns between boys and girls? 

For most parents, diapers are a necessity. We changed between 6-8 diapers every day for every child, which is quite an investment. So, what are your options? How do you choose what's best for your family? And what about baby wipes? Whether you prefer disposable, cloth or some sort of hybrid, we'll help you get to the bottom of this diaper dilemma. 

Public libraries can be a great resource for new and expecting parents. In addition to books, they offer movies and other community resources at free or very low cost to you. So, what type of parenting resources are typically available? And what is library etiquette when it comes to small babies, infants and toddlers?

If your baby breaks out with bumps on his skin, you may start to freak out a bit. Where did these bumps come from? What caused it? And is it serious? Today we're continuing our ongoing series focused on baby skin conditions with a closer look at rashes and how to treat them.  

Does milk really do a body good? As a new parent, you may be overwhelmed at all options for milk at the grocery store. Are there benefits to drinking cow's milk that other milk simply can't provide? What are some of the biggest milk myths? Plus, what are some alternatives to cow's milk that might be a better fit for your family?

It's time to name your baby. The concept may seem simple, but many new parents put a lot of thought into the naming process. Do you follow family traditions? Are you looking for the most unique name so your child feels more special? And what do you do if you later decide to change your baby's name, possibly due to remorse?

Theme parks can be a great treat for any family. But with the large crowds, comes some safety concerns. What should your child do if he becomes lost? Should you consider a "tether" or "leash"? Plus, what should you as a parent know if your kids are old enough to go on rides. We polled our facebook fans to find out their top safety theme park safety tips.

Your baby continues to develop every day, and sometimes these stages of development aren't obvious. How do you know if your child's vision is reaching necessary milestones? What are some factors that put your baby's vision at risk? Plus, information on a program allowing all babies under one to get their vision tested for free!  

You spend most of your day changing diapers and coming in close contact with some sort of bodily fluid from your child, we get it. The idea of potty-training may seem like the perfect solution. But, how do you know if your child is ready? And perhaps more importantly, how do you know if you're ready? Plus, helpful tips for getting your boy or girl off to a great start!

Newborn screenings identify conditions that can impact your child's long-term health. Which tests are commonly offered and why? How and when are the tests done? And what are the odds your child's tests may come back abnormal? 

The dreaded time has come when you have to find someone else to watch your child. With all the options out there, how do you determine what type of childcare is best for you and your baby? What factors should you consider? And what should you expect to pay?