Bootheel Babies and Families

'Tis the season for wrestling winter coats into car seats. @SafeRide4Kids shares these simple ways to check if your child’s coat is too big to wear under their harness: > Put the coat on your child, sit them in the child seat and fasten the harness. Tighten the harness until you can no longer pinch any of the harness webbing with your thumb and forefinger.... > Without loosening the harness, remove your child from the child seat. > Take the coat off and put your child back in the car seat and buckle the harness straps, which are still adjusted as they were when he was wearing the coat. > If you can now pinch the webbing between your thumb and forefinger then the coat is too bulky to be worn under the harness. They recommend having nothing thicker than a sweatshirt on your little one while they're strapped in.

First Christmas photo ideas!!! Share pics your little angels with us, Bootheel families! https://www.lifewithmylittles.com/picture-ideas-babys-firs/

Little ones lose body heat more quickly than adults, so keep them toasty with thin layers. Start with close-fitting clothes like tights, leggings, and long-sleeved bodysuits close to the skin. Then add pants and a warmer top, plus a jacket or blanket. As a general rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults. So if you've got on a hat, gloves, and coat, so should she plus a blanket. You'll know your baby has had enough winter weather if his eyes tear up, he becomes fussy, or he starts crying.

As all parents eventually figure out, babies don't care about actual presents. (They're more likely to be entranced by the ribbons and wrappings!) We say the best thing you can give your child during the holidays is your time. Designate one day this month for bonding - no holiday shopping, errands, cleaning, or phones allowed. Your baby will love the extra attention, and you'll love the opportunity to slow down. This article has tips for how to get the most out of your happy together time: https://bit.ly/3qfk3f9

We've all heard it time and again: You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Show Me HOPE Missouri is offering a free, virtual class exploring ways to build resilience, promote self care, and manage stress. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3mp8YWE

COVID Update: If you are pregnant or know someone who is, a new study reports that newborns are at low risk of contracting the virus from a positive mother. https://fox2now.com//stl-moms-new-study-focuses-on-corona/