Baby Vision: Milestones from Birth to 24 Months

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Labor Day, Mamas! Pour that cup of ambition and let’s kick this week off with an assortment of tidbits that'll make you the neighborhood guru on all things "Mom."

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Unveiling baby's evolving eyesight

• Pack N Play goes al fresco

• Fritters that even zucchini-haters love

• Craft wreaths, collect dollars

Little Scholars & Growing Giggles

Baby Vision: Birth to 24 Months of Age

Ever wonder if your baby's eyes are doing okay?

Let's chat about how baby's eyes grow and what you need to look out for."

How Baby's Eyes Grow

• Babies are learning to use their eyes, just like they learn to crawl or talk.

• At first, they mostly focus on faces or things 8 to 10 inches away (about as far as your face when you're holding them).

• At around 5 months, babies start to see depth. That means they can tell if something is near or far.

• Eye problems are rare, but it's good to catch any issues early.

Your To-Do List: First Eye Check-up

• At about 6 months old, take your baby to an eye doctor.

• The doctor will look for any signs of eye issues, like trouble focusing or eye health problems.

• Finding problems early makes them easier to treat.

Watch for Signs

• If your baby has really watery eyes or red eyelids, you should see a doctor.

• If their eyes are turning in a weird way or they're sensitive to light, it's also time for a check-up.

You Can Help! Tips for Parents

0-4 months:

• Use a dim lamp in the nursery.

• Rotate crib and baby positions.

• Keep toys within 8 to 12 inches.

• Engage them in chit-chat during your strolls around the room.

• Alternate sides during feedings.

5-8 months:

• Crib gyms and mobiles are your friends.

• Floor time is playtime.

• Blocks are great for those baby hands.

• Patty cake isn't just fun; it's developmental.

9 to 12 months:

• Play peekaboo for visual memory.

• Talk and name objects to expand their vocabulary.

• Crawling is more than cute; it’s crucial.

1 to 2 years:

• Roll balls for eye tracking.

• Blocks and balls of all shapes are a win-win.

• Storytime equals better visualization skills.

Takeaway:

Your baby's eyes are super important for learning and growing. So keep a close eye on them.

A little attention now can make a big difference later!

Keep reading here.

Together with Bright Cellars

A Simple Quiz. A World of Wine. Uncover Your New Favorite Bottle.

Discover Wine, Tailored to You

Learn what you like with Bright Cellars’ simple and fun wine taste quiz, and experience the joy of wine delivered to your door.

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll

Poll Results From 9/1

What is your go-to method for dealing with tantrums?

 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Ignore until they calm down (47%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Distraction technique (21%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Time-outs (11%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Discuss feelings and find solutions together (21%)

Mom Hack

Take the Pack N Play outside and cover it with a fitted sheet

Mom Hack

Take your Pack N Play outside, cover it with a fitted sheet, and you've got a bug-free, shady play area.

Mom’s Menu

Zesty Zucchini Fritters 🥒🥳

Ever struggle to sneak veggies into your kiddo's meals?

Today, we're talking zucchini. More precisely, delectably crispy, fun-sized, and flavor-packed Zucchini Fritters.

These magical munchies transform this green veggie into a munch-able treat even your littlest critics can't resist!

Ingredients 📝

• 500g (1lb) Zucchini (around 3 medium-sized ones)

• ¼ cup Chopped Parsley

• ¼ cup Chopped Mint

• Zest of 1 Lemon

• 1 Egg, whisked (See note for egg-free option)

• 65g (½ cup) All-Purpose / Plain Flour (See note for gluten-free option)

• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (or your oil of choice)

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Grate those zucchinis and wrap 'em up in a clean dish towel or nut bag. Squeeze away to get rid of as much water as you can.

2. Combine zucchini, parsley, mint, lemon zest, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Give it a good stir.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it's just mixed in. The batter will be nice and thick.

4. Time to season! Just remember, if you're serving to your little one, you might want to skip the salt.

5. Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture and form into a little patty, about 1cm (⅓ inch) thick. You should get about seven to eight patties from this.

6. Heat up that oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pop half the fritters in the pan and cook for roughly 3 mins on each side. Watch the heat and lower it if they're browning too quickly. Repeat with the remaining fritters.

Notes 📌

• You can replace the egg with a Flax Egg! If your fritter mixture ends up too dry, add a bit (½ - 1 tablespoon) of zucchini juice to the mix.

• Instead of regular flour, try chickpea flour! If you're using almond flour, you'll need an extra egg to help bind everything.

• The oil can be of your choice, and the quantity will depend on the type of pan you're using. Non-stick pans, for example, require less oil.

• Getting as much liquid out of your grated zucchini is key, unless you fancy soggy fritters. (We thought not!) Bonus: Save that zucchini juice for sauces or smoothies!

Wrapping it up, mamas, remember: sneaking in veggies doesn't have to be a battle.

With these Zucchini Fritters, I’m sure your kiddos will be asking for seconds (and thirds)! 💚🎉

Keep reading here.

Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)

Stylish Wreaths (Make and Sell)

Tap into your creative side and craft a shabby chic wreath using cost-effective materials.

By weaving together fabrics like burlap and muslin, tying in hemp cord, and adding a faux flower, you can create a door or tabletop decor piece with wide appeal.

This could make for an eye-catching item in your Etsy store or at local craft fairs.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

These packing cubes are my secret weapon for family trips.

They've turned packing from a chaotic mess into a fun, organized activity.

Plus, they've survived every family adventure we've thrown at them. 🧳 

8 Set Packing Cubes

Game

Parenting Quiz

How many words should a two-year-old child be able to say? (Answer below)

A) 50 words

B) 100 words

C) 200 words

D) 300 words

E) Enough to negotiate their candy intake

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

C) 200 words