Can a Baby or Toddler Overeat?

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"Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today."

- Will Rogers

Rise and Shine, Mommy! Welcome to Monday, also known as "My house was clean last week, sorry you missed it." Today we're talking about leveling up your nest.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Toddler Activities: Boredom busters

• Wipe lids go all Pinterest on us

• Yummy Zucchini Banana Bake 🍌

• DIY Ferris Wheel: No height restrictions!

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Little Scholars & Growing Giggles

Can a Baby or Toddler Overeat?

Ever wondered if that chubby-cheeked cherub can actually overeat?

Well, the answer is yes—and no.

Let's dive into the age-old question of whether it's possible to overfeed your baby or toddler and how you can nurture a tiny mindful eater.

Be Your Baby’s Intuition Guru

First up, kids are natural intuitive eaters. Yep, our little ones inherently know when they're hungry and when they're full.

But sometimes, our well-meaning "airplane moves" or the ol' two-bite rule can mess up these cues.

The key is to let them lead the way. Watch for signs like rooting or sucking on their hand for hunger and turning their head away or slowing down for fullness. 

No, you haven’t doomed your child if you’ve done these feeding gimmicks; there's always time for a course correction!

The ABCs of Responsive Feeding

Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, responsive feeding is your new best friend.

This approach is all about reading your baby's hunger and fullness cues and responding accordingly.

The magic numbers for wet diapers? About six a day in the first month will tell you they're getting enough.

To Soothe or Not to Soothe, That Is the Question

Sometimes it's tough to distinguish between a cry for food and a cry for comfort.

Experts are divided on whether it's okay to nurse or bottle-feed as a soothing technique.

Bottom line? It's your call, but keep an eye on cues to make sure you're not crossing into overfeeding territory.

Toddlers: The Eager Eaters

Got a tot who's passionate about pasta—or just about any food?

Kids go through phases, often driven by growth spurts or increased activity.

The golden rule here is the Division of Responsibility (sDOR).

You're in charge of what, where, and when food is served; your toddler decides if and how much to eat.

And yes, they'll probably make a mess, but that's part of the fun!

Quick Tips for the Speedy Snackers

If you've got a toddler who gobbles down food like there's no tomorrow, try these:

• Don't Restrict: Let them eat intuitively.

• Time Matters: Give them at least 10 minutes to eat.

• Ditch the Distractions: Keep screens and toys away from the dining area.

Wrapping It Up

As much as we'd like to think our littles are bottomless pits (or perhaps wish they were more like vacuums when veggies are involved), they've got their own built-in barometers.

Let’s give 'em a chance to use them!

Now, go forth and foster those mini mindful munchers—airplane noises optional. 🍼✈️

Keep reading here.

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Your free shortcut to meaningful holiday gifts for your loved ones

The Better Gift Coach newsletter is a 1-minute-a-week shortcut to meaningful gifts – comfortably in advance of the holidays.

THIS ISN'T JUST ANOTHER GIFT GUIDE.

It's real people sharing real stories of the best gifts they've ever given/received and guidance on how you can do your own version of those gifts.

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll

Poll Results From 9/25

How has motherhood changed your relationship with your own mom?

 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 We've become closer (52%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Not much has changed (22%)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ It's more complicated now (21%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ We've drifted apart (5%)

Featured Response😄 

Mom Hack

Gamify Your Chores

Mom Hack

Need to get housework done but also keep the kids entertained?

Turn chores into games!

Whether it's a sock-matching contest or a "floor is lava" sweeping challenge, they'll have fun and help you out.

Mom’s Menu

2 Ingredient Toast 6 Ways 🍞✨

• Are you ever stuck in a breakfast rut?

• Or maybe you need a quick, no-fuss dinner that’ll still make the kiddos happy?

You gotta try these 2 Ingredient Toasts.

Seriously, it’s so versatile it’ll fit in at any meal, and you probably have most of the ingredients right now!

Ingredients 📝

• Favorite sandwich bread

• Greek yogurt

• Avocado / chia seed

• Almond butter / banana

• Fried egg / parmesan

• Ricotta cheese / honey

• Mozzarella cheese / pesto

• Nutella / raspberry or strawberry

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Toast that lovely slice of bread till it’s golden and crispy.

2. Spread your choice of these awesome toppings on it.

Note 📌

Remember, these are just the highlighted combos. Feel free to mix and match!

Get the kids involved too. Let them be little chefs for a day.

It’s basically edible art class!

Next time you're scratching your head on what to whip up, just pop a toast and make it grand with these super easy toppings. 🎉 

Happy toasting! 🍞

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Kids Edition)

Collage Heart Art Project

All you need is some cardboard, scissors, and glue to get started.

Encourage your kids to dig into your arts and crafts bin and find anything they'd like to decorate with.

Glitter, buttons, ribbons, beads—let their imagination run wild as they create their own heartfelt masterpiece.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This cleaner is the magic eraser for those stubborn baby food or juice stains that just won't budge.

Got pets? This gadget not only tackles baby messes but also handles pet accidents like a pro.

It's like the Swiss Army knife of cleaners, small enough to be portable but mighty enough to clean deep. 🛡️💪

Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Game

Tiny Faces, Big Names

Not quite a baby photo, but this kid grew up to be one of the world's highest paid actors. Who is it?
(Answer below)

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

It's Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson!