Toddler Formula vs. Milk: Shocking Truth

"Don’t let your struggle become your identity."

- Joshua Hook

Morning Mommy! Fancy seeing you here on a fabulous Friday! Just a heads-up, today's scoop is hotter than the coffee you might be reheating for the third time. We're bringing the milk and pancakes to your table.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Toddler Formula or Cow's Milk? Experts Weigh In

• Sweet Potato Pancakes: Two Ingredients, One Happy Baby

• Meet Kate McLeod: Pastry Chef Now Skincare Businesswoman

Healthy Habits

Toddler Formula vs. Milk: A Dairy Tale of Parenting

Don't cry over spilled milk – but which milk should it be?

Join us as we dive into the splashy debate between toddler formula and cow's milk, uncovering truths that may make you rethink your shopping list.

Milk or Mystery Powder? 

Navigating the "what to feed your toddler" maze can be as challenging as convincing them broccoli is fun to eat.

It turns out the big names in nutrition are advocating for good old cow's milk over the trendy, and perhaps not-so-beneficial, toddler formula.

Most pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agree: cow's milk gets the toddler gold star for its nutritional profile.

The Formula Facade 

Toddler formula sounds like a promising next step after infant formula, but before you fall for the flashy labels, here's the skinny…

These powders often contain more sugar, sodium, and fat than cow's milk, and are unregulated by the FDA, unlike infant formulas.

Plus, these sophisticated-looking cans of powder come with steep price tag.

When Might Toddler Formula Fit? 

For most children, toddler formula is like bringing a sand bucket to the beach - pretty much unnecessary.

However, if your child has specific dietary needs due to medical conditions or severe allergies, toddler formula may find a spot in your pantry.

But don't rush to the store until your pediatrician gives the green light.

Cows for the Win 

While navigating the toddler nutrition odyssey, remember: cow's milk is the all-star once your little one hits the 12-month mark.

Pair this moo-juice with a varied diet, and you're on the right track.

Remember, too much of a good thing can turn sour; it can hamper their appetite for other essential food groups.

Bottom Line 

Forget slick marketing campaigns - whole cow's milk is the genuine MVP in the toddler's transition from breast or formula feeding.

Save the toddler formula for extraordinary circumstances, and let cow's milk be the move towards a healthy, balanced diet.

Keep reading here

Together with Evenflo

Making Parenthood a Walk in the Park

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One step, and your car seat turns into a stroller, fitting even the tiniest riders​

With Evenflo, you're not just buying baby gear, you're investing in peace of mind.

Loved by parents for their durable, practical, and innovative products.

As a Mommy Member, save 15% Sitewide with code DAD23 (Father’s Day).

Mom Hack

Use a mesh garment bag for socks

Keeping my own socks from the laundry monster's mouth is difficult, let alone those tiny kid-sized ones! 

To prevent losing socks, keep a garment bag close to your hamper and toss them in. Then zip it up, wash and dry.

It's simple to do and will save you time looking for lost items.

These mesh bags are fantastic because they come in so many different sizes and can be used for many different things!

Mom’s Menu

Two-Ingredient Miracle: Sweet Potato Pancakes Your Baby Will Love!

Say hello to Baby-Led Weaning Pancakes, a recipe so simple and nutritious, you'll want to do a happy dance in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 125g (½ cup) Sweet Potato Puree / Mashed Sweet Potato

• 2 eggs

• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Sweet Potato: If you're starting from scratch and don't have a stash of sweet potato puree, no worries!

Roast or microwave a sweet potato until it's nice and soft, then mash or puree it until smooth.

Remember, the smoother, the better for those tiny tots.

2. Mix It All Up: Grab a bowl and mix together the sweet potato and eggs until they're totally combined.

Feel free to add in cinnamon and ginger for a flavor boost!

3. Time to Fry: Heat up your coconut oil on a medium heat.

Spoon out your mixture (about a tablespoon per pancake) onto the pan.

Keep these pancakes small, trust me, it'll save you from any flipping disasters!

4. Patience is Key: Turn down the heat to medium-low and let those beauties cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Remember, patience is a virtue. Wait until they are fully cooked on one side before flipping.

And there you have it, ladies! Sweet potato pancakes that not only deliver essential nutrients but are also soft, manageable, and perfect for those little hands learning to self-feed.

They're so scrumptious, you might sneak a few for yourself 😉 

Keep reading here.

Things you should…

BREW: Your journey to the peak of flavor with Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee

Enjoy the smooth, strong, and surprisingly delightful taste of the 100% organic Arabica cold brew.

Daily DIY

Egg Carton Wreath

Let's dive into a fabulous DIY project that'll transform a humble egg carton into a blooming beauty.

Step 1: Snip out individual egg cups from the carton.

Step 2: Unleash your inner Picasso! Shape those edges into fancy petals with your scissors.

Step 3: Color time! Dip-dye, paint, or even bedazzle the cups in your favorite hues.

Step 4: Time to bring it all together! Secure your colorful blooms and craft paper leaves onto a painted craft ring with a dab of hot-glue.

And voila! You've just upcycled that egg carton into a beautiful wreath.

Talk about being an eco-warrior queen!

Required craft rings are here.

Strong Coffee, Stronger Moms

Kate McLeod: The Pastry Chef Turned Skincare Savant

Forget corporate ladders, Kate McLeod chose a career trellis!

From finance to frosting, let’s explore this mompreneur's journey of trading her briefcase for a bakery—and eventually a beauty brand.

A Slice of Kate's Story 

Kate McLeod, former Goldman Sachs financier turned pastry chef turned skincare entrepreneur, serves up a life story more delicious than a triple-layer cake.

Sprinkled with three drastic career pivots, Kate's journey reminds us that success is a homemade recipe—not a one-size-fits-all.

From Finance to Frosting 

Kate leapt from the finance world into the flavorful realm of pastries, after realizing that the corporate hustle wasn't her cup of tea—or better said, her cup of cocoa butter.

She reminded us of the importance of stepping out of the familiar and said, "I fully grasped that there are limitless possibilities"—an eye-opener and comfort for all moms feeling pigeonholed in their current roles.

Sweet Nourishment 

How did cocoa butter inspire a business venture?

During tough times, Kate experimented with this confectionery ingredient and created her Body Stones, a solid moisturizer that melted not just on her skin, but also her stress away.

She quipped, "The days I did this were brighter"—an unexpected, yet satisfying mix of skincare and mood-lifter.

Unique as a Unicorn Macaron 

What sets her skincare brand apart from the others?

In Kate's own words: "Food for your skin, made from scratch."

Every product is handcrafted with love in her Hudson Valley workshop.

Additionally, the brand infuses sustainability into its DNA—be it reusable packaging or climate-neutral certification.

Plus, it encourages self-care with a dash of magic, giving you more than just glowing skin.

Future Cravings 

What's next on the menu?

Both Kate—the person—and her eponymous brand, are set to grow.

Expect the brand to expand retail partnerships while Kate plans to simply "keep showing up." 

That's a hearty slice of resilience all mothers can savor.

Keep reading here.

Game

Parenting Quiz

What is the recommended amount of sleep for toddlers aged 1-2 years? (Answer below)

A. 8-10 hours

B. 10-12 hours

C. 12-14 hours

D. 14-16 hours

E. As long as they don't interrupt your favorite TV show

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

C. 12-14 hours