After having my two kids, I wasn’t as prepared for the amount of hair loss I would experience. I knew about postpartum hair loss and that it would likely happen to me, but I wasn’t expecting how much or how long it would take for my hair to grow back. It’s been two years since I had my last child, my daughter. Now that I’m finally feeling more like myself again, I’m ready to prioritize my health, needs, and wants. It’s time to make time for me. Last year, I committed to a full body/mind health and wellness journey. Now, this year, I’m including my hair.

Why my hair?

Currently, I have very thin, fine hair. My hair has always been fine, even when I was younger. But back then, I had a lot more of it. I even remember sitting at the hair salon when I was in middle school and high school, and the hairdresser told me on more than one occasion that I had “so much hair.” But as I’ve gotten older, it has thinned out. And once I had kids, it’s as if the thinning-out process went into hyperspeed! I feel like I barely have much left.

The hair loss wasn’t too bad after the birth of my first child. However, after having my second, it was way more noticeable to me. I’ve tried not to put too much thought or emphasis on it because I remember that I need to be kinder to myself. I’ve grown, birthed, and am caring for two beautiful children. I always tell mothers that they are beautiful just the way they are, and I am beautiful, too. Hair is just hair, right?

But as the months and now years have passed of me putting myself last on my priority list, my confidence also went away. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize the woman I was anymore. I learned it’s okay to want better for myself and do things that make me feel more confident. Last year, my goal was to get stronger, and I did! I lost 15 pounds and gained muscle. This year, I am continuing to focus on my health and wellness. I’m now including my hair in my health journey, too. Here’s what I’m doing for my “New Hair, New You” Renewal Plan. I’m starting it with Viviscal.

My “New Hair, New You” Renewal Plan

This May, my family and I are going to Maui! Maui has a very special place in our hearts because that is where my husband and I married nine years ago. I want to look and feel better than I did on my wedding day, so I am continuing to do my workouts five days a week, keep track of my diet/macros, and I’m now starting to use Viviscal to help me get fuller, thicker hair from the inside out. My hair has been one of my least favorite features, especially after experiencing postpartum hair loss, so now I’m doing something about it. Here’s what I’m using and doing for my new hair renewal for healthier postpartum hair.

Hair Supplements

I am taking my hair renewal plan seriously and am doing more than just focusing on what I’m doing to my hair and putting on my hair. Healthy hair starts from within. I’m not only improving my diet, drinking more water, and taking my vitamins, but I’m also taking Viviscal™ Hair Growth Supplements.

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements

I recently learned Viviscal is the #1 selling hair growth supplement in the U.S.+ After researching, I like that they are 100% drug-free and have been proven to improve hair thickness and reduce shedding within 3-6 months.* In a clinical study, 92% of women saw thicker hair, a 32% increase in terminal hairs, and a nearly 39% decrease in hair shedding/loss in just three months. Amazing! Three months is the perfect amount of time for me to get the results I want before our trip in May. I also like that Viviscal™ Hair Growth Supplements are suitable for all types of hair, so I don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s right for me. (Of course, consult your doctor or health professional if you have questions before starting a new supplement or medication.)

Other supplements I am taking are:

• Viviscal Hair Self-Care Supplements – nutrition formulated with collagen, keratin, and amino acids to support healthy hair structure and deliver nutritional building blocks, which are essential for healthy-looking hair
• Viviscal Scalp Nourish Supplements – nutrition formulated with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and antioxidants to support a healthy scalp environment by delivering essential nutrients to nourish and fortify root follicles, providing a strong foundation for beautiful, healthy hair to grow

Hair Products

Now that I know Viviscal understands the science of healthy hair growth and is 100% drug-free, I’ve decided also to use their entire line of hair products to help me reach my goal of having fuller, thicker-looking hair. Here’s my new hair routine:

Viviscal Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Massaging and stimulating our scalp is good for encouraging healthy hair growth. Viviscal Exfoliating Scalp Scrub gently exfoliates and removes dead cells, buildup, and dirt from the scalp. This helps support a healthy scalp environment, resulting in less breakage and fuller-looking hair. I’m using this scrub once a week on my scalp before shampooing and conditioning to have a healthy hair foundation.

Viviscal Thickening Shampoo

Selecting a shampoo formulated to nourish and volumize your hair is helpful. I’m using Viviscal’s Thickening Shampoo because it strengthens and reduces breakage* while gently cleansing and stimulating the scalp. I like that it is safe on color-treated hair because I have fine, thin hair with highlights and lowlights. I’m massaging this from my scalp to the ends of my hair. I used to wash my hair every other day, but I want to ensure I don’t dry out my scalp or hair. This is why I’m now stretching out my hair wash days to twice a week. (*Use in conjunction with Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner.)

Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner

I’m using Viviscal’s Strengthening Conditioner with their Thickening Shampoo. This conditioner nourishes and hydrates your hair without weighing it down. This is what I need with my thin, fine hair. It’s easy for my hair to get weighed down, but using a little bit of this does the trick! I use this every time I wash my hair after shampooing, but I only apply this on the ends of my hair. It helps strengthen the ends and reduces breakage.* (*Use in conjunction with Viviscal Thickening Shampoo.)

Viviscal Thickening Serum

After showering, I softly dry my hair with my towel and gently brush through my damp hair. Then I apply 2-3 pumps of Viviscal Thickening Serum and coat my hair from mid-length to the ends. I like this leave-in treatment because it eliminates frizz* and is lightweight, so it doesn’t leave my hair greasy. You can also apply it to dry hair! This is great since I use this on my hair almost every day. (*Use in conjunction with Viviscal Thickening Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner.)

Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Now that I’m stretching my hair-washing days to twice a week, a good dry shampoo is essential. I’m using Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo as a texturizing spray and heat protectant after I dry my hair. I use it daily to remove oil from my scalp and hair and refresh and restore its volume. This helps me go longer between washes, leaves my hair looking fuller, and gives it long-lasting freshness. I also love that it’s fortified with Keratin and Marine Collagen. These will protect my hair from heat damage caused by the sun and heated hair tools.

18 Hair Practices & Tips

Now that you know what products I’ll be using for my new hair renewal, here are some practices I’ll also implement. I recommend these for healthier postpartum hair:

1. Brush your hair before showering – distribute the natural oils from your hair to the ends and remove tangles before getting it wet.
2. Wash hair less often – over-shampooing can strip natural oils from your hair and scalp and leave it dry. This can make it more prone to breakage.
3. Don’t take extremely hot showers – the heat from the hot water can irritate your scalp and weaken your hair.
4. Do a quick cold-water rinse in the shower – turn the water to cold after shampooing and conditioning to seal the cuticles shut and maintain healthy hair.
5. Condition the ends of your hair – when conditioning, apply it on mid-shaft to the ends of your hair to limit weighing down your hair.
6. Don’t rub your hair with a towel – rubbing your hair with a towel can cause tangles and breakage. Instead, squeeze it dry and let the towel absorb the water.
7. Don’t go to bed with wet hair – hair is more vulnerable to breakage when wet, so dry your hair before bed.
8. Massage your scalp daily and exfoliate your scalp weekly – this can help keep your scalp healthy, which creates a healthy environment for your hair.
9. Limit the use of heated hair tools – a lot of damage is done to hair when heated tools are used frequently.
10. Reduce heat setting on heated tools – instead of 400+ degrees, use hair tools that allow you to select the temperature and select 320 degrees or less.
11. Use a heat protectant before styling – always apply a heat protectant on your hair before blow drying or using heat to style your hair.
12. Don’t do too tight of hairstyles – wearing tight hairstyles and wearing it up frequently can cause hair to break.
13. If you have fine hair, don’t use elastics – this can cause hair breakage.
14. Eat a well-balanced diet – a healthy diet with B vitamins, protein, zinc, and essential fatty acids helps grow healthier hair.
15. Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated helps keep your body and hair hydrated.
16. Sleep on a silk – swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk pillowcase. Silk reduces the amount of friction between your hair and the fabric, which helps reduce breakage. Put your hair up in a loose top knot with a silk scrunchie.
17. Trim your hair every 2 months – you want your hair to stay healthy and not break off at the ends. Trim the damaged ends and keep the length to continue growing strong, healthy hair.
18. Fewer hair processing appointments – limit the number of times you process your hair with dyes, perms, and relaxers.

Improve Your Hair with Viviscal

With this hair regimen using Viviscal products and these hair practices, I should achieve fuller, thicker, and healthy-looking hair by summer! I’m incorporating healthy habits into my life, and Viviscal naturally fits in with my wellness goals and New Year’s resolutions to take better care of myself. If you are postpartum or a mom with littles and want to work on your health, join me on this healthy hair journey to get results when warmer weather hits!

+ Based on Circana MULO unit sales for L52 wks ending 6/23/23.

* The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sponsored partner: Viviscal

Ready to start feeding your little one, or is the intimidation kicking in? The journey of introducing new foods to a baby can be both exciting and challenging. While providing a diverse and nutritious diet is essential, as a mom of two under three, I know firsthand it’s not always easy to get our little ones to embrace unfamiliar flavors. Here, I will share some creative feeding hacks I learned along the way. I hope these yogurt hacks help make the feeding process enjoyable for you and your baby, too!

The Benefits of Yogurt for Babies

Before we dive into some fun feeding hacks using yogurt, you might wonder why we recommend yogurt for babies. Let’s explore why yogurt is an excellent choice for introducing new foods to your baby and why Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt is our favorite option.

1. Nutritional Advantages

Stonyfield YoBaby Organic yogurt has essential nutrients for your baby’s growth and development. Its calcium, vitamin D, and protein support healthy bone development and overall well-being.^1,2,7,8 It’s made without the use of harmful additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives, making it a wholesome and safe choice.

2. Probiotics for Digestive Health

One of the standout features of YoBaby yogurt is the inclusion of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria promote a healthy digestive system, supporting your baby’s gut health.^3,9 Introducing yogurt early can reduce the risk of digestive issues.^4,9

3. Texture and Taste

Babies and toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, but YoBaby yogurt has a smooth texture and delicious taste. The mild and creamy consistency often appeals to young taste buds, making it a favorite among little ones (and parents). The subtle sweetness of yogurt helps ensure that introducing new foods becomes a delightful experience.

Feeding Hacks for Introducing New Foods to Baby

Now that you know all the benefits of yogurt for babies, let’s dive into how you can use yogurt to help introduce new foods to your baby as you embark on your feeding journey.

1. Cereal

Starting with cereal is a common step in a baby’s culinary journey. And rightly so, given its high iron content and ease of preparation.⁵ To make it more appealing, consider mixing baby food cereal with yogurt. Mix one tablespoon of baby food cereal directly into a cup of yogurt. The creamy texture of the yogurt adds a delightful twist, making it more palatable for your little one. Experiment with various YoBaby yogurt flavors to discover your baby’s favorite.

2. Nut Butters

Research shows that introducing peanuts early may help reduce allergy risk.⁶ Experts recommend introducing nuts and peanuts between 4 and 11 months of age. However, whole nuts come with choking hazards, and the stickiness of nut butters poses a challenge when attempting to introduce them to your little one. Mixing a teaspoon of nut butter with a cup of YoBaby yogurt can help thin out the nut butter, making it easier for your little one to enjoy. This is a great way to introduce nut butters to your baby for allergy prevention and boosts flavor!

3. Fruits

Incorporating fruits into your baby’s diet provides many vitamins and minerals. Dice or mash fruits and mix them directly into your YoBaby yogurt cup. Some fruits that you can easily mash up and stir into yogurt include:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Peaches
• Plums
• Apricots
• Mangoes

For a refreshing treat, try creating yogurt fruit popsicles (see our instructions below). These frozen delights not only introduce new flavors but also soothe teething discomfort.

4. Veggies

Getting your baby to enjoy vegetables can be daunting. However, blending veggies into a creamy yogurt puree might do the trick. You can also make veggie yogurt bites — a convenient and mess-free way to offer a yummy snack.

Veggie Yogurt Bites

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• Author: Jamie Adams

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Description

Veggie yogurt bites are a mess-free way to offer your baby a tasty snack, combining a variety of vegetables with YoBaby yogurt in one go!

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, broccoli, etc.), steamed and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup YoBaby yogurt
• 2 tablespoons finely grated cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a mini muffin tin with a small amount of olive oil.
2. Combine the finely chopped mixed vegetables in a mixing bowl with YoBaby yogurt. If you’re using grated cheese, add it to the mixture, and mix well.
3. Stir in the whole wheat flour and crack in the egg. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you have a well-combined batter.
4. Add garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings based on your baby’s preferences.
5. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and set in the center.
7. Allow the veggie yogurt bites to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, these bites can be served directly to your baby. They are a convenient and mess-free way to introduce vegetables and yogurt in a tasty package.

Notes

Feel free to customize the recipe based on your baby’s preferences and dietary needs. These veggie yogurt bites are a great way to encourage your baby to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a fun and manageable form.

Methods for Introducing New Foods to Baby

The versatility of yogurt allows for a variety of ways in which you can introduce foods to a baby. You can try spoon-feeding, dipping, drizzling, and so much more!

1. Bowl Feeding

A visually appealing bowl can make mealtime more exciting for your baby. Arrange different foods colorfully and invitingly. Combine textures like crunchy waffle sticks and soft fruits to create a sensory-rich experience. Allow your baby to dip their favorite foods into the bowl of yogurt, offer them a spoon to dive right in, or drizzle it on top of their food. The versatility of yogurt allows you to experiment with various combinations, ensuring your baby gets a well-rounded meal.

2. Tiny Popsicle Molds

Tiny popsicle molds are not just for warm weather. Use them to create yogurt popsicles with added food items for variety. These frozen treats can be a lifesaver during teething episodes, relieving your baby’s sore gums. The cooling effect and the delicious taste of YoBaby yogurt make this feeding hack a win-win.

All you need is a popsicle mold and a combination of whole fruit and yogurt. Mash up some whole fruit (or puree it in a blender), mix it with a cup of yogurt, pour this into a popsicle mold, and let it sit in your freezer overnight. Play with fruit and yogurt combinations to find your baby’s favorite. Some of our favorites include:

• Mixed berries
• Pineapple mango
• Strawberry banana
• Blueberry peach

3. Mesh Pacifiers

For a mess-free feeding experience, try freezing yogurt in mesh pacifiers. This introduces a new method of consumption and serves as a soothing remedy for teething discomfort. The mesh pacifiers ensure your baby enjoys the yogurt without the risk of choking or making a mess.

Tips for Successfully Introducing New Foods to Baby

As you embark on this journey of introducing new foods to your baby, consider these tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience:

1. Gradual Introduction

Take it slow and introduce one new food at a time. This allows your baby to adjust to flavors and textures without feeling overwhelmed. Watch their reactions and proceed accordingly.

2. Pay Attention to Cues

Every baby is unique, and their preferences may vary. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and expressions during mealtime. This will help you understand their likes and dislikes, allowing you to tailor their meals accordingly.

3. Maintain a Balance

Strive for a balance of flavors and textures in your baby’s meals. Mixing and matching different food groups enhances nutritional value and keeps mealtime interesting for your little one.

Introducing new foods to your baby can be a delightful adventure with the right feeding hacks and the goodness of YoBaby yogurt. Experiment with these creative ideas, pay attention to your baby’s cues and relish the joy of watching them explore the world of flavors. Enjoy this bonding time over meals and create positive associations with nutritious foods.

As you embark on this journey, remember that each baby is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Share your experiences, learn from other parents, and savor the precious moments of discovering your baby’s favorite foods. Happy feeding!

As parents, we all know the challenge of finding snacks that are delicious and nutritious for our kids. The quest for that perfect balance often leads us to creative solutions. Here, we’ll explore the versatile world of yogurt and discover how it can stand out in various sweet and savory snacks that will have your kids asking for more! Prepare to impress their taste buds with recipes like pressed banana yogurt bites, chocolate peanut butter dip, green pea hummus with veggies, and avocado turkey toast strips.

Yogurt: A Nutrient-Packed Base for Kids’ Snacks

Before we dive into these delicious yogurt recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the versatility and nutritional benefits of yogurt as a snack base for kids.

Yogurt is a nutrition powerhouse for kids. It contains calcium, protein, probiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals.¹ These nutrients are crucial for children’s growth and development, particularly for their bones and digestive health.^2,3,4

Yogurt’s versatility makes it the perfect base for sweet and savory snacks. You can use plain yogurt as a canvas to create various flavors or choose pre-flavored options for convenience. However, be mindful when selecting pre-flavored yogurts for kids, as they often come with extra sugars. Using real fruit for added flavor, Stonyfield yogurt pouches contain only 4 grams of added sugars per serving!

When selecting yogurt for your kids, it’s essential to opt for high-quality products. Look for brands free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and synthetic hormones. Our favorite option is Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, specifically designed for little ones.

Now that you know the nutritional benefits of yogurt for kids, let’s dive into some sweet and savory recipes you can explore with them.

Sweet Snack Recipes

Almost every little one loves sweet snacks. These two sweet snack recipes offer natural sweetness with fruit and some protein from nut butter—a powerful combination for a tasty treat.

Pressed Banana Yogurt Bites

These pressed banana yogurt bites are an ideal snack choice for kids. Not only do they taste delicious, but they’re packed with all the good stuff, too! Bananas provide essential vitamins and potassium, while yogurt offers probiotics for digestive health.^11,12 The added healthy fats from the nut butter and the fiber from the raspberries and flaxseed make these sliced banana yogurt bites an even more well-balanced snack that can satisfy any sweet tooth.^5,6,7

This recipe is super simple. Your kids will have a blast making it without even needing to cook. It’s a fun way to get them involved in making their own healthy snacks. These frozen bites offer a cool and satisfying treat that appeals to young taste buds while nourishing their bodies.

Pressed Banana Yogurt Bites

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• Author: Jamie Adams
• 
  Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 
  Yield: 12 bites

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The added healthy fats from the nut butter and the fiber from the raspberries and flaxseed make these pressed banana yogurt bites an even more well-balanced snack that can satisfy any sweet tooth.^5,6,7

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Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 Stonyfield YoBaby banana yogurt cup
• 1 tbsp nut butter of choice
• raspberries (optional)
• flaxseed (optional)
• coconut flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice a banana into bite-sized rounds.
2. Smash the pieces with the bottom end of a flat cup to flatten each banana slice.
3. Spread a thin layer of YoBaby yogurt on top of each pressed banana slice.
4. Drizzle nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.) and toppings of choice (mashed raspberries, flaxseed, coconut flakes, etc.) on top.
5. Place the banana yogurt bites on parchment paper on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour before enjoying these creamy, frozen delights.

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  Prep Time: 15 minutes
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  Cook Time: 1 hour
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  Category: Snacks
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  Method: Chill
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  Cuisine: American

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip

This chocolate peanut butter dip is a fantastic choice for kids, combining scrumptious flavors with healthful ingredients. The yogurt is a good source of calcium and probiotics, promoting strong bones and a happy gut. Natural peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while the cocoa powder and cinnamon add a rich, chocolatey taste bursting with antioxidants. Honey, adjustable to taste, adds a little bit of sweetness to satisfy any sweet tooth.^1,3,8,9,13

This simple, no-cook recipe is one your kids can easily help prepare, encouraging their involvement in making nutritious snacks. Paired with sliced apples, strawberries, bananas, or pretzels, this dip offers a delightful and wholesome treat, making it an ideal go-to option for parents.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip

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• Author: Jamie Adams
• 
  Total Time: 10 minutes
• 
  Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Loaded with protein and bursting with antioxidants from the cocoa powder and cinnamon, this dip makes for the perfect side dish to your child’s favorite fruit. It’s a sweet treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day.^8,9

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Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt
• 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Sliced apples, strawberries, or bananas for dipping

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the YoBaby yogurt, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Adjust the honey to your desired sweetness.
3. Serve the chocolate peanut butter dip with fresh fruit slices for a delectable and healthy treat.

Notes

* We doubled this recipe in the images shown.

• 
  Prep Time: 10 minutes
• 
  Category: Snacks
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  Method: Chill
• 
  Cuisine: American

Savory Snack Recipes

Full of protein, these savory snacks are perfect for that time between lunch and dinner when your kiddos seem hungriest and begging for a snack.

Green Pea Hummus

Double the peas, double the plant-based protein! This pea hummus with veggies is a fantastic and fun nutrition-packed snack choice for kids, especially those picky veggie eaters. Chickpeas offer an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber to help keep your kids feeling full and satisfied.¹⁴ Peas provide vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin C, both of which are essential to help prevent iron deficiency anemia in kids, the most common nutritional deficiency found in children.^15,16 Tahini adds in healthy fats and a delightful nutty flavor, while the touch of YoBaby yogurt introduces calcium and probiotics.^1,17

This recipe is a breeze to make in a food processor, making it a convenient go-to for parents. Pair this protein-packed hummus with a colorful display of veggies, and your kids will feel full and satisfied until dinner time (not to mention occupied with all the fun dipping)

Green Pea Hummus

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• Author: Jamie Adams
• 
  Total Time: 15 minutes
• 
  Yield: 6 servings

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Double the peas, double the plant-based protein. Pair this protein-packed hummus with your child’s favorite veggie or chip, and they’ll be feeling full and satisfied until dinner time.

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Ingredients

• 15 oz can chickpeas — drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup aquafaba (liquid from chickpea can)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed)
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup plain Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt
• Sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, and bell pepper strips for dipping

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Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, aquafaba, thawed peas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the YoBaby yogurt to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Serve the pea hummus with various fresh veggies for a savory and nutrient-rich snack.

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  Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 
  Category: Snacks
• 
  Cuisine: American

Avocado Turkey Toast Strips

The perfect afternoon snack choice for kids, these avocado turkey toast strips offer a delightful combination of flavors and essential nutrients. Surprisingly to many, avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, while the YoBaby yogurt provides calcium and probiotics for growing bodies.^1,2,18 The whole-grain bread offers complex carbohydrates rich in fiber and B vitamins that provide your young one with energy to play, learn, and grow, while the turkey slices supply lean protein that provides the building blocks for a child’s growing body.^19,20

This recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal go-to option for after-school snacks. Have your kids join you in the food-making fun by mashing the avocado and assembling their own toast. The result is a tasty and nutritious snack or meal that satisfies young appetites while nourishing them.

Avocado Turkey Toast Strips

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• Author: Jamie Adams
• 
  Total Time: 15 minutes
• 
  Yield: 2 servings

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Description

Surprisingly an excellent source of fiber, the pairing of avocado with protein-packed yogurt and sliced turkey makes for a nourishing and filling after-school snack. You can also use other deli meats instead of turkey, such as ham.

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Ingredients

• 1 small ripe avocado
• 1 yogurt cup plain Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 slices whole-grain bread (toasted)
• 4 slices turkey breast

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Instructions

1. Toast the whole-grain slices of bread and cut off the crusts. (What kid likes crust?!)
2. Mash the ripe avocado and combine it with Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread the avocado-yogurt mixture on the whole-grain bread slices.
4. Shred turkey slices with your hands and place them on top of the toast.
5. Cut the toast into long strips for a fun and satisfying savory snack.

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  Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 
  Category: Snacks
• 
  Cuisine: American

Balancing Sweet and Savory Snacks for Kids

Balancing sweet and savory snacks is essential for providing children with a diverse range of flavors and nutrients. Incorporating both types of snacks in their diet ensures they develop a well-rounded palate and enjoy a variety of foods. Yogurt, with its neutral and creamy nature, is an excellent base for achieving this balance. Here are some tips for this:

• Serving sizes: When offering sweet and savory snacks, consider portions suitable for children’s appetites. Smaller, kid-sized servings are ideal to prevent overindulgence.
• Snack menu: Create a weekly snack menu with sweet and savory options. This variety can make snack time exciting and encourage kids to explore new flavors and textures.
• Nutritional benefits: Educate children about the nutritional benefits of the snacks they enjoy. This can instill healthy eating habits from an early age.

Benefits of Homemade Yogurt Snacks for Kids

Creating snacks at home has several advantages for parents and children:

• Cost-effective: Homemade snacks are generally more cost-effective than pre-packaged options. You can buy ingredients in bulk and make snacks in larger quantities.
• Control over ingredients: When you prepare snacks at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. This allows you to choose high-quality, organic, fresh ingredients, ensuring your child’s snacks are free from artificial additives and preservatives.
• Healthier eating habits: Homemade snacks provide an excellent opportunity to introduce children to various whole foods. This can lead to healthier eating habits and a preference for nutritious options.

In a world filled with countless snack options, yogurt is a versatile and nutritious base for kids’ sweet and savory snacks. These recipes are just the beginning of the exciting culinary adventures you can embark on with your kids. By choosing high-quality yogurt like Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, you ensure your child’s snacks are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The benefits of instilling healthy eating habits in children through homemade snacks extend far beyond their early years. You’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of nutritious and delightful food choices. So, roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and make snack time a memorable and nourishing experience for your little ones.

As a parent to a baby or toddler, you might find yourself constantly picking up your little one’s toys, teethers, and feeding utensils during playtime, mealtime, or, you know, all the time. We don’t know what it is about tossing everything on the floor while they are in their high chair, but they love it, and it can become a regular game of “fetch” for us parents. And when you’re on the go, this can be extra challenging because you want to avoid all the germs. Having to wipe or wash all the items every time they land on the floor gets old quickly. Enter Busy Baby.

Mom-invented and family-run, Busy Baby’s innovative product line was designed to simplify everyday life for parents and their tiny tots. Whether you’re expecting, have a toddler, or hope to improve everyday life with small children, we suggest looking at Busy Baby’s line of products.

What Is Busy Baby?

A real mom created Busy Baby with a vision of helping busy parents’ days be a bit more enjoyable and hassle-free. If you’ve got a kiddo who loves tossing anything and everything on the floor, this company’s products, like the silicone placemat and bib and utensils, make sense and are definitely for you.

Busy Baby features a unique, first-of-its-kind line of products made to keep baby items within reach and off the floor. Featuring items like placemats, tethers, and accessories, Busy Baby products are very practical and helpful. They’re also perfect for any baby’s solid food and baby-led weaning journey.

Why We Love Busy Baby

Busy Baby gives us several reasons to rave about its products. Together, their items create a system to simplify daily life with your baby. Here’s what we love most about this one-of-a-kind system.

The System Is Convenient and Makes Mealtime More Enjoyable

While not having to pick up toddler spoons and forks every other minute sounds like a luxury, the concept is practical. Do any of us want to be picking up utensils, heading to the sink to clean them, and engaging in a never-ending game of rinse (literally) and repeat for every single meal with our tiny humans? The answer is no. These placemats, tethers, and bungees make sense while making mealtime less stressful for mom, dad, and baby. It has solved a problem that many parents experience daily.

It Can Be Used for Playtime and Beyond

Sure, the most obvious way to use these products might be for dining. But Busy Baby’s placemats can attach to various surfaces that extend far beyond the kitchen table! Need to occupy your kiddo while making a call in your home office? Attach the Silicone Placemat to the window and tether a couple of toys. Have a basket of laundry to fold on your bed? Place your system on a smooth surface nearby to entertain your kiddo. Busy Baby’s Placemat and Tether System can also be placed over shopping cart handles, on the bathtub wall, and anywhere your kiddo can sit to draw. Let’s not forget about the possibilities with the Mini Mat. It suctions seamlessly to items like wagon stroller snack trays, airplane table trays, and travel high chairs.

Busy Baby Products Are Safe, Highly Portable, and Easy To Clean

We love that the company uses toxin-free materials for their placemats, tethers, bungees, and utensils. They meet all U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission safety requirements and are made from 100% food-grade silicone. They’re also free from lead, BPA, BPS, phthalates, and PVC, making them safe for direct contact with baby’s hands, mouth, food, and toys. The premium silicone suction cups easily stick to clean, smooth surfaces — including but not limited to high chairs and tabletops — and can be bundled up in the included travel sleeves in seconds. The fact that the products are easy to wipe down and dishwasher safe is the icing on the cake.

They Support a Baby’s Development and Benefit Parents

As parents, we appreciate that the products are designed to meet babies’ developmental needs. First and foremost, they support early exploration of foods and aid in a smooth and successful baby-led weaning journey with frustration-free self-feeding. Even more, the products promote the development of fine motor skills and introduce problem-solving skills. By design, the Mat and Tether System allows babies to hone their hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, balance, visual tracking, and understanding of cause and effect.

You Can Mix and Match Products

The company offers an assortment of placemats, bungees, tethers, and compatible feeding utensils. Because of this, it’s simple to customize your child’s setup and change it as needed. This product line is versatile and adaptable, growing with your family. We love that you can choose how many tethers to attach to the placemat or whatever you’re tethering your baby’s belongings to!

The Products Are Straightforward and User-Friendly

We also love the simplicity Busy Baby offers. It makes mealtime and playtime with a baby more hassle-free and manageable, and the products are straightforward and user-friendly. They’re simple to set up, take apart, store for transport, and clean, which is necessary for busy families. To use the bungee on the mat, you only have to push the ball end through the hole on the mat. For use on anything else (like a stroller handlebar), wrap the bungee around its landing spot and secure the ball and hole. Using the tethers is just as easy! These products truly make the day-to-day routine with littles a bit easier. 🙂

Busy Baby Products

Busy Baby features an extensive line of convenient, forward-thinking items, from silicone suction placemats to tether straps for toys. We’ve researched them, tried out samples, and discovered what makes these products exceptional. Here’s a closer look at everything the product line offers and what we received to test and review.

Silicone Placemat

This 100% food-grade silicone suction placemat adheres to smooth surfaces and includes four toy strap tethers. It measures 8½ inches by 11 inches, ideal for most high chairs. It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a travel sleeve for easy transport, making it suitable for use anywhere. And we’ve tried it everywhere! We have suctioned it to their high chair tray, the sliding glass window, the refrigerator, and even a plane window. This placemat is available in various colors (spearmint, pewter, pink, blue, violet, tan, and olive) and is intended for babies 4-18 months old.

Busy Baby Mini Mat

Similar to the silicone placemat but made especially for small high chairs and travel trays, this 3-inch by 11-inch mini mat features three suction cups and two tether straps for toys and utensils. It’s available in the same beautiful colors as its full-size counterpart and includes a reusable wet bag for easy storage. The mat is intended for babies 4-18 months old.

Bungee Bib and Utensils

The premium, dishwasher-safe silicone Bungee Bib and Utensils set is an excellent way to make your baby’s mealtime mess-free — or as close to it as possible! The bib is free from toxins and safe for teething babies to chew on, and it has an adjustable neck for a just-right fit. Furthermore, the included baby-proof spoon, fork, and knife pair perfectly with the placemat. The bundled set has two tether straps (additional bungees can be purchased separately).

Besides this set, Busy Baby offers a 2-in-1 Teething Spoon specifically designed for self-feeding, teething, and learning.

Busy Baby Bungees

Busy Baby offers bungees and tethers to keep sippy cups, toys, feeding utensils, pacifiers, and more off the ground. These are 100% food-grade silicone, and you can use them with or without Busy Baby placemats. Besides its signature utensils, Busy Baby lists safe, parent-approved toys and other baby items compatible with the bungees.

If you want to try more than one item from Busy Baby, we recommend checking out their bundles! These allow you to get multiple products at a lower price. The First Foods Bundle can help you introduce your baby to solid foods. It features the silicone placemat, bib and utensils set, teether and training spoon, and pulp silicone feeders, which allow babies to self-feed. The Busy Baby Gift Bundle is a great option to give to a first-time mom. They’ll be able to try the bottle bungee, mini mat, training spoon, and more.

Busy Baby has much to offer, whether you’re at the beginning of your baby-led weaning journey with your infant or searching for a more toddler-friendly, hassle-free system for your kiddo’s snack time or independent play. Mom-made, parent-approved, and kid-safe, these convenient products make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable for everyone. We know you’ll love Busy Baby as much as we do! Check out their line of products here to order yours.

Now that my daughter is two-and-a-half years old, I am approaching when I need to potty train her. From my years of experience working with families, I know that each child is different, and potty training your child might look a bit different from how I potty train mine, and that’s okay! Potty training can be a challenging process for some children and smooth for others. I was lucky enough to have an easy experience with my son, but I am preparing for anything with my daughter. That’s why I’m chatting with my guest today, Arin Schultz. He has four boys and knows a thing or two about potty training. In this episode, we share our potty training experiences with our kids, potty training tips, what to keep in mind, and how we got started.

If you want a good laugh and some relatable information on potty training, this episode is for you!

Who is Arin Schultz?

Arin is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Naturepedic and has over nine years of experience in the organic mattress industry. Since 2003, Naturepedic has been on a mission to transform the lives of its customers through safer, healthier sleep and top-of-the-line baby and children’s products. By eliminating materials like flame retardants and polyurethane foam from their line of certified organic natural mattresses, Naturepedic supports an organic, holistic lifestyle while protecting the environment.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, we chat with Arin all about potty training! Here are several of the questions that we covered:

• What were your potty training experiences like with your four boys?
• Which potty training readiness signs did your kids exhibit?
• When do you believe a parent should start the potty training process?
• With your experience, what do you think is the best way to get started with potty training?
• We know that children vary developmentally and in temperament. Do you think the potty training process varies based on each child?
• What are some products that can help with potty training?
• What about nighttime potty training? Where does this fit into the training process, and how can parents integrate it into their routine?
• What are your top potty training tips & tricks?
• What is one piece of advice you would like to give parents about to embark on potty training their child?

Episode Notes

We talked about several products during this episode. You can learn more about them here:

• Waterproof Mattress Pad
• Organic Cotton Waterproof Pillow Protector (Kids Collection)
• Organic Kids Waterproof Mattress

Naturepedic’s Resources

• Website: Naturepedic.com
• Instagram: @naturepedic
• Facebook: @naturepedic
• YouTube: @naturepedic
• Listen to our other episodes with Naturepedic:
  • Why Your Crib Mattress is an Important Decision – Podcast Ep 42
  • How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe – Podcast Ep 67
• How to Create an Eco-Friendly Sustainable Nursery
• Naturepedic Crib Mattress is Trailblazing Healthy and Safe Sleep

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Naturepedic. They are offering all of our listeners a discount!

20% off on their website: www.naturepedic.com

Discount code: BabyChick20

Finding the perfect cup for your kiddo can be more challenging than you might expect. But we’re confident we’ve found it. PopYum’s new 13 oz Insulated Kids’ Cups are thoughtfully designed with specs we know you’ll love. If you’re unfamiliar with PopYum, it’s a family-owned company that makes high-quality baby products and is now expanding to serve older kids, which we are very excited about! After testing and reviewing, here’s what makes PopYum’s new kid cups a must.

What Comes With PopYum 13 oz Kids’ Cups?

PopYum’s new larger kids’ cups are available in packs of two. They come in a variety of fun, vibrant color combinations:

• Orange and sky-blue
• Mint green and pastel pink
• Pastel pink and purple
• Sky blue and mint green
• Sky blue and orchid pink

These cups are durable, leak-proof, and can keep any drink hot or cold for hours. When you purchase PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups, you’ll receive:

• Two machine-washable, 13 oz stainless steel cups with lids in your color selection of choice
• Two 100% silicone straws

Why We Recommend PopYum Kids’ Cups

For starters, let’s talk size. PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are significantly larger than many other insulated kids’ cups on the market. That alone is a standout feature — and so practical. From school to sports and activities and everything in between, it’s essential for older kids to have hydration at their fingertips. This kids’ cup is perfect for everyday use — at home or on the go. Plus, it’s beautifully designed with colors that pop. Several key features make PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups our top recommendation for parents.

They’re Bigger Than Previous Models

We’ve previously tested and reviewed PopYum’s 9 oz Kids’ Cups. While we love the smaller cups, having a larger option has made the bigger kids extra happy. The 13 oz means more hydration for your kiddo and more bang for your buck. Who wouldn’t want to have the choice to upgrade to the taller option? Kids agree.

They Have a Kid-Friendly Design

PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are truly made for children to use. Kids can easily drink from either the straw or the spout, as both have unique vents to allow air into the cup. In addition, the cup’s Flip-N-Lock lid closure locks open for easier drinking from the lid. We love the added simplicity this gives the cup.

They’re Built To Keep Drinks Contained — And Maintain Temperature

The cup’s twist-lock lid is designed to minimize spills. It won’t pop off when the cup is dropped — and we all know it’s inevitable for kids’ cups to be dropped. This is especially helpful for younger users. PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are among the sturdiest. Furthermore, they feature a vacuum-insulated seal to keep drinks cold or hot for hours without sweating or surface marks. Parents and kids alike can appreciate how convenient this is.

They’re Fully Dishwasher-safe

Every parent knows how tedious washing cup parts can be. Every aspect of PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups can be tossed right into the dishwasher for simple upkeep. The cups are made of premium stainless steel and PopYum’s signature triple-wall technology, yielding a durable and suitable product for long-lasting use. The cup’s lid can be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher, and the cup and straw can be safely washed anywhere. This is one of our favorite features.

They’re Easy To Store

PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are stackable and, thus, easy to set aside when not in use. There’s no need to sacrifice storage space for cup size, making the cup an excellent choice in our book. The cups can be stacked with or without lids on — so you’re sure to find a fit that works for your family’s cupboard.

They’re Made From Safe Materials

These cups offer complete peace of mind when it comes to what our children are drinking from, as PopYum only sources ultra-premium, safety-tested materials. The 13 oz Kids’ Cups are free of BPA, BPS, latex, lead, nitrosamines, PET, phthalates, PVC, and TPA.

They’re Beautiful . . . And Won’t Chip!

The color pairings for PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are bold and aesthetically appealing. The kids love the colors. Plus, because each set includes two different colored cups, they’re great for families with multiple children who might otherwise mix up their cups. And — if the color choices weren’t already eye-catching enough on their own — the cups feature a durable TOUGHcoat finish. They won’t chip or peel, dishwasher-cleaned or not. Quality is key here. We’re extremely impressed with PopYum’s Kids’ Cups design, and we think you will be, too.

Why Choose PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups?

There are many benefits to PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups. With their new larger cup, your child’s drink will last longer throughout the day. Since the cup features vacuum-sealed insulation, you won’t have to pour a refresher until the cup is fully empty.

Another perk of opting for a larger kids’ cup is less time washing your kiddo’s cup. We all know how quickly our dishwashers can fill up with growing humans at home. The fact that this cup is large enough to hold 13 oz of fluid — versus the standard 8-9 oz — makes it an excellent choice for keeping your children hydrated and slowing down the turnover of used cups going in and out of your kitchen.

Finally, this cup is perfect for busy families. With the hustle and bustle of modern everyday life, keeping up with the simple yet ever-so-important tasks, like replenishing a water cup, can be challenging. PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are a game changer when you’re on the go and know you’ll have little time between one activity and the next to return to your family’s refilling station.

These details might seem small, but trust us . . . you’ll be glad that you got these new, larger-size kids’ cups. They’re durable, smartly designed, kid-friendly, and beautifully made. We think PopYum’s 13 oz Kids’ Cups are the best kids’ cups on the market. Go ahead and grab a set for your crew today!

PopYum is offering a special discount code 20BABYCHICK on Amazon for 20% off your purchase! Thank you, PopYum!

It’s that time of year again — when your hungry child runs off the bus and straight into the kitchen for a perfect after-school snack. Making snacks for your child shouldn’t be complicated or take you forever, and that’s where yogurt comes in. We’ve got some ideal go-to yogurt recipes that make after-school snacking easy, fun, and healthy. But what makes a healthy snack healthy?

It’s easy to choose pre-made and pre-packaged items when thinking of quick things to hold your child’s hunger off until dinner time. The reality is that most of the time, those aren’t the healthiest options. These items are often highly processed, high in sodium, and packed with added sugars. To prepare the perfect after-school snack, include protein and fiber and skip the added sugars.

Components of a Perfect Snack

Protein and fiber are two critical components of a great snack. They not only help balance blood sugar, but they also keep kids full for a lot longer than a simple carb like chips or cookies would.¹ Generally, fiber is easier to get into a snack than protein since fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. Protein can be a challenge, but a great kid-friendly option is yogurt. Yogurt gets its complete protein from milk, making it vegetarian-friendly and loaded with other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D.² It also contains probiotics, which may have benefits on your child’s immune system — and we all know that could be taking a hard hit this back-to-school season.³

Avoiding high-sugar options is the final key to keeping kids full for longer. Sugar is a fast-burning source of carbohydrates, and that often leads to a sugar high hours before bedtime.

Now that you have the tools to build healthy (and kid-friendly) snacks, here are four yogurt snack ideas you can prep beforehand, either with your child’s involvement or on the spot, to curb that after-school hunger. The best part is they all take less than 10 minutes to prepare.

1. 3-Ingredient Frozen Yogurt Bites

These yogurt bites are great to make ahead and serve later in the day as a kid-friendly treat. They make eating yogurt way more fun, and your child can customize what they want in their cup of yogurt. For this yogurt snack recipe, you’ll need muffin tin liners and a 12-count muffin tin.

Frozen Yogurt Bites

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• Author: Dr. Nicole Avena
• 
  Total Time: 25 minutes
• 
  Yield: 12 cups

Print Recipe

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Description

These yogurt bites are great to make ahead and serve later as a kid-friendly treat. They make eating yogurt way more fun, and your child can customize what they would like in their own cup of yogurt. It’s like a tasty frozen parfait bite that your kids are sure to love!

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 3 cups Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Probiotic yogurt, plain
• 3 cups granola
• 2 cups fresh fruit of choice, diced (we used strawberries and blueberries)

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Instructions

1. For prep; cut up your fresh fruit into small pieces.
2. Place your muffin tin liners into your muffin tin and sprinkle a layer of granola (about 1 tablespoon) into the bottom of each liner.
3. In a bowl, add the Stonyfield yogurt and 1½ cups of your cut fruit and mix together. Use a fork or potato masher to blend your fruit into your yogurt until it is mostly mixed in.
4. Spoon a layer of the yogurt and fruit mixture, roughly 2 tablespoons, in each cup on top of the granola.
5. Top each with a sprinkle of granola, then the remaining berries.
6. Place the muffin tin into your freezer for 4 hours or until frozen.
7. Take them out of the freezer when ready and allow them to thaw for 10 minutes before enjoying!

Notes

This recipe is good in the freezer for up to 2 months! Place them in a freezer-safe container for storage.

• 
  Prep Time: 25 minutes
• 
  Cook Time: 0 minutes
• 
  Category: Snacks
• 
  Method: Chill
• 
  Cuisine: American

Keywords: yogurt bites

2. Cheerio & Yogurt-Covered Strawberries

Here’s another easy, 3-ingredient yogurt snack recipe! Meet the chocolate-covered strawberry’s healthier cousin! Your child will love this healthy yogurt snack with an added crunch from Cheerios. For this recipe, you’ll need parchment paper and a large plate or baking sheet.

Cheerio & Yogurt-Covered Strawberries

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• Author: Dr. Nicole Avena
• 
  Total Time: 15 minutes
• 
  Yield: 12 servings

Print Recipe

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Description

Meet the chocolate-covered strawberry’s healthier cousin! Your child is sure to love this healthy snack that has an added crunch from Cheerios.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 12 strawberries, with the stems on
• 1 cup Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Probiotic yogurt, plain
• 1 cup plain Cheerios

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Instructions

1. Wash and pat dry whole strawberries.
2. Then, hold each strawberry by the stem and dip each end into the Stonyfield yogurt.
3. Place the Cheerios on the yogurt around each strawberry, fully covering them. Another option, place the dipped strawberries on the parchment-lined plate or sheet pan and sprinkle the Cheerios over your yogurt-covered strawberries.
4. You can enjoy them right then or move the sheet pan with the Cheerio and yogurt-covered strawberries to the fridge and refrigerate!

Notes

For this recipe, you’ll need parchment paper and a large plate or baking sheet.

• 
  Prep Time: 15
• 
  Category: Snacks
• 
  Method: Chill
• 
  Cuisine: American

Keywords: yogurt-covered strawberries

3. Yogurt Pops

These two-ingredient yogurt pops should be a household healthy popsicle staple. They are easy to make and stay well in the freezer whenever your child is craving a sweet treat. This also makes for a fun after-school activity and treat! You’ll need six popsicle sticks for this recipe.

Yogurt Pops

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• Author: Nicole Avena
• 
  Total Time: 2 minutes

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Description

These two-ingredient yogurt pops should be a household healthy popsicle staple. They are not only easy to make but stay well in the freezer for whenever your child is craving a sweet treat.

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Ingredients

• 6 Stonyfield YoBaby cups
• Age-appropriate toppings of choice (we used sprinkles, shaved almonds, and coconut shreds)

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Instructions

1. Take the yogurt cups, remove the wrapper on the tops, and stick a popsicle stick into the yogurt.
2. Place them in the freezer for at least four hours until firm.
3. When set, pop the popsicle out from the desired yogurt cup without disturbing the stick. Roll the pop in your child’s (age-appropriate) favorite topping and enjoy!

Notes

You’ll need six popsicle sticks for this recipe.

• 
  Prep Time: 2 minutes
• 
  Category: Snacks
• 
  Method: Chill
• 
  Cuisine: American

4. Yogurt Granola Banana Pops

Another great freeze-ahead option can be made using bananas. These make the perfect warm-weather treat. For this recipe, you’ll need eight popsicle sticks, a baking sheet for freezing, and parchment paper.

Yogurt Granola Banana Pops

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• Author: Dr. Nicole Avena
• 
  Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 
  Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Here’s a delicious freeze-ahead option using bananas. A perfect snack for the kids and the whole family!

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 2 bananas
• 1 carton (32 oz) Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Probiotic yogurt, plain
• 1/2 cup granola with dried fruit (we used dried cranberries)

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Instructions

1. Peel and cut a banana in half vertically.
2. Stick a popsicle stick or cookie stick through the cut end. This makes the banana easier to hold and decorate.
3. Dip the end of the banana in the yogurt. You can roll this in a bowl, but we found it easier to dip it directly from the Stonyfield yogurt carton.
4. Have the granola and dried fruit on a lined baking sheet and roll the yogurt-covered banana into the mixture. Another option is to sprinkle on the granola and dried fruit. Have fun with the toppings. This could also be dark chocolate chips!
5. Place the bananas on a lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer between 2-4 hours before serving.

Notes

For this recipe, you’ll need four popsicle sticks, a baking sheet for freezing, and parchment paper.

• 
  Prep Time: 10 minutes
• 
  Category: Snacks
• 
  Method: Chill
• 
  Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana pops

These four yogurt snack recipes are quick, easy, and affordable ways to get your child to eat more protein and fruit. The key elements of a healthy snack can allow you to get creative with your choices, like high-fiber fruits and veggies like bananas, berries, apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower.⁴ High-protein options that avoid meat include yogurt and cottage cheese.⁵ Whether these yogurt snacks are a treat or a daily staple, your child will love a healthy, sweet way to kick their after-school hunger.

As a parent-owned and operated company, PopYum’s innovative approach to baby and child drinkware is easy to get behind. In addition to their unique press-to-mix baby bottle and handy silicone training cup that we love, PopYum now offers thoughtfully built 9 oz. insulated kids’ cups, and you’ll want to get your hands on a set!

PopYum’s Kids’ Cups are available in packs of two. Color options are orange and sky blue, sky blue and mint green, mint green and pastel pink, orchid pink and sky blue, and orchid pink and electric purple. You can also purchase replacement straws, cleaning brushes, and lids from PopYum’s website, though we’re convinced these cups, straws, and brushes are durable enough to hold for the long run. But we know that little ones can easily lose things.

What’s Included When You Buy PopYum Kids’ Cups

When you order PopYum’s 9 oz Kids’ Cups, you’ll receive:

• Two 9 oz stainless steel cups with lids in your color selection
• Two 100% silicone straws

Why PopYum Kids’ Cups?

Finding a kid-friendly, kid-approved cup is vital in keeping youngsters hydrated, and we believe PopYum’s cups are perfect for the job. Although there are plenty of kids’ cups in stores and online, we’ve tested PopYum’s Kids’ Cups, and they are a step above the rest with their high-quality construction and thoughtful features. Not only is it slightly larger than most other kids’ cups (at 9 oz. versus 8 oz.), but it also boasts a noticeably better design than others.

Features We Love About the PopYum Kids’ Cups

PopYum Kids’ Cups have exceeded our expectations and are all-around excellent cups. Here are the features we love and why we recommend them to parents.

They Have a Vacuum-Insulated Seal

Whether you want to ensure your child’s beverage stays hot or cold for their day’s adventures, PopYum’s Kids’ Cups have you covered with a vacuum-insulated seal. This is a must for kids who are extra particular about their drink temperature. Furthermore, the cup stays relatively free from residue and surface marks. It’s appealing enough, but we won’t complain about this bonus.

The Kids’ Cups Have a Unique Vent System

Air vents allow air into the cup as it’s being used, ensuring easy drinking without any hassle. We appreciate that each PopYum cup has two vents: One for spout drinking and one for straw drinking. Not all kids’ cups have this feature, and we greatly appreciate it on these PopYum Kids’ Cups. This guarantees easy drinking with every sip, making the cup an excellent choice for all children – even beginners.

They’re Convenient and Versatile

We love that kiddos can drink from the straw or the spout as desired. In addition, the cup’s spout opening is wider in size than other cups we’ve tried, which is another notable feature regarding ease of use and enjoyment. Whether your child is drinking water or a smoothie from their cup, they’ll easily be able to enjoy their beverage.

The Cups are Dishwasher Safe

This is our favorite feature! PopYum Kids’ Cups are dishwasher-safe (with lids being top-rack safe) due to their protective triple-wall technology. This is HUGE because most insulated cups are not dishwasher-safe.

We don’t know about other parents, but being able to throw these cups in the dishwasher saves us time and energy. It’s one less thing to handwash! And these cups won’t peel or chip in the dishwasher. They’re durable and have much to offer regarding longevity, which we parents know is always a win.

They Have a Twist-Lock Lid and Straw Stopper (Less Mess!)

We appreciate the attention to detail PopYum took when designing its twist-lock lid. Most insulated kid cups are pressure sealed and can pop off quite easily. The lids on PopYum’s Kids’ Cups stay securely and without issue (even when dropped), leaving no reason to worry about spills or leaks. In addition, the Flip-N-Lock lid on the spout closure locks into place and stays out of the way while drinking. This is a huge help in keeping little ones focused on the task at hand, like drinking up!

Another simple detail that makes a big difference is the straw stopper ring, which keeps the straw securely in the cup and free from leaks. This is a helpful feature for tiny, fidgety fingers.

The Cups are Fully Stackable

After testing, these PopYum Kids’ Cups have become a favorite of our kids, so we definitely needed more! We like tossing the cups quickly and neatly into the cupboard without adding clutter to the chaos and appreciate how these cups are built to be stacked seamlessly and sturdily with or without their lids.

They’re Made From Ultra-Premium, Safe Materials

We all want the best for our kids in whatever products we use, and PopYum’s safety-tested materials give us plenty of peace of mind in this area. Their Kids’ Cups are BPA-free and free from BPS, latex, lead, nitrosamines, PET, phthalates, PVC, and TPE.

PopYum Offers Fun Color Options

As mentioned before, PopYum Kids’ Cups come in various vibrant, visually attractive colors, which can help significantly by designating colors for each child in your home. This might not sound important, but anything that aids in keeping the peace when it comes to what belongs to who is a win in our book.

Whether you’ve got a young toddler still getting the hang of drinking from a straw or spout cup or a school-aged child in search of an awesome cup, you’ll love PopYum Kids’ Cups. These insulated 9 oz. cups are sturdy, high-quality, and truly made with kids (and parents) in mind. Go check them out on Amazon to get yours for the kids! And now get 20% off your order using code 20BABYCHICK 🤩

Motif Medical is a favorite of ours for its quality, user-friendly, sophisticated breast pumps for modern moms like the Motif Luna and Motif Aura. Our Editor-in-Chief, Nina Spears — The Baby Chick®, has been recommending their products to her clients for years and used them herself when she exclusively pumped for her second child. Motif offers top-notch options that make the pumping journey as smooth as possible. They aim to support parents on their feeding journey – whatever that may look like.

Whether you’re a pumping mom or are weighing your pumping options, we suggest considering the perfect pair — the Motif Luna and the Motif Aura. Keeping up with the demands of motherhood, including supplying the milk your little one needs, can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, this duo makes the perfect pair for pumping moms because one is the powerful primary pump that every mother needs, and the other is a convenient, wearable secondary pump that allows moms to live their busy lives and pump when needed. Here’s what makes each pump so spectacular — individually and when used together.

Motif Luna Breast Pump

This double electric breast pump is Motif’s flagship pump. We’ve been raving about this pump for a long time. The Motif Luna is sophisticated, strong, and soothing. Available in both battery-powered and non-battery versions, the Motif Luna is a powerful pump built for modern motherhood. This pump has been proven to provide excellent output in a shorter time. It’s a perfect choice for use as a primary breast pump!

What’s Included

Here’s what’s included with the Motif Luna breast pump.

• (1) Luna breast pump (non-battery or battery-powered)
• (2) 24 mm breast shields
• (2) 28 mm breast shields
• (2) Valves
• (2) Diaphragms
• (2) Tubes
• (2) Milk collection containers
• (2) Milk collection container caps
• (2) Milk collection container covers
• (2) Milk collection container discs
• (2) Bottle nipples
• (1) Power adapter

What We Love About the Luna Breast Pump

Here are the top six reasons we love and recommend the Luna breast pump from Motif.

1. The Motif Luna Features a Sleek, Lightweight Design and Quiet Motor

The Motif Luna is sleek and modern compared to other electric breast pumps. It is aesthetically pleasing, not too bulky, and, at just 2 pounds, simple to carry from one room to the next. In addition, it has a quiet, 43-decibel hum, so you can rest assured you won’t wake your sleeping baby if you’re pumping while they nap (or throughout the night).

2. Motif Luna Has a Closed System

This pump has a closed system for backflow protection, keeping the motor and tubing clean and preventing contamination. This is super important when protecting the milk your little one consumes.

3. It Has Massage Mode and Expression Mode

The Motif Luna has both massage and expression modes for maximum efficiency. The massage mode — which utilizes fast cycles and a low vacuum — stimulates milk flow by mimicking a baby’s nursing pattern. The expression mode expresses flowing milk faster and stronger with slower cycles and a higher vacuum.

4. The Motif Luna Can Be Used on the Go

Whether you’re pumping at home, at work, or wherever else your day-to-day takes you, the battery-powered model of this pump provides more than two hours of pumping time per charge (and it can be used while plugged in and charging, if needed!). This makes keeping up with your regular pumping schedule a breeze.

5. It’s User-Friendly and Straightforward

We find the Motif Luna intuitive to use, even for beginners. We love how it features a light-up LCD screen to showcase features and functions, allowing you to track how long you’ve been pumping and your pumping mode and level. It also includes a night light with three brightness settings.

6. The Motif Luna is Strong and Powerful

Ideally suited for any pumping mom, the Motif Luna is a powerful machine. It boasts a suction strength of 280 mmHg and can be used in 10 massage and expression modes, yielding a customizable pumping session for maximum output. In addition, it allows for double or single pumping, so you can pump on one side while nursing your little one on the other.

Motif Luna is the Perfect Primary Pump

So many factors make the Motif Luna an incredible option for you to use as your primary breast pump. It’s sophisticated, strong, and soothing, allowing you to pump easily and efficiently. In a study done by Motif Medical, 90% of women preferred this pump to others. Motif Medical offers excellent products for modern moms, and the Luna is a superb choice for meeting your typical, regular pumping needs. You can learn more about it and order yours here. And, if you pair the Motif Luna with the Aura, you’ll really be set up for success in your pumping journey. Here’s why.

Motif Aura Breast Pump

The hands-free, wearable Motif Aura breast pump is a total game changer when used as a secondary pump with the Motif Luna. The Motif Aura is an ideal wireless and wearable pump to complement the Motif Luna when you need more flexibility.

What’s Included

Here’s what’s included with the Motif Aura.

• (2) Hands-free pumps
• (2) Diaphragms
• (2) 29 mm breast shields
• (2) 21 mm silicone inserts
• (2) 24 mm silicone inserts
• (2) 28 mm silicone inserts
• (2) Valves
• (2) 150 ml bottles
• (2) Bottle caps
• (2) Bottle nipples
• (2) Bottle rings
• (2) DC5V, 2A power adapters
• (2) USB-C cables
• (1) User manual

The Motif Aura is hands-free, powerful, and discreet. It’s made to fit in your bra, giving you plenty of room to multitask like moms do — all while pumping. You can use this pump with the Motif Medical app to control settings and log pumping sessions. Adding the Motif Aura as a secondary pump to the Motif Luna makes sense for the perfect combination of power and convenience.

What We Love About the Motif Aura

Here are our five top reasons we love the Motif Aura.

1. It’s Completely Wearable, Hands-Free, and Comfortable

While the Motif Luna is an excellent choice for a primary breast pump, the Motif Aura adds a much-appreciated luxury of unparalleled convenience. The pump is completely wearable and hands-free, which takes the meaning of “on-the-go” pumping to a whole new level. It’s also perfect for short-duration travel or whenever it’s not as easy to take along your Motif Luna. It’s surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, weighing less than half a pound.

2. The Motif Aura is Simple to Take Apart, Clean, and Put Back Together

Some wearable pumps are complicated to handle, with numerous small pieces, but the Motif Aura is simple to take apart, clean, and reassemble. It can even be washed by soaking in hot, soapy water, which comes in handy on extra-crammed days when simplicity makes all the difference. In addition, it features a closed system to ensure your baby continues to receive non-contaminated breast milk.

3. Motif Aura Has Modes and You Can Use It for Single or Double Pumping

Like the Motif Luna, the Motif Aura has various levels to choose from in either massage or expression mode. Furthermore, as each of the two breast pumps included with the Motif Aura has its own motor, you can use different settings for each breast. This is a huge perk when pinpointing which settings you respond best to on both sides and can make a significant difference in ensuring optimal milk flow.

4. You Can Control and Log Pumping Sessions in the App

The Motif Aura is easy enough to use as it is, but it also works seamlessly with the (optional) Motif Medical app. The app lets you control your pump settings and log session information, ensuring you won’t fall off your regular pumping schedule when temporarily swapping out your Motif Luna for the Motif Aura.

5. The Motif Aura is Made with the Modern On-the-Go Mom in Mind

The Motif Aura is just the right secondary breast pump for the modern busy mom, providing efficiency, comfort, and convenience when filling in any gaps that a more traditional breast pump might bring. We think it’s the perfect companion to the Motif Luna. You can learn more about it and order yours here.

Every pumping mom knows how important it is to have reliable equipment and options for flexibility when it comes to navigating a successful pumping journey. Moms want to meet their pumping goals and provide the milk their little ones need. Motif Medical offers the perfect solution with its sophisticated, powerful, double electric breast pump – the Motif Luna – and its incredibly convenient, comfortable wearable pump – the Motif Aura. When used together as a pump pair, the Motif Luna and Motif Aura help mothers reach their pumping goals more easily.

Having a variety of foods in your child’s diet is essential, but there aren’t many whole-food snacks for a baby that are an easy grab-and-go option. In comes yogurt — and not only is it easy to transport, but it also has many benefits for a baby’s health and wellbeing. You can add yogurt products to your baby’s diet at six months. Now, if you think your baby or older child doesn’t like yogurt, there are easy ways to incorporate it into their diet without realizing it.¹

Benefits of Yogurt

Why would you want your child to have yogurt in their diet? Yogurt is a good source of protein and has fat for a baby’s rapid growth and development. This is a necessary time to focus on these nutrients as your child grows and strengthens. Also, yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion and absorption of nutrients and fiber. Babies who consume these types of foods have a decreased chance of having diarrhea and gastrointestinal-related issues.^1,2

There is also some data to suggest that yogurt improves digestive and developmental health and is a measure of the duration of respiratory colds.³

5 Ways to Incorporate Yogurt Into Your Baby’s Diet

Here are five easy ways to add yogurt to your child’s diet to reap all the health benefits!

1. Spice It Up

Yogurt can be a bit tart, especially for babies born to love sweet flavors (like breast milk). One key to getting your child to eat yogurt as a snack is to spice it up! This easy recipe using plain yogurt and peaches is perfect for moms introducing new fruits into their child’s diet.

Peaches and Cream Yogurt

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe peach, halved and peeled
• 1 Stonyfield plain whole-milk yogurt cup
• Alcohol-free vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring an inch or so of water to a boil in a pan fitted with a steamer. Place the peach in the steamer, cover, and steam until the fruit is soft when you pierce it with a knife and the skin is loose about 4 to 6 minutes. Let cool.
2. Use a sharp paring knife to remove the peach skin. Mash the peach with a fork to the right consistency for your baby. Spoon the yogurt into a bowl and stir in the vanilla if using. Top with the peach.

To store: Refrigerate for up to two days or freeze individual portions of mashed peaches for up to three months.

Stonyfield also has a delicious peach and oat yogurt made with whole milk, if you’re limited on time. It’s a great option and packaged in pouches, so it also encourages your little one to self-feed.

2. Make It a Popsicle

Store-bought popsicles can be loaded with sugar and dyes, so why not make them yourself? All you need is a set of popsicle molds. And they don’t have to be made of juice. You can get creative with popsicles – add yogurt and whole fruit.

Here we made watermelon and yogurt popsicles! Place some sliced watermelon in your blender, then add your preferred Stonyfield yogurt, and blend together. Pour the mixture into your popsicle mold and place it in your freezer overnight. You’ll have some yummy popsicles ready for the next day!

It’s an easy and fun recipe you can feel good about giving to your children.

3. Have Them Dip It

Using foods your child already loves and topping them with yogurt or using the yogurt as a dipping sauce can not only help them be exposed to new foods but also add nutritional value to foods that may be lacking. For example, if your child loves pancakes or waffles, add a drizzle of Stonyfield yogurt on top of them or place it in a small bowl or space on the plate next to the desired food.

Even if your baby doesn’t try it initially, repeated exposure and food pairing is an easy way to open your child up to new, healthy food options.

4. Make It a Smoothie

Children are much more likely to drink a new food or supplement than pick it up and eat it alone, especially if the mom makes one for herself. Making your baby a smoothie including fruits, vegetables, and yogurt allows them to expand their palate slowly, and they won’t even notice. You can add a Stonyfield yogurt cup, or Stonyfield also makes a great pre-made probiotic smoothie for kids and pouches for little ones when you are in a pinch for time or on the go.

5. Mix It In

Last but not least, think of whole milk plain (unflavored) yogurt as sour cream or milk when creating dinner recipes for your kids. This can work in various ways, including pasta sauces, creamy veggies, or spreads on bread or a protein.

My favorite way to use it is to add a small dollop into a red pasta sauce after heating it to make it a pink cream sauce. This boosts the nutritional value and gives a whole bunch of recipes you already have in your arsenal a creamy finish.

Overall, Stonyfield yogurt is a great way to easily add calcium, phosphorus, protein, fat, and probiotics into your little one’s diet. Using these five ways to add yogurt into your child’s diet, they can become accustomed to new flavors and tastes and grow and develop more healthily.