Friends of Ricki Kick-Off

Tomorrow is our Kick-Off event at Le Ciel Spa and Salon in Bethesda. Sign up here if you haven't done so yet.

I am so thrilled to have partnered with such a genuine and valuable model for moms everywhere. The show began this week, launching the beginning of a new era of television.  A huge basis for the Ricki Lake Show is to support and inform moms and by integrating the reach and scope of social media to do so is really commendable.  In the past few years since we launched Capital Baby Planners and Capital City Mamas, we have worked hard to keep up with all of the trends and outlets via the web.

First, it was Facebook, then Twitter, then Pinterest.  Now we have incorporated Meetups to our repertoire. Ricki understands our society continues to learn new ways to connect, inform and grow; and by embracing these opportunities, she is modeling what all moms know.  We need to be open, flexible and multi-tasking at all times.  By using social media to drive the ways we connect, she can influence the conversations and format her show will take, and therefore, we all win.

At Capital City Mamas, we have the same philosophy.  When we "gave birth" to this business we wanted to help, support and inform expectant parents as they entered into this exciting time in their lives. Those core values have not changed, but as we expanded and grew, we have learned to value and embrace the many ways we can connect with you.

Thank you for allowing us to do so, and please let us know when there is something new we should learn about, so we can continue to grow and support you.

Hoping to see you at these upcoming events, and in the future.

My best,
Sharon

Capital City Mamas Partners with The Ricki Lake Show!

We are back for fall and partnering with the Ricki Lake Show to organize and sponsor meet ups for our mamas!

You spoke, and we listened. Summer is a tough time to commit to events and getting together. So we used our summer to gear up for a HUGE fall. Have you heard of Meetups? They are organized get togethers, where you join a free group via the meetup site, (or via Facebook). Once you sign up for the group, you find out about great events with new people, all with similar interests.

Ricki Lake is launching a new talk show on September 10th geared toward moms (and dads). Ricki and her team had the brilliant idea to include you, the moms she is focusing on, to be a part of the experience on a real and concrete level. So she is sponsoring "Friends of Ricki" meetups (you can sign up here) all over the country to get you involved in a movement to get the conversations started. We have so much to say, so many interests, and she wants to grow this community, which will in turn, have a very real impact on the show.

At Capital City Mamas, you know we are passionate about our mom network and community. This could not be a better fit! So here we are, including our new and seasoned mamas, and inviting more every day, to join the conversation. Let's get back to center, carve out a little time for ourselves, and enjoy one another. Each month we will sponsor a meetup with a different topic, at varying times and days to include as many of you as we can, and do more for us!

We look forward to seeing you all at our Kick-off for "blow outs" at the Blow Bar at LeCiel in Bethesda. We can meet, nibble on appetizers, drink some wine, make new friends, and choose the direction we want our meet ups to go, by deciding what fun events we can have together.


We can't wait to see you!

Our best,
Sharon and Meredith

20 Tips for Traveling with Children

Preparing For Your Trip

1. If you travel often with your children, keep a clear plastic bag filled with children’s medications that you can just throw into your suitcase. We recommend including pain reliever, teething gel (if appropriate), Benadryl, Neosporin, Cortisone, anti-bacterial wipes, and Band-aids.  And while it’s not a medical item, throw in a nightlight for children who need one.

2. For a child who is upset by a change in routine, prepare a paper chain to count down the days until your vacation and have him assist in packing. That way, he can be mentally (and physically) prepared for the trip.

3. If your child is still in diapers, pack a small bag (or foldable changing station like a Patemm Pad) filled with all changing accessories, as well as a change of clothes, in case your child has an accident. If you really like to be prepared, throw some stickers into the bag – putting a sticker on the back of your child’s hand is a great way to occupy her (and keep her hands busy and away from germy bathroom stuff) during changing.

4. Pack a separate backpack or bag for each child for which she can be responsible – even better, have her pack it herself. You (or she) can include snacks, a favorite toy or two, a lovely, a book, or any other lightweight item that will bring comfort or entertainment value! One idea -- wrap one or two small toys (from the dollar store or the like) for your child to unwrap on the plane or in the car. There is nothing to add to the excitement of a new toy than having it wrapped up like a birthday present!

5. Bring your favorite baby carrier to use while carrying your bags through the airport or using while on vacation. We love the Ergo or Baby K’tan, among others.

6. Pack small bags for trash, dirty clothes, or wet bathing suits. This is a great way to make use of your plastic grocery bags. Another product we love is the Knot It by Prince Lionheart, which is a little cylinder containing one huge bag that you can rip off and tie to make any size bag you’d like.

7. If you are going to check your bags when traveling by plane, be sure to pack a change of clothes and essential medications for your child in your carry-on. It really stinks when an airline loses a bag – it stinks even worse when your banana-covered toddler doesn’t have a change of clothes.

8. When booking airline tickets, if there will be two adults and one child on your lap, consider buying a window and aisle seat in the same row (but not the middle seat) toward the back of the plane. On a flight that’s not full, that middle seat often won’t sell and you will have a whole row in which to spread out. If it is a full flight and somebody sits there, that person is usually more than happy to switch to your window or aisle seat so that you and your partner can sit next to each other.

9. You do need a passport for your baby for international travel, and a birth certificate or other identification is necessary for domestic flights. Especially when your child nears age 2 and you have not purchased him a seat, airlines are sticklers about requiring a birth certificate to prove that your child is actually under 2.

10. Children’s ears are sensitive to pressure changes on an airplane. Where appropriate, bring a bottle or sippy cup (with a straw – better for speech development) to help your child clear her ears. Chewy snacks like raisins are also good for ears, just make sure to brush your child’s teeth well later that day.

While Traveling

1. If you are flying, when you arrive at the airport, kindly ask the agent checking you in if the flight is full. Some agents at some airlines will “block” a seat next to you if the flight isn’t full. Though it won’t have saved you from purchasing a seat, it is always nice to have room to spread out, especially with a child in tow.

2. As an alternative to the previous tip, consider booking seats apart from your partner. That way, one of you can rest while the other takes care of your child or children. Don’t forget to switch mid-flight.

3. When going through airport security or customs, be on the lookout for lines for families. They are often shorter, and perhaps more importantly, you will feel less stressed dealing with folding your stroller, managing your children, untying their shoes before going through security, etc. (though we highly recommend slip-on shoes for all!).

4. Remember that no matter how stressed you are, airline employees will always be nicer to you than they are to the person next to you screaming at them.

5. While walking through a crowded place, if you have more children than there are adult hands, tell your children to form a “family chain" or "family snake" and make a game out of everyone keeping their hands held together with no one breaking the chain.

6. Dress your child in bright or distinctive clothing to help avoid losing him in a crowd. Also, each morning of your vacation, take a photo of your child on your cell phone so that if, heaven forbid, you were to lose your child, you could show people exactly what your child looks like and what he is wearing that day.

7. When changing time zones, maintain your child’s home schedule in the new time zone. If your child typically naps at 2 p.m., have him nap at 2 p.m. wherever you’ve traveled. If bedtime is at 7 p.m., it should remain seven p.m. in the new time zone. It might be rough for the first day or two, but it will work much better over the course of the vacation.

8. When traveling to a new time zone, keep your child outside in the sun to the extent possible to get his circadian rhythms acclimated to the new time zone.

9. When you arrive at a large, crowded place, set up a meeting spot right away.  If your child gets lost, both you and she will know where to go. If your child is not old enough to find the meeting spot himself, tell him to look for a mommy with children and tell that mommy that the he is lost.

10. Always have your contact information on your child in some way.  You can use a safety pin to pin it to the inside of your child’s clothing, a sticker on her back, or a card in a pocket that zip or snaps.  (One of Capital Baby Planners’ team members once wrote her contact information in permanent marker on her child’s arm at Disney World – not so pretty, but it did the job!)

Holy Cross Baby Fair-COME SEE US!

Come hang with us at the Baby Fair at Holy Cross Hospital on November 6th from 1-4 pm. Not only are we just fun to be with, but our raffle prize at this event will be A-MAZ-ING. Really. Come see it.

Easing the Shift From Couple To Parents

Welcome our Guest Blogger, Jen Kogan, LICSW!


Is there a way to prepare for the cosmic shift from couple to parents? The answer is a resounding, yes!

Conversations about expectations can help pave the way to start. Talk with your partner about how each of your own parents balanced family responsibilities. Even if your plan is to do exactly the opposite it can help to understand where your spouse is coming from once baby arrives.

How will you share your own joys and frustrations? Come up with a code word to use together when things are tough or terrific so you can know when to drop everything and listen to each other.

Express appreciation, admiration & affection

Research shows that it is vital for couples to express appreciation and validation for each other. This may feel daunting when you are operating on little sleep but it is a surefire way to stay in touch as new parents.

Keep in mind that this is also a time when your sex drives may be out of sync with each other. This stage is a temporary one and everyone goes through it. A good way to stay connected is to add in lots of hugs and snuggling.

Support is Essential

Making sure that there are enough supports in place is essential. This is especially relevant here in DC where many couples don’t have family living nearby. Plan ahead so you can each get a break and find time to go out together without baby. Laying the foundation for your new life as parents may not solve every problem but it gives you the tools you need to stay close and connected.

Jen Kogan, LICSW provides support and counseling to parents in her northwest DC private practice.

Time to Get Organized with Capital City Mamas

This is the time of year, we strategize about how to take back our homes, the ones we can hardly recognize because the kids destroyed them over the summer. We try to put our lives back together, dust off our calendar, get ready to be held accountable for all of the responsibilities and duties we have volunteered to do. But first that means we need to wade through the toys, clutter, and summer “treasures.” Starting to wish for summer back already? Wait! Don't stress! Capital City Mamas (and the amazing Container Store) are here to save the day!

Save the date for Sunday, September 18^th at 10:30am in The Container Store in Rockville to hear all of the life-saving tips you will need to regain your sanity, reclaim your house, and be reminded of the organized and together person you once were...

Here's one: To avoid losing puzzle pieces, take a sharpie and draw a shape (or other recognizable design) on the back of all the pieces, and that same shape on the box or wooden board. That way your child will be able to quickly know which puzzle the piece goes with, and it will also enhance their pre-reading, matching and problem-solving skills.

Don't forget that you'll be taking home amazing goodies from our fab friends are K'nex, Mabel's Labels, Munchkin, Sprout and more! And you might be the lucky winner of raffle prizes from Britax, The Container Store, and Daisy Baby!

Can’t wait to see you there!

Capital Baby Planners on "Let's Talk Live!"

Did you catch us with the ladies at Let's Talk Live on July 27th? If not, have a little look see!

Glennon Gordon, Capital City Mamas, and Fox 5 News!

Here's a link to this morning's news clip featuring the wonderful Glennon Gordon, seen here talking about the importance of, among other things, staying connected by joining groups like Capital City Mamas!

A lot of couples dream about building a family. But the reality of having kids can be very different from the dream. Psychotherapist Glennon Gordon, will be at a ‘Capital City Mamas’ event discussing Happily Married with Children: Managing the Shift from Couplehood to Parenthood.

How Au Pairs Help Moms Get Back into Shape

Submitted by
Au Pair in America

Is there anything that new moms could use more than extra hours in the day? Unfortunately, we haven’t found a way to get more hours in the day.  What we have found is that having an extra set of hands can help you fit more in your day.

In years gone by, it was common for new moms to have the support of their own mothers or other family members in the early weeks after giving birth. That is not always possible nowadays.  Many new moms have found that having an au pair can provide that much needed extra set of hands.

Au pairs are carefully screened, live-in child care providers from countries all over the world. These young woman (aged 18-26) come to the U.S. to live with an American host family to provide child care and learn about American language and culture.

During the first three months, an au pair can assist you in caring for the baby as well as independently caring for older siblings. Once your baby reaches three months, an au pair is authorized to care for the baby on her own. Au pairs can also help with childcare related housekeeping tasks such as the children’s laundry, preparing meals and tidying their bedrooms and play areas.

Having someone to help with these tasks can allow you to carve out a little “me time.” It’s important for new moms to set aside time to take care of themselves. In addition to getting adequate rest, exercise is an important thing for new moms to make time for. The health benefits of getting back into shape post-baby are only part of the equation. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. Taking care of yourself is essential for you to be able to take the best care of your baby.

Getting and staying in shape after the birth of your baby will help you be a more physically active and engaged parent. Making fitness a priority for your family, will set a positive example for your child and set them on the path to an active, healthy lifestyle.

Balancing Act of New Parent Fitness

Submitted by
Britax

“What does baby gear and being a 'fit' parent have to do with each other,” you ask? May seem silly, but certain types of baby gear can in fact make it easier for mom (and even dad…) to get back to her (their) pre-baby shape. Strollers and baby carriers offer great health benefits if you use them correctly.

Below is just a short list of ways to get back on track with baby in tow! By “shape,” we are referring to your mind, body AND spirit! As always, to ensure that you are cleared to begin exercising, get the approval from your OB-Gyn during your post-delivery check-up.

· Set realistic goals and start by taking a short stroll with your sleeping angel in her B-Ready Stroller to clear your mind. Take in the sights and smells around your neighborhood that you haven’t been able to truly appreciate for most of the third trimester.

Getting your body back in shape:

· When you’re ready to get really serious, throw your B-Agile Stroller in your car and drive to the closest Stroller Strides class. First class is usually free! Don’t forget your nugget, b/c he will provide the extra weight you’ll need to build those lean muscles!

Getting your spirit back in shape:

· Pull out your brand new Britax Baby Carrier when your little guy hits eight pounds. With the simple slip-on-and-off design, you can easily check a few chores off your growing list while “little cranky” naps quietly on your chest.

Just keep reminding yourself that your miracle monster who keeps you up all night really does mean well. Try your best to keep your mind, body and spirit in check during this trying time and you’ll be the best parents you can be! After nine months of constant catering and then being forced to enter a foreign world of bright lights and weird looking googly-googly-goo faces, I would want a little extra attention every now and again, too.