Blog Posts by LilSugar

There's no way around it folks . . . technology is here to stay. Those who swore they've never own a cellular phone are now the worst BlackBerry offenders in their home. Just like adults, children are drawn to the bright lights, buttons, and fun that come with video games. Atari and Donkey Kong were just the beginning to a world of gaming for wee ones. I had the pleasure of visiting Konami where I was able to test out some of the hottest new games that wowed me and had me pondering purchasing a Wii for myself. Check out these games that would be suitable for many a child this holiday season.

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Who knew babies went on strike? Breastfed babes usually want nothing more than to snuggle up with mommy as they feed, but it's not uncommon for a frequent nurser to suddenly go on a nursing strike - when a baby refuses to breastfeed. The reasoning for the refusal is not always clear leaving a frustrated mama searching for the culprit. It is typically a quick phase that is over almost as quickly as it began, but it can drive a mommy mad in the meantime. Here are eleven reasons tots typically take a nursing strike.

• Mouth Sores/Infection - A sore or infection in your little nurser's mouth not only wreaks havoc on your tot's happiness but also on his willingness to nurse. Painful sores or thrush are common culprits for refusing the breast.
• Teething - Teething is a painful occurrence for most babes, and when they are getting in new chompers sucking is often the last thing they want to do. If your tot is teething continue to offer him your breast - he should want to nurse as

Picking the name for a child can be trying for any parent-to-be: should it be traditional, cultural, sentimental, or familial? The holiday spirit may be just what mama needs to help her narrow down the options. Check out our list of holiday baby names fit for any festive birth. These monikers will remind everyone of the special time the bitty babe was born.

• Angel - What a better moniker for your heavenly babe than Angel. This Greek name means messenger of God.
• Nicolas - St. Nick is in the minds of many little ones this time of year. Fans of the traditional name, new parents will be welcoming their own saint Nicolas this holiday season.
• Noel - Noelle or Noel is French and means born on Christmas day.
• Rudy - The title Rudolph, shortened to Rudy, holds a special place in many hearts in the chilly months.
• Natalie - Natalie is another French name meaning born on Christmas day.
• Joseph - This Hebrew name means God will increase.

Just like adults, children have different sleep requirements. There is not an exact magic number of hours of sleep each child needs, so parents often worry if their little ones are getting enough shut-eye. A great way to tell how your kiddos are doing at night is to watch them during the day. Here are a few points to consider when trying to figure out how much sleep is enough for your tot.

• Your Child Falls Asleep in the Car - If your tot dozes off every now and again when you're running errands, it's not a sign that she's sleep deprived. However, if your child falls asleep every time you're in the car then it is very likely that she is not catching enough zzzzs at night.
• Doesn't Wake Up Without Help - Children are famous for being early risers or at least waking up at the same time each day. If you find that you need to wake your kiddo up in the morning then your little one probably needs more sleep.
• Is Irritable - Kids get cranky from time to time that's a

Devoting time, and giving up your job, to caring for your child is often easier said than done. Despite popular belief, stay-at-home moms do not sit around all day eating bon-bons, watching Oprah, and talking with their pals on the phone. Screaming tantrums, poopy diapers, and a messy kitchen are inevitable - and often before the sun comes up. Staying at home is a tough job, and not everyone has to do it, but some choose to. The mental demand is enough to break any homebound mama, so if you're struggling with staying sane and at home, check out our tips for coping with one of the world's most challenging jobs.

• Have Fun - It's easy to get tied up in the negatives about staying at home all day with a child that mamas forget to have fun. The laundry, dirty dishes, and bills can wait - take at least 20 minutes each day to just enjoy the time with your wee one. It'll make both of you feel good, and a busy mum can go about her day without guilt of dividing her time.
• Find a

It wasn't until I had my second baby that I realized how easy I had it with my first child. They are equally adorable and sweet, but one is not like the other. My first born slept through the night nearly immediately, never had diaper rash, hit all of her developmental milestones either on time or early. My son is giving me a run for my money and teaching me new tricks along the way. Check out five items I have found on my second trip into parenthood.

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Nobody wants to be sick over the holidays, but unfortunately, it's an easy time to catch a cold or the dreaded flu, especially if traveling. Moms who have been taking precautions to keep their families flu free may want to read up on these five simple tips that will help swear off the sniffles and sneezes.

• Exercise - Getting some exercise can help keep the body's immune system at its prime.
• Eat Healthy - Chow down on foods that are rich in vitamins and protein. It will help give the body the extra boost to ward off pesky ailments.
• Purell - Pack a bottle of Purell in your purse in case you come in contact with a less than healthy friend or situation.
• Sleep Well - Rest up for the travel time and the holiday. Moms and kids often get run down with all the excitement. Take a minute to relax and remember to nap if you're not getting enough sleep at night.
• Wipe it Down - When you board the plane, use your Wet Ones for something other than diaper

A mama who is formula feeding her child has to learn the ins and outs of preparing her little one's beverage. Unlike breast milk, which comes out ready to eat, a mixing mum needs to make sure she's using the proper steps to ensure her baby's liquid diet is healthy and nutritional. From measuring to storage, here are a few things you do and don't want to do when getting your baby's formula ready.

• Do Abide By Expiration Date - There is an expiration date on the formula's packaging for a reason. If you don't abide by it, you can't be sure that the formula is safe (or nutritional).
• Don't Use Damaged Cans - Just like you would probably not eat from a can that has been damaged and bent, do not feed your child formula from a package that looks damaged. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Formula in a damaged container may be unsafe."
• Do Wash Your Hands - Washing your hands is the number one way to keep yourself and your baby germ free. Be especially cautious to wash up