Who needs a gym when you have a toddler?

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

Why experts are saying toddler formulas are often unnecessary and usually don’t provide adequate nutrition. PSA: They’re not regulated by the FDA.

How moms are incorrectly self-diagnosing themselves with ADHD thanks to overlapping symptoms of, you know, just being a mom. Hi, lack of sleep and trouble concentrating.

Why you may want to lower the volume on your baby’s sound machine, and how you can prevent hearing damage in kids over time. 

These hilarious and relatable depictions of the “hidden workouts” most toddler parents are doing. Our favorite: The playground rescue body contortion.

What we know about postweaning depression, and how to cope if you start experiencing symptoms. You’re not alone in this.

How you can raise boys to be emotionally mature men, according to a pediatrician. Doing small things now can have a big impact later.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

What are the biggest daycare red flags to watch for when considering a program?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD

Pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin and chair of the Council on Early Childhood at the American Academy of Pediatrics

“High staff turnover is perhaps one of the easiest things to ask about and assess. When my children were young, the center they attended was impressive in that one of their staff had worked there for 30 years.  

“Other big issues are a lack of prompt, clear communication … or licensing violations — these are often publicly searchable in most states, and while an excellent place could have minor violations, numerous violations or major incidents might give you pause.

“But rather than simply looking for problems, it’s also good to look for strengths. Price and availability may limit choices for many families, but when you do have choices, there are a number of things you should look for. The basics are summarized by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some are factual — do they have a policy on discipline? What is the staffing ratio? Others are more subjective but important — how do the staff communicate and do they seem approachable?

“There are many different philosophies, approaches, and curricula, [but] each individual child will flourish differently. A style that works well for someone else’s child may not be right for yours. You know your child best, and your knowledge and observations — even after they are enrolled — can help you decide the best choices to make.”

PS: You should also check the center's licensing and accreditation.

Parent-centered advice, recs, and resources.

There Are Ways to Get Ahead of the Seasonal Blues

It's natural to feel exhausted and unmotivated during this time of year — when the days are shorter. Your body produces more melatonin when it's dark, disrupting your circadian rhythm and making you feel sluggish, says Nicholette Leanza, LPCC-S, a therapist at LifeStance Health. In addition to exercise, a healthy diet, and social connections, here are a few more tools to help combat wintertime sadness:

• Get outside: Natural light is your best friend. Take a daily walk with the kids or go for a hike to reinvigorate the senses. Research shows that going outside, especially in nature, can help stave off blues, says Leanza.  

• Use a sun lamp: If you can’t get outside, exposure to an intense light source can help increase your serotonin level. Try to sit in front of a light therapy lamp in the morning — that’s when you’ll get the biggest benefit. 

• Wake up to a sunrise alarm clock: These types of wake-up clocks simulate the sunrise by gradually increasing the brightness of their light to wake you up gently. They also often come with ambient noise so you can wake up to the sounds of nature.

• Take contrast showers: Alternating between hot and cold water can help you feel more alert throughout your day. Ending your shower with a blast of cold water can boost your adrenaline, which helps improve your mood while increasing your energy.  

• Try aromatherapy: Some essential oils could also improve mood, especially scents that help foster alertness like peppermint and eucalyptus, says Leanza. Calming scents like lavender and chamomile are soothing for anxiety. Use a diffuser or rub a little oil on your wrist for a midday pick-me-up.

Note: Your feelings can develop into seasonal affective disorder (SAD) if you have a history of depression or if you regularly feel more fatigued and sad during this time of year. Speak with a mental health provider if your symptoms are persistent.

Kelly Rowland's Halloween Go-To: WaterWipes

WaterWipes are affordable and gentle on your baby’s skin. The soft wet wipes are made of only two ingredients: 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract. They’re delicate enough for newborns and work well on all skin types — whether you use them as diaper wipes or on your baby’s face. 

Kelly Rowland, singer, actress, and mom of two, is ‘dangerously in love.’ “I’m a huge fan of purity and love products that can get the job done with less impact on your body, skin, and the environment,” she says. “WaterWipes [are] so gentle and effective, so I don’t have to worry about keeping my kids’ skin protected while tackling all of life’s messes.” 

Messes including those created during all the Halloween fun. “I’m keeping a pack in my purse so sticky hands and gooey faces don’t cut trick-or-treating short,” says Rowland. 

Psst: This Halloween, WaterWipes is placing 10 “Hallowclean stations” in major cities, providing free wipes for families to clean up those sticky hands. Less mess, more candy.

This October, UNICEF USA is inviting Americans to add some meaning to their Halloweening™. You and your kid(s) can ‘click or treat’ to help bring warm clothes to displaced families, treatments to children with malnutrition, and education to millions without it. And every little bit counts. Example: It only takes $6 to provide a fleece blanket to a child in an emergency. Peep this page to see how you can get involved.