The beginning of Franz Wright’s insomnia-inspired Auto-Lullaby goes like this:
Think of a sheep
knitting a sweater;
think of your life
getting better & better.
Think of your cat
asleep in a tree;
think of that spot
where you once skinned your knee.
But women — and it’s usually women — who suffer sleep issues know that counting sheep often isn’t enough to help them fall asleep after a long, busy day. But at the same time, sleep is essential to good health. Rather than turn to medication to help you get your zzzzs, consider some of these tips for good sleep “hygiene.”
- Even grownups need a bedtime. Set yours and stick to it.
- Create a sanctuary. Keep laptops, cell phones, and TVs out of the bedroom. At the same time, turning off all technology at least an hour before bedtime will help you wind down for sleep. Read a book, write in a journal, or listen to music instead.
- Avoid these 4-6 hours before bed: alcohol, caffeine, and heavy or spicy meals.
- Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, but not right before bedtime.
- Stay comfortable by keeping your room cool and dark. If household or neighborhood noises wake you, try running a fan or a white noise machine.
If all else fails, try taking a warm shower or bath 30 minutes before bedtime. The change in body temperature will tell your body it’s time to sleep.
Sweet dreams!
Photo courtesy of paulidin on Flickr.

A: Meat is an excellent source of protein and calories for toddlers, but it is not as easy to chew as starches, fruits and veggies. It also has a different “mouth feel” compared to many other foods.
dark. Enlarge eye openings for better visibility or use make up for little faces to keep vision unobstructed.


Start with an introduction of a few basic signs; watch a video like 

often, but I don’t find that very reassuring.
Even small amounts of BPA are a concern for any infant, but a baby who is fed canned formula, especially if it is heated in the bottle, can consume potentially toxic levels on a daily basis. Developing infants and young children are most susceptible to the hormone-disrupting effects of BPA, but the chemical can be toxic to adults as well. Concerns about BPA have come from many sides, ranging from
served, but be sure to include some favorites.
Breastfeed as long as you can. Studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with a 
damage to your little ones’ sensitive skin.




We may not sleep 15 to 18 hours like most infants and toddlers, but sleep is just as important for our well-being and health. Inadequate sleep in adults saps energy, dampens our mood, inhibits memory and mental sharpness, decreases productivity, and even affects our immune system. We are more likely to get sick when we are “run down” (tired, fatigued, or exhausted).
We all know to wash our hands every time after using the bathroom, but if you’re in a public place, save the paper towel to open the door on your way out. At home this winter, give everyone their own color-coded hand towel and drinking cup in the bathroom (and wash them frequently). You may find that you won’t be sharing every cold your child brings home!




