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This Hilarious 'Nursing Queen' Parody Should Be on Every Breastfeeding Mom's Playlist (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

If Queen Bey (Beyoncé that is) inspired you to "Run the World," this ABBA spoof should empower you to keep that liquid gold flowing. The Laughing Moms are back at it again with the pro-breastfeeding video "Nursing Queens."

"You can nurse. You can pump. You're making the nectar of life."

Feel free to dance along!

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Come on, is this not great?!

You gotta love these two gals as they aren't afraid to have a little fun and make something very catchy. Sadly, breastfeeding is still a controversial topic for some in this society. Perhaps more videos like this will make it less of a "thing" so we can all come together in rad jumpsuits and high-waist jeans.

More from The Stir: Experts Warn It's 'Too Sexual' to Smooch Your Kids on the Lips

Too bad Alisha and Eden didn't have auditions, as I would've loved to be in this video. Was there not a part for a nursing mom chasing her blanket down the street that blew away?

 

Image via Laughing Moms/YouTube


Bad News: Your 'Liquid Gold' Breast Milk Might Contain Liquid Chemicals, Too

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Post by Aimee Ogden.

One benefit offered by breastfeeding, according to proponents, is that breast milk is a naturally chemical-free food. That may not be exactly the case, though, according to a new study that shows that a particular kind of man-made chemical may build up in the bodies of breastfed children.

The chemicals in question are called perfluorinated alkylate substances, or PFASs, if you prefer less of a tongue-twister; they're involved in the manufacture of waterproof and stain-resistant products. And like lots of chemicals, they have a tendency to hang around in the human body.

PFASs haven't been studied much, but we do know that they have some effects on the human body. They might mess up some hormones, play merry hell with the developing reproductive tract, and they might even interfere with vaccines, so that a child's immunization winds up not being effective. All those shots, and still susceptible to measles and mumps? No bueno.

So we know PFASs aren't exactly something you'd pour in your kid's sippy cup, and we know they build up in the human body, including breast milk. But how much of a problem is that, really? Let's get the scary part out of the way first, but stick with me through the end, because it's really not as scary as it sounds on the face: Every extra month a child was exclusively breastfed, his blood levels of PFASs went up 20–30 percent.

More from The Stir: Why I've Stopped Apologizing for Feeding My Baby Formula

I know, that doesn't sound good, but here's the good news: Formula supplementation kept the numbers from climbing quite as high, and once the child weaned, his blood PFAS level went way down. And the even bigger good news (or at least the "we don't know what kind of news this is yet" news) is the enormous asterisk on all these findings. This study only looked at the PFAS levels of 81 children, which in the grand scope of scientific research is not very many children at all. And all of these children were living in the Faroe Islands (that little island chain in the middle of the ocean between Iceland and Scandinavia), which has a very different diet compared to what we eat, one based mostly around fish and meat, including whales. Ocean animals have a tendency to build up funky chemicals in their bodies, so how much of this PFAS spike is because Mom chowed down on a bunch of pilot whale steaks that might have contained a weirdly high concentration of PFAS?

The takeaway here shouldn't be that breastfeeding is bad (it's not), but that it isn't always the perfect and completely flawless option that it's sometimes portrayed to be. If you want to breastfeed, you should be doing it because it's the right choice for you; not because a lactivist told you that nothing bad could ever happen to a breastfed baby. There is a perfect food for you to give your baby ... and it's whatever food you choose to give her.

Unless you're from the Faroe Islands, in which case you might want to give formula a shot.

 

Image © Elizabeth Brixton / Flickr

Here's How You Can Help Collect Diapers for Families in Need

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Did you know more than 5 million children in this country don't have regular access to diapers? That's close to half the amount of kids ages 0-3 years! This number should do more than just startle you, it needs to hit your heart so you can help make a difference. Here's a national diaper drive that aims to purchase diapers for the 1 in 3 families in need.

It's so hard to imagine families struggling to diaper their babies in this country, and yet, this is a reality so many face. The lack of an adequate supply can not only lead to infection but also health risks as parents struggle to provide clean diapers to their little ones. This is why the National Diaper Bank Network has teamed up with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and other partners to create the Healthy Mom & Baby Wipe Out Diaper Need campaign.

The goal of the campaign is quite simple: to provide 100,000 diapers to families in need. However, they cannot do it alone and need our help. According to the campaign website, one dollar can purchase six diapers at wholesale -- that's pretty amazing when you consider the cost many of us pay to keep our babies' bums dry (retail prices are no joke). Just think of how much you can rack up at Starbucks on a daily basis and how the cost of one drink can give a child one third of the diapers they need for the day.

More from The Stir: 3 Ways Never to Pay Full Price for Diapers Again

The diaper drive will conclude with "Diaper Need Awareness Week" from September 28 to October 4.

As much as we love to complain about changing diapers, it's so easy to forget many families don't have access to the amount they need. AWHONN is quick to point out that diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps and those who are unable to buy them are oftentimes turned away from childcare providers. Needless to say this can cause problems with their job and school commitments.

I find myself completely dumbfounded with this. Five million children don't have the amount of diapers they need? As a parent, my heart breaks at the thought of moms and dads having to reuse soiled diapers -- sometimes even going as far as drying them out -- because they can't replace them.

Obviously one person isn't going to solve this matter -- and sadly, it's something that won't get fixed overnight. This however shouldn't discourage any of us from making a donation. Just think how much we could raise for these families if we all gave up a luxury or two to help someone else. We've seen too many stories in the news about Good Samaritans and the power of paying it forward not to try.

More from The Stir: Stanford-Bound Teen Set to Use College Scholarship to Bury His Mom -- Until Strangers Stepped In (VIDEO)

With two kids under 2 of my own, I understand the need for diapers and will make as many donations as I can. Hopefully you will too as one child without access to diapers is one too many.

 

Image via © Justin Paget/Corbis

Mom Discovers What Sneaky Twins Are Up to When She Talks to Them on Baby Monitor (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Have you ever wondered what your child is thinking -- or doing, for that matter -- when you're not around? Vlogger Judy of ItsJudyTime knows all too well what happens when you catch twin tots staying up late.

Check this out. I dare you not to smile.

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Baby Monitor talk

I rarely talk with the girls through the baby monitor. But when I do, this usually happens.

Posted by Itsjudytime on Friday, August 21, 2015
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More from The Stir: Dad's Awesome Reaction to His Son Playing With Dolls Goes Viral (VIDEO)

Within seconds of hearing their mother's voice, twins Miya and Keira assume the position as they pretend they're asleep.

Seriously, how adorable is this?!

Aside from kids being sneaky, it's pretty hilarious to think they could pull one over on mom. News flash, kids: Mom always know.

 

Image via itsjudytime/Facebook

'New Girl' Star Max Greenfield Welcomes a New Son -- With a Seriously Adorable Name!

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Post by Jacqueline Burt Cote.

max greenfield, tess sanchezCongratulations are in order for New Girl star Max Greenfield: The actor and his wife, casting executive Tess Sanchez, have welcomed their second child -- a little boy! (The couple also have a 5-year-old daughter, Lily.) And we're sure this New Guy (ha!) is adorable -- just like his name!

Are you ready for this?? Celeb baby name drumroll, please ... welcome to the world, Ozzie James Greenfield!

Awwww! I love it, don't you? No word yet on where the couple got the idea for the name, but if I had to pick a pop culture influence, I'd guess this is more Ozzie and Harriet–inspired than Ozzy Osbourne (just based off the spelling). Then again, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet was a loooooong time ago -- that would be pretty retro of Greenfield and Sanchez. So maybe they're die-hard Sabbath fans who just wanted to put their own twist on a rockin' good name?

More from The Stir: 'New Girl' Star Has Some Funny Ideas About Playing Christian Grey

Or maybe their baby's name is an homage to retired American baseball shortstop Osborne Earl "Ozzie" Smith. Or MAYBE the family is planning a move to Australia at some point, and the name is a sort of prophetic nod to Aussie slang. is a Or, who knows, maybe they just liked the name all on its own. Point is, the moniker is mega-cute!

 

Image via INFphoto.com/Splash News

Luke Bryan Song Magically Stops Baby From Crying (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Certain celebrities are worth every penny they charge to download their music. Just ask this mama who used a throwback song she played for her baby in the womb that apparently still strikes the right chord. You have to see this video of a newborn that stops crying because of Luke Bryan and his magical voice.

I know what you're thinking: What is this wizardry and do they sell it in stores? Unfortunately, that answer is no, but at least you can take a sigh of relief with this mother as she finally gets her baby to sleep.

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All of us as moms have been in this situation. You're tired. The baby's tired. It's the classic mom-versus-kid showdown that will only manifest in certain areas down the road.

More from The Stir: Mom Discovers What Sneaky Twins Are Up to When She Talks to Them on Baby Monitor (VIDEO)

While Luke Bryan is a dream, I found that my kids stop fighting the inevitable (sleep that is) when they hear the soft sounds of Bob Marley.

Whatever works ... and is legal!

 

Image via juicebucci871/YouTube

Baby Boy Loves His Mom's Silly Animal Noises So Much He Literally Can't Even (VIDEO)

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Post by Jacqueline Burt Cote.

baby boy laughIf there's one thing all sane people can agree on, it's that the sound of a baby laughing is the best sound in the world. Seriously, it's impossible to hear a baby laugh and not smile -- which is exactly why everybody needs to watch this video of a baby boy losing it over his mom's animal noises.

You never know what, exactly, is going to tickle a baby's funny bone -- but animal noises are usually a pretty big hit. And for the adorable little guy in this video, it's his mom's puppy impression ("woof, woof!") that really does it. Be prepared to smile:

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Awwww! Doesn't that just make your cheeks hurt?! What a sweet boy. Who can even stand the cute?? Full disclosure: My 9-month-old does the same thing right now whenever we read him his favorite book, and it's the best thing ever.

More from The Stir: 7 Funniest Laughing Baby Videos

Seriously, this phase of babyhood is like half the reason why I had kids in the first place. It's pure bliss. And so fleeting! At least we have video. I can guarantee this mom is going to rewatch this clip ad infinitum once this little boy hits the tween phase. Oh yeah. It will probably save him from being grounded at least a couple of times.

Until then, little man: Woof woof!

 

Image via DailyPicksandFlicks/YouTube

This Mom of Twin Girls Can't Hold Back Tears of Joy as They Hear for the First Time (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

There are so many ways parents can bond with their babies. For mothers in particular, one common way is to speak to your children while they are in the womb, so they can become even more acquainted with your voice. Gemila Hernandez never had that opportunity as her 6-month-old daughters, Kiara and Kayla, were born deaf. With insurance turning them away, Gemila and her husband, Raul, never thought their girls would hear their voices -- that was until a nonprofit gave the twins hearing aids.

Seriously, it's hard not to watch this over and over again. While I'm sure these baby girls are having a "what the heck is going on" moment, the reaction of this mother is EVERYTHING!

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More from The Stir: Dad's Sweet Tattoo in Honor of Deaf Daughter Goes Viral (PHOTO)

I can recall both of my sons' responses to hearing my voice in the "real world." It's one of many memories I'll take with me on this beautiful and messy journey called motherhood. My heart jumps with nothing but complete joy for this mom -- and others for that matter, who are able to get the financial support they need to make dreams of their child hearing a reality.

 

Image via NBC 4 News Southern California


What You Wear to the NICU May Make Premature Babies Sick

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

When you have a child in NICU, the last thing on your mind is going to be whether or not your attire makes the best fashion statement. Still, researchers in Australia want you to know that the clothes you wear can spread infection to preemies, which should cause concern for any parent with a child in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Researchers at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, Australia, had no problem swabbing down high- and low-traffic areas around the NICU to help determine what, or who, can spread respiratory infection to premature babies. Then, they discovered the unimaginable: Visitors' (Mom and Dad, that means you too) personal clothing had traces of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a super contagious and unfortunately common virus that can lead to severe problems -- including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Experts also found small traces of the virus on commonly used items like chairs and bed rails.

Parents with premature babies should be concerned, as medical professionals believe preemies have one of the greatest risks of contracting RSV.

More from The Stir: 20 Things Not to Say to a Mom of a Preemie

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Thankfully the percentage of parents and visitors with potential RSV on their clothing is low, but it shouldn't get brushed to the side. It's so easy to think, That would never happen to me, only to have the worst-case scenario become a nightmare of a reality.

More from The Stir: Preemie Born Weighing 22 Ounces Finally Healthy Enough to Head Home

I'm sure there definitely needs to be more research on this as the imaginary questions and comments box on this matter is overflowing. It's already bad enough that new parents are on high alert for every other potential thing their child can contract (did anyone else have masks and hand sanitizers waiting for visitors, assuming you accepted any in the first place?), and here comes something else to add to the worry list. Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to stay in the know when it comes to your children and their health.

 

Image via Gavriel Jecan/Corbis

Oklahoma Daycare Accused of Drugging Babies to Make Them Sleep

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Mommies, please, oh please let this story serve as a lesson to trust your gut! No matter how crazy people make you feel, there's nothing like a mother's intuition. Leslee Meade is more than likely trying to process her feelings, and rightfully so, after she sensed something wasn't right in the atmosphere concerning her son. Shockingly, she was right. A sheriff's department in Durant, Oklahoma, is currently investigating Leslee's daycare that gave babies Benadryl to make them sleep (allegedly of course) -- including Leslee's son, 6-month-old Hendrix.

It seems staff at this oh-so-awesome daycare finally had the courage to come forward and alert authorities about this potentially harmful practice.

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Sure, some of our parents, and even grandparents for that matter, likely believed in old-school methods of getting kids to sleep that included Mom drinking a little beer. I get that (not saying I fully agree). What's very dangerous about this situation is that, as a parent, you're completely left in the dark about what your childcare provider is "providing" your kid. The FDA has warned time and time again about the dangers of giving infants over-the-counter medicine, so yeah, you bet the last dollar in your wallet there are parents out there pissed to think of someone doing this on the down low.

While I'll never understand why people make certain decisions -- especially when it comes to babies -- believe this: I have sneakers by the door, grease in my purse, and bail money in my savings account should a person want to test my patience when it comes to my children.

I'm so glad no children involved were hurt and I truly hope justice is served.

 

Image © Greg Vote/Tetra Images/Corbis

Firstborn Daughters Aren't Just the Oldest, They're the Fattest Too

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Who else feels like "experts" these days have Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Something" on a never-ending loop? Can they ever bring us any good news for a change? Apparently not, considering researchers now say firstborn girls are likely to be overweight compared to their younger siblings.

So now I'm old and fat?

I just want to know one thing: How far do I have to travel to challenge these researchers to an arm wrestling contest, or to see who can do the most push-ups in 30 seconds?

This. Is. Ridiculous.

Published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health is a new study that suggests eldest daughters will have a weight problem -- and while it appears not to be linked to genetics, they believe firstborn girls are 40 percent more likely to be obese. As if women don't already have an issue in this world with acceptable body types, here comes something to make you eat a salad. Great.

It is worth mentioning that this study only followed Swedish moms using records from a lengthy birth registry.

More from The Stir: Giving Up the 'Skinny' Dream Is the First Step to Getting in the Best Shape Ever

Now if you happen to have a sibling rivalry with your younger sister, you might want to keep this info to yourself.

I'll be the first one to admit research and studies are important ... most of the time. Without them, we would find it hard to make necessary changes for the better. So this study wants to link obesity to how a woman's uterus changes with each child (it looks like those of us who came out the vagine first likely don't have the same metabolism perks as our younger siblings), but come on. Gone are the biblical days when the eldest child got the biggest helping of food, and times have also modernized where "hiring" a virtual trainer is as simple as downloading a free app on your smartphone.

More from The Stir: Obesity May Be Contagious

Yes, this country has a serious weight problem, I'll give you that. However, it doesn't mean you should single out members of the older-child club (gents, you're included in this too, as the study says firstborn males are heavier) -- especially when the call to action is diet and exercise. Heck, everyone can benefit from that.

More from The Stir: American Kids Weigh More Than Canadian Kids -- Go USA!

As much as I love my younger sis, I would have to say my old a-- gets the award for most fit in my immediate family (sorry boog!). While I was into fitness before becoming a mom (Jillian Michaels, I was not), I enjoy running, lifting, and everything in between -- which actually, was the same regimen I was able to keep throughout both of my pregnancies. While my body did change (why hello curves), I must say, I think it was for the better, as I'm faster and fitter than ever.

For the record, I would like to extend an invitation for one of these researchers to meet me inside the MMA cage, so I can show them firsthand how crazy their study is (my spirit animal is Ronda Rousey).

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Maybe this study is spot-on, or maybe the experts behind it are still in therapy for getting beat up by their older sisters -- I don't know. At least you know the "skinny" on what scientists are saying about firstborn daughters.

 

Image via © Chuck Savage/Corbis

Mom Busted for Breastfeeding ... While She Was Driving

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

How would ... Who would ... Why?! As a parent, there are some decisions you need to make for your child's well-being, and this sure as hell isn't one of them. A 44-year-old Washington mom thought it was a good idea to breastfeed her 1-year-old son while driving -- allegedly reaching speeds as high as 60mph! Just let that sink in for a second and then we'll talk.

Even a state trooper had to take to Twitter as he couldn't believe someone would do such a thing.

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I WISH I WAS KIDDING: 911 caller reports baby riding on mom's lap. When Trooper stops car, he realizes mom is breast feeding the child �

— Trooper Mark Francis (@wspd7pio) August 27, 2015
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Needless to say, this led to an online discussion -- including the importance of child safety. State trooper Mark Francis was quick to point out how many people operate a vehicle with unrestrained children that's highly dangerous, no matter the speed.

More from The Stir: Alarming Video Shows How Booster Seats Can Kill Kids (VIDEO)

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.@CollSiobhan Unfortunately, people drive with their children unrestrained all the time. Troop didn't observe erratic or reckless driving.

— Trooper Mark Francis (@wspd7pio) August 27, 2015
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In case you're wondering, the mom driving received a $165 ticket.

Now I'm all for breastfeeding and nursing your child on demand, but this right here is crazy. I don't know the mental state of this mother (not trying to be funny), because the thought of driving while nursing a child doesn't seem like a sane choice to me. I have an almost 3-month-old who could probably drink most under the table (with breastmilk of course). Does he ever cry in the car for my liquid gold? Yes. Would I feed him while driving? No. If it's really that serious, why not pull into a parking lot and do it there?

Maybe it's because I was raised by a cop that I just don't get certain things. Then again, I've seen many images of accidents involving people who took their eyes off the road to text. Can you imagine the "what ifs" in this case?

 

Image via © Mike Kemp/Tetra Images/Corbis

A Stroke Won't Keep This Father and His Sons From Bringing a Birthday 'Field of Dreams' Into Reality

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

How far would you go to make your child's birthday special? It's certainly not unheard of for people to spend a small fortune that, in some cases, would give Kim Kardashian a run for her money. Others enjoy more DIY projects (any fellow Pinterest freaks out there?) that are just as fun to create as they are to use. Like most of us, Ryan Kennedy wanted to make his son Luke's first birthday something to remember. With the help of Ryan's dad and brother, the trio built a Field of Dreams replica (minus the corn) that was full of memories -- even if baby Luke is too young to remember.

I don't know what's more incredible: this rad baseball setup, or the fact that even though Ryan's dad John suffered a stroke, John was still able to help plan the party ... from his hospital bed! If that doesn't speak to how much a grandparent loves his or her grandchild, I don't know what will (talk about dedication).

In many ways, Luke's birthday celebration was also one for health as John was able attend.

More from The Stir: Dads More Likely Than Moms to Give Kids Their First Cell Phones

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This will likely put all baseball parties to shame. Thanks to the handiness of Ryan's bro Jason, 1-year-old Luke can enjoy his own private baseball diamond in his grandparents' backyard (how convenient, right?). 

More from The Stir: 11 Photos to Capture at Baby's First Birthday Party

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In case you're wondering what the heck Field of Dreams is, it's a Kevin Costner movie where he hears a voice tell him to build a baseball field on his farm (might sound a little boring but was pretty decent).

Hopefully this family won't take down "Kennedy Field" from the backyard!

 

Image © Erik Isakson/Corbis

Your Car Seat Probably Isn't Installed Properly for Your Model of Car

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

When it comes to recommendations and our child's safety, less isn't more. Researchers at the Ohio State University College of Medicine have determined car seats don't align with a vehicle's seat 42 percent of the time. That should be enough to make you stop what you're doing and take note.

The study also mentions that less than 6 out of 10 rear-facing car seats fit on the vehicle's seat.

Researchers involved with the study point out the problem isn't with the car seat, considering they do pass federal safety requirements. Instead, they want parents to pay close attention to the models they buy, as unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a one-size-fits-all scenario for everyone. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, your child's car seat may or may not properly align with the actual seat of the car -- and that can lead to some people using random objects to prop it up.

More from The Stir: Alarming Video Shows How Booster Seats Can Kill Kids (VIDEO)

Honestly, the idea of using a blanket or pool noodle underneath a car seat is foreign to me as it seems unsafe. Yet, there are many parents who find it's the only way to fit their child's unit on the seat. As you might've guessed, this practice is not only dangerous but needs to stop.

More from The Stir: 9 Lifesaving Car Seat Rules You're Probably Ignoring

I can recall time spent researching the latest and greatest baby products for my first child. Perhaps I should've asked the store if I could take the model to my car to see if it would fit, but honestly, the thought never crossed my mind. However, one thing my husband and I did do was take our car to a child car seat inspection center so a certified "installer" could make our minds rest a little easier (all right, just mine) about our child's safety.

Car seats can help save your child's life, but only if they're properly installed. Hopefully this study will be a wake-up call to us all.

 

Image via © JFCreatives/Corbis

Mom Shocked to Discover Her Adorable Newborn Has Teeth (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Moms are oftentimes anxious to meet the little person baking inside their oven. It really becomes easy to spend time counting all those fingers and toes as you bask in their presence. Tracey Howard got the shock of her life, as the Kansas City mother never expected to see her baby girl with teeth of all things.

As you can see, little De'Syiah Baker has two bottom teeth to make her smile shine even brighter.

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Natal teeth are typically present at birth and are very uncommon. In most cases, doctors will remove them while the child is still in the hospital as they can be hazardous to a baby (they can be so loose, a baby can swallow them). Luckily De'Syiah's set appears to be firm, which means she hit a new milestone: the need to brush (yay!). Anyone who has a growing tot knows this is an arduous but necessary endeavor.

More from The Stir: Mom Arrested for Letting 4-Year-Old Daughter's Teeth Rot

After I delivered my now 3-month-old son, I thought he had natal teeth because his gums were so thick. Being the worry rat that I am (sometimes, natal teeth are signs of a syndrome), I made an early appointment with the pediatrician to take a look. As it turns out, he might have a bright career as a morning show cohost given he'll likely have that Michael Strahan smile.

 

Image via WDAF Fox 4 News


Police Break Into a Hot Car to Save a Baby That Wasn't a Baby

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Some things are so odd, you have to stop and ask yourself, Did that really just happen? Police in Oakland, California, were on it with the quickness after getting a report of a baby left unattended in a car. However, once they smashed the window, cops were shocked to discover they rescued a lifelike baby doll from a hot car.

I can only imagine the look emergency personnel gave each other when they finally realized the child in danger wasn't even real. Frustration wouldn't begin to describe my emotions, as it takes some serious effort to break car windows -- especially when a life is at stake.

More from The Stir: Caregivers' Question After Car Window Smashed to Save Trapped Child: Will Insurance Pay for That?

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Report of a baby locked in a car, unresponsive � @oaklandpoliceca& @OaklandFireLive smash window to find fake baby pic.twitter.com/TJ9JB3EAAM

— Dean C. Smith (@DeanCSmith) August 31, 2015
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More from The Stir: Family Forgets Toddler at Rest Stop -- Until They Hear the News Report 90 Miles Later

I don't know if the owner of the vehicle is the proud caregiver of one of those reborn dolls, or was using a faux baby as practice for the real thing. Regardless, they get an F in child safety (kidding). Obviously no one's life was in harm's way here (thank God), but if you didn't want to take the baby doll with you, why not leave it somewhere else other than a car seat? Sorry, but not sorry about that window by the way.

More from The Stir: 7 Tips to Ensure You Don't Leave Your Baby in a Hot Car (Yes, You)

These days, folks (myself included) are on high alert and have no problems patrolling a few parking lot aisles to make sure no little one or dog is forgotten. I commend the police for acting so swiftly about the matter, as some, unfortunately, don't get there in time.

I came so close to breaking inside someone's car the other day, which almost resulted in a similar outcome as this story. There I was with my 1 1/2-year-old heading to Target, when I walked by a car with what looked to be a baby inside the car seat. Because the windows were tinted, I did my best to check and make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. Thinking about how I would break in (mama doesn't box and take MMA classes for nothing), a white tag attached to the "baby" in question's leg caught my eye. Needless to say, I was extremely thankful it wasn't a real child, but even more hot -- on top of being hot from the Oklahoma summer -- someone would leave this in his or her car seat.

Maybe some people use it as a reminder to take their child out the car (I have to Kanye shrug on that one), or maybe a kid forgot to grab it while you were on a mad dash somewhere. Situations like this make me wonder if both the car owner and insurance are understanding if and when a person busts the windows out their vehicle? Kind of makes you rethink leaving a lifelike baby in the car seat.

 

Image via KGO-TV 13 News/ABC

Blake Lively’s $860 Diaper Bag Will Probably Never Come Anywhere Near an Actual Diaper (PHOTO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Actress and lifestyle maven Blake Lively has another new baby -- and you can hold this one if you want to. Lively introduced a $860 leather baby bag on her website, Preserve.us. It's named after her real-life daughter, James. Care to find out what you'll be getting for your nearly 900 bucks?

Here it is, the beautiful Preserve James bag in "cognac." It also comes in "blue."

The James bag is made with "premium" Horween leather. Horween is a Chicago-based leather company which has "set the standard for the highest quality leathers since 1905," according to the company website. It is "premium" plaid lined, though I see no indication that this plaid is made in Scotland using traditional tartans. Disappointing -- an oversight, I'm sure.

The diaper bag has an imported RiRi zipper from Swizerland. Did you even know such a thing exists? Neither did I. But now that I know the Swiss are making zippers named after Rihanna I think I need to order several and replace every zipper in my life with them.

More from The Stir: Blake Lively Reveals the Secret Behind Her Stellar Style

The leather is "hand-distressed" and handcrafted in the USA by Sandast. At first I thought that read "students" and I was picturing Bard College students carrying each James bag around with them for a whole semester before they're sold. But no, Sandast is a Los Angeles–based leather goods manufacturer that specializes in accessories that look a bit "aged and rugged" and help you "make your own story."

Except you'll be making your own story with a diaper bag named after someone else's baby. Is that weird? We don't blame Lively at all for naming her bag after her own daughter. Makes total sense. But she probably wouldn't mind at all if you renamed yours after your own child. The Liam! 

As for the price tag -- yowch! That's gonna hurt. But let's just say you've got food, shelter, retirement, wheels, and your baby's college tuition covered with LOADS to spare. Maybe then I could see justifying the expense. After all, it's a premium diaper bag. PRIMO. Which means it'll probably live through a couple more babies. Just don't let those babies anywhere near it. Or any actual diapers.

 

Images via Felipe Ramales / Splash News; Preserve.us

Baby Loves Reading So Much He Breaks Down In Tears Every Time a Book Ends (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

It's never really proper etiquette to laugh at someone crying, but this is too cute not to make you chuckle (sorry, Emily Post). A mom's video of her baby boy crying at the end of a story is beyond adorable.

No matter what book is read to this little guy, it's always the same outcome.

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I commend this boy's parents for getting him excited to read -- even if it results in a few tears. I'm sure he'll realize he can read all he wants as he gets older. Just because the book closes doesn't mean the stories go away.

More from The Stir: 10 Awesome ABC Crafts to Help Kids Learn to Read

If only my little guy would stop crying when I try to read him books. Unlike this boy, mine isn't interested for now (he's just like his father).

 

Image via leesedanielle/YouTube

Tragic Loss of a Newborn Inspires Town to Pay It Forward One Act of Kindness at a Time (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

One can only imagine how it feels to lose a child. It's something no parent should ever have to face. Jillian Gaw and others around her Massachusetts town are remembering her son, Patrick, who only lived a few hours after birth due to complications. They continue to keep his memory alive through kind gestures that help enrich the lives of others.

Even the smallest act of kindness can be so appreciated. Sometimes, you never truly know the impact you can have on others.

More from The Stir: Town & Mom of 5-Year-Old Girl With Terminal Cancer Hope to Fulfill One of Her Final Wishes (PHOTO)

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Don't you just love how people throughout this town feel inspired to do something nice for others?

More from The Stir: Stranger Writes Rude Note to Mom Parking in Handicap Spot, but Fails to Realize Her Daughter Has a Disability

Stories like this are extremely sad (who wants to hear about tragedy that involves a child?), and yet, has the power to be extremely inspiring. If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: Life is too short, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Appreciate what you have while you have it and try to enrich the lives of others.

 

Image via © TongRo Images/Corbis

Dad Explains Meaning of Life to Wonderstruck Baby (VIDEO)

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Post by Tanvier Peart.

Sooner or later you'll bear witness to the fact that kids don't always know what the heck a parent is talking about. This video of Jason Silva philosophizing about life with his baby girl is enough to make you laugh out loud.

Where else can you see a baby bask in her daddy's presence as she's hears about melded software and wetware Androids?

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Thinking about the miracle of life... A captivating imagining of a baby's mind

Posted by Jason Silva on Tuesday, September 1, 2015
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As great as Jason's monologue was, baby girl probably had two things on her mind: her next feeding and the best time to take a poop.

More from The Stir: What a Newborn Baby Really Sees When They Look at You (PHOTO)

Still, it's pretty funny how cute little ones look when they try so hard to figure out what you're saying.

 

Image via Jason Silva / Facebook

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