Dealing with a baby getting teeth is no walk in the park. There's often great discomfort, tears, and a lot of crying. While parents will always try their best to bring relief, a new study in the journal Pediatrics hopes to set the record straight, and to demystify a common assumption. As it turns out, high fevers aren't a sign of teething.

In fact, experts believe it could be a warning for another health issue that might warrant a trip to the pediatrician.

Researchers involved with the study are in agreement that teething often causes symptoms like crankiness, excessive drooling, and even irritated gums. And while they admit a teething child can experience a rise in body temperature, they don't, however, believe it causes high fevers (100.4 degrees F and above), which parents often shrug off as a sign LO is getting a tooth.

Other medical experts also conclude that teething doesn't cause loss of appetite, blisters around the mouth, and diarrhea -- all of which are assumed teething indicators.

More from The Stir: 16 Natural Ways to Treat Teething Pain in Babies

While teething symptoms will likely vary from child to child, the study aims to spotlight the importance of paying attention to a baby fever -- and seeking medical attention sooner than later -- as it's a cause for concern.

It's pretty safe to assume that no parent enjoys this part of a child's getting older. In fact, teething can be downright dreadful -- and that's putting it nicely. Should your little one be fighting the good fight, there are ways to help soothe a teether, including cold rags, relief toys, and rubbing gums.

It will get better ... with time.

Image via hwongcc/Shutterstock

Nothing can prepare you for one of the most magical moments of child rearing -- the first instant you lay eyes on your newborn.

Marry Fermont, an extremely talented baby and birth photographer from the Netherlands, writes about her First Moments project: 

There are so many emotions in this moment: joy, relief, amazement, pride, love, euphoria, contentment and so many different reactions: smiles and tears. Moments of silence and moments of extreme joy. 

Marry also suggests we keep tissues handy while viewing these photos, and she is absolutely right.

Image via Marry Fermont Photography

In case you didn't know it, the human body is fascinating. Scratch that -- the female body is all sorts of amazeballs. Mallory Smothers is an Arkansas mom whose photo of breast milk changing to fit baby's needs is gaining a ton of attention.

During a late-night breastfeeding session, Mallory noticed her LO was congested and showing signs of sickness. Pumping breast milk later that morning, Mallory found herself doing a double take. It had only been one day since she last pumped her liquid gold, and boy, was there a noticeable difference.

Yellow in color, her breast milk resembled colostrum, or "first milk," that a mother gets in the early days of breastfeeding.

That's when a lightbulb went off in her head.

As Mallory explains, it's just an awesome wonder of science -- that allows Mom's milk to better accommodate the needs of her sick baby.

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Here's more of what Mom had to say:

I pumped the milk on the left Thursday night before we laid down for bed. I nurse Baby every 2 hours or so overnight and don't pump until we get up for the day. I noticed in the wee hours of Friday morning, 3 AM or so-- she was congested, irritable, and sneezing ALOT. Probably a cold, right?

When we got up Friday morning, I pumped, just as we always do. What I pumped is on the right side of the photo.

More from The Stir: 8 Ways to Use Breast Milk to Keep Your Baby Healthy (Besides Breastfeeding)

Pretty cool, huh?

As it turns out, what Mallory noticed is has an explanation

Published in the journal Clinical & Translational Immunology is a study that looks at how a mother's milk supply will produce leukocytes to help battle infections. Researchers note that colostrum typically has a high amount of these disease-fighting cells that decrease as Mom's breast milk matures.

What's interesting, however, is what happens should a mother and/or baby get sick.

Infection can enter Mom's body through baby saliva that sends the signal something is wrong. As Mallory's awesome photo illustrates, when baby's immune system is compromised, a mother will start to produce breast milk that's high in leukocytes -- sometimes as much as 95 percent. Once the child is no longer sick, the leukocytes level begins to decrease.

More from The Stir: 4 Surprising Health Benefits of Breastfeeding -- for Moms

I'm sorry, but this is pretty badass if I do say so myself. Mom is truly Wonder Woman, who can prevent chaos in her household, maintain a daily schedule, and save the day with breast milk that adapts to help protect her child.

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Yeah, we're awesome.

Image via Mallory Smothers/Facebook

If you’re like most new moms, your #OOTD is nearly always accessorized with remainders of your baby’s lunch. For infants, spitting up is not only normal -- it’s expected. But you probably want to know when it's a problem.

Does my baby have reflux?

“Let me tell you a medical truth; all babies have reflux,” says Dr. Mark R. Corkins, MD, division chief of pediatric gastroenterology and professor of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.

Corkins explains that an infant’s nervous system isn't mature enough to fully control his or her lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) -- that muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus that keeps the grub from heading back up.

Infant reflux (aka GER or gastroesophageal reflux) is rarely a problem with the LES valve itself, as many people believe. “It’s the baby’s underdeveloped nervous system forgetting to tell the valve to stay closed,” explains Corkins.

As you probably know, the nervous system is in charge of a whole lot; it just needs some maturing before it can do it all. “You wouldn’t expect your baby to talk or walk at birth,” says Corkins. “This is no different.”

When is all that spit-up a problem?

There’s a huge range in how much spitting up is considered normal: from hardly ever to all the time. As long as it’s not causing another problem, it’s healthy and normal. Yes, this means even if your baby seems to be crying constantly. “Colic is rarely due to reflux,” says Corkins.

More from The Stir: Is It Crying or Colic? How to Tell the Difference

All of this said, sometimes reflux is a problem. If a baby isn’t growing well or is developing lung problems with choking, gagging, coughing, wheezing, and other breathing issues, the doctor may diagnose your baby with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and will start looking at treatment options.

Treatment should always be administered under a doctor’s supervision. “Every case is unique and will require a different treatment approach,” explains Corkins.

What should we do about baby's GERD?

If you think your child’s reflux needs intervention, your pediatrician or pediatric GI (gastroenterologist) will analyze the symptoms to determine the best course of action. Some of those treatment plans may include:

The good news is that almost all babies grow out of the reflux stage quickly (even if it doesn’t feel so quick to their tired mamas). By the age of 1, about 90 percent of babies’ nervous systems will be developed enough to eliminate their reflux. By 18 months, that number jumps to 99 percent and by age 2 it’s 99.9 percent. If a child is still having issues after his or her second birthday, there is likely another factor at play, and you'll want to have a doctor check things out.

More from The Stir: Tummy Troubles in Babies: Causes and Remedies

The bottom line: If a baby is growing well, breathing well, and not suffering from any other medical conditions, there’s no need to worry. It's much too common for parents to seek reflux treatment when it’s not necessary, says Corkins. “We’ve medicalized something that’s a very natural part of being a baby,” he explains.

In other words, when it comes to infants, spit happens.

Karissa O'Reilly is a freelance writer living in Westchester County, New York. A mom of two, Karissa has kids who are well past the spit-up stage. Her massive piles of laundry are now covered in grass stains instead of sour milk.

Photo via iStock.com/Feverpitched

Disclosure: This is a sponsored posting with Pampers and CafeMom. All opinions are 100% my own.

My oldest 2 sons are 12 months and 3 days apart.  William was born on September 25th, 2004 and Alexander was born on September 28th, 2005.  The only thing I remember about that 1st year of the boys being together was hoping that they would be good sleepers.  We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in NYC that we had converted into a small 2-bedroom apartment, so when nighttime came around, it was important to do whatever we could to ensure a good night sleep for the boys (and us, too).

My William LOVED to wake-up 2-3 times throughout the night for a bottle.  He was super loud about it, but every 2 hours he would wake-up and want to eat.  He did this from the time he was a newborn through till he was about 36 months old! I actually remember being able to “rationalize” with him a little when he was older – telling him, “No more ba-ba at night, buddy.”  It took a little bit, but we finally were able to wean him off the middle of the night feedings.

Now my Alexander… oh, my Alexander. He would ONLY fall asleep in his car seat bucket.  I’m not kidding – it was the craziest thing in the world. He would scream when we put him in his crib, he ONLY wanted to be in his car seat.  As soon as we would strap him in and walk him around  (attached to stroller), he’d be out.  Living in NYC, this was fairly easy for us because we would walk him around the apartment lobby or for a quick stroll around the block and that would be it!  Sleeping for him was great and he stayed sleeping for hours.

The funny thing about thinking back to these little guys as babies was that I found out I was pregnant with Benjamin, our 3rd son when Alexander was 6 months old.  So sleep for us with the boys… it was essential that we knew what worked for them and what worked for us to keep everyone happy, healthy and (dare I say it) sane.  The biggest concern for me and my husband was to always make sure the boys were dry throughout the night. Changing a baby mid-night… as every seasoned mom and dad knows… can wake them completely up and have them up for the rest of the night! That was something we tried to avoid at all costs.  Pampers kept us covered throughout the nights with the boys. Pampers Baby Dry did just that -  keep them dry, which is exactly what we wanted.  It’s funny, here I am – 11 years later – back to diapers with my Victoria and still I know the beauty of a Pampers Baby Dry Diaper.

What’s important about the Pampers Baby Dry Diapers is that they’re super soft for your baby and have stretchy sides for extra comfort. You don’t want your baby to be wet during sleep-time, you want them to be dry and comfortable. The best thing you can do is protect them so they will be.

It’s funny, I’m all about why Pampers Baby Dry Diaper works beautifully for babies newborn through 36 months… and my kids are (still!) all about the cute Sesame Street characters! Even this morning Victoria told me, “Look mama, Elmo and Ernie!”

As every mom and dad can attest… you do what works best for you and your baby, especially when it comes to making sure your baby is the most comfortable that he/she can be.  Pampers always has you covered, for every baby stage.  It’s a constant in life that I love and appreciate… they’ve made motherhood easy for me throughout the last 11 years!  There’s only been one year in the last 11 years where we haven’t had one McClelland child in diapers!

How do you help your baby sleep through the night?

Audrey McClelland, a social media consultant and brand advocate is the founder of MomGenerations.com, an online destination for mothers featuring over 1300 videos and 7000 postings on the latest trends in fashion and beauty for moms, kid fashion, baby gear, product reviews, toys and many other pieces of advice for busy moms.

Image courtesy of the author

If I could do it all over again—Start over having each of my babies, I wouldn’t change a thing. That is, unless I knew what I know now. In that case, I’d change so much. I’m pretty confident time travel will be invented someday… Or has been already--You know, in the future. Well, in case my future self happens upon this post, I thought I’d write a letter to send to my past-self from 6 years ago. —The hopeful, yet clueless pregnant mom-to-be.

Dear 24-year-old self,

I know you’ve been waiting a long time to have children. You’ve been married to the love of your life for five years now, and you’re so excited to have the girl you’ve always dreamed of. I just wanted to send you a little note from the future with some advice.

I’ve been there. I know how it feels. I get all of the anticipation, and anxiety about not knowing what’s ahead. I’m going to give you a hint: everything is going to be ok.

I know right now it seems like the most important decision you are going to make in your daughter’s life is whether or not to get an epidural and what effect the decision you make will have on her development. I can promise you that you’re worrying your sweet little head for nothing. It may seem like that’s the biggest decision of your life, but it’s not even close. You’ll see soon enough.

Then, after she’s born, you’ll be on to worrying about breastfeeding. Are you producing enough? Pumping enough? And before you know it a year and a half later, WILL SHE EVER STOP?

You’ll worry about which brands to choose. We’re a very indecisive person. You give cloth diapers a try but (spoiler alert!) you go back to Pampers. It’s what your mom loved, and what you have found to be most absorbent when your heavy wetter goes in the middle of the night.

Let me give you some more advice. Don’t compare yourself or your baby to other mothers and babies. You’re all different. There’s no perfect formula for raising the perfect child, and no matter how hard you try your little girl is going to someday turn into her own little person who can walk and talk and give her own opinions. Don’t worry, you’ll be proud.

Oh, and don’t think you’re off the hook with just one kid. Though you can’t possibly imagine loving another child as much as your first, you will. And though some of the worrying will start over again with another baby, you’ll feel much more confident.

I’m not going to say it’s all going to be easy, because it’s not. There will be many hard days. Days you cry and some nights you don’t sleep at all. But I promise you; it’s all worth it.

And when your babies turn three you’ll smile because you’re so proud to see the little people they are turning into. But you’ll be aching inside, wishing you could just go back and do it all over again.

I know because I’m you.

With love,

A mom from the future

What advice about motherhood do you wish you could give your younger self?

Jennifer Borget is a part-time news anchor and reporter and full-time mom documenting life in extraordinary ways. A domestically-challenged mom of two helping other parents make beautiful memories with their beautiful babies at Baby Making Machine.

Image courtesy of the author

A baby breast- or bottle-feeds as often as a dozen times a day, which means you’ll be spending lots of waking (and near-waking) hours hunched over a donut-shaped pillow and/or squinting at the measurements on the side of a bottle.

Don’t get me wrong: Baby feeding time might just be some of your sweetest moments with baby -- the coos, the gurgles, the adorable sleep comas! Of course, creating an area that's super cozy to hunker down in and feed will make it even more enjoyable for you both. Here's what you need in order to do just that.

A comfortable chair. If you spring for anything, it should be this. Babies breast- or bottle-feed a lot, often for a half hour or more a clip, so you’ll appreciate a well-cushioned, supportive place to park. Look for a chair with padded arms, easy-to-clean fabric, and a comfy seat that’s roomy enough for you to settle into the just-right position.

If space allows, add a cushioned ottoman so you can prop up your feet. And while a glider or rocker isn’t a must, it might be worth the investment, as the gentle back-and-forth motion is designed to lull a cranky baby to sleep.

Pillow. Holding a baby uses muscles you didn’t even realize you had. When yours are feeling the burn, have a small pillow at the ready that can be tucked behind your back or under your elbow for extra support. In fact, there are special, U-shaped pillows meant to keep nursing moms comfortable and help with your infant’s latching and positioning. Even if you're not breastfeeding, we're willing to bet you'll find a pillow like that useful as well. They have washable covers so a little spit-up is no biggie.

Side table. A table or nightstand is the perfect place to store smaller must-haves, like cloths and creams, and balance your cell phone, books, water, and snacks. Choose one that’s around the same height as your chair so you’re not straining to reach items. Pressed for space? Place a tray on top of your ottoman to use as a temporary table.

More from The Stir: Easy and Sweet Ways to Bond With Baby While Bottle-Feeding

A stack of soft burp cloths. Let’s face it: Mealtime can be a messy affair, so it pays to keep a few clean burp cloths within reach. You’ll use them to wipe away surprise spit-ups and protect your T-shirt in case you want wear it tomorrow. Any kind of soft cloths will do, though some moms swear by thickness and absorbency of trifold cloth diaper inserts.

Nipple cream. Your tatas take a beating during nursing sessions, and the nipples are often ground zero. Stock up on a baby-safe salve, like one made with lanolin or shea butter, and rub it on after each feed to help with cracking and chapping.

Nursing pads. Think of these as burp cloths for your nipples -- there to catch the errant spray that inevitably happens when you’re breastfeeding. Station the box close to your chair, because when milk is shooting out in three different directions, the last thing you want to do is fumble around for a pad.

Light blanket. Toss your favorite blanket over the arm or back of the chair, or keep a few rolled up in a nearby basket. A snuggly throw comes in handy for covering a bare shoulder when breastfeeding, or for keeping warm during a middle-of-the-night meal.

More from The Stir: Checklist: Baby's Changing Table Supplies -- Do You Have All the Essentials?

Snacks and a water bottle. Taking care of a baby is tough work, and staying nourished and hydrated is more important than ever for you (especially if you’re nursing). But it's easy to forget you need to eat and drink until you actually stop. Stock a basket with healthy snacks like nuts and dried fruit, and fill a reusable bottle with fresh water so you and baby can refuel at the same time.

Nursing log. Did you nurse on the left side or the right last time? How many ounces did your baby eat a few hours ago? When was the final feeding of the night? Download an app to track all the important mealtime details, or if you're more old-school, keep a small notebook and pen in the area to jot them down.

Entertainment. Chowing down demands all of baby’s attention, which frees you up to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Keep handy your tablet, your cell phone, a stack of books, magazines, or crossword puzzles. Use the quiet to catch up on the news, do some binge-watching, plow through the magazines piling up on your nightstand, or finally finish last Sunday’s crossword puzzle (if you can manage to get one hand free).

Bonnie Gibbs Vengrow is a New York City-based writer and editor who swapped her BlackBerry and MetroCard for playdates and PB&J sandwiches -- and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch her feisty, funny son grow up.

Image via iStock.com/gradyreese

This is a sponsored post with Pampers and Cafe Mom. All my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.

Want to know how to put baby to sleep? You're not alone. All moms wonder the same thing, especially in the first 36 months. Things are constantly changing as a baby grows, and many times, sleep can be different from one night to the next as their little bodies change. As a mom of three, I know this all too well. That's why I've put together some tips on how to put baby to sleep so they can grow big and strong, and moms can maintain their sanity.

One thing to know about babies in the first three years is that sleep can sometimes be hard to come by. Whether they're colicky or they have a wet diaper or they're just not feeling bed time that night, knowing how to put baby to sleep can be tricky, but it's also key to a healthy well rested little one.

First 12 Months

During the first 12 months, getting your baby to sleep is all about the basics. The first things you need to address are the basics of a comfortable baby. Make sure your little one is topped off with nom noms. Make sure he or she is all burped out. Make sure the diaper is clean and dry. Nothing will wake a baby up faster than a rumbling tummy or a soggy diaper, at least which was the case with my kids.

After you've got the basics out of the way, you can look into other things to help soothe your little one off to dream land. Soft, soothing music can do wonders to help your little one drift off to sleep. And all that caressing we love to do of soft baby hair and eyebrows? That stuff is golden when it comes to getting your little bundle of joy to sack out for 10 hours.

12 - 24 Months

During this time, knowing how to put baby to sleep gets a little more tricky. At this age, they're coming into their little baby owns. They're forming ideas about what they like and what they don't. This is the time when they might start to cry because you left them in their room alone. Fear not. You can still get your baby to sleep. The basics still apply - food, burping, diaper. Even the soothing sounds of a baby mobile or the like are still in order. However, this is the age that you can start throwing in story time or a little pre-bed snuggle time to get the kiddos relaxed and ready to go to sleep. That extra affection right before bed can help reassure them that, although you'll be in another room, they're still safe and secure.

24 -36 Months

Now it gets dicey. This is the time when knowing how to put baby to sleep becomes the greatest challenge. Toddlers can be supreme beings of love or little demons bent on devouring your soul, depending on what mood they're in, and bed time can sometimes become a battle. Even now, stick to the basics of feeding and a super clean diaper. You don't really need to burp at this point. LOL

Aside from the basics, story time is no longer an option. It's a requirement. Toddlers need lots of attention. They need a metric ton of it, in fact. A bedtime story is great bonding time and a great way to give them that attention they're craving. After that, a little snuggle time can be the icing on the bed time cake. One thing to note about this age is that all this stuff may or may not work. There will be times when you have to weather the storm of toddlerdom, but overall, this approach is a solid foundation for how to put baby to sleep, even at this age.

A Full Tummy

Always put your baby to sleep on a full stomach. If they get hungry in the night, they WILL wake up. Pro tip: A lot of times, once they're up, they're up. You don't want that.

Burping

Burping for the first 2 years. You do not want your child waking up in the night from gas. That's a surefire way to kill any sort of rest you or your baby might have gotten.

Soothing Sounds

If you want to know how to put baby to sleep easily, soothing sounds are absolutely key for the first 2 years. They have a magical way of sending the kiddos off to dreamland.

Story Time and Snuggles

For the older ages, the answer to how to put baby to sleep can only be answered with story time and pre-bedtime snuggles.

A Great Diaper

At any age, a clean diaper is your best friend for sleep time. Babies hate to be soiled, and they'll let you know all about it whether it's 3 in the afternoon or 3 in the morning. One of the best ways to keep your baby dry and happy all night is by using a diaper designed for the long haul. Pampers Baby Dry Diapers are designed to keep baby dry and comfortable all night. These diapers feature stretchy sides for wearable comfort. They also boast 3 layers of absorbency versus the standard 2 for 12 hour protection. They're a great weapon in the bed time arsenal.

Do you have any tips on how to put baby to sleep? How has your bedtime experience with your kids been? I'd love to know.

Mel Pezza blogs about the triumphs and tribulations of motherhood at The Mommyhood Chronicles.

Image ©iStock.com/ArtisticCaptures

You can read every book that's available under the sun and you still won't ever be prepared for those first few weeks of motherhood. It's every emotion rolled into one.

It's joy.

It's happiness.

It's frustration.

It's worry.

It's euphoria.

It's all that you ever imagined it to be and more.

And then... life throws you a curve ball and you don't know how to stand. In 2005, my daughter Natalie just couldn't get comfortable. We couldn't figure out why. Everything bothered her. She seemed like she was constantly in pain. When she ate - when she didn't - when she was rocking - or when she was left alone on her play mat... there was something inside of her that was causing her pain. As first-time parents, it took us some time to figure out that she needed a doctor's help and that she actually needed to be on medication for acid reflux. To be honest with you, the drops didn't always work! It was more like a 50/50. Relief came with growth which OF COURSE took time and that was a hard pill to swallow - literally.

My little baby girl really struggled during her first few months and when she finally passed out from exhaustion... I wanted nothing to wake her. I wanted not a sound to be made. I wanted not a leaf to fall. And I wanted her diapers to never leak. That's when I became a Pampers mom - during those months. During the months when it mattered the most. She used up so much of her energy during the day that I just needed her to regain herself during her naps and sleeps at night. Natalie deserved that!

And so did I.

No one ever told me that motherhood was easy. But no one told me that motherhood also meant possibly having a baby that cried for 3 months straight either. When she rested, then I rested too. We would both collapse into a stupor and believe me our bodies thanked us for it.

All these years later - I thank Pampers for helping us have a few extra minutes each day and a few extra hours each night. They LITERALLY meant the world to an exhausted mom holding onto life by a string.

And that's why - even after two more pregnancies - I never wavered to another brand.  Because I KNEW what weapons I needed in my arsenal to survive the first few months with a newborn.

If you are looking for 12 hour protection so your baby can sleep soundly, then you should check out Pampers Baby Dry. With 3 absorbent layers, your baby will get extra support throughout the night which will benefit everyone in the family.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

How do you help your baby get a better night's sleep?

Vera Sweeney, mom, blogger, social media influencer and New York resident, is the founder of LadyAndTheBlog.com. She is considered one of the top female digital influencers in today’s social media space. Her lifestyle and parenting brand helps busy women stay on top of the latest trends in fashion, food, family and travel.

Image ©iStock.com/jonas unruh

Being a mom is a tough business. Regardless of your profession, parenthood requires strength, bravery, fortitude, and competence. Just like being a firefighter. 

Tara Ruby, a gorgeously talented photographer from Texas, took this amazing image and posted it to her Facebook page: 

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You might remember Ruby as the photographer who captured that incredible image of breastfeeding soldiers. She also shared this lovely shot of a doctor feeding her baby on her Facebook page: 

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Tara wrote on Facebook that she is considering starting a Uniformed Breastfeeding Portrait collection and is looking for other breastfeeding moms in uniform to work with. 

More from The Stir: Breastfeeding Mom Receives Unexpected Gift From a "Future Mom"

I love images like this so much because it shows the world, and our children, that moms not only can be nurturing and soft and able to care for their babies, but they are also capable of holding down the important jobs that this world needs. What a beautiful message to show our children. 

Image via © Philip Rostron/Masterfile/Corbis

In a world filled with fast food and prepackaged snacks, raising kids to appreciate whole foods and develop healthy eating habits is no small task. But you can start the conversation about healthy eating early by making it fun and entertaining. And what’s more fun to a baby or toddler than story time?

These 12 fun and colorful board books will have even the tiniest tykes excited about fruits, vegetables, and family mealtimes. See which ones you’ll want to add to your baby’s bookshelf.

Karissa O'Reilly is a freelance writer living in Westchester County, New York. A mom of two and (mostly) healthy eater, Karissa has been dying to try xigua ever since researching this piece.

Image via Amazon.com

The decision to make my own baby food made itself ... the moment I learned that my husband and I were expecting twins. The double cost of single-serve jars and pouches was math I had no interest in doing. Also (full disclosure) I am a trained cook and personal chef, so I may have been expected to make baby food regardless of head count.

But you don’t have to double the occupancy of your home or be a chef to make your own baby food. Skipping the prepackaged commercial option can save you money, and it primes your baby to accept and enjoy a wider array of flavors and textures. It can also encourage the whole family to eat a healthier diet, since you can prepare one meal chock-full of vegetables and lean protein for you, and then simply purée it for the baby.

And really, the skills I used to make baby food were ones I learned as a kid, helping my own mother in the kitchen: simply chopping and boiling water.

More from The Stir: 16 Bizarre Facts About Baby Food Through the Years

Yet somehow making baby food has earned the reputation of being an extraneous, complicated task requiring considerable skill and organization, the kind most busy parents would never be able to undertake. Not true! Here are a few of the most common concerns parents tend to have about making baby food. I’m here to discuss them -- and debunk them.

MYTH #1: Making baby food will take too much time.

THE REALITY: It only takes as much time as you want it to.

Yes, making your own baby food does require more time than purchasing premade food. But if you regularly prepare meals for yourself and your family, it tacks on a negligible amount. Roasting sweet potatoes to go with Sunday dinner? Bake a few extra to purée or mash for the baby. Need a side to go with those weeknight pork chops your spouse likes so much? Consider a quick stove-top applesauce you can also serve to the baby. For some, simply adjusting how they plan the meals they’re already cooking is all they need to make homemade baby food an easy part of their routine.

If you’re not as into cooking, expect to spend about an hour each weekend preparing food for your baby. This time includes prepping ingredients, cooking, puréeing, storing, and cleaning up. Make big enough batches and freeze them, and you can easily skip a week and have plenty of food in stock.

Remember, this doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing prospect. If the idea of making every morsel your baby eats intimidates you, just make some things. Start by giving your baby foods that are already one step away from becoming a meal: ripe pears, bananas, and avocados. All you need to do is clean, peel, and mash them before serving.

MYTH #2: Making baby food is pricey.

THE REALITY: You’ll actually save money.

Making your own baby food is less expensive than purchasing the premade counterpart, even if you go organic. When my babies were eating single-ingredient foods, the cost per each of their two-ounce servings averaged less than a quarter. A two-ounce serving of comparable commercial organic food ranged from 65 to 85 cents.

More from The Stir: 8 Reasons Organic Baby Food Is More Affordable Than You Think

Keep costs low by sticking to seasonal produce -- your local CSA or farmers’ market typically yields the best savings. Not only will eating seasonally save money, but your baby will also enjoy each new food when it’s at its freshest. But don’t discount frozen organic produce, which is often cheaper than its fresh counterparts. Picked and processed at the height of ripeness, frozen fruits and vegetables are reliably tasty and every bit as nutritious. They also have the added bonus of being pre-prepped and available year round.

MYTH #3: You have to buy baby-food-making gear.

THE REALITY: If you have a kitchen, you probably already have what you need.

Pricey baby food makers aren’t necessary. Their oft-touted steam-to-purée feature saves you just one measly step and yields a modest amount of food. Other baby food–specific products are just regular kitchen items -- freezer trays, small food storage containers, potato ricers -- given a makeover, complete with new names and inflated prices.

More from The Stir: 9 Tips on Making Baby Food

Chances are your kitchen already has what you need to make plenty of baby food. A standard or immersion blender, food processor, or food mill can all serve you well. Add to that a large pot, a steamer basket, a couple of sheet trays, some silicone ice cube trays, and storage freezer bags, and you’re all set.

MYTH #4: You need to be a good cook to make baby food.

THE REALITY: You’re cooking for a baby, not a food critic.

What you buy when you purchase prepared baby food is convenience, not a taste-bud explosion. Steaming -- thought to be the healthiest way to prepare food because it helps retain the most nutrients -- is easy and requires a steamer basket, a lidded pot, and water.

Roasting is my preferred method of cooking and requires even less equipment -- a sheet pan and some parchment paper. In fact, roasting is a surefire way to ensure a tasty product -- exposing vegetables and fruits to dry heat encourages their natural sugars to caramelize, and because they lose some of their moisture, their flavor intensifies.

Whatever your skill level, you are more than capable of using these methods to make tasty food for your baby.

THE MYTH #5: Homemade baby food isn’t very safe.

THE REALITY: It’s perfectly safe, so long as you use good hygiene, basic food handling knowledge, and common sense.

Food-borne illness is a legitimate concern, particularly for young babies, who have immature immune systems. But as long as your baby is healthy and without any major health concerns, adhering to basic food handling practices in the kitchen will ensure the food you prepare is safe.

You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with foods that may not be recommended for your baby’s age. Opinions vary as to when introduction is best for a number of foods including egg whites, tree nuts, peanuts, citrus, and fish. Check with your baby’s pediatrician for personalized advice on which foods to introduce when. Many doctors advise waiting about three to five days after introducing a food before trying another new food, to watch for allergic reaction. That helps you more easily pinpoint the cause.

More from The Stir: How to Tell If Your Baby Has Food Allergies

So did that ease your fears? I hope so! Because when you think about, it’s just baby food. Save your apprehension for when you’ll really need it -- the teenage years!

Stephanie Kivich is a personal chef and culinary instructor. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and her twin toddler sons.

Photo via iStock.com/Pilin_Petunyia

There’s no shortage of resources and information for women who want to breastfeed. But when you’re expecting twins or multiples, so much of what you read doesn’t apply to you. The rest of the advice is like a lot of advice you read pre-baby – reasonable in print, ridiculous in practice. Breastfeeding is no different.

I’ve met a number of twin moms and there doesn’t seem to be a general consensus when it comes to breastfeeding. Some tried, some didn’t. Some were able to nurse exclusively, especially in the beginning. Most supplemented with formula at some point. My experience was not unusual, but I believe it could have been better. Here are the things I wish someone had told me before I attempted to breastfeed my twin sons -- a venture that may not be as impossible as people think, but may not be as easy as you hope.

1. You have two boobs, but that doesn’t mean both are ready for action.

As I was pumping between nursing sessions in the hospital to help establish my supply -- which had to fill the demands of two hungry babies -- I noticed my left breast was much more of a team player than my right. This is not uncommon. Try as I might, the right boob never caught up to its mate in milk production and as a result, neither baby was interested in feeding from it. So much for tandem feeding!

More from The Stir: 7 Tips for Breastfeeding Twins

When your babies take turns feeding, they’ll tag team you like a couple of WWE wrestlers. There was a time my schedule went like this: feed, feed, pump, feed, feed, pump, feed, feed, pump -- on a seemingly endless loop.

And sometimes they’ll get hungry at the same time, and will thereby cry at the same time. If you have one baby-approved breast and two babies, choosing who to feed first is a real-life version of the Hunger Games.

2. It’s not only okay to ask for help, but you also probably really do need it.

My biggest regret and mistake was underestimating the critical value of daily in-home help. Given our circumstances, that would have meant hiring professional staff. Not even to help with the babies directly, but to help keep our home (and ourselves) from falling apart.

When I wasn’t nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding, I was doing baby laundry, changing diapers, washing bottles, and consoling two crying babies through their perfectly synchronized witching hours. A mother’s helper could have handled the baby prep work and consoled the crying baby while I nursed his brother uninterrupted. A housekeeper could have stopped our home from becoming an episode of Hoarders. A personal chef or even a meal train organized by family and friends could have ensured my husband and I didn’t eat our way into take-out oblivion -- if you’re trying to build a milk supply, dinner should be full of vegetables and protein, not simple carbs and MSG. Lastly, if I just had someone around to fill my water bottle when I was covered in babies, I probably would have seen a boost in my supply.

Instead, trying to manage all this between my husband and me jeopardized my ability to breastfeed. My best advice to other moms is: Get as much help as you are able to afford or secure.

3. Two babies may mean two different sets of challenges.

Any baby could have a number of feeding issues -- poor latch, weak suck, reflux. With two babies, it may be doubly difficult to identify those obstacles and work to overcome them.

For example, my smaller son had latching issues, so nursing sessions with him were frustrating for us both. He also had reflux and, when fed a bottle, had to be held just so, lest he scream or spew forth an hour’s worth of hard-pumped milk -- and then he had be held upright for at least 20 minutes afterward, resulting in feeds that lasted an hour and a half or more.

More from The Stir: Breastfeeding 101: Getting Baby to Latch

This took some of the focus off his brother, who was bigger and better at latching. He was not always patient when I was holding his brother upright, so often I’d end up giving him a bottle, significantly cutting down the time he got at the breast. Eventually his enthusiasm for breastfeeding did wane.

4. Uninterrupted nursing sessions will be hard to come by.

You strap on your nursing pillow, scoop up your cuddly baby, and settle in for a nice, long nursing session. You experience the euphoria of letdown and then start a blissful doze when suddenly ... bloodcurdling cries from your other baby. You either press on in a state of guilt that robs your lungs of air and seems to crush your soul, or you de-latch the nursing baby to tend to the crying baby.

More from The Stir: How to Survive Breastfeeding Twins

And here’s why that’s a problem: Establishing a supply for two babies can be challenging. Twin moms are unlikely to find the time to sufficiently hydrate, nourish, and rest -- the Holy Trinity of breast milk production. The single most important thing you can do to ensure you produce enough milk is to nurse as much as possible, preferably until your breasts are empty. My stop-and-go sessions undoubtedly sent my body mixed signals, and my supply suffered as a result.

5. Don’t expect support or encouragement from everyone.

“Breastfeeding twins is never going to work!” Variations of this sentiment were repeated to me during my pregnancy and even as I was breastfeeding. Some people were well-meaning, fearing I’d put pressure on myself to breastfeed exclusively. But their words of concern often gave way to ones of skepticism. And that can really kill the morale of a doubly hormonal first-time mom.

But when expectations are low, any effort can be deemed a win. I breastfed my boys non-exclusively for over six months and people usually commend me for it rather than scorn me for not sticking it out a year.

Whenever you find the doubts and criticism of others seeping their way into your own thoughts, consider their usual source -- people who don’t have twins. Mothering two babies at once is a specific experience only truly understood by those who have gone through it. Take negative comments for what they are -- uninformed opinions that have nothing to do with you.

6. Formula is not the F word.

Wanting to breastfeed did not stem from a disdain for formula. To me, breastfeeding seemed economical, beneficial to both mom and babies and an experience I really wanted to have. But when supplementation appeared inevitable, I was fearful of formula and its contents. My apprehension subsided after I did some research and found an organic brand I trusted and my boys liked. I suggest pre-selecting a formula and familiarizing yourself with its contents during your pregnancy, so should supplementation become your reality, you don’t miss a beat -- and you don't needlessly stress.

More from The Stir: What Happens When You Start Supplementing With Formula?

7. If things don’t go as you plan, it’s not a failure.

My sons are not going to care that they were breastfed. In fact, they probably won’t want to think too much about it. Any regret I have about my experience is just that -- regret about my experience. My children have been loved and well cared for from the start. If your plans to breastfeed fall short of expectation, know that any loss you feel is your own, not your babies’. Personally, I can live with that.

Stephanie Kivich is a personal chef and culinary instructor. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and her twin toddler sons.

Image via iStock.com/oksun70

When I had my first child, both my husband and my mom took a week off from work. While it was wonderful to have them both, it would've been better if they hadn't picked the same week. Still, one newborn and six hands seems like the perfection equation. But when those seven days came to an end and they both returned to work, I found myself tired, overwhelmed, and stressed.

Fast-forward three and a half years, when I had my second child: My husband's company granted him a six-week paternity leave, and wow, what a difference that made -- for all of us. 

While my husband and I enjoyed the luxury of tag-teaming each other for middle-of-the-night feedings and explosive diapers, the person who really benefited the most from this was our 3½-year-old firstborn. Why? Because at any point in the day, he still had one parent who could offer him undivided attention. He never resented this new baby because for those first six weeks he didn't have to wait until his brother was changed, fed, burped, and changed again before he could go to the park, ride his bike, or go swimming.

When he returned from his outings he was elated to see this new baby. And by the time my husband went back to work, our son wanted to help out by fetching bottles and diapers. Plus, he now wanted to bring his little brother everywhere with him. The transition couldn't have been smoother, but I doubt it would've been like that if Daddy hadn't been home. 

More from The Stir: 6 Tips for Dealing With Your Partner Returning to Work After Baby

And you know how people tell you "Sleep when your baby sleeps!" and you think, "Yeah, that sounds great in theory but who's going to watch my other child, do the laundry, fix dinner, etc. etc."? Well, when you have another parent sharing in those responsibilities, you can nap -- and it's amazing!

More from The Stir: The 8 Stages New Moms Go Through When Paternity Leave Ends (PHOTOS)

Each time I ran out of diapers, or the batteries in our bouncy seat died, I had the choice of either going alone (yes, alone!) or sending my husband to the store instead of dragging a preschooler and a newborn through a crowded supermarket -- and I thanked my lucky stars. Believe me, I realize how incredibly fortunate we were to have that time. But it also made me wish that all parents had the same opportunity.

Anytime you bring a new baby into the family, whether it's your first or your fifth, it's an adjustment -- for everyone! I would love to imagine a world in which every family had the benefit of enjoying an extended respite from work the way mine did, because I saw the positive impact it had on our whole family.

Image via iStock.com/ monkeybusinessimages

If there's one thing that I know to be true in this world, it's that every baby is beautiful -- and that's exactly what photographer Laura Duggleby set out to prove with "Laura's Love Project (2): Twice the Love." Part of a stunning series starring newborn twin sisters with Down syndrome, the photos are Laura's way of showing the world how "how truly wonderful children with Down syndrome are," she told The Stir.  

"I want them to be seen and loved and cared for the same as any other child," said Laura, who was incredibly moved when she met Blakely and Brynnlee's mother, Nicole (also a mom to two older children). "Nicole is so full of love and patience and an incredible mother as she balances it all," Laura shared.

"I want this project to be a way to shine light into the good in the world and affirm, recognize, and bless those who are doing the hard, dirty work sometimes in the trenches," she continued. "I want their voices too to be heard and for them to know that they are loved and their sacrifice matters." 

And that their babies are breathtakingly lovely, we might add! 

All images courtesy Laura Duggleby Photography

There are so many different kinds of moms out there raising so many different kinds of babies. And with every new opinion and every piece of advice (solicited or not!) you find your head spinning with even more questions. How can you ever know who is right?

Well, guess what? You are!

Of all the doubts you may have as a mom, it’s a good bet that you’re doing the very best for your baby. Whether you choose to breast or bottle feed, go organic, use non-GMO* products or opt for conventional formulas, it’s all good.  It’s just a decision you have to make.

Similac® is non-judgmental and now it’s offering non- GMO* options like Similac Advance Non-GMO*. Having options for parenting and feeding your baby are good – just like acceptance and support.  But what exactly is a non-GMO* formula?

Simply put, non-GMO* formulas contain ingredients that are not genetically engineered. Non-GMO* formulas are not better, more nutritious or healthier than any of Similac’s® conventional formulas. They were just created to give you an option so that you can have the freedom to raise your child in the manner in which you choose.

And as long as you keep doing what you’re doing, raising your baby with lots of love, you can rest easy, knowing you’ve already made the most important choice.

Do you use non-GMO products in your household?

*ingredients not genetically engineered

Image ©iStock.com/South_agency

If you are bottle feeding your baby, you have lots of options. And one of those options is organic formula. Organic formulas can be more expensive than conventional formulas and you have to decide for yourself if it’s worth the splurge.

So, what is an organic formula? Organic formulas have to be USDA Certified Organic. They are made with organic milk, which has to be sourced from organically-fed cows that were raised without hormones or antibiotics. They contain all the same nutrients as conventional formulas but contain all organic ingredients.

Similac® Organic is the only organic infant formula with the unique OptiGRO™ blend of DHA, Lutein and Vitamin E, that helps support your baby’s overall growth, brain, eye and immune system development. And while many people are choosing organic products, all Similac formulas are equally regulated and equally loved by moms – and have been for over 90 years.

Just as bottle feeding is a choice, so is opting for organic formula. But if for ethical or personal reasons you are leaning toward organic, then go for it. After all, there’s nothing more important than your baby and you’ll never be sorry about trying something you believe in.

What’s your best tip for going organic with your baby?

Image ©iStock.com/RushlanDashinsky

Your baby is the most important thing in your life. And you’re going to be making a lifetime of important decisions. Everyone’s got an opinion, and a story to tell you about their own experiences. But no one else is raising your baby. As you help your little one blossom into the wonder he’s destined to be, try to stay true to yourself and remember what’s most important in life.

Here are 17 things just as important as how you feed your baby:

1. How you snuggle with him at night
2. How you talk to her all the time, even before she can talk back
3. How you encourage him to be his best
4. How you play together
5. How you laugh with her over the smallest, silliest things
6. How you treat others, and lead by example
7. How you try to stay calm when things don’t go as you expect
8. How you teach your baby about the wondrous world around you
9. How you support your family and friends
10. How you cheer for even the smallest victories
11. How you protect the most important people in your life
12. How you respond to your baby when she needs you
13. How you provide all the love and care your little one needs
14. How you help others, and accept help yourself when you need it
15. How you tickle your baby’s belly, and the bottoms of his tiny feet
16. How you balance motherhood with every other aspect of your life
17. How you smile back at your baby when she grins at you

These are all expressions of love – just like feeding your baby. And if you’ve made the decision to use formula, know that you’re in the right hands with Similac®. Similac® has OptiGRO™, a unique blend of DHA, Lutein and Vitamin E, and is designed to help support your baby’s overall growth, brain, eye, and immune system development. That way you can focus on helping your baby develop in the best way you know how – by loving him.

What’s your favorite way to show love to your baby?

Image ©iStock.com/Jodi Jacobson

A lot of people tell moms to breastfeed. This video makes an excellent point about how society, other moms, pediatricians, your relatives, and so many people pressure moms to breastfeed ... but then suggest they do it where no one can see it. 

But guess what, moms? You can breastfeed anyplace you damn well please. Just like in this video! 

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Can you breastfeed at the lake?

Heck yeah you can! No matter how many people are boating by you.

Can You Breastfeed While You Spend?

I would certainly think the argument can be made that if you are spending your hard-earned cash, or not spending a single dime, of course you can breastfeed in a store!

Can You Breastfeed While It's Sleeting?  

Absolutely! Even though you may get soggy and cold while doing so. 

More from The Stir: 7 Tips for Breastfeeding Twins

The point is -- which this video illustrates beautifully -- that moms can breastfeed anywhere they want, anytime they want. It's that simple.

Image via The Canatellas/YouTube 

Dear Baby,  

Welcome to the world! We are so excited you could join us. You may be all cozily swaddled and sleeping like a baby (get it, baby? Of course you don't. You don't know what a sense of humor is yet! Sorry, baby! But trust me, it's funny! I will explain to you when you are older) with your belly full of warm milk, but it won't be long before your father or I are doing terrible things to you. 

No, baby! Don't furrow your little baby brow like that while you are sleeping like you understand what I am saying! We won't do terrible things to you on purpose. We love you and will do anything to protect you! But they will be terrible things regardless, because all parents do some truly terrible things to their babies.

We will: 

1. Make your tiny fingers bleed when we cut your nails. No matter how careful we are. 

2. Let you roll off a high surface, like a bed or sofa. 

3. Lose the one pacifier you cannot sleep without. Or else drop it down the garbage disposal while the garbage disposal is running. 

More from The Stir: My Husband's Paternity Leave Showed Me What a Game-Changer It Could Be for Every Family

4. Get poop on your head when we are changing you. 

5. Let you cry for two minutes while we are doing something utterly selfish, like washing the conditioner out of our hair. 

6. Make you wear something ridiculous and uncomfortable simply because it's adorable. 

7. Ruin your life on social media before you can even turn on a computer by telling everyone we know how you peed in your own bathwater. 

8. Let you pee in your own bathwater.

9. Make you eat mushy baby-food peas.

10. Let strange old people you aren't comfortable with hold you, and they may smell like mothballs and violets.

11. Raise your hands above your head constantly and say HOW BIG IS BABY? SO BIG!!!! whether you want us to or not.  

12. Have a shiny small box that lights up and that we always seem to be looking at, and when you grab for it we will say, "No baby, that's Mommy's phone." 

13. Let you eat our hair ...

14. ... and our necklaces

15. ... and your own feet

16. ... and dust bunnies when you start to crawl. 

More from The Stir: The Average Age of First-Time Moms Around the World -- How Do You Compare? (PHOTOS)

17. Let you hold for two minutes the shiny, jangly things Mommy keeps in her purse that she uses to start the go-thing, but we will take them away just when they are getting fun because we will be convinced you will poke them in your eye. 

18. Inadverantly let you poke the shiny, jangly things in your eye. 

19. Put locks on things to keep you from enjoying them. Like the refrigerator. 

20. Let you fall asleep in our arms, and then evvvvvvver so gently stand up, carry you to your room ... and bonk your head on the door frame.

So there you have it, baby. As wonderful and as magical as your first few years on this planet will be, you can also look forward to some pretty terrible things happening. Welcome to the world, baby! 

Images via Smolina Marianna/Shutterstock