Atlanta Baby 2015

atlanta BABY

FROM ATLANTA PARENT MAGAZINE

Oh, Baby,Let’s Have Fun

Advice for New Moms

Delivery Decisions

Nesting 101

Help is on the way: Our Baby Resource Guide

• Small, nurturing learning environment where children matter most• Passionate teachers providing active, developmentally appropriate lessons

• Weekly instruction in music, Spanish, PE, art, library and interactive technology• NAEYC, GAC and SACS Accredited

• PreK - 8th school program

Visit us at www.mcginniswoods.org • 770-664-7764 • 5380 Faircroft Drive • Alpharetta, GA 30005

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel

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9 / Are You Smarter Than The Average Mom?

Put yourself to the test with Atlanta Baby’s pregnancy and baby trivia.

10 / Get Ready for ParentingRead one – or all – of these six books for answers to pregnancy and child development questions and how to get your new family off to a great start.

12 / Nesting 101Follow these seven steps to prepare yourself and your home for baby so that the “nesting” period of your pregnancy will feel more serene.

14 / A Birth PlanMake a list to guide your medical team with your care and your infant’s, from who should be present during birth to whether you plan to breastfeed.

16 / Delivery DecisionsWhere will you have your baby? Check out Atlanta Baby’s guide to 22 metro-area hospitals.

20 / Keep Mom and Baby Happy

Taking care of yourself after the baby is born is just as important as staying healthy during pregnancy.

22 / Welcoming MealsFamilies with a new baby are so grateful when friends and family set up a meal delivery schedule. Here’s how to do it easily.

24 / Sleep Tight, BabyWhen your baby doesn’t sleep well, nobody does. Follow these tips to help your infant learn to fall asleep and sleep through the night.

How to Reach Us 770-454-75992346 Perimeter Park DriveAtlanta, GA 30341

l PUBLISHER Liz White

l ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Laura Powell

l EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Sheri Taylor-Emery

l CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Amanda Miller Allen

l STAFF WRITER Hayley Markowitz

l PRODUCTION Brittany Carlisle Robin Mintz

l ADVERTISING SALES Amy Smith Carolyn Haushalter Jordan Lisvosky Diane Radloff

l OPERATIONS MANAGER Caroline Ward

26 / Go Out to PlayGetting out of the house is good for mom and baby, and Atlanta has plenty of play places to explore music, the arts or the outdoors.

28 / Stylin’ BabyYour little one will make an impression when dressed in these colorful and stylish duds.

30 / 10 Finds $25 or LessCool new products on Atlanta Baby’s shopping list.

32 / Resource GuideSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Need classes, services, child care, a pediatrician and more? Our guide can help.

atlanta BABY

Guide for New and Expectant Parents

atlanta BABY

FROM ATLANTA PARENT MAGAZINE


✽ “This too shall pass.” When you find yourself rocking a colicky baby at all hours, this

comforting mantra is like a blinking light of hope beckoning you forward. I still whisper this oft-spoken phrase to myself in times of stress, and it hasn’t let me down yet. ✽ “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

Don’t underestimate the value of a supportive network of mommy friends. Connecting with other moms offers a pressure release valve when you need to talk out your worries and frustrations, much to the relief of your frequently called-on pediatrician. ✽ “The days are long, but the years are short.”

When steering through a tearful toddler tirade or slogging through sick days, you’ll want for nothing more than the clock to skip ahead to a less exhausting time or place. When well-meaning individuals said, “Enjoy these days – they go so fast,” I wanted to give them a swift kick in the derriere. But now I understand – those long days are swiftly becoming bittersweet memories. ✽ “Mother knows best.”

Know your own heart and mind. I recall standing in line at the store with my 2-week-old son who slept safe and sound in his baby carrier. An elderly woman behind me asked, “How old is he?” When I told her, her voice hardened. “In my day I wouldn’t have left the house until he was at least 6 weeks old.” As a sensitive new mom, admonishments like this bothered me despite following doctor’s recommendations.

by Christa Melnyk Hines

Baby showers bring a host of instructions from seasoned moms and well-

meaning friends. As a new mom, I grew weary of hearing “sleep when the baby sleeps.” I stubbornly refused to heed this sage advice and suffered from

sleep-deprivation-induced splitting headaches.

Even if the advice sounds clichéd, here are a few

truths about parenthood:

What Every

New Mom Needs

to Know

Some Truths About Parenthood


✽ “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

You will gain a new respect and appreciation for individuality and the word “quirky.” Many kids have curious interests. My son has loved cars since he was age 2. Not sexy sports cars, mind you. Cars like the 1988 Ford Taurus station wagon and the AMC Gremlin make his socks go up and down. ✽ “Keep calm and carry on.”

Your ability to remain calm in crisis may surprise you. I learned this about myself when my youngest was age 3. Across the room he chirped, “Look at me, Mommy!” I looked over to see him grinning while hanging upside down like a bat from the top of the oak mantle of our stone fireplace. “You need to get down,” I said cooly to avoid any sudden movements on his part. I swiftly walked toward him and lifted him down. I still shudder, imagining him falling on the rough-hewn gray stonework below. ✽ “Being a mother is the world’s hardest job.”

Emotionally-charged days with screaming kids may drive you to retreat behind closed doors, curl up in a fetal position and sob. You may tell yourself that mothering is too hard and you aren’t getting any of it right. But surrender isn’t an option. You’ll pick yourself up, throw cold water on your face and get back out there. This is good time to call a friend for moral support.

✽ “No guts, no glory.” On especially exasperating days, you might fantasize

about packing up and abandoning this motherhood mess. But you won’t run away. Children have the distinctive talent of breaking and repairing your heart daily. You won’t think twice about accepting their vise-like hugs and sloppy kisses. You’ll tuck sentimental notes away for safekeeping that sing your praises in childish scrawl, gussied up with stick people holding hands. ✽ “Put on your own oxygen mask first.”

While pregnant with my son, my doctor and loved ones concerned themselves with how I was feeling. The minute my son arrived, he naturally became the center of our universe. I forgot how much I still needed to nourish my body and spirit to be an emotionally stable and healthy mother. Getting out the house, taking walks, joining a supportive moms group and returning to my interests reduced my anxiety levels and helped me feel more content.

As you prepare to dive into the thick of motherhood, you’ll find these sayings will gently assimilate themselves neatly among life’s forthcoming milestones, tragedies and triumphs. And sooner or later, you’ll turn to congratulate a new mom and out will pop the words you swore you’d never say, “Enjoy these days. They go so fast.”


Estonna Wells-Jarrett, M.D.

993-F Johnson Ferry RoadSuite 370Atlanta, Georgia 30342Telephone 404-252-4611Fax 404-256-1759 www.sspediatrics.comFounded in 1968 / Northside Professional Center | 993 Johnson Ferry Road, Building F, Suite 370, Atlanta, 30342

Introducing our newest physician – Sarah Black, MD

Healthcare with a Personal Touch!• Phones answered by a real person

• See an MD every visit

• Patient Advocates help you navigate the offi ce and your insurance

• After hours calls are handled by our physicians until 11 p.m. Calls between 11 p.m. -7 a.m. are handled by a pediatric nurse with access to our physicians

• Patient Portal – Appointment Requests, Rx Refi lls, Lab Results, Payments, Message Physician and “Ask the Nurse”

We will be your child’s medical home from birth through college graduation.

Find a Pediatrician you can Trust!(404) 252-4611 | www.sspediatrics.com

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2.How many sperm

make their way toward the egg after a typical episode of

baby-making?

Are You Smarter Than The Average Mom?Put yourself to the test with Atlanta Baby’s pregnancy and baby trivia questions.

1.What state in the

United States has the highest

birthrate per 1,000 people?

3.What percentage of women wear a

larger shoe size after pregnancy than they

did before?4.

Adults have 206 bones.

How many do babies have?

5.Who said,

“If pregnancy were a book, they would

cut the last two chapters?”

6.In what decade did physicians start using fetal

monitors to check baby’s health? 7.

When did disposable diapers

start replacing cloth?

8.How often

do newborns urinate?

9.At what age should

children start spending time with a screen, using cell phones, tablets or

computers?

10.When you’re

expecting, what’s a good movie to see that was filmed in Atlanta? Bonus points if you

know which magazine was featured in

the film.

Answers:

1. Utah, with 21 babies per 1,000

2. 500 million

3. 15 percent

4. 300 (some fuse as children grow)

5. Nora Ephron

6. 1960s

7. Pampers, in 1961, were the first widely used in the United States, though various versions of disposable diapers were developed in the 1950s.

8. Every 20 minutes, but take heart, at age 6 months, it’s just every hour.

9. Most experts say not before age 2, because baby needs to focus on movement and socialization, but an estimated 38 percent of babies younger than age 2 use tablets or smartphones.

10. What to Expect When You’re Expecting (bonus points: Atlanta Parent)


✽ What to Eat When You’re Pregnantby Nicole M. Avena (Ten Speed Press)

Everybody knows what pregnant women want: Ice cream and pickles, of course (and whatever else they crave). But to support a healthy baby’s development, a diet with a little more diversity is essential. The author, a neuroscientist, expert in nutrition and a mother, tells you how to achieve that in the first, second and third trimester while handling cravings and how to shed “baby weight” afterward.

✽ Common Sense Pregnancy, Navigating a Healthy Pregnancy & Birth for Mother & Baby by Jeanne Faulkner (Ten Speed Press)

New mothers-to-be are often overwhelmed by the medical side of pregnancy – so many tests and decisions and so many emotional and physical changes as baby grows. Faulkner, a registered nurse, pregnancy columnist and mother, offers reassuring advice, from whether some medical tests are necessary to what to expect in the labor room and in the first weeks after baby arrives.

✽ Pregnancy Day By Day edited by Maggie Blott (DK Publishing)

Count down the days until your baby’s birth with this comprehensive guide that details how your baby is developing and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. The book covers nutrition, exercise, medical issues, pain relief and all the other questions women have before, during and immediately after delivery.

Ready, Set, Go!Pregnancy and Beyond

Life in the fast lane – better get used to it. Pregnancy is over in a nanosecond, and when baby arrives, it’s warp speed for the next few years as you experience exhilarating joy and learn things you never even suspected about being a parent. These books will prepare you for a real-life Amazing Race.

✽ Your Baby, Your Way by Jennifer Margulis (Scribner Publishing)

Some of the advice that mothers-to-be receive may not be in the best interests of the mother, the infant or family, this thought-provoking book reveals. For instance, the delays in potty training of toddlers may have more to do with the diaper industry than with baby’s developmental needs. The book encourages parents to question what they’re told about prenatal and infant care and choose their path after careful consideration.

✽ A Dad’s Guide to Baby Care by Colin Cooper (Octopus Publishing Group)

It’s easy to for dads-to-be and new dads to feel out of their element – everything changes with a baby, from family dynamics to household chores. On top of that, new parents have to develop a whole new set of skills to handle, change, dress, feed and play with their baby. This book, by a writer and editor of medical journals and father of two, will help men navigate unfamiliar territory.

✽ The Amazing Make-Ahead Baby Food Book by Lisa Barrangou (Ten Speed Press)

Pureed baby food in jars is convenient and a major reason most parents buy it. But you can make nutritious baby food without spending days in the kitchen, as this book promises in its subtitle: Make 3 Months of Homemade Purees in 3 Hours. The make-and-freeze recipes using fresh or frozen vegetables, fruit and dairy are easy to follow and the book provides guidelines about introducing your infant to new foods. – Amanda Miller Allen

You’re looking for a school where your baby will thrive, be

safe, grow, and be happy. Holy Spirit Preparatory School offers

programs for students age 6 months-4 years old, including a

Mother’s Morning Out program for toddlers age 6-23 months;

and preschool classes for students age 2-4, including half day, full

day, and extended day programs until 6:00pm.

The preschool at Holy Spirit Prep is a place where your little one

will be loved by teachers and caretakers, play, learn, and grow into

the happy, healthy student you want them to be.

At HSP, your child will receive more than day care: we employ a

comprehensive curriculum covering language arts, math, science

and social studies, as well as creative movement, fine arts, Spanish,

and music.

Holy Spirit Prep is more than a school: it’s a community where your

students can interact with and learn from students from our Lower

School to our high school. You are always welcome at HSP: stop

by, call, text, or email us to schedule a personal tour today.

Start with us. Stay with us.beginning with babies 6 months and older

An independent Catholic school on two campuses near Chastain Park, serving students age 6 months-12th grade.www.holyspiritprep.org 678.761.7992

Accepting late enrollment applications

for the 2015-16 school year.

A complete educationsolution for your family

12 Atlanta Baby atlantaparent.com2 Atlanta Baby www.atlantaparent.com

Make a list. Lists are great because they are visual.

Put it in your smartphone or do it the old fashioned way with a pen and paper. Write down everything on your mind from organizing your shoes to washing all of the baby’s new clothes. Having something tangible to read will help you stay focused.

Be realistic. You may think that repainting your

master bathroom three months before you deliver is a great idea, but don’t. Nesting is a time of organizing and settling in. Save the painting for your husband or paint your soon-to-be baby a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Take your time. Check your list of things to do and

take them one at a time. Trying to tackle everything at once will leave you feeling defeated. Give yourself grace when it comes to tidying things up.

Enjoy nesting. Nesting is one of the many fun times

during pregnancy. It says, “The end is near,” and this, this and this needs to be done before the baby is born. Nesting signals to the brain that “Yes, I am ready for this baby to come.”

Include the kids. If you have other children, let them

help you prepare for the arrival of their younger sibling. Something as simple as putting the baby’s bows in a bin to vacuuming the nursery can make all the difference when your kids want to help out.

Refl ect. After one thing on the list is done,

take a break and eat a snack. Take time to refl ect on where you are in your pregnancy. Enjoy the moment. Embrace the idea of waiting until after naptime to tackle the dishes.

Save something for your husband.

Even if you think you can get everything done by yourself, leave a thing or two for your husband. This serves two purposes – you can direct your attention to another task and your husband will feel needed and appreciated when he sees how happy you are now that the curtains are hung in the baby’s room.

by Meagan Ruffing

Something magical happens in the third trimester of pregnancy: It’s called “nesting.” You start preparing for baby and want to clean everything in sight.

For some women, nesting is a relaxing and comforting time as they organize and control what goes where. For others, it can be a bit stressful when there’s not enough storage and space to put things where you want them to be put.

So what do you do when you are feeling overwhelmed? Try these ideas to start creating a calm, organized and nesting-approved home.

NESTING 101: Seven Steps to Organization and Serenity

✽

✽


The Chastain School is a NAEYC accredited Preschool that providesthe highest quality early childhood education and care.

Program Attributes:

Monday-Friday 7:15-6:15Call to Schedule a Tour

404.851.0001 www.thechastainschool.com

• Infant-Toddler-Preschool-After School • Curriculum based on learning through discovery and play • Lowest student to teacher ratios • Christian-based programs • Experienced and degreed teachers and management • Enrichment Programs-Spanish, Playball, Swimming,

Gymnastics, Music and much more

A T L A N T A P A R E N T ’ S

MOM-APPROVEDDOCTORSNeed a pediatrician?

Atlanta Parent asked our readers to nominate pediatricians they would

recommend.

See our list at atlantaparent.com/top-atlanta-pediatricians

Top 10 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy1. Drink plenty of fluids each day, at least eight glasses, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

2. Eat small and well-balanced meals daily, five to six meals instead of the standard three.

3. If you smoke, quit, and don’t expose yourself to second-hand smoke.

4. Take a prenatal vitamin daily as directed by your physician.

5. Stay toned with daily moderate exercise – activity is good for physical and emotional well-being and a great stress-reducer.

6. Make sure you rest – get at least eight hours of sleep at night and nap if you feel tired.

7. Non-prescription drugs or herbal remedies aren’t a good idea, unless your physician says they’re OK.

8. Don’t get in a vehicle without using a safety belt/harness (place the lap-belt portion below your abdomen and sit as far back from the vehicle’s airbag system as possible).

9. Avoid heavy lifting, standing for long periods of time, using harsh chemicals or changing cat litter (it can expose your baby to toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease carried by cats).

10. This is no time to go on a diet, but pay attention to your weight gain, and avoid packing on excess pounds that can stress your body and your baby’s; guidelines say normal-weight mothers should gain no more than 35 pounds.

14 Atlanta Baby atlantaparent.com2 Atlanta Baby www.atlantaparent.com

You’ve been to countless appointments, picked out the pediatrician, prepared the nursery, packed the hospital bag … but have you created a birth plan? A birth plan is a personalized list for your ideal labor and delivery scenario.

Keep in mind when you’re drafting your plan that it’s just a plan. In fact, Teresa Howard, a certifi ed doula and childbirth educator who owns

Labor of Love Doula & Childbirth Services based in Lawrenceville, half-jokingly tells moms-to-be, “Do the birth plan in pencil and carry an eraser!” What she means is that a birth plan is a fl uid document, a guideline that might change when a mom’s wishes change or circumstances do.

The birth plan is a communication tool, a “jumping off point” for conversations with your medical team about your preferences, Howard says. It’s best to keep it simple, no more than 10 items, and to have a separate plan for your baby on brightly colored paper. She points out that your birth plan goes in your medical chart, and you need one with “do’s and don’ts” for your baby that will be placed in the infant’s nursery chart.

The best plan may not be a sheet of paper, she says. Howard says one mom rolled out a large scroll to hang in her room, and you can be sure her medical team took notice. Another idea: Write your wishes on pennants and hang them around the room.

– Melanie Wagner and Amanda Allen

Here are some things to consider when creating a birth plan:

Creating aBirth Plan

✽ Who do you want to be present at the birth? Your spouse, partner, friends, relatives or doula?

✽ Know who will deliver your baby, and the backup doctor or midwife, just in case.

✽ Know when you should go to the hospital (immediately if you are Group B strep positive or when your water breaks).

✽ How will you labor? Walking, birthing bed, sitting in a chair, rocking on a big ball, a water birth?

✽ Which pain relief would you like administered? An epidural or spinal block, acupressure, no pain medication?

✽ Would you like to push instinctively or be coached on when to push and for how long?

✽ Do you want your partner to help “catch” the baby? Do you want him or her to cut the umbilical cord? Do you want to hold your baby right away?

✽ Do you want all newborn procedures to take place in your presence? Do you want your baby to be in the room with you at all times?

✽ Do you want to breastfeed only, formula feed only or a combination?

✽ Do you want your baby boy circumcised at the hospital,

at a later date or not at all?

Prenatal & Labor SupportPostpartum Support

NEW: Placenta Encapsulation

For more information please visitwww.northatlantadoulas.com

[email protected]

Including doulas, childbirth educators, chiropractors, photographers, midwives & more.

We offer monthly educational events, including Desserts & Doulas,

Meet The Midwives and a Dad's Panel.Check out our website for event details.

www.GaBirthNetwork.com

YOUR DIRECTORY OF BIRTH PROFESSIONALS


Spotlighton baby✽✽✽

Special Advertising Page

atlantaparent.com2 Atlanta Baby www.atlantaparent.com

You’ve been to countless appointments, picked out the pediatrician, prepared the nursery, packed the hospital bag … but have you created a birth plan? A birth plan is a personalized list for your ideal labor and delivery scenario.

Keep in mind when you’re drafting your plan that it’s just a plan. In fact, Teresa Howard, a certifi ed doula and childbirth educator who owns

Labor of Love Doula & Childbirth Services based in Lawrenceville, half-jokingly tells moms-to-be, “Do the birth plan in pencil and carry an eraser!” What she means is that a birth plan is a fl uid document, a guideline that might change when a mom’s wishes change or circumstances do.

The birth plan is a communication tool, a “jumping off point” for conversations with your medical team about your preferences, Howard says. It’s best to keep it simple, no more than 10 items, and to have a separate plan for your baby on brightly colored paper. She points out that your birth plan goes in your medical chart, and you need one with “do’s and don’ts” for your baby that will be placed in the infant’s nursery chart.

The best plan may not be a sheet of paper, she says. Howard says one mom rolled out a large scroll to hang in her room, and you can be sure her medical team took notice. Another idea: Write your wishes on pennants and hang them around the room.

– Melanie Wagner and Amanda Allen

Here are some things to consider when creating a birth plan:

Creating aBirth Plan

✽ Who do you want to be present at the birth? Your spouse, partner, friends, relatives or doula?

✽ Know who will deliver your baby, and the backup doctor or midwife, just in case.

✽ Know when you should go to the hospital (immediately if you are Group B strep positive or when your water breaks).

✽ How will you labor? Walking, birthing bed, sitting in a chair, rocking on a big ball, a water birth?

✽ Which pain relief would you like administered? An epidural or spinal block, acupressure, no pain medication?

✽ Would you like to push instinctively or be coached on when to push and for how long?

✽ Do you want your partner to help “catch” the baby? Do you want him or her to cut the umbilical cord? Do you want to hold your baby right away?

✽ Do you want all newborn procedures to take place in your presence? Do you want your baby to be in the room with you at all times?

✽ Do you want to breastfeed only, formula feed only or a combination?

✽ Do you want your baby boy circumcised at the hospital,

at a later date or not at all?

Holy Spirit Prep You’re looking for a school where

your baby will thrive, be safe, grow, and be happy. Holy Spirit Preparatory School offers programs for students age 6 months-4 years old, including a Mother’s Morning Out program for toddlers age 6-23 months; and preschool classes for students age 2-4, including half day, full day, and extended day programs until 6:00 p.m.

The preschool at Holy Spirit Prep is a place where your little one will be loved by teachers and caretakers, play, learn, and grow into the happy, healthy student you want them to be.

At HSP, your child will receive more than day care: they employ a comprehensive curriculum covering language arts, math, science and social studies, as well as creative movement, fine arts, Spanish, and music.

Holy Spirit Prep is more than a school: it’s a community where your students can interact with and learn from students from their Lower School to their high school. You are always welcome at HSP: stop by, call, text, or email them to schedule a personal tour today. www.holyspiritprep.org, 678-761-7992.

MJCCA PreschoolsMarcus JCC of Atlanta Preschools offer full-

and half-day options for children ages six weeks – Pre-K at two convenient Atlanta locations: Dunwoody and East Cobb. Our facilities are like none other and students have the opportunity to explore our campuses and enjoy swimming and other sports, drama, art, and more, as they challenge and enrich their growing minds.

Through an exceptional NAEYC-accredited program (National Association for the Education of Young Children) – a distinction awarded only to the top 7% of preschools nationwide – your children are given a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of learning. Our preschoolers are immersed in a safe and loving environment focused on an innovative, secular preschool curriculum that’s infused with traditional Jewish learning and core values such as honesty, respect, and honor. In order to prepare children to excel in future educational settings, the MJCCA’s Early Childhood Services department has enhanced its already enriching curriculum to include several additional kindergarten-readiness programs. Graduates take with them the tools necessary for success as they move on to elementary schools of their choice. The MJCCA Sunshine School is also a 3-Star Quality Rated School – only the fourth preschool in the state to rank the highest level of 3 stars!

For information about the MJCCA and our early childhood offerings, please visit atlantajcc.org/preschool or call 678.812.4060.

Decatur Yoga and Pilates Create a deep and meaningful

connection with your family with a Yoga Lifestyle. Yoga is about connecting. Connection begins as early as the womb. Begin that beautiful bond by practicing Prenatal Yoga. Engage your partner with a Prenatal Partner Yoga and Childbirth Preparation Workshop. Then explore the world with your newborn in our Post Partum Mom and Baby Series.

Decatur Yoga invites your family to GROW with them. The Atlanta Kids Yoga Movement began at DYP in 2003 when Debra Kelley and Cheryl Crawford brought YogaKids to Decatur. Cheryl, co-founder of Grounded, went on to train the majority of yoga teachers for kids in the metro area.

During the school year there are multiple 6-week yoga series for age groups 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15. Classes are held M-TH 4:30-5:30 and coincide with an adult class in the Hot Room. On Fridays there is a Family Yoga Series where parents and kids do yoga together. Don’t miss Family Partner Yoga Workshops and Yoga Birthday Parties. Families that do yoga together, stay together and grow together. Join Decatur Yoga on the mat soon. Call to schedule an introductory class today, 404-377-4899. decaturyogaandpilates.com. Welcome to the journey. Namaste.

Emory University Child Study CenterHow do children learn and grow? How do they

think and remember? How do they change as they grow older? These are some of the questions that Emory University Child Study Center is constantly asking...and you and your child can be part of uncovering new answers!

The center invites Atlanta area families to participate in studies focused on language, learning, memory. It also investigates the role that brain development plays. Emory faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students conduct research studies on each of these fascinating areas.

The Child Study Center studies how children learn and develop by watching and interacting with them and their parents. Each study is carefully planned to be fun and interesting. It usually involves one or two sessions, and typically takes place at the Emory University campus in a comfortable setting. Parents with newborns through school-age children are encouraged to participate.

Parents may stay during the session and play with their children and observe the study sessions. Parking is free and convenient.

If you are interested in participating please, visit www.psychology.emory.edu/childstudycenter or contact the center at [email protected] or 404-727-7432. The center will contact you when an appropriate study becomes available.

16 Atlanta Baby atlantaparent.com2 BIG Baby BOOK www.atlantaparent.com

From taking your prenatal vitamins to getting the nursery ready, it seems likethere are a million little things to do

before the baby comes. One of your first decisions as a parent is where to deliver your infant. ✿ To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 22 metro-area hospitals, including birthing rooms and birth rates. Expectant parents should make a list of questions to ask the staff and get a better feel for what each facility has to offer. ✿ Take advantage of hospital tours and find out which hospitals are convenient to your home. Be sure to figure out your insurance details beforehand and learn the policies for visitation and guests in the delivery room. ✿ Being prepared will lead to a better experience for you and your baby.

– Hayley Markowitz

Where Will You Have Your

Hospital Private (P)Mat. Beds

BirthingRooms

LDR/LDRP*

BirthsPer

Month

C-SectionRate

MaternityTours

Atlanta Medical Center 303 Parkway Dr. NE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-265-4000. atlantamedcenter.com

30-P 20 LDR 221 13% By appt.1-877-228-3638

DeKalb Medical 2701 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033 404-501-2229. dekalbmedicalcenter.org

62-P 18 LDR 400 18% Primary15% Repeat

By appt.404-501-9355

or online.

Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way, Snellville, GA 30078 770-979-0200. eastsidemedical.org

22-P 13 LDR 128 34% Second and fourthThursdays at 7 p.m.

800-242-5662 or online.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-474-7000. emoryjohnscreek.com

12-P 8 LDR 80-100 16.4% Primary15.7% Repeat

Thurs. at 6 p.m.and Sat. at 10 a.m.

Register online.

Atlanta Baby 17 atlantaparent.com BIG Baby BOOK 3 www.atlantaparent.com

Baby?

The information on this chart has been provided by each hospital. *Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum Rooms

Hospital Private (P)Mat. Beds

BirthingRooms

LDR/LDRP*

BirthsPer

Month

C-SectionRate

MaternityTours

Emory University Hospital Midtown 550 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 404-778-7777. emoryhealthcare.org

39-P8 Antepartum

11 LDR 340 15.3% Primary13.1% Repeat

1st, 2nd & 3rd Thurs. at6:30 & 7:30 p.m. and on request. 404-778-7777

Grady Health System 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30303 404-616-1000. gradyhealth.org

27-P 12 LDR 245 29.5% By appt.404-6 16-2229

Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion 550 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30045 678-442-3600. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org

37-P 19 LDR 400 33% Tues. at 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.Sat. 11 a.m. & noon.

Register: 678-312-5000

Northeast Georgia Medical Center743 Spring St. NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 770-219-9000. nghs.com

30-P8 Antepartum

18 LDR 300 17% Primary15% Repeat

Register onlineor 770-219-1495

North Fulton Hospital**3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell, GA 30076 770-751-2500. northfultonregional.com

20-P 6 LDR 110-130 12.3% Primary11.2% Repeat

Every other Tues. alternating with every other Thurs.

770-751-2660

Northside Hospital-Atlanta 1000 Johnson Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342 404-845-5555. northside.com

200-P 42 LDR 1,250 40% By appt.404-845-5555 or website.

Northside Hospital-Cherokee 201 Hospital Rd., Canton, GA 30114 770-720-5300. northside.com

10-P 8 LDRP 100 34% By appt.404-845-5555 or website.

Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming, GA 30041 770-844-3200. northside.com

24-P 6 LDR 250 37% By appt.404-845-5555 or website.

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital 1968 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-605-5000. piedmont.org

28-P 14 LDR 285 36% Register online.

Piedmont Fayette Hospital 1255 Highway 54 West, Fayetteville, GA 30214 770-719-7000. piedmont.org

24-P 10 LDR 200 31% Every other Sun. at 2 p.m.Every other Thurs. at 6 p.m.

Register: 404-605-3599

Piedmont Henry Hospital 1133 Eagles Landing Pkwy., Stockbridge, GA 30281 678-604-1000. piedmont.org

18-P 12 LDR 175 28% Register:678-604-1040

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital 1266 Georgia 515, Jasper, GA 30143 706-692-2441. piedmont.org

7-P 4 LDR 27 30% Tours 7 days a week10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Register: 706-301-5246

Piedmont Newnan Hospital 745 Poplar Rd., Newnan, GA 30265770-400-1000. piedmont.org

14-P 5 LDR 100 31% Tours fi rst and third Sat. of each month at 10 a.m.Register: 770-400-2220

Rockdale Medical Center 1412 Milsted Ave., Conyers, GA 30012 770-918-3677. rockdalemedicalcenter.org

29-P 17 LDR 150 30% Offering tours twice a month. Register: 1-800-424-3627

or website.

Southern Regional Women’s Life Center 11 Upper Riverdale Rd., Riverdale, GA 30274 770-991-8200. southernregional.org

40-P 14 LDR 255 27% Tues. 5 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m. Register:

770-991-8246

WellStar Cobb Hospital 3950 Austell Rd., Austell, GA 30106 770-732-4000. wellstar.org

46-P 20 LDR 307 33% By appt.770-956-7827

WellStar Douglas Hospital 8954 Hospital Dr., Douglasville, GA 30134 770-949-1500. wellstar.org

9-P 6 LDRP 39 28% By appt.770-920-6240

WellStar Kennestone Hospital 677 Church St., Marietta, GA 30060 770-793-5000. wellstar.org

58-P 21 LDR 458 36% By appt.770-956-7827

**Last year’s data for North Fulton Hospital


Nurse & Nurture provides private, in-home care for newborn babies throughout the night. All of our Registered Nurses are college educated, have at least two years of related clinical

experience and are Infant CPR Certified. And, since you care about who you let into your home, all of our nurses have successfully passed a criminal background check, wear

company issued uniforms and are licensed and insured.

Nurse & Nurture is committed to providing the best possible care for your baby so so you can rest peacefully

and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Who’s Who?In your journey from pregnancy

to baby, you may end up with more than a few professionals added to your contact list. Some specialize in fields you might have never heard of.

No matter how many you wind up with, you’ll be grateful to each who helped you and your baby along the way.

n OBAn obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, labor and birth. They also are specially trained to manage complications as well as perform surgery if a cesarean is necessary.

n PerinatologistAn OB who specializes in high-risk pregnancies or complications.

n MidwifeCertified nurse midwives can provide full prenatal and postpartum care. In Georgia, certified nurse midwives can practice in hospital settings or private practices but not in homes.

n DoulaA professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional and physical support to a mother who is expecting or has recently given birth. Doulas can help navigate the birth process as well as issues such as breastfeeding.

n Genetic CounselorHealth professionals trained to help families understand genetic disorders often flagged through prenatal testing.

n Lactation Consultants/ Breastfeeding CounselorsPeople who help new moms with initial breastfeeding support and issues.


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In the fast-paced world we l ive in today, f inding t ime to p repa re f o r the a r r i va l o f a new baby can be challenging. Fastest and easiest often over rules taking the time to gather the information you need to make important decisions from trusted sources.

As the leader in materni ty services, Northside Hospital delivers more babies than any other hospital in the nation and has been the comforting, familiar presence for mothers-to-be in Atlanta for more than a generation. The hospital’s MothersFirst program was designed with expectant parents in mind – to provide evidence-based information you can trust along with care and support to guide you through your pregnancy and beyond.

Northside MothersFirst meets you where you are - from traditional group classes in small intimate environments, where you feel

comfortable asking questions and can network with other couples, to online classes, eBooks, web videos, virtual tours of the hospital and even a new smartphone app.

Topics range from breastfeeding and childbirth preparation to baby sign language and CPR training. There’s even a class about how to prepare the family dog for your new little one. Don’t forget to send your parents to a Grandparenting class, so everyone is up-to-date with the current information.

There are many options and Northside MothersFirst has you covered at each step of the way. All classes and content are taught and reviewed by nationally certified instructors, nurses and other health care professionals. The new Northside Hospital

Baby Bump app offers important information and “fun” extras for every stage of pregnancy and beyond. Available for iPhone and Android.

L ea r n mo re a t no r th s i de .c o m / m a t e r n i t y r e s o u r c e s , o r f i n d u s o n Fa c e b o o k @NorthsideHospitalMaternity.

To browse classes and tour options and register online, visit classes.northside.com, or call (404) 845-5555.

Northside Hospital MothersFirst

Princeton Lakes Pediatrics Finding the right

pediatric care for your child can have a huge impact on your child’s development. That’s the goal at Princeton Lakes Pediatrics. They focus on successfully balancing medical knowledge and compassion to ensure that their patients receive excellent healthcare in an environment that is comfortable and friendly.

Getting your child integrated into a practice that cares primarily for children may put them at ease when it comes to sharing emotional concerns or physical illness, whether they are a toddler or moving into the teenage years. Make sure you look for a practice that takes every measure to work with parents in raising children that live up to their full potential medically, academically, and socially.

Schedule an appointment today to make Princeton Lakes Pediatrics your child’s medical home. Two convenient locations in Kennesaw and Atlanta. Their newest office in Kennesaw is now accepting new patients, and Walk-ins are welcome. Call the Kennesaw office on North Cobb Parkway at 678-483-6880; or the Camp Creek Medical Center office at 404-629-1880. Learn more at princetonlakespeds.com

Quality Care for Children Deciding who will take care of your child

is one of the toughest choices a parent can face. Parents and caregivers can call a toll-free number – 1-877-ALL GA KIDS – to find licensed child care anywhere in the state. Quality Care for Children and Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning have teamed up to provide this FREE service to parents.

Callers to 1-877-ALL GA KIDS will be connected with trained staff who will help families connect with child care providers in their area that are licensed, convenient to work at home, and within the family budget. They will also provide information and advice on how to select a qualified child care provider. A searchable database will also be available at www.allgakids.com.

An estimated 64 percent of families in Georgia already use child care, and demand is growing as more family members work outside the home. Quality Care for Children CEO Pam Tatum said tough economic conditions this year are putting an additional strain on families and the child care services they use in Georgia, as more parents are turning to unlicensed providers that might cost less, but aren’t always safe or properly trained.


by Christa Melnyk Hines

Throughout your pregnancy, you eat the right foods,

drink plenty of fluids, rest and try to keep stress to a minimum. Once your baby arrives, you might think that you can relax your self-care but it should remain a top

priority to ensure good health for both of you.

✽ Drink plenty of water. Replenishing your body after significant fluid loss is important.

“The key to optimal recovery after delivery is fluid hydration with water,” says Dr. Gina Petelin, OB/GYN.

✽ Nourish yourself. Before the baby arrives, assemble healthy meals to stash in your freezer. In the midst of caring for a newborn, you’ll be less likely to eat poorly when you can quickly pop a nutritious, ready-made meal into the oven or crockpot.

Stock up on protein-packed snacks to keep your energy up, especially if you plan to breastfeed. Choose simple, healthy snacks like cheese sticks, almonds, rotisserie chicken, yogurt and energy bars.

Consult with your physician to determine how many extra calories you should be consuming each day according to your activity level, weight and if you choose to nurse.

7 Steps to

Keep Mom, & Baby, Healthy

✽ Sleep when the baby sleeps. “Those first days home from the hospital, rest, rest, rest and spend as much time skin-to-skin with your baby as you can,” says Teresa Marshall, a birth and postpartum doula. “This will truly make for a smoother transition for baby from womb to room and for mama, as well.”

Tricia Walania, a postpartum emotional support program coordinator, says that rest is one of the best ways you can care for yourself. “Being rested helps you cope more effectively with both physical and emotional changes,” she says.

Unable to catnap? Relax with your eyes closed.

✽ Integrate gentle exercise. Many moms are surprised that they still look pregnant after delivery. Don’t panic; that’s normal, Dr. Petelin says. Although the uterus decreases in size right away, you will still appear to be about five months pregnant when leaving the hospital. By following a healthy diet and exercising according to your doctor’s instructions, you’ll get back to your pre-pregnancy body.

Many moms enjoy group exercise activities like “mommy and me” yoga and Fit4Mom (formerly Stroller Strides) where you’ll also experience companionship with other moms. Walking is also beneficial. Not only will you get exercise, a stroll around the


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&Embracing Strengthening Metro Atlanta Familiessince 1983

block on a sunny day will do wonders for your emotional well-being and give you a boost of vitamin D.

Take extra care if you’ve had a cesarean delivery and only gradually increase your activity level according to your doctor’s instructions. Current recommendations include no driving the first two weeks postpartum and no heavy lifting (anything over 15 pounds) for the first six weeks.

✽ Expect hormonal changes. Many new moms feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious, tearful or mildly depressed. “Exhaustion, hormonal changes and isolation after the birth of a baby may lead to what is referred to as ‘baby blues,’” Walania says. “To some degree this happens to everyone. It’s natural and not permanent.”

Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist for more than two weeks. Anxiety and depression can also be linked to thyroid issues or low levels of iron and vitamin D.

✽ Tap your village. “I would recommend reaching out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or just a visit,” Marshall says.

Often friends and family members are eager to assist by holding the baby or watching siblings to give you a chance to

nap, shower, go for a walk or run an errand.“You have to take care of yourself in

order to be able to take care of your baby,” Walania says.

While social media can help you feel connected to the outside world, nothing can quite replace a deeply satisfying conversation with a friend or a warm hug. Get together for coffee, lunch or a walk. If your network feels inadequate, join a mothers’ group or look for parent-child gatherings in your neighborhood through

Meetup.com.The sooner you seek support, the faster

you can start feeling like yourself again.

✽ Nurture your spirit. You may be a mom now, but you aren’t only a mom. Take time to do the things that have always brought you personal fulfillment and joy, whether that’s crafting, relaxing in a warm bath, browsing at a boutique or lunching with a friend. When you are happier and healthier, your baby will be, too.


Shower Them With Meals

by Sara Barry

Meal delivery schedules make

a great gift. Friends and families are excited about a new arrival, and dropping off dinner is a helpful way to show love and support to the new (or newly expanded) family.

Tips for Meal Bringers✽ Pay attention to food allergies and preferences. Unsure if something is okay? Ask for clarification, or choose something else.

✽ Respect family wishes. During the early weeks, mom or baby may be resting, trying to nurse, or simply not up for visitors. You’ll get a chance to meet the baby when the family is ready.

✽ Make it easy for them. If possible, deliver your meal ready to eat. If it needs to be reheated, leave instructions with your meal including the temperature and cook time. Try to use pans or dishes the family won’t have to return.

✽ Bring your meal on time. Don’t keep the family wondering if they need to come up with a last minute dinner plan.

Set it up OnlineCreating a meal schedule is easy with online sites such

as MealTrain.com and TakeThemAMeal.com.New parents-to-be can set up an account themselves,

but they may find it helpful to have someone else be the administrator. That way when the baby arrives, parents won’t have to deal with updates or questions. The administrator can change preferences, answer questions, or add anybody who can’t get online to the schedule.

Once an account is set up, friends and family can be invited to participate through email or social media. They log in to choose an available date and indicate what they will bring. While listing what they will bring isn’t required, it helps ensure variety for the family. The services even send an email to help people remember to bring their scheduled meals.

Show New Families You Care with Scheduled Food Deliveries after Baby Arrives


Announce Your Baby’s Arrival

With A Six-Foot Sign in Your Front Yard!

A Sign from Above is the premier supplier of elaborate baby signs, birth announcements and stork signs in Atlanta and all of North Georgia. There is no bigger or better way to announce your baby’s arrival than with one of our adorable baby signs in your front yard.

Call us now and order your sign – Give a gift that stands above the rest – literally!Visit our website to check out the gallery of signs and for more information! ASignFromAboveInc.com • 678.215.6721 [email protected]

Food for ThoughtBefore asking people to bring a meal,

you’ll want to sort out a few detailsFood allergies and preferences:

If your family has any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, no nuts), you can note these when you set up the account. You can include favorite foods or other guidelines, too. These notes help people choose foods that your family will eat.

Frequency of meals: You probably don’t need meals every day. Every other day or a few times a week often works well. You may have help some days and can plan on cooking then. Also, many people will bring enough food for you to have leftovers.

Drop off time and location: Request that people drop off food within a certain time range to make sure dinner is there when you are ready to eat. If you prefer that people drop off food without visiting, set that expectation in the sign up form. Some families set up a cooler on their porch for people to drop off food. If you don’t have

Some families set up

a cooler on their porch for people to drop

off food.

a safe area for people to leave food, meet people at the door and thank them for the meal without inviting them in for a visit. On the other hand, if you are starved for company, drop offs will give you a chance to see somebody.

What to Bring

Friends juggling a job and their own families want to help, but often can’t make time to prepare a home-cooked meal or casserole. That’s where gift cards and prepared meals come in.

Gift cards might include restaurants that deliver pizza or ethnic food or have an easy take-out process that lets diners call ahead and pick up the completed meal at a “to go” counter. Zoe’s Kitchen (zoeskitchen.com) and Chili’s Bar & Grill (chilis.com), for instance, let you order online for pickup at the restaurant. Locally run restaurants are also happy to prepare takeout meals.

Casseroles are a great option, and you don’t have to make them yourself. Order a frozen casserole from Casseroles Atlanta (casserolesatlanta.com) to deliver to the family or give the restaurant enough notice and they’ll heat it for you. Paul’s Pot Pies (paulspotpies.com) in Marietta sells frozen pies (vegetarian, seafood, beef, turkey and more) that cook perfectly with

set-the-oven-and-forget-it directions.Delis offer plenty of choices for

assembling to-go family meals you can deliver. Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli (goldbergbagel.com), with nine locations, also has frozen dinner options, including pot pies and casseroles. And don’t forget supermarket delis.

Instead Of Flowers (insteadofflowers.com), another Atlanta company, will deliver prepared meals to the family’s home on the date you specify, with a meal selection that includes comfort foods and more.

Getting StartedOne of the most challenging things

about a baby meal schedule is knowing when to start it. TakeThemAMeal.com suggests setting up your account based on the baby’s due date and getting two people to commit to bringing the first two meals.

Another tip is to have those first two people freeze a meal ahead of time so that they have something to deliver on short notice.

Some families choose a start date a week before the delivery date, and start the sign up process about a month before the due date. If the baby isn’t born by the start date, the administration can awsk them to choose a later date.


Easy Ways to Help Your Baby

Sleep All Night

by Malia Jacobson

Jacobson is author of Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks or Tirades (Amazon Digital Services, 2013).

Nix the Night LightWhen it comes to sleep, the best

light is no light at all. Nighttime light disrupts melatonin production, and even a small night light or the light from the baby monitor can be enough to prevent deep, restful sleep. Dim the house lights after dinner and install effective blackout blinds to get the bedroom truly dark. A black twin-sized flat sheet can be folded in half and tacked around a window in a pinch.

Embrace BoringAn effective bedtime routine is one that’s set:

the same things, in the same order, every night. “Our bodies love routine, and this is especially so with children and bedtime,” says sleep expert Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. Performing the same events in the same sequence cues a child’s subconscious for sleep.

Practice the Pacifier

Pediatrics magazine reports that nearly 70 percent of parents give pacifiers to their newborns. Many of these parents are getting up at night to replug their baby’s lost binky. The sooner baby learns to manage a pacifier, the better everyone sleeps. Incorporate “paci practice” into tummy time and playtime.

Start Sunny Side UpFor an easier bedtime,

start your baby’s day off the bright way. Strong morning light helps set your child’s internal clock so he’ll fall asleep more easily come nightfall. Open curtains to let the light shine in.

Atta BabyLearning to fall asleep

in bed will help your child learn to sleep longer stretches, and eventually, sleep through the night. Help your baby learn to love his crib by using rhythmic patting to soothe him after placing him in bed, without picking him back up. Infants should be placed to sleep face-up, so pat the crib mattress or the shoulder.

Avoid Nap TrapsNaps are important to babies and young

children – they promote healthy nighttime rest, and new research from Emory University shows that they help babies learn and retain new information. But napping all day means less sleep at night. Naps of an hour or two are long enough to be restorative without robbing nighttime sleep.

Get Baby Moving Moving all day can help your baby sleep

all night. A body in motion is one that’s primed for sleep, because exercise helps children fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. So let your little one move. Aim for at least 60 minutes per day of vigorous activity. Toddlers and young children need to walk and run; babies need lots of time on their tummies and backs to wiggle, stretch, and work their muscles.

Find Baby’s Sleep Number

Late bedtimes cause many childhood sleep problems, but figuring out when to put your baby to bed can be tough.

To find your baby’s perfect bedtime, first determine how many hours of sleep he needs in a 24-hour period to figure out how many hours he can comfortably stay awake per day. Set your child’s bedtime so that he is not awake longer than that, and you’ll prevent overtiredness that can wreck nighttime sleep.

For example, a 10-month-old who needs 14 hours of daily sleep can stay awake for 10 hours per day. If he gets up at 6 a.m. and naps for 3 hours each day, he needs to be in bed by 7 p.m. each evening. (Newborns need between 14 and 16 hours of shut-eye per day; children ages 1-3 need 12-14 hours, and kids 3-6 need 10-12 hours.)


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✽ Move to MusicThe Music Class: Children and parents sing, dance, move and learn to play instruments in classes throughout metro Atlanta. Infant classes, for ages 0-10 months, focus on singing and musical fun. themusicclass.com

The Learning Groove: Several locations in metro Atlanta offer music and movement classes for infants to age 4. thelearninggroove.com

Kindermusik: Children up to age 7 have fun and learn with music and movement. The Village and Cuddle & Bounce classes are for newborns to age 12 months. kindermusik.com

Oh, Baby, Let’s Have Fun!

New parents searching for something fun to do with their babies don’t have to look far. We’ve gathered a list of the best

parent and me classes in metro Atlanta from playgroups to swim classes.

✽ Explore the ArtsAlliance Theatre: Theatre for the Very Young targets children ages 18 months to 5 years, offering a live performance, plus dance, music, movement and storytelling. alliancetheatre.org

High Museum of Art: Toddlers and young children can discover art with the museum’s programs for families. On Toddler Thursdays explore the High’s collection through letters, colors, numbers and shapes. high.org

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

The Music Class

Alliance Theatre

✽ Get in to Swim Aqua Tots: Learn holding and safety techniques while your baby adjusts to the water. Tadpole lessons for ages 4-12 months. aqua-tots.com

DynamoSwim: Enjoy songs and games while getting acclimated to the water. Floating skills, safety techniques and submersion movements are taught. DynaBabies offers three different classes for ages 6-36 months. dynamoswimschool.com

YMCA: Aquatic safety, water orientation and a positive aquatic experience. Games, songs and basic aquatic movements are introduced at this level. Parent + Tot swim lessons for ages 6 months-36 months. ymcaatlanta.org/swim-lessons

✽ Step Outside Atlanta Botanical Gardens: Take a sensory exploration of the changing seasons, colors and textures of the Garden with an interactive walking tour, Stroller Struts for ages 1-2. atlantabg.org

Zoo Atlanta: Learn all about animal babies with specialized programs and meet an animal ambassador. Stroller Cubs, for ages 0-2. zooatlanta.org


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BABY FROM ATLANTA PARENT MAGAZINE

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Help is on the way: Our Baby Resource Guide

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AtlantaPARENT

FACT:

Moving lip and tongue muscles helps babies master pre-speech vocalizations.

PRIMROSE WAY:

We encourage the blowing of raspberries.CALL FOR A TOUR.39 Atlanta Metro-Area Schools 1.800.PRIMROSE | PrimroseSchools.com/AtlantaEach Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and The Leader in Early Education and CareSM are registered trademarks and service marks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2015 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

Infants – Private Kindergarten & A er School

– Hayley Markowitz

Other toddler programs to explore✽ Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. marietta.com/museum-mice-tours

✽ Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. heritagesandysprings.org

✽ Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. southernmuseum.org

✽ Toddler Fridays. The Hudgens Center for the Arts. thehudgens.org

✽ Magic Mondays. Atlanta History Center. atlantahistorycenter.com

✽ Second Thursday Preschool Program. Southeastern Railroad Museum. southeasternrailwaymuseum.org

Gymboree

✽ Time to PlayGymboree: Gymboree Play & Learn, for ages 0 to 5, has two classes for babies – one for ages 0-6 months that explores the senses and another for ages 6-10 months to build strength using slides, ramps and climbers. gymboreeclasses.com

Hippo Hopp: A separate bouncy house filled with balls, a big jungle-themed inflatable, oversized foam blocks, play houses, toys of all sorts on a soft foam mat and baby bouncers are available in the toddler only area for ages 3 and younger. Plus a nursing nook. hippohopp.com

Catch Air: Enjoy an indoor jump location with a separate large toddler play area for ages 3 and younger including swings, crawl area, slides and more. catchairparty.com

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Fun activities for infants and their older siblings at a museum that specializes in creative and educational activities. Reopening after renovations in late 2015. childrensmuseumatlanta.org


in StyleSteppin’ Out

Atlanta Baby’s top picks for baby.

✽ Onesies with Pizzazz

Hanna Andersson’s Crossover One Piece in Organic Cotton combines comfort and style for baby. It stretches for diapers and springs back into shape when washed. A cap, pants and socks to match make a cute outfit. $15. hannaandersson.com

✽ Whimsical Leggings

Fun and colorful, these leggings are head-turners with designs that include a fox, airplane and ship anchor for boys and strawberries, butterflies and unicorns for girls. $24.99. doodlepants.com

✽ That’s My Pacifier!

Parents with multiples will love MAM’s personalized pacifiers with each baby’s name, and the pacifiers are great for babies in childcare, too. $19.95-$29.99. mambaby.com

✽ Ready for a DebutTake baby home in the perfect outfit. Skip Hop’s Modern Baby Basics 4-Piece Welcome Home Baby Set includes onesie, cap, sweater and pants. $35. skiphop.com

✽ A Perfect FitLivie & Luca is known for selling beautifully crafted baby shoes that softly cushion baby’s feet. New designs for fall include Pio Pio with a bird appliqué and Mary Jane style and a brogue-style shoe from Flint with ornamental stitching, in neutral shades of toffee and navy leather. $39. livieandluca.com


Now enrolling children from 8 weeks to 9 years. At International Montessori Academy our programs

promote independence, initiative, confi dence, responsibility, strong academics, self-discipline,

leadership, and a lifetime love of learning.

•AMI Accredited Teachers•Multi-Age Classrooms in Peaceful, Respectful, Montessori

Prepared Environments•Year-Round School for Infant & Toddler Communities•Multi-Cultural, Multi-Language, Montessori Learning

Atmosphere•Lower Elementary

•Extended Day Option and Summer Program•Group Violin offered to children 5 years and older

•After school programs: ballet, gymnastics, yoga & more!

International Montessori Academy Offers:

International Montessori Academy1240 Euclid Avenue • Atlanta, GA 30307

Phone: 404.474.6375website: www.internationalmontessoriacademy.orgemail: [email protected]: ima_candler • Twitter: IMA_CandlerFacebook: /internationalmontessoriacademy.IMA

10 Finds$25 or Less

✽ Evenflo Classic Glass + Vented BottlesThese dishwasher-safe tempered glass feeding bottles feature a Proflow Integrated Venting Nipple design that directs air bubbles into the bottle, not baby’s stomach, to help reduce gas and fussiness. 8-ounce three-pack, $10.99. evenflofeeding.com

✽ Travel Bib and SpoonThis clever solution from B.box lets babies grab a bite in the back seat, without wearing breakfast or lunch on their clothes. When baby finishes eating, just fold the bib into the zippered pouch until it can be laundered. $17.95. bbox.com

✽ Meiya & Alvin ToysSoft and adorable – just like your baby – the Meiya & Alvin Collection of plush toys use soft textile and natural rubber for huggable friends made of all-natural products; the toys also are sold in recycled packaging. $16.99-39.99. greatpretenders.ca

✽ S’well BottlesWhat’s not to like about these reusable, insulated stainless-steel bottles that keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours, and hot ones hot for 12 hours. $25 9 oz. bottle. s’wellbottle.com

✽ Chewbeads Teething ToyAttach this soft and flexible, 100 percent silicone teething toy to a stroller or car-seat and your curious baby will touch, tug or chew on it – a great way to distract when Mom is driving or shopping. $15. chewbeads.com

by Laura Powell

Specializing in the Detection and Treatment of Pediatric Digestive Disorders

AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

Dr. Tejas R. Mehta Dr. Nirav R. Patel

Expert GI Care for Your Children At Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, our Board Certified pediatric gastroenterologists care for infants,children,‘tweens, and teens with any type of digestive or liver condition, including:

• Abdominal Pain • Acid Reflux • Lactose Intolerance • Irritable Bowel Syndrome• Celiac Disease • Constipation/Diarrhea • Colic • Hepatitis/Liver Disease• Eosinophilic Esophagitis • Feeding Difficulties • Crohn’s Disease • Ulcerative Colitis

5445 Meridian Mark Road NESuite 490

Conveniently Located Near Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite

Now Seeing Patients in Alpharetta3300 Old Milton Parkway

Suite 225

For appointments: 404.843.6320www.atlantagastro.com/pediatrics


Call to schedule your appointment today!

Expectingly Expecting Class • Newborn’s First VisitOpen Monday - Saturday

✽ Lucy Darling StickersGet your infant photo-ready with a whimsical sticker that proclaims a milestone such as age (1 month to 12 months) or “my first smile.” The Tutti-Fruitti monthy stickers, for instance, use colorful fruit images; just stick one on an outfit to announce your baby’s age to friends or to snap a photo. 12 stickers, $15.99. lucydarling.com

✽ Milkin’ Cookies These tasty cookies, developed by two doctors who grew tired of fenugreek when they were nursing their infants, are nutritious and boost a woman’s breast milk supply. Available in cranberry almond oatmeal, oatmeal chocolate chip, dairy free cranberry almond oatmeal or a variety pack; 14-day supply, $21.99. milkin-cookies.com

✽ Dreft Stain Remover PenTake the stubborn out of “stubborn stains” with the new Dreft Portable Pretreater Pen. It treats stains caused by formula, spit-up and food and is safe for colorfast fabrics. 0.7-ounce pen, $3.99. drefthome.com

✽ JJ Cole Changing ClutchWho would guess this sleekly-designed “clutch” from JJ Cole unfolds into a large 19x28-inch pad for a portable diaper-changing area? Clutch has a place for wipes and multiple diapers. $19.95. jjcolecollections.com

✽ Skinfix Hair & Body WashBabies have delicate skin, and some have skin that is super-sensitive, dry or eczema-prone. Skinfix Gentle Hair & Body Wash soothes those ailments and it’s free of steroids, fragrance, nut ingredients, sulfates, parabens and phthalates. $19.99. Skinfixinc.com


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BabyResource GuideWhether you need child care, a diaper service, a pediatrician or other services, you’ll find it here.

A Sign From Aboveasignfromaboveinc.comThe premier supplier of elaborate baby signs, birth announcements and stork signs in Atlanta and all of North Georgia available for 7 day rentals. 678-215-6721.

Arbor Montessori Schoolarbormontessori.orgToddler program, starting at 18 months, includes dance, singing, stories, reading, playtime, art, gardening and toilet training. 2998 LaVista Rd., Decatur. 404-321-9304.

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associatesatlantagastro.com/pediatricsSpecializes in the detection and treatment of pediatric digestive orders including colic and feeding difficulties. Two convenient locations: Sandy Springs (near Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) and Alpharetta (in the Pediatric Center). 404-843-6320.

The Chastain School thechastainschool.comPreschool & child development center providing the highest quality of early childhood education to develop, love and teach children. Meeting the childcare needs of working parents in the Buckhead, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs neighborhoods. 404-851-0001.

Decatur Yoga and Pilatesdecaturyogaandpilates.comBegin bonding with your baby in our prenatal yoga classes and childbirth preparation workshops. Then explore the world with your newborn in our postpartum Mom and Baby series. 404-377-4899.

Emory Child Study Centerpsychology.emory.edu/childstudycenterThe center invites families to participate in game-like studies about how children think and learn. 404-727-7432.

Georgetown Pediatricsgeorgetownpediatrics.comDedicated to fostering the health, development and well-being of your child! Georgetown Pediatrics delivers on this promise by administering the highest quality of care to every patient, from birth to the age of 21. Alpharetta, Cumming, Dunwoody, Johns Creek.

Georgia Birth Networkgabirthnetwork.comFree directory of birth professionals, including Doulas, midwives, educators, photographers, lactation consultants, chiropractors and more. Free monthly events. [email protected]

Georgia Cotton Commission georgiacottoncommission.orgServing Georgia’s cotton farmers since 1965. Funding programs of research, promotion and education.

Gwinnett Physicians Group OB/Gyngwinnettphysiciansgroupobgyn.comBoard certified physicians and certified nurse midwives have more than 120 years of combined experience. Admitting privileges with Gwinnett Medical Center, Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion and the Outpatient Center at GMC-Duluth. 1942 Atkinson Rd., Ste. 100, Lawrenceville. 678-775-0600.


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Holy Spirit Preparatory Schoolholyspiritprep.orgPrograms for students age 6 months-4 years old in an independent school. Mother’s Morning Out program for toddlers age 6-23 months; and preschool classes for students age 2-4, including half day, full day, and extended day programs until 6:00 p.m. 678-761-7992.

International Montessori Academyinternationalmontessoriacademy.orgPrograms promote independence, initiative, confidence, responsibility, leadership and a love of learning in a Montessori environment for children ages 8 weeks-9 years. 404-474-6375.

Kids R Kids Atlantakidsrkidsatlanta.comThe first step to higher education. 6 weeks to 12 years with exclusive curriculum. Enroll Now!

Marcus Autism Centermarcus.org/research Marcus Autism Center aims to maximize the potential of children with autism today and transform the nature of autism for future generations through research. To participate in a study call 404-785-7607 or go online for more information.

McGinnis Woods Country Day Schoolmcginniswoods.orgSmall, nurturing learning environment where students matter most. Ages 6 weeks-8th grade. NAEYC, GAC and SACS Accredited. 5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta. 770-664-7764.

MJCCA Preschoolsatlantajcc.org/preschoolThe MJCCA offers two top-quality, NAEYC-accredited Jewish preschools, The Weinstein School (Dunwoody) and The Sunshine School (East Cobb). 678-812-3833.

Monkey Butt Cloth Diaper Servicemonkeybuttdiapers.comPickup, laundry and delivery of sanitized bundles of cloth diapers to your doorstep weekly. In-home demonstrations available. 678-336-9494.

The Music Classthemusicclass.com/atlantaRob Sayer’s fun filled classes of singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Parents learn how to enrich their child’s music environment, increase music potential and understand music development. Ages birth-6 years. Over 150 classes offered metro-wide. Buckhead, Kirkwood, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Toco Hills, Cumming, Woodstock, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, East Cobb, Smyrna, Suwanee. 770-645-5578.

North Atlanta Doulasnorthatlantadoulas.comProviding nonjudgmental prenatal, labor and postpartum support as well as placenta encapsulation services. 404-465-3391.

Northeast Georgia Medical Centernghs.comRated Georgia’s #1 Hospital for overall care, Heart, Surgery and Women’s Care. 770-219-9000.

Northside Hospitalnorthside.comA trusted and comprehensive resource for all your maternity need. 404-845-5555.

Nurse and Nurturenurseandnurture.comThe premier newborn night nurse provider in the South. 404-835-7580.

Pisgah Preschoolexperiencepisgah.orgA premier preschool in Johns Creek offering full and half day options with small classes where children explore, interact, develop and discover. Ages 6 weeks and up. 678-336-3443.

PrepareFirst Baby Proofingpreparefirst.comFrom newborns to older children, PrepareFirst helps parents achieve their safety goals thoughtfully, attractively and with minimal expense. 678-888-0600.

Primroseprimroseschools.com/AtlantaAn accredited, private preschool providing premier educational child care experience. 6 weeks-Private Kindergarten and After School. 800-774-6767.

Princeton Lakes Pediatricsprincetonlakespeds.comWalk-ins accepted. Offering quality care for newborns, kids and teens. 2953 N. Cobb Pkwy. Ste. 16/17, Kennesaw 30152. 678-483-6880; 3885 Princeton Lakes Way, Ste. 302, Atlanta 30331. 404-629-1880.

Quality Care for Childrenallgakids.orgFind childcare or Summer camps at allgakids.org or call 877-(AllGAKids).

Sandy Springs Pediatricssspediatrics.comFind a pediatrician you can trust for your child from birth through college graduation. Healthcare with a personal touch. Located in the Northside Professional Center. After hours calls handled by the physicians until 11 p.m. Schedule an appointment today. 404-252-4611.

Stepping Stone Montessoristeppingstonemontessori.comStepping Stone Montessori School supports natural and optimal development, honors each child, and builds a foundation for life. Sugar Hill, 770-614-4310; Cumming, 770-205-0317.

WellStar Health Systemwellstar.orgPlease call 770-956-STAR (7827) for maternity tour information, class registration or physician referral.

Zoo Atlanta Stroller and Adventure Cubs zooatlanta.orgMonthly programs designed exclusively for babies, toddlers and their favorite grownups. This hands-on program allows you to go on a Zoo tour, explore and play at interactive learning stations, and meet an animal ambassador up-close. To book your program call 404-624-WILD or go online.


What’s in a

Name?

For Baby, A LotIn six years, you’ll be seeing more Noahs and Emmas in first-grade classrooms. The top baby names of 2014 in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration:

The names of babies born in Georgia closely track the

nationwide list, but with a few surprises. The top 10 names for babies born in Georgia:

Names that Fit a Boy or GirlWhen the baby announcement introduces Rory, don’t be quick to assume the couple had a boy, as you might have a few years ago. More parents are choosing gender-neutral baby names and Rory is among the trending monikers, according to a 2015 survey of 185,000 baby names by BabyCenter.com.

✽✽✽Top

gender-neutral names:

Girls:

Emma Olivia

Sophia Isabella

Ava

Mia Emily

Abigail Madison Charlotte

Boys:

Noah Liam

Mason Jacob William

Ethan Michael

Alexander James Daniel

AmariKarter

Phoenix Quinn Reese

RiverRory

RowanSawyerTaylor

Boys:

William

Mason

Noah

James

Jacob

Elijah

Aiden

Liam

Jackson

Michael

Girls:

Olivia

Ava

Emma

Madison

Isabella

Sophia

Abigail

Elizabeth

Emily

Chloe

Exhibit, Volunteer, DonateContact Jordan for more information: 678-222-1911

[email protected]/familyfestival

More than 50 family-friendly activities

Images By N’Neka and Butler Family Photography

ToddlerPlayZone

Join the fun October 10th,Mercer University Atlanta Campus.

Back for our 12th year,

it’s Atlanta’s favorite family

festival!

Documents

Atlanta Baby 2015