valplowman

Valerie, also known as The Babywise Mom, is the mother to four children. She has been blogging on Babywise and general parenting since 2007. She has a degree in technical writing and loves using those skills to help parents be the best parents they can be! Read her book, The Babywise Mom Nap Guide, to get help on sleep from birth through the preschool years. You can also find her writing at Babywise.life, Today Parenting, and Her View From Home. Read more about Valerie and her family on the About page. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more tips and helps.

How To Tell if Baby is Getting a Full Feeding

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 by valplowman

Baby breastfeeding

Is your baby actually getting a full feeding — or just snacking? Learn 6 simple signs to watch for, from feeding length and diaper output to growth and contentment, so …

Eat Well Without Going Broke: Budget-Friendly Meals for College Students

July 30, 2026March 30, 2026 by valplowman

Two male college students walking on campus

Eating well in college doesn’t have to break the bank! Discover budget-friendly pantry staples, smart shopping habits, and easy meal ideas that’ll keep you fed and fueled all semester long …

How To Start Independent Playtime Late

May 12, 2026March 26, 2026 by valplowman

Child happily playing alone

Missed the baby stage for independent play? No worries! Learn how to introduce solo playtime at any age — from choosing the right time and location to easing a resistant …

How To Deal with the 2 Year Old Sleep Regression

August 27, 2026March 25, 2026 by valplowman

2 year old in her toddler bed

Your toddler suddenly refuses naps and fights bedtime? The 2-year sleep regression is real! Learn why it happens and how to handle it—from wake time tweaks to handling tantrums—without dropping …

How To Teach Your Child to Come When Called

April 29, 2026March 24, 2026 by valplowman

Child running on grass

Does your child run the other way when you call? Learn 9 practical tips — from setting clear expectations to using the right tone — to teach your child to …

TYMO Hair Tools Review: AIRHYPE Hair Dryer & CURLPRO PLUS Curler

March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 by valplowman

Looking for hair tools that actually make styling easier? In this review, I share my experience with the TYMO AIRHYPE hair dryer and the CURLPRO PLUS curler, two popular tools …

The Vital Importance of the First Nap

March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 by valplowman

Baby taking a morning nap

The morning nap is one of the most important, if not THE most important, naps your baby will take all day. Learn why and how to get it down well. …