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.

Travel Tips for Parents!

June 18, 2026December 15, 2025 by valplowman

Mom with kids in the airport

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful! In this page, you’ll find practical tips for packing smart, keeping routines on track, and navigating flights, road trips, hotels, and more. …

Dropping Naps: A Quick Reference

December 11, 2025December 11, 2025 by valplowman

Baby sitting on couch. No face--just the body.

Get quick, practical guidance on when and how to drop naps as your baby grows. This easy reference helps you know the best timing, signs to watch for, and smooth …

Tricks for Getting Baby on a Consistent Schedule

February 3, 2026December 10, 2025 by valplowman

Mom and baby playing with a toy

Want your baby’s days to feel calm and predictable instead of chaotic? This guide walks you through how to build a consistent eat-play-sleep schedule — pick a daily wake time …

Elf on the Shelf Alternatives: Fun Ways to Celebrate Without Daily Pressure

January 5, 2026December 8, 2025 by valplowman

Want Christmas magic without the Elf on the Shelf stress? Here are simple, meaningful, low-prep alternatives your kids will love—from kindness cards to book countdowns and activity jars. Keep the …

Top 25+ Family Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Kids

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025 by valplowman

Family watching Christmas movies together with Santa behind them

Get ready for cozy movie nights! 🎬 Dive into this roundup of fun, family-friendly Christmas films perfect for kids and parents — from classics to new favorites. Make holiday memories …

The Basics of a Dreamfeed

December 3, 2025December 3, 2025 by valplowman

Dreamfeed hero image. Baby bottle feeding.

Interested in better sleep for your baby (and you)? 🌙 This post covers the basics of the “dream-feed” routine — what it is, when to start, and how to do …

Brinley Teen Summary: 13.25 Years Old

February 19, 2026December 1, 2025 by valplowman

Brinley posing outside

Daily life and schedule for a 13.25-year-old teen who was raised on Babywise. See her daily life, the activities she is involved in, and her daily routine. This is a …