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.

PLAY IDEAS & OUTINGS FOR A 1 YEAR OLD

October 15, 2024January 14, 2016 by valplowman

by Katrina Villegas Hi Everyone! I am the newest member of the Babywise Friendly Blog Network, and I’d like to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Katrina …

McKenna Child Summary: 6.75 Years Old

January 12, 2026January 12, 2016 by valplowman

McKenna with the Chicago skyline in the background

See what life looks like with a 6½-year-old! This post shares McKenna’s routines, milestones, sleep, school, behavior, and real family moments — an honest look at childhood and development at …

Managing Exercise as a Parent

January 12, 2026January 11, 2016 by valplowman

Struggling to fit workouts into life with kids? Learn practical tips for managing exercise as a busy parent — from scheduling, workouts you can do with kids, to keeping consistency …

Keratosis Pilaris (Bumps on Skin)

January 5, 2026January 6, 2016 by valplowman

Keratosis pilaris on the skin

Wondering why you have tiny bumps on your arms or legs? Learn what keratosis pilaris is, what causes those rough skin patches, and simple, effective tips to smooth and care …

Brinley Preschooler Summary: 41 Months Old

January 5, 2026January 5, 2016 by valplowman

All 4 kids sledding in the snow

Peek into real life with a busy 3-year-old! This post shares Brinley’s routines, sleep, eating, play, emotions, and milestones from 40–41 months — a relatable snapshot of preschooler days and …

2015 Year in Review

January 4, 2016 by valplowman

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful break and have had a great 2016 so far. My husband and I spent a lot of time painting …

When YOU Can’t Sleep as a Mom

December 8, 2025December 15, 2015 by valplowman

Woman sleeping with sleep mask

Struggling with sleepless nights? 🌙 This post shares gentle tips and calming habits to help you drift off when sleep won’t come — from nighttime routines to mindful practices for …