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.

McKenna Teen Summary: 17 Years Old

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 by valplowman

McKenna opening her gifts on her 17th birthday

Daily life and schedule for a 17 year old teen girl. Learn about common concerns that come up with the teenage group. This covers 16.75 years old through 17 years …

Parenting Siblings Tips

April 13, 2026 by valplowman

Our kids standing in a green field laughing together

Adding a new baby changes family life—but it doesn’t have to create chaos. This complete guide walks you through preparing siblings, creating workable schedules, balancing activities, encouraging strong sibling relationships, …

Everything You Need to Know About Dropping the Swaddle

April 9, 2026April 9, 2026 by valplowman

Baby swaddled

Is your baby ready to ditch the swaddle — but you’re nervous about ruining their sleep? This guide covers the signs it’s time, the best ages to transition, and step-by-step …

Remedies for Heartburn & Reflux During Pregnancy

April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 by valplowman

pregnant mother in baby nursery

Remedies for Reflux/Heartburn During Pregnancy. You don’t have to just suffer through and accept the pain. There are things you can to do relieve heartburn and reflux when you are …

Babywise Schedule: 3 to 6 Months Old

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by valplowman

Brinley as a baby wearing yellow and white striped shirt with a bow in her hair

What to expect week by week from 13 to 29 weeks — feeding schedules, nap counts, wake windows, when to introduce solids, and how to navigate the 4-month sleep disruption. …

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

April 29, 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 …