(Family Features) Long days of school, first trips to day care or even a return from a period of at-home care can be difficult or downright nerve-wracking for parents and children alike. This new adventure can bring challenges from keeping children healthy to supporting their nutrition and more. Sending a little one to day care can even result in maternal separation anxiety.

To help alleviate some of the anxiety and parental concerns, the childhood nutrition experts at Gerber teamed up with Dr. Whitney Casares – a board-certified practicing pediatrician and creator of “Modern Mommy Doc” – to share these tips for families preparing their little ones for child care.

Keep Important Factors Top of Mind
As part of appreciating the milestone of the first time at day care, Casares encourages parents to remember that, while daunting, day care means new experiences, new friends and opportunities for growth, fun and healthy development. As part of the transition, she suggests paying attention to critical factors like sleep, nutrition, illness prevention and emotional development.

Support Their Immune Systems
Offer little ones a diverse array of nutritious foods during the transition to day care. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential for building immune systems. Additionally, iron-rich foods like iron-fortified baby cereals, eggs, beans and meat are critical for a strong body. Caregivers should frequently wash hands and focus on good sleep hygiene.

Put Nutrition on the Menu
When packing lunch boxes for a day of care, it’s important to keep nutrition in mind. Once children transition to finger foods, Casares recommends snacks from Gerber like Peach Puffs, Fruit and Veggie Melts and Wonderfoods Superfood Hearts, which come in a variety of flavors and include vital nutrients to optimize health.

Be Prepared for Separation Anxiety
Not all infants and toddlers experience separation anxiety, but many can, so it’s good to be prepared. Casares encourages parents to pack a familiar swaddle blanket in infants’ diaper bags to help ease those anxieties. Some toddlers benefit from having a beloved stuffed animal or blanket with them. Try introducing these transitional objects to little ones early so they smell and feel familiar when drop-off comes around.

Pack the Essentials
While nutritious foods, like Gerber Fruit and Veggie Pouch Blends, are certainly near the top of the list, there are plenty of other essentials to pack for each day. Don’t forget to add breast milk or formula, bottles and extra nipples alongside snacks and meals. Also remember to pack extra sets of clothes, diapers, wipes and those anxiety-soothing must-haves like blankets and stuffed animals.

Prepare for Appetite Changes
It’s common for children’s appetites to decrease during their first few days of child care as they may eat a little less while growing accustomed to their new environment and surroundings. There’s no need to worry – parents can adapt to these changes by understanding they’re often a natural part of the transition. While you may find little ones are hungrier before and after day care, this behavior should ease over time. If it doesn’t, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to be sure babies stay on track.

To find more childhood nutrition advice, visit Gerber.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Gerber

PMI Ltd. is set to unleash a party of fun this fall with the highly anticipated Piñata Smashlings™ toy line. Developed in collaboration with Toikido, the line brings the beloved characters from the lively Roblox game into the real world, creating an unforgettable fiesta for kids across the U.S. and Canada.

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Toikido, the dynamic entertainment powerhouse, introduced the world to “Smashlings” – a mischievous bunch of creatures and playful Piñatas who are always on the lookout for the mysterious Rainbow Whale. Now, Toikido and PMI have transformed these beloved characters into an extensive toy line, including collectible figures, articulated pinatas, cuddly plushies, and engaging playsets.

The vibrant and inviting Piñataverse comes to life through PMI’s beautifully designed toys, extending the Piñata Smashlings world beyond the digital space into the realm of traditional play. Each toy in the collection features a unique QR code that provides access to exclusive in-game content, enhancing the interactive experience for fans.

The Piñata Smashlings™ toy line will be available at major retailers such as Walmart, Macy’s, Meijer, FYE, and Five Below, starting in late September ’23. This launch not only showcases the brilliance of the Piñata Smashlings™ brand but also reflects PMI’s commitment to delivering exceptional, imagination-fueled joy to children everywhere.

With a wide range of products, including blind pods, articulated pinatas, plushies, playsets, and deluxe boxes, the Piñata Smashlings™ collection is set to redefine playtime. With over 70 different characters to collect, kids will be captivated by the vibrant world of Piñataverse.

For more information on the exciting Piñata Smashlings™ toy line, visit www.toikido.com/work/pinata-smashlings, and follow PMI on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

PMI Ltd., with its dedication to creating high-quality, innovative, and affordable toys and collectibles, continues to bring the best children’s brands to kids worldwide. Rooted in the belief that every child deserves the delight of play, PMI’s commitment shines through in their extensive lineup of licensed intellectual properties.

As the Piñata Smashlings™ toy line hits the shelves, get ready to embark on a joyous adventure filled with endless fun and imagination!

(Family Features) Regardless of your age, it’s never too early to plan your estate and ensure last wishes are met. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy – it’s a process that allows you to determine how your assets are bequeathed and managed upon incapacitation or death.

Aiming to promote cultural preservation and secure funds for Jewish institutions, the Jewish Future Pledge is a global initiative empowering families to discuss the importance of estate planning, including why patriarchs and matriarchs should ensure charitable giving continues after their passing. The organization estimates $68 trillion will be transferred to the next generation over the next 25 years with around 20% of this wealth coming from Jewish donors.

Discuss these basic estate planning steps with your loved ones and consider consulting an attorney for individual guidance.

Document Wishes
Although not typically legally binding, preparing a letter of final wishes allows you to share information and requests, like funeral arrangements, which often fall outside of the will. It may also include an explanation of will provisions or suggestions for how funds you’ll leave behind should be used.

Prepare a Will
A legally binding last will and testament is often considered the most important aspect of estate planning. This involves naming guardians for minor children and pets, listing all property, designating people and organizations that should receive assets, directing funds to charities and naming an executor.

Consider Causes Important to You
As part of will creation and estate planning, consider charitable causes you’d like to support after passing. Talking with loved ones can be a way to gather input on important causes, and those conversations can act as a springboard for generations to support a particular cause or organization, based on their shared values.

The Jewish Future Pledge asks Jews and their allies to prioritize these intergenerational conversations as they can be catalysts for families to include Jewish causes and Israel in their estate planning to ensure the future of Jewish people. By signing the pledge, individuals promise that 50% or more of the funds intended for charity will be earmarked for Jewish charities or Israel.

Taking the pledge means individuals can ensure their legacy aligns with their values and clarifies their intentions after passing. For those who already donate to Jewish causes, the pledge acts as a beacon to others to make the same commitment.

“Signing the Jewish Future Pledge is more than just an act – it’s a deeply rooted, emotional declaration of my unwavering dedication to my cherished community,” said Jewish social media influencer and entrepreneur Elizabeth “Lizzy” Savetsky, who became the 15,000th person to commit to the initiative. “In taking this step, I’m fiercely determined to safeguard the rich values and time-honored traditions that have shaped my identity and the lives of countless others.”

Find more information by visiting JewishFuturePledge.org.

Assign Beneficiaries
Naming people who should inherit assets like life insurance policies or retirement accounts is something you may have completed long ago when creating those assets. However, it’s important to ensure the beneficiaries named align with your will to avoid conflict as designated beneficiaries often take precedence over a will, which could create confusion and legal headaches.

Regularly Review Your Plan

Establishing your estate plan is important for ensuring last wishes are met, but it’s also beneficial to revisit the plan regularly to update when necessary. For example, many people review their plans every couple of years or at major life events, such as the birth of a child or grandchild, marriage or divorce, purchasing a large asset, changing life insurance coverage and career changes.

SOURCE:
Jewish Future Pledge