This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Food Lion. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was told that I would blink and my babies would be babies no more. But in the midst of the chaos of raising little ones, I found that the days were SO VERY LONG, so it seemed like a rather untrue statement. I was also told, “Cherish every moment!” as I was covered in spit up, dealing with a diaper blowout, while my toddler threw a tantrum all at the same time. I remember thinking that it was such terrible advice (and to a degree, I still think it is, but that’s a topic for another post).

And yet, I’ve been so quiet on the blog for these past few months, and one of the reasons why is because time has been slipping out of my hands at lightning speed, and my babies are, in fact, babies no more. They are now 6 and 9, in what I believe to be “the golden years” of their childhoods. Being present with them in the day-to-day of it all is less about keeping them alive and fed (though the requests for snacks are still nonstop!) and more about nurturing their curiosities and discovering just how magical this world is together.

I can’t say that I’m cherishing every moment, but I’m now able to cherish more than I could before. Sisters, you will get to this place one day, I promise. And while there will be different types of parenting challenges that await you as they grow, at least for a little while, it really does get easier.

Yesterday I was shopping at Food Lion for some practical gifts to bring to my little sister when I travel to visit her this weekend. She is a second time mom of an 8-month-old little girl, and I wanted to gift her with some Baby products to use now, and to stash away for a little ways down the road. It has been quite a few years since I’ve been browsing for diapers and wipes, and the process made me think of a few of the things I’ve learned since I was purchasing these items. Perhaps if I share them with you they will help you learn the lessons a little bit faster than I did.

1. Quality is Not Found in a Label

I am all for doing your research on the products you think will benefit your child the best. But don’t assume that because something has a higher price tag or is from a brand that runs national commercials that the product, itself, is surely superior. I’m bringing my sister products from the Always My Baby line, a private brand label found exclusively at Food Lion. For More Information about Food Lion’s Private Brand labels click here. This line of products is very high quality, and is offered at a wallet-friendly price point, which means you don’t have to sacrifice dollars to get something that will work well for you and your baby.

2. You Really Do Need to Sleep! 

Sleep deprivation is one of the absolute toughest things about having a baby, friends. I was reminded of this painful truth recently when my youngest started having nightmares and waking us up a few times in the middle of the night. It was downright debilitating after a few nights of this (the issue is resolved…also a topic for another post!). Do anything you can to help your little one have the best odds of getting a full night’s rest, including looking for great overnight diapers. Always My Baby has up to 12 hours of leakage protection which is just what you want your child to be in when it’s time for bed. Don’t let a wet diaper be the reason for sleep disruption!

3. Independence Will Come, If You Help Them Prepare

Before you know it, your little one is going to be wanting to do anything and everything by him/herself. At least a few times a day, take the extra time to let them try. I know that is easier said than done, especially when you know it’s going to take so much longer and possibly result in a mess, but by giving your child the autonomy to do something on their own, you are giving your future self a gift, I assure you. My kids really and truly don’t need my help anymore when they go to the bathroom (your day is coming, I promise!!!). If they are showing signs of readiness, get them in some great training pants, like the Always My Baby line, and let them practice being a big girl or boy. Before you know it, they will get the hang of it and one huge parenting hurdle will be crossed!

Just as they say that the years are short (which I can confirm on this side of things), it’s just as true that the days for you are long. And that’s perfectly ok. It really will pass, and it really will get easier. And in the mean time, you can save yourself time and save your family money by getting great quality baby products, always priced lower than national brands, at your nearest Food Lion. Always My Baby is the line to look for, formally called Home 360 Baby. Should anything not work for you, Food Lion offers a double your money back guarantee (click here to learn more).

Good luck, out there, moms of littles. Even on the toughest days, you are doing great! I’m cheering you on from a few years down the road!