DIY Tips to Live By for Baby’s First Family Photoshoot

by Whitney C. HarrisOctober 11, 2023

There’s no reason you can’t be the mastermind behind your own baby photoshoots

You’ve probably been taking impromptu pics of your baby since day one—an unexpectedly adorable expression here, a snuggly selfie there. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a few really good shots of your growing family? Yes, you could hire a professional photographer to create the perfect experience, or you could get creative and do it yourself (which can be a lot more fun!). With the holiday season on the horizon, you have a great excuse to get everyone together for some quality, photo-worthy time, and then share the amazing snaps from your baby photoshoot with friends and family on Tinybeans (check out our app here!).

Here’s how to plan and execute your DIY photo shoot.

1. Enlist a friend or family member

Do you have a teenage niece or nephew who’s passionate about photography? What about a neighbor with a really great DSLR camera? Call in a favor and ask if that artsy pal of yours would be interested in setting aside an hour or two to capture your family for a moment in time. Offer to return the favor in some way (especially if he or she has a family to be photographed!), and say “thanks” with a gift card to a nice restaurant or a bottle of wine and some gourmet chocolate.

2. Nail the timing

Think about your baby’s fluctuating energy and moods throughout the day, and pick a time when you know your little one will be the most calm and content. For some, this is first-thing in the morning. For many, this is right after a nap or feeding. Be flexible with your baby photoshoot and work around the youngest one’s temperament. Also, if you’ll be shooting outside, try to maximize the natural light by taking advantage of early morning or late afternoon rays, but avoid the harsh overhead sun at midday.

3. Coordinate outfits—without being matchy-matchy

We’re all familiar with the matching khaki pants and crisp white shirt look found in countless family photos. While you want to look cohesive, don’t feel obligated to match outfits, which can look canned and inauthentic. Instead, decide on two or three colors (at least one being a neutral) that you will use as your inspiration and find outfits that fit the bill. Simple, solid (non-patterned) clothing is always a safe bet.

4. Carefully consider props

Think about what toys and objects mean something to you and your little ones. If your child has a favorite, love-worn stuffed animal, why not include it in the shot? Be selective, but try a few different props that are unique to your family. And be sure to bring plenty of soft blankets to lay on the grass, curl up in, and play peek-a-boo with.

5. Get low and close

If you’re all sitting on a blanket or casually lying down on the grass, ask your photographer to get as low to the ground as possible so you’re all at the same eye level. And see if he or she is willing to do some close-up shots in addition to wider angles. The variety will make for a really nice collection of photos.

6. Be goofy

Encourage everyone to be silly in an effort to get the baby to laugh and smile. Too often, parents are focused on “looking” polished and perfectly happy in their first baby photoshoot. But feeling carefree in the moment and trying to have fun will result in nicer, more natural images.

7. Forget the camera

Some forward-facing shots are a good idea, but try not to focus on where the camera is at all times. Ask the photographer to move around and achieve different angles that way, rather than trying to coax your baby to turn in a specific direction. Candid shots can be unique and just as gorgeous as posed photos.

8. Don’t stop shooting

If your pal hasn’t photographed babies or tots before, kindly explain that fast-moving little ones make for difficult models so he should use continuous shooting mode and keep snapping. Chances are, one or two of the series will be the perfect pic.

9. Take turns

A big, happy family photo is a great idea, but don’t hesitate to take turns experimenting with who’s in the photo. Take some with just kids, just Dad and baby, just Mom and baby, and all potential iterations. Don’t get too preoccupied on everyone being in same photo.

10. Just go with the crazy

If you have an older toddler running around in circles or your newly crawling baby wants to be on the move, grab a kid, have your partner do the same, and flip them upside down for a playful shot. If tears or tantrums are part of the mix, don’t stress. They can actually make for great, memorable photos.

For parents who want to share special moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there’s the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download here!). The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

12 Babyproofing Tips to Corral Your Crawler

by Suzanna LoganAugust 10, 2023

Now that baby’s crawling it’s time to start babyproofing the house

Traffic may slow to a crawl, but when a baby starts crawling, they’re zooming. Your former stationary buddy is now heading headfirst down the stairs or digging into your purse, and you’re feeling like you’ll never get a moment to yourself again. Keep kids safe from your home’s danger zones with these clever babyproofing tricks and activities.

1. Safety First
A crawling baby means a new round of babyproofing. Padding furniture corners, covering electrical outlets, tying up loose cords, and installing stairway gates are an excellent start, but there are plenty of less obvious spots that need to be secured. Add locks to toilets and cabinets or doors that conceal electronics, toiletries, cleaners, or glassware, and secure large furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Pro tip: To get a better sense of what could harm your baby, sit down and lie down on the floor to see your home from a baby’s level. You’ll discover sharp edges, dangling cords, and other potential hazards more easily.

2. Toilet Paper Tube Trick
Crawling babies have more access to items they can put in their mouths, whether that’s dog food or an older sibling’s LEGOs. Not sure what’s a choking hazard? Use the toilet paper tube trick. If the item fits through the tube, keep it out of baby’s reach.

3. Skin Saver
Hard surfaces can damage a crawling baby’s delicate skin. Rough floors, concrete playgrounds or even carpets can cause scraped, bruised or raw knees from frequent contact. Save your baby’s knees—and pants—by slipping leg warmers or baby knee pads, like the cute ones above from Simply Kids, over baby’s legs. Pro tip: Baby knee pads are also good protection for wobbly toddlers who take frequent tumbles.

4. Staying Alert
Any time you venture out and about with a mobile baby, you’ll have to stay on kid watch like your baby’s life depends on it (because it does). Even new crawlers are shockingly quick. If you have any doubts about whether you can stay fully focused on your little explorer, play it safe and strap baby into a stroller or carrier.

5. Timing Is Everything
If you find yourself having trouble accomplishing tasks with a baby on the loose, adjust your schedule where you can. For example, cut down on time in the kitchen by relying on meal planning or quick prep and slow cooker recipes. Consider showering at night after baby’s bedtime and saving certain tasks for naptime or moments when you have someone else to watch your little mover.

6. Try Redirection
A crawling or toddling baby can leave quite a trail as they explore everything in reach. Keep a small basket of baby-safe toys and books in each room to capture their attention when necessary and keep them away from cereal boxes, markers, and other major messes.

7. Get Germ-Aware
Keeping a crawling baby clean when you’re away from home can be a challenge. Keep a stash of wipes and sanitizer in your diaper bag for outings, and a change of clothes in case of bigger messes.

8. Keep a Surprise Toy Stash
How can you entertain your little cruiser when you need to shower, take a phone call or respond to emails? Hide a stash of “surprise” toys that stay out of your regular toy rotation. Pulling out the basket of “new” trinkets can keep your mobile mini-me entertained for a few minutes while you take care of business or relax for some much-needed me time.

9. Plan a Pool Party!
Turn your blow-up pool into a ball pit by adding colorful plastic balls. Your child will have room to move freely while exploring, and you’ll rest easy knowing baby is contained and entertained.

10. Cook Up Some Quiet
If trying to prep pasta primavera with baby running amok (or attached to your leg) sounds like a recipe for disaster, put your babe in the high chair to watch you. Sing songs, tell stories, or offer an assortment of finger foods to keep them entertained. If you want to pretend you have your own cooking show, we won’t tell anybody.

11. Relocate Your Belongings
If you find yourself frequently cleaning up a certain area—whether baby is obsessed with pulling books off of your shelves or shoes out of your closet—save yourself the constant cleanup and move those belongings upward on higher shelves. Consider this the flooding stage of parenting. As your baby zooms through the house like a force of nature, you move items upwards to keep them out of baby’s wake.

12. Repeat After Us
If snagging your baby inches from the curb for the millionth time or babyproofing have you ready to pull out your (now graying) hair, remember: It’s just a phase. Trust us, “It’s just a phase” will become your new favorite parenting mantra. Bonus: This useful phrase is surprisingly versatile! You’ll likely be using it for one thing or another for, oh, the next 18 years or so.

14 Easy Babyproofing Ideas to Make Your Home Safer for Kids

by Whitney C. HarrisMarch 1, 2023

Let’s get babyproofing around the house

Although it seems like it was just yesterday you were bringing your sweet baby home for the first time, the months have flown by. You’ve joyfully witnessed baby’s first smile, first time rolling over (both ways), and don’t even get us started on how amazing it was the first time baby sat—without padding or leaning on anything. Sounds like crawling is just around the corner—yet another in the line of baby’s firsts. That means it’s time to start babyproofing the place.

Our handy babyproofing checklist includes clever DIY tricks that make your home safer for your child and can save you some money too. Whether you need to babyproof your cabinets, your fireplace, or drawers, these ideas are a great place for any parent to start.

When to Start Babyproofing

As your little one gets close to crawling, it’s time to babyproof your home and other places they visit frequently, like grandparents’ homes. To start, get on the floor and look at the surroundings from a baby’s perspective. See what’s tempting to grab and pull on, what’s at eye level, and what could injure them. Then, put away fragile items, move cords, secure furniture that could fall over, and put padding on sharp edges. Every few months, and when your child reaches a new milestone, like walking, evaluate your home for additional babyproofing needs. As kids grow taller, the danger zones will change and likely increase.

Babyproofing Checklist for Your House

1. Secure stairway railings

The railings on staircases or landings on upper floors may look narrow, but they’re big enough for kids’ limbs (or heads) to get stuck in. Secure clear plastic or fabric to railings to deter kids from playing on them.

2. Hide cleaning products

Plastic bins with lids and latches that baby can’t open are a safer place for cleaning products than under your kitchen sink. If you can store them on a high shelf or out of sight in a tall cabinet, that’s even better.

3. Corral cords

Cut a slit down an empty paper towel roll or piece of pipe insulation and thread multiple wires through it to keep them from becoming tangled in your tot’s curious hands. You can also use zip ties to pull together cords and then tuck them far away from baby’s reach. Don’t forget your USB cords that still hold a charge when they’re plugged in.

4. Cover outlets

Plastic covers are the easiest way to cover outlets around the house (and safest too). But in a pinch, or when you’re visiting relatives or traveling, you can put adhesive bandages or duct tape over electrical outlets. Avoid cartoon varieties of bandages that will attract little ones’ attention.

Renee Servinsky of Sassy Wife/Classy Life

5. Block off the fireplace

Babyproof a fireplace without sacrificing aesthetics too much by covering the opening with a piece of magnetic chalkboard (we love the one above from Sassy Wife/Classy Life). The chalkboard blocks off the fireplace and give little ones a surface on which to draw with chalk and play with magnets (choose large magnets that don’t pose a choking hazard).

6. Place dishtowels out of reach

Nix the dishtowel hanging off your oven door handle. Kids can pull down on it and open a hot oven or bonk themselves with the heavy door. Move towels to a higher shelf or put them on command hooks out of baby’s reach.

7. Test choking hazards with a toilet paper tube

There’s no need to purchase a choke tester. Anything that can fit into an empty toilet paper tube is small enough for your baby to choke on. Keep all those wee things out of reach.

8. Create a TP protector

Babies love to unroll toilet paper as much as pets do. Keep your TP intact and out of baby’s hands and mouth with a two-liter soda bottle! Cut off the top and bottom of the bottle and cut a slit down the remaining center piece. Use tape to cover sharp, raw edges and slide the container over your toilet roll to cover it. See the tutorial at My Frugal Baby Tips.

9. Protect with pool noodles

These summertime staples can be used for everything from door stoppers to crib-rail covers that prevent tots from rolling out of bed. They’re also good for wrapping around sharp edges, like around the fireplace, to minimize bumps and scrapes.

10. Pad corners with tennis balls

Tennis balls can soften sharp corners where a pool noodle doesn’t fit. Cut a few small slices into the ball’s core so you can wedge it over items like table corners. It may not look pretty, but this hack is pretty temporary. Before you know it, your toddler will be steady enough on their feet that you no longer feel the need to protect every corner in your home.

11. Shorten pull cords

Use clothespins or twist ties to shorten and hold up pull cords on curtains and blinds to remove this strangulation risk from your home. Command hooks are also handy for keeping cords out of reach.

12. Sock it to knobs

To keep little hands from turning door knobs, cover them with a spare sock and wrap a hair tie or rubber band around the base to hold the sock in place. An adult can still squeeze and turn the handle, but a child won’t be able to.

13. Band together on horizontal cabinets

Attach hair ties or rubber bands to keep paired cabinet doors closed. Just loop the tie around the handles and your baby will only be able to open the doors a little bit, not wide enough to slip a hand through.

14. Get a handle on vertical drawers

Slide a yardstick or tension rod (or another long, thin object) through the handles of horizontally stacked drawers, rather than spending time and money on individual locks.

Make sure to capture photos of your baby crawling around their newly babyproofed pad—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

The Best Pregnancy, Baby & Parenting Blogs

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseMarch 25, 2022

These parenting blogs for pregnancy, babies and beyond offer plenty of insight and support to new parents

Who’s there for you when you’re freaking out, nursing or looking for laughs? Blogs. Read on for parenting blogs, baby blogs, pregnancy blogs and sometimes a mix of all three, written by experts and moms who get it.

A pregnant woman trying to predict baby's gender. — iStock

Womanhood Unwrapped
Through interviews with inspiring women and true tales from her own life, Womanhood Unwrapped founder Lis Thomas offers words of wisdom and inspiration about family, business, empowerment, leadership and more.

Mommy Labor Nurse
Who better to share advice on pregnancy, delivery and postpartum life with a baby than a labor and delivery nurse who's also a mom? Liesel from Mommy Labor Nurse gives tips from both perspective for a well-rounded, educated take on what to expect every step of the way. Each article has a table of contents so you can quickly scan to find where your questions are addressed.

Swaddles n' Bottles
Swaddles n' Bottles is a one-stop shop of practical advice and helpful information on pregnancy, labor & delivery, your postpartum body, breastfeeding and the baby gear you really need. Writers include moms, a labor & delivery nurse and a certified lactation counselor, and advice is organized by stage (pregnancy by trimester, postpartum, baby tips) and topic (breastfeeding support, pumping tips, baby gear), so it's easy to find exactly what you're looking for.

Lay Baby Lay
You can count on Lay Baby Lay for nursery design ideas and all-around motherhood inspiration. Joni Lay, the designer and mom behind the blog, has been sharing her creative talents and motherhood stories since 2011.

Fit Bottomed Mamas
The Fit Bottomed Mamas section of the Fit Bottomed Girls website covers pregnancy, parenting, family as well as trying to conceive and infertility. The tone is light, funny and always supportive and inclusive.

Baby Chick
With a mission to celebrate motherhood and empower mothers everywhere, Baby Chick is full of everything you'll need to know for conception and pregnancy to life with baby. Baby Chick was founded by a doula and mom & baby educator.

The Fashion Bump
Founded by a pediatric registered nurse, The Fashion Bump covers the latest in style, beauty products, health and lifestyle news for pregnant women, with a body-positive vibe about loving your amazing bump.

Working Mom Magic
On Working Mom Magic, you'll find advice on juggling life as a working mom. Topics include parenting, fitness, crafts, recipes, 529s, handling daycare issues and hacks for spending more time with your kids. Posts are focused and full of advice, since working mamas are too busy for fluff.

Mommy on Purpose
Carly, the founder of Mommy on Purpose, is dedicated to helping moms live their best life by sharing practical tips and resources on pregnancy, labor & birth, breastfeeding and life with littles, from fun activities to how to keep things clean and organized and ways to save money. We love how she divides baby and toddler articles into two groups: Tiny & Squishy and Sticky & Wobbly.

Pregnant Chicken
Amy, the chick in charge of the roost over at Pregnant Chicken, aims to keep pregnancy and parenthood real (and fun) for expectant and new parents alike. Popular features include the "Is it Safe" section, covering what you can and can't do while pregnant, and what you need to know for each trimester.

Confessions of Parenting
In addition to advice about all things baby, the Confessions of Parenting blog also covers topics related to blended families, such as coparenting and helping kids navigate through divorce.

Fennell Seeds Blog
The Fennell Seeds blog focuses on parenting and organizational skills (genius!), with some great travel tips thrown in as well.

Midwife & Life
The midwife and educator behind Midwife & Life shares tons of articles about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, from how to stay healthy during pregnancy and creating a birth plan to gentle weaning advice. You'll also find amazing birth stories.

Fussy Baby Site
The Fussy Baby Site blog guides parents through life with a colicky baby or one who is especially spirited or high needs. From sleep tips and ways to keep kids entertained to parenting guidance and self-care advice, the blog strives to help exhausted parents find guidance and support.

two parents holding baby on bed, italian court ruling kids last names — iStock

Imperfectly Perfect Mama
The moms behind the Imperfectly Perfect Mama blog really get it. They've been there and are sharing real talk on how to navigate mom life, baby stuff, postpartum drama, health issues and money.

Coffee and Coos
In addition to lots of posts on pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood, Coffee and Coos covers the all-important topic of money, including how to save more of it and tips for working from home. You'll also find inspiring and heartwarming birth stories.

Plus Size Birth
Check out the birth stories, resources and valuable advice for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive on the Plus Size Birth blog. It's a great resource for plus-size pregnancy essentials and issues you may encounter.

Thrifty Nifty Mommy
Janessa from Thrifty Nifty Mommy is the dream mommy best friend. She knows her stuff, from what baby products are best to how to deal with engorgement and more, like fun, family-friendly crafts and recipes.

Scary Mommy
Finally, a blog dedicated to imperfect parents (aka all of us). Bookmark Scary Mommy for a refreshing read following the roughest of days in pregnancy and parenthood.

The Leaky B@@b
Precisely what its name indicates, The Leaky B@@b is a community-centric blog for breastfeeding moms that full of advice, resources and real stories you’ll probably laugh at because you can relate all too well.

Hellobee
Hellobee covers a broad range of topics, from conception and adoption to chronic illness and kids with special needs, as well as lighter fare like product reviews. The site also has a forum section where you can connect with others, as well as classifieds, a buy/sell section and links to favorite products of the Hellobee bloggers and community members.

A Cup of Jo
Joanna Goddard was one of the first mom bloggers, having started A Cup of Jo in 2007. The site has evolved and covers style, food, travel, relationships as well as motherhood. Today, the motherhood section is thriving with thought-provoking posts on having an only child, dating as a single mom and surprising things moms learn along their journeys.

—Jane Putnam & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured image: iStock

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Breast Milk Boosters: Tips & Products to Increase Your Milk Supply

by Aimee Della BittaAugust 31, 2021

Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it comes naturally. Many women struggle with producing enough milk, which can be confusing and frustrating. So, we’ve rounded up all the tips, products and natural supplements that can boost your supply and keep that liquid gold flowing.

We also recommend talking to your ob-gyn and a lactation consultant for more personalized guidance, and to run your milk-boosting plan by them.

Food, Drinks & Supplements

Galactagogues (pronounced gah-lak´tah-gogs) is a fancy word that means a food, herb or supplement that can help increase breast milk supply. Add it to the things you never heard of before you embarked on motherhood but is all of a sudden an essential! Here's a list of the most common and helpful galactagogues:

Fenugreek seed. It has been used since the 19th century and is probably still the herb most associated with increasing milk supply (some say it can increase flow by 900%). It's a common ingredient in Indian dishes and is similar to clover. Steep a teabag of it to get full benefits and a sweet maple syrup taste.

Fennel. It's your choice how you want to take this sweet-smelling, highly nutritious herb: Cook with it, toss it into a salad, or take it in the form of a supplement. It's said to be an excellent, natural way to increase breast milk production. It’s also available in an essential oil form.

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil. Flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production. Flaxseed also contains essential fatty acids.

Oatmeal. This common breakfast food is fantastic for building and maintaining your milk supply; it's also high in iron, which helps new moms who are anemic. Any oatmeal should work—rolled, old-fashioned, steel-cut, even oatmeal muffins.

Alfalfa. Known for its ability to increase breast milk production, alfalfa also provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Many midwives encourage their clients to supplement with alfalfa for six weeks before birth and several months afterward.

Brewer's yeast: This healthy nutritional supplement contains B vitamins, iron, protein, chromium, selenium and other minerals. Not only can it help you make more breast milk, it may also give you more energy and have a positive effect on your mood (yes, please!).

H20: Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but especially while breastfeeding. The milk nursing mothers produce is 88% water; when a baby feeds, the mother will lose bodily fluids. Apart from that, you also need to make up for the fluids needed for the body to produce milk.

Techniques to Try

Milk production is all a supply and demand game—the more milk your baby consumes, the more milk your body makes. It sounds simple, but it is oftentimes not. So here are tricks and techniques to encourage your body to produce more milk so you can meet baby's nursing needs.

Breastfeeding on-demand. In the first few weeks after birth, your goal should be 8 to 12 nursing sessions in a 24-hour period. After that, pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues (like lip-smacking, finger sucking and rooting) and feed your babe as often as needed. This number will gradually reduce once your baby becomes more efficient and can drink more milk at each feeding.

Skin-to-skin contact. Research shows that holding your baby skin-to-skin helps increase milk volume by boosting your levels of the milk-making hormone oxytocin—the hormone responsible for milk ejection. Oxytocin is nicknamed the love hormone, and your levels go up when you snuggle up skin-to-skin. Here's to that overflowing love (and milk!).

Power pumping. If your baby isn't with you or has a hard time latching on, try power pumping. To do it, you’ll want to sit down and pump on and off at an interval for about an hour. You can choose the interval that works for you—you can do 20 minutes first and then 10 minutes off and on, 12 minutes on and 8 off, 15 and 5, etc.

Apply heat. Try taking a warm bath or applying a warm compress to your breasts before nursing, as it's an easy way to increase milk flow.

Breast compression. Before pumping or nursing, massage your breasts using the palms of your hands and finger pads. This helps move more milk forward and increases your output. It also helps the rich, high-calorie hindmilk release more efficiently. In addition, with so many milk ducts on the breasts, massaging can help allow for better milk flow when you begin pumping.

Switch sides. It's common for one breast to produce more milk than the other, but it is important to switch sides regularly to increase overall production. The movement of changing sides, plus the change in the flow of breast milk from one breast to the other, may encourage babes to keep breastfeeding. Demand goes up; supply goes up!

Products for Purchase

Search for products that help stimulate milk production, and you'll find quite a few. We've rounded up ones that are consistently praised by my moms-in-the-know.

Milkmakers. A company that knows how to get a new mom's attention! Milkmakers sells delicious cookies that include ingredients known to increase milk production, like oats and brewer’s yeast. They also contain flax seeds, which provide an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids that pass through the mother’s milk to support proper brain development. In addition to their sweets line, they sell lactation teas and drink supplements.

Legendairy Milk Pump Princess Lactation Supplement. If you're looking for a one-stop supplement, try Pump Princess, which contains a blend of organic ingredients (including black cumin seed, fennel, and dill) designed to optimize breast milk production and support milk flow.

Pink Stork Lactation Sweets: Individually wrapped sweets with a watermelon flavor support breast milk supply with essential herbs. Perfect for on-the-go moms.

Boobie Bar Superfood Lactation Bar: Created by a board-certified lactation consultant, these tasty bars include six organic superfoods that keep the milk flowing.

—Aimee Della Bitta

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Our Editors Share Their Top Tips for Baby’s First Year

by Kenzie KramerJune 28, 2021

The first twelve months after bringing home baby are a roller-coaster of milestones, mood swings and memories. Every parent who has been there and done that has a lot of could-haves, should-haves, and would-haves from baby’s first year—whether it’s sleep training, navigating teething or life-saving products. Keep reading to see our team’s top tips, which they share with every new parent:

This post is in partnership with Camilia Teething Drops, the mess-free, homeopathic drops that can relieve painful gums, irritability, and minor digestive upsets sometimes associated with teething. Camilia Teething Drops are made with plant-based active ingredients like chamomile and come in easy-to-use pre-measured doses—meaning they’re mess-free and so convenient for on-the-go families. Learn more about Camilia and save $2 on Camilia Teething Drops here!

“Get a couple of preemie outfits and diapers for the first couple of weeks—unless you expect a very large baby.” -Jennifer S.

“Relax. For what it’s worth, I feel like the baby can feel your anxiety. So whatever you are doing, relax and the baby will relax, too.” -Laurie M.

Partner

"Teething drops! We love Camilia. They’re individually packaged, pre-measured doses so super easy to take on the go and mess-free, because you never know when teething crankiness will set it. They work like a charm soothing sore gums and made with plant-based active ingredients! No yucky stuff that you have to worry about giving your baby—a must!" -Jamie A.

“Fun trick that not enough people know about: Onesies have those flaps on the shoulders because many are designed to be pulled down over baby all the way in case of a blowout for easier cleanup.” -Jennifer S.

“An app called The Wonder Weeks saved our sanity multiple times. It tells you how the baby’s brain is developing and what is normal in terms of behavior and fussiness. I recommend it to all our new mom friends now!” -Sarah S.

“Get out as much as you can. The “potted plant” stage where you can carry them around in their bucket car seat is so much easier than the toddler years in a lot of ways.” -Kate L.

“Download a book on a Kindle for those nights that you can’t put them down but you can’t sleep in the chair, either. Holding them while they sleep at 4 a.m. is sweeter when you’re reading Tina Fey’s latest. Master the blue nasal bulb, and it will serve you well for years to come. If you feel like you’re failing epically at keeping the baby’s schedule consistent, just try to be consistent with your own schedule (when you exercise, when you eat, when you try to shower, etc.); control what you can control. Take it easy on yourself. You’ll be fine.” –Shelley M.

“Run a load of laundry every day, if you’re able. Getting ahead of it is much easier than it piling up and… it’s less folding. Just grab a clean burp cloth.” -Julie G.

“You don’t need a million toys. A few classic items will suffice.” -Gabby C.

“Don’t kill yourself trying to master the DIY swaddle. Get one of those Miracle Blankets and Velcro the sucker in there!” –Mimi O.

“Take LOTS of videos. Babies change and grow so much: You’ll want video to remember facial expressions, those first laughs, cuddles with grandparents, all the little, special moments.” -Eva C.

“Breastfeeding guilt. Let it go, mama. Breastfeeding is harder for some moms than others; don’t compare yourself. Do it or don’t, and for as long or as little as works for you. Your baby will get the nourishment they need either way. Breastfeeding doesn’t make you more or less of a good mom. Be kind to yourself. You just birthed a human. You’re doing great and you got this.”
-Jamie A.

“Remember: It’s just a phase. It’s actually unbelievable how consumed you are with whatever the latest issue is—feeding, nap schedules, rashes, etc. You feel like you’ll be stuck in that place forever. And then a few weeks later you aren’t and you’ve moved on to the next obsession. Take a deep breath and know that whatever it is, it will likely pass.” -Lauren D.

“Ruffles out! Diapers have ruffles around the legs. These are important for keeping the poop in. Ruffles out. Always.” –Jennifer S.

Lil’ Boo: 12 Pro Tips for Baby’s First Halloween

by Katie L. CarrollSeptember 15, 2019

The crinkle of leaves beneath your feet, pumpkin-spiced everything at coffee shops, and the crisp bite of autumn air can mean only one thing: Halloween is on the way! But what are the best ways to celebrate with a little one? Get the most out of this trickiest of holidays with these 12 tips for enjoying baby’s first Halloween.

photo: Juhan Sonin via Flickr

1. No Tricks or Treats
There’s no shame in skipping the trick-or-treating when it comes to baby’s first Halloween. They’re not going to remember the night and aren’t old enough to enjoy the treats anyway. Ease your guilt by taking a stroller walk around your neighborhood to see the older kids in their costumes or check out the ideas below for other ways to celebrate.

2. Local Events
Malls, zoos, farms and libraries host Halloween and fall-themed events and crafts all season long. As these often take place during the day, they’ll likely fit into baby’s schedule better than nighttime outings.

3. Baby Party
You and your parent friends can host a baby Halloween party. Set up a fall-themed backdrop, add in a few pumpkins, and get those cuties in their costumes for a perfect photo op. If the holiday falls on a weekday, set the party date for the weekend before.

4. Pass Out Candy
Show off baby’s adorable costume without leaving your house. A bedecked baby is the perfect partner for handing out candy to the neighborhood kids. Once bedtime rolls around, put any remaining candy in a bowl outside the front door so no one rings the bell. Then it’s pajama time on the couch with a scary movie for you!

photo: PublicDomanPictures via Pixabay

5. Touring Tricks & Treats
Make a quick visit to a couple of your favorite friends and relatives. They’re the ones who will most appreciate the cuteness of your infant all dressed up, and they might even have an age-appropriate treat for baby.

6. Travel in Style
If you do decide to go trick-or-treating, which is inevitable if your little one has older siblings, make sure baby is riding in style. Whether baby’s tagging along in a carrier, stroller or wagon, make it part of the festivities by decorating it for the holiday. Check out these baby carrier Halloween costumes for inspiration!

7. Smart Costume
No matter what your plans for Halloween are, dress baby appropriately for the environment. That adorable fuzzy bear costume layered with warm clothes underneath is perfect for a chilly night of trick-or-treating but might not be the best choice for an indoor activity or in warmer climates. No matter how cute a costume, if baby isn’t comfortable, no one will have a good time.

8. Pumpkin Decorating
While your little one may be too young to partake in the tradition of carving a jack-o’-lantern, there are other options for pumpkin fun. Let baby go to town with stickers or non-toxic paint on a small pumpkin or gourd. Or cover a pumpkin with natural glue, put out an array of baby-safe craft items, like pompoms, and stick them on. If you do decide to carve a pumpkin, make it a sensory activity by letting baby get messy with the pumpkin innards.

photo: Eric Chan via Flickr

9. Taste of Halloween
Chances are most Halloween candy is a no-go for baby, but that doesn’t mean they can’t partake in the tastes of the season. While you’re sipping pumpkin-spiced latte, whip up a batch of pumpkin muffins for your wee one’s tiny taste buds. If baby’s too young for finger food, try fresh pumpkin puree with a dash of cinnamon. Here are 11 recipes for baby purees made with autumn ingredients.

10. Practice Run
In the days leading up to Halloween, try out all the parts of the costume so your little one can get a feel for it. Babies grow fast, so this will ensure it still fits. You’ll also be able to gauge how long baby will tolerate any accessories, like hats or headbands. Keep your camera or phone handy for capturing all those precious moments. The low-key practice run may yield some of the best photo ops of the holiday.

11. Reduce the Fear Factor
While older kids and adults may relish in all the frights of the night, Halloween can be scary for little ones. Spooky noises, masks and flashing lights can be terrifying and overwhelming for baby’s senses. Don’t be afraid to keep your distance from any costumes or decorations that might be too much.

12. Be Flexible
Like anything when it comes to infants, it’s always important to be flexible. Babies get tired or hungry, they have diaper blowouts that ruin costumes, and they don’t care about your carefully crafted plans. Have a backup outfit handy and, if worse comes to worse, there’s always next year when baby will be a year older and more able to enjoy all the fun that is Halloween.

—Katie L. Carroll

Featured image: Omar Lopez via Unsplash

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The Smart Mom’s Guide to Traveling with Babies & Toddlers

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseDecember 10, 2018

Traveling with babies and toddlers is easier than you think, thanks to these mom-approved hacks, snacks, gear and travel tips for plane travel and road trips. We even cover baby-friendly travel destinations, both near and far. Read on for the ultimate guide to traveling with baby on board.

What to Bring:

14 Can’t-Live-Without Hacks for Traveling with Baby

Before you board that plane or enter that hotel room, arm yourself with our best baby travel hacks. These 14 tips are certain to make your vacation a little less work and a little more enjoyable for you and everyone else involved.

Get 14 great baby-travel hacks.

Have Baby, Will Fly: 10 Awesome Travel Essentials

The tickets are booked and the bags are packed; the only thing left to prepare is baby. And we all know that’s an adventure in itself! Here are the absolute must-have items, plus some I can’t believe I didn’t know about this! products that could make your trip easier.

Check out 10 travel essentials for flying with baby.

What Snacks to Pack:

Airplane Snacks for Toddlers to Make Your Trip Fly By

What’s the key to flying with happy toddlers? Snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. The ideal treats not only fill up our kids’ bellies, they are easy to pack, don’t require refrigeration, aren’t super messy, and take some time to eat, so they double as an airplane activity. Read on for our favorite airplane snacks for toddlers, plus tips on how to pack, serve and even play with your food.

Find your new favorite travel snacks.

Yum on the Run: Top Travel-Friendly Snacks for Babies

Whether you’re zipping through afternoon errands with your baby in tow or taking a cross-country trip as a family, bringing a stash of tasty, healthy snacks is key. Littles get hungry fast and frequently, so you want to have something on hand for quick and easy noshing. Bored of your usual nibbles? Here are 12 new treats for taking on the go, wherever you go!

Get 12 travel-friendly snack ideas your little one will love.

What to Know for the Flight:

The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Baby

Flying with a baby requires patience, mental toughness and killer organizational skills. But you’ve got this! Follow these helpful hacks and hints to make your journey a little easier and keep those skies friendly.

Unlock the key to having an easy, fun flight with your baby.

What to Know for the Road:

10 Top Tips for Road Trips with Babies

Get your motor running. Head out on the highway…with a baby? Sure! With a little preparation, your kid can be ready to hit the road and go exploring right alongside you. Read on for 10 ways to make your road trip go smoothly with baby on board.

Read 10 top roadtrip tips.

Get Schooled in Infant Car Seat Safety by the Car Seat Lady

A car seat: You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it. In fact, it’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your little one in his first year of life. We spoke with Emily Levine, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, a group with a mission to empower parents to keep their children as safe as possible while traveling by car, to get some important information to ensure you’re using the right seat, the right way, for your baby or toddler.

Get the skinny on car-seat safety before you hit the road.

Top 10 Warm-Weather Safety Rules for Kids in Cars

If you’re planning warm-weather travel, arm yourself with snacks, your GPS and some very good advice. Read on for our top 10 tips on keeping kids safe in the car on warm days.

Learn 10 safety rules to keep kids safe in cars on hot days.

Where to Go:

Tiny Travelers: 6 Baby-Friendly Destinations to Book Next

Your sweet little baby might be the best adventure you’ve ever embarked on, but parenthood shouldn’t keep you tethered to your hometown. Going on vacation may be intimidating, but if you can manage the actual traveling(by car or plane) to and from your destination, the rest of the trip will be just as enjoyable (if not more) as your pre-baby sojourning days.

Find your next vacation spot.

6 Far Flung—but Baby-Friendly—Places to Travel

Isn’t it ironic that after having a baby—when your nerves are shot, you’re sleep deprived and you really need to go on vacation—traveling is the last thing on your mind? Well, it shouldn’t be. Especially when there are so many destinations designed with families of young ones in mind. From full-time (and free) resort nannies to stroller-accessible trams, these out-of-this-world locales go the distance when it comes to baby amenities.

Check out these international destinations that cater to babies.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Happy Trails: Tips for Hiking with Your Baby

by Haley BurressJune 2, 2018

Hitting the trail can be more than just a fun way for your family to spend an afternoon. Fresh air can improve your health and your mood, and kids are never too young to learn how to respect and enjoy nature. So find your trail and follow these tips on how to hike with your baby.

photo: Scott Sherrill Mix via Flickr

Pick a Nearby Trail
Infants aren’t always big fans of hours spent riding in the car, so keep your trail choice nearby. You can hike your local nature preserve or search for a trail within a 50-mile radius with an app like AllTrails. If you can’t decide on a trail near you, ask friends for recommendations.

Slather on the Sunscreen
Even if you’re hiking on tree-covered trails, it’s still important to protect baby’s skin. Use your favorite sunscreen (on babies over 6 months) and apply it as often as necessary. And put baby in a sun hat. It will protect their face and make for some awfully cute photos.

Ditch the Stroller (If Possible)
Strollers, even durable jogging versions, are not the best option for trail hiking. Not only can the rocky trails bump baby around, it can be taxing for parents to push the stroller up hills and through water. Instead, wear baby in your favorite carrier or in a hiking backpack. Pro tip: If you’re using a new carrier, test it out before your hike to make sure you and your baby will be comfortable using it.

photo: Jens Johnsson via Unsplash

Bring Snacks
Even if you’re just planning a 30-minute hike, pack for a hungry baby. If your little one is breastfeeding, bring items to make you both feel comfortable if you have to nurse on the trail (like a lovey for baby to hold or a cushion for you to sit on). For a baby who drinks formula, bring pre-measured formula in a bottle and water to mix it with. If baby is eating solids, toss a few pouches, puffs or other favorite snacks into your backpack as well. Also, bring something for Mom and Dad too!

Pack Enough, But Not Too Much
Speaking of packing, try to keep it light (we know; it’s hard). Baby needs a few diapers, wipes and a pacifier, but maybe skip the favorite blanket, teething toys or a tablet, or leave those items in the car for the ride home. Focus on necessities and remember that you won’t be gone for too long.

Stop Often
Hiking with an infant (or a toddler, or an elementary schooler) should include plenty of stops. Dip baby’s toes into stream water, bend down to examine a leaf, spend time touching rocks. These sensory experiences are excellent learning opportunities for kids and gives them time to stretch their legs or arms before heading back into the carrier. A well-timed stop can be the perfect cure for a meltdown, or a special time to enjoy a snack together.

photo: Marcelo Silva via Unsplash

Take Photos
Bring your cell phone or camera so you can document your family’s adventure! Shoot a family selfie at the trailhead, as well as a few of baby enjoying the outing, discovering the breeze or holding their first pine cone.

Talk and Sing
Family time on the trail means you ditch the technology and focus on one another. Take advantage of this family interaction by talking and singing. Baby is listening and learning, and you and your partner have a chance to chat and get to know what’s happening in each other’s lives.

Ask for Help
People who hike and enjoy the outdoors are typically kind and helpful folks. If you find yourself feeling lost, unsafe or in need of some assistance (is that greenery by the trailhead poison ivy?), don’t hesitate to ask. Find another family who may be able to loan you a diaper, or seek out a park ranger.

What’s your favorite part of enjoying the outdoors with baby? Let us know in the comments.

— Haley Burress

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Etiquette Tips and Handy Tricks for Baby Gifts You Don’t Want

by Whitney C. HarrisDecember 14, 2017

The holidays are over and your family may be swimming in a pile of new presents. While it’s the thought that counts, what about duplicates, toys your little one (or you) don’t like, and the feeling you may have way too much stuff already? Here’s how to repurpose, regift or tactfully return the baby gifts you don’t want sitting around until 2019.

photo: Shiloh Hrissikopoulos via Flickr

1. Snap a pic
Take a photo of your child using, holding or wearing the item (to share it with the gift giver) and then donate it to a person or a cause in need. Charity Navigator can help you find a worthy place to give your things, or check out your local Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Goodwill, or Salvation Army thrift stores. There’s no shame in re-gifting to an organization that needs it more than your family does.

2. Stash away toys for travel
If the toy you received is loud, too bright and colorful, or something you just don’t love, then keep it in the car or an overnight bag for whenever you’re out of the house. This way you don’t have to deal with the toy day after day, and the novelty of it will be just what your baby needs when settling into a trip. Bonus points if the gift giver sees it with you during your travels!

photo: Justin McGregor via Flickr

3. Repurpose
Don’t love the top your mother-in-law gave your baby? Use it during messy mealtimes or as an art smock. Frustrated that your wee one doesn’t play with those pretty wooden toys? Put them on a nursery shelf as art objects. Annoyed your little guy was given something beyond his years? Store it in a closet or the basement and set a reminder on your phone to break it out at a better time. Also, check out our article on incredibly creative ways to repurpose toys.

4. Regift it to someone who’ll cherish it
The idea here is to give the gift to someone who actually wants the item, not just to get it off your hands and into anyone else’s. Avoid giving it to someone in the same circle of friends or family, so the original giver comes across it in someone else’s house. And regift it in a timely manner so it’s not out of season or out of style.

5. Trade it in
Amazon.com accepts tons of books, DVDs, and anything really popular, like Frozen-themed items, for store credit. It’s far less risky than listing the item on your eBay or Craigslist accounts, where the gift giver could see it.

photo: Chuttersnap via Unsplash

6. Hide it in a closet (we won’t tell)
If the gift was personalized or meant to be a meaningful, special gift, keep it if you can. Stash the item in a closet or under a bed so it’s out of your way. Just remember to take it out before the gift giver stops by for a visit.

7. Take it back
Most websites and stores will accept a return or exchange if you have the email address or name of the person who gifted you the item, and if you’re within the returns window. (It’s 90 days for many stores, but less for some.) Don’t worry, the giver won’t be notified that you’ve returned or exchanged the gift!

If you need the receipt, ask for it in a casual, breezy way. Something like, “Oh, we were going through the gifts and realized we didn’t have a receipt for yours along with all the others. Do you happen to have it?” Or, if you feel comfortable, be more direct: “We are so grateful for the gift you gave our child—thank you! But he/she really needs a new [fill in the blank] this year. We were hoping to exchange it at the store. Do you have the receipt?”

In a perfectly polite world, the gift giver would include the receipt with the item and realize a gift is just a material object. Your relationship is much more important. Take heart in knowing that the gift giver probably just wants you and your baby to be happy, with the gift or not.

How do you handle gifts you can’t use? Let us know in the comments.

— Whitney C. Harris

There’s no reason you can’t be the mastermind behind your own baby photoshoots

1. Enlist a friend or family member

2. Nail the timing

3. Coordinate outfits—without being matchy-matchy

4. Carefully consider props

5. Get low and close

6. Be goofy

7. Forget the camera

8. Don’t stop shooting

9. Take turns

10. Just go with the crazy

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Babyproofing Checklist for Your House

1. Secure stairway railings

2. Hide cleaning products

3. Corral cords

4. Cover outlets

5. Block off the fireplace

6. Place dishtowels out of reach

7. Test choking hazards with a toilet paper tube

8. Create a TP protector

9. Protect with pool noodles

10. Pad corners with tennis balls

11. Shorten pull cords

12. Sock it to knobs

13. Band together on horizontal cabinets

14. Get a handle on vertical drawers

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What to Bring:

14 Can’t-Live-Without Hacks for Traveling with Baby

Have Baby, Will Fly: 10 Awesome Travel Essentials

What Snacks to Pack:

Airplane Snacks for Toddlers to Make Your Trip Fly By

Yum on the Run: Top Travel-Friendly Snacks for Babies

What to Know for the Flight:

The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Baby

What to Know for the Road:

10 Top Tips for Road Trips with Babies

Get Schooled in Infant Car Seat Safety by the Car Seat Lady

Top 10 Warm-Weather Safety Rules for Kids in Cars

Where to Go:

Tiny Travelers: 6 Baby-Friendly Destinations to Book Next

6 Far Flung—but Baby-Friendly—Places to Travel

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