The best baby tracking apps do the hard work of remembering so you don’t have to

When you’re a sleep-deprived new parent, how are you supposed to remember when you last fed your baby, how long they slept, or even when they were immunized and for what? Especially during those first few months when leaving the house freshly showered and in spit up-free clothing is considered a near miracle. Here’s the good news. You don’t have to. Some of the best baby tracking apps out there help exhausted parents stay on top of every milestone, feeding, diaper change, nap, and so much more.

1. Baby+

baby+ pink background on a smartphone is a baby tracking app
Philips

With Baby+ parents can track their child's height, weight, and head circumference through interactive graphs, and log information on feedings, diaper changes, sleep, and new teeth to get a better understanding of baby's routine. You can also keep track of baby's milestones and upload photos, as well as help baby relax at night or during feeding time with lullabies and white noise.

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

2. Sprout Baby

You can use the Sprout Baby app to record your child's health history (illnesses, symptoms, temperature, medications), as well as to keep track of feedings, bottles, pumping sessions, and diapers. The app features a handy printable report with your child's health data that you can bring to doctor's visits. There's also a memories section for recording milestones and other special moments, which you can then export to an eBook.

Available for iOS devices.

3. Talli

This best baby tracking app includes a device with a white top and wood bottom

This baby tracking app is a little bit different. It pairs with a stylish device that comes ready to track baby's sleep, bottle feedings, diapers, pumping, and more right out of the box. And it's customizable too, so you can determine which of baby's many activities you track. The companion app is fully integrated to let parents track all sorts of data, see trends, invite family members and caregivers to contribute, and view past events. It's also Alexa enabled, for those moments when you don't have your hands free.

Available for iOS and on Google Play.

4. Tinybeans

Tinybeans is one of the best baby tracking apps

Yup, we've got an app! If you're looking for a secure place to store your baby photos, look no further than Tinybeans. You can edit pics before posting and share them with a select group of family and friends, who can comment on and join in the excitement of all your adorable new memories. The app will prompt you to post (to keep eager relatives appeased) and also track baby's developmental milestones. 

Available for iOS and on Google Play.

5. BabySparks

three smartphone screens with a baby sleeping on one, shows best baby tacking app info

This development tracker informs you when children typically learn specific skills, compiled from sources including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BabySparks also provides activities you can do with your child to support this development. The activities are organized by the area of development: gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, speech, sensory, self-care, and social-emotional, so you can focus on a specific area if you prefer. The app also offers a paid subscription option so parents can access parenting classes.

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

6. BabyTime

screenshots of the babytime app, one of the best tracking apps for parents of babies
BabyTime

All caregivers can track and record baby's activities in the BabyTime app. And since it's designed for one-handed operation, you can save all that valuable information while holding baby—a big plus. Track breastfeeding, bottles, sleep, and diapers, and use the slick charts to oversee baby's day or identify trends. There's also a night mode with a low-contrast background that's easier on your eyes.

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

7. Baby Connect

a best baby tracker app, three smartphones with apps to track baby's needs

Baby Connect records diaper changes, naps, moods, feedings, medicines, photos, activities, and displays it in graphs and charts to help you identify trends. Multiple users can access your kid's info so your babysitter, Grandma, and other caregivers can see what baby has been up to and keep you updated, too. And the voice integrations mean you can record important information, even when your hands are full.

Available for iOS devices and Android.

8. Baby Tracker

Screenshots of the Baby Tracker app, one of the best baby tracking apps
Baby Tracker

Love knowing when every little thing happened and when it might happen again? Baby Tracker keeps track of every element of your baby's day, including sleep, feedings, and diaper changes. You may even discover your newborn's natural daily routines and nap schedule by comparing a week's or a month's worth of days. You can also track and record memories, growth, medical history, milestones, and more.

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

9. Baby Feed Timer

a baby tracking app shows which side baby last fed on on an iphone

Nursing moms love the Baby Feed Timer app because you can record which side you fed your infant with last. Bottle-feeding parents love that you can keep track of just how much formula baby took each time. This baby tracking app will also tell you when it's time for the next feeding. Plus, it tracks diapers, pumping, medication administration, sleep, and solid feedings, making it useful past the first year.

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

10. Glow Baby

This baby tracking app for the first year tracks developmental milestones, feedings, diapers, sleep, baby's ailments, medications, and more. Use Glow Baby's timers to manage feeding and sleep schedules, and then head to the in-app community to chat with other parents and share strategies and successes.

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

You’ve figured out what works—congrats! Maybe your baby sleeps in a crib. Maybe you co-sleep. Maybe you’re bottle-feeding or nursing. But you finally know what your baby wants: They want to wake at a regular time (usually too early). They want to eat, they want to be changed, and they want to nap. This leaves you with enough time to race through a few chores when—surprise! It happens all over again. The routine does not vary. Life has become a little bit less confusing but a whole lot more boring.

People say, “It’ll be easier once you find a routine.” And it’s true. But they don’t tell you, “You will also have to stick to this routine, and sometimes you will want to scream, because while feeding/changing/sleeping is very interesting to an infant, it’s far less so to the adult who has to oversee it.” This has nothing to do with love and everything to do with babies lingering over their meals like old French women over lunch. It has nothing to do with gross-outs over diapers; instead, it’s about those chores that will never be done. There you are, deciding what’s for dinner, laundry piling up, for the third day in a row that you haven’t left the house or changed your sweats.

Someone’s going to sing that song about cat’s cradles and silver spoons. They will warn you that babies grow up and you’ll miss these days because that sweet baby will be a miserable teenager one day. Shove an infant their way and say, “Here, you clearly miss your baby, so hold one for a minute while I shower.”

Babies do grow up, but this does not mean they automatically spark joy. People who insist they should have forgotten the inherent tyranny of infants. Teenagers want things. Infants demand them. You can walk away from your 13-year-old; a crying baby creates a visceral, measurable hormonal flood that sends you scrambling to fix it through any means necessary.

Related: I Miss the Attention I Got When I Was Pregnant

Like most of you, I survived the baby doldrums with electronics: a Kindle and a phone. Sometimes, when I had a sweet, cuddly baby at my breast, I also had my eyes plastered to a screen. What, was I supposed to stare at my kid’s face for hours at a time? And don’t say, “Yes you were. You were supposed to stare at that precious little squish to promote prosocial interaction and help them learn to be a perfect human.” Hours. Literally hours, every single day, on the couch, unmoving, a cup of ice water at my elbow. You’d have to be a Buddhist monk not to reach for your phone or cue up an episode of Abbott Elementary.

It’d be one thing if this were just a few weeks. But the routine becomes your life—and it can be extremely isolating. To avoid disrupting the schedule, you have limited time to accomplish outside activities. This is a logistical nightmare that people without infants simply do not understand and willfully forget once their children grow up. Car nap? No car nap? To feed at Target or not to feed at Target? Will your child sleep in a baby carrier? Will your baby startle awake like a zombie in the middle of a grocery store run and demand to have their diaper changed? Will your mother-in-law banish you to a back bedroom to nurse (and how will you feel about that)?

Just take them wherever you go! some will say. But if your kid’s one of those who clings to their routine, all those admonitions to get out more can set your teeth on edge. You’d be thrilled to get out more. You’d give anything to be among the people. You’re also dying to go to Europe, but that is not happening in the foreseeable future. “I would love to see people,” you can say. “Would you like to come over and hold my baby?”

This is an important—and necessary—request. Don’t say, “I can’t have people come over. My house is a wreck.” Of course your house is a wreck. You are stuck in an infinite infant time loop! Real friends will notice your laundry piles and start folding. If your friends care about dirty dishes, look for ones who don’t. (In addition to Facebook groups and local message boards, there are apps like Peanut to give you an assist.) Surround yourself with love and positivity, not judgment.

Related: When You Realize Your ‘Mom Friends” Aren’t Your Real Friends

Only when you’ve accepted and settled into your mind-numbing groove will it… change: Your baby goes from two naps to one. Your baby transitions to solid foods. Your baby hits some vague developmental milestone and decides to stop sleeping entirely. This shift in routine is also routine, and it can drive you batty. You’ll have a month of boredom, then two weeks of catastrophic disruption, and on the cycle goes. Welcome to parenthood. Sometimes they make funny T-shirts about this stuff. They aren’t that funny, not really.

Parenting is hard. You can love your kid to pieces and still get bored. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad parent or that you’re not cut out for this or that you should throw your arms in the air and re-examine your life choices. It’s just a slog sometimes. I wish I could offer a solution that wouldn’t sound like manic pixie stupidity: Dance in your kitchen! Bake some muffins! Sing along to your favorite music! But there is no magic bullet. Routine is hard and you have to find your own way through it. You’ll make it. You’ve got this.

Teething has turned your sweet baby into a drooling, clingy, cranky mess, and none of your go-to remedies seem to be working. You’re giving them all the extra cuddles (the best treatment for most baby drama), extra boob or bottles, you panic-ordered the iconic banana teether toothbrush, and you’re now best friends with Sophie La Girafe, but your little one is still a disaster. Luckily, there are so many other ways to help soothe a teething baby. Try these teething tips to ease your babe’s discomfort fast—and don’t forget to keep wiping that waterfall of drool pouring out of their mouths! (The last thing you need is irritated skin on top of teething pain.)

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1. Rub baby’s gums. After washing your hands, give your baby a gentle gum massage. The pressure from your fingers will counter the pressure of the teeth breaking through. It will feel good and offer your little one some relief from sore, swollen gums.

2. Refrigerate a pacifier. Chilling a pacifier makes it even more soothing by lightly numbing gums to dull the pain.

3. Wear baby-safe teething necklaces. Teething necklaces (jewelry for mom with chewable silicone pieces) give your child an easy-to-grab item to gnaw on when you're holding them. Just don't put any jewelry (e.g. amber necklaces) on your baby—these are choking and strangulation hazards

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4. Try a mesh feeder. Freezing some fruits in a mesh feeder can be a lifesaver for cranky kids and their equally cranky parents. Not only does it chill and soothe sore gums, but your baby or toddler will be occupied for a solid chunk of time before they get through all that frozen goodness.

5. Make milk/formula popsicles. Some babies and toddlers refuse to eat while teething, mostly out of discomfort. Popsicles keep your little one fed and hydrated while soothing those gums. Use silicone popsicle forms to make them, and fill with breastmilk or formula. When eating, slip a bib on your babe or place them on a washable towel or blanket since popsicles can get messy.

6. Wear your baby as much as possible. Strap your clingy child into a structured carrier or wrap, facing inward. They'll feel comfort from being close to you, and you can still get things done. Win-win.

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7. Freeze a wet, textured washcloth. Moisten a textured washcloth, wring it dry, and place in the freezer before giving it to your baby. Terrycloth or a ribbed texture will offer added relief by creating friction as baby gnaws on it.

8. Refrigerate a small spoon. A spoon is something your child can hold on their own, chew on, push against their gums, and even play with to distract themselves from teething pain. Keep a few spoons in the fridge so you always have one at the ready. Those new teeth can really sneak up on you.

9. Serve chilled purees. Chill pureed foods prior to feeding your baby so the food is cool on their gums. It will feel nice and may encourage your child to eat more.

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10. Become a chew toy. Wash your hands in cold water and then offer a chilled pinky for your child to gum on. You can also show your child how to gum on their own fingers, to help them self-soothe.

11. Give your child a foot massage. Studies in reflexology have identified connections between toes and the head and teeth. Gently massage your child’s toes for comfort and a distraction from their pain.

Make sure to capture all the pics of those adorable new teeth—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.

Set your baby up for a good night’s sleep with these helpful tips for establishing a bedtime routine you’ll both enjoy.

If baby ain’t sleeping, ain’t nobody sleeping. To set the whole family up for a better night’s rest, implement a bedtime routine. A consistent routine is soothing and helps your child understand what’s coming next. Read on for tips on how to create a calming daily ritual that will send baby to bed without all the fuss(iness).

photo: Tim Bish via Unsplash

Benefits of a Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine signals to your baby’s brain that it’s time to go to sleep. The predictable pattern and timing can ease your baby into a calm state that allows them to fall asleep more easily. It’s great bonding time and may even help with the sleep regressions that are a normal part of baby development. Once you’ve established a routine, it can also help other people put baby down when you won’t be there for bedtime.

What Age to Start

A good age to start is once your baby begins to show a pattern of sleeping and wakefulness. This can occur as early as 6 to 8 weeks old and as late as 4 months of age. Before 6 weeks, it’s not likely that your newborn will have any kind of established sleep schedule for a set bedtime. If you’ve missed these windows, it’s beneficial for a baby of any age to have a bedtime routine, so get started now.

photo: fujikama via Pixabay

Which Bedtime Is Best

The first thing you want to consider when picking a bedtime is baby’s schedule. Look for signs of sleepiness, like fussiness, yawning and sucking on fingers or a pacifier. Notice what time these signs appear and figure on beginning your routine 30 to 60 minutes before that so baby doesn’t get overtired during the routine. You’ll also want to consider your family’s schedule, taking into account when everyone is home from work or school and when you typically eat dinner. Generally, that means starting between 6 and 8 p.m.

Consistency Is Key

The best bedtime routines are short, simple and most of all consistent, lasting from between 20 minutes to an hour at the most. The most important thing is to make it a true routine, so that it’s the same every night and occurs at the same time. Ideally, it’ll happen in the same location as well, like in the room with baby’s crib. If you expect to have differences in sleep locations, make sure whatever you include in the routine can travel with you.

What to Include

Keep it simple and relaxing. You can include a bath if baby gets one every night. Next, a massage with lotion—like Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion—and then a fresh diaper, pajamas, and a swaddle or wearable blanket. Cuddle your little one while you sing a quiet song or look at a short book. Dim the lights to continue the calming vibe. Nursing or bottle feeding is helpful for lasting fullness before bed. Any quiet activity that gets baby ready for bed and relaxes them works, as long as it doesn’t put them fully to sleep.

Related: Check out these other natural lotions and other skincare products for babies.

photo: Marie Despeyroux via Unsplash

Putting Baby to Bed

You’ll want to put your child to bed drowsy but not asleep. That will give them the chance to learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Ambient noise can help with this as well as drown out any other household noises while they settle down. Try the Sleep Sheep from Cloud B that attaches directly to the crib. You can give them a gentle rub before quietly slipping out of the room.

Related: Check out these other white noise and sound machines for kids.

When to Adjust

You may need to tweak your timing and activities until you get into a good groove, but avoid big changes at first to let your little one get used to the routine. It’s also likely that adjustments will need to be made as your infant grows and develops. Any change in the daytime or non-bedtime night activities, like eliminating a nap or dropping a feeding, may call for a change in the bedtime routine. If baby seems fussy, it may signal that it’s time to move bedtime earlier. A true routine takes time to work, but with consistency and little persistence, it should pay off with better sleep for baby and you.

I brought my Elvie Pump to the show of the year… and let’s just say, everyone performed beautifully

I’m a new mom. And up until recently, my “new mom” sea legs and desire to live in an absolute bubble stopped me from partaking in anything spontaneous that pre-motherhood me would eagerly explore.

That all changed when I was gifted tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Yep, that tour you’re seeing across every social media feed you scroll. Julia Roberts, Emma Stone, Aaron Rogers… our girl Taylor is single-handedly uniting generations across the continent for a masterclass in performance, dedication, and work ethic. (Can you tell I’m a fan?)

Needless to say, for us Swifties, this tour is a “find tickets, will travel” type of event. So the fact that we live in Georgia while this particular show was in Tampa was just a minor detail.

There was no way I was going to let sleep deprivation and new motherhood count me out, so after a fast and forceful YES, my husband and I started to prep for our very first road trip with our seven-week-old baby. To Tampa for Taylor we go.

The day before we were set to leave I went on a walk with one of my new mom friends, ready to laugh with her about how much I had packed for our first three-day weekend away.

Every single item we use in a day was arranged, by category, on our kitchen table. I had written and re-written our checklist, outlined exactly how I wanted to pack up the car, and even mapped out where we could stop to feed and stretch along the drive. I’m currently breastfeeding and also bottle feeding, so I squeezed in extra pump sessions to prepare us with pre-portioned bottles of breastmilk to carry us through the weekend—and also cover for the time I’d be at the show. Cooler for the car, check.

We’re also learning our son’s preferences and wanted to be prepared for any scenario, like when he prefers to be upright after a bottle—Baby Bjorn Bouncer, check. Other times, he likes to nap on the couch next to us—Doc-a-Tot, check. Maybe my husband would want to take him on a walk—should we bring our stroller with both the bassinet and upright seat options? Feels like we need to! Check and check.

As it turned out, my friend was heading to the Nashville show just a few weeks later. Bonded by new-motherhood and now Taylor Swift, we laughed about our over-preparedness and placed our guesses for which secret songs Taylor might play. Then, she asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks.

Ok, but how the heck do you plan to pump at the show?

Wow, one major detail overlooked. I hadn’t listed it on any of my checklists.

As you know, this isn’t just a three-hour concert. This is a get to the stadium one-to-two hours early for merch, account for at least one hour of traffic no matter what time you leave, jam to one hour of openers, and get amped for a three-hour set kind of a concert. Fast math: that’s approximately seven hours (give or take your fandom).

At seven weeks postpartum, I hadn’t been out of the house for more than an hour at a time, let alone seven. What’s a girl gonna do? A nursing mom’s gotta pump!

Bringing in my very large, very loud hospital-grade breast pump was not an option.

Panicked, I sent an SOS to my mom friends, and in less than a minute, I received a response: I got you. Borrow my Elvie. Have fun.

Something I’ve learned about this incredible community of moms I have entered into is that they are fast and efficient. If you want a real review of something, text a mom. If you want honest feedback on whether something is worth your time or money, join a mom group, drop in the question, and marvel at the detailed, thoughtful, emphatic, and beyond-generous candor you’ll receive.

While everyone might choose their own path for how they do things as a mom, you can bet if a recommendation is sent your way, it’s been tested. Extreme pressure tested to be exact.

Dear Reader, I’ve Found Your Portable Pump

With less than 24 hours to go before my departure to Tampa, I picked up the Elvie Pump kit off my friend’s front porch. It was the perfect amount of time for an at-home test run.

My first impression was utter relief. It’s small, sleek, intuitive to assemble, and easy to clean—features that have become of the utmost importance to me.

Elvie Pump comes with two different-sized shields, which is invaluable as I’ve learned the hard way that pumping with the wrong-sized pump shields can cause real discomfort and damage.

               “Reporting live from Taylor Swift with my Elvie Pump on. Success!”

 

My friend-to-the-rescue had also purchased and shared two extra bottles, caps, and valves, which translated to two pumping sessions at the concert without me having to wash anything.

I charged the hub and sterilized the parts. She hadn’t used the pump in five months, so I was really impressed with how quickly the two hubs charged up. And when I say this thing is hands-free, I mean it. The pump auto-transitions from massage to expression modes at the right time for your flow. It even turns off once the liquid level has reached capacity—quite a different experience from my ball and chain at-home pump.

I tried the Elvie on under my Lover-inspired Eras outfit and sent an all-caps THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME, THIS THING IS AMAZING text to my friend.

As a final step, I reached out to the venue to make sure there wouldn’t be an issue with bringing a small canvas bag with the pump inside. I chuckled at the quick response: “We have received a good amount of these requests. Please check in with security upon your arrival to receive a ‘medical bag tag’ and there will be no issue.” Clearly, there are a lot of us Swifties in our “pumping era.”

The concert was everything I wanted it to be and more. The real gift of it all was that my new reality and pumping needs didn’t pull me away from any part of the experience. I cried, I smiled so much my face hurt, I hugged a stranger, and I got to be present during every. single. song. Really, I got the chance to feel like me again.

So, from one new mom to the next, if you’re searching for a reliable, portable pump option that really works and lets you live like you used to, I got you. Get yourself an Elvie Pump and go have fun.


This is our kind of pillow talk

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and comfortable bonding experience between you and your baby, but it can also be a pain in the…well, several different places, actually. Especially if you’re just starting out, you may be battling some soreness, stiff arms, maybe an achy back. That’s all totally normal, for the record. And that’s where the miraculous invention of the nursing pillow comes in. These little (or bigger, if you prefer—whatever works best for you) wonders can make all the difference in comfort and ease during those long feeding sessions. Plus, they’re more supportive, comfortable, and convenient than a bed pillow or couch cushion. These are designed for breastfeeding, and once you try one, you’ll never look back.

Don’t know which of the multiple options in nursing pillows to chose? No sweat. We’re here to help you navigate the world of nursing pillows—where foam, fabric, and fluff collide to create the ultimate breastfeeding sidekick. With these pillows by your side (literally), you’ll be able to conquer any feeding challenge that comes your way. Meet the superhero companions of every breastfeeding superheroine (that’s you)—the best nursing pillows out there. Get ready to change your whole breastfeeding game with one of these beauties.

 

Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow

Boppy

You already know Boppy makes great nursing pillows. Here's why their latest is a game-changer. It's a smaller pillow with an open design and a yoga-inspired fabric belt to attach around you for a customized fit. That means it's comfortable for women of all shapes and sizes, even those recovering from a C-section. Take this smaller pillow with you on your travels, while running errands, anywhere you plan to be. It's also machine-washable and folds up compactly so you can fit it in a diaper bag. Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow ($30.00)—Buy Here!

My Brest Friend Super Deluxe Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend/Amazon

A longtime mom favorite, the My Best Friend wraparound nursing pillow is celebrating over 25 years of helping moms and babies with breastfeeding with an upgraded pillow with even more thoughtful features. These include increased back and lumbar support to keep moms comfortable, increased height and thickness in the front cushion to help baby into more optimal positioning, an attached pouch for necessities like burp cloths and nipple cream, a waterproof inner cover, and a tracker to help you remember which side you last nursed on. Like the original and the inflatable travel pillow highlighted below, this pillow wraps around mom's body and fastens with an adjustable clasp to give moms back and arm support so they can focus on baby's latch and comfort. My Brest Friend Super Deluxe Nursing Pillow ($59.95)—Buy Here!

DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow

DockATot

Finally! A nursing pillow that doesn't look like one. This gorgeous pillow curves around your body to support baby or mama's arms while nursing. When not in use, you'll be happy to leave it on display—and you can keep using it as an accent pillow when your nursing days are behind you. Available in four elegant patterns, this pillow is part of DockATot's collection that coordinates with its other products (bassinets, swaddle sets, and more). DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow ($75.00)—Buy Here!

littlebeam Nursing Pillow

littlebeam

This breastfeeding pillow is small in size but big on added perks. In addition to positioning your baby at the right height for feeding in all nursing positions, it's also great for bottle feeding, as a tummy time support, or to give mom a little comfort as a head rest, lower back support, or between your legs for more comfortable sleep. Created by a family nurse practitioner and board-certified lactation consultant, the littlebeam nursing pillow is also the perfect companion for travel and daily outings, since it's small enough to fit in your diaper bag. littlebeam Nursing Pillow ($45.00)—Buy Here!

Boppy Classic Feeding and Nursing Support Pillow

Boppy

Trusted by moms for decades, the award-winning Boppy nursing pillow is a time-tested option. The firm but flexible U-shaped pillow allows for more ergonomic feeding positions and also works great for tummy time and supported sitting. The slipcover is removable and washable, and with the pillow at a reasonable price point, you can afford to have an extra cover (and there are a bunch to choose from). Boppy Classic Feeding and Nursing Support Pillow (From $45.00)—Buy Here!

Béaba Big Flopsy Maternity and Nursing Pillow

Beaba

For the expectant mother, the Big Flopsy doubles as a maternity body pillow. Although one of the largest nursing pillows on the market, the non-toxic micropearl fill keeps it lightweight and flexible. Both the cover and pillow are machine-washable. From helping pregnant moms find a comfortable sleeping position to providing support for nursing moms and supervised playtime with toddlers, the Big Flopsy is one you can use for years to come. Béaba Big Flopsy Maternity and Nursing Pillow ($109.95)—Buy Here!

The Nursie

Nursie

The Nursie was designed with portability in mind by wrapping around mom’s arm, much like swim floaties go around a child’s arm—no straps needed. It can be used for any nursing position, is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag while traveling, and is machine-washable. It props baby up to help reduce reflux and give mom the right position to avoid back and neck pain. The Nursie ($34.95)—Buy Here!

Nook Organic Niche Nursing Pillow

With its 100% organic, breathable and sustainable materials, the Niche Nursing Pillow is perfect for the environmentally conscious mom. The squared U-shape provides more surface area than the rounded options. The covers come in several colors and are machine-washable. In addition to being used for feedings, the pillow can serve as an armrest, a tummy-time support and a body pillow for ages 2 and up. Nook Organic Niche Nursing Pillow ($89.00)—Buy Here!

Leachco Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow

Keep your little wiggler in a reclined position for optimal post-feeding digestion with the patented seat wrap on the Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow. The wrap is adjustable and tucks away into a concealed pocket on the bottom of the pillow when it isn't needed. The pillow is generously sized for those moms who find it most comfortable when baby is boosted up a little. The pillow and cover are not washable, so you may want to splurge on the sham-style removable cover that’s not included. Leachco Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow ($34.95)—Buy Here!

Twin Z Pillow

For moms of twins, there’s no need to buy two nursing pillows when you have the Twin Z Pillow. This pillow was specifically designed for nursing or bottle-feeding two babies at one time. The dual holes where babies sit have buckles that make them smaller for newborns. It can also be used as a maternity pillow, at tummy time, and as an infant support pillow. Twin Z Pillow ($142.00)—Buy Here!

Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow

The innovative design of the Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow allows for three different elevation levels, which can help babies latch. Find the perfect height for you and baby, no matter the feeding position. It also supports upright feeding for babies with reflux. Fold it in half and secure it with the ribbon for easy storage. Oh, and it’s machine washable. Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow ($49.99)—Buy Here!

My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend

The Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow is the same design as the original nursing pillow from My Brest Friend but ideal for moms on the go and for traveling with your little one. When deflated, it packs flat in a diaper bag or purse. The wraparound shape and straps secure the pillow in place, and the straps are release silently to avoid waking baby. It comes with a handy pocket on the side (for burp cloths, bottles, toys or your phone) and a price that's friendly on your wallet. My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow ($30.01)—Buy Here!

Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow

Snuggle baby into this pillow. Its buckwheat hull filling conforms to baby, instead of simply being underneath. The pyramid shape of the fill molds like a beanbag but holds its shape, so mom doesn’t have to provide as much support and can try out many different feeding positions. The pillow is also certified organic with a washable slipcover. Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow ($98.00)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Amazon parents have a lot of opinions. These are the best baby bottles according to reviews!

Fed up with spending hours researching for the best baby bottles online? Look no further! Our roundup is based on Amazon customer reviews and satisfaction, so you can trust that you’re getting exactly what your fellow parents trust the most. These baby bottles are designed to reduce colic, reflux, and other challenges in babies that can come from bottle-feeding. No more searching and comparing – we’ve got you all taken care of.

Every baby is different, so we made sure to include baby bottles of all kinds (is there anything Amazon can’t do?). From bottles designed to mimic the breast, to vented designs, collapsible silicon, and angled options, we’re confident there’s a solution to your feeding issues, or an improvement to what you’re already doing. Of course, we also recommend you connect with your child’s pediatrician if you’re struggling with feeding your baby to rule out any kind of underlying issues that may be impacting them. Once you know it’s time to change up your bottle game, start reading!

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+

Dr. Brown's/Amazon

Dr. Brown's anti-colic vent system is clinically proven to reduce colic, gas, spitting up, and general tummy discomfort. The breast-like nipple shape encourages your baby to latch correctly for more natural bottle feeding and eases the transition from breast to bottle and back again!

Glowing Amazon Review: I bought these for my granddaughter. She was getting hiccups and had a lot of excess gas and spitting up from regular bottles. These bottles have alleviated gas and spitting up and she hardly ever gets hiccups after eating now. Highly recommend these bottles. And they are so cute.—Pamela Collins

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ ($25.32)—Buy Now!

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles with Natural Response Nipple

Philips

The opening and tip of these bottles from Philips is uniquely designed to only release milk if your wee one is actively drinks, just like breastfeeding! They can drink, swallow, and breathe, so they can control the flow.

Glowing Amazon Review: Only bottle I could get my strictly breastfed baby to take after trying so many brands! He did not do well with the "breast like/ orthodontic" nipple shape and took to this one almost immediately.—Abigale R.

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles with Natural Response Nipple ($30.95)—Buy Now!

MAM Easy Start Anti Colic Bottles

MAM

MAM Easy Start bottles have a vented base that releases liquid slowly, reducing colic in 80%* of babies! (*Market research 2010-2020)

Glowing Amazon Review: These are great bottles! I spent hours reading bottle reviews and I hesitantly picked these. My son started using them at one month old. The flow is perfect. The nipple is perfect. They don’t leak. They’re sturdy. I used pumped/frozen milk and they do fine in the bottle warmer. When I switched to formula, I found that the mouth of the bottle is big enough for scooping formula. They’ve held up well. I would recommend these bottles to any parent.—Amazon Customer

MAM Easy Start Anti Colic Bottles ($13.99)—But Now!

Comotomo Bottle Bundle

Comotomo/Amazon

In addition to the same great features we've been loving (anti-colic vents, breast-like feeding design), this set is a win thanks to the variety included in the bundle: two 5oz. bottles, two 8oz. bottles, and a package each of slow flow, medium flow, and fast flow replacement nipples!

Glowing Amazon Review: I steered clear from these because of the hype at first, but then I tried it the one in my sample pack of different bottles and it was the only one to not leak and not dribble. So I got more and more. These are amazing. My baby loves the comotomos. As do I. The only things are that the 4 oz easily tips over, so be careful. And, they're a little too wide to fit in some insulated holders properly.—Y.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles

Tommee Tippee

Your babe will ingest less air and more milk to prevent colic, plus the flexible nipple is closer to the breast! (Also, how cute are these limited-edition colors?!)

Glowing Amazon Review: I purchased these for my niece who I keep during her parents working hours. The bottle we did use was out of stock and we could not get them in. We purchased these based on other positive review of breastfed babies. She did not have any issues switching from her previous bottle to this one and there was not any nipple confusion between mom and bottle. She was an older baby when we started using these therefore established with breastfeeding. They were easy to clean and assemble. It says to not use a normal bottle brush for the actual nipple. So I would recommend getting the bottle brush for this bottle to have on hand.—Anonymous 

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles ($35.00)—Buy Now!

Boon NURSH Collapsible Silicon Bottles

Boon/Amazon

These super cute bottles have a silicon pouch design that collapse as your baby drinks, decreasing air intake to prevent colic-like symptoms. They're also reusable and can be boiled, microwaved, frozen, sterilized, and are dishwasher safe!

Glowing Amazon Review: Only bottles we use in this house. So easy to clean, cute colors to pick from, easily graspable for child. Totally leak proof until they get older (past 1) and learn how to shake it and drip it everywhere but that’s what the cap is for! I love that you can buy different parts like the interchangeable sippy cup top or the storage pods. I love that you don’t have to replace the whole bottle to get a new one you can just buy new inserts. We have 9 of these bottles, only because I wanted the different styles.—Diana Cheyenne Brown

Nanobébé Flexy Bottle

Nanobébé

With extra-soft silicon and triple-vented design to mitigate colic and colic symptoms, the Flexy is definitely a parent fave.

Glowing Amazon Review: My first daughter rejected bottles and it was very rough on me going back to work. Second time around, I wanted to introduce bottles early so that I don’t have the same issues/stress when it’s time to return to work. My second baby was initially taking some bottle between breast feeding and recently started to scream/cry and reject. Obviously this was overwhelming. I looked up new bottles and read the reviews for this. Decided to give it a try since it’s supposedly good for breastfed babies. Oh my god. What a difference! She accepts it, will go back to it even if she pauses (previously would not if she stopped for any moment), and will actually finish a bottle. Wow. Thank you. So far this is a god send.—Alyson

Evenflo Feeding Advanced Angled Vented Bottles

Evenflo/Amazon

Evenflo's angled shape promotes a semi-upright feeding position that decreases the chances of ear aches, reflux, and gas!

Glowing Amazon Review: Our baby for some reason will only take bottles with the slimmer nipple. He doesn't like the "just like mom" nipples or the ones that are supposed to resemble breasts. We were using Dr. Browns, but they started leaking on us and the only option after 4oz was 9oz and those didn't fit in our diaper bag anyway. These were much cheaper, had less parts and fit in our bag. They work great! The angle makes upright feeding really easy and I like the colors the plastic is super durable and the vent in the nipple makes them really easy to clean. Only complaints: the oz on the bottle can be hard to read of the formula inside got too frothy or bubbly and the kids are hard to take off until you find the right technique. Bottom line.... Well worth the money.—Samuel

Evenflo Feeding Advanced Angled Vented Bottles ($50.00)—Buy Now!

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All images courtesy of Amazon.

The very best petting zoos for animal lovers in the DC-area

The best learning experiences in life are hands on. To get a better understanding of the animal world, you can make a trip to these family-friendly farm vacations, and visit the best zoos in the US where you can look and touch. But if your own pride wants to snuggle up to a baby goat or hand-feed some exotic animals right now, we rounded up our favorite places for close animal encounters near DC. Scroll down for the best petting zoos and petting farms near Washington, DC.

The Best Animal Encounters near DC

1. Georges Mill Farm

This goat farm in Loudoun County offers a chance to snuggle with goats. For a limited time each spring, Georges Mill opens their (pen) gates to visitors for goat snuggles Mon.-Fri. If you’d like to feed goats, stop by anytime during the week or reserve a bottle feeding ticket online for weekend appointments.

11873 Georges Mill Rd.
Lovettsville, VA
Online: georgesmillcheese.com

2. Nova Wild

Nova Wild, (formerly Roers Zoofari) recently reopened. You can drive your own vehicle through Nova Wild’s interactive safari, where you and your family can feed and interact with a wide array of wildlife, from Watusis to Asian water buffalo. Once you’ve finished your safari, you can park the car and stroll through exhibits to discover over 30 species of exotic butterflies, colorful birds, cheetahs, lemurs, wallabies, and more!

1228 Hunter Mill Rd.
Vienna, VA
Online: novawild.org

3. Leesburg Animal Park

This 21-acre facility offers little ones the chance to take part in interactive animal shows, arts and crafts, as well as visit and pet the animals. Ride a pony on a nice day or head inside on colder, rainy ones to enjoy all the activities that this park offers. Visit everything from farm animals to monkeys, llamas and lemurs. The resident sloth is a fan favorite (can’t make it to the zoo? Cuddle up with this guy instead!).

19270 Monroe-Madison Memorial Hwy.
Leesburg, VA
Online: leesburganimalpark.com

4. Frying Pan Farm

Rabbits, sheep, chickens, cows and draft horses are in the mix at this Frying Pan based petting zoo located in Fairfax County. Add in the pigs and a peacock or two and you have yourself a fun, educational day spent outside. The traditional red barn farm is a working demonstration full of new baby animals joining the Kidwell Farm family.

2709 West Ox Rd.
Herndon, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov/fryingpanpark

5. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

Head into MD for a day of outdoor adventuring at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo where families can roam for hours and always see something new. Over 100-acres of wildlife fun little ones can touch and feel large herbivores while bouncing around the grounds on a safari ride. Take in an interactive show for more touchy-feely moments. Note: Camel rides and parakeet feedings are currently not available.

13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd.
Thurmont, MD
Online: cwpzoo.com

6. Green Meadows Farm

Get up close and personal at this petting zoo where you can feed sheep and goats for free and even take in a pig race or two. Green Meadows has over 200 animals to visit and touch from alpacas and llamas to pea fowl and draft horses with a kangaroo or two as well.

10102 Fingerboard Rd.
Ijamsville, MD
Online: greenmeadowsevents.com

7. Luray Zoo

A little further away, this zoo hosts rescued animals to give them a second chance. Want to meet these special creatures? Take a Discovery Tour (call for pricing) at this rescue zoo with one of the owners. You can explore the zoo after hours for more chances to get up-close and personal with the animals. You’ll get hands-on interactions and feed the animals.

1087 US Hwy. 211 West
Luray, VA
Online: lurayzoo.com

Kate Hudson recently shared an adorable pic of her and daughter, Rani Rose, out and about in New York on a gorgeous sunny day. While some took the picture for what it was—a sweet mom/daughter photo—others just had to chime in with unsolicited parenting advice about the fact that Rani seemed “too big” to be in a stroller.

Rani Rose, three, is seen in the picture smiling away in an adorable outfit while sitting in the stroller. Hudson was pushing her, looking stunning as always. While many had nice things to say about the moment, others couldn’t contain themselves, chiming in about the age at which a child becomes “too old” to be pushed in one.

“Someone’s becoming a little city gal,” she captioned the shot in New York with a Statue of Liberty emoji. Hudson shares Rani with fiancé Danny Fujikawa. She’s also mom to Ryder Robinson, 18, and Bingham Hawn Bellamy, 10.

People couldn’t wait to jump into the debate, adding comments like: “Also becoming a little big for a stroller,” “Her legs [aren’t] broken. Walk lil girl,” and “Your gonna need a Bigger stroller.”

Another added: “Do kids this size really ride in strollers still? .. Not a mother here,” to which the answer is a swift “none of your business, stay your lane, please and thank you.”

Of course, one lovely human came to Hudson’s defense with a just-snarky-enough comment, saying, “Hey stroller / pushchair police. Not your kid, not your day out, not any of your business. Jog on.” Bless.

Much like breastfeeding vs. bottle-feeding and almost every other parenting decision we make, what you choose to do with your kids, including pushing them in a stroller, is your choice. She’s walking around a busy city with her child. One, who like any child, will eventually be too tired/cranky/hungry/bored to walk anymore. Why not push her around (and have a place to store all your stuff) and enjoy the day instead? No one needs the judgment.