ML Interest Tag: free-range

11 Cool Ways to Add Some Joy to Your Family’s Every Day

by Elizabeth Broadbent

Do you, like me, seem to run on anxiety, caffeine, and your children’s leftovers? Are you perpetually in a rush and pretty sure you’ve forgotten… something? (What was it?!) What if, and stay with me here, you were able to set aside that feeling of chaos and actually find joy?

Yes, it sounds cheesy. But don’t roll your eyes just yet. It’ll only take a few minutes a day. OK, so that sounds like a late-night infomercial (remember those?), but it’s true. While you can’t move to a commune and cultivate free-range sunflowers, you can take a few minutes to hit the pause button. Here are some easy ways to switch things up and make the whole family happier.

1. Have a whatever-makes-you-happy hour or a “yes day.”

One mom changed her life (yes, really) with what she calls a “whatever-makes-you-happy hour.” You know that ferocious hour sometime around dinner when kids turn feral? Rather than fighting it, this mom runs with it. For those 60 minutes, her kids do whatever they’d like, barring cruelty or serious danger, while she and her husband kid back with the adult beverages of their choice. This sounds daringly 1970s-ish, but it works. Her kids experience the joy of running wild. She has time to kick back. When it’s over, they come together and eat dinner as a calm, reconnected family (and clean up before bed).

Alternatively, try a “yes day.” We spend our lives telling our kids no. Why not spend a day, an afternoon, an hour, saying yes? Yes to board games or jump-rope competitions or ice cream for dinner or fairy wings in public. Check all the ground rules in this post (note: No danger allowed and set a budget!), then go forth and make some incredible memories together.

2. Make time to play.

You can waste your whole life on your phone, so set it down. Actually, stuff it in a drawer because it’ll inevitably go off. Everyone, including kids, now gets to spend an electronic-free hour doing . . . well, whatever they love other than electronics (remember books? They’re made of paper). Before dinner is a great time for this, so is the hour before bed. Hang from the ceiling if you want, but do what you love.

3. Remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

You’ll love your children even more if they aren’t around all the time. I promise. Prioritize alone time—for them and you. You could go the cheesy self-care route and take a bubble bath. You could craft. You could watch a TV show that isn’t geared toward five-year-olds. You could also go on a date, which I hear is something adults do from time to time. Reconnecting with your partner will help you find some sanity. Leave your phone in your bag while you’re at it!

4. Show some love.

Snuggle with your kids—science says it’s good for you. Hugging makes us happier, healthier, and less anxious, which is something your whole family deserves. After cuddling with the younger set (so long as they’re game), set your sights on your significant other. Sex therapist Vanessa Marin shares that a nightly makeout session that doesn’t lead to anything more is a pretty solid idea and may even prevent those in long-term relationships from becoming “touch-avoidant.” Sounds like a fun thing to try. I mean, a therapist recommended it.

5. Surprise and delight.

Life can be a real grind. While we can’t permanently decamp to a tropical paradise, we can break up the mind-numbing routine with moments of unexpected fun. No, you don’t have to go all manic pixie to do it: Give your kids dessert for dinner. Surprise them with a night of mini golf. Announce an impromptu movie night or declare a pajama day.

6. Un-schedule from time to time.

No, you can’t drop everything, but you can pick and choose. You don’t have to do every single activity presented to you. Take a weekend off from planned fun. Part ways with that sport your kid doesn’t love. Skip the birthday party. There are so many demands on your time; prioritize a few and let the others go. After all, kids spend their lives hurrying up. Give them—and yourself—a chance to chill.

7. Dedicate 10 minutes a day to each kid.

The experts behind Big Little Feelings call it the “10-minute miracle.” No phones, no siblings, just dedicated parent-and-kid time with no correcting or criticizing. For those 10 minutes, go all in on whatever game/bonkers make-believe scenario/craft activity your kid wants. Doing so should help curtail acting out—after all, many kids get extra unruly when they’re in need of connection and attention. Spend a bit of time every day giving it to them.

8. Practice gratitude.

There are lots of ways to do this. You can sign up for volunteer opportunities, talk about the things you’re thankful for (on more than just Thanksgiving), make a good deed calendar—whatever works for your family. But make sure you insist on the importance of giving back to others and being grateful for what you’ve been given. Life can seem too big and too busy, so stop and count your blessings, then pass them on to someone else. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your kids.

9. Share the smallest moments for the biggest smiles.

Remember those family photo albums with the plastic sheets you’d peel apart to lay down your favorite printed pics? That ship has sailed. Now you can create the most amazing time capsule for your family on the Tinybeans App (your kids will thank you one day when they’ve stopped rolling their eyes) and share all of your sweetest and silliest moments with family and friends. They’ll delight in seeing that first waddle or goofy smile each time they get an alert, and you’ll get a solid dose of joy every time they comment or react.

10. Host an impromptu dance party.

Turn up that music and dance! Oh, and sing along. Toddlers will love it. Older kids might try to hide. Don’t let them. Instead, crank the volume louder. Dancing is good for you. So is joy. Give yourself room to feel it.

11. Always have something to look forward to.

Make sure there’s always something good on the way—a trip to the ice cream shop, a birthday party, a night with friends. This goes for your kid and you. Then when times get tough, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. We need this more than you’d think: If the slog seems endless, we’ll quit. But with our eyes on the prize, we’re all. gonna. make. it.

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I Never Thought Parenting Differences Would End My Oldest Friendship

by Dria Benson

When you’ve been friends with someone for so long, you never dream that parenting could be the thing that drives you apart. But sometimes, that’s exactly what happens.

Now, I’m not talking about parenting stereotypes, like crunchy mom versus silky mom or free-range mom versus helicopter mom. I’m referring to deeper parenting styles that fundamentally change how your child develops.

My former best friend and I met in kindergarten, meaning we had known each other for more than three decades. She jumped into her parenting journey a bit earlier than I did, and initially, she was quite helpful and supportive. When I was struggling with breastfeeding and my baby blues turned into postpartum depression, she encouraged me to do what was best for me—and that was to stop nursing. She was a mom who exclusively breastfed her kids for years, so this was monumental. Her words instantly removed the overwhelming social pressure and judgment I felt.

But as my kids grew, I began to notice something: our parenting styles were quite different.

My friend and her husband are more old school. Their word is law, and their kids are expected to do as they say. They are loving and supportive parents, and their beautiful children are thriving. But in their home, you won’t see her kids boldly expressing their feelings or having big explosions. Our home, on the other hand, is a little messier—figuratively speaking (at least in this case).

Our home is loud. My kids are intense. They bicker and let it all out. My husband and I do our best—though we sometimes fail—not to try to change or suppress our kids’ emotions. Sure, they’re still learning how to regulate these big feelings (as am I), but I believe that if they’re allowed to simply experience them, it will serve them well in the long run. Ultimately, they’ll know how to express their emotions in healthy ways rather than hide them—something my generation was brought up to do.

In that way, parenting changed me and really challenged me to do things differently. Wanting your children to grow into the best version of themselves often requires reflecting on who you are and want to be. Instead of fear and punishment, I now strive for connection over correction, which isn’t always the easiest.

Unfortunately, this responsive parenting style drove a wedge between the two of us. When I expressed vulnerability about how difficult it is to watch my child work through big emotions, she had zero patience. Instead, she replied, “Well, I would have told her to stop,” or “You let her ruin your day,” or worse, “She’s always been dramatic.”

Slowly, our relationship turned into me always needing to explain my choices. She questioned why I chose a certain school for my kids, why we didn’t reprimand them more, how we dealt with the pandemic; the list went on and on.

I began to realize that I didn’t need to explain myself to anyone, especially not someone who was supposed to be a friend. She saw my decisions as moral judgments—that her way of parenting must be wrong. In reality, it was just me choosing what I felt was best for my family.

After a while, I had to step away. And if one of your friends is criticizing how you parent, gaslighting you, or simply not supporting your choices at all, perhaps it’s time for you to step away, too. It’s just not healthy. You know what’s best for your child—period. No one needs to have an opinion about that. Reconsider whether your relationship is one that fills your bucket or takes from it. In my case, I already knew the answer.

That didn’t make parting ways any easier. I kept clinging to the past; we had so much history, after all. But because things grew toxic, I knew it was time. If we want to teach our children how to set and maintain boundaries, we must learn to create them for ourselves, too.

And at the end of the day, it’s vital to surround yourself with those who love and accept you for you—parenting style and all.

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The Best Bay Area Apple Picking Orchards

by Sandra Lee

These u-pick farms are the perfect way to welcome the fall season

Fall is around the corner, and aside from the beautiful colors and autumn hikes around San Francisco, it’s also apple season! Apple picking is one of our favorite fall activities, as the fruit is mostly within a kid’s reach and there are no thorns to deal with (looking at you, blackberries). Bring home a basket or two and make yourself a pie or homemade applesauce (snag yourself this apple peeler—you’ll thank us later).

Pro Tip: Check the orchard’s website before you head to these U-pick apple orchards in the Bay Area to confirm availability. Since most of them are a drive, you want to make sure they are open when you get there!

 

The Best Apple Picking in Sonoma County

EARTHseed Farm (formerly Gabriel Farm): If eating organic is important to your family, head to EARTHseed Farm located in Sebastopol, a town practically synonymous with the fruit. In addition to picking your own apples, you can schedule a tour of the certified organic orchard. Varieties include McIntosh, Gravenstein, Gala, Braeburn, Gilbert Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Rome. A $35 entrance fee covers your U-pick time slot for up to 4 people, and children under 3 are free. Since it gets pretty hot there, the farm has u-pick slots earlier in the day, and even installed cooling stations to make the visit even better. You can always head over to the store for juice, jams, and pears for sale.

3175 Sullivan Rd.
Sebastopol
Online: earthseedfarm.org

Related: Bay Area Spots for Epic Family Picnics

Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch: With a name like that, you know Ratzlaff Ranch is focused on apples! U-pick Rome Beauties and Golden Delicious are here for the picking. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Thursdays and Saturdays when they are closed) and there is no parking fee. No reservations are needed and you can stay as long as you want. Pack a lunch and sit at one of the picnic tables taking in the beautiful ranch. While you are there, don’t forget to pick up some of their award-winning apple cider, best chilled or warm? You decide. U-Pick is typically September through early December, depending on the availability of ripe apples, but exact dates may vary.

13128 Occidental Rd.
Sebastopol
Online: appleadayranch.com

Chileno Valley Ranch: Chileno Valley Ranch starts its U-pick season on Sept. 3, available Sun. only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. Time slots are available every hour and admission is $10 per family if pre-booked online. Check the website and Facebook as spots fill up quickly. Apples are $2 per pound and you can expect to find varieties such as Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold. Beyond apple picking, you can also shop for free-range eggs, honey, and baked goods.

5105 Chileno Valley Rd.
Petaluma
Online: mikeandsallygalebeefranch.com

Related: Free (or Cheap) Things to Do with Kids in the Bay Area

 

Best Apple Picking in Watsonville

A little boy in a hat takes a bite out of an apple
Kate Loweth

Gizdich Ranch: The U-pick apple season at Gizdich starts mid-Sept. (check their website for exact dates) and lasts about a month. Their pie and deli shop offers a boxed picnic meal, so stop by for lunch and then take one of their out-of-this-world pies, apple dumplings, or puff pastries home (is your mouth watering yet?). On hot days, the kids can enjoy a homemade apple slush. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during picking season. Bring your own containers.

55 Peckham Rd.
Watsonville
Online: gizdich-ranch.com

Live Earth Farm: This spot in Watsonville grows a small variety of apples including Gala and Fuji. Their U-pick apples (as well as strawberries and tomatoes) are available on the weekends only, with schedules posted on their website. The picking is a bargain at $1.50 per pound. Bring buckets, boxes, or other containers to harvest into, or purchase containers from them for a small fee.

1275 Green Valley Rd.
Watsonville
Online: liveearthfarm.net

Related: Al Fresco Family Time: SF Eateries with Outdoor Seating

Clearview Orchards:  Located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Basin, Clearview Orchards offers a huge variety of certified organic apples, specializing in Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, and Mitsu. Pick some apples and enjoy their beautiful terraced grounds with a view of the Watsonville Valley. They also sell delicious local honey, and fresh-pressed apple cider, and the kiddos can even pick out their own pumpkins, just in time for fall. This year they will open Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required with a $7 entry fee for each vehicle. Leave the pets at home, and no food or drinks (aside from water bottles) are allowed, so eat before you arrive and save some room for that delicious apple cider!

646 Trabing Rd.
Watsonville
Online: clearvieworchards.com

Luz del Valle Ranch: Starting right after Labor Day, Galas are the first to be picked, followed by Fujis in October.  With two-hour time slots that families can book online, families can take their time picking apples on this beautiful farm. Pack a lunch and have a day at the farm. Luz del Valle is also a horse ranch, breeding beautiful Arabian horses that you’ll be able to see.

1875 Hames Rd
Aptos
Online: luzdelvalle.us

 

The Best Apple Picking: Apple Hill Region near Sacramento

best apple picking

photo: Erika Fletcher via Unsplash

Apple Hill Region: For a bit of a longer trek, you’ll get no better apple selection than in the Apple Hill Region, about fifty miles east of Sacramento. With more than 50 ranches offering different apple varieties and activities, you are bound to find the perfect experience for the kids. The Apple Hill Growers Association lists orchard details including U-pick hours, picnic areas, local attractions, and more. The U-pick ranches tend to be very small and very popular, so it is a good idea to call the ranches themselves to make sure they have the apple variety you want and that the fruit is available.

A full list of farms can be found via the Apple Hill Growers Association.

Best Apple Picking in the East Bay

Cloverfield Organic Farm: The USDA-certified organic farm in the East Bay has a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. U-pick is open Friday-Sunday from 12-5 p.m., and no reservations are needed, making this a great impromptu weekend trip. Parking is free, and there is no entrance fee. While you’re there, you can book a private tour or guided horse activity that the kids will definitely love.

501 La Paloma Rd.
El Sobrante
Online: cloverfieldfarm.com

 

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Are You a ‘Bedroom Parent’ or ‘Living Room’ Parent?

by Christina Marfice

In a series of viral TikTok videos, one mom is exploring the differences between “living room parents” and “bedroom parents”

When I was growing up in the ’90s, family time always took place in the living room. When my parents were in their bedroom, it was their space. No kids were allowed. If you needed something—and only if you really needed something, you could knock on the door and wait to be invited in. But hanging out in there with them? That was unheard of. Now, in a series of viral TikTok videos, one mom is exploring this phenomenon as she explains the difference between “bedroom parents” and “living room parents.”

Marissa Kile is a living room parent. In one of her videos, she explains that she made that choice very consciously after she grew up with bedroom parents.

“I grew up where like my parents hung out in their bedroom,” she explained. “Like 24/7, they were never in the living room, okay? So, like, going into my parents’ bedroom was like a sacred thing. Like, you stood at the door, and you waited for permission to go in, okay?”

@maroo927

I DONT hang out in my room.. its just a sleeping zone. Anyone else? #sleepzone #donthangout #herdofkids #fyp #sahm #foryoupage #missouri

♬ original sound – MaRoo927

She went on to explain that she always wished her parents would spend time with her in shared spaces like the living room. So, now that she has kids of her own, that’s what she does.

“We sleep in here. That’s it,” she said, gesturing around the bedroom. “Am I the only person that just sleeps in their f*cking room?”

In a follow-up video, Kile explained that she started to realize there was a difference between living room parents and bedroom parents when she brought it up to her husband.

“I didn’t know that living room parents were a thing until I was much older because my parents were bedroom parents, but also my best friend growing up, her parents were bedroom parents…. so I thought that was normal,” she said. But her husband’s parents spent all their time in the living room, so he did not get it.

@maroo927

Replying to @Tiffany Vaught so funny you say that..

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

She also clarified that the bedroom parents of today are different from the bedroom parents of the ’80s and ’90s, who retreated to their rooms and left the kids to fend for themselves in other parts of the house.

“We were just free range, doing our own thing. And then every once in a while, we’d have like a family dinner night and we would see them. So, that is the difference between my bedroom parents and bedroom parents of today where they actually hang out with their children in their bedrooms,” she said.

@maroo927

Replying to @Laura

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

So is one type of parent better than the other? As long as your kids are loved, absolutely not.

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Adventures in Sri Lanka: An Unforgettable Journey with My Teen

by Judy Koutsky

This bucket list destination brings all the adventure and relaxation you crave

Here’s the thing: I love travel. Love, love, love. I can travel non-stop on back-to-back trips and still want more. I have two boys and one is a travel junkie like me and the other is decidedly not.

My oldest, the travel enthusiast, was graduating eighth grade and I wanted to take him somewhere special to celebrate the occasion. We settled on Sri Lanka, a place that my son was not overly familiar with and a place that had been on my bucket list for ages.

rice paddy at sunset in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

Nestled in the heart of South Asia, the island of Sri Lanka is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality. Plus, there are plenty of active adventure activities to be had. Traveling with a teen can be both a ton of fun and a challenging experience. I wanted to plan plenty of active adventure excursions to keep us busy but also wanted to allow for downtime so we wouldn’t get on each other’s nerves. This trip turned out to be the perfect combination of both.

And the Journey Begins

I decided to stay at the Uga properties—they cater to families (with plenty of activities for teens), but they also provide a really unique, luxury experience. So in the evenings, or on days we had downtime, the resort was a perfect place to relax and recharge.

outdoor room in sri lanka
Uga Escapes

 

Our first stop was Uga Chena Huts which is nestled within the heart of Yala National Park. This eco-luxury resort provided us with an amazing, upscale, unique glamping experience. The resort consists of fewer than 20 luxurious villas each with its own private plunge pool, creating plenty of privacy amidst the wilderness. My son and I went swimming in our plunge pool both day and night, both together and separately. That plunge pool got so much use, it was one of the highlights of our trip. It felt so decadent to have our own pool and since it was steps away from our room, it was quick and easy to change in (and out) of our swimming suits. The views of the ocean from the pool were amazing.

We did daily game drives in Yala National Park and saw tons of elephants and other wildlife. The game drives went out twice daily—early in the morning and late in the afternoon, prime times to see the animals. The property also offered star gazing so we were able to unwind under the night sky with a guided stargazing session, where teens (and adults) joined us to learn about the constellations. It was magical.

room with plunge pool in sri lanka
Uga Escapes

 

Next, we headed to Ulagalla Resort located near Anuradhapura. Set amidst 58 acres of lush greenery, Ulagalla is equally stunning and also came with a private plunge pool. (Jack and I were quickly getting spoiled).  This property is massive in size (one of our favorite activities was to bike around the grounds and through the rice paddies), but it’s intimate enough that there are less than 30 villas, so it never felt crowded. Even though there were other travelers present, we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

This property really caters to families as they have so many excursions. In addition to cycling around the property, they have a bike tour that goes through the local village and stops at historical sites and temples. This was such an amazing tour—the locals were so friendly, with all the kids coming out and waving and yelling “hello!” as we cycled past. When we stopped at the temple, local kids and adults gathered around us to ask where we were from and how we liked Sri Lanka. I’ve traveled all over the world and have met many warm, kind, and hospitable people, but Sri Lanka is definitely at the top of the list for friendliest. Everywhere we went people (kids and adults) smiled and waved hello. It felt so special and warm.

horse riding through rice paddy in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

In addition to the bike tour, we went kayaking at dawn through the lily pads which felt so tranquil and magical. We also did a sunset jeep tour where we had drinks overlooking the escarpment (our guide told us that sometimes elephants make an appearance). We also did a cooking class (which we both loved even though at home we are not very good cooks) and went horseback riding in the lake (the horses were super playful).

One evening we had a fantastic dinner experience called Kamatha. It was a feast—we were served up traditional specialties—dozens of small dishes that incorporated vegetables harvested at Ulagalla’s organic farm; locally-caught lake fish; and free-range meats sourced locally. This was a very special treat and it was all the more magical because our dinner took place in the middle of a rice paddy. The three days spent at Ulagalla felt like a month—we did so much, but also had ample time to relax and just take in the scenery (from our private plunge pool, of course).

beach in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

The next stop was Uga Bay, a beachside resort situated along the golden shores of Pasikudah. The resort offers snorkeling, SUP, and sunbathing (which isn’t bad given there are amazing views of the Indian Ocean). We also went scuba diving here. In the evening, we had a lovely beach dinner—the table and chairs were literally created from the sand. It was truly special and unique.

Before heading back to the U.S., we spent a final night in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital at Uga Residence, a boutique property that houses one of the city’s top restaurants Rare Bar + Kitchen.

My son and I spent 12 days together and it was a perfect mix of active adventure and relaxation.

Booking with a Tour Operator

game drive in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

When traveling with kids, it’s ideal to book everything through a tour operator so they can handle all the transfers, hotel bookings, and excursions. Not only is Scott Dunn ideal for families but they are experts in Sri Lanka, so they know how to put together the right itinerary. The company has been around for over 35 years and they customize every trip depending on what your family wants to do and see. Plus, they have access to the best guides and drivers, so you’ll get an expert trip that is curated for your unique needs and wants. Last but not least, there’s 24/7 support when you’re on your trip, which provides plenty of peace of mind, especially when traveling with kids. Scott Dunn prides itself on planning down to the smallest detail—knowing it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference.

Flying to Sri Lanka

Anyone traveling with kids knows the flight can make or break a trip. Qatar Airways is a great choice when traveling with kids due to its world-class service and family-friendly amenities. With spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and attentive cabin crew, flying with Qatar Airways allows for a comfortable journey for parents and teens alike. Moreover, their extensive global network makes connecting to Sri Lanka from various destinations around the world convenient and hassle-free. From the U.S. there’s a stopover in Doha before connecting to Colombo.  The airport in Doja is amazing (you could spend a week there just shopping) and the Qatar Airways lounge is a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

 

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16 Ways to Have a Classic ’80s Summer This Year

by Shelley Massey

Give your kids a totally awesome experience with our rad how-to guide

In hopes of encouraging more time spent outside instead of in front of a screen, we’ve cozied up to the concept that a classic ’80s summer à la Stranger Things (without that whole Upside Down thing, please) is just what the doctor ordered. Keep reading to see what you’ll need to make it happen—and guess what? This is going to be the Best. Summer. Ever.

1. Encourage round-the-clock wearing of swimsuits.

They’ll be pool or sprinkler-ready all day long, AND it works wonders on the laundry pile.

2. Replace their Nintendo Switch with an Etch-a-Sketch.

3. For the older set: Find the oldest playground equipment in town and leave your kids unsupervised to play for hours.  

4. Introduce them to real card and board games.

It’s not a real game of Battleship if the board doesn’t stay on the kitchen table for at least 72 hours of intermittent play.

5. Let your kids ride around the neighborhood.

No one’s summer is complete without pedal scrapes on the insides of their ankles and a couple of scab-on-scabbed knees. Worried about free-range life in the real world? Here’s a crash course on teaching kids to make good decisions.

6. Let them watch bad TV—a lot of It.

Bonus points if it’s one of these 1980s shows that are still totally cool.

7. Drink the Kool-Aid.

All of it. Even the ones with red food dye.

 

8. Show them how to use the phone.

And then give them the number to Pizza Hut.

9. Send them outside with sidewalk chalk and a sprinkler.

If you need ideas, check out our favorite ways to play with sidewalk chalk.

10. Let them eat crackers for dinner.

Remember when your mom would be lounging with her neighborhood pals while you inhaled a whole sleeve of Ritz crackers right on the sidewalk?

11. Just say NO.

To any appointments or engagements for your kids that start before 11 a.m.

12. Find a grocery store with a coin-operated ride near the door. 

13. Put bathing really, really low on the list of things to do.

You know you’ve reached authenticity when someone’s hair turns green from the chlorine.

Related: 15 Throwback Toys From Your ’80s Childhood

14. Keep a lot of Otter Pops in the freezer.

It wasn’t an ’80s summer without our friends Alexander the Grape and Louie-Bloo Raspberry.

15. Make sure their feet stay really, really dirty.

If by September they don’t freak out over splinters (or maybe they just don’t feel them), then you’ve done your job.

16. Buy Calamine lotion in bulk.

Related: 20 Foods That ’80s Kids Will Recognize

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Baby Gear You’ll Use Well Beyond the First Year

by Abigale Schreier

Move these must-have baby gear essentials to the top of your list

Let’s be honest, having a baby can definitely be an expensive endeavor. Beyond the expense of trying to bring them Earth-side, there’s all the stuff parents have to buy to ensure their new little bundle is safe, happy, and healthy. If you’re a first time parent, how to do you even know where to start? Without much experience it’s hard to know what baby gear items you’ll really need, what items are nice to haves, or what items are overrated and rarely get used. All that’s before you even think about the way the bottom line plays into your purchases. To really get that bang for your buck, we asked seasoned parents to share what baby gear they used long after the first year.

Here’s a hint at what they said: Don’t throw out that video baby monitor, and definitely buy a lifetime supply of baby wipes.

this convertible high chair in natural wood is a must have baby gear product

TrippTrapp High Chair

TrippTrapp’s stylish chair is definitely a staple and can be used from infancy through an adult (yep, you read that right). The sleek design is made from European beech wood, and it’s fully adjustable and durable for every stage. It has an infant add-on for them to lay down and cushions for added comfort for the other stages.

a hip carrier in grey is must have baby gear you'll use for a while

TushBaby, Safety-Certified Hip Seat Baby Carrier

The TushBaby holds up to 44 pounds and comes in handy for babies through toddlers (and even some four year olds) when they need a quick lift. This seat carrier pulls double-duty, serving as a diaper bag, with nooks and crannies to store items like diapers, wipes, your cellphone, wallet, and keys. One mom says she bought it when her daughter was 9 months old, and she still uses it at 3 years old. “Game changer,” mom Jalyn says.

a package of waterwipes many parents think this is must have baby gear you'll use long after the first year

WaterWipes, Plastic-Free Original Baby Wipes

Parents swear by WaterWipes. They always come in handy ,no matter what age your children are. Grownups, infants, toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens all need water wipes at some point, whether to wipe a bottom, clean dirty hands, or wipe up a mess. Plus, WaterWipes don’t have the “baby scent” and can be used for several other purposes as your child grows. Hint: We’ve even heard tell of parents using them for a quick wipe down before a meeting.

a pink and black swirl naked panda baby carrier laid out on the floor, a must have baby gear for families

Naked Panda Baby Carrier

The Naked Panda baby carrier will hold children from infancy through elementary-school aged, and is particularly helpful for families of children with special needs. They can be customized, and they have some cool designs that are timeless so you don’t need to worry about looking good on the playground five years from now.

Insider Tip: Their “butter” model is made from velvet, so they’re comfy and cozy for both parent and child.

Related: Buckle Up, Baby! Carriers for Babies on the Move

a hello baby video monitor showing a photo of a baby and stuffed bear on the video screen, must have baby gear

HelloBaby Monitor

All parents know the struggle of finally getting your child to sleep, and then ninja rolling or army crawling out the door to ensure they don’t wake up. For most parents, this technique lasts well into their kid’s preschool years. And once they’re out of a crib and have free-range—well, that’s when the fun really begins. You have no way of ensuring they’re still snug as a bug and not running around their room wreaking havoc without having to get up and check. After finally getting them to sleep, nobody wants to risk waking them up when opening the door. Plus, who wants to get up during a binging session on the couch and interrupt some much-needed grown-up time?

Enter the HelloBaby video baby monitor. Most moms said they used their monitor until upper elementary school, and who can blame them? You won’t be sorry for purchasing a well-made, long-lasting video monitor.

Related: 18 Apps New Parents Should Download NOW

if you travel, must have baby gear includes a babypod, black tent with a boy in pajamas peering out

SlumberPod 3.0

A SlumberPod comes in handy when traveling at all ages and stages. Whether you’re staying in a hotel room, sharing a room at an Airbnb, or need a little help getting your kids to sleep in an unfamiliar place, the SlumberPod travels with you to provide a dark and cozy sleeping nook. And did we mention is also gives parents with the opportunity to move about the room (quietly) while the child sleeps. No more lights out at 8 p.m. for everyone when you’re on vacation. It can cover a pack and play up to a toddler cot or mattress. Or use it with a sleeping bag and pillow once the child is older.

4 in 1 car seat Graco, must have baby gear

Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat

If you’re looking for a car seat that grows with you child, then you can’t go wrong with the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat. This seat transitions from a rear-facing harness seat for baby all the way to a booster seat that holds up to 100 pounds and every stage in between. The seat even has a headrest that adjusts to 10 different positions and a six-position recline to help keep your child comfortable as they grow.

Related: 7 Things Every Parent Needs to Know about Their Kids’ Car Seat

colorful blue and orange bottles and nipples on a grass drying rack, must have baby gear

Boon Lawn Countertop Baby Bottle Drying Rack

What may seem like a silly purchase has actually come in handy for many years post-baby feeding for most parents. The Boon baby bottle rack is not only great for drying pump parts, bottles, and nipples, but it transitions to a really great sippy cup, and eventually a water bottle drying rack. It’s cute with the green color like grass, and the little trees that come with it are perfect for hanging bottle nipples, pump flanges and tubes, and even pacifiers and lids and sippy cups. Plus, it’s easy to clean. Just take it apart and stick it in the top rack of your dishwasher.

a mother snuggles a toddler on a couch, nearby baby sound machine in blue is on a neutral colored table

Hatch Rest+ Baby & Kids Sound Machine

Most parents will tell you that it’s super helpful to have a sound machine for your baby—especially if they’re light sleepers. The Hatch Rest+ sound machine comes equipped with an app to choose your sounds, stories, or guided rest meditations. Plus, nightlights come in handy for parents when they have to go in for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes and feedings. The Hatch sound machine provides both of these options for your baby.

Hatch also transitions into a “cue” for older kids to know when bedtime is over and it’s okay to get up. Parents can adjust the time and sound to signal it’s officially morning time (when you’re up and ready to rumble with your kid).

an image of the nose frida basic set must have baby gear

Nose Frida

Most parents say to themselves before having their baby, “I would never suck snot out of my child’s nose with my mouth. That’s disgusting.” But as they’ll soon find out, as parents, we gotta do what we gotta do in order to make sure our kid is comfortable and able to sleep and breathe. The Nose Frida is a perfect tool for getting that snot out of baby’s nose. It’s more hygienic than the bulbs, which harbor mold. While some parents have no problem using their mouths to help their baby, this tool has a filter and tube to make sure what comes out doesn’t go in (if you know what we’re saying). This works great for as long as your child doesn’t know how to blow their nose—or at least doesn’t know how to blow it well.

a charcoal colored, covered stroller wagon, must have baby gear

Baby Trend Expedition Stroller Wagon

A wagon can be so much more versatile, and hold more stuff, than a stroller. And more importantly, it grows with your family. The Baby Trend Expedition Stroller Wagon includes harnesses for your baby or children, then can eventually be used just to lug all of their things around. “From lugging kids, and now their stuff to the beach, sporting events, and drop offs at camp—best money spent ever,” says mom Jeanne. This model can be switched to a push stroller and also includes a UPF 50 cover to ensure your kids stay safe in the sun. And for those families who live where the mosquitoes are rampant, you can purchase a mosquito net to go around the wagon.

Related: Yes, Your Child Needs a Stroller Wagon

a great backpack diaper bag with open panel revealing stored diapers, must have baby gear

BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack

Many parents opt for a backpack diaper bag for its ease of use and storage options. The BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack will grow with your family. It offers tons of storage for all of your baby items—like insulated pockets for bottles (or sippy cups down the line), pacifier holders, diapers, and wipes—plus storage for all the things you need to carry around as well. Then when you’re out of those baby stages, use it as a travel bag. It’s got plenty of pockets to hold laptops and other items easily.

 

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.

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Best Indoor Playspaces for Chicago Kids

by Debra Flanagan

An indoor playground is a perfect option when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate

Whether it’s snowing, raining, or even sunny outside, sometimes it’s just easier to play inside. Skip the layers, skip the snowsuits, skip the umbrellas, and even skip the sunscreen. It really is okay to enjoy a beautiful Chicago day indoors particularly if you need to get stuff done.

So where are you going to play today? When your living room loses its luster (your kiddos can only bounce off the walls for so long), check out a neighborhood play space. With indoor jungle gyms, pretend play areas, and tons of toys, the options in Chicago and the ‘burbs have something for every kind of kid. Plus, many have cafes, wifi, and even co-working space for parents.

Bellaboo Play and Discovery Center

Why venture to Indiana for a play space? Because this one, which feels like a hybrid of a children’s museum and play space, is truly out of this world. Every aspect of Bellaboo is open-ended, play-based, and unstructured, which means your kids really engage their imaginations. With a circular layout, each themed area is actually an entire room. Have a blast in the blocks room, water room, arts and crafts room, train room, and more. A full menu in the cafe means you can make a day of it. Weather permitting, they offer an outdoor area as well.

Lake Station, IN
Online: mybellaboos.com

Bubbles Academy

Bubbles Academy now offers several ways to enjoy its services. Bubbles North Branch is located across the street from Bubbles Academy and is dedicated to all caregiver and child drop-off classes and garage and tent classes. Bubbles Academy is home to the arts-integrated preschool for ages 2.5-5. This location includes an outdoor nature playground using materials that inspire play and connection with the natural world.

Their location at 900 N. Michigan shops hosts music, movement and art classes, preschool prep, weekly drop-in art experiences, and curated retail from local mom-owned businesses.

Most recently, they opened a location in Highland Park.

If you’d prefer to take in-home classes, their website has over 30 pre-recorded virtual classes.

Bucktown, Mag Mile, and Highland Park locations
Online: bubblesacademy.com

Chicago Children’s Museum

In addition to the Dinosaur Exhibition, the Tinkering Lab, Treehouse Trails, Art Studio, and so many other great exhibits, play, and climbing areas, the Chicago Children’s Museum just unveiled its newest attraction, Moen Presents Water City. The main components of Water City include the City Center, where kids can experiment with water within a city model of Chicago, Musical Water, with water-activated musical buildings, the Early Learning Area which includes lower tables, and a working replica of Buckingham Fountain, Foggy Lake in which waves can be created, River and Dam for creating courses for a vessel to travel and control the water flow, a Water City Signage area, and Bridges, Ledges, and Loose Parts for Narrative Play.

Navy Pier
Online: chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Exploritorium

This hidden gem delights kids with hands-on exhibits about light, water, wind, and more. Come wearing your thinking cap—or just romp around. Attractions include a giant “Lite Brite” peg board, musical instruments, and climbing tubes and tunnels that stretch two-and-a-half stories.

Skokie
Online: skokieparks.org

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo recently replaced the kids’ climbing area, located in the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, with the Houston Family Play Treehouse. The new, year-round, nature-based play space is wheelchair accessible, and special attention was given to making the play space inclusive for kids of all sizes, sight, and movement abilities. It is a much-welcomed update. Best of all, it remains free!

Lincoln Park
Online: lpzoo.org

Little Beans Cafe

Little Beans Cafe was one of the first and remains one of the most popular play spaces. They offer both imaginative and active play, preschool, summer camps, special holiday events, gymnastics, and other classes and they’re a great place to host a birthday party. They cater to both kids 0-6 years old, and they have a ninja gym area for “Big Beans” (4-12 years old.) The cafe serves food and drinks and they worked on their patio in 2021 to make it extra inviting for parents to relax.

Evanston
Online: littlebeanscafe.com

Present Place Chicago

Present Place Chicago offers several drop-in classes (reservations strongly recommended), including Skip & Scoot Little Fitness Adventures, Music Class with Ms. Sunshine, and the little book club. Open, caregiver-supervised play for ages 0-4 is offered during the week. With an incredible play set and selection of imaginative toys, adults can plan to socialize or even get some remote work done while the children are occupied in a safe space. Coffee and wifi are free!

River North
Online: presentplacechicago.com

Purple Monkey Playroom

Muraled walls fill this hub for parents with character and cheer. Best suited to kids ages 0-4, it’s intimately sized to allow kids free range to gain independence while you keep tabs. The focus is imaginative play with a hut-style house and a nice stock of dress-up clothes. Gross motor skills can be developed on the balance beam or small toddler slide. They have special Bubbles & Balloons playtimes too. Reservations required.

Bucktown
Online: purplemonkeyplayroom.com

 

Work and Play

If you are looking for an indoor play space where you can also get some remote work done on a daily basis, check out these co-working spaces that may provide the key to work-life balance.

itsy bitsy Play & Cafe

itsy bitsy is coming soon to Lincoln Square and is currently available for tours.  In addition to an incredibly creative play space for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, itsy bitsy will house a cafe and a comfortable, functional, co-working space. They will even offer private office space for those moments when you need some extra privacy. As you work, top-notch, early childhood education providers, deemed “Playmakers” will care for your children.

Lincoln Square
Online: itsybitsyplay.com

Le Village

Le Village is more than a co-working space. It is a community. A “village” if you will. The modern, open floor plan of the workspace supports camaraderie among the working parents, as does the cafe. They host events and support groups to further grow the family-like atmosphere. Le Village offers the flexibility to be with your children when you want to, and also the privacy and security of knowing your children are well cared for when you cannot be with them. Kids from 3 months to 4 years old are split into classes, with a custom curriculum, led by certified teachers.

Irving Park
Online: levillagecowork.com

 

Additional reporting by Maria Chambers

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