Month-by-Month Sleep Tips for the First Wild Year

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseFebruary 12, 2024

You know why there’s nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby? Because it takes so much work to make sleep happen. Healthy, consistent sleep habits are key for getting your baby in a good groove for snoozing. To do it, set up a calming bedtime routine, buy a white noise machine to drown out distractions, and read what these two prominent sleep experts have to say in this baby sleep guide for year one.

Dr. Harvey Karp is a pediatrician, child development expert, co-founder of smart-tech and parenting solutions company Happiest Baby, which created the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, and author of The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep. Renee Wasserman, P.T., M.P.H, is an infant & child sleep consultant and child behavior consultant, as well as the founder of the consulting practice SleepyHead Solutions, where she helps parents overcome sleep challenges with their babies and toddlers. Read on for their advice and our guide to baby sleep in the first year, from awake windows and naps to sleep regressions and the sleep tools that really work.

a baby sleeps on a mother's shoulder while she checks her phone — iStock

The good news: There are things we can do to help our babies sleep well. “Learning to sleep on your own is a skill just like learning to crawl or walk, and it takes lots of practice, consistency, and patience,” says Wasserman. “With the right plan looking at the sleep environment, routine, timing of feedings, schedule and approach to teach the skill of independent sleep, healthy sleep is achievable by all.”

Babies can differ when it comes to sleep patterns, but these guidelines will give you an idea of what to expect from naps and wake times, and how to create a healthy sleep routine for your baby. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns, talk to your pediatrician.

Newborn Sleep Tips: Birth to 2 months

Total sleep a day:14-18 hours
Awake window between naps: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Naps: 45 minutes to 3 hours, several naps a day
Sleep help: swaddling, white noise, motion (smart bassinet, rocking, bouncing on a yoga ball), Dr. Karp’s the 5 S’s, described below

Newborns are usually up every 2-3 hours, even at night, which gradually extends to 3- to 5-hour stretches of nighttime sleep. To help newborns learn the difference between day and night, keep lights brighter by day, take sunny morning walks, and play upbeat music. In the evening, dim the lights and plan calmer activities, like baths, and stick to soft music and lullabies, as well as white noise.

Between birth and four months, Dr. Karp recommends the soothing technique he developed called the 5 S’s to turn on baby’s calming reflex and promote sleep. The 5 S’s are:
⚬ Swaddling—it decreases startling and re-creates the womb’s coziness.
⚬ Side/stomach position—you’ll calm a crying baby more quickly in these two positions, but, for safety, babies must be put on their back for sleep.
⚬ Shushing—making shushing noises with your mouth will soothe a fussy baby, and white noise re-creates the shushing sound that blood flow makes in the womb.
⚬ Swinging—to calm a crying child, support baby’s head and neck, and use fast, tiny swinging motions no more than one inch to each side (do this safely, no shaking).
⚬ Sucking—Whether they’re using a pacifier, their thumb, or your pinky finger, sucking soothes babies into sleep.

a baby girl on a sleep schedule sleeping in her crib for a baby sleep guide — iStock

2-4 months

Total sleep a day: 13-14 hours
Awake window between naps: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Naps: 30 minutes to 2 hours, 2-3 naps a day
Sleep help: white noise, blackout shades, Dr. Karp’s 5 S’s, introducing a sleep and feeding schedule, teaching your baby to self-soothe

Introduce a consistent daily schedule of feedings and sleep times. Picking up on your baby’s sleep cues (yawning or rubbing their eyes) will help you establish the schedule. And blackout shades can help babies sleep when the sun is shining. This is also a good time to introduce a sleep routine to signal to your child that it’s time for rest. Before naps, you can sing, read a book, and cuddle. The bedtime routine should be longer and can incorporate a bath, lullaby, baby massage, nursing or a bottle, soft music, white noise, and books.

A key part of creating good sleep habits is teaching babies to fall asleep independently, rather than always rocking, feeding or holding them until they fall asleep. It’s normal for children, and adults, to wake up between sleep cycles. So when babies wake, we make it easier for them to fall back asleep by putting babies to bed drowsy but awake.

“If they fall asleep while taking a bottle and then wake during the night and the bottle is gone, it often results in them crying for the bottle,” says Wasserman. “If they fall asleep on their own after being put in the crib drowsy but awake, when they wake during the night, they will be in the exact same position they were in when they fell asleep, making it easier for them to get right back to sleep.”

In fact, Dr. Karp recommends that if your baby falls asleep before being placed in their bed, wake them slightly after you lay them down, by changing their diaper, putting your cool hand on their head, or giving them a little tickle. Baby will open their eyes, moan, or move your hand before falling back to sleep.

“I know it sounds crazy to wake a sleeping baby,” says Dr. Karp. “But it helps infants learn how to self-soothe, which they can use in the middle of the night to put themselves back into slumber all on their own.”

At this age, babies are typically sleeping for 5- to 6-hour stretches, but watch out for that four-month sleep regression. Regressions usually last 2-4 weeks and typically coincide with exciting developmental and physical changes. According to Wasserman, the four-month regression generally happens as baby’s internal sleep rhythms start to settle. This can require changing your schedule so naps and nighttime sleep are better in sync with your child’s natural sleep rhythms.

a baby in a purple onesie is sleeping in a crib — iStock

4-8 months

Total sleep a day: 12-14 hours
Awake window between naps: 2-3 hours
Naps: 30 minutes to 2 hours, 2-3 naps
Sleep help: White noise, consistent naps, and a sleep schedule allowing your baby to self-soothe

Sleep stretches of 6-8 hours are possible at this age. But babies typically start teething around this time, so wake-ups can be due to discomfort. Try chilled teethers and give extra cuddles to soothe your little one back to sleep.

When your baby cries out from the crib, wait a moment before rushing to comfort them. Yes, it will feel like the longest seconds of your life. But here’s why it’s important: Your baby may be able to self-soothe to get back to sleep, thanks to all the work you’ve been doing to put them down drowsy but awake.

If you suspect hunger is waking your baby at night, make sure they’re feeding well before bedtime to fill them up. You can also introduce a dream feed, which means nursing or giving your half-asleep baby a bottle before you go to bed for the night.

At 8-9 months, prepare for another sleep regression. According to Wasserman, this regression is usually tied to babies dropping their third nap. She recommends moving bedtime a little earlier to keep your little one from becoming overtired as they get used to being awake longer before bed.

a baby sleeping on his stomach for a baby sleep guide — iStock

9-12 months

Total sleep a day: 12-14 hours
Awake window between naps: 2.5-4 hours
Naps: 1-2 hours, 2-3 per day
Sleep help: White noise, consistent naps, and a sleep schedule allowing your baby to self-soothe

As babies approach the one-year mark, they may be sleeping up to 7-10 hours at a stretch, and it will feel as glorious for you as it sounds. But don’t get too comfortable because, with walking and other exciting baby milestones and developmental leaps on the horizon, sleep may get interrupted again.

Around 12 months, another sleep regression is likely. This one is usually linked to learning to walk and may result in your baby refusing to nap. Wasserman recommends not giving up on naps or switching to one nap just yet. Instead, hang tight and be consistent with two naps as your baby moves through this regression in a few weeks.

The happy ending to this wild year? Understanding your baby’s natural sleep rhythms, creating a soothing environment for rest, building an adaptable schedule of sleep and feedings, and teaching your baby to self-soothe and sleep independently have built a foundation of good sleep habits that will help your child (and you!) sleep well for years to come.

10 YouTube Workouts for New Moms (They’re Free & Fun!)

by Whitney C. HarrisSeptember 24, 2023

Giving birth is a workout in itself—it’s one of the most intense physical challenges a person will ever experience, which deserves more than a little rest and relaxation. But when you feel ready to get back into your fitness routine (and you get the green light from your doctor), you can jump in with these 10 free online workouts to help your post-baby body feel good. There’s something here for everybody, and every body, from gentle beginner workouts to challenging calorie burns!

20 Minute Postnatal Legs & Core by FIT by Larie

What it is: No equipment needed for this 20-minute workout in which you use your body weight to your advantage. Larie leads you through various sets of lunges and pulses that keep your core firm and will make you feel the burn.

Why you’ll love it: This is a great option for that very first post-birth foray into exercise because it’s quick and you can modify every move by going deeper or staying higher. Squeeze this into your day during naptime, even micro-naps! And Larie is chatty, which keeps you focused yet also somehow distracted from all that thigh-shaking.

12 Minute Post Natal Core Workout by BodyFit by Amy

What it is: Full of movements that focus on the midsection, this short video shows postnatal mamas how to start getting their abs back in shape by targeting the deep abdominal muscles. These aren’t your traditional ab exercises, but instead a slow reintroduction to the core muscle connections.

Why you’ll love it: The exercises are broken up by lots of restorative stretching, and if you feel like you want to challenge yourself more, do the video again.

Mom and Baby Stretch and Workout by BrettLarkinYoga

What it is: A chance to spend 20 minutes with your baby with plenty of stretching and yoga poses for you. You may not break a sweat, but you’ll be engaging all sorts of muscles and connecting with your little one face-to-face. Great for babies who aren’t yet mobile.

Why you’ll love it: You get the effect of being in a mommy & me yoga class without having to deal with leaving the house.

Postnatal Yoga for Strength and Flexibility by Sara Beth Yoga

What it is: If you didn’t exercise during pregnancy and are just getting back into the swing of things after baby, you may have to work up to this 30-minute yoga instruction. It’s a basic flow routine with balance and core work.

Why you’ll love it: The voiceover instruction is calming, as is the music. And Sara Beth encourages pushing yourself through individual challenges.

CARiFiT: Post Natal Foundations workout by BeFIT

What it is: A 15-minute baby-wearing workout full of smooth, controlled movements. You’ll do plenty of squats, lunges, and low-impact exercises that are safe to perform with a baby strapped to your chest.

Why you’ll love it: The movement will probably put your baby right to sleep!

Post Baby Bounce Back by TiffanyRotheWorkouts

What it is: Thirteen minutes of Tiffany’s Boxer Babe series with punches, kicks, and all.

Why you’ll love it: Anyone who likes a group workout will feed off the energy of this big group video.

Beginner Pilates Workout by Fitness Blender

What it is: Easy, breezy exercises to shape and tone on a daily basis. You’ll spend 17 minutes doing 14 different exercises and stretches, 12 reps each, mostly lying down.

Why you’ll love it: It’s a great way to decompress and relax before sleep, especially if you’re not sleeping through the night yet.

Postnatal Arms and Abs by Nancy Taylor

What it is: A half hour of strength training with dumbbells and a burst of cardio to boot.

Why you’ll love it: Nancy has infectious energy and gives little pep talks throughout the routine.

Diastasis Reci Repair—Physio Workout for Beginners by Michelle Kenway

What it is: Some simple seated exercises to help reconnect your abdominal muscles after pregnancy.

Why you’ll love it: It couldn’t be easier to squeeze this 4-minute video into your busy day with baby.

Pelvic Floor Safe Core Exercises by Michelle Kenway

What it is: Michelle shows new moms how to safely and properly activate the abs without aggravating any pelvic floor issues.

Why you’ll love it: It’s not sexy, but it’s essential!

How & When to Say Goodbye to the Pacifier

by Whitney C. HarrisJune 26, 2023

With so many questions swirling around pacifier weaning, it’s hard to know when to take away the pacifier and when to let kids keep it

Ahhh. The sweet sound of satisfying silence when the pacifier does its job soothing a fussy baby. But there’s a moment in many parents’ lives when they go from praising the pacifier for the peace and comfort it brings their child (and everyone else in the house) to nonstop worrying over their aging toddler’s attachment to the nuk. So we chatted with a pediatrician, a psychologist, and a child behavior specialist for their insights and tips on the right time and age to call it quits with the paci, and exactly how to do it. For all the parents out there who have ever wondered when to take the pacifier away, these pacifier weaning tricks are for you.

But First: Why We Love Pacifiers

“Babies are born with an inherent need to suck—the sucking reflex,” says Lauren Crosby, MD, FAAP, of La Peer Pediatrics. Pacifiers do a great job of satisfying that need (and can even give a breastfeeding mom’s nipples a break) while also soothing a baby, especially during times when they’re upset or falling asleep. It has also been shown that using a pacifier can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), Crosby adds. Not all babies take to pacis, but those who do can really benefit from their simple magic.

Pacifier Weaning Tips

1. Time It Well

Saying goodbye to the binky can be done at almost any time, depending upon what works for the baby and the parents or caregivers. But there are some key guidelines that experts recommend. According to Sari Broda, a certified child sleep consultant, certified lactation counselor and child behavior specialist on the Parenting + network, a baby’s strong desire to suck drops between 4 and 6 months. At that point, the pacifier becomes more of a soothing object and sleep cue than an actual need, so this is one window of opportunity where you may want to stop offering it. If you don’t ditch the paci in the first year though, Broda recommends waiting until the child is 3 years old; otherwise, taking it away can really disrupt your tot’s sleep. That being said, she has seen some families successfully drop the paci between 1 and 3 years without any major issues.

Crosby notes that using the paci past age 1 can delay speech and inhibit proper word articulation, and past age 3 may result in tooth alignment issues. If your child is getting frequent ear infections (studies have shown a correlation between the two), then you may want to get rid of it sooner. What’s more, some little ones wake throughout the night crying for the paci to be put back in. If that’s not working for your family, then you should feel empowered to stop using the pacifier. Just be sure to avoid the transition right before a major life event, like moving homes.

Licensed clinical psychologist Sarah Bren, Ph.D., also on the Parenting + network, urges parents to help their children prepare in advance for any kind of transition, whether it’s saying goodbye to a pacifier, starting a new daycare program, welcoming a new sibling into the family or moving into a big kid bed. Talk about the feelings they might have and what they can do. “You might feel frustrated if you’re upset and want your pacifier. What can you do instead?” Involving children in the process helps them feel more in control and will tap into their early problem-solving skills.

This advice not only applies to older toddlers, but to babies as well. “We need to talk to our kids about everything,” Broda says. “Even if it’s a 6-month-old… explain it to them.” Tell your baby that they’ll no longer be using the pacifier and that you know they’ll still be okay. Your baby may cry for a few nights or struggle to sleep, in which case you might want to do some sleep training, Broda says. But it shouldn’t drag on for weeks because it’s typically an easier transition to drop the paci before 12 months.

With older toddlers, you can have more of a dialogue, of course. Maybe tell a silly story about the pacifier and why it’s leaving your home, or give your kiddo a lovey blanket or stuffed animal for comfort, Broda suggests. Keep the conversation positive and upbeat.

a toddler with a pacifier in her mouth wearing a strawberry shirt is wondering when to get rid of the pacifier — Jorge Barros via Unsplash

2. Limit Use

If your child is using the pacifier all the time, you can start to limit it to sleep or stressful situations like doctor’s visits, Crosby says. Then you can either go cold turkey by cutting off the tip or acting as the binky fairy and taking the pacifier at night while leaving a gift for your child. If you prefer a more gradual approach, you can help your child hold a favorite lovey and take deep “magic breaths” together, Crosby says. Or praise your child for their patience as you stretch out the time (first just seconds, then work up to minutes) before you hand over the pacifier. And be sure to do something supportive to help your child manage the waiting, like read together or play hand games.

3. Don’t Link the Pacifier to Being a Baby

As tempting as it may be to tell your child that pacifiers are for babies, don’t do it. They are going to want it sometimes, says Bren, and saying “You’re a big girl/boy now,” will just confuse them or make them feel ambivalent about it all. Normalize the fact that it’s a tricky process and you’ll remove the shame from the experience. And rest assured that this type of development can fluctuate. Your child will feel like a big kid one day and more like a baby the next. And that’s okay!

4. Allow Kids to Be Upset

As with any big change, you can expect your child to feel sad or mad about their pacifier not being readily available. Allow them to be upset, validate their feelings and reflect it back to them before you plug them with a pacifier, Bren says. Try saying: “You’re feeling frustrated. I understand. We’re not going to have pacis right now. But we can [do another activity, like read a book, cuddle on the couch, hug your Teddy bear].” The idea is to move more slowly and mindfully and to give your child the time and space to feel a range of emotions rather than turn off their distress like a light switch.

And if your child is having a hard time, try to muster as much patience and empathy as you can, Crosby adds. Try to be consistent and calm, even as they’re upset. Then just keep yourselves busy with plenty of distracting activities.

5. Gather Your Support System

This is one of those times when it’s important to reach out to friends and family for support. You could let them know the transition you’re about to make and ask for advice or their help, whether that’s dropping off dinners for the week you’re pulling the paci or babysitting for a few hours while you catch a break.

6. Stick with the Plan

Consistency is very important, especially for older kids, so once you come up with a plan that works for your family, you should stick to it, Broda says. Provide your little one with a routine and predictable expectations to help ensure that saying goodbye to the paci is as quick of a process as possible.

Spotify Playlists for Babies & Toddlers That Parents Will Actually Enjoy

by Kate SchweitzerMarch 6, 2023

These Spotify playlists for kids and families promise songs everyone can agree on

We’ve all been there: we’ve turned on the radio to the perfect family-friendly song, but before long, we’re overhearing some questionable lyrics faster than we can say, “Alexa, stop!” That’s why savvy parents stick to age-appropriate playlists. No time in your schedule of fussy baby feedings and never-ending toddler nap routines to prep a mix tape? Fear not—the hard work has been done for you. Spotify has countless collections of songs, from nursery rhymes and lullabies to modern classics that even the most Baby Shark-averse adult will enjoy. All you have to do is cue up one of these parent-approved Spotify playlists for kids and enjoy the free concert.

1. Kid Songs That Don’t Suck

Let’s face it—there’s a wide range of kid songs out there, and what constitutes a bop to one parent may sound like nails on a chalkboard to another. Thankfully, this list of 60 songs weeds out the polarizing “hits” and is curated to include more universally appealing classic and contemporary songs alike.

2. Disney Hits

One thing that the Disney vault can’t contain? The catchy soundtracks from its archive of animated movies. This 160+ song playlist has everything from the latest Encanto ear worms to ballads that will take any millennial parent back to their own Disney-movie-watching childhood.

3. Calming Baby Songs

If you’ve ever cried at an Instagram Reel of a newborn baby you don’t actually know, it’s likely because it was set to one of the sweet songs in this calming baby playlist. From Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” to Jack Johnson’s “Better Together,” these simple melodies will warm your heart.

4. Classical Music for Kids

Sure, the “Mozart Effect”—the belief that babies exposed to classical music will have higher IQs—has never been scientifically supported, but it still feels good to switch off the Baby Shark in lieu of some Flight of the Bumblebee now and then, right?

5. Family Road Trip

Hitting the road? Get ready to sing your hearts out with these family-friendly road trip classics that will make the miles fly by. Bonus: this mix of 80 songs will get you five hours of driving time before you even have to think about what to play next.

6. Girl Power

Who runs the world? Girls! And if you’ve got such a little one running your house, this empowering playlist—composed of all-female artists, from Oliva Rodrigo to Aretha Franklin and Billie Eilish to Mariah Carey—will serve up plenty of girl pride.

7. The Best of Raffi

Nevermind Madonna, Cher, or Adele. The mononymous singer on rotation in any house with babies and toddlers is Raffi. For millions of fans spanning 40 years, the Armenian singer’s music—”Baby Beluga” or “Down By the Bay,” anyone?—has been the soundtrack of their childhoods.

8. Upbeat Kid Songs

Sometimes waking up after naptime, or doing tummy time, or eating broccoli can feel like such a slog. Why not add some musical motivation to your little one’s routine? This playlist of upbeat tunes is sure to add some pep in their first steps. Seriously. Have you heard the first few seconds of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop This Feeling,” and been able to stop feeling better? Thought not.

9. Spring Songs For Kids

Winter weather got you down? Rain in the forecast? Let the lyrics to these springtime songs brighten the most dreary of days. From “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” to a medley of sunshiny hits—there’s “You Are My Sunshine” and “Here Comes the Sun,” to name a few—this playlist will give your family everything but the Vitamin D.

10. Baby Sleep

They say to never wake a sleeping baby, but it takes just one extra-loud song in a seemingly steady playlist of lullabies to startle a newborn out of a REM cycle. This collection of soothing songs, however, promises nine hours’ worth of lyric-free instrumentals to keep your little one conked out.

11. Toybox

Tired of the Top 40? This quirky mix of underrated kid songs will pique parents’ interests just as much as their target demo. From Snoop Dogg rapping examples of positive mantras in “Affirmation Song” to a stream-of-consciousness melody about donkey-shaped piñatas and cupcakes at “Goin’ To a Birthday,” these songs are deep cuts with deeper meanings than the standard nursery rhyme fare.

12. Guitar Lullabies

Guitar lovers, get excited! This playlist features 160 sweet instrumental lullabies that are all performed exclusively on the popular instrument. Trust us, the riffs in ”This Old Man,” “London Bridge,” and “Do Re Mi” just hit differently on the strings of an acoustic guitar.

13. Kids Action Songs

Sometimes, it takes more than a good beat to inspire your kids to get up and dance. If you want to burn some energy, this playlist includes classic sing-alongs like “The Wheels on the Bus” and instructional ditties, like “Reach Up High,” which will have even the youngest of children following along with every line.

14. Raised on Pop

Your little ones might not know the Backstreet Boys or Britney yet, but it’s never too early to give them a proper musical education on all things pop. Curated by Spotify, it’s part of a series of “Raised on . . .” playlists meant for parents and children alike, and it includes lineups dedicated to Rock, Punk, Country, Hip Hop, and Metal, among others.

30 Places to Play Inside on a Rainy Day

by Alaina WeimerDecember 29, 2022

Museums, aquariums, bookstores, and more. These indoor activities Seattle kids love will keep them happy (and dry) all season

Seattle parents know that rain is no excuse if the kids need to play. Thankfully, Seattle offers a plethora of rainy day indoor playspaces for kids of all ages. From museums and aquariums to bookstores, art studios and trampoline parks, we’ve rounded up 30 Seattle rainy day activities for kids to keep you and your crew from going loco during the drizzly months.

Plan a Day at the Museum

Sure, museums may be the go-to rainy day rendezvous places, but they are for a good reason. Kids love them; they’re educational; they get you and your kids out of the house; and Seattle is chock-full of fantastic ones. On the next drizzle or downpour, find an adventure-filled museums to help you conquer the day.

indoor activities seattle include the kidsquest children's museum in bellevue — KidsQuest Children's Museum

1. KidsQuest Children’s Museum

Migrate out of the mist and head to the Eastside to enjoy this hands-on, interactive children’s museum. Located in downtown Bellevue, this area favorite is filled with fun and brightly colored exhibits, geared toward the 10 and under set. All the exhibits emphasize skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, but don't tell your kids—they'll just think they're fun. Kids love to play in the big rig, at the large train table, in the atrium climber, at the water gallery, or in the story tree. Check out the Museum's daily calendar for programs to fit your schedule (think art, engineering, and more), and remember to reserve your timed play session in advance. Trust us on this one, your wee ones won’t want to leave.

1116 108th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: kidsquestmuseum.org

PacSci seattle, museums, indoor playspaces — Pacific Science Center

2. Pacific Science Center

Run from the rainfall and take your little Einsteins to Seattle’s premier science center. PacSci not only offers a safe haven from the weather, but most importantly it gives your young scientists a day to explore the many wonders science, nature and culture PSC has to offer. Flutter about in the Butterfly House, take in the critters in the living exhibits, see how the body works, play in the Science Playground or stomp around with the dinosaurs. You will experience all that and more during your visit!

200 Second Ave. N.
Seattle
Online: pacificsciencecenter.org

3. The Museum of Flight

Sprint in from the sprinkle and make a rainy day visit to The Museum of Flight. Your tiny Earharts and Lindberghs will go gaga over the full size aircraft they get to tour, the space exhibits they get to explore and the kid’s aviation play area they get to conquer. This huge museum will keep you tied up for hours as your mini pilots and astronauts learn about all things flight and space. Psst...the Weekend Workshops are great for families.

9404 E. Marginal Way S.
Seattle
Online: museumofflight.org

MoPOP Seattle, best seattle museums, indoor seattle activities — courtesy MoPOP

4. MoPOP

Take a break from the torrent and pop over to MoPOP, Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture located next to the Space Needle. This museum is so full of wonders your minuscule inquisitive types won’t know what to check out first. Get the feel for various instruments in the Sound Lab, step through the intricacies of science fiction, or jump into the world of video gaming. MoPOP’s got all this and more.

325 5th Ave. N.
Seattle
Online: mopop.org

indoor activities seattle a diver at the windows on washington exhibit at Seattle aquarium — Seattle Aquarium

5. Seattle Aquarium

Duck out of the wet stuff with more wet stuff at Seattle Aquarium. All the delights of our local underwater habitat are there to greet you and your mini marine biologists. Wonder at the huge Windows on Washington Waters tank (and learn about the PNW waters from a real scuba diver!), watch giant Pacific octopuses eat lunch, dab at the sea cucumbers and urchins in the touch pool and surround yourself with your water-faring friends in the Underwater Dome. The Seattle Aquarium is a great option to get you and your little fishies out of the house and into some seriously fun aquatic adventures.

1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
Seattle
Online: seattleaquarium.org

point defiance zoo and aquarium, seattle indoor playspaces — Oona Copperhill/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

6. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Race out of the raindrops and add the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to your rainy day, get-the-wiggles-out fun list. A zoo? In the winter? Why yes, because Point Defiance Zoo has two awesome indoor aquariums. Hightail it to the Pacific Seas Aquarium, a 35,000 square foot aquarium that was years in the making and now has its doors open to you and your nautical Nates and Nellies. Mingle with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles, touch sea stars, get a glimpse into the waters of the Puget Sound and be mesmerized by the moon jellies. You and your crew will be drowning in the wonders of the sea in no time. It’s indoor fun at its finest.

5400 North Pearl St.
Tacoma, WA
Online: pdza.org

seattle childrens museum, best kids museums, indoor activities seattle — Allison Sutcliffe

7. Seattle Children’s Museum

Yep, another great kid-centric spot next to the Space Needle is the perfect place to play the rainy day blues away. The Seattle Children’s Museum has over 22,000 square feet of play space with numerous exhibits to delve into as well as programs and activities that are free with admission cost. Send your tots around to figure out how gravity works in Cog City, hit up the play Eye Clinic (no pupil dilation required!), make art of all sorts, get your favorite munchies in the mini Metropolitan Market and more. This is yet another rainy day classic sure to occupy even your most rambunctious rascal.

305 Harrison St.
Seattle
Online: thechildrensmuseum.org

Spend the Day Sliding, Climbing & Bouncing

Maybe a day at a museum or aquarium just isn’t your kid’s jam. No worries. Indoor play spaces abound in and around the city. And more than likely, there’s at least one near your neck of the woods that is worth a visit. From tunnels and slides to climbing nets and bounce houses, here are some solid ideas to wear your kids out.

8. PlayDate SEA

Looking for a place to park your bum while your lovely lads and lasses go loco? Then, saunter out of the showers and head to PlayDate SEA. With a huge play structure, ball launchers, fast slides and sky-high climbing options, this place is a mecca for happiness during the rainy months. Need another incentive to check it out? PlayDate SEA has a café at your disposal, and it's more than just popcorn and goldfish. They offer a full menu filled with kid and adult–friendly options such as pizza, salads, wraps, and paninis, plus apps like hummus and mozzarella sticks, as well as coffee and drinks.

1275 Mercer St.
Seattle
Online: playdatesea.com

indoor activities seattle — Arena Sports

9. Arena Sports

Hop over those puddles and hit up this one-stop shop for indoor fun. Sure, it’s a place for indoor youth soccer leagues, but it’s also so much more. With locations throughout the area (Issaquah, Magnuson, Mill Creek, Redmond, SoDo), each Arena Sports has an Inflatable FunZone to get out those rainy day wiggles out, and some even have bowling, laser tag and arcades. Make sure and check the FunZone times before you head out as each location offers different hours. Really, what more could a cooped up kiddo ask for?

Insider Tip: The new Issqauah Family Fun Center is now open.

Locations in Issaquah, Magnuson, Redmond, SODO & Mill Creek
Online: arenasports.net

10. Dave and Buster’s

Dodge the droplets and head down to D&B’s for an afternoon filled with every arcade game your gangly little gamers can think of. Grab a family table outside of the bar area (you’re free to stay as long as you like, just keep a coat in your booth and you’ve claimed it 'til you leave!) and set your little ones loose, Pac-Man style, to devour as much video game time as they like (or that your prepaid card will allow!). There's also carnival-type games for your tiny Wreck-It Ralphs in addition to more sophisticated games for the bigger Donkey Kongs in your crew. Since you’ve got that table, take the opportunity for lunch, if you can wrangle the kiddos back into seats, that is.

11639 N.E. 4th St.
Bellevue, WA
Online: daveandbusters.com

11. Elevated Sportz

The weekends aren’t exempt from the drizzles, so when it happens, you might find that you have more than your precocious preschooler to entertain. As you know, the big kids need outlets, too! Avoid that precipitation and cloudy day fatigue and let the energy escape at Elevated Sportz Trampoline Park. With 10,000 square feet of bounce habitat, including a foam pit, a ninja course and trampoline dodge ball area, you will have no problem wiping the kids out. And tiny tykes, you aren’t forgotten. There is also a Kidz Adventure area just right for pint-sized sprouts. No better way to get the jumping beans out!

18311 Bothell-Everett Hwy., Suite 140
Bothell, WA
Online: elevatedsportz.com

12. Wunderkind

Another indoor play space fit for both parent and child? Seattle, you have our backs! Escape the elements and head to the 1,800 square foot Wunderkind facility, dedicated to kiddos and their vivid imaginations. You’ll first enter the DUPLO space with bins full of pieces, just waiting for little hands. This area is also filled with train sets and figures for your young conductors to create their own train world. The older set will also find an upstairs room full of LEGOs, train tracks and the hit of the second level—a remote control train! Best part? Think of Wunderkind as a safe space where you won’t have to live in fear of stepping barefoot on a forgotten LEGO piece in the middle of the night! Psst…the other half of Wunderkind is for you, parents! Complete with a café serving espresso and coffee concoctions as well as sammies, salads, kiddo foods, and, wait for it, local craft beers and wines if you want to unwind.

3318 N.E. 55th St.
Seattle
Online: wunderkindseattle.com

Hit the Mall

Looking for an indoor play place for your little Wiggle Wart, but you also need to get some shopping done? On a the next rainy day, kill two birds with one stone. Seattle is full of ways for your minis to get the cloudy day squirmies out and for you to hit that flash sale you’ve been eyeballing. Here are some of our favorite shopping malls with play spaces.

indoor activities seattle girl near a ball pit — Jennifer B. Davis

13. Funtastic Playtorium

Definitely one of the more active, crowded and wild of play indoor spaces, the Funtastic Playtorium is a large, friendly, ready-to-romp spot in Factoria Mall (with an additional locations at the Alderwood Mall and Tacoma Mall). Don’t let the clouds keep you down. Head to this space to entertain your most climby-est, slidey-est adventurer. Within a huge meshed-in structure, kids up to 10 years old can tunnel, side, bounce, creep, climb, blast and ride. Unlike smaller play areas, it’s tough to keep an eye on junior the entire time, but the structure is sturdy enough for adults should you need to venture in and be a hero. Psst… bracelets are provided for adults and kids alike to monitor comings and goings.

Locations in Factoria Mall, Alderwood Mall & Tacoma Mall
Online: funtasticplaytorium.com

14. Safari Place

Don’t just hang at the homestead. Check out Safari Place at Southcenter Mall, a prime play spot for kids under 52 inches. The facility is equipped with moving structures, padded surfaces, slides and a ball pit which are guaranteed to stimulate your sidekick. So wear out your little angels and then hit the Nordstrom sale.

Insider Tip: Westfield Southcenter also has a free play space on the first floor if you need a quick drop-in area to kick back and take a break before your next stop.

Southcenter Mall
2876 Southcenter Mall
Tukwila, WA
Online: safariplayspace.com

a kid sits at the stop of the slide smiling at this indoor kids birthday party seattle location — WiggleWorks

15. WiggleWorks Kids

Leave the low clouds behind and make a date with your little monkey to get all the wiggles out at WiggleWorks Kids in Bellevue or Puyallup. This soft indoor play spot, complete with moving parts, is a toddler’s dream. And the great bar stool seating along the counter makes is a no-brainer when it comes chillaxing, or keeping a covert eye on your little daring darling while he or she plays.

Crossroads Mall
15600 N.E. 8th St., Suite F15
Bellevue, WA

South Hill Mall
3500 S. Meridian, Suite 215
Puyallup, WA 98373

Online: wiggleworkskids.com

16. The Kid's Cove

If the cloud coverage is making you and your crew antsy and you feel like a Bellevue Square visit would be just the ticket for a pick-me-up, head to The Kid’s Cove located on the 3^rdfloor. Geared towards kids under 42 inches tall, this enclosed play space is home to soft climbing toys with fun maritime themes. There are boats to steer, a ferry to crawl through and lots of sea critters to touch and explore. There’s also plenty of room for parents to catch up while your wee ones work out their wiggles.

575 Bellevue Square (3rd Floor, above Center Court)
Bellevue, WA
Online: bellevuecollection.com

Go to the Movies

Maybe going to the movies seems like a no-brainer on a super soggy day, but going to the movies with your mini film aficionados is a crowd-pleaser, and should definitely be on your indoor funday list. Check out what these family-friendly theaters have to offer and plan a day at the movies for the next weather-challenged day.

17. Cinemark Theaters

Located throughout the area, Cinemark will give you and your mini movie lovers that quintessential movie experience. With nearby locations in Federal Way, Lincoln Square, Totem Lake and Point Ruston, there is probably a theater relatively nearby your area. Cinemark also offers discounted pricing and special showings, so check their website to see if your neighborhood theater participates and what discounts you can get your deal-seeking hands on. Psst...every Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Square location parents and infants under age one can take advantage of the Mommy & Me showings, where parents and tots can watch current movies without having to worry about bothering other movie-goers with a fussy baby. Strollers are accepted and encouraged and the theater even leaves the lights on a bit brighter, so that parents can attend to their little one while they watch!

Online: cinemark.com/washington

18. Regal Theaters

Throw a stone toddler-style and you will probably hit a Regal Theater. They’ve got locations all over Western Washington from Bonney Lake to Puyallup and Auburn, to Seattle, Tukwila, Renton, Redmond, Issaquah and Bellevue. There’s no doubt you’ve got a location close enough to easily pull your whole motley crew in and out of the drizzle. Check the Regal website for movie listings at your preferred location and don’t forget to check out the perks offered by the Regal Crown Club for frequent movie-goers.

Online: regmovies.com/theatres

Roll & Bowl & Putt

What better way to keep the kids busy on a drizzly day than with sports? But when it’s too wet to go outside, you can play inside at these area arenas and rinks.

19. Go Roller Skating

Does your bevy of babes need more than a movie to get the energy out? What about a day at the roller rink? Strap on those rad rollers and get your giddy gliders out on the floor! There are several family-centric roller rinks around the area that are just waiting to take the brunt of your beginning skater’s flails. Seattle, Auburn, Federal Way, Lynnwood, Everett and Puyallup all have skate centers perfect for getting rid of the drizzle downers. Get out there and show your budding bladers how it’s really done.

a young kid rolls a bowling ball down a ramp — Josh Applegate via unsplash

20. Go Bowling

What better way to burn off that rainy day energy than rolling an 8-pound ball down a big ol' lane! These days, many of our area's lanes are fantastically family-friendly and accommodate even the littlest Lebowskis. Most also boast cool extras like arcade games, groovy jams, gourmet grub and even ginormous screens playing your favorite sports teams. From souped-up hipster havens to totally traditional lanes, these Seattle bowling alleys are where families go for strikes and spares.

21. Play putt putt

Although usually reserved for the summer months, Seattle's got a few spots where families can play mini golf inside during the rainy fall and winter months. Flastick Pub (with a few city locations) is a prime spot to eat and play, and maybe try your hand at Duffleboard when you've made your way around the course. The Forum Social House in Bellevue is another family favorite, and not just because you get to sit on a Game of Thrones-style throne.

Head to Your Local Bookstore

Seriously, what’s more cozy than a bookstore when it’s raining? The next time you’ve got to get your bouncing-off-the-walls bambino outta the abode, consider one of these amazing local bookstores.

photo: Elliott Bay Book Company

22. Elliott Bay Book Company

Clouds moving in? Head over to Capitol Hill and visit the Elliott Bay Book Company. It’s a full service bookstore, home to over 150,000 titles, and features one of our area’s best selections of new books, including a stellar collection of children’s books. The bookstore has great character and an inviting atmosphere for book lovers of all ages. If you have a tween or teen, check out the Underground YA Book Group. The friendly and helpful staff can help you find the perfect book or spend time scanning the shelves to find something that strikes your fancy. While you're there, be sure to visit Little Oddfellows, the cozy, in-house café that offers baked goods, sandwiches, coffee from Caffe Vita and beer and wine for the more mature patrons.

1521 10th Ave.
Seattle
Online: elliottbaybook.com

23. Third Place Books

Third Place Books at the Third Place Commons is more than a bookstore; it’s a community gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors can connect over a love of books and playfully lament over the lack of sun. With three Seattle-area locations, you can find one close by that has just what you’re looking for. The flagship store in Lake Forest Park offers a large public commons area, three restaurants, free WiFi and a jam-packed events calendar. Moms and dads, perch yourself at the half-wall, hit up the Honey Bear Bakery and let your toddlers giggle with glee in the safe, enclosed play space.

Town Center at Lake Forest Park
17171 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA
Online: thirdplacecommons.org

kids sit and listen during a nearby storytime — iStock

24. Secret Garden Books

Just off bustling Market Street in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, you’ll find Secret Garden Books. This full-service, independent bookstore offers something for everyone, but their primary focus is children’s literature. The knowledgeable staff includes longtime booksellers who are ready to help pick out books for all readers. For the wee ones, there are toddler-sized tables perfect for looking at books. Stop by and peruse the shelves (and shelves!) of books that are waiting to spark your child’s imagination.

2214 N.W. Market St.
Seattle
Online: secretgardenbooks.com

25. University Bookstore

You don’t have to be a Husky to enjoy the University Bookstore. Yes, the store is filled to the brim with purple and gold, but it also boasts an amazing children’s lit department. Don your raincoats and head to the UW Bookstore, that's morphed into a Seattle-area favorite, serving every reader from college student to preschooler.

4326 University Way N.E.
Seattle
Online: ubookstore.com

Go Swimming

a mom and baby swim at an indoor swimming pool

26. Indoor Pools

Dreaming about lounging by the pool? Grab your pool floats, goggles and cooped up kids and head to one of our favorite indoor pools for lots of energy burning fun. It's an easy and fun way to banish those rainy day blues.

Pass the Day With Pottery

You know what’s a fab way to brighten a gray day? Throw some art in it! It can be sunny inside even if it isn’t on the outside. Consider taking your angels to a create-your-own-pottery studio the next time it downpours or when the wee ones are going cuckoo.

27. Mudhouse Pottery Painting

This relaxed studio in Gilman Village offers daily hours for any time the pottery painting bug bites you. There are no studio fees and their prices range from $12 to $45, depending on the piece you choose. Their friendly staff will also help you with your arty ideas, and when you’ve completed your masterpiece, they’ll glaze it, fire it and have it ready for pickup in 7 days. No need to make a reservation—just stop on by anytime, rain or shine!

317 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
Issaquah, WA
Online: mudhousepottery.com

28. Paint Away

When the rain, rain won’t go away, step out and head to Paint Away, your one stop shop for everything arty. Conveniently located in Redmond Town Center, Paint Away's pottery prices include studio fees and glazing and firing of your bisqueware piece. If you want to try something new, check out their glass-fusing center, a unique way to create an art-tastic piece for yourself or as a gift. You start with a blank glass base and create a design on top with smaller glass pieces. They even have "kiddie glass” which is glass that’s been fired to give it rounded, smooth edges, perfect for little fingers.

7329 164th Ave. N.E.
Redmond, WA
Online: paintawaynow.com

29. Paint The Town

It's raining, it’s pouring. What will you do in the morning? Paint The Town. This ideally located paint your own pottery place in U Village offers up a wide variety (as in 250!) do it yourself painting options, from mugs to bowls, figurines to picture frames. One price includes the piece you choose and all paints, glazing and firing of your piece. Best of all, you can drop in anytime during business hours to create your masterpiece, and they've got indoor and outdoor tables where you and the kids can paint.

4611 Village Ct. N.E.
Seattle
Online: paintthetown.studio

Get Gaming

30. Board game stores

If getting the kids out of the house is key, why not head to a local game store and raid their library? Not only do they have the coolest and newest games out there, they've also got knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the perfect game for your crew and help you play it, too. Did we mention that many also have cafes inside? Grab a bite and a warm drink to enjoy while you play.

The Best Pregnancy, Baby & Parenting Blogs

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseMarch 25, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Jane Putnam & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured image: iStock

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Great Gifts to Celebrate New Grandparents

by Jamie Davis SmithAugust 20, 2021

To show your thanks for all they do for you and your baby, read on to find the perfect gifts for your parents and your partner’s parents. From sentimental gifts to practical presents that make spending time with grandbabies easier, this epic list has it all. Pro tip: Use this guide to get a head start on holidays and birthdays.

Say It with Style

grandmother and grandfather holding infant between them — iStock

Grandma and Grandpa may be style mavens or...need some help with a fashion update. A practical boost to help them look their best will be appreciated!

Sunglasses can elevate their style instantly. Eleventh Hour has a large selection of sunglasses in iconic styles, just perfect for all those walks and park outings they'll be taking with your little one. Their interactive website includes a questionnaire about face shape and style preferences so you can find the perfect pair. If sunglasses aren't your thing, check out the blue light glasses.

To house all those baby essentials, Portland Leather Goods has a great selection of bags from totes for the Grandma who is always prepared to backpacks for the Grandpa who needs to leave the house with more than his wallet. Their retro collection might make Grandma upset that she ditched her favorite purse a couple of decades ago when it started to look dated. The retro collection uses vegetable tanned leather that develops a rich patina over time so this gift will actually get nicer over time.

Whether Grandma is a big fan of Rosie the Riveter or Grandpa would rather be golfing, Lavley Socks has them covered. This affordable gift is a great way to show the special grandparents in your life that you took the time to find them a personal gift you know they will love. If the gift is a hit, start a tradition of adding to their sock collection on special occasions.

Grandma may have spent her youth in dresses and heels, but chances are when she's home she wants to be comfortable. Miami Jogger Harem Pants from Buddha Pants are the prefect solution to upgrade Grandma's loungewear. And they have styles for Grandpa too! Another good option is Lark Adventurewear's Jersey Joggers with coordinating tees.

Sometimes becoming a grandparent means spending a lot more time on your feet trying to calm a fussy baby, chasing a toddler around the yard or going on family adventures. This calls for new and more comfortable footwear. Keen hiking boots or sandals fit the bill and will last throughout the grandkids' childhoods. As a bonus, you can get a matching pair for yourself or the kids.

A Little Bling

Grandma will love to show off a special piece of jewelry her family got just for her!

Asha Blooms has a unique way to choose the perfect gift, with categories including gratitude and love. Tell Grandma how much you care with a "You Are Loved" necklace, or thank her for supporting you with a "Thank You" rose necklace.

For a simple but beautiful gift, Delicora has classic styles from huggie hoops to pearls. Some styles even have magnetic closures for grandparents who may have a hard time with traditional claps but still want to look fabulous!

A Tula Bar Fidget Necklace by Love, Dwayne from Patti & Ricky is not only cute but provides something for little ones to fidget with while Grandma is holding them. Choose from a variety of beads, including rose gold, and lengths to match Grandma's style.

Pamper Them

It's possible Grandma and Grandpa have not changed their personal care routine in years, so introduce them to some great new products that might make their morning and nighttime routines a little more enjoyable.

Soo'AE New York has a fun selection of masks, toners and foams. Most are available in different collections, including rose, tangerine, lemon and cactus. Be sure to check out the Homme Collection for Grandpa, including aftershave, toner and more.

The Gentle Beauty has hydrating lip oils, tints and more for the Grandma who may need a little updating in her beauty routine. Sometimes a simple change is all that is needed for a big impact!

Varenti Beauty may blow Grandma's mind with their collection of makeup brushes that can make applying makeup easier. Even if Grandma wants to stick with her tried-and-true makeup brands, these brushes could help make her getting ready routine easier and give better results.

For grandparents whose mature skin needs an extra boost, Raw Beauty Co. has natural ingredients that are good for skin like aloe, bilberry, cucumber, green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil. These can help relieve itch, reduce signs of sun damage and can help improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Eczema Honey products are full of gentle ingredients like honey, oatmeal and lavender that were designed to treat the skin condition. However, they're great for all types of skin that need a gentle touch or a little more hydration. Start Grandma and Grandpa off with a bundle so they can discover their favorites.

Have Grandma and Grandpa been using the same soap for the last few decades? Introduce them to some fun new options that can up their cool factor with the grandkids for only a small investment. Zum hand soaps come in soothing scents like lavender, lemongrass and sea salt.

Grandma and Grandpa have worked hard their entire lives. Treat them to an at-home spa experience with a Bags & Stella set that you can create yourself from a variety of candles, soaps and sprays. Grandparents may especially appreciate this gift after a full day or two of babysitting!

Not sure what to get? No time to shop? Browse the Boxed Gift Co.'s lineup of curated boxes for any occasion. Grandma and Grandpa might enjoy a Tea Time Box, a Pamper Box or a Birthday box.

Were you responsible for some of your parents' sleepless nights? Or maybe a lot of of them? Help them make up for lost sleep with a Silken Pure Pure Joy sleep set, which comes with a silken pillow and sleep mask. These are available in a variety of styles, including some that are Grandpa-friendly.

Eats & Treats

Sure, Grandmas drinking tea is a stereotype. But it's pretty accurate for many of our moms and even dads! If Grandma enjoys a good cup of tea, a tea bento box from Tea With Tae will make a great gift. Customize your tea bento box or send a sampler. Once you figure out their favorites, sign them up for a subscription on a schedule you choose.

Do Grandma and Grandpa always say yes to chocolate? Then a Chocogram is the perfect gift. Choose from bark-filled tins, marshmallows filled with candy, or hot chocolate bombs in a mug. They can savor these treats themselves or wait until the grandkids visit and share.

Here is a cheesy gift Grandma and Grandpa will love: The Life of the Party cheese box has six award-winning Wisconsin cheddar cheeses. For something different, try a Bread Cheese Box.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, Southern Caramel is an irresistible treat. The company sells both traditional versions and fabulous flavors. Apple pie caramel, anyone?

Life Hacks

If they're late adopters of new technology, you can fix that with Google Nest Audio. A pair of these smart speakers has incredibly clear audio, so it's great for listening to old jazz standards Grandpa loves. Even better, link up your Google Nest with Grandma's to form a household so that grandparents and grandkids can easily communicate with their devices no matter how great the distance between them.

What about all those too-sweet moments—like your babe's first smile and adorably wobbly steps—you wish they could witness? Start a Tinybeans account and upload your photos and videos (we know you have plenty!) so they can share in the joy. All they need is an email address (no social media skills required!), and the photos will be sent straight to their inbox. It will be the highlight of their day/week.

If you want peace of mind in case of a blackout, give them the gift of light. These inPowered Lights charge while plugged in and turn on when there's a power outage. The Angel Lamp can function as a dimmable reading light or a nightlight in a variety of colors controlled by remote or app. That will come in handy when the grandkids are ready to stay overnight!

Maybe Grandma is the matriarch of the family who keeps everyone together. Or maybe she maintains an active life in her golden years. Either way, she will love a Go Getter Girl notebook, planner or journal to help keep track of it all in style.

If Grandma and Grandpa don't get out often, especially now that there's a lovebug at home to cuddle with, an experience gift may be the most welcome gift. Tinggly provides vouchers for experiences in a category you choose, from a minibreak for two, time together or best in the world.

Cozy Comfort

What grandparent would not treasure the ability to cuddle with a grandchild every night? While that's probably not possible IRL, a photo blanket from That Blanket might be the next best thing. Choose a family photo or a heartfelt letter to print on a cozy sherpa blanket. Or go for a collage, which works great for grandparents with multiple grandchildren.

For more traditional grandparents, the Wool & Astoria Throw is an incredibly soft merino wool blanket that Grandma and Grandpa can use as a throw or outdoors. Merino wool is incredibly easy to keep clean, making it the perfect choice for grandparents who may have messy grandchildren come to visit!

Let's face it: Grandparents can get lonely or feel anxious as they age. A Lurea pillow looks like a trendy throw pillow but has a few hidden secret ways to calm and comfort. Inside is a beating heartbeat and a small heated pad known to help with anxiety. Outside is soft faux fur or shag that can be stroked for a calming effect. As a bonus, the pillow can be used to help calm grandkids who may have a hard time when visiting.

A Pure Daily Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser with aromatherapy might be just what Grandma and Grandpa need to create a truly relaxing experience at home. Its wooden exterior fits in with any decor, and you can help the grands develop a new, relaxing routine for a mid-day break or at nighttime.

If you are responsible for giving Grandma and Grandpa a few grey hairs before you became a parent yourself, let them know you now understand how hard it was. And give them some comfort in admitting you should have done your share of housework. This Crimson and Clover candle says it all with its message of "Sorry for My Teenage Years" and scent of unwashed laundry.

A Grand Story

Grandparents have a story to tell, and you want to hear it before it's too late!

Ancestry can help tell their story in two ways. First, get them an Ancestry DNA kit that will uncover their roots. Second, access Ancestry's extensive document collection and help your family trace their roots, discover the name of the ship your ancestors used to first travel to the United States, track down military records and more.

StoryWorth could be the most meaningful gift you give to the family matriarch or patriarch. Each week, StoryWorth emails a question for a grandparent (or two!) to answer. You can go with questions provided by StoryWorth asking about their life story or craft questions of your own. At the end of the year, StoryWorth will compile all of the answers into a book that will undoubtedly become a family keepsake. You can even include photos!

Heirloom video books bring your family closer together, even if you live far apart. Use the Heirloom app to load videos of grandparents spending time with grandkids and Heirloom will then send a physical book with videos straight to them.

Help grandparents remember their glory days with a Well Told mug etched with a map of where they grew up. Or, give them a way to trigger happy thoughts about their grandkids in a different city by gifting them a glass with their grandkids' hometown or birthday instead!

—Jamie Davis Smith

12 Games to Play with Grandparents

Gifts New Moms Really Want & Need

Fussy Baby? Maybe It’s Time to Go Goat!

by Jamie AderskiDecember 7, 2020

There are so many choices new parents need to make, and what to feed their baby is no exception. It can be trial and error when it comes to finding the right formula and tummy troubles can make for one cranky babe. Not sure why your baby is fussing with feeding? It could be a cow milk sensitivity.

Cue Kabrita USA, and their line of gentle goat milk-based toddler formula and foods as an alternative to the norm, because let’s face it: what is normal, anyway? Kabrita products are based on naturally easy-to-digest goat milk. Goat milk protein is gentle on tiny tummies, so it’s great for babies and toddlers. Just like traditional formula, their toddler formula is fortified with 22 vitamins and minerals (along with DHA), giving children nutritional insurance and parents assurance. Read on to learn more about Kabrita’s all-natural, science-backed products and why they may be the feeding solution your family needs!

Interested in going goat? Kabrita offers an excellent try-before-you-buy program that includes toddler formula, porridge, puffs and $19 in coupons—all you have to cover is shipping!

Goat Milk Is Great

Goat milk has always been a bit of a trade secret among parents and is known for its naturally easy-to-digest properties. Kabrita has harnessed goat milk’s gentle benefits into its line of goat milk foods, designed for babies and toddlers.

Compared to cow milk, goat milk protein forms a smaller, softer and looser curd in the tummy, leading to quick and easy digestion. Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula is an option for little ones with cow milk consumption symptoms, or cow milk sensitivity.

Wait, different types of milk are digested differently? Yep. We were surprised, too! Don’t worry, you can learn about the essential differences in milk digestion here.

Going Beyond Formula

Kabrita offers a gentle goat milk-based Toddler Formula, ideal for weaning or supplementing, for little ones with symptoms related to cow milk consumption.

They also offer nutrient-dense, goat milk-based porridges—available in multigrain and apple cinnamon flavors. This cereal is easy on the tummy, packed with nutrition and is delicious, making it an ideal first food. There are even goat-cheese Snack Puffs. These toddler-sized puffs pack a big crunch and are made for snacking on the go!

For Moms, By Moms

We love trailblazers: Kabrita USA is disrupting the formula category with a new option for parents!

Kabrita USA is 100% women run and led by moms. Their mission is to empower parents to nourish their children with confidence. They strive to add value to their community through a commitment to education, transparency and supportive communication. Say it with me: MOM POWER!

Interested in going goat? Kabita offers an excellent try-before-you-buy program that includes toddler formula, porridge, puffs and $19 in coupons—all you have to cover is shipping!

—Jamie Aderski

Disclaimer: Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula and Foods are not suitable for children with diagnosed cow milk protein allergy.

Why It’s Important You Travel With Your Children

By Angela Glenn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 28, 2020

Photo: Nathan Glenn

We traveled quite a bit before we had kids and now three kids later we haven’t really slowed down much. We just took my oldest daughter at age 8 to her 18th state and our five-year-old to her 17th. My husband and I are only on #25 and #23 so we’re not too far ahead of them. I always say my goal is to hit the main 48 states with them before they grow up. I can already see the love for travel and meet different people and see and trying different things taking shape in my daughters. I tell them after traveling the country in their childhood years they’ll be more than ready for the adventure of traveling the world as young adults.

I will often hear people say how they’d love to take their children “there” or wish they had more time or more money. Or that when their kids are older they’ll go. Trust me, I get all the reasons to not go. Let me evaluate and validate some of those reasons for you.

1. It is hard to make the time. Between the kids’ school and activity schedules and work it can be hard to find a time when everyone’s schedule is free. Even on a teacher’s schedule I occasionally think how it’d be nice to spend a week at home rather than on the road and out of a suitcase.

2. I totally get the money reason. I’m sure some that listen to me complain about money with the grocery budget or hear me starting to freak out that we’re getting into our August living savings (as teachers we have no pay for two months) wonder how I afford all this traveling. Everything is budgeted in my life. My husband sometimes hates this but all tha travel expense is a top priority in that budget. Some people like to shop a lot, or get manis and pedis, or have their girls nights at the bar, but my money necessity is this. The travel budget gets saved and not touched. I’ll forego the kids’ college savings deposit for the month or cut corners on our grocery budget but the travel budget never gets cut or borrowed from. Everyone has their priorities; this has just always been mine. If you’re worried you’ll overspend your budget you probably will! That’s not what you’ll remember years later down the road though.

3. You’re worried the kids will be off their schedule? Totally! Will they be a hot mess in some moments? Oh my God yes!

4. Do you dread the work of preparing for a trip with kids. Oh, yeah it’s work. The packing for a family is just ridiculous. The kids think they have to bring every damn lovie they own. They all need their own suitcase. Then when you stop for just one night it looks and feels like you’re moving in, and the thought of just sleeping in the car passes your mind.

5. Are there going to be annoyances of all of you spending so much time together in such close quarters? You will now know how long it takes for everyone to poop. And when you each poop at the same time of the day and there’s only one bathroom just plan on being late.

6. Are you worried your car will be trashed like never before? Oh, yeah, it will without a doubt so as much as you want to get that newer, bigger reliable car for the next family vacation kiss it’s shiny newness and new car spell good bye. It will now smell like old spoiled milk, stale French fries, forgotten diapers, and maybe BO depending if you started skipping showers or not because the wait for the bathroom is just too long.

7. Are you thinking you couldn’t handle that much time packed in a small space with your fussy baby or fighting children. You’ll contemplate strangling them or leaving them on the side of the road with a “free to a good home” sign a few times but you’ll find you have amazing strength because somehow you’ll resist.

So I totally get all the reasons to not go, to just stay home. But if you really want to go quit waiting, just pack everyone up and just go. Take the days off, use your long anticipated long weekend, take the kids out of school, skip a game, and just go!

You’ll get more money later, but not this time with your children. Your kids will gain experiences they can’t in their norm. They will learn flexibility and tolerance. They will discover different parts of the world and history. They’ll gain geographical knowledge and cultural awareness. They’ll question the new things and adventures around them as they discover new places. And don’t forget to bring Siri along. She’ll know all the answers to their questions about history and places when you don’t. They will laugh and smile and you will stare in awe again at their childlike wonder.

When your children are sleeping peacefully in the backseat or when they’re not fighting and you all decide to turn the music up and just jam down the road you will rediscover yourself again in the journey. Your worries and stress will drift out those open windows and scatter to the wind. Your hope and happiness will be reborn again with the beautiful scenery and the moments of joy with your family. The hours of music and self-reflection as you drift down the highway will reignite your purpose and dreams again.

Life is short; our kids’ childhoods are short. Traveling isn’t for everybody, and I get that. But even if it’s just one little trip you always wanted to take just go. Tell those difficult reasons of why you shouldn’t go now to take a hike and start planning that trip to wherever your heart has desired to go. Even though you may want to kill me for talking you into this at one point you’ll also have moments you’ll want to thank me. Happy travel season, my friends!

Angela Glenn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a teacher, wife, and mom to two daughters and a son. You can find more of my writing in Chicken Soup for the Soul's Multitasking Mom's Survival Guide and Curvy and Confident, on my blog Stepping into Motherhood, or in my book Moms, Monsters, Media, and Margaritas.

Facebook Groups Every Mom Should Join

by Felissa AllardApril 30, 2020

Whether you’re a first-time mom or adding to an ever-expanding brood, raising kids is hard (like, really hard). Luckily, social media can be super helpful when it comes to finding your tribe. We looked through a ton of Facebook groups for every type of mom, every type of family, and every type of need and narrowed it down to our favorites below. Keep reading to find one that’s perfect for you.

Groups for New Moms & Babies

Pregnant Moms Due in 2020, 43.8K members
Find other moms due the same month as you in 2020.

Fussy Baby Support Group, 35K members
This group is perfect for moms feeling overwhelmed by fussy or colicky babies. They make sure moms know it’s a safe no-judgment zone where they can come with questions and get advice. But, they also recommend their members give advice from experience as well.

The Beginner’s Guide to Baby-Led Weaning, 85.9K members
As the name suggests, encouragement and support for moms who are weaning their babies.

Exclusively Pumping, 31.5K members
Another descriptive group name, this group is intended for Exclusive Pumpers to share information and support.

The Mommy Grind, 37K members
This group was created to help new moms navigate the first few years of motherhood. They are also adamant about no solicitations, no contests, no giveaways, etc.

Car Seat Safety, 88.9K members
This group is great for new moms (and dads, of course) who have questions, concerns, and are looking to purchase a new car seat. This group aims to empower and educate their members, but a big goal is to help reduce child injury and death in the event of an accident.

Milky Mommas, 110K members
Breastfeeding is a lot more complicated than it looks. There are latching issues, mastitis (OUCH), nipple confusion and more. Milky Mamas is there to help.

Groups for the Daily Grind

Mom Squad, 35K members
Being a mom is rough. And kids do say the darnedest things. So of course, you need a place to vent, laugh, and bond. Mom Squad is a great place to ask for advice and question things, but keep in mind, that the admins keep the page judgment-free and non-political.

Modern Parenting Hub, 15K members
Both parents and caregivers can connect in this safe space all about communication and socialization. It’s not just about advice on this page, but also about really connecting and building relationships.

Simple Families, 13.7K members
Motherhood and parenting are filled with a lot of white noise … which means nonsense. This group looks to strip down and get rid of the nonsense and help moms focus and thrive in motherhood more simply.

One Bad Mother, 10K members
Based on their Podcast, this Facebook group aims at supporting their members through all of their “genius and failures of life.” Once again, they aim to keep this a safe space where members feel comfortable asking questions, sharing goofs and just venting about the toughness of motherhood.

Cat and Nat Chat, 53K members
If you ever need a true belly laugh, check out Cat & Nat’s #MomTruth videos on YouTube. They tell it like it is, the good, the bad and the (vomit-filled) ugly. And their Facebook group reflects their sass, humor and real-life approach to things.

Slate Parenting, 13.7K members
Fans of Slate Parenting column and podcast Mom and Dad Are Fighting enjoy this dynamic group. All posts in this group are moderated by Slate’s parenting editors and columnists.

The Mom Rant, 13K members
Had a hard day? You might want to consider join The Mom Rant, a safe place for moms and moms-to-be to rant/rave and vent freely. With 11k+ members from across Canada and around the world, it’s a judgment-free place for moms to find solidarity with others.

photo: iStock

Food-Related Groups

Hungry Toddlers, 128.7k members
Meal ideas and recipes for keeping kids happy during the toddler years.

Costco Meal Ideas for Busy Moms, 35.9k members
Adult and kid-friendly meal and recipe ideas for shopping bulk at Costco.

Feeding the Littles, 70k members
We don’t want to scare you, but feeding young kids often stinks. They are the pickiest, strangest eaters on the planet. Check out this group if you want a safe place to share recipes, ask questions and get advice. Like most parenting groups, they urge members to be respectful and shy away from controversial topics.

Trader Joe’s Meal Ideas for Busy Moms, 130k members
This active group shares the best snack and meal recipes from TJ’s from fellow parents.

Recipe Rescue, 3.9K members
From the Cool Mom Picks team, this active group offers ideas and inspiration for preparing family meals.

Parenting Picky Eaters, 19.6K+ members
Moderated by feeding consultant, Jo Cormack from the UK, and children’s nutritionist and therapist, Simone Emery, this is a safe space for parents of food-cautious kids.

Instant Pot Parents, 19.5K members
If you like your Instant Pot and want more family-friendly ideas and recipes, this is the group for you. With over 18,00 members, there’s a wealth of knowledge here.

photo: Brooke Lark via Unsplash

Special Interest Groups

Kids’ Crafts and Activities, 73K members
There’s nothing worse than snow days, vacation days, sick days or rainy weekends without something to do. This group provides activities and shares articles, ideas, etc. for parents and kids. Think of it as a Pinterest Facebook group filled with tips, tricks and lifesavers.

Moms Who Run, 2.5K members
Mom-to-mom support to get out there and run no matter how busy life is.

Red Tricycle Book Club, 1K members
A monthly book club for moms hosted by the Red Tricycle team.

Moms in Tech, 14.8K members
Ad-free, judgment-free, solicitation-free, this is a safe space for moms working in tech (in any sort of position) looking connect and support each other. They encourage members to post job openings, share projects they are proud of, and respect other members’ privacy. Working is hard, motherhood is hard, and this group hopes to help relieve a bit of both.

Moms of Only Children, 4K members
Whether you are one and done by choice or not, if the question “Are you done having kids?” always annoys you, this is the group for you.

ADHD Parents Support Group, 139.9K members
An open, non-judgmental forum to discuss the challenges of parenting children with ADHD, as well as seek solutions.

Local Groups

Upper East Side Moms (New York City), 31K members
UES Mommas is a group where NY mommas come for support, positive and constructive guidance and community. It’s also a great place to check on great dining suggestions, what’s the deal with the Second Avenue Subway, and how’s that new dry cleaner that just opened. Plus, you can ask questions about schools, museums and more.

Upper West Side Mammas ,(New York City) 19K members
Same thing, but for the Upper West side.

Brooklyn Baby Hui (New York City), 3.8K members
Parents from the neighborhoods of North Brooklyn sharing experiences, resources and stories to empower each other.

NYC Moms- Upper East Side, 21.4K Members
Safe place for moms on the UES to connect with local parents.

Circle of Moms (Chicago), 11K members
You can join this group to chat, ask for advice, give advice, learn about events happening in the area, vent, set up playdates and more. Keep up-to-date about what’s happening in the Windy City and all there is to see and do with kids—big and small.

Washington DC Area Moms, 8.7K members
Learn about events, get great tips (Best playgrounds! Best kid-friendly dining) on this local page. They don’t allow solicitations or marketing, so this is a safe space for even the most hesitant participant.

Main Street Mamas (San Francisco), 14K members
This group claims to have an open mind and no rules, but they do insist on no judging and being respectful. Keep business posts to Momtrepreneur Mondays and classifieds on the weekends, but otherwise, come and enjoy yourself. Learn about events and get to know your SF community.

Marin Mom’s Swap, 4k members
Simple selling and swapping for Marin County mamas.

Portland Mamas, 19K members
What started as a small space for a handful of moms in the area has grown to over 19,000 members offering advice, resources and support in an open and friendly manner. Ideas come fast and thick here, so if you’re looking for the best soft shoes for your toddler or the best school backpack, strap in and get ready! It’s like crowd-sourcing from thousands of great friends who have tried it first.

Red Tricycle Families Seattle, 3K members
Find the tools and tips you need to parent like a rock star on Red Tricycle’s own parent group page, Red Tricycle Families Seattle. On it, you’ll find events, ideas and activities that transform everyday parent-kid outings into memorable adventures that are surprisingly easy to do. It’s also a place for moms and dads to ask the “who, what, where and when” questions that always seem to crop up. Or to post what you know by sharing your own kicking kid-friendly events within the group.

LA Mommies, 58.7K members
LA Mommies is a private group so no one outside of it will see you post about having a mommy meltdown at 2 a.m., but be prepared to (virtually) run into other mom friends. Members can post anything and everything mom-related from pregnancy and parenting advice to the best spots for birthday parties or date nights.

— Felissa Allard with Allison Sutcliffe, Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood

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4. MoPOP

5. Seattle Aquarium

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