ML Interest Tag: health

10 Top Apps to Track Baby’s Naps, Feedings, Health History & More

by Julie Seguss

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

1. Baby+

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

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

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

2. Sprout Baby

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

Available for iOS devices.

3. Talli

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

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

Available for iOS and on Google Play.

4. Tinybeans

Tinybeans is one of the best baby tracking apps

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

Available for iOS and on Google Play.

5. BabySparks

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

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

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

6. BabyTime

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

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

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

7. Baby Connect

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

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

Available for iOS devices and Android.

8. Baby Tracker

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

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

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

9. Baby Feed Timer

screenshots of the baby feed app, one of the best tracking apps for parents of babies
Baby Feed Timer

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

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

10. Glow Baby

screenshots of the glow baby app, one of the best tracking apps for parents of babies
Glow Baby

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

Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

The One Piece of Mom Advice That Has Saved My Time & Sanity

By Erin Byrne

The other night was “wine night” for a few moms in my neighborhood. We do this every couple of months when we get together for our “PTO meeting” where we stay out too late, pour one too many, and hit the alarm clock more than we should the next morning. The most recent one was last week. I desperately needed a glass of wine and some girl talk, but having a five-week old baby meant that I also desperately need sleep.

Wine or sleep? Wine or sleep? (The struggle is real!)

Then the voice of a good friend came through with some words of wisdom, a piece of mom advice that I always refer back to when I’m stuck in a situation where I really want to do something, but question whether I can fit it all in.

Let me tell you this is one of the best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s a no-brainer. But for some reason, it’s something that I always had a hard time implementing until recently. Ready for it?!

Say no to things that you may really want to do if it will make your life easier.

Sounds easy, right? Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? I mean we’re told in the workforce to say no all the time. It’ll help advance your career path. It’ll lighten your load. Heck, we say no to our kids all the time! Recently I have even seen books on why it is healthy to say no. But for my type A personality I always feel like I can figure out a way to make it all happen all the while stressing myself in the process—its just my personality. For better or worse I am a people pleaser which makes exercising this “rule” pretty hard at times. It’s hard to turn down things that you or someone in your family really want to do (like go drink some wine down the street).

Truth be told, putting it into action has literally saved me time and sanity. Let me give you some examples…

That birthday party for your kid’s classmate that starts at 7:30 pm when your kid goes to bed at 8 pm. Say no. When you’re invited to somebody’s house for a weekend get-together and you already have two other things to do right before then, say no. When school asks for you to help with volunteering for the next event but you’re not sure you can pick up your other kids and make it there in time, say no. When you get invited to Adele’s concert but you’re not feeling well and coming off a work trip, say no. When you want to catch some zzz’s even though you want some gal time, go for the sleep!

I found that there is always another time for these events, invitations, volunteering, etc. There will always be more birthday parties, get togethers, school fundraisers, and even concerts to attend. Your sanity, health, and time are more important! So do as we teach our kids when it comes to drugs—JUST SAY NO! You’ll thank me for it.

Erin is a working mom of two exploring ways to embrace change and find new hobbies in her search for life outside of Corporate America. She lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and Boston Terrier. She also loves ice cream and chocolate. A lot.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

5 Products We’re Actually Using to Feel Better in 2024

by Kate Cartia

There’s no time like the new year to learn how to feel better, and we have 5 easy ways to do it

We’re not into the ‘new year, new me’ thing. First of all, we think you’re pretty fabulous exactly the way you are. But we’re also not fans of all the pressure trying to change every habit in your life the second the clock strikes midnight. Major ick. Instead, we’re all about small changes that lead to big results. Learning how to feel better can be a little tricky, especially when everyone is offering ‘quick fixes’. Well, we’re not doing that. We’re sharing 5 of our favorite ways to create meaningful change without a stressful overhaul.

Of course, you know that there are a lot of products and services out there that promise the moon. It can be a serious challenge to figure out what’s worth investing in and what’s a total waste of time. And we know you don’t have time to waste, so we’ve put together 5 ways that’ll help you to start feeling your best from Day 1. Simple steps, serious change. What’s not to love about that? Keep reading for 5 easy-peasy ways to help you learn how to feel better and make 2024 the best year yet.

Consume More Superfoods (Without the Hassle)

Snap Supplements

You know the phrase 'work smarter, not harder'? That's how we feel about nutrition. We're busy. There's a pretty good chance you're not preparing beets or dandelion greens (but even if you are, there's always room for improvement). Make getting the superfoods your body craves easy (that's the vibe for 2024) with a high-quality supplement like Organic Heart Beets.

Heart Beets Powder is the ultimate all-natural superfood with certified organic beetroot powder and phytonutrients designed to boost energy, promote heart health, and aid digestive function. What can't it do? We're talking:

  • Supporting healthy blood pressure
  • Naturally promoting energy and performance
  • Aiding in detoxing and gut health

Just one scoop of Heart Beets (we kinda love saying it) is all you need to help get your body feeling its best.

Heart Beets—Buy Here!

Tone Up Your Resistance to Stress (Seriously)

Sensate

Oh, we know how easy it sounds. 'Just stop stressing', right? Reality check: stress is created when our long-held primal instincts (or our 'lizard brains') tell us we're in danger. That was great when our ancestors were being chased by prehistoric creatures, but our brains have evolved to trigger our survival instincts way too often. As important as deadlines and laundry truly are to our day-to-day, they're not being-chased-by-a-Sabre-Toothed-Tiger important. But our brains turn on those survival instincts at the drop of a hat and that's so not good for us.

What soothes stress? Activating the Vagus Nerve. That's the reason you feel knots in your belly under pressure. The Vagus Nerve regulates your body's reaction to stress, and toning it can have immediate and long-term benefits.

We've been using Sensate to do that. In just 10 minutes, the Sensate uses vibrations and sound to lower your stress. It's a wearable, palm-sized device and audio app that tones your Vagus Nerve, so you can naturally self-regulate your stress responses and find your calm.

Sensate—Buy Here!

Start From the Ground Up

KURU

The amount of pressure we put on our feet is...intense. From the minute we wake up to the minute we get into bed at the end of the day, they're literally carrying us everywhere. We ask them to walk, run, take stairs two at a time, stand in lines, leap over the spot the dog threw up in (or are we just projecting now?), chase toddlers across gravely playgrounds—the list goes on. 

Your foot health impacts your entire posture, can contribute to lower back pain, affect your balance—really, it all starts with our feet. Treating them well is a necessity, but we know that the comfiest shoes are, a lot of times, ew. Chunky, ugly, and squeaky aren't what we want to be associated with. Enter KURU.

The KURU FLUX offers heels-focused pain relief for everyday comfort. Perfect for your gym routine, neighborhood jog, dog walk, or travel plans, FLUX features heel-hugging technology that flexes with each step to hug your heels and support your arches. Oh, and they're a sock-like fit, so you can step into them and step out of them without having to mess with laces. Is it the perfect mom shoe? We aren't saying it's not...

KURU FLEX—Buy Here!

Are. You. Hydrated?

CamelBak

Are you?? 

We're seriously asking because it's so. so. so. so. important. Aside from boosting glowy skin and relieving bloat, being drinking water improves your focus, your physical performance, your energy level, kidney and liver function...listen, you just have to stay hydrated. And by the time you feel thirsty, guess what? You're already heading down Dehydration Drive.

The easiest way to stay hydrated is to have a convenient (and cute, we won't lie) vessel. We're very into the CamelBak Horizon 20oz Straw Tumbler in this dreamy, limited-edition Rose Gold Sky Metallic Fade finish. It's easy to carry around, fits right in cup holders, has a non-slip base, and an improved lid to help water flow even better. Oh, plus your water stays cold. Yeah, they thought of everything. (Also available in a moody mossy green color finish.)

CamelBak Horizon 20oz Straw Tumbler—Buy Here!

Keep Track of What Your Body Is Doing

Glow Premium

Menstruation, intimacy, fertility, pregnancy, parenthood, sleep, activity, and beyond. You need to know what's going on (notice how your doctor asks about most, if not all, of those things, even when you're just at a checkup?), but we know it's not at all easy to keep track of all of it. 

Surprise. There's an app for that. But Glow isn't just any app. It's a family of 4 apps that support you from your period, fertility, prenatal and pregnancy health, and parenting journey. 

The best part? Glow works with the Oura Ring—a sleek and chic unisex ring in several metal finishes that's so comfy, you might forget you're even wearing it. You don't have to have a smartwatch or fitness tracker anymore to stay on top of your health. Oura Ring uses research-grade sensors to accurately track your sleep, activity, heart rate, and more, right from your finger. As if that wasn't enough, when you purchase the Oura Ring here, you unlock Glow Premium Lifetime free. 

If you want to stick with regular health tracking, use code TINYBEANS20 to get 20% off your yearly Glow membership + a 7 day free trial.

Oura Ring + Glow Premium Lifetime—Buy Here!

 

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

I Gave Everything I Had to My Kids—and It Was Too Much

By Tabitha Yates

“You can be an amazing mom, a great partner, a supportive sibling, a kind daughter, a competent coworker, a good friend, and an amazing individual”

I have spent my whole life setting myself on fire to keep everyone around me warm—sacrificing my time, emotional energy, and, quite often, my well-being and sanity for other people. It certainly wasn’t ingrained in me to do this just in motherhood. Oh no, it started far before children, when I was a kid myself. I learned to wipe my own tears, stuff down my feelings and do what was right for everyone… everyone but me.

Due to this self-sacrificing nature that my childhood demanded, I developed a trigger about taking time for myself away from my children. I was so determined not to make them put their needs aside like I had to do, that I didn’t take care of myself at all. Like seriously at all. I hated the term “self-care.” I couldn’t relate to moms who went out without their kids, literally ever. I had two pedicures in seven years, and my daughter was with me both times. I was so afraid of not being there for everyone and not taking care of my kids in the way they deserved that I held myself to an impossible standard—never allowing myself a break.

I was quite willing to happily sacrifice my last ounce of sanity and self to parenthood. Sure, I was burned out, but they were worth it, and I felt that was what I needed to do to be the best mother possible. I am sure I did a fabulous job taking care of my family, my kids, and my friends. But my skill set in no way involved how to take care of myself and my mental health. Not only did I not know how to set healthy boundaries, but also how not to feel bad about setting them.

What does this slow burn look like for me through the rest of adulthood? I spend all my time fixing people’s problems, absorbing the pain and anxiety of others, giving out advice, and competing for the title of “Most Dependable Human Being, Friend, Daughter, Wife, and Mother.” It means I put my needs on the back burner, thinking I’ll get back around to some form of self-care at some point. And guess what? It never happens. I have given up my health, my peace, my joy, my comfort, and even my safety to keep everyone around me happy.

Then finally, this past year, after a lifetime of pouring out all I had and everything I was, and after almost 10 years of mothering in the same way, I broke down. Not just an “I need a break” kind of meltdown but a complete and total realization that I had to change how I looked at everything to sustain being a good parent and person.

I realized having healthy boundaries doesn’t make me a bad person. I am now learning to listen to my gut when it tells me that I’ve had enough of something and that I need to take a break or step back. Continuing to be a good wife, daughter, sister, and friend can only happen if I give myself permission to help when I can and to stop when I can’t. It means I recognize that I can assist in others’ journeys without feeling like I have to do the work for them. I can care without carrying everyone else’s burdens.

I have always viewed sacrifice as the mother of all virtues, and listen, as a mom, I think most of the time it is a virtue. My kids are my No. 1 priority and I will never put myself before them, but I learned a very important thing about self-care in the last year. Taking care of yourself isn’t just saying “me first,” it’s also saying, “Hey! My health and my well-being matter as much as yours, and being the best mom that I can be requires some breaks and resets sometimes.”

You can be an amazing mom, a great partner, a supportive sibling, a kind daughter, a competent coworker, a good friend, and an amazing individual. You can give to others without it always being to your detriment. You can meet others’ needs without completely abandoning your own.

Taking care of yourself also means you want nothing more than to help your children chase their dreams while running right alongside them, chasing yours as well.

 

The Redeemed Mama is a writer who had had articles published by The Today Show, Love What Matters, The Mighty, Faithit, For Every Mom, The Creative Child Magazine and more. She has 3 beautiful kids and resides in Southern Arizona and loves writing about parenting, life and growth!

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Get Help for Anxiety & Depression without Leaving the House

by Kate Cartia

Anxiety and depression support may be closer than you think

Dealing with anxiety and depression can be tough, and finding the right medication can be even tougher. Understatements? If you’re going through anxiety or depression, it probably feels that way. We’ve been there and know exactly how it feels. We truly do. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can make it difficult to want to seek help, and the process of going to a doctor and possibly getting a prescription can be daunting.

If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, you’re not alone. Not even close. And if we can do some of the heavy lifting to get the help you’re looking for, take the inconvenience and sometimes even the impersonalization out of the equation, we’re here to do that. Meet Hers. Hers is focused on women’s health, and offers access to medication for anxiety and depression, 100% online. That means you can get the help you need from the comfort of your own home, without the hassle of scheduling appointments or going to the pharmacy. When you’re struggling, the idea of leaving the house can be a lot to handle. With Hers, that’s not even an issue.

Hers

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 Hers.

Why do we like Hers?

Hers

Convenience is essential, especially as moms. When you hit a tough situation, you need simple access to help, regardless of your location. Hers understands this necessary aspect of mental health and provides a readily accessible platform. By offering a virtual space, Hers gives you access to mental health support from the comfort of your own space. You’ll have professional help from qualified licensed mental healthcare providers who can address what you’re going through and guide you to treatment that’s right for you.

There are no in-office visits required.
There are no waiting rooms. Just treatment.
It’s real anxiety and depression support, on your terms.

What can you expect?

Hers

  1. Complete your online clinical intake form (no clipboard and hand cramps required)
  2. Your provider will evaluate your information and create a treatment plan designed around your needs. You’ll be able to connect within 12-48 hours*
  3. If medication is appropriate, you’ll get free delivery through Hers

 

No insurance? No problem. There’s no insurance required.

*On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient. Between 5/30/22 and 5/29/23, providers providing psychiatric care on the Hims & Hers platform were scheduled for appointments within 12 to 48 hours after intake form submission.

What are the medication options?

Hers

Through Hers, you can get access to a wide range of doctor-trusted medication to treat symptoms of anxiety & depression, including:

  • Generic for Lexparo® (Escitalopram) **most popular**
  • Generic for Sertraline® (Zoloft) **most popular**
  • Generic for Wellbutrin XL® (Buproprion XL) **depression only**
  • Generic for Prozac® (Fluoxetine)
  • Generic for Venlafaxine® (Effexor)
  • Generic for Buspar® (Busprione) **anxiety only**
  • Generic for Celexa® (Citalopram)
  • Generic for Cymbalta® (Duloxetine)
  • Generic for Paxil® (Paroxetine)
  There’s a good chance you’ve heard of a few of these. That’s because they’re FDA-approved trusted medications. They work for many people struggling with anxiety and depression, and if your provider determines medication is right for you, they’ll go over these treatment options with you.    You can message directly with a healthcare provider to find the right mental health treatment plan for you, and there are unlimited dosage adjustments for best treatment outcomes, and unlimited online check ins.

What does it cost?

Hers

If prescribed, get your first month of treatment for only $25*. There’s no insurance required. Hers believes that mental health treatment should be accessible and convenient. So do we. Visit Hers today to start changing your life. We’re so proud of you.

*A Subscription is required. After your first month, you pay $49 monthly for a three-month subscription ($123 for your first order, then $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Hers automatically renews your subscription until you cancel. You must cancel at least seven days before your renewal date to avoid further charges.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Mom’s Guide to Feeling Your Best

by Kate Cartia

Our mom’s health guide is here to make this spring the best yet

Spring 2023 starts next month. We can’t believe it either, but March 20th marks the first day of the new season. That means more sun, greener grass, maybe a road trip or two. Springtime also marks a universal time of refreshing everything. Afterall, it feels refreshing outside; why not bring that vibe into every part of our lives? It just makes sense to want to brighten up, organize, start some better habits. But don’t let your home be the only place you focus on bringing the spring. Our guide to mom health solutions can help you get into a much sunnier space mentally, too.

These are the ideas we’re turning to this season to refresh our bodies and minds. It’s not just about spring cleaning the space around us; it’s about nourishing ourselves and shaking off the cold and grey of the winter. Feeling our best sets the tone for the whole season, and really for the rest of the year.

We leaned on Hers to keep us going when it was cold and dark, and now we’re going to do the same when it’s lighter and brighter. They’re really a one stop shop for all things mom self-care. Hers is fully dedicated to all things women’s health, so there’s nowhere else we’d turn to for mom health support.

Anxiety & Depression Medication (Rx)

Could you use some help feeling your best? Hers provides access to anxiety and depression treatment plans designed around your needs, with a treatment plan recommendation in just 24-48 hours* following your free assessment. Over 75% of Hers customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.**

Start Your Free Consultation Now

*On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient. Between 5/30/22 and 5/29/23, providers providing psychiatric care on the Hims & Hers platform were scheduled for appointments within 12 to 48 hours after intake form submission.

**Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hers customers who 1) signed up between 11/04/2021 and 05/04/2022; 2) were prescribed antidepressant medication by a provider after their first consultation on the Hers platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such psychiatric medication through the Hers platform within 90 days after signing up.

Hair Regrowth with Oral Minoxidil (Rx)

If you’ve been finding your hair is a little thinner than it used to be or you’re seeing more of your scalp than you’d like, Hers has a solution for you. Your customized treatment plan may include a prescription for Oral Minoxidil, a simple, once-a-day option. Minoxidil boosts blood flow to hair follicles to help regrow hair! And while it’s doing all that, you aren’t required to change your current hair styling routine and it won’t affect your hormones! It’s been proven to work in as little as 3-6 months.

Oral Minoxidil is only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider. Hers makes it easy with 100% online consultations and free shipping if prescribed.

See if Oral Minoxidil is Right For You Now

Melatonin Sleep Gummies

Great sleep is the foundation for feeling as good as possible. If you’re tossing and turning, it’s time to get back on track. Hers Melatonin Sleep Gummies help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed, not groggy.* Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body, so Sleep Gummies are non-habit-forming.

Melatonin Sleep Gummies | Subscribe & Save ($19.00)—Buy Now

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Mood Mental Health Probiotic

We’re all about the good mood! Mood Mental Health Probiotic is formulated with ingredients that help promote feelings of calm and naturally manages your mood by supporting the gut-brain axis and keeping everything in balance.* It’s a daily care supplement that includes key ingredients like ashwagandha, L-theanine, B & D vitamins.

Mood Mental Health Probiotic ($25.00)—Buy Now

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hers Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Spring may mean an increase in humidity, but that doesn’t mean your hair has to fall flat. Hers Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner are made with Biovolume 128™, an ingredient formulated to boost volume, as well as argan oil, caffeine, hydrolyzed rice protein, and biotin. With a coastal cedar citron scent, this set helps raise fine hair from the root to unlock noticeably fuller, better-looking hair!

Hers Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner Set | Subscribe & Save ($30.00)—Buy Now

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 Hers.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Science Says You Should Grab Your Bestie & Hang Out—at Least Twice a Week

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Spending time with friends will actually boost your immunity

If you can’t remember the last time you had a girl’s night out, you’ll want to want to plan one ASAP. One study shows why women should spend time with friends—and it’s not just for the wine and laughs.

Researchers at the University of Oxford found that women’s overall health and well-being improved when they spent time with four best friends twice a week to partake in specific activities. According to the study, these activities include drinking beer, gossiping, and discussing rivals. The research found that women interact best by joking and talking about things that make them laugh.

The health benefits from these regular friend dates included a stronger immune system, faster recovery times from illness, a decrease in anxiety, and an increase in generosity. The optimal way to make the most of these benefits was to meet with up to four friends, any more and the probability of generating the necessary endorphins for happiness was decreased.

In an interview with Scientific American in 2017, University of Oxford researcher and evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar explained how common activities associated with friendship actually benefit our health: “Laughing together, jogging together, dancing together, singing together, telling emotionally wrenching stories, going to see weepy films—these activities buffer the body biochemically and immunologically against the kinds of coughs and colds of everyday life.”

How did the study figure out exactly how often you should see your besties? “The figure of twice a week comes from our findings that this is the amount of time that you typically spend with your closest friends/family,” Dunbar told The Huffington Post.

Despite all the benefits, the study found that only two out of five women actually have the time to go out with friends once a week and less so once they have kids. It’s not easy to make time for yourself, but clearly making the effort for mom’s night out is worth it.

 

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Here’s Why Regular Bedtimes Are So Important, According to Science

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Regular bedtimes are important for everyone in the house

If the bedtime battle is the most dreaded time of day in your house, it can be tempting to give in and let the kids stay up late. However, research shows why kids need a regular bedtime and it’s more important than just having some mom-time once the kids are (finally) asleep.

A study in the United Kingdom looked at the sleep habits of 10,000 kids ages three to seven years old. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, concluded that kids with irregular bedtimes had more behavioral difficulties than those who went to bed at the same time consistently.

Related: Earlier Bedtimes for Kids Is Better for Your Sanity, According to Study

 

little girl at bedtime
iStock

The study, which reported that 20 percent of three-year-olds did not have a consistent bedtime, found that kids who did not routinely go to bed at the same time every night were more likely to be unhappy, inconsiderate of others and argued more. The behaviors reported were based on surveys of both parents and teachers.

A follow-up to the study found that irregular bedtimes were also linked with increased risk for obesity and low-self esteem, as well as lower math scores. Regular bedtimes, on the other hand, were shown to have a positive impact on a kid’s development, health and behavior.

The good news is, even if you’ve let that bedtime slide on more than one occasion, it’s not too late. The researchers found that the effects could be reversed by implementing a consistent sleep schedule. When kids switched from having irregular bedtimes to having a regular bedtime they showed measurable improvements in their behavior. The study’s lead researcher, Yvonne Kelly explained, “This shows that it’s never too late to help children back onto a positive path, and a small change could make a big difference to how well they get on.”

RELATED STORIES: Can You Really Make Up For Lost Sleep? Science Has an Answer

 

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

13 Boston Moms You Should Be Following on Instagram

by Allison Sutcliffe

Looking for a little Insta inspiration this summer? Ideas to get you out and about, exploring local attractions and little known spots? What better place to find ideas that go beyond the everyday than by following Boston influencers. Check out these Boston Instagram moms who are sharing everything from breastfeeding and sleep tricks to travel ideas and cool Boston spots that are worth a look. So grab your phones and get following. These moms have got what you need to find amazing new adventures with the kids this summer.

@domestikateblog

via instagram

Look to Boston mama Kate Bowler for entertaining inspiration of all sorts. Not only can she help anyone set the scene for a fabu family summer soiree, but she also shares reading lists, gardening tips and fun vacation ideas for New England families.

IG: @domestikateblog

@notquiteknockedup

via instagram

Fertility issues and a growing family are front and center of this honest Insta account where Colleen posts heartfelt quotes that make parents (and people hoping to be parents) feel heard, alongside cute pics of her kids.

IG: @notquiteknockedup

@pragmaticmom

via instagram

Bookworms of all ages can follow this account to find great new titles that focus on multicultural children's books. Live author events, books giveaways and more are all part of the experience.

IG: @pragmaticmom

@drchristinekoh

via instagram

Neuroscientist turned multimedia creative, Christine Koh posts about balancing work and life with absolute honesty. This Boston mom does it all. She's a writer, speaker, podcaster and Editor of Boston Mamas, too. 

IG: @drchristinekoh

@muchomasseblog

via instagram

Katricia is a mom of three, and we love following her family's adventures in Boston and beyond. But one of the best parts of her feed has got to be her shout outs to her husband and her creative baking ideas.

IG: @muchomasseblog

@nurturebynaps

via instagram

These two powerhouse mamas are both registered nurses, and they set up Boston NAPS to guide moms through pregnancy and beyond. You'll find their IG page full of tips and tricks for new moms and super helpful classes like pre-baby bootcamp. 

IG: @nurturebynaps

@sarahfit

via instagram

We love following Sarah Dussault for her fitness tips and glimpses into mothering three kids. Her blog has loads of pregnancy and postpartum info, and her fitness videos are the perfect way to exercise when you literally only have 10 minutes. 

IG: @sarahfit

@blovedboston

via instagram

Biana is a lifestyle blogger and mommy to Sophia and baby Mason who shares her life with us over on Instagram. You can also follow her wedding planning business at @bespokebostonweddings.

IG: @blovedboston

@elizaaustin

via instagram

Eliza Venn shares daily life with her cutie pie kiddos Norah and Henry. While her pics will brighten anyone’s day, parents who have partners that travel often will relate to this pilot-wife.

IG: @elizaaustin

@briannejohanson

via instagram

Brianne Johanson shares style, home & life moments over on her Instagram page. You'll find her sharing moments with her two kids, Crew and Saylor as well. 

IG: @briannejohanson

@ciaraclarkwellness

via instagram

Integrative Health Coach, Ciara Clark, shares healthy eating tips with a focus on plant-based diets, alongside oh-so-cute pics of her little one on this fresh feed.

IG: @ciaraclarkwellness

@jppilates1

via instagram

Pilates and Barre instructor Jennifer Phelan shares images of her life as a city-dwelling mom to two adorable boys. Hint: You'll also find fitness inspiration and tips while you're there.

IG: @jppilates1

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWPsndJgff/?hidecaption=true

@lenize.fuentes

via instagram

Real life is shared by mom-of-three Lenize Fuentes including travel ideas, room refreshes and breastfeeding tips and tricks that we all need.

IG: @lenize.fuentes

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES
Find Your Village: 14 Facebook Groups for Boston Parents
10 Totally Awesome Things to Do in Boston with Kids
10 Wacky Facts about Boston We Bet You Didn’t Know
Boston Babes: 39 Unique Names to Show Your Boston Pride
Boston’s Best Museums for Kids & Families

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement