Your baby may not remember this first Valentine’s Day, but that’s no reason not to go big with hearts and sweets. Read on for outfits, activities, sweets and photo ops to make this holiday memorable. You’ll looooove how cute your photos come out.

1. Choose an Outfit You'll Love

Primary

Buy a special outfit for the big day, like this heart-printed bodysuit from Primary. It's made from 100% combed cotton slub, with snaps on the shoulder seam for easy on/off. Visit Primary's Heart Shop for this and other clothing items in lovely prints and colors.

Available at primary.com, $16.

2. Share a Sweet Treat

Sugarwish

If your baby is eating solids (or just gumming them), use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to make a sweet treat for you to share. From watermelon to toast or lasagna noodles, there are lots of foods you can cut into cute shapes. For something even more decadent, send away for Sugarwish cookies. The company offers 20+ cookie flavors, including keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free options. 

3. Count Down to the Big Day

Pottery Barn Kids

Advent calendars aren't just for Christmas anymore! Build up excitement for Valentine's Day with Mickey Mouse and this cotton canvas and felt calendar that has pockets to hold small gifts for the 14 days leading up to the big one. Fill each pocket with a love note, treat or toy, or keep it simple and just move the Mickey ears to the correct day in the countdown. Available at Pottery Barn Kids, $49.

4. Decorate with Love

Instagram-ready! Decorate with items baby will love to play with, like these wood blocks ($45) that spell out LOVE, HUGS, KISS and XOXO. 

Available at Etsy shop Timeless Notion.

5. Read Together

Books you and your child will love: My Little Lovebug ($35), a personalized book featuring your child's face and name with lots of sweet sentiments and cute animal images. Kisses, Kisses, Up & Down ($7, paperback) is an interactive read that'll have you giving your baby kisses on their nose, toes, belly, chin and more. I Love You Stinky Face ($7, paperback) is a sweet story about the unconditional love a mother has for her child.

It's never too early to read to your baby. Check out these tips for reading to a newborn.

6. Take Some Pics

Under the Pear Tree

Kiss your baby while wearing bright red or pink lipstick for an Instagram-winning photo. Kiley from the Under the Pear Tree blog used the app PicMonkey to add some artistic flair for this memorable photo. Pro tip: Don't use long-wearing lipstick.

7. Make Cupid Cupcakes

These red velvet cupcakes from Bakerella feature cupid arrows attached to a 6-inch lollipop stick. You'll find both the arrow printables and cupcake recipe on the Bakerella website.

8. Write Love Letters to Your Baby

Your child (and your future self) will thank you for celebrating this Valentine's Day by professing your love to your mini-sweetheart. The time capsule Letters to My Baby ($13) contains 12 fold-and-mail letters so you can continue on your tradition every Valentine's Day for years to come. 

9. Create a Heartfelt Keepsake

Mitts, Piggys and Paws

Remember how tiny baby's hands are with a keepsake you can display for Valentine's Day or all year round. This sweet heart is from Mitts, Piggys and Paws. You send them an impression of your child's hand in PlayDoh and they'll create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

10. Swaddle Your Baby in Love

Aden & Anais

Hearts and stripes and everything nice decorate these muslin swaddles ($55 for 4) from Aden & Anais. The breathable, versatile and soft fabric surrounds your little one in comfy goodness and makes everybody who sees your baby smile. Lay them on the floor during during tummy time or cover part of the car seat on a sunny day for an afternoon snooze on the go.

Aimee Della Bitta

featured image: Silviarita via Pixabay

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Newborns are wonderful at all times of year, but a winter baby comes with its own special kind of warmth. Read on for 18 reasons to appreciate your cold-weather cutie!

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1. After a long night with baby, it is socially acceptable to wear pajamas 24/7 or curl up in an oversized sweater and leggings day after day after day. (And yes, we know, 2020 insured most of us were doing this anyway). 

2. If baby arrives by the holidays, you’ll get to show off the best gift ever. And you have a good excuse for not cooking, cleaning or hosting.

3. No guilt for not socializing! Chilly weather, COVID and other people's colds are just two great reasons to stay in and snuggle in front of the fire.

 

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4. You could join a pit crew with your diaper-changing speed. Can’t let that baby get chilled!

5. You’ll never "get" to host a summer-birthday pool party with a dozen short, noisy humans who think of a pool as a giant collective toilet bowl.

6. That super-attractive sweat trail from the back to the ankles that baby-wearing moms get in the summer? Yeah, you don’t have it right now.

 

7. You know that true happiness is curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and warm bundle of baby, aka your own portable heat source.

8. You secretly gloat over how your feet never swelled up like giant pufferfish during the last months of your pregnancy.

9. You’re probably still wearing stretchy pants, so indulge in that yummy holiday food you only get once a year.

tel13588006626 via Pixabay

10. Seasonally spiced hot lattes are the order of the day (literally) when you’ve been up all night with a newborn. All those still-pregnant spring and summer mamas will be jealous you're enjoying caffeine again.

11. Baby hats. There are few things cuter than newborns in ridiculous winter hats.

12. You have a perfect excuse to stay inside and nap with baby when any snow falls.

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13. You can think less about how your post-baby beach body is going to look come summer (that's months away!) and more about what warm, delicious comfort food is in your immediate future.

14. You’ve already got plans for that extra tax break (assuming baby was evicted before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve).

15. You don't have to stress about slathering sunscreen on a newborn.

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16. You can breastfeed without feeling like a sweaty dairy cow in summer's heat.

17. Those tiny-baby-in-a-giant-snowsuit photos are one of a kind.

18. By the time spring comes, your baby will be more mobile, and you can enjoy the longer, warmer days outside. Bring on the long walks and park outings!

— Suzanna Palmer

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NFL star Patrick Mahomes welcomed daughter Sterling Skye over the weekend with long-time love, fiance, and now new mommy Brittany Matthews.

Mahomes announced the Feb. 20 birth of the couples’ first child on Instagram, with a sweet post. The post featured a pic of the newborn’s teeny tiny hand holding her mommy’s finger—and a necklace with her name written in sparkling cursive.

The new parents started dating as teenagers. Mahomes popped the question to his high school sweetheart last September, after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl ring ceremony. Not long after announcing their engagement, Matthews posted a photo of the pair holding an ultrasound pic on IG, with the caption, “Mom & Dad, taking a small detour to the wedding.”

Matthews also posted the same mommy-daughter newborn photo her soon-to-be husband shared. Along with her baby girl’s name, Matthews added the baby’s weight—six pounds and 11 ounces!

Congrats went out to the new parents from several notable celebs. Gwen Stefani responded to Mahome’s post, “congratulations! cool name!” and Jerry Rice shared, “Congratulations!!”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Jamie Lamor Thompson via Shutterstock

 

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News flash: Mom and me styles are experiencing a reawakening, and we have proof. Gaudy outfits have been replaced by original, creative and head-turning fashion. Read on for 15 matching mommy and me outfits that’ll have you clicking, “buy now.”

Elisamama

Elisamama

This Black-owned business offers an array of comfortable, festive clothes for kids in brightly colored prints all handmade by Nigerian artisans, so not only are you supporting a great business, you are helping to offer skills, job training and resources to an impoverished region of the world. They also feature super-stylish "mommy and me" styles. Made with beautiful, functional and incredibly durable fabrics, kids can be party-ready even if they're staying home. The collections include dresses as well as shorts and shirts. 

Learn more at elisamama.com 

OshKosh B'gosh Anniversary Overalls

courtesy OshKosh B'gosh

OshKosh B'gosh is celebrating 125 years of making adorable clothes for families! On Sept. 8th, they'll be releasing a limited-edition capsule collection of vintage-inspired overalls and t-shirts for the whole family. The overalls will be just like you remembered them as a kid, complete with clover design, real metal hardware and the classic patch, and they'll be available in adult, kid, toddler and infant sizes. The overalls range from $25 - $65, and the t-shirt range from $12-$22 depending on size. Launching on 9/8, they'll be available for purchase at oshkosh.com/125thyear

King + Lola

King Lola

Created by mompreneur and fashion designer, Jasmine Walker,  King + Lola offers an array of on-trend, mommy-and-me styles and shirts full of empowering messages. They are an eco-friendly and environmentally conscious and charitable brand. We love the Walking on Sunshine line featured here. 

Online: kingandlola.com 

Maisonette

Maisonette

Maisonette has a whole shop of matching mommy and me outfits, and the selection ranges from face masks to dresses and even swimsuits. The latest addition to the collection are sneakers—a collaboration between Maisonette and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL). The shoe mirrors APL's best-selling TechLoom Bliss design and comes in a bleached pink color with a matte strap and speckles on the midsole. You can shop the entire collection here

Roolee

Filled with styles ranging from boho skirts to jumpsuits, color block dresses and funky shirts, Roolee has dozens of fun options for moms and their daughters. Sizes go as small as three months, plus many of the "mom" dresses have nursing panels that make breastfeeding easier. Once you're done ordering your favorite styles, be sure to check out their collection of diaper bags, shoes and chic home decor line

Duffield Lane

courtesy Marquis Clark

Duffield Lane has dozens of coordinating Mommy and me outfit options, from cozy fall plaids to classic summer seersucker. We especially like the Isla Dress matched with the Flutter Sleeve Dress in navy. Styles are classic rather than trendy, and the quality of each garment makes each item worth the price. Shop the entire collection here

Online: duffieldlane.com

Olivia + Ocean Swimwear

Olivia Ocean

Universal truth: post-baby your body changes. Don't let this stop you from wearing a swimsuit you feel comfortable and confident in. Turn to Olivia + Ocean for a swimsuit as fabulous as you are. Created by a mom for moms, Olivia + Ocean features thoughtfully designed swimwear with a high-compression premium lycra liner, textured ribbed fabric, full bottom coverage and a convenient waist-tie for nursing moms on the go. Snag yours and a matching suit for your mini-me at oliviaandocean.com.

 

Wares by Olli Ella

Olli Ella

Ethically-produced, organic clothing, these dresses for women also come in complimentary children's pieces. Simple, timeless, playful and super-soft cotton, these dresses come in an array of patterns; you can shop the WARES collection here. Women's dresses start at $125 and toddler sizes are $59. Check out more at olliella.com 

 

 

 

Mama & Mini Collection from MORI

MORI

Celebrate the power of moms (and their amazing children) with MORI's Mama & Mini collection, which features matching lounge pants and crew neck sweatshirts, all made of 100% organic cotton. Pieces are sold individually or in sets with the mini sizes ranging from size 0 months to four years old and the mama pieces available in s/m or m/l. Fun facts: MORI uses ultra-soft bamboo fiber (70%) and organic cottons (30%) on all of their styles that range from sleep sacks to onesies to toddler two-pieces and bathrobes. Get your family collection here and peruse the entire MORI styles at minimori.com.

 

Nest Designs Sleepwear

mom and baby matching PJs
@chantefox

Whether you're chasing a new walker around the house or you're a seasoned mama shuttling the kids to sports practice after school, your days are full of fun and chaos. So when bedtime comes (for you and them), make it a point to lounge in style and comfort. Nest Designs has a collection of matching mom and me sleepwear with designs ranging from flying pig princes and princesses to serene water lilies. Each style is made from a special blend of bamboo and organic cotton. Treat yourself and your littles to cozy snuggles and a jammie party that might just last all day. Available at nestdesigns.com.

 

PLAE Shoes

Plae

Made for the young and young-at-heart, the new Spring '19 collection from PLAE will give parents and kids ample opportunity to twin in style. Choose from new styles like the Leo mesh high-top or opt for matching color kicks in the Ty (for your kiddo) and Butler (for you) in Nexus Grey. Whatever you choose, expect high-quality, machine washable shoes that are sure to put a spring in your step. Available at plae.co

Mom & Me Trunks

The Elephant Organics

Pink Elephant, which recently rebranded to The Elephant Organics, just launched their matching mom and me snuggle trunk gift set. Whether you're looking to snuggle up with baby for your first newborn photo shoot or just want to match in-style, this gift set is perfect. It comes with matching pajamas made of 100% organic cotton, super soft and stretchable knit and are all lead-, phthalate- and flame retardant-free. If this is a gift, you'll enjoy that the set comes all gift wrapped. Available pinkelephantorganics.com for $125.

Tula Shoes

Baby Tula

They make awesome carriers, blankets, lunch bags and more. And now, Baby Tula is getting into the shoe game. The beloved brand just released their new Tula shoes, available in women's and kid's sizes. Make a statement in their iconic Tula prints. Each slip-on sneaker is durable and comfortable, and available in kids whole sizes 5-12 and women's whole sizes 5-10. Women's sizes are $49/pair and matching Kid's sizes are $35/pair. Four different prints now available online at babytula.com/collections/tula-shoes.

 

Smallbirds Wool Runners

Allbirds

Chasing around kiddo will keep you on your toes. Ensure you both are comfortable as you dash from playground to soccer practice to school drop-off with matching Allbirds. Their practical, comfortable and sustainable line of shoes now extends to kids sizes with their Smallbirds wool runners so pulling off coordinated kicks is now a breeze. Expect the same simplistic design, and lightweight and breathable materials as their adult collection. Bonus: Allbirds (and Smallbirds) can be thrown in the washing machine for an easy clean. Men, women and kids sizes available at allbirds.com.

Allegra & Luca

Boho chic and oh-so-cute, Allegra & Luca styles are fit for moms and their mini-mes. We love the hand-embroidered tunics all made by a select group of artisans in Mexico. Each seasonal run of Allegra & Luca eye-catching styles are small batch, which means you’ll want to snag your favorites while they’re in stock. Available at allegraandluca.com starting at $28.

 

The Bee & the Fox

Head-turning but not cheesy, The Bee & the Fox tees, onesies and sweatshirts are downright fun and empowering. Grab matching “Mama Bear” and “Baby Bear” styles or snag for yourself one of our favorite picks, the “Tough as a Mother” tee. All are personally screen-printed and available at thebeeandthefox.com starting at $25.

 

 

 

Copy by Erin Lem and Gabby Cullen; photos courtesy of each retailer

 

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When your beautiful baby arrived, chances are so did a deluge of supplies. There is a baby version for almost anything a full-size human could need or want. But sometimes those infant-friendly items are superior to our adult-size ones. Scroll on for 7 baby products you’re going to want to steal from your sweet newborn.

Upgrade Your Office Space

Crate and Barrel

That sound machine with its womb-like noise helps soothe your little one into slumber. But when they're not using it, try plopping it outside your home office or craft space so you can zero in on your work and cancel out all of the distracting noises in your home. We like the Yogasleep Hushh Baby Sound Machine (shown above, $29.95 at crateandbarrel.com). Check out our other favorite baby sound machines and sleep aids.

 
 

Protect Delicate Skin

Haley Phelps via Unsplash

That perfectly formulated, chemical-free high-SPF infant sunscreen is a safe bet for anyone looking for a sensitive, non-toxic approach to sun protection. If you have fair skin or easily break out from harsh skincare sproducts, dab on some of your baby's SPF when you're poolside for a gentle shield against the sun's harmful rays. Check out our favorite sunscreens for babies and toddlers.

Bake with Pouches

Life is Fantastic via Unsplash

Food pouches make it easy for little ones to eat nutritious snacks on the go. But did you know those baby food packets also double as the secret ingredient in extra-moist cakes, like this one from Crafty Cooking Mama? And don't limit baby food to just cooking and baking. Mix some pureed peaches into a brunch cocktail; Bon Appétit explains how in this article.

Travel in Style

Haba USA

That oversized, cumbersome diaper bag you can't wait to ditch? It actually doubles as the perfect travel accessory. Hitting the road for a work trip? Or just getting some much-needed R&R on a girlfriend getaway? Grab your diaper bag. All those pockets make finding things on a plane or a train a cinch. Bonus: They're big enough to hold your laptop too. Check out our smart mom's guide to diaper bags and the latest and greatest diaper bags.

Keep Wrinkles at Bay

The Honest Company via Unsplash

Are you still using a rough terry towel on your face? All of that friction makes aging skin sag. Stock up on more of those teeny, tiny perfectly soft little baby wash cloths. They've made tub time easier for years--long after the infant tub has been outgrown. And we won't blame you if you want to snag some to keep your face feeling, well, baby soft! 

Measure and Pour

Jens Johnssson via Unsplash

Don't toss those bottles after your baby graduates to glasses. In a pinch, you can use them to measure liquids for baking (spray with a non-stick oil when measuring sticky substances like syrup). Looking to shake up some cocktails for the witching hour? Baby bottles work well for at-home bartenders too! Check out these innovative baby bottles.

Wipe It All Away

The Honest Company via Unsplash

Wipes weren't just made for warmers (are we still doing that?). Tuck them into your purse to fend off gooey fingers; keep them in your car to wipe down sticky seats; and make sure to stock a few in your bathroom. WaterWipes and baby wipes are made for an infant's delicate skin, so they're a perfect stand-in for make-up wipes! 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Who isn’t all in for a completely cute newborn photo shoot—especially when the subject is In-N-Out Burger? Belly Beautiful Portraits’ Karen Marie recently posted In-N-Out Burger-themed pics on Instagram, and they’re awesomely aww-dorable.

If you’re wondering how this French fry-filled photo shoot happened, the newborn’s parents met while working at the fave burger joint, according to the photographer’s IG post.

Unlike other newborn photo shoot backdrops, this one didn’t involve a mural-like scene or pink and blue flowers. Instead, the photographer filled the frame with 20 orders of burgers and fries.

When asked how she managed to get through the shoot without sneaking a few of those famous fries, the photographer answered, on IG, “Because my trainer/coach would make me do 30 min more cardio… and I hate cardio lol.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Belly Beautiful Portraits via Instagram

 

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Cameron Diaz is a mom! The actress recently announced the birth of her daughter Raddix Madden, with husband Benji Madden, on Instagram.

Diaz and Madden shared their baby news in a picture-less IG post. Instead of the obligatory newborn photo, Diaz wrote, “We are so happy, blessed and grateful to begin this new decade by announcing the birth of our daughter Raddix Madden. She immediately captured our hearts and completed our family.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B63glM7BQAw/

If you’re looking for adorable infant photos or info on baby Raddix’s exact birth date—don’t. The actress also added a statement on why she and Madden won’t share specific deets on their brand-new bundle of joy, “While we are overjoyed to share this news, we also feel a strong instinct to protect our little one’s privacy. So we won’t be posting pictures or sharing any more details, other than the fact that she is really cute!!”

The new mama also added a cute play on her baby girl’s name, continuing, “Some would even say RAD.”

The notoriously private couple kept mum on the pregnancy, with Diaz’s IG post the first glimpse into their lives as parents.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Cameron Diaz via Instagram 

 

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Baby Luna is a mood. The two-week-old clearly was not impressed with her newborn photo session. While most babies look sleepy and angelic in their first pictures, Luna had her eye on photographer, Justine Tuhy, for the entire shoot. 

“She’s been mean-mugging since day one,” Luna’s father, Christian Musa, said. “She’s either mean-mugging non-stop, or just unimpressed.”

After Tuhy posted photos of Luna on social media, the baby’s scowl went viral, gracing various memes across the internet. Since then, thousands of people have commented on the post, some sharing their own funny baby photos. 

View this post on Instagram

She’s got this staring game on point!

A post shared by Justine Tuhy Photography (@justinetuhyphoto) on

“These might just be the best baby facial expressions I have ever captured! Tuhy captioned her post. “Mom and Dad both said she came out with this same face! I just love it!”

Tuhy appreciates seeing how much joy Luna’s photos are bringing to so many people.

“All I was doing was my job. Miss Luna did all the incredible work with her silly facial expressions,” she said. “I’m super blessed to have captured this special moment for the family that they can cherish forever.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

 

All photos courtesy of Justine Tuhy Photgraphy via Instagram/Featured image: Martinus via Pexels

 

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The much-anticipated arrival of Toy Story 4 has brought more than its fair share of related merch. From LEGO sets to ice cream, you’re bound to see Buzz and Woody just about everywhere, but this newborn photo shoot takes the fave characters to a whole new level!

Photographer Karen Hourscht of Belly Beautiful Portraits snapped oh-so-sweet pics of two newborns dressed in cutely crocheted Buzz Lightyear and Woody outfits. After posting the photos on Instagram, Hourscht’s Toy Story setup got plenty of attention.

This isn’t the first time Hourscht has photographed newborns in notable movie get-ups. Along with Buzz and Woody, the photographer has also turned babies into characters from Harry Potter:

Frozen:

And The Little Mermaid:

And she even created a pint-sized princess portrait:

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Belly Beautiful Portraits via Instagram 

 

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