Look at any book, scroll any website, and consult any friend, and you’ll get a million different ideas of what ‘postpartum essentials’ really means. But, since we’re all moms around here in different seasons of motherhood, we’ve got the real mom lowdown on the postpartum essentials we really couldn’t do without. And we’ve even included some prenatal favorites to keep you going as you head toward the next stage of your mom journey.

Of course, anything you see on this list (or any others, really) shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. Always run things by your healthcare provider if you have any questions. That said, these postpartum goodies are some of the most tried-and-true out there. From nursing camis that save you some laundry time to cooling pads that soothe your healing body and everything in between, we’ve put together our faves for keeping comfortable, managing pain, taking care of yourself, and even staying organized while you get to know your newest family member. (There are even some great gifts for new moms on this list, so if you’re looking for products to really help out the new mom in your life, we’ve got you covered!).

Postpartum Essentials

Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads

Frida Mom on Amazon

Looking for some major relief? These 2-in-1 cooling and absorbent maxi pads are made with witch hazel (no funky chemicals here) and instantly cool and soothe sensitive bodies following delivery. They're full-coverage, too, to minimize leaks!

Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads ($18.97)—Buy Here!

Ingrid & Isabel Cooling Nursing + Pumping Bra

woman wearing nursing and pumping bra and displaying functionality
Ingrid and Isabel

Ingrid & Isabel's seamless cooling bra features an innovative technical fabric with cooling minerals to wick away moisture and keep you feeling cool and dry. It includes drop-down cups and openings for pump flanges, plus it's compatible with wearable pumps. It's your 3-in-1 postpartum bra: support, nursing, and pumping-ready! Available in black and sand.

Ingrid & Isabel Cooling Nursing + Pumping Bra ($50.00)—Buy Here!

Beli Women Prenatal

bottle of Beli Women prenatal vitamins
Beli

Not all prenatals are created equal. The Beli Women Prenatal is designed for when you're hoping to conceive, during all three trimesters, and the early months of motherhood. It's gentle on your tummy, too. What other prenatal does it all? Beli also has a subscription option, so it's one less thing you have to think about every month.

Beli Women Prenatal ($50.00)—Buy Here!

Thena Sitz Bath Soak

Thena Natural Wellness on Amazon

Extra-soothing and can help speed up recovery, this sitz bath soak is extra-gentle. Made with organic coconut oil, organic sweet almond oil, therapeutic lavender, and grapefruit essential oils to deeply hydrate while the fine-grain salt dissolves extra fast so you don't have to wait to relax.

Thena Sitz Bath Soak ($26.95)—Buy Here!

Hydrating Mom Fuel Electrolyte Drink Mix

Mommy Knows Best on Amazon

Listen, new moms. It's vital that you stay hydrated. Of course, that's always true, but it's especially easy to forget when you're nursing, running on less sleep, and healing from labor and delivery. Mom Fuel is formulated for moms, it's caffiene-free and includes lactation support, all in an on-the-go packet. Mix it with a little extra water if you prefer a milder flavor.

Hydrating Mom Fuel Electrolyte Drink Mix ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Bodily C-Section Box

Bodily

Bodily really knocked it out of the park with this box. The kit contains 12 research-backed products, including goodies for hospital and home, so you can be covered from the big day to every moment of your healing journey. The Bodily Belly Band, nursing pads, cozy socks, nipple gel pads, mesh undies, and a lot more. There's also the Care for Birth Box if you don't need the Belly Band.

Bodily C-Section Box ($139.00)—Buy Here!

Lansinoh Pain Relief Spray

Lansinoh on Amazon

This 4% lidocaine spray works upside down (genius) and takes the edge off perineal pain. It also includes witch hazel and aloe vera.

Lansinoh Pain Relief Spray ($6.57)—Buy Here!

The Poppy Diaper Purse

Poppy

The Poppy Diaper Purse is a modern and minimalist take on the diaper bag. It replaces the bulky and big diaper bags that can be a huge pain and instead, includes a mini diaper bag with a dual-purpose design. Divided into two sections, the Poppy has a dedicated baby diaper compartment and a personal purse compartment, too. Multiple zippered and open pocket options, including an elastic pocket for baby wipes! Available in 4 colors, and fun straps (sold separately) to customize yours.

The Poppy Diaper Purse ($160.00)—Buy here!

Portable Bidet

Easy@Home on Amazon

If you want, or need, to leave the house during your postpartum recovery, your healing regimen still can't take a backseat. This handy little portable bidet doesn't look like one, but works to effectively keep your postpartum hygiene in check no matter where you are. They also made sure the design mitigates leaks, because that's pretty much the last thing you need right now.

Portable Bidet ($13.99)—Buy Here! 

Ingrid & Isabel Wrap Nursing Cardigan

Ingrid and Isabel

You'll want to live in this one. A cardigan that adjusts to your bump and can be worn long after. It pairs perfectly with a nursing cami, too!

Ingrid & Isabel Wrap Nursing Cardigan ($98.00)—Buy Here!

nyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwear

nyssa

Super soft, belly hugging (read: supportive!) underwear with a dual-layer, 360° pocket design to securely hold ice or heat therapy between the legs, at the site of c-section, and around the back where postpartum recovering bodies need it most. Available in multiple sizes and bundle options (remember what we said about laundry?).

nyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwear ($39.00+)—Buy Here!

Postpartum Wrap

Amazon

The name of the postpartum game is 'Support' (both physically and mentally), so having a compression wrap like this one on-hand is a great idea. You can adjust it to the level you prefer and wearing a wrap can help speed up your healing!

Postpartum Wrap ($19.98+)—Buy Here!

Charcoal Donut Pillow

H. on Amazon

Back relief, hemorrhoid relief, and reduced perineum pressure are all in the cards when you have a solid donut pillow.

Charcoal Donut Pillow ($39.99)—Buy Here! 

Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners

Frida Mom on Amazon

Witch hazel is the hero product of postpartum recovery, and these cooling liners cover most maxi pads to reduce swelling and speed up healing.

Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners ($11.97)—Buy Here!

Maternity Hospital Bag Bundle

Seraphine

A super-soft, easy-fit pajama top with lift up nursing access, a comfy over bump pajama bottoms with a tapered leg, a maternity and nursing nightie with snaps at the front for easy nursing and skin-to-skin snuggles, and a cozy matching robe to keep you warm, covered up when you want to be, and excellent for busy hospitals or at home when you have visitors. 

Maternity Hospital Bag Bundle ($159.00)—Buy Here!

 

Prenatal Must-Haves

Pregnancy Yoga Ball

Trideer on Amazon

A yoga ball specifically designed to offer relief from back, pelvic, pubic, and round ligament pain, and may promote optimal fetal positioning for a smoother delivery. It's sturdy (max weight of 440lbs.) and is extra-thick to make sure you're totally supported. It's also great for use during postpartum recovery.

Pregnancy Yoga Ball ($28.99)—Buy Here!

Everywear Tank Dress

Ingrid and Isabel

You can't beat this level of versatility! The ruched silhouette shows off your growing bump and can be worn all through pregnancy and postpartum. Add a denim jacket, sneakers, a blazer...with multiple colors to choose from, you might not want to wear anything else for a long time.

Everywear Tank Dress ($69.99)—Buy Here!

SNAP Supplements Prenatal Vitamins

bottle of SNAP prenatal vitamins
SNAP Supplements

If there's going to be a prenatal vitamin in our list, and of course there is, it better be the best. SNAP Supplements Prenatal Vitamins make it easy to take care of your growing babe and yourself. Along with 15 vitamins and minerals with 100% daily value, they included ingredients to help prevent and alleviate nausea, so you can actually handle taking them. If you've been dealing with upset belly from prenatals, SNAP has you covered.

SNAP Supplements Prenatal Vitamins ($14.95)—Buy Here!

Copper Compression Socks Set of 4

Aoliks on Amazon

Soft on the inside and excellent for helping swelling, achy feet and legs, this set of 4 pairs of socks are available in a ton of colors, too.

Copper Compression Socks Set of 4 ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Bio-Oil

Bio-Oil on Amazon

Bio-Oil is one of the most popular prenatal (and postpartum, and whenever...) products out there. Why? Because it's super effective at moisturizing, helping your skin stay elastic and not itchy as your bump grows, and soothes it after delivery.

Bio-Oil ($27.99)—Buy Here!

U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

Pharmedoc on Amazon

Whether you're struggling to sleep or just looking for some extra support, this pillow will be a major favorite. It's also awesome for sitting up in bed and reading, nursing, or even using a corner as a lap desk. Available in multiple colors and prints.

U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow ($44.95)—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.

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.

It’s all about the little things when it comes to flying with a baby

You want to go places, but let’s face it: Your little bundle of joy may not be so joyous 15,000 feet up. Never fear, there’s no need to put off travel! Whether you’re trying to figure out where to sit on the plane or what you need to bring in your carry-on, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about flying with a baby to make your family’s jet-setting experience a little less bumpy. And if you’re looking for destination inspiration, check out our top spots to visit before the kids grow up.

First Things First: At What Age Can Your Baby Fly?

You may be ready to show off your new addition to long-distance relatives, but pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least three months old—or had their first set of shots—before traveling by plane. Even though airplane air is filtered before it is recirculated, it is still a closed cabin full of people, and that might pose a challenge for brand-new immune systems. That said, common sense precautions are what doctors advise once babies are old enough to fly

"In general, I think flying is relatively safe," said Los Angeles pediatrician Elle Raker. "I’d prefer everyone else was still masking, but unfortunately, that’s changed." Raker recommends maintaining social distancing when traveling, if possible, and keeping your hands and nearby surfaces clean while aboard the plane. That means sanitize, sanitize, sanitize! (Pssst: These airplane tray covers are super-convenient for keeping little fingers safe from dirty airplane trays!)

Related: Stylish Diaper Bags for Your Family Adventures

Booking Your Flight: The Best Time and Day to Fly with a Baby

toddler in an aiport
iStock

The flight you choose—what time and what day—can make all the difference when you've got a pint-sized plane partner. So follow these guidelines to set yourself up for smooth travels:

Book your flight for a Tuesday or Wednesday
According to Airadvisor.com, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are almost always cheaper and less filled than flights that bookend weekends or on Saturdays and Sundays. This means you'll have a better chance of having an empty seat next to you (which is like winning the lottery when it comes to flying with the fam).

Fly direct—or choose a long layover 
Ear pain tends to be worse on takeoff and landing—so minimize these painful times for your baby by choosing a direct flight! Flying direct also minimizes the number of dirty airport floors your little explorer will want to crawl all over. If you can't bear the thought of 17 hours on an airplane, try to book a layover that allows you to spend the night (or two!) in your layover city rather than just waiting at the airport. This gives you and your brood a chance to recoup and explore a new city. That's what Mommy travel blogger Carrie Bradley, former flight attendant and founder of FlyingWithABaby, advises. "I prefer breaking up the journey just so everybody can get some rest," Bradley said. "We like to take like 48 hours and make it a mini vacation."

Pick a morning flight
Regardless of your baby's sleep schedule, Travel & Leisure says morning flights are the only flights you should book since they are the least likely to be delayed or canceled. Early morning flights are usually less bumpy, which means more time letting your little one out of the car seat to explore the cabin (a must for new walkers). If that isn't possible, and you've got a by-the-clock napper, book a flight that coincides with nap time.

Where to Sit On the Plane when Flying with a Baby

Dad flying with a baby
Laura Green

Where you sit on the plane matters! If you're able to choose your seats for the flight, here are some things to consider:

If it's an option, get a bassinet seat (located at the bulkhead seats) 
Got a baby under six months? Many long-haul or international flights offer travel bassinets that clip into the wall of the bulkhead seats. These can be lifesavers for harried parents (and exhausted infants). To score these seats, you'll need to book your seats super early. The rules vary by airline, but most bassinets are only available for infants under the age of one and less than 25 pounds. For details on where your chosen airline stands, check out this comprehensive list of bassinet seats on 50+ airlines.

Book a window and aisle seat and hope for an empty row
Middle seats are always the last to be picked on a plane, so reserving a window and aisle ups the chances that you'll get all three seats to yourself (Note: You can even do this if you're flying with a family of four; just book two windows/aisle seats). You can always switch if someone does book that seat between you.

Don't put your baby in the aisle seat 
Passengers in the aisle are in the line of fire should luggage fall from the overhead bins during a flight (this happens more than you'd think, with an estimated 4,500 travelers hit by falling airplane luggage each year). These seats can also be risky for little ones who may get their fingers or feet pinched by carts coming through the aisles. Babies and children are safest in the middle or window seats.

Don't sit right next to the bathrooms, but don't sit too far away, either!
Sitting too close to the bathroom means your sleeping baby may be startled awake by the crowd noise after mealtimes (when most people go to the bathrooms). But don't sit too far from one, either; you want to be able to dash to the changing table when blowouts strike.

Seats over the wing are the least turbulent 
If you are worried about turbulence, a seat near the wings will offer the smoothest ride. This makes a difference when you're trying to aim a little spoon into your finicky baby's mouth during feeding time.

Related: Best Airports When Traveling with Kids & Babies

What To Know About Getting Through Security

Family going through airport security line
iStock

Airport security lines aren't fun for anyone, but they're extra stressful when you're contending with wandering toddlers or fussy infants. Here are some tips to help you prepare for (or avoid!) the wait: 

Formula & breast milk are allowed on your carry-on
Nursing and pumping mamas, relax! According to TSA press secretary Carter Langston, you can bring your breast milk through the security lines—even if the baby is not with you at the time (such as if you're away on business and want to bring that "liquid gold" home for your baby). This is because the TSA considers formula and breast milk "medically necessary liquids," which are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (that's the limit on other, non-medically necessary liquids). As of July 2022, the TSA also updated its guidelines online to add that ice packs, freezer packs, gel ice packs, and similar items required to cool medically necessary liquids are also allowed through security.  

Baby food is OK
Food pouches and jars of baby food are also considered medically necessary, so they're also exempt from the 3.4 ounces rules.

It's easy to get TSA approved 
If you think getting TSA PreCheck status is a difficult process, we're here to tell you it's not! A quick online application and an in-person interview are all you need to do to get what is essentially a "fast pass" through the security lines. Even better, as long as your littles are under 13, they can whisk through security with you without needing their own TSA approval! Apply for the pass here: tsa.gov/precheck.

Kids don't have to take off their shoes
If your kids are under 12, they don't have to remove their shoes when going through security.

Ask if there's a TSA Family screening line
Many large airports have a special security line for families. The signage may not be obvious, so ask a security representative to direct you if you're not sure.

Take your baby out of her stroller or car seat  
This is another reason to keep your baby awake until you get aboard the plane. Babies must be carried through security (though they can be carried on you in a sling) with strollers and car seats going through the X-ray machine separately. (Strollers that don't fit through the X-ray machine will have to be inspected manually.)

Children under 18 don't need a passport or ID to fly in the United States—but they DO need a passport to fly internationally
To apply for a passport, go to travel.state.gov to download the forms. And don't wait! According to the U.S. Passport Office, it takes 10-13 weeks to process a new passport and "expedited" passports take 4-6 weeks. You must bring your documents to your local passport office (you can't mail them in), and both parents need to be present (or have a notarized form saying why they're not). 

Ultimate Supply List for Flying with a Baby

Mom getting ready to fly with a baby
iStock

Packing for a flight with babies and toddlers requires a LOT of prep work. Wipes? Check! Diapers? Check! Sanity? TBD. Here's a checklist of things to put in your carry-on when flying with a baby: 

The Essentials: 

    • Baby carrier/ sling - Even if you brought a stroller through the airport, a carrier is a great way to go hands-free in the airplane while your little one snoozes. Many a mom has strapped that baby to their bellies even when making a restroom trip. Trust us: you'll be happy to have your hands. 
    • Pacifiers/comfort items - If your baby uses a pacifier, bring at least four of them on the plane (they WILL be dropped).  
    • Breast milk, formula, baby food - Most airlines won't provide special meals for babies, so be sure you bring everything your baby will need for the flight (and extras in case there are any delays or if you're stuck on the tarmac). 
    • Feeding supplies - Bibs, spoons, bottles, bowls (these bowls that stick to surfaces work great with the tray table)
    • Finger foods - Never underestimate the power of food to keep your baby busy. Light finger foods like puffs or teething crackers are great because they can keep on nibbling without getting too full. 
    • Wipes - Separate from the wipes you'll put in your changing kit, an extra pack of wipes is essential for all those other times you'll be cleaning up your baby (and yourself). 
    • Changing items - Diapers, wipes, changing pad. Bring double the number of diapers and wipes that your baby usually uses in the period you expect to be traveling. Tip: Keep all changing items in a separate bag (Ziploc bags work great) so you can easily grab them from your carry-on and dash to the bathroom. 
    • Pull-ups, if your baby can stand - These make diaper changes way easier since you don't have to lay your toddler down on that tiny table in the tiny airplane bathroom. 
    • Toys - For younger babies, rattles, teething toys, and other sensory toys will keep your baby entertained for short spurts; older kids may want books, dolls, or puppets.  
    • Clips to keep toys/pacifiers from falling - If your baby is anything like every baby ever, they'll be tossing said comfort item overboard shortly after they get a hold of it. Toy clips like these are an easy fix.
    • Baby pain relief/medications - Bring a small "emergency bag" stocked with liquid baby pain relief (Tylenol for babies of any age; Advil for babies over six months), gas drops, and any medications your baby may need. 
    • Burp cloths 
    • Nursing pillow (we recommend the My Brest Friend) - This may be cumbersome to carry around, but it can work as a comfy bed for your baby post-feed (and you can pass the sleeping baby to your partner easily when your baby is asleep on the pillow) It also has an attached cup-holder for when Mom or Dad gets thirsty, too. 
    • Sanitizing wipes/ tray covers - Your baby—and especially your toddler—will want to touch everything their little fingers can reach. So be sure to bring plenty of wipes and wipe down all nearby surfaces. For the trays, disposable tray covers are great, too.
    • Muslin cloth - These are great for covering babies when they're sleeping or as a nursing cover. They're also nice to cover the baby's head if they are getting overstimulated by the busy surroundings. 
    • Blankets - One for comfort and warmth and another for the floor at the airport.
    • Extra clothes for baby AND parents (because blowouts happen!) - Choose clothes that are easy to take on and off (no buttons!) and bring layers for when the cabin swings from cold to hot and vice-versa. 
    • Ziploc bags for wet/soiled clothes. 
    • Car seat (and car seat stroller for the airport)- If you are buying your baby a seat (recommended, but not mandatory), bring your car seat so your baby has a comfortable, familiar place to nap. This also helps to get your baby (and your stuff) comfortably around the airport. You can gate-check the stroller part when you get on the plane, and it'll be ready for you when you step off. 

Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics says the safest way for your baby to fly is in an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device approved for your child's age and size installed with the airplane's seat belt. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes.

Gadgets Worth Buying (but not necessary)

  • Wraparound headphones - Older babies and toddlers will love being able to hear songs or stories with these wraparound fleece headphones that won't easily slide off and also keep your baby's head warm. 
  • Lap baby - Carrie Bradley of Flyingwithababy.com called this "a really useful product for babies of all ages." It works like a seat belt to keep babies over three months secure on your lap so you can be hands-free and baby can be comfortable.  
  • The Flyaway travel bed - This L-shaped inflatable mattress lets toddlers lie flat and sleep aboard the plane. It also works to fill the floor space so that items your toddler is playing with don't plunge into the abyss of the airplane floor. For a less-expensive option, these inflatable footrest pillows do the same thing.
  • Travel play tray - This tray attaches to the airplane tray table and has raised edges to keep small toys from sliding off the tray (it also covers that dirty tray table). It's also useful for toddlers who like to play with crayons or other small items.

Airline Perks You Should Know About When Flying with a Baby

Sure, flying with a baby can be a challenge—but it's not all a drag! Some airlines offer special perks to families traveling with babies and toddlers, including:

Baby and toddler meals
Most airlines offer a kids' meal that you can order ahead of time, but only a few airlines (mostly international) will serve a specialized baby or toddler meal. These usually consist of jarred baby food or meals that are soft and easy to chew. Qantas, Air France, Emirates, Eva Air, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines are some of the airlines that offer this, according to this article from Flyingwithababy.

Bassinet seats
As mentioned above, many long-haul flights offer bassinets (mostly suitable for babies under one) that can clip into the bulkhead wall. These seats usually cost more, since they're in the bulkhead row, but are worth it for parents of finicky little sleepers.

Priority boarding for families
When you hear that announcement that "families with young children are welcome to board," grab your roller suitcases and go! Getting all those essential carry-on items in position is crucial, especially if you'll have stuff in the overhead compartments that you'll need to access mid-flight. If you're worried about your antsy toddlers, traveling mommy blogger Samantha Brown recommends having one parent stay in the terminal with the kids while the other boards with the stuff. That way, the littles can run around, then get on the plane after getting all their wiggles out.

Free toys and activity kits
You read that right—free toys! According to Conde Nast Traveler, Lufthansa, Emirates, Nippon Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Etihad, and Japan Airlines are among those who give out free kits for tiny passengers. These kits can include everything from stuffed animals and stickers to play dough and puzzles. Just ask the flight attendant when you board.

Worst-Case Scenarios: What To Do If…

Your baby may be all smiles at the airport, but what do you do if everything changes mid-air? 

Ear pain
If your baby is crying and tugging at her ears—or if the crying started just as the plane took off—it could be an earache. Give your baby a pain reliever that's safe for their age—Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe at any age; Advil (ibuprofen) is safe for babies over six months. You can also ask the flight attendant for a cup of warm water and a washcloth; holding a warm, moist towel against the baby's ear may help relieve the pain. Also, keep your baby sucking or chewing since this can help equalize ear pressure.

*The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving Benadryl to children ages two and under unless it is directed by their doctors. 

Vomiting
If your child vomits while on the plane, the protocol is the same as if you were on land: give sips of breastmilk or formula (or water) to prevent dehydration. You can also ask the flight attendants for some washcloths to put on your child (and you) to keep the clothing changes and seat mess to a minimum. Thankfully, children under two rarely get motion sickness, so your chances that a bumpy flight will lead to a troubled tummy are small.

Teething
Liquid pain relievers can help, as well as teething toys.

Nonstop crying
If no amount of peekaboo, feeding, or rocking can ease your baby's cries, all you can do is try to relax. "Make sure you stay calm," says mommy blogger Jennifer Durban in this Howcast video. "If you're stressed out, your baby will be stressed out, so try your best to relax." She also suggested getting up and walking around the cabin. "It's amazing how fascinating a bathroom can be to a little one."

Remember: Flying with a Baby Is Only Temporary

You've packed. You've prepped. You've fed, rocked, and cuddled. Still, when it comes to air travel, it's anyone's guess how your new little human will react to the experience. So what do you do if nothing "works" and your baby is that baby, the one who cries the whole flight? 

"I try to tell other parents you may think everybody is looking at you—and you may feel these eyes peering—but they’re not," said Bradley, who has taken her two young daughters on international flights since they were both infants. "You just relax and do your thing, and remember that it will end. It's not forever. Just concentrate on your family."  

Bradley said it's also important to remember that it's not the kids who generally cause the most problems on board. "Sure, kids cry and it can be irritating—I get that," she said. "But it’s mostly fully grown adults we’ve had bigger problems with." 

And she said it's OK for parents to ask the flight attendants for help. "Even if the flight crew aren’t parents, they can help. It’s what they do," she said, adding that, as a flight attendant, she held many a baby when the parents just needed a break to use the bathroom or have a bite to eat. "I would always tell parents, 'I'm happy to hold your baby.'"

Little ones can be tricky to buy for. Well, unless you have our guide to gifts for toddlers

They’re not babies, and they’re not quite little kids. Our 18-24 month littles are at a special age where they’re exploring everything, eager to learn, and ready for anything. So, if you’re having trouble coming up with presents for them, you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up some of the best gifts for toddlers this season to make your job as Santa much easier.

There are puzzles, sweet stuffies, and even enchanted silk scarves. Of course, there are also the classics like a play barn, a soft baby doll, their first tea set, and Mickey even makes an appearance. Combining well-known characters and some new friends, we made sure there’s something for every kiddo on our list. We’re pretty sure you won’t have to look further than this list to create a magical holiday. Read on for our picks for gifts for toddlers.

LeapFrog Build-a-Waffle Learning Set

LeapFrog

Their favorite breakfast will easily become their new favorite toy that teaches them colors, numbers, and following directions.

LeapFrog Build-a-Waffle Learning Set ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Playmobil Mickey & Minnie's Cloud Home

Playmobil

Mickey and Minnie spend their days playing on rainbows and riding on clouds in this adorable set.

Playmobil Mickey & Minnie's Cloud Home ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Spelling with 'Sesame Street' Zippy

Little Sleepies

Their favorite friends are all cozying up to their bedtime stories on these absolutely darling pajamas. They're created with Little Sleepies' famous Lunaluxe Bamboo.

Spelling with Sesame Street Zippy ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Learning Resources Deluxe Market Set

Learning Resources

Playing shop, identifying different foods, counting—there's so much to learn with this market set.

Learning Resources Deluxe Market Set ($34.99)—Buy Here!

CoComelon Peek-a-Boo JJ Plush

Target

JJ's 17 sounds and phrases add to the peek-a-boo fun.

CoComelon Peek-a-Boo JJ Plush ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Olli Ella Strolley

Mainsonette

It's a stroller and a trolley. Made of handwoven rattan, little ones just need to flip the lid and they can go from strolling their stuffed animals around to doing the shopping.

Olli Ella Strolley ($159.00)—Buy Here!

Mud Pie Tea Set

Mud Pie

This sweet 18 piece tea set made from recycled wheat straw that's perfect for the beach, the tub, or sandbox. 

Mud Pie Tea Set ($22.99)—Buy Here!

Dozy Dinkums Pip Doll

Olli Ella

It's your baby's first baby—squishy and soft enough for playing and cuddling. We're partial to Pip, but there are lots of Dozy Dinkums to choose from.

Dozy Dinkums Pip Doll ($50.00)—Buy Here!

Battat Classic Barn Playset

Battat

Complete with farmer, animals, and carry handle, they can tote this barn set anywhere.

Battat Classic Barn Playset ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Stapelstein Stepping Stones

Stapelstein

Stapelstein Stepping Stones are the original play 'stones'. They're soft, stackable, sturdy, and can be used in a ton of imaginary ways to get your little one's creativity flowing (plus, they're really convenient to use as seats, stools, or steps). Available in Original Rainbow or Pastel.

Stapelstein Stepping Stones ($189.00)—Buy Here!

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train

Amazon

This starter DUPLO set pulls off a holiday gifting hat trick: It's a building toy, a vehicle (and we all know how much toddlers love pushing around anything on wheels), and it helps introduce them to numbers. 

DUPLO My First Number Train ($16.00)—Buy Here!

5-Star Little Climber by Lily & River

Etsy

The 5-Star Little Climber enhances your kiddo's motor skill development, balance control, creativity, and grows with them up to age 5.

5-Star Little Climber by Lily & River ($187.46)—Buy Here!

'"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" Said the Sloth' by Eric Carle

Amazon

In the style that only Eric Clare can create, this book teaches kiddos to take their time.

"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" Said the Sloth by Eric Carle ($8.49)—Buy Here!

Sarah's Silks Enchanted Mini Playsilks

Sarah's Silks

Sarah's Silks is all about open-ended play. Tactile toddlers will love the lightweight, floaty fabrication that lets them create and play for hours. These Mini Playsilks grow with them, long after they're done playing.

Sarah's Silks Enchanted Mini Playsilks ($14.00)—Buy Here!

Silicone Play Kitchen Set

the Cadenlane slicone play kitchen set in garden is one of the best gifts for toddlers in 2023
Caden Lane

The best thing about silicone toys? They're dishwasher-safe and quiet! We love a great kitchen set for open-ended imaginative play, especially when you're trying to get stuff done in the kitchen and your mini-me wants to join in.

Caden Lane Silicone Play Kitchen Set in Garden ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Flybar Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus

Target

The Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus includes 3 cans of Play-Doh, 10 numbers stamps, 6 shape cutters, and 1 roller. Just lift up the ride-on seat to reveal the play set.

Flybar Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Glo Pals Sensory Play Jar

Glo Pals

Just add water and watch the customizable and interactive sensory jar come to life.

Glo Pals Sensory Play Jar ($20.00)—Buy Here!

Cuddle + Kind Baby Koala

Odin Parker

This baby koala is so precious. Made from natural Peruvian cotton yarn, not only is it soft and collectible; it's heirloom-quality, so they'll have something to treasure for years.

Cuddle + Kind Baby Koala ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Little Tikes Rainbow Remix Music Player

Little Tikes

Your little one will love this cute vintage-style music player, complete with rainbow light show, music, and color call-outs (not to mention headphones).

Little Tikes Rainbow Remix Music Player ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Jumlys Montessori Puzzle

Jumlys

Ready to introduce colors and shapes? This 12-piece wooden peg puzzle is the perfect place to start.

Jumlys Montessori Puzzle ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Bricklettes Starter Set

Bricklettes

Remember those old-school bright cardboard bricks? They got an update with Bricklettes. They fit into your home's decor and the starter set of 10 is great for kiddos who have just started stacking.

Bricklettes Starter Set ($54.99)—Buy Here!

Woodpecker Game

Kidspace Museum Store

Have a toddler who's into bashing all the things? This hammer game is not only really darling, it's also ideal for active minis.

Woodpecker Game ($45.00)—Buy Here!

Green Toys Ferry Boat

Target

We love that this ferry boat is made of recycled milk jugs, and it's so easy to clean. It can even go in the dishwasher.

Green Toys Ferry Boat ($21.99)—Buy Here!

Matching Eggs 12pc Set

Coogam

How adorable is this set of color and shape matching eggs? The little egg holder is a winner, too.

Matching Eggs 12pc Set ($17.99)—Buy Here!

Wooden Baby Birdi Puzzle and Stacking Toy

Bella Luna Toys

This darling little learning toy is a great first puzzle, plus it's a lovely addition to nursery/bedroom decor.

Wooden Baby Birdi Puzzle and Stacking Toy ($16.00)—Buy Here!

 

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers.

A new study showed that playing classical music helped reduce stress for babies during minor painful procedures

Here’s a good reason to queue up some classical music on your phone during your baby’s next doctor appointment. A new study, published in Pediatric Research, found that playing calming music, like a Mozart lullaby, can reduce babies’ stress and pain when they undergo procedures like heel pricks and vaccinations.

These types of procedures are very common for young infants, and while some researchers have argued that these babies’ brains aren’t developed enough to feel pain, anyone who’s been in the room with them during a shot or a heel prick knows that definitely isn’t the case. The authors of the study measured the pain levels of babies who received a heel prick test by assessing their facial expressions, crying, breathing, limb movements, and alertness. Around half of the babies listened to instrumental Mozart music for 20 minutes before the test, during it, and for five minutes after. The rest of the babies didn’t listen to any music.

All of the babies in the study were recorded at zero pain before the heel prick, but the babies who were listening to music had a much lower average pain score during and immediately after the test than the babies who didn’t.

“Music intervention is an easy, reproducible, and inexpensive tool for pain relief from minor procedures in healthy, term newborns,” said Dr. Saminathan Anbalagan, a neonatal and perinatal medicine fellow at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and the lead researcher on the study. “We suggest that future studies should also strongly consider exploring the effects of similar interventions, such as recorded parental voice instead of Mozart music.”

So is it worth creating a “Shots & Other Uncomfortable Things” Spotify playlist? It certainly can’t hurt!

Our favorite airplane hack while traveling with kids? Saran wrap

You’re excited about your destination. The journey to get there—maybe not so much. But before you start writing preemptive apology letters to your fellow airplane passengers, try some of these genius airplane hacks to keep your brood calm, happy, and organized on even the longest of flights. From where to sit on the plane to how to pack so you can whip out the right stuff at the right time (Hello, emergency lollipops!), here are the best travel and packing tips for your next flight.

Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Al Soot/ Unsplash

According to air travel experts, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least popular days to fly—which means not only will you get a better deal on your flight, but you may end up with a free seat next to you in the air. In contrast, Sundays are the most expensive, according to TravelFreak.com

Related: Easy Travel with Kids? The Solution We Can’t Stop Talking About

Get TSA PreCheck status to breeze through security.

Pexels

True, some airports will whisk families through security to help weary moms and dads get through the lines without having to tame tantrums or retrieve runaway kiddos—but it's not a guarantee. To help make sure your wait in the security line is a quick one, apply for TSA PreCheck status, which lets you and your kids breeze through security a little faster (PreChecked travelers use a separate line and don't need to remove their shoes or belts nor remove liquids, laptops or light jackets). Children under 13 can use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the indicator on their boarding pass. Even better? It only costs $85 for five years.

Insider Tip: Make sure to apply for PreCheck status at least two weeks before your flight, then add your "Known Traveler Number" to your reservation.

Apply at Tsa.gov/precheck

Pre-order meals and snacks.

Image courtesy Emirates Airlines

Every parent knows it takes something as simple as, "Sorry, we ran out of the Pirate's Booty" to send a cranky kid into a hangry downward spiral. To avoid this in-air calamity, pre-order any onboard snacks (besides the ones you pack) ahead of time. Most airlines will let you do this within two weeks of your flight, allowing you to prepay for meals or snacks so that you're guaranteed your food of choice even if you're sitting in the last row to be served (most airlines even have kids meals, which reportedly taste way better than their grown-up counterparts). 

Not all airlines have specialized child or baby meals available, but many do—including DeltaAmericanUnitedBritish AirwaysEmiratesEVA AirVirgin AustraliaVirgin AtlanticLufthansaJapan Airlines. Specialized meals (there are also allergy-friendly meals, vegetarian meals, etc.) are only available by reservation, so make sure to check with your airline long before your flight takes off.

Insider Tip: To reserve meals, go to the "Manage My Booking" section for your flight and find the option for meals and snacks. 

Sit up front if you're worried about motion sickness—and the back if you're potty training.

Ross Parmly on Unsplash

If you've got a kid who gets queasy easily, sitting at the front of the plane or between the wings is your best bet since this is the most stable part of the airplane. The back seats, by contrast, will be the bumpiest when the air gets choppy. That said, if you've got a kid who's new to the potty, choose a seat in the back, so you're close to the lavatory. Sitting in the rear of the aircraft also means you're within easy reach of in-flight amenities (you can usually get cups of water or seconds on snacks), and you'll have a bit of room to stretch your legs if you need to rock a nearly-snoozing child.

Use this hands-free phone hack to make watching movies easy.

@shoshoni_vdv_

Travelhacks☺️✈️ #travel #flight #airplanes #airplane #hacks #travelhack #fy #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #dontletthisflop #viral #netflix

♬ IM NEED SOMEBODY – ig : radiacnm26_

Want to make it easy for your kids to zone out with a show or movie during the flight? TikTok user Shoshoni Van de Venn posted this genius hack that uses an airsickness bag to make a hands-free phone holder.

Use a pillowcase to bring extra items on board.

Melissa Heckscher

Most airlines won't let you bring two carry-on bags on board—but pillows don't count! TikTokker Anya Lakovlieva posted this awesome travel hack that lets you use a pillowcase as an extra bag. So fill up that "pillow" with any stuffies, jackets, or extra clothing you want to bring on board, and you'll have a comfy headrest and an added carry-on! 

Use packing cubes to grab-and-go.

EZPacking Cubes

When your wiggly tot needs to get to the bathroom, pronto, digging through your carry-on to find diapers and wipes need to be a lightning-fast feat. To prep for this inevitable moment, use a clear packing cube to make an easy-to-grab potty kit that you can whisk out of your carry-on the moment you see your wee one wiggling. Packing cubes are also great for separating snacks, spare clothes, toys, and other items you'll need to grab at a moment's notice. Try these EZPacking Cubes for clear plastic pouches or these compression mesh cubes that let you squish your stuff down to fit it all in. 

Insider Tip: Bring extra Ziploc bags in case you need a place to put soiled or wet clothes.

Use this blow-up footrest to make naps happen.

Amazon

This blow-up footrest lets your little ones lay flat (if they're small enough) or put their feet up to get cozy. It also works to keep toys and crayons from falling to the floor since it takes up almost all of the space in front of the seat. Blowing it up can be a little tedious—you use your mouth or a pump (sold separately)—but once it's inflated, your tot will be the envy of your seatmates. Buy it here

Use a phone wallet for easy access to travel documents and credit cards.

Amazon

When you're shuffling kids through security, keeping all of your travel documents easily accessible is a must. So carry your phone and your credit cards in one of these wearable "phone wallets"  so you can whip out your tickets and pay for snacks without needing to open your purse. Not only that, but you'll be able to quickly snap a photo or hand over Youtube Kids at a moment's notice. Win-win!

Use busy boxes to keep kids entertained without screens.

Melissa Heckscher

Sure, you can hand over your phone and let kids veg out the whole flight, but if your kids are too young for marathon TV sessions or you want to occupy them for a few minutes without a screen—airplane busy boxes are a fun way to pass the time. Make them yourself by filling a pencil case with a variety of small toys and games suitable for your child, or head to Etsy and buy one, made-to-order. Stellar seller 2Plus3EqualsWe makes magical ones that can be personalized with your child's name. 

Insider Tip: Don't show them to your kids until you're up in the air! 

 

"Surprise Eggs" are your friends.

ZURU

If the wild success of YouTube channels like Ryan's World is any indication, simply opening a toy is almost more fun than playing with it. So bring along wrapped or boxed toys that your child can "unbox" while in flight. It can be as simple as filling plastic Easter eggs with tiny toys from the Dollar Store or buying pre-made kits online, like this 30 toy-filled eggs set on Amazon. Our choice: "Surprise Balls" like Mini Brands Toys (which come with tiny replicas of popular toys and are gender-neutral) take at least 15-20 minutes to unwrap, open, and explore, and they're relatively small to toss in your carry-on. Keep them a secret, then hand them over when your kids get fidgety. 

Insider Tip: Bring Play-Doh for kids to stick to the tray table—it works great for anchoring small toys in place!

Listen to Stories.

Yoto

There are only so many books you can bring to read to your child on a plane. So leave the storytelling to this genius little gadget that makes it easy for kids to listen to stories or songs without needing to know how to read the controls. All they have to do is slide the sturdy story card into the slot and push a button. Content cards range from Disney faves like Frozen and Spider-Man to kid-lit classics like The Magic Treehouse and Ramona Quimby. There are even cards that let you record your voice so you can read a story, sing a song, or just talk to your child and they can listen to your voice on demand. 

 

Bring triangular crayons.

Amazon

Coloring is a no-brainer way to help pass the time on a long flight. To keep crayons from slipping and sliding off of the fold-down tray, bring triangle-shaped ones that will lay flat.

Tether important toys.

Amazon

Your kid won't travel without her favorite lovey, but you know that doll is bound to end up on the dirty airplane floor. What's a parent to do? Strap one of these handy tethers onto your kids' important items to keep them from falling onto the ground (or getting lost). Note: You can attach one end to your child's wrist (or yours) if you can't find any other place to loop it. 

Check the car seat.

FlySafe

Don’t feel like lugging your toddler’s car seat but need something more than the airplane seatbelt to keep your little wiggler in place? Try this airplane hack that uses a safety harness that straps onto the airplane seat to create the same sort of five-point harness your child is used to, without the bulk. Because it holds the child's chest area as well as the waist—the same way a car seat seatbelt does—the FlySafe harness can help restless kids fall asleep more easily on a plane. It is designed for kids that weigh 22-44 pounds and is small enough to fit in your purse. 

Use a folding travel desk to keep things within reach.

Amazon

If your child likes to draw or craft her way through a long flight, a fold-out desk like this one is the perfect way to keep all those art supplies within reach and off the airplane floor. There are pockets for all the things your child needs, and it folds up easily for easy carrying to and from your destination. It also works to cover that infamously dirty tray table.

 

Roll your child through the airport.

Amazon

When you're rushing to make a flight and you don't want to worry about your child toddling into restricted areas or making a beeline for the airport store, this strap-on child seat fits on the back of your rolling luggage and lets your kid cruise right along with your carry-on. It works with children up to 50 pounds and attaches to any 20-24" rolling suitcase.  Want something a little more sophisticated? Micro's Luggage Eazy has a built-in kid seat on the top of its roller case so you can zip through the terminal in style. 

Get a seat with a bassinet.

Dad flying with a baby
Laura Green

Did you know most international flights offer bassinets that attach to the wall of the front row in coach? It's true... and it's amazing! To secure one of the few seats on the plane that offer this perk, book your seats way ahead of time by calling the airline directly and requesting the bassinet seats. The bassinets make a great napping and tummy time space and are available for babies up to about a year (though age and weight limits vary per airline). Check out this post from FlyingwithaBaby, which compares bassinet seats (and rules for them) for almost all major airlines.  

Bring pain relief, just in case.

Oleksandr Koval on Unsplash

The last thing you want when you've just reached cruising altitude is to hear the sad wail from your little one that can only mean one thing: something hurts. To help any in-flight ouchies (such as ear pain, which is common during the winter when kids have constant stuffiness), bring a bottle of infant or child Tylenol or Advil (plus the measuring cup that comes with it), just in case.

Use disposable mats on airplane trays.

Amazon

You don't want to know what might be lurking on the tray table where your one-year-old just plopped his pacifier. One of our favorite airline hacks is to keep those yuckies covered with a disposable like this "Tray Mask." That way, when your kids pour their pretzels out of the bags (because you know they will), you can rest assured knowing the table is clean. 

Stash pacifiers in condiment cups.

Amazon

If you don't want your extra pacifiers collecting dirt and grime, grab a few extra to-go dressing cups the next time you eat out. Each one is a perfect binky-holder.

Get this suitcase that doubles as a lay-flat bed.

JetKids

JetKids has invented what may be the coolest travel gadget for kids: The JetKids By Stokke Bedbox works as a scooter suitcase in the airport (your kids can roll themselves or be pulled by you) and transforms into a lay-flat bed for babies and toddlers in-flight. At $199, it's a pricey purchase, but considering the peace of mind you'll get knowing your little one will snooze the flight away, it may be worth it. 

Read our in-depth review of the BedBox here

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Flying with a Baby

Use free printables.

Kelly L / Pixel

If the power on the tablet runs out, and you're up for a family game, whip out a few air travel BINGO cards and start scanning the aisles for your winning items. See a beverage cart? Check!! Hear someone sneeze? BINGO! You can make your own cards or try one of these free printables

Conquer achy ears.

A mom using airplane hacks while traveling with a toddler
Paul Hanaoka via Unsplash

The frequent flyers over at Nourishing Little Souls picked up this hack from a flight attendant for when their little ones’ ears pop en route. Simply pour steaming hot water onto paper towels and stuff them into the bottom of two cups. Then, hold the cups so that they’re sealed over your kid’s ears; any pressure disappears in a flash.

Make in-flight snack time a game.

Melissa Heckscher

Tots love to open and close things, so take a cue from Lemon Stripes by stretching out the mid-flight snack by stashing their favorite nibbles—goldfish, granola, raisins—into a days-of-the-week pill case. They'll get a kick out of popping open each compartment and picking out the treats inside.

Use saran wrap or portable cup covers to minimize in-flight spills.

Amazon

Keep in-flight juice messes to a minimum by covering open cups (like the ones flight attendants hand out) with a piece of Press n' Seal. Stick a straw into the top and voila! Looking for something you can use again and again? Try these ingenious portable cup covers that fit onto almost any cup. 

Abandon screen time rules.

Keiko Zoll

If endless episodes of Dora The Explorer or a few hours of Minecraft is all it takes to keep your little jet-setter happy on a cross-country journey, let it happen. When it comes to screen time on an airplane, we say there are no rules. Quiet kids = Happy plane.  

Insider Tip: If you're downloading movies to the tablet, don’t forget a jack splitter so your kids can watch together. Also, don't forget to download your airline's app so you can watch free movies and shows in-flight (most airplanes without courtesy screens offer this). 

Bring lots of lollipops.

Silvia Trigo via Pexels

Hear us out: If your kids are having trouble popping their ears during takeoff and landing, sucking on lollipops can help. It also helps during temper tantrums and meltdowns (You're on a plane: You do what you have to do). Don't be afraid to offer them to the harried parents a few rows up—this airplane hack works like magic. 

 

Amid an ongoing shortage, some stores are limiting sales of Children’s Tylenol and other over-the-counter painkillers for kids

As RSV, flu, and COVID-19 converge to create a surge in illnesses—especially for kids—there’s been a growing shortage of over-the-counter children’s pain reliever medications, like Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil, for months. Now, as the shortage shows no signs of letting up, some stores are starting to limit how many bottles parents can buy.

CVS is limiting both in-person and online purchases to two children’s pain relief products per customer.

Walgreens has limited online purchases to six products per customer but does not currently have limits on in-person purchases.

And Rite Aid just announced that while it doesn’t have in-person store limits at this time, online orders of 4-ounce, grape-flavored Children’s Tylenol are limited to five per customer.

“Due to increased demand and various supplier challenges, over-the-counter pediatric fever-reducing products are seeing constraint across the country,” Walgreens said in a statement, adding that the limits have been put in place “in an effort to help support availability and avoid excess purchases.” A statement from CVS said purchase limits are intended to “ensure equitable access” for all parents who need these products for their kids.

There’s still no timeline on when the OTC pain reliever shortage might let up, but some experts are now starting to worry that it could last until spring. And while weekly RSV hospitalization rates are finally beginning to trend downward, the current flu season remains more severe than usual, and COVID cases are beginning to climb nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health agencies have been issuing warnings that, as families gather for the holidays, these respiratory illnesses are likely to spread at even faster rates.

John Beckner, a pharmacist and senior director of strategic initiatives for the National Community Pharmacists Association, told CNN that he’s heard of many pharmacies in the association complaining of Children’s Tylenol and other painkillers being hard to find right now.

“My thought is, we’re really not going to see a lessening of this until we get through the crux of the flu season, and that’s going to be in early to late spring,” he said. “It’s definitely a team effort, and pharmacists are really doing yeoman’s work right now to try to help take care of their patients.”

Anyone who has experienced a period knows just how much pain can be involved. While some months aren’t as bad, others can feel debilitating. Still, women are expected to go to work, school, run errands, and care for their kids as if nothing is wrong. We’ve been told to “suck it up,” as people without periods tell us it “can’t be that bad.”

Somedays, a Canadian company that hopes to break the stigma of talking about periods and delivers science-based pain relief products, set up a booth at the Calgary Stampede exhibition to try to do just that. They asked for male volunteers to try a period pain simulator and, well, the experience went about as well as you’d think. While the resulting videos are funny, the experiment went a long way to educating them on just how bad it can be to have your period (minus the bleeding, of course).

@getsomedays

Come visit us at the calgary stampede! Booth 212 in the maker market. #periodpain #periodtips #periodtiktok #endo #endometriosis #periods

♬ original sound – @somedays

Watch as grown men in cowboy hats look to the simulator volunteers for help, eyes wide in disbelief. Cue the tears, dropping to their knees, and literal shock as they realize the machine is only on a six and will soon crank to a ten. “This is awful,” the cowboy said. Yes, yes it is.

The comments ranging from entertaining to wise as most not only thought it was a genius idea but that all non-menstruating people should have to experience this at least once:

“Literal children tolerate this level of pain and still have to go to school and not complain,” one person said.

“But, but no. Make them stand in line for checkout with two armfuls of groceries while is on 10. Go ahead. I’ll wait,” another wrote. Seems reasonable to us.

“These guys quite literally will look differently at their girlfriends, sisters, mothers, aunties & any female they encounter. Good work!” another pointed out.

And, “This should be done in EVERY health class,” to which we collectively say, “Absolutely.”

It’s worth noting that period pain is normal and a part of most people’s lives as long as they have their menstrual cycle. If it becomes unbearable, seek medical attention as it could be an early sign of endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

“A lot of people with periods experience extreme amounts of pain and are invalidated in aspects of their life by their teachers, their coaches, their friends and doctors,” Somedays CEO Lux Perry told Global News Canada. “So we bring the period simulator to give people an idea of what they have to endure.”

Few things bring on more tears—for babes and parents alike—than a teething baby! Fear not, we’ve rounded up more than 20 top baby teething toys. From classic designs to teethers with innovative features, find the perfect teething toy to soothe those aching gums.

Oli & Carol Veggie Teethers Gift Set

Oli & Carol

Start 'em young with eating their veggies! This set contains teethers shaped like broccoli, kale, a radish, mushroom and carrot. They're made from natural rubber, are easy to grip and have a variety of shapes and texture to soothe sore gums. With every Oli & Carol toy purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to help fund the education of underprivileged kids in India. 

MORI Wooden Star, Heart & Cloud Teethers

MORI

We love these beech wood teethers from MORI's Playtime collection. The hole in the middle gives little hands something to hold on to, and the sustainable wood has soft edges so it's comfortable to grab and gnaw.

Available at us.babymori.com, $14 each.

Fridababy Not-too-Cold-to-Hold Teether

Fridababy

If your little one likes chilled teethers in their mouth but not in their hands, you'll love this clever new teether. Freeze the silicone inserts and then pop them into the room-temperature silicone handle. The handle is also silicone, so it's ripe for chewing too. Two inserts means you'll always have one chilling, and the inserts have unique shapes to target different teeth, from incisors and canines to molars. The two inserts have four different textures to massage both front and back teeth for customized comfort.

Available at amazon.com, $9.99.

Infantino Stainless Steel Teethers

Infantino

Chill the stainless steel part of this teether quickly under cold water or in the fridge for a gum-soothing treat. The easy-to-hold handle is made from silicone and has three brightly colored disks for baby to explore and play with. The disks make a clacking sound, so there's lots to entertain and distract a child from teething pain.

Available at infantino.com, $5.99.

Perry Mackin Soft Silicone Baby Teether

Perry Mackin

The cute fruit teethers from Perry Mackin are easy for little hands to grip and stand upright to keep the chewing surface clean. There are textures on the fruit and bottom of the teether, for added comfort on sore gums. Suitable for babies starting at 5 months, these silicone teethers are dishwasher-safe and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. They come with a carrying case and in three fruit shapes: watermelon, grape and strawberry.

Available at perrymackin.com, $9.99.

The Evolved Parent Co. ChewBox

Evolved Parent Co

An awesome baby-shower gift, the ChewBox from The Evolved Parent Co. features six supercute teethers in a variety of textures and colors, with shapes that little hands can hold. These soft, BPA-free teethers are made from food-grade silicone and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Also comes in fruit shapes.

Available at evolvedparentco.com, $14.99 for a set of six.

Loulou LOLLIPOP Lemon Silicone Teether

Loulou LOLLIPOP

When teething pain strikes, you’ll turn lemons into lemonade with this adorable teether. The lemon face has a variety of textures for your child to touch and gnaw on, and the back is filled with gum-soothing nubs. Pop this food-grade-silicone teether in the fridge for added pain relief.

Available at louloulollipop.com, $14.

More Toothsome Baby Teethers We Love

Amazon

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe
Imported from France, Sophie the Giraffe (above) is the iconic teether that has been adored by generations of parents and babies around the world. She’s made from natural rubber and food paint with lots of gripping and chewing surfaces, plus a fun squeaker.

Available at amazon.com, $23.72.

Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush
This two-in-one teether and toothbrush is shaped like a yummy banana and is dishwasher safe. This award winner has “peel” handles and thick bristles for soothing gums or brushing teeth.

Available at baby-banana.com, $8.95.

Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether
No teething list would be complete without a classic ring-shaped one! With a variety of textured surfaces and cooling gel tips, baby will never lack for a soothing chewing sensation.

Available at nuby.com, $4.99.

Amazon

Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether
Inspired by babies themselves, the four silicone prongs of the Comotomo teether (above) mimic those oh-so-chewable fingers! It’s safe in a microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers for many cleaning options.

Available at amazon.com, $6.80.

ZoLi BUNNY
The soft bunny “ears” of this uniquely shaped teether reach baby’s back molars, and the ergonomic handles are easy to grasp.

Available at zoli-inc.com, $12.

Chewbeads Baby Mulberry Teether
The ring of silicone beads is gentle on baby’s gums and perfect for little hands to grip. It can clip on a diaper bag for when you’re on the go and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Available at chewbeads.com, $16.50.

Manhattan Atom Teether Toy
This award-winning teether is sure to stimulate baby’s senses while offering relief from teething pain. Bright colors, the 12 bendy arms, and the clacking rings offer a multi-sensory experience.

Available at manhattantoy.com, $10.

 

Green Sprouts

Green Sprouts Cooling Teether
The classic look of this water-filled teether (above) is a throwback to your own childhood, but it’s safer than ever with silicone free from BPA and PVC and distilled water inside. Keep in the refrigerator, so it’s cool and ready to soothe.

Available at amazon.com, $3.99.

Infantino Good Bites Textured Carrot Teether
Get your tots chomping their “vegetables” with this dishwasher-safe carrot teether. The leaves act as handholds and the carrot tip is textured and soft for the ultimate chewing satisfaction.

Available at infantino.com, $4.99.

Mochi Teething Plate
Made in Japan from sustainable rice-plastic, the teething plate contains no paints or adhesives for a safe chewing experience. The thin shape and thumb hole fit nicely in little hands.

Available at peopletoy.co, $14.99.

Bright Starts Snuggle Teether
Whether your little one gets the elephant or the giraffe, they’ll love snuggling this teether toy. The feet are textured for soothing sore gums, and the body is soft with a crinkle belly for extra comfort.

Available at amazon.com, $6.47.

Loulou LOLLIPOP

Loulou LOLLIPOP Bubble Silicone and Wood Teether
Your little one will look stylish holding this easy-grip teether while gnawing away. Made in Canada, the food-grade silicone offers one biting sensation, while the beech wood provides another. The wooden rings also make a satisfying rattle.

Available at louloulollipop.com, $25.

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew
With a variety of reversible designs and adjustable sizing, the Neckerchew is one versatile teething bib. The attached teether is made of food-grade silicone and the whole bib can be machine-washed.

Available at cheeckycompersus.com, $19.99 – $21.99.

RaZ-Berry Teether
Is it a pacifier or fruit? Neither, it’s a hands-free teether! Made of medical-grade silicone with a nature-inspired texture, this berry-shaped teether soothes tender gums.

Available at myrazbaby.com, $4.99.

Malarkey Kids Munch Mitt
The Munch Mitt offers a great teething solution for babies who are too little to hold teethers on their own. It comes with a storage/washing bag that allows the mitt to be cleaned in the washing machine.

Available at malarkeykids.com, $14.99.

HABA

HABA Kringelring Clutching Toy
The beechwood beads of the Kingelring (above) are responsibly sourced from forests in Germany, and the rainbow coloring is water-based and solvent-free, making this clutching toy safe and sturdy for little teethers.

Available at habausa.com, $14.99.

Chomp ‘N Chews Teether
The unique finger-puppet design of the Chomp ‘N Chews teether can be worn directly on a finger. Choose from three colorful animal designs of a lion, elephant or butterfly.

Available at chompnchews.com, $13.99.

Toofeze Teething Ring
The stainless-steel disk surrounded by silicone offers cool comfort that can be enhanced by placing it in the refrigerator or cold water. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and made from non-toxic, food-grade ingredients.

Available at toofeze.com, $23.

GNAW Teething Tether
Using design elements from Chinese finger traps and a one-handed clip attachment, this teether is clean comfort. It clips to any fabric and stays off the ground and within reach.

Available at tomy.com, $6.49.

Munchkins Orajel Massaging Teether Toy
A bite-activated massaging action gives your toddler relief from sore gums, while the rattling beads offer playtime fun. This is a great option for teething toddlers.

Available at munchkin.com, $9.

—Katie L. Carroll

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If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, is that you can never be too prepared when it comes to stocking up your home medicine cabinet. Rather than hand over your hard-earned paycheck to a national pharmacy chain that is always more expensive, we’ve got the ultimate hack: the Amazon FSA Store.

If you haven’t heard of this section of Amazon, you’re not alone. Launched a little on the sly, the storefront is packed with Flexible Spending Account-eligible products only (so you won’t get stiffed on the reimbursement). To refresh your memory, an FSA is a special account you can contribute funds to from your paycheck for the specific purchase of health-care related products or services. It’s pre-tax and always comes in handy.

While many people use their FSA funds to cover co-pays, procedures and prescription medication, there is actually a slew of over-the-counter products that you can purchase using the funds. Some categories include:

Ok now that you’re excited to do some shopping, let’s talk about savings and how the Amazon FSA store saves you big bucks. First, you can pre-load your FSA card into your account so you are never stuck shopping without it. Because let’s be honest, we all have good intentions about submitting those receipts for a reimbursement, but then––life.

In addition to not paying out of pocket, you can snag must-have products at typically low prices that Amazon offers. For example, you can pick up a three-pack of First Response Early Pregnancy Tests for $9 on Amazon, or head to Rite Aid and fork out $14. Need Medela Breast Milk storage bags? You can pay $13 on Amazon or $20 at Target.

We could go on and on sharing the screaming deals you can find on your must-have FSA products, but with over 10,000 products, we’d be here all night! Do yourself a favor, and the next time you place your Amazon order, add a few eligible products to your cart to stock up.

––Karly Wood

 

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