The toddler stage is both exciting and challenging. It’s incredible to watch tots foster their curiosity, lean into their personalities, and make strides toward independence. It’s also, let’s face it, exhausting to keep them entertained and tantrum-free on a regular basis. So whether you need ideas to add to your daily schedule or a quick fix in an emergency, these 10-minute or less toddler activities are easy ways to have bursts of fun anytime, anywhere.
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1. Have a Dance Party
Throw on some music and dance it out. Choose from our roundup of the best Spotify playlists, and spike your heart rate to a family-friendly tune. It’s also a great way to shake things up when your little one is feeling grumpy.
2. Act Out a Book
While reading a book together is always a good idea, acting one out could be even more fun. If your toddler has a favorite book they’re obsessed with, dig into the dress-up box and have them try to act out a live-action version.
3. Play Simon Says
Play this old favorite but with a twist. We love using Simon Says to help pick up a messy room. Simon says, “Put your toy in the chest” is a parenting hack that clears clutter while entertaining toddlers.
5. Act Like an Animal
Get wild with this one! Ask your child what their favorite animal is and encourage them to play a quick animal action game. Challenge your child to move like the animal, running, crawling, leaping, lumbering, or slithering like a furry, feathered, or scaled friend.
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6. Play Hide-and-Seek with Stuffies
If you don’t have the energy to squeeze behind the couch or want to play hide and seek in a small space, try playing with one of your toddlers’ favorite stuffed animals.
7. Throw a Bath Party
Ain’t no party like a bathtub party! Turn off the lights, toss in the glow sticks and bubble wands, and crank the music.
8. Play Eye-Spy
It’s a time-tested classic and a traditional game that just about every child plays at some point or another. It’s also easily adaptable, requires no materials, and takes almost no time to complete. Put a twist on the same old game and set up your “I Spy” with a theme. Pick a letter (all things that begin with “B”), a color (only purple objects), or any other focus that your kiddo can dream up.
9. Have A Puzzle Marathon
Break out two or three of your toddler’s favorite puzzles and set a timer to see how fast you can complete them all.
10. Play Florist
Collect branches, ferns, and a few blooms and arrange them in a pretty vase or jar. Toddlers also love playing shop, so make believe you’re their first satisfied customer.
11. Play Follow the Leader
Get creative with the classic “follow the leader” game. Choose a theme (such as acting like animals or moving like snowflakes), create super-silly walks, or explore outside with a follow-the-leader nature walk.
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12. Create a Card for a Loved One
Surprise a friend or relative with a homemade card from you and your toddler. They’ll have fun stamping, coloring, and creating a fun design, and the recipient will be thrilled with the surprise mail.
13. Wash Windows Together
Their willingness to help with household chores wanes as they get older, so take advantage of your toddler’s excitement for spraying and wiping and get some sparkling windows in the process.
14. Tic Tac Toe
When it comes to toddler activities, the paper and pencil version of this classic is always fun. Or try spicing it up by hunting for objects to serve as x’s and o’s.
15. Play Red Light, Green Light
Strengthen their listening skills with a quick game of Red Light Green Light. In addition to being fun, you can talk to your toddler about the importance of following instructions, a skill their preschool teacher will certainly appreciate.
The other night was “wine night” for a few moms in my neighborhood. We do this every couple of months when we get together for our “PTO meeting” where we stay out too late, pour one too many, and hit the alarm clock more than we should the next morning. The most recent one was last week. I desperately needed a glass of wine and some girl talk, but having a five-week old baby meant that I also desperately need sleep.
Wine or sleep? Wine or sleep? (The struggle is real!)
Then the voice of a good friend came through with some words of wisdom, a piece of mom advice that I always refer back to when I’m stuck in a situation where I really want to do something, but question whether I can fit it all in.
Let me tell you this is one of the best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s a no-brainer. But for some reason, it’s something that I always had a hard time implementing until recently. Ready for it?!
Say no to things that you may really want to do if it will make your life easier.
Sounds easy, right? Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? I mean we’re told in the workforce to say no all the time. It’ll help advance your career path. It’ll lighten your load. Heck, we say no to our kids all the time! Recently I have even seen books on why it is healthy to say no. But for my type A personality I always feel like I can figure out a way to make it all happen all the while stressing myself in the process—its just my personality. For better or worse I am a people pleaser which makes exercising this “rule” pretty hard at times. It’s hard to turn down things that you or someone in your family really want to do (like go drink some wine down the street).
Truth be told, putting it into action has literally saved me time and sanity. Let me give you some examples…
That birthday party for your kid’s classmate that starts at 7:30 pm when your kid goes to bed at 8 pm. Say no. When you’re invited to somebody’s house for a weekend get-together and you already have two other things to do right before then, say no. When school asks for you to help with volunteering for the next event but you’re not sure you can pick up your other kids and make it there in time, say no. When you get invited to Adele’s concert but you’re not feeling well and coming off a work trip, say no. When you want to catch some zzz’s even though you want some gal time, go for the sleep!
I found that there is always another time for these events, invitations, volunteering, etc. There will always be more birthday parties, get togethers, school fundraisers, and even concerts to attend. Your sanity, health, and time are more important! So do as we teach our kids when it comes to drugs—JUST SAY NO! You’ll thank me for it.
Erin is a working mom of two exploring ways to embrace change and find new hobbies in her search for life outside of Corporate America. She lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and Boston Terrier. She also loves ice cream and chocolate. A lot.
Spring break is here. Summer is coming. And for moms with kiddos on school break, that means one thing: swimming. But as much as we love splashing with our little ones, the struggle is real. Between chasing after the kids and jumping in with them, finding the right swimsuit cover-up can lead us straight down the street to Old Oversized T-Shirt Lane. We’ve all been there—trying to wrangle our little ones while simultaneously trying to look okay and, y’know, not fall out of any part of our swimsuit at the pool. These mom-approved Amazon swimsuit cover-ups are gonna be a game-changer.
Swimsuit cover-ups the ultimate mom hack to make us feel more comfortable and confident while still enjoying the sun and water. And let’s be honest, they’re often much cuter than our actual swimsuits (unless you follow our swimsuit guide, in which case, they’ll be equally as cute). Regardless, something to throw on during swim days are a must. So, in honor of all the swim-loving moms and their splashy babes out there, we’ve put together a list of the best mom swimsuit cover-ups from our favorite partner in parenting: Amazon. Snag one or three—we’re going to be ready for anything this summer. We’re moms, afterall. We have to be.
Collared V-Neck Cover-Up Shirt
Ekouaer
If you're into cover-ups that don't have to look like cover-ups, this pullover collared v-neck shirt is perfect! Available in multiple colors.
Yes, the user reviews suggest there's a bit of a learning curve for throwing it on, but it's a super popular cover-up that really is really comfy once you get the hang of it!
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Families are so spread out these days that many of us have to get by with a little help from our friends—and our apps (it is the 21st century, after all). But with so. many. options out there it’s hard to know which are the best apps for moms and dads to help make our lives a little easier.
For new parents bringing home their first baby, it’s wildly overwhelming to know how to track feeding schedules, diaper changes, sleep schedules, and milestones (that notebook you were using at the hospital isn’t going to cut it—something I learned at our first pediatrician’s appointment when I couldn’t read my own exhausted handwriting). As your baby gets older, you’ll need to know where all the good playgrounds are, how to create the cutest photo books, and somehow find play inspo for your kid’s ever-changing age and stage. And let’s not forget that moms need to find mom friends to add to their village; there’s an app for that, too.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and this list proves it. Here are 10 family apps that parents are using right now to make their lives easier.
Sharing photos and making baby books: Tinybeans
Tinybeans
Some families have cities, countries, or even oceans between them and it’s a struggle to stay connected. If you’re looking for a secure way to share photos and videos of your littles with family and friends, look no further than, well, us! Not only does Tinybeans let you capture and share memories without any of the safety concerns of social media, but it’s also a handy milestone tracker and source of parental ideas and inspiration. You can grab your best posts and easily create beautiful photo books directly through the app. And don’t worry, Tinybeans prompts you to post if you aren’t a natural sharer, so we’ll keep those eager relatives off your back.
Wondering why your happy babe is unusually grumpy or has suddenly become a stage-5 clinger? Enter The Wonder Weeks app, based on the popular book by the same name. What your baby is probably experiencing is called a “leap”—a period of rapid developmental gains that can throw your little one for a loop (there are 8 of these in baby’s first year). The Wonder Weeks app gives you peace of mind and information on how to best support your kid during these developmental leaps. All you have to do is tell the app your child’s birthday, and you’ll receive alerts prior to each leap and advice on how to handle them.
Starting solids is a game changer—a new activity to add to your routine, those adorable scrunched-up faces when baby tries new foods, and getting to drop a few of those breast or bottle feeds (bless!). But there are also so many questions when it comes to nutrition, safety, and which foods your baby should have based on their age. Solid Starts makes this entire process much easier for parents who are interested in baby-led weaning, putting everything you need to know about starting solids right at your fingertips. This includes information about more than 200 foods, including how to prepare them based on age and which are potential allergens, which you can access in the free version. If you pay, you can also keep a food log that records your baby’s progress, make lists, document reactions and sensitivities, and access a searchable database with more than 300 recipes.
Your friends with kids have probably prepared you for how much time you’ll spend obsessing over your baby’s sleep. From wake windows to sleep cues and, later, sleep training, there’s so much to think about. Enter Huckleberry Baby, which takes the guesswork out of your baby’s sleepy time to help tired parents everywhere get more Zzz’s. The free version tracks your kid’s sleep and eating sessions, but parents who need more support can pay for Huckleberry experts to customize a unique sleep plan for each and every family. There’s no generic advice and no crying it out, per the app website. It helps you discover your “child’s natural rhythm” and takes the guesswork out of creating a sleep schedule that works for everyone involved, from newborns through three years old. No wonder it’s got thousands of 5-star ratings.
Cost: Free or paid (Huckleberry Plus: $9.99 per month or $58.99 per year and Huckleberry Premium: $14.99 per month or $119.99 per year) on Apple App Store and Google Play
Family organizer: Cozi
Cozi Family Organizer
Choir practices and baseball games and gymnastics… oh my. If you’ve entered your glorified chauffeur era, you know how crucial it is to track where every kid needs to be whenever they’re not at school. And most importantly, all drivers, I mean parents, have to be on the same page. Cozi takes the guesswork out of family organization by offering a way to track the whole family’s activities in one place. Family members are color-coded so they know who needs to be where at a glance, and you can share the grocery list, to-do list, meal plan, and more—so it all doesn’t fall on one person (we know who that would be).
Those long, monotonous days of early motherhood can feel so lonely and the best salve is meeting other moms who are going through the same things you are. While some parents are able to wing it and make friends at the museum or the playground, others need a little help. Peanut is basically like Tinder for moms looking to make friends. You can search for your future bestie based on age, location, where they’re at in their parenting journey, and more. The app’s groups and communities let you build relationships with other parents who share your interests. And if you need a little mom advice this is an alternative to your Facebook moms group, which we know can be a tad…dramatic at times.
When you have the Plan to Eat app, you’ll at least spend less time staring aimlessly into an empty refrigerator wondering what in the world you’re going to cook for dinner. This app is a quick and easy way to plan your grocery trips and meals for the week. You can choose and upload recipes from anywhere on the web and a shopping list is automatically created for you in the app with items sorted by store and aisle. You can also categorize all your recipes any way you want and you won’t be stuck searching Pinterest or your old handwritten recipe cards ever again.
The Spotify app is a lifesaver that the whole family can enjoy, from impromptu dance parties and keeping kids occupied in the car to podcasts and audiobooks for everyone. Ever tried doing storytime without even picking up a book? On particularly exhausted nights, Spotify’s storytime podcasts do the trick—or you can search audiobooks from Dr. Seuss, Peppa Pig, Robert Munsch, and more. And oh the playlists you’ll make: a “bedtime playlist,” a “car playlist,” or, if you’re like my 5-year-old, a “Super Mario Brothers” playlist that features every Mario song known to man. The only downside of using Spotify to curate your favorite kid’s music is that it will kill your Spotify Wrapped, the app’s wildly popular and personalized year-end review. My most-liked song of last year was “Poopy Bum Bum.” You’ve been warned.
Sure your baby can very briefly entertain themselves by looking at shiny things, dangling toys, or just enjoying some tummy time, but if you’re looking to take your play to the next level and stimulate some brain development—or you’re flat out of ideas for how to play with your babe—the BabySparks app is a great place to start. The app features thousands of personalized activities and milestones for littles from infancy to three years old and a slew of virtual and on-demand parenting classes that cover nutrition, potty training, and discipline, plus 450 new articles added to the app every week. That’s a whole lot of info at your fingertips.
Cost: For 0-12 months, a one-time purchase of $7.99. Basic subscription is $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year and premium subscription is $19.99 per month or $119.99 per year on Apple App Store and Google Play
Tracking diapers, feeding schedules, and more: Baby Connect
Baby Connect
Baby Connect is the ultimate tracking app for all the tired newborn parents looking to monitor their babies’ feeding times and amounts, diapers, naps, bedtime, milestones, and more. You can review stats by the day, week, or even since birth if you need to, and then share the data with your partner and nanny. The best part? Say goodbye to the dreadful task of explaining everything you just did to someone else before you can take that much-needed break.
Cost: $4.99 per month or $119.99 per year for the family plan on Apple App Store and $6.99 to $164.99 on Google Play
Finding the best parks: Playground Buddy
Playground Buddy
Once your baby is old enough to enjoy going to the park (and you’re ready to get out of the house more often) the Playground Buddy app is an invaluable resource that grows with your family. Perfect for toddlers and elementary-aged kids, this app provides a map of all the closest playgrounds, plus photos so you can see what they look like and what types of equipment they have (look out for baby swings!). You can also share the playground with others when planning playdates, even if they don’t have the app. You’ll have access to an encyclopedia of 400,000 playgrounds in 170 countries right in your pocket.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?).
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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A seasoned mom shares all the best ways to navigate the festive season with a wee one
They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year—and it is!—but even at the best of times the holidays can be a tad stressful, from travel logistics and finding the right gifts for everyone on your list to those less-than-subtle comments from relatives. Now throw a newborn into the mix and suddenly the season has an entirely new sense of magic, plus a fresh set of challenges as you navigate ever-changing sleep schedules, seasonal viruses, and an overwhelming number of commitments. As a mom of six, I’ve journeyed through my share of holidays with a new baby in tow (my third was born one week to the day before Christmas, and I really wish I’d had this list back then). Drawing from personal experience and expert advice, here are some tried-and-true tips for helping a new mom survive (or even thrive!) this holiday season.
1. In Good Health
No matter the season, keeping your babe healthy is always priority number one, but it’s especially important to be on guard with a newborn during the holidays. Baby’s immature immune system, large crowds gathering indoors, and the circulation of respiratory viruses make for the perfect storm. Dr. Priya Thomas, founder of Mindful Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine and mom of three, explains the risk. “An adult who just has a cold can pass along RSV, which can become severe in young babies.” Her advice is to steer clear of the crowds, practice proper hand-washing, and ask others to do the same before holding your infant. “Parents should feel empowered in this area, as it’s a matter of the health of the newborn,” says Thomas. But she is quick to remind us that that doesn’t mean new parents need to skip all the fun with friends and family. “This is the time to be creative. You don’t have to miss out on the holiday cheer, just avoid the large holiday parties and opt for a more intimate gathering in your home,” she suggests.
As you spend more time with family and friends in the coming weeks, expect a flurry of questions and offers of unsolicited advice. (Take it from me, this time of year they’re as reliable as busy stores and even busier parking lots.) For example, if your little one’s sleep schedule coincides with a family event, you might hear remarks like, “We never cared about schedules in my day.” While these comments are often well-intended, they may not be helpful, especially when tender, postpartum emotions are swirling. To ease the pressure of responding in the moment, prepare a general response ahead of time, such as “We’re doing what we think is best for our baby.” Give your response with confidence and a smile, then gracefully transition the conversation to a more enjoyable topic. And, if tensions escalate still, take some advice from Theresa Gray, founder of Blooms of Grace Counseling. “If you’re noticing that you’re starting to feel anxious, angry or stressed, it’s okay to step away for a moment,” she shares. “Take deep breaths that fill your belly and relax your jaw and visualize a peaceful scene or memory.”
3. Baby Yourself
This time of year is all about giving, so go ahead and give yourself the gift of a break. “Self-care is often thought of as things like hot baths, mani-pedis, and shopping trips with friends, but those aren’t really the things that recharge us,” explains Gray. “Instead, self-care during this busy and highly sociable season might be to get up before the baby to prepare yourself and your heart for the day.” She continues: “It should include spending intentional time with your spouse or close friends and asking for help and communicating the needs and desires you have.”
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4. Respect the Nap… Or Don’t
With all of the added festivities, the holidays are notorious for throwing off routines. As the parent, you get to decide whether to toss your schedule to the wind or politely decline any events that may mess it up. In my early years of motherhood, I took the respect-the-nap-at-all-costs approach. Although I missed out on certain events, I enjoyed the outings I did take because I had a happy, rested sidekick. Now, six kiddos in, we tend to let baby nap on the go, and she generally thrives in the spontaneity. In the end, how much to alter your baby’s schedule over the holidays is up to you and the kind of kid you have. “There is wisdom in keeping to a schedule, as there is a physiological need for that, but some flexibility is good, too,” says Thomas. “I am all about being mindful of what works for your family.”
5. Layer Up
The weather outside can be frightful this time of year, so it’s especially important to dress your little one so that they’re warm and comfortable. Because infants aren’t able to regulate their body temperature yet, they can lose heat four times faster than adults—though that’s not a reason to keep them indoors, no matter how many times your grandma warns about catching your death of cold. “Your baby is not going to get sick from exposure to the cold, but do be mindful of low temperatures and proper clothing,” advises Dr. Thomas. Layering is the key to ensuring your tot doesn’t get too cold or too hot. The rule of thumb: Dress them in the same amount of clothing you’d wear yourself, then add a layer. Also, be sure little’s outfit includes a hat, as the head and face are where babies lose heat the quickest.
6. Travel Smart
If you’re hitting the road this year, it can be helpful to plan your drive around baby’s nap time or bedtime to help you travel in peace. If they’ll be awake for the drive, schedule in lots of stops for feeding and cuddling. If your babe is prone to fussiness in the car, consider a genius travel companion like this: the Baby Shusher. It has consistently calmed our crankiest car-bound babies (and also soothed their hyperventilating parents) for years. Another option is the Hatch portable sound machine, or just turn up the tunes. “Santa Baby,” anyone?
Now that you’re a parent, it’s time we break it to you: for the next decade, the holidays will be virtually synonymous with toys. So many toys. If you have family eager to load baby up with gifts, my seasoned-mom advice is to skip anything with batteries (a.k.a. noisemakers) and keep it simple. For young babies, an activity mat is a great choice, suggests Thomas. “You can do tummy time on the mat with a newborn even just for a few minutes,” she says. “Look for one with a mirror and different contrasting colorings and textures, things they can touch and feel or make sound.” For older babies, my go-to’s are wooden blocks, hand puppets, and board books, each of which develops their motor skills or fosters imagination and emotional connection.
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8. Slow Down
During the holidays, we often feel the pressure of doing more, but this is your permission to slow down. Replace the holiday “ho-ho-ho” with “no-no-no.” “Self-care sometimes means saying ‘no,’” Theresa explains. “You don’t have to do everything and be everywhere. Choose the things that prioritize the health of your family and the reason for the season.” (Read that again if people-pleasing is your kryptonite.) Letting the hustle and bustle of the holidays pass while you soak up the simple pleasures—quietly snuggling up on the couch with your favorite festive bevy and your tiny little elf—may be the best thing you add to your schedule this season.
9. Nobody’s Perfect
Sometimes, the most precious moments are the least perfect. It took me a long time to learn this. For years, I aspired to have the perfect Christmas tree (you know the one, straight from a Pottery Barn catalog), but with so many curious little hands moving things around, I’d have to rush to secretly redo the ornaments each night after bedtime. Now, looking back, I realize that I missed the magic in pursuit of perfection. Learn from my loss and let go of the idea that there is an “ideal” Christmas or Hannukah card, photo, or party. Instead, be present with your baby and enjoy the moment, no matter how imperfectly (or downright messily!) it unfolds.
It’s hard to choose between the Instant Pot chicken wings and the bacon-wrapped potato wedges
Whether you’re having a small gathering, heading to a big bash, or just want something special for a movie night with the kids, we have a few easy appetizer recipes that’ll come in handy. From finger foods to veggie appetizers, keep reading to check out our favorite appetizer recipes that are all made using three ingredients or less.
This is the definition of an easy appetizer recipe! If you want to get really fancy, consider throwing in a slice of cheese.
Monkey Bread
This cheesy monkey bread from Brit + Co is literally as easy as 1, 2, 3... ingredients. Kids will love the soft bread and parents will love how easy it is to make.
Caprese Skewers
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Quite possibly one of the easiest appetizers to whip up, simply grab fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and pesto; skewer, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and go!
These pretty palmiers from The Suburban Soapbox will definitely impress your guests. Buttery puff pastry and tart tomatoes meld perfectly with rich cheddar cheese—delish!
Break out your slow cooker for this crowd-pleasing dip from Julie’s Eats and Treats. With just two ingredients, it’s definitely the simplest thing you’ll make all day.
This appetizer from Averie Cooks is kid-approved and super easy to make. You’ll get the crunchy, melty effect of mozzarella sticks but without the mess and hassle of deep frying.
Everybody loves chicken wings, and Mom Advice has a foolproof method for making them in the Instant Pot. A quick pass under the broiler gives them a crispy finish.
This light and fresh dip from Melanie Makesis an ideal appetizer to serve before a heavy holiday meal. Pair it with plenty of fresh veggies, cheese, and crackers, and you’ll be ready to entertain a crowd.
How fancy do these breadsticks from Kiwi & Carrot look?! Using a pre-made puff pastry makes them super easy to pull off, even if you’re not a master baker.
This genius recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats is totally hands-off, thanks to the magical Crock Pot. It’s made with kielbasa, brown sugar, and one unexpected ingredient.
It might sound strange, but stay with us: these bacon-wrapped cherries from We Are Not Martha are delicious. The savory bacon makes a perfect contrast for tart, juicy cherries.
Start your meal off with these yummy dinner rolls from Life, Love and Good Food. No rising required—just mix up the three ingredients, and bake the rolls in a muffin tin.
This inventive take on a crispy cracker from The Suburban Soapbox is bound to be a hit with cheese lovers. Even better, they come together in less than 10 minutes, leaving you more time to obsess over the rest of the menu.
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, whip up a batch of this super easy dip from Simply Stacie. Paired with fresh veggies and tortilla chips, don’t be surprised if this one disappears fast.
Make your party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.
Serving something warm to take the chill off is also the perfect way to welcome guests. This easy appetizer recipe from A Wicked Wisk combines a couple of our favorite things—flaky biscuits and flavorful blue cheese—to make a melty, bubbly appetizer perfect for a crowd. Drooling yet?
If you’re worried about dinner timing or want something festive (and deceptively simple) on your snack tray, make a batch of these honey-roasted pecans from Trial and Eater for guests to graze on throughout the day. The recipe couldn't be easier, but it’s way more delicious than the store-bought kind.
Potato wedges just got even tastier, thanks to this recipe from A Calculated Whisk. How? Why, wrap them in bacon, of course! Now you’ve got an appetizer fit for a hungry crowd of grown-ups and kiddos alike.
For an appetizer that’s a bit more filling, try these yummy roll-ups from Pumpkin ‘n Spice. It’s easy to customize them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings. As a bonus, you can keep this recipe in rotation for school lunches.
We’re here to celebrate the Big Guy himself (no, not Santa). Make his holiday merry with these gifts for dad
Whether they’re helping to put together new toys, busy in the kitchen playing host to the whole family, or making sure all the wrapping paper gets picked up, dads are just the greatest. Biological or not, these father figures keep our worlds spinning—but they’re also notoriously difficult to buy for. (Finding gifts for dad is no small feat!)
We made sure to put together a cool collection of worthy-for-our-hero gifts that go beyond the usual necktie or socks (not that there’s anything wrong with those!). From the grillmaster to the nostalgic, we’ve got every type of dad covered. He really is the best, so make sure he knows it with these gifts for dad below.
This cooler-chair combo is brilliant. An insulated under-chair compartment, interchangeable cup holder, hands-free carrying, and 5 cool designs make this a gift he'll use all the time.
This viral (yes, viral! Just ask TikTok.) knife sharpener is like nothing we've ever seen before. Use the roller to slide the knife blade at two different labeled angles for the sharpest knives ever.
This kit has everything he needs for his next travel adventure. TSA-versions of the best Duke Cannon products, all tucked neatly in a clear travel bag.
Share joy. Connect generations. Do it all privately. Tinybeans is the photo sharing app that makes sharing your pictures with only the people you want to see them easy. You can easily and privately capture and organize your kiddo’s best moments and milestones in a single platform. Its intuitive interface, along with features like photobook creation and easy customization, make organizing and searching for memories a breeze. There's no better time of year to capture memories.
Black zirconium and silver Fender guitar string inlay make this ring the ultimate in style. Dad not really a music guy? No problem. Manly Bands also has a DC Collection, a Lord of the Rings Collection, and more, so you'll find the perfect match.
This set comes complete with 6 craft whiskey samples (enough for 2 people to share!), a printed guide, a video review of whiskey-tasting techniques, and more to create a whole experience at home.
HOKA's 9th edition of the Clifton sneaker is their lightest and most comfortable yet. It's perfect for everyday walking and running, and there's a reason HOKA is so popular; they've received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. They also last such a long time.
The world-famous chef-approved hedley&bennett creates professional aprons for home chefs, too. This Bravo's Top Chef collab design is one of our faves, but there are so many to choose from.
Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early '80s, Phoenicia Diner is an icon. So it stands to reason that their famous pancake mix is going to be a welcome breakfast addition.
For the football fanatic in your life, this collector's book will quickly become a prized possession, thanks to the storytelling and incredible photographs included.
California-based Stereoscope Coffee creates a coffee subscription service with blends hand-picked by a Q-grader (consider them certified coffee experts) for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery of coffee that best represents Stereoscope. Roasted in L.A.
Give the gift of having everything he could possibly need in the palm of his hands—er, on his wrist. From keeping up with texts and calls to heart rate monitoring and reminders, Apple Watch does it all.
Tom Bumble Candy Bars are a swirl of organic crunchy peanut butter, pure Madagascar vanilla, and organic sugar, wrapped up in fair-trade dark chocolate. This isn't your average candy bar.
With over 4,000 pieces, this LEGO set is perfect for any President/Lord Business-types out there (minus the Kraggle, of course). The roof comes off to reveal several exhibit rooms, there's an Apotsaurus fossil to put together, and several minifigures come with the set, too.
Unspillable? This can cooler from Toadfish is. It'll stick to any smooth surface and stay upright, on top of keeping beverages cold. Comes in 4 colors.
The folks over at Fuego Box have pledged to plant 5 trees for every crate sold, so you can feel extra good about gifting this selection of spicy blossom honey, Ghost Pepper–infused Himalayan pink salt, and three hot sauces: an everyday red, a punchy verde, and a very vinegary Carolina Reaper.
Don't let him worry about an overheating phone ever again. NASA-derived tech that keeps your phone from overheating and keeps its battery from draining too quickly in the cold. It also case floats in water so it can be grabbed out of the pool fast, and it exceeds military-grade shock and impact protection when dropped.
Family Game Night won't ever be the same, thanks to this board game subscription box. Just choose the subscription plan you'd like to gift and give them something to look forward to with every delivery.
The lightweight design with padded shoulder straps allows for ultimate portability and versatility with this cooler swing. It's also rugged enough to withstand whatever nature-lovers throw at it.
Using Stance's proprietary cotton blend, these iconic socks have a longer lifespan than your run-of-the-mill socks and offer light cushioning for a secure fit and oh-so-comfortable feel.
'Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir' by Bob Odenkirk
Amazon
It's possible you've only really fallen in love with Bob Odenkirk from his Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul days, but he's done so much over the years. Read all about it in this memoir.
Nothing can go wrong when you combine BBQ and bacon, and these melt-in-your-mouth Bacon Burnt Ends from Heim BBQ in Ft. Worth, TX are 2lbs (!!) of indulgent.
Curated by Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco, this artwork inspired by the films of Wes Anderson ranges from paintings to sculptures to limited-edition screen prints from some of the director's most beloved films.
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There’s no reason you can’t be the mastermind behind your own baby photoshoots
You’ve probably been taking impromptu pics of your baby since day one—an unexpectedly adorable expression here, a snuggly selfie there. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a few really good shots of your growing family? Yes, you could hire a professional photographer to create the perfect experience, or you could get creative and do it yourself (which can be a lot more fun!). With the holiday season on the horizon, you have a great excuse to get everyone together for some quality, photo-worthy time, and then share the amazing snaps from your baby photoshoot with friends and family on Tinybeans (check out our app here!).
Here’s how to plan and execute your DIY photo shoot.
1. Enlist a friend or family member
Do you have a teenage niece or nephew who’s passionate about photography? What about a neighbor with a really great DSLR camera? Call in a favor and ask if that artsy pal of yours would be interested in setting aside an hour or two to capture your family for a moment in time. Offer to return the favor in some way (especially if he or she has a family to be photographed!), and say “thanks” with a gift card to a nice restaurant or a bottle of wine and some gourmet chocolate.
2. Nail the timing
Think about your baby’s fluctuating energy and moods throughout the day, and pick a time when you know your little one will be the most calm and content. For some, this is first-thing in the morning. For many, this is right after a nap or feeding. Be flexible with your baby photoshoot and work around the youngest one’s temperament. Also, if you’ll be shooting outside, try to maximize the natural light by taking advantage of early morning or late afternoon rays, but avoid the harsh overhead sun at midday.
3. Coordinate outfits—without being matchy-matchy
We’re all familiar with the matching khaki pants and crisp white shirt look found in countless family photos. While you want to look cohesive, don’t feel obligated to match outfits, which can look canned and inauthentic. Instead, decide on two or three colors (at least one being a neutral) that you will use as your inspiration and find outfits that fit the bill. Simple, solid (non-patterned) clothing is always a safe bet.
4. Carefully consider props
Think about what toys and objects mean something to you and your little ones. If your child has a favorite, love-worn stuffed animal, why not include it in the shot? Be selective, but try a few different props that are unique to your family. And be sure to bring plenty of soft blankets to lay on the grass, curl up in, and play peek-a-boo with.
5. Get low and close
If you’re all sitting on a blanket or casually lying down on the grass, ask your photographer to get as low to the ground as possible so you’re all at the same eye level. And see if he or she is willing to do some close-up shots in addition to wider angles. The variety will make for a really nice collection of photos.
6. Be goofy
Encourage everyone to be silly in an effort to get the baby to laugh and smile. Too often, parents are focused on “looking” polished and perfectly happy in their first baby photoshoot. But feeling carefree in the moment and trying to have fun will result in nicer, more natural images.
7. Forget the camera
Some forward-facing shots are a good idea, but try not to focus on where the camera is at all times. Ask the photographer to move around and achieve different angles that way, rather than trying to coax your baby to turn in a specific direction. Candid shots can be unique and just as gorgeous as posed photos.
8. Don’t stop shooting
If your pal hasn’t photographed babies or tots before, kindly explain that fast-moving little ones make for difficult models so he should use continuous shooting mode and keep snapping. Chances are, one or two of the series will be the perfect pic.
9. Take turns
A big, happy family photo is a great idea, but don’t hesitate to take turns experimenting with who’s in the photo. Take some with just kids, just Dad and baby, just Mom and baby, and all potential iterations. Don’t get too preoccupied on everyone being in same photo.
10. Just go with the crazy
If you have an older toddler running around in circles or your newly crawling baby wants to be on the move, grab a kid, have your partner do the same, and flip them upside down for a playful shot. If tears or tantrums are part of the mix, don’t stress. They can actually make for great, memorable photos.
For parents who want to share special moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there’s the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download here!). The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
From sound machines to tracking apps that’ll help you log everything from feedings to milestones, these are the apps every parent needs
Becoming a parent means you’ll be relying on an entire village to help you navigate the world of babies and kids. Lucky for you, there’s a whole slew of apps from infant to school years to help along the way. From managing and sharing baby photos with family and friends to connecting with a new community of moms, here are some of the best parent apps.
Tinybeans: Family Photo Album
The Tinybeans platform was founded by entrepreneurs with young kids and offers parents a private space to share photos, milestones, and other moments with their children amongst family and friends in a private social network. The app is a modern-day baby book at parents' fingertips that helps save them time, with the primary advantage for parents not having to give away ownership of the images and videos they post. The app itself also includes additional privacy features not typical of larger social media sites.
Available on the App Store and Google Play, Free / Paid $7.99/month or $79.99/year.
Peanut
Peanut is a social networking app for current and soon-to-be moms so they can connect with other mamas. Sync up with women in the same life stage to share tips like how to keep kids entertained and balancing work and life. Peanut has also created a resource for users to contact those around them using free Community Postcards. Simply use the code HERE4YOU to get a 20-pack with free shipping. Fill out the postcard with your contact information and marl which services you can spare time to help out with like late night chat sessions or help with collecting supplies in your community.
BusyKid, the brainchild of a father of six, is the world's first online platform that allows kids to earn, spend, invest, and save their allowance. It's a virtual chore chart, really. Parents upload chores (based on age) to the app and to each kid's profile, the kids check off the ones they've completed, and then they're paid via the app. It's possible for kids to make charitable donations, invest in stock and stash away for big purchases.
Available for download from the App Store or Google Play, $38.99 (after the free trial) for a year for the whole family.
Moshi Twilight
With calming audio stories and guided relaxations, Moshi Twilight helps kids find a healthy nighttime routine. The stories are set in a dreamy world, and the lulling voices help little dreamers nod off. Perfect for kids learning to sleep through the night, or how to sleep alone, this award-winning parent app is worth downloading.
Now that your sweet bundle has arrived, you'll want to know where the best bargain on diapers and food can be found. That's where Basket comes in handy. This crowdsourcing app searches nearby stores to see which one carries your total cheapest list. By allowing you to compare online and in-store prices (which vary from 30 to 40% each week), you'll be able to decide where to spend your hard-earned cash.
When it comes to tackling family health and wellness, proper preparation and education are often more than half the battle. The British Red Cross has developed a clever app, Baby and Child First Aid, that’s chockfull of useful video tutorials and easy-to-follow advice that cover what to do when various ailments or medical crises arise. The app also lets parents record their child’s medication needs, and includes a list of tips and a handy checklist. While the emergency numbers in the app are for UK users, the information and advice are useful to anyone, anywhere in the world.
If you haven’t yet, you are going to be taking hundreds of pictures. In a week. Here’s how you’re going to manage it: Babypics. Capture all the precious moments, mark them with beautifully crafted artwork and words. With an array of custom features, including filters and milestone markers, you can create, save, share and order prints with just a tap.
This HD- quality video and baby monitor for your phone, tablet or computer allows you to hear every noise, stream live video and even comfort your baby remotely.
Not sure what medication is okay to take when you are pregnant or nursing, or how much? MommyMeds app from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center will help you figure it out. Just search or scan the barcodes of thousands of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter and find clear, drug and safety recommendations and ingredients.
Visiting grandma but forgot the baby monitor? No problem. Download the Cloud Baby Monitor app and put your iPad, laptop or iPhone next to your little love. Then use your partners iPhone or another device as the parent unit for secure streaming of your hopefully sleeping baby. It will also send you notifications of motion or sound changes. Want to attempt to soothe Baby from afar? Use the app to play lullabies, white noise or talk to Baby. This app is also a great sub for those times when your regular monitor is out of range (we mean working in the garden people, not running out to the grocery store).
With more sounds than the average white noise machine and go-anywhere ease, the White Noise Baby app wins our vote for drowning out outside sounds when Baby is trying to snooze. It includes 20 soothing ambient sounds to help you—uh, we mean your baby—snooze. Choose from options like traditional white noise to “truck ride” or “vacuum cleaner,” there is something to soothe all sleepers. There is even a timer system that slowly fades audio in and out so you can sneak your phone back once baby drifts off and if you leave your device in the nursery, you can set it up to come back on when crying is detected.
Sprout Baby is a do everything baby app. Not only will it keep you posted on the latest developmental feats your baby should be going through at every stage, but also it lets you track your baby's specific milestones with photos and journal entries and track everything from feedings to growth. You can also track health records and generate a report to share with your doctor during visits.
Find Trusted Baby Advice at Your Fingertips with BabyCenter
When you have a baby, suddenly everyone from your mom to the lady at the grocery store is an expert. BabyCenter’s Your Baby Today app puts their (less annoying) expert advice in the palm of your hand. No need to thumb through heavy books, this app keeps you on top of important developmental milestones, health and safety advice and even suggests age-appropriate activities for each week. Now who’s the expert, huh?
Breastfeeding can be complicated enough at the start. Did they latch? Football or cradle hold? Which side did they eat last? When did you eat last? Nipple confusion? How about mom confusion. Don’t stress. The Baby Nursing app tracks their latest feeding time, which side and for how long they ate, bottle feeding records, sleep and more. It logs all the information in handy dandy nursing history logs, which you can share with your doc (or whomever else cares to ask) and look like a total pro.
The WebMD app includes a lot of the same features other baby apps do: sleep tracker, diaper tracker and a feeding/nursing tracker. But the big difference here is the content. The app is a fantastic resource for new parents featuring a wealth of medically-approved content on week-by-week development, milestones, doctor visits, emergencies, baby care and more.
The newborn stage is all about eating and sleeping (and pooping). So the Eat Sleep parent app tracks all of that for you in detail. Log bottles and breastfeedings. Clock in times that baby sleeps and wakes (you may even start to see a pattern one day!). And watch those dirty diapers to ensure your little is eating enough.
If you'll be pumping a lot, whether back at work or at home, Milk Maid will help you stay organized. Not only does it track when, how much and how long you're pumping, but it also can calculate whether or not your current stash will cover your next business trip.
You take dozens of photos daily, or maybe even hourly, and for those priceless keepers, giving them a quick edit will make them even better. Snapseed is an easy-to-use photo editor even for not so savvy users. Quick swipes can adjust brightness, contrast, color and more. This parent app can also rescue any money shots that just happened to be taken in bad lighting.
