Social media moms know all the best TikTok Amazon finds

Okay, listen up fellow moms! If you’re not following the coolest moms on TikTok, then you’re missing out on some serious parenting hacks! We all know that being a mom is a full-time job, and sometimes, it can feel like you’re running in circles trying to keep up. But fear not, because TikTok moms have got our backs with some seriously cool baby products that will make your life a whole lot easier. These TikTok Amazon finds are seriously genius. From a coverall bib to watercolor paint chips, these moms have tried and tested these products so you don’t have to.

Sure, TikTok is the land of endless dances, viral challenges, and memes galore. But now, baby and kids product recommendations are all over it, too. That’s right, the coolest moms on TikTok have been spilling their secrets on the best baby products out there. From innovative gadgets to practical items that make parenting a breeze, these moms know what they’re talking about. But who are these TikTok moms, you ask? They’re the funny, relatable, and unapologetically real moms that have taken the app by storm. So we’re sharing the best TikTok Amazon finds for babies and kids that are trending for a reason!

Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock

@blakeleysblondelife

Baby favorites: This @shopbinxy was a favorite with my 1st, and now it’s a must with my 2nd! It makes shopping with an infant so much easier – baby is happy and you actually have room for your groceries in the buggy! Link in bio to save $$ (Disclaimer: I personally would recommend for babies with head and neck control.) #babyfavorites #babymusthaves #newmommusthaves #momfavorites #momhack #momhacks #binxybaby #binxy #babyhammock #momtips #newmomtips #infantmusthave #babyhacks #happybaby #babytok #momtok #momtips #momfyp #babyfyp #fyp

♬ ABC – The Jackson 5

Shop hands free! Mom @blakeleysblondelife swears by the Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock that attaches securely to hold your babe in a hammock-style seat, plus you can pop it into your purse or diaper bag instead of struggling with carrying a carseat into every store! Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock ($49.95)—Buy Now!

nordmiex Bedside Sleeper Crib

@lashae_mom4ltv

Shop it through my Amazon store 🥰 #babybed #portablebabybed #safebabysleep #babysleeping #bestbabybed #amazonbabyfinds #amazonbabymusthaves #amazonbabyfavorites #babyessentials #babymusthaves #babytok #babytiktok #babiesoftiktok #newbornsoftiktok #momsoftiktok #amazonbed #mommyonabudget

♬ FOLLOW Cpski Prod.by Loudz – CPski🧑🏾‍💻

Portability is the name of the game for mom @lashaebaeeee with this 3-in-1 travel crib and cosleeper! It offers 5 height positions and is intended for infants ages 0-5 months. nordmiex Bedside Sleeper Crib ($149.99)—Buy Now!

Dinosaur Cookie Cutter Set

https://www.tiktok.com/@texykitchen1/video/6924406167250849029?lang=en

Cookie cutters aren’t just for, well, cookies anymore. This set of 8 prehistoric pals is perfect for sweet treats, or you can steal this brilliant recipe from TikTok mom @texykitchen1! Dinosaur Cookie Cutter Set ($12.99)—Buy Now!

Boba Wrap Baby Carrier

@ongsquad

No such thing as hands-free #MomsOfTikTok #BabyCarrier #NewbornMomLife #BabyMustHaves #ConversationsWithKids

♬ original sound – Ong Squad

You’ve probably seen wrap-style baby carriers everywhere, but this TikTok from @ongsquad shows you exactly how easy they are to use! Boba Wrap Baby Carrier ($39.99)—Buy Now!

MOTEERLLU Baby Coverall Bib

https://www.tiktok.com/@theclairenecessities/video/7194210321605692715?lang=en

This level of genius TikTok mom @theclairenecessities found with this coverall bib! She even shares easy clean-up tricks when using it (as if it could get any easier). MOTEERLLU Baby Coverall Bib ($11.99)—Buy Now!

Pop ‘N Go Indoor/Outdoor Playpen

@monilynn_r

Perfect for hanging out in the backyard! #fyp #babyproducts #babymusthaves #popuptent #backyard #babygear #momlife #playpen @thecaliforniabeachco

♬ Circus – Britney Spears

The weather’s getting nicer (and our kids are getting antsy), so when @monilynn_r showed off this easy pop-up playpen and play mat, we had to snap them up. Pop ‘N Go Indoor/Outdoor Playpen ($149.99)—Buy Now!  Pop ‘N Go Play Mat ($40.39)—Buy Now!  Pop ‘N Go Play Mat Cover ($23.98)—Buy Now!

Cybex e-Priam Complete Stroller

@melissadesm

Replying to @sofmd613 it’s the E-Priam by @cybex ! Got mine at @agathaboutique. #babytok #newmom #babymusthaves #registrymusthaves

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Smart phones, smart lightbulbs, and now smart strollers! @melissadesm is a fan of the e-Priam from Cybex, and with good reason. It has 3 rocking modes, Smart Uphill and Downhill Assist, Uneven Surface Assist, one-handed fold, and a ton more. Cybex e-Priam Complete Stroller ($699.95 and up)—Buy Now!

@bumpsandbottles

These toddler feeding utensils are so great for little ones! #amazonfinds #amazonmusthaves #babyproducts #babymusthaves #toddlermom

♬ original sound – Parenting Products & Hacks

Designed by an occupational therapist, these brilliant toddler feeding products are loved by @bumpsandbottles (and her little one, too!). b.box Toddler Feeding Essentials ($7.95 and up)—Buy Now!

Mason Jar Baby Bottles

@kristdye

#babynecessities #babymusthaves #twinmom #momsontiktok #momlife #babyregistry #CloseYourRings #ArbysDiabloDare #fyp #foryoupage

♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic

These mason jar baby bottles are the product we didn’t know we needed. TikTok mom @kristdye is a huge fan (so are a lot of folks in her comments), and we’re loving the sleeve that helps protect the glass, too. Mason Jar Baby Bottle Set ($52.99)—Buy Now!

Baby Hip Carrier

@savannahkthrower

Seriously a lifesaver #babycarrier #mommusthaves #babymusthaves #babymusthave #momswithbabies #momadvice #mommusthave #thankmelater

♬ original sound – Sav | Fashion + Lifestyle

@savannahkthrower shows off her happy little one using this hip carrier and we’re seriously fans. It’s also much easier to put on and go than a full front carrier. Tushbaby Hip Carrier ($84.99)—Buy Now!

Beright Children’s Sensory Table

@bmcpher

She’s going to be the PERFECT edition to our homeschool room😍📚 everything is you know where + will be adding into it as I buy🫶 #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #homeschool #homeschoolmom #fyp #toddleressentials #kidstable #homeschoolroom #toddlermusthaves #kidmusthaves

♬ Mother – Meghan Trainor

Homeschool mom @bmcpher shows us her sensory table setup in this TikTok (and we learned in the comments that she’s using Kinetic Sand and we’ll admit we breathed a sigh of relief)! Beright Children’s Sensory Table ($119.99)—Buy Now!

JOYTUTUS Baby Car Mirror with Tablet Holder

@saikaoctavien

I’m not stress anymore😂 #amazonmusthaves #babymirrorforcar #2023 #hours #joytutus

♬ Lessons – Eric Roberson

For longer car rides and/or extra-fussy little ones, this baby car mirror @saikaoctavien shows off in this TikTok is a lifesaver! JOYTUTUS Baby Car Mirror with Tablet Holder ($26.99)—Buy Now!

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother

@courtneyr.davis

This has made her crib transition SO EASY!!! She LOVES it! #crib #musthaves #musthavebabyproducts #cribtransition #babyeinstein #sahmlife #3monthsold #babyedition #youngmom #lifehack #psa @Baby Einstein

♬ original sound – courtneydavis

With almost 11K Amazon Reviews raving about this, @courtneyr.davis confirms that the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother is a definite win for parents and babes! Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother ($39.98)—Buy Now!

OXO Tot Grape Cutter

@alexaraebooth

I came across this a year ago and was shocked I never knew about it before! Definitely a must have if you have young kids 🫶 makes cutt!ing grapes, hotdogs and other choking hazards so much easier #kitchenmusthaves #mommusthaves #babyledweaning #toddlermeals #babyledfeeding #grapesforkids #momtok #momof4 #expectingbaby5 #momhacks #babyledweaningtips

♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus

@alexaraebooth isn’t joking when she says this little beauty makes cutting grapes, hot dogs, and other choking hazards so much easier! OXO Tot Grape Cutter ($11.99)—Buy Now!

Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater

@rren.shah

This stain remover is magic 🤌🏻 #missmouthsmessyeater #babymusthave #toddlermusthaves #toddlermusthave #staintreater #stainremover #stainremoverhack

♬ original sound – Kristen

Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater works actual magic. @rren.shah and over 38K Amazon Reviewers can’t get enough of it! Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater ($14.44 for a 2 pack)—Buy Now!

JellyCAP Toddler Water Bottle Toppers

@lindsayroggenbuck

Link in bio: Amazon – Toddler finds #amazonfinds #momhack #amazontoddlerfinds #learnsomething #amazonmusthave

♬ good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo

No more wet toddler tees! Pop one of these JellyCAPs that @lindsayroggenbuck shows off in this TikTok and you have an on-the-go sipper for your littles. JellyCAP Toddler Water Bottle Toppers ($14.99 for a set of 3)—Buy Now!

Light Switch Extender for Kids

@kassyrandazzo

Now they can go potty without me!! (Mostly) #homehacks #toddlerhacks #toddlermusthaves

♬ original sound – Kassy Randazzo

Little moments of toddler independence are so important, and these light extenders are a great tool to help! TikTok mom @kassyrandazzo shows us how easy these are to install, too! Light Switch Extender for Kids ($9.99 for a 2 pack)—Buy Now!

Freebear Busy Board

@lowwmj

one of our favorite Amazon buys! #toddlersoftiktok#amazonfinds#amazonmusthaves#toddleramazonfinds#busyboardforbaby#busytoddler#busyboard#momsoftiktok

♬ original sound – Kaja💕

Give it up for the toddler moms like @lowwmj who don’t gate keep! This toddler busy board is perfect both for travel and playing at home. Freebear Busy Board ($19.99)—Buy Now!

Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit

@momsteroftwoo

A fun way to teach kids good hygiene. Linked in amazonstore front ❤️ #kidsmusthave #toddlersoftiktok #toddlertoys #amazonfinds #sahm #melissaanddoug #kidsactivities #xyzbca #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #amazon #toyhaul #toddleractivities #trending #socute

♬ Shiny Teeth and Me – Remix – Rdgredtempo

Teaching kids great hygiene can be tricky when they don’t fully understand why it’s so important. Parent fave Melissa & Doug created this play set that @momsteroftwoo says is a must-have! Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit ($25.99)—Buy Now!

Crayola Pop & Paint Palette

@samantha_berg

Painting with toddlers… this water color set makes it so easy. PLUS we dont ruin an entire paint set each time or have water all over. This is seriously a must have if your kiddo likes to paint. #crayola #toddleractivities #paintingwithkids #momsoftiktok #momlife #keepkidsbusy #color #waterpainting #momtok #musthavekids

♬ Sunshine – WIRA

These watercolor chips are so smart! They prevent ruining a whole paint set with mixed colors since they’re a one-and-done palette and brand new each time. @samantha_berg’s little ones are loving them. Crayola Pop & Paint Palette ($10.85)—Buy Now!

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

All videos courtesy of TikTok creators mentioned.

This April, hop on over to these family-friendly Easter events in NYC. This year sees the return of some fan favorites that were on hiatus due to covid, and some fun new events. Take photos with the Easter bunny, eat Easter brunch, attend hopping parties, search for eggs, and more! And don’t forget to don a bonnet and strut your stuff at the NYC Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Easter Sunday on Fifth Avenue, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.!

Manhattan

Easter Show and Photos at 53 Above

The Easter Bunny has lost his eggs and needs your help rounding them all back up! Find childhood favorite bunny characters like Peter Rabbit and Little Bunny FooFoo to help save Easter. Kids can jam along with bunny and spring music like “Rockin’ Robin” and “The Bunny Hop Hop” as they search for the missing eggs. Following the show, visitors with VIP tickets will get a chance to take pictures with the big bunny himself!

Price: $20-25
Sat., Apr. 2, 1 p.m.; Sun., Apr. 17, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
53 Above
318 W. 53rd St.
Midtown
Online: eventbrite.com

Hudson Yards 

Eggventure at Hudson Yards
Go on a free hunt for digital Easter Eggs at Hudson Yards. This high-tech hunt runs from April 1-17.

Hudson Yards
30th Street and 10th Avenue
Click here for more info

Easter Workshop at Speakitaly NYC

Make something that you can take home and cherish at this workshop: a Ghirlanda Pasquale, aka an Easter wreath. The workshop will be available online and in person, and is recommended for ages 3-10. If you’re folliwing along at home, you’ll need a long string, paper, scissors, and clothespins.

Price: $25 online, $35 in person
Online: Tues., Apr. 5 at 11 a.m.; in person: Sat., Apr. 9 at 4 p.m.
49 West 28th St., #Floor 3
NOMAD
Online: eventbrite.com

NYSoM Easter Eggstravaganza

This huge event will keep the kids having fun and partying nearly all day long. Stop by to participate in the annual egg hunt (groups of 5-15 hunters will be heading out at a time) or visit the Easter Activity Village, where you’ll be able to take part in the painted egg giveaway and Easter-themed crafts and activities. Plus, you may spot the Easter Bunny and his friends wandering around and saying hi to revelers!

Price: Free!
Sat., Apr., 16, 2-8 p.m.
Rodale Pleasant Park Community Garden
437 East 114th St.
East Harlem
Online: neighbors.columbia.edu

photo: Mimi O’Connor

TNF’s Easter Hunt and Bunny Fun

Put on cute bunny ears and grab your adorable bunny basket, it’s time to collect some more eggs! Besides bunny ears and baskets, participants of this event will also get a chance to take as many photos with the Easter Bunny as they’d like — a photographer will even be on site to take photos of the whole family with the bun for you with your phone or camera. And, of course, kids will get to have fun collecting eggs, which contain little treats and trinkets (“nothing healthy,” notes TNF, so parents be aware and kids rejoice).

Price: $25 per child, $15 for kids under 1 (“non-walking”); $30 at the door; adults don’t need a ticket
Sat., Apr. 16, every hour starting at 10:30 (last entry at 2:30)
Sakura Park West 122nd St. and Riverside Dr.
Morningside Heights
Online: tnfnyc.com

photo: Emily Munro

Annual Easter Celebration at CMOM

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers an egg hunt with a twist: Instead of finding eggs filled with candy, the museum sends kids in search of eggs hidden around the museum to uncover a secret message. Solving the mysterious messages nets you a prize! There will also be a bunny ears craft, an Easter basket weaving workshop, animal finger puppet making, and a musical performance by Joanie Leeds.

Price: Museum admission
Sat. and Sun., Apr. 16-17
212 W. 83rd St.
Upper West Side
212-721-1223
Online: cmom.org

 

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

The annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is on again this year, and as festive as ever! Wear your Sunday best and your most elaborate bonnet and join in the festivities. To watch people in period costume and wonderful hats parade past, it’s recommended that you head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral (on Fifth Ave. between 50th and 51st St.).

Price: Free!
Sun., Apr. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th St
Midtown
Online: nycgo.com

Easter Egg Hunt in Soho

Nothing could be more NYC than searching for golden eggs on the terrace of a hotel. Hosted by Veranda an held at the ModernHaus Hotel, this unique egg hunt is split up for kids ages 1-3 (starting at 10) and kids ages 4-8 (starting at 10:45). For the fee, you get a basket for the egg hunt as well as brunch for the child consisting f penne pasta, grilled chicken, or chocolate chip pancakes, and a glass of juice or milk. Accompanying adults will receive tea and coffee and get the chance to purchase mimosas or Spritz.

Price: $30
Sun., Apr. 17, 10-11 a.m.
23 Grand Street
Soho
Online: eventbrite.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Frederick Johnson Playground

Held for the second year, this neighborhood event is hosted by La’Dreamer & Daisy Helping Hands Foundation Inc. Stop by for some pizza, dancing, and—of course!—an egg hunt. Easter baskets will be distributed at the end of the event!

Price: Free!
Sun., Apr. 17, 1-3 p.m.
Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and W 151st St.
Harlem
Online: eventbrite.com

photo: iStock

Brooklyn

Myrtle Easter Hunt

Drop by Myrtle Avenue and Hall Street for a chance to have fun and get to know the community and local small businesses while you’re at it. Pick up your Myrtle Easter Hunt card in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza (at Murtle Ave. and Hall St.) then walk along the streets, checking out the shops and fun events set up for kids along the way. Be on the lookout for the lost bunnies! Find all six and mark them in your hunt card, and you’ll receive a goodie bag with eggs, stickers, and a free book.

Price: Free!
Sat., Apr 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Myrtle Ave & Hall St
Clinton Hill
Online: myrtleavenue.org

Kids Easter Egg-citement at the Salvation Army Bedford

Party on with arts and crafts, face painting, an Easter egg hunt treats and toys, and more. A concession stand with popcorn and cotton candy will also be available, as well as food and drink vendors.

Price: $20 (and a $3.05 fee), $15 early bird price (and a $2.74 fee)
Sat., Apr. 9, 1-6 p.m.
110 Kosciuszko St.
Bed-Stuy
Online: eventbrite.com

Crossroads Easter Eggstravaganza

The Crossroads Christian Church is hosting this Easter Eggstravaganza event for children ages 12 and under. Be prepared for games, Easter egg hunts, and chances to take photos with the Easter Bunny and his friends. Advance registration is encouraged as it’ll speed up check-in time.

Price: Free!
Sat., Apr. 9, 2-4 p.m.
Owl’s Head Park
Colonial Rd & 68 St & Shore Rd
Bay Ridge
Online: crossroadsbrooklyn.churchcenter.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Farm

Take the kids to visit the Easter Bunny and all his farm friends as Green Meadows Farm sets up for the holiday. A ticket gets you admission to the Easter egg hunt as well as a visit to the Bunny Barn and a photo op with Whiskers the Easter Bunny. But you also get to say hi to all the animals of the farm, including alpacas, llamas, sheep, goats, chickens, ponies, pigs, and, of course, bunnies. There are also tractors for kids to climb around, a farm playground, slides, hayrides, and more. It’s strongly encouraged that you buy and print your ticket in advance, as buying tickets on the day of can take up to 30 minutes.

Price: $14 per person (age two and above)
Apr. 9-10, 15-18, and 23-24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
3159 Flatbush Ave.
Online: greenmeadowsfarmbrooklyn.com

 

photo: Etsy

Ukrainian Easter Egg Workshop

The Ukrainian Easter egg decorating technique Pysanka uses beeswax and dye resist to create beautiful and intricate designs. For kids ages six and up with one adult. Advance registration is required.

Tickets: $75; $25 additional family members
Sun., April 10, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
237 Fifth Ave.
718-215-0589
Online: privatepicassos.com

Easter Egg Hunt & Pop Up Shop

This all-ages egg hunt is fun for the kids and adults since it’s a mashup of an Easter party and a pop-up shop. Kids can find eggs filled with goodies and win prizes by collecting as many eggs as they can. Meanwhile, adults will enjoy shopping at the local vendors, where food, treats, and other goodies will be available to purchase. There will also be raffles, as well as unlimited mimosas and a cash bar for the adults.

Price: $2
Sat, April 16, 1p.m.-7 p.m.
Mystique Event Space
1605 Nostrand Ave.
East Flatbush
Online: eventbrite.com

Town Square’s Annual Spring Egg Hunt at FourFiveSix

After a two-year pause, the annual Spring Egg Hunt is back! Bring a basket and join in on a traditional-style egg hunt. As kids run around finding eggs, they can also jam out to music, get their faces painted, and say hi to the Easter Bunny. Parents will be able to purchase refreshments like mimosas and bloody Marys. A ticket is required for every child (including babies) and stroller parking is available ouside the venue. Fancy bonnets encouraged!

Price: $20 online, $30 at the door; two parent tickets per family at $5 online, $10 at the door
Sat., Apr 16, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., & 2 p.m.
199 Richardson St.
Williamsburg
Online: eventbrite.com

Kiddies Easter Paint-N-Brunch

Brunch is better with some art thrown into the mix. You’re invited to a (very late!) brunch at LOC FEST, where kids will get to eat, paint together, play games, and more. Painting begins at 3, so time your visit accordingly.

Price: $50 per person
Apr 17, 2 p.m.
1493 Park Pl
Crown Heights
Online: locfestnyc.com

Kids Easter Egg-stravaganza at Colors Effect

The social event space and paint bar Colors Effect is hosting this party at their awesome space in Crown Heights. Join in for a painting sesh, egg hunts, games, treats, and a visit from the Bunny himself.

Price: $40 and up
Sun., Apr. 17, 3-6 p.m.
1454 St Johns Pl
Crown Heights
Online: colorseffect.com

photo: Shari W. via Yelp

Bronx

Egg Hunt at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

Children ages 2-12 can hunt for eggs in the gardens of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, as well as snag a photo with the bunny. Bring your own basket, and enjoy! Advance registration is required.

Price: $10 for children, free for adults accompanying a child
Sat., Apr. 9 and 16, one hour sessions starting at 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
895 Shore Road
Pelham Bay
Online: bartowpellmansionmuseum.org

Williamsbridge Oval Spring Egg Hunt

Kids under 13 are invited to join in for an egg hunt, sack races, arts and crafts, magic shows, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more! Egg hunts will happen in two time slots for different ages: 3-6-year-olds will be admitted at 11:30 a.m. while 7-10-year-olds can enter at 12 p.m. While this event is completely free, visitors are encouraged to bring a can of food to donate to a local pantry.

Price: Free!
Sat., Apr. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3225 Reservoir Oval East
West Bronx
Online: nycgovparks.org

Easter Egg Hunt at Pelham Bay Park

It’s an egg hunt eggstravaganza at Pelham Bay Park! Help the bunny find his eggs while you enjoy music, games, prizes, candy, and more. Admission includes entry into the egg hunt (which has candy and cash prizes!), a photo with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt bag, and free snacks.

Price: $20 for kids 3-12, free for kids under 3
Sat., Apr 16, 1-4 p.m.
Pelham Bay Park
Bruckner Blvd & Westchester Ave
Pelham Bay
Online: eventbrite.com

iStock

Queens

Barnyard Egg Hunt at Queens County Farm Museum

Whiskers the Bunny is ready to accept visitors and photos at this Barnyard Egg Hunt. The event will have kids hopping and dancing for outdoor games, and searching around for goodies with a scavenger hunt and an egg hunt — bringing your own basket is encouraged. Buy food from local vendors, say hi to the farm animals, or climb aboard for a hair-raising hayride (or all of the above!). Note that tickets won’t be sold at the door, and that tickets to the egg hunt area are timed, so be sure to select the time that works for you when purchasing one.

Price: $12 for adults and kids ages 2 and up
Sat., Apr. 9 and 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Floral Park
Online: eventbrite.com

Easter Kids Party in Astoria

It’s a Disco Party and the Doha Bar & Lounge is hopping! This event will feature the obligatory visit from the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, music, and dancing. But you’ll also find fun extras, including a magic show, face painting, balloon twisting, cotton candy, toy raffles, and, yes, a literal disco ball in the middle of the dance floor. You can get tix one at a time, or for a group of 10 (get 1 free) or a group of 20 (get 3 free)

Price: $25 per adult and child over 2 years old
Sat. and Sun., Apr 16 and 17, two time slots each day: 12-2:30 p.m.; and 3-5:30 p.m.
3834 31st St.
Long Island City
Online: eventbrite.com

Staten Island

photo: Eileen Lapins

Easter Bunny Brunch at Wynwood and Richmond Republic

Two hot spots in SI are hosting Easter brunch for the same price. The fee includes an entree and a complimentary cocktail, beer, or wine for the grow-ups in the party. Kids will have plenty to keep them occupied, as well, including face painting, an egg hunt, and a magic show. They’re on different days, so you could technically attend both!

Price: $25 per child, $50 per adult

Sat., Apr 2, 11:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
Wynwood Restaurant & Bar
24 Navy Pier Court
Staten Island
Online: eventbrite.com

Sat., Apr 9, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Richmond Republic
4459 Amboy Road
Staten Island
Online: eventbrite.com

Sunday Brunch with the Easter Bunny at The Old Bermuda Inn

Visit the historic Old Bermuda Inn for brunch and say hello to the visiting Easter Bunny. Besides their usual fare of brunch buffet, there will be a special children’s menu available. An additional option is available for Easter Sunday, on April 17, which will feature assorted bread and salads, egg dishes, roasts and carving stations, a children’s menu option, and more… plus, a complimentary mimosa or bloody Mary for the adults.

Price: $36 per adult, $22 for children under 10; $45 per adult, $25 per child on Apr. 17
Sun., Apr 3. and 10, 12-3 p.m.; Apr. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Historic Old Bermuda Inn 301
Veterans Road West
Staten Island
Online: theoldbermudainn.com

Marcie Photography Easter Bunny Photos

Want an Easter photograph to cherish? Marcie Photography will ensure your photo is one to look back on for years to come. Photos are taken in a professional studio, where you bring your Sunday best and the pros do the rest. Each photo comes with a free 5×7 print. Be sure to reserve a time slot ahead of time!

Price: Starting at $15
Thu., Apr 14, 1 1p.m.
Sun., Apr 17, 4 p.m.
S.I. Food and Art Market
20 Cebra Ave off Victory Blvd
Staten Island
Online: eventbrite.com

photo: Pixabay

Other

Mall Easter Bunny Photos

Run by Cherry Hill Programs, bunnies are hopping over to a mall near you this Easter. Find an Easter Bunny photography experience at whereisbunny.com. This April, you’ll have a chance to take bunny photos at Kings Plaza Mall, Queens Center Mall, Staten Island Mall, and more locations in and near NYC. Although pre-booking a photo session is strongly recommended, some locations will only be accepting walk-ins on certain days. Check the website for details before you head out!

Various times and locations
Online: whereisbunny.com

Easter Dinner Cruise

Who says you have to be on land to enjoy Easter weekend? Hop aboard the Easter Dinner Cruise and make this a night to remember as you sail with a full view of the evening Manhattan skyline. Included in the price is a full-course dinner at a private table, as well as a glass of champagne for adults. Adding to the experience will be a live DJ and the chance for a photo with the bunny.

Price: Starting at $109
Sat. and Sun., Apr. 16 and 17, 7 p.m. (boarding at 6:40)
Departs from Pier 36
Online: eventcruisesnyc.com

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Stew Leonard’s

Stew Leonard’s of Yonkers is hosting two events for kids. Visit on April 5 to take part in a free egg hunt, where kids will be given a bag then sent in to collect eggs. Each egg will contain a small prize like candy or a small toy, but five lucky kids will win an Easter basket. The Easter Bunny will also be joining Stew’s regular lineup of mascots for plenty of photo ops. While the event is free, a ticket is required.

Want more Easter fun? Have a buffet-style Easter breakfast with the bunny and his friends, while kids get coloring sheets that they can fill out there or take home. And, of course, take more pics with the bunny!

Easter Eggstravaganza:

Price: Free!
Tue., Apr. 5, 4-5:30 p.m.

Easter Breakfast:

Price: $18-22
Sat., Apr. 9 and Sun., Apr. 10, 9 and 11 a.m.

1 Stew Leonard Dr.
Yonkers
Online: stewleonards.com

Hop to It, Kids! The Online Easter Egg Hunt

Want to stay home this year? You can still have a memorable experience! This NYC-based online egg hunt will take kids over 10 all over the internet (safely — one adult is required to be in your family group) to find hidden eggs in places you might not expect. The hunt will challenge children to spot eggs in paintings, look for dinosaur eggs in history museums, and even in the architecture of Spain. Participants will meet with a live host on Zoom, download an app (which works in any browser), then take off on an hour-long experience to spot and learn about eggs in various forms all around the world. You can join the live public event on April 16, or inquire about hosting a private hunt.

Price: $19 per person
Sat., Apr. 16, 5-6:30
Online: watsonadventures.com

RELATED STORIES:

Fresh Air Fun: The Best Spring Day Trips from NYC for Kids

Chow, Baby: Where to Eat Brunch With Kids in NYC

Petal Pushers: Where to See Spring Flowers in NYC

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Whether you call them a playard, play yard or play pen, these portable powerhouses take convenience to the next level. Doubling as travel cribs and a place for indoor or outdoor fun, some playards include features like removable covers for protection from sun and insects. We’ve rounded up our favorites and share all their bells and whistles.


portable playards chicco alfa lite

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

$160 BUY NOW

At only 13 pounds, the Chicco Alfa Lite travel playard is a breeze to bring with you. It comes with a zippered carry bag and features an easy, snap-open set up so it's at the ready when sleepiness strikes. Once snapped open, your child can rest or play on a full-size, padded area, and crawl in and out via a zippered side panel. The mattress cover zips off and is machine-washable, and the frame fabrics can be removed and washed as well. Designed for kids up to 30 pounds and 35 inches tall.


portable playards veer basecamp

Veer Basecamp

$179 BUY NOW

Ready to head to the beach, a park or just out to the backyard? Then you need the Veer Basecamp. This play yard is delivered fully assembled and opens (and folds) in one easy step. It comes with anchors for beach or grass, a UPF50 cover for sun and rain, and a moisture-resistant bottom. Kids will love the large play area (56" wide x 43" deep x 35" high), and parents will appreciate the built-in insect protection, external zipper for safety, and the storage bag. If you have the Veer Cruiser wagon, the Basecamp's storage bag attaches to it in a stroke of brilliance. Pick up the brand's roomy, waterproof tote, and you're ready for every adventure.


portable playards born free nisa

Born Free Nisa

$200 BUY NOW

The nisa playard from born free has a pop-open design for a quick setup and comes with a removable, oversize six-panel canopy with three mesh panels for ventilation and three covered panels to protect kids from the elements. One panel zippers down for easy access to the inside. Bonus: You can fold up the play yard with the canopy still attached, making it a snap to reassemble next time. The play yard floor is padded and covered with machine-washable fabric. When it's time to pack up, just fold it up and tuck it into its carrying bag.


Guava Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib

$220 BUY NOW

This lightweight (13 pounds!) combination travel crib and play yard fits in the included backpack and can be brought on an airplane as a carry-on bag. It's certified free of harmful chemicals and features an ingenious zippered side door for crawl-friendly playtime. When using it as a travel crib, there's an insulated foam mattress pad with waterproof cover so your child will be comfortable on any surface, indoors or out. When you're heading outside, bring along the separately sold mosquito net and UPF50+ fun shade, which blocks the sun's rays, darkens baby's sleeping area and makes for an awesome fort.


Portable Playards Regalo Eight Panel My Play Portable Playard

Regalo Eight Panel My Play Deluxe Portable Play Yard

$100 BUY NOW

Designed for kids between 6 and 24 months, this water-resistant play yard with removable canopy (there's also a smaller, six-panel version) can be set up or folded down in one step. The canopy, made from half mesh and half UV-protected nylon, also opens with one step. The edges of the play yard have reinforced stitching to keep kids from ripping through it, and the bottom is made of a durable nylon. There's a zippered door that lets kids in or out, and a carrying bag is included.


Portable Playards Phil and Teds Traveller Crib

phil & ted's Traveller Travel Crib

$150 BUY NOW

Based on its name and ultra light weight (6 pounds), you know the Traveller is designed to make it easier to get away with your baby. It's compact enough to fit in a small car trunk and unpacks into a cozy sleep spot and play area. It assembles easily and features a zippered side so parents can slide in for sleepy snuggles and kids can crawl out while playing. Pop on the mesh top accessory ($19.99) that attaches to the crib with toggles to keep baby protected from bugs and sun.


portable playards Summer Pop 'N Play Deluxe Ultimate Playard

Summer Pop 'N Play Deluxe Ultimate Playard

$109 BUY NOW

True to the Pop 'N Play name, this lightweight (12 pounds) metal play structure can be set up in seconds. When playtime is over, it folds compactly into a storage bag with shoulder strap. It has mesh sides for visibility, a full-coverage, removable canopy with zippered sections for added airflow and easy access to kids, and a padded floor. You get 14 square feet of safe, comfortable play space and, if kids need extra entertainment, you can slip a tablet, smart phone or other toy into the clip-on entertainment pouch that attaches to the side.

Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: Chicco

photos courtesy of retailers

RELATED STORIES:

The Smart Mom’s Guide to Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

8 Awesome Outdoor Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Gear Up for Summer Adventures with Baby

 

Looking for an extra creative kid’s costume that hits close to home? Try a funny Halloween costume inspired by the San Francisco Bay Area

Halloween is back with a revenge this year and we just know the costumes will be next level! While superheroes and princesses are a dime a dozen, you can win some major bonus points for creativity with these costumes that show your love for our Bay Area. From favorite landmarks to home town heroes to all of our local sports teams, your little one will be the talk of the town at trick-or-treat time. Grab your inspo below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Muni Diaries (@munidiaries) on

A Muni Bus

Got a kid who loves Muni? Got a box from Amazon? You are all set for this totally awesome and totally easy mini Muni costume. 

Philz Coffee and Barista

Valaska Nguyen

Dress your littles as a tiny barista and cup of coffee which will surely cause a jolt when they are on the streets trick-or-treating!

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brad’s Deals (@bradsdeals) on

Avocado

We love this too-cute option for little ones (because who doesn't love a smiley avocado?) but an avocado can be especially epic as a costume for a pregnant mom!

A Family of Haight-Asbury Hippies

Get out your tie dye kit and get to work making the most psychedelic gear that you can think of. Bell bottoms are easy to make by adding a triangular panel into those jeans that are almost too small. Add some Lennon-inspired shade and you are on your way! 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by C A T I A (@catiazegre) on

A Redwood Tree

We love this homage to our beloved Sequoia Sempervirens which, bonus, is super easy to make with those Amazon boxes you have in the recycle bin. 

Bay to Breakers Runner

Josh Kelahan via flickr

Take an everyday costume to the next level with the addition of a Bay to Breakers race number. It really is the perfect SF costume because you know you'll be chasing those little runners around no matter what your plans look like! 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GeekHampton (@geekhampton) on

Steve Jobs

Just get your little one a tiny turtleneck and some glasses and you've got the perfect costume that every Silicon Valley resident will recognize. 

Taco

Mike Rizzi

Is there ever a more appropriate time to pose in front of iconic San Francisco taco truck El Tonayense than while dressed as a taco? We think not. 

San Francisco 49'er

Everyone loves a pint-sized football player and the 49ers are a great option at Halloween time! We love this costume for its simplicity and comfort. Ditch the helmet and you are basically wearing PJs which is pretty much the Halloween dream. 

Boba Tea

ohhappyday

It seems like every week a new boba tea shop opens up in SF. Everyone will drink up your little one in this yummy costume that's super easy to make with a big sheet of plastic and some balloons. Make sure that you accompany your beverage with sea life-conscious non-plastic straw.

Golden State Warrior

Amber Guetebier

If you've got a mini-Steph Curry fan in your home, we're guessing you also have a Warriors tee as well. For an easy-peasy costume idea, throw on your kiddo's fave Warriors garb, a headband and a basketball and you've got one slam dunk of a Halloween costume.

The Perfect Bowl of Ramen

lindseylicious

It's no wonder our foggy city is having a love affair with this classic Japanese noodle soup. Food blogger Lindselicious dressed her little dumpling up as her favorite dish, complete with soft-boiled egg and barbecued pork. She looks more tempting than any candy bar!

Bart Station

Nga Ly

Get the whole family in on a Bart station themed family costume complete with map, fare gates and Clipper card!

Alcatraz Prisoner

Dress your tots as tiny prisoners for an oh-so-adorable nod to the Bay Area's famous island prison. Whether you go as Al Capone or George "Machine Gun" Kelly, this costume is easy to prep in a jiffy with some black clothes and white Duct tape. 

San Jose Shark

This South Bay-favorite costume is perfect for the little sports fan even if they are too young to take the ice. Teach them The Chomp to really get immersed in the role. 

Golden Gate Bridge

Raphael Sperry

It doesn't get more San Francisco than this classic span. This is a great costume for two (or three) for friends who want are willing to work together for the trick-or-treat-trek. A couple of fog wigs will make the whole thing truly authentic.

Morning Bun

Sarah Lynch

Babies dressed as food are fail-proof Halloween costumes—an adorable hot dog, a little peanut, a sweet cupcake—they’re all so cute. But a baby morning bun is off the charts. Wrap your infant up in padded brown fabric with a dusting of sugar-like glitter and you’ve got something worthy of a weekend wait at Tartine.

 

Baby Burners

Matt Kweder

Stripping down and riding bikes or dancing around a fire? What toddler wouldn’t love a visit to the Playa? Outfit your baby like an original Burning Man participant with a tutu, beads and a light-up tricycle, all covered in some sandbox dust. Add face paint and goggles as a final touch.

Ice Cream Vendor

Judy Haworth

This two year old ice cream vendor, El Niño Paletero, not only dressed the part but also handed out over 100 free Otter Pops in his Mission neighborhood—talk about getting into the role!

Santa Cruz Surfer

Surf's up, it's costume time! Pop the kiddo in their favorite swimsuit, add some faux Ray Bans and a zinc oxide nose and you'll be all set to assume the role of Santa Cruz Surfer Dude!

$4 Artisan Toast

Anna Hindley

You know that the debate about the price of toast in San Francisco is over when the much-discussed “$4 slice of toast” becomes a kid's Halloween costume. All it takes is an old-fashioned sandwich board costume or a foam mattress topper cut to size and voila—your child is a meme.

Pier 39 Sea Lion

Tom Arma

SF's most famous wildlife likes to swim, sunbathe and bark at tourists. These chubby, slippery, loud creatures make the perfect costume for little wobbly toddlers or babes who are still scooting around on their bellies.

Flowers from the SF Botanical Garden

This one is super fun for a DIY fanatic as you literally hot glue or sew as many faux flowers as you've got on to a sweatsuit!

Super Earthquake Kit

Anna Hindley

Are you Ready? Make the most of your survival stash by cobbling together a superhero costume from items found in your earthquake kit. On the plus side, it makes light of a scary lesson in natural disasters and helps review your family’s emergency plan. The con: you’ll have to replenish your supplies.

A City Under Construction

Little crane lovers must be in heaven! It seems every block of SF is sporting orange cones, teams of dump trucks and blinking caution lights these days. Our building boom may be a pain for moms, dads and drivers, but for little construction nuts, the city's torn-up state is a dream come true. Your kids will stop traffic in these cute construction-inspired costumes made with some foam board, a little caution tape and a whole lotta hot glue.

Robin Williams as Mork

Leslie Chew

Our beloved hometown comedian can be remembered by recreating one of his most beloved characters—Mork from the planet Ork. "Nanu nanu!"

Karl the Fog

Anna Hindley

With 352,000 followers on Twitter and over 20,000 Facebook friends, @karlthefog might be the most famous persona in the Bay Area—and definitely the most popular hashtag. Wrap your tot in a fluffy blanket or a cape made from cotton batting and you’re done. Be sure to tag your photos #karlthefog.

Start-up Success Story

Sarah Lynch and Anna Hindley

The way that some old-school natives talk about the tech folks, you might think they were a new breed of zombie—buying up our real estate with cash and lining up at dawn to board their shiny buses, their faces unnaturally aglow from the light of their smart phones. But this type of ghoul is easier to costume: dress ‘em in a hoodie and jeans, then fill thier pockets with cash and give them as many devices as they can carry.

Priness Vanessa

Anna Hindley

The closest thing that San Francisco has to a fairytale princess, the preternaturally perfect-looking Vanessa Getty is still referred to as an “It Girl” despite being a 40-something mother of three. Besides her beauty, Getty stands up for animals (she founded San Francisco Bay Humane Pets), rode into her wedding on a horse and appears to solely wear evening gowns. Who’s Elsa?

Cable Car

K. Haller

Cable cars are both the only mobile national monument and a pretty awesome Halloween costume to boot. Add a Rice-a-roni ad to the side for some extra bonus points. 

—Christine Lai, Kate Loweth, Erin Feher and Sarah Lynch

featured photo by Nga Ly

RELATED STORIES:

The Great Pumpkin: The Bay Area’s Best Pumpkin Patches

70 Ideas for Fall Fun in the Bay Area

Fall Road Trips from the Bay Area

Your tween wants to pay on the go just like you do. Even though you’re not ready to hand over a credit card, you do have options.

The PurewristGO bracelet is an easy way for kids to make contactless payments almost anywhere. Purewrist’s bracelet gives kids (and parents too!) the ability to tap-and-pay in retail, grocery, convenience, and other stores that offer this type of contact-free feature. The best part is, you can load funds onto their bracelet and monitor their spending.

photo courtesy of Purewrist

If your child is like most tweens or teens, they’re just starting to learn money management skills. This can make shopping solo a challenge. The PurewristGO’s account gives you the option to add or decrease the funds your child has access to—and all from your phone. You can also use your smart phone to monitor what your tween or teen spends their pre-paid funds on.

The waterproof bracelets are available in a rainbow of colors and don’t require charging for use. Made from SGS certified, eco-friendly, non-toxic silicone, these bracelets combine quality and environmental consciousness.

Bracelets start at $35, $10 of which is preloaded so you can start shopping right away. To nab a PurewristGO bracelet, visit the brand’s website here.

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES

6 Tips to Help Teach Financial Independence to Kids

This New Platform Is Teaching Kids Life Skills, One Penny at a Time

Teaching Kids About Money-Management: Real Tips You’ll Actually Use

It’s that time of year again! Bells are ringing, stores are stocking just about every flavor of candy cane imaginable and holiday flicks are everywhere from your smart phone to the big screen. The film aficionados at the Movies Anywhere app recently released users’ top picks—and we’ve got the scoop on what’s watched most.

With over 7,500 titles in its library and the ability to connect to participating platforms and retailers such as iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Comcast Xfinity, Google Play/YouTube, Verizon Fios TV, Vudu/Walmart, FandangoNOW and Microsoft Movies and TV, Movies Anywhere users have plenty of cinematic holiday happiness to choose from.

So what fave films topped the 10 most-watched list? According to Movies Anywhere’s stats, the winners are:

  1. Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
  2. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
  3. Home Alone
  4. Elf
  5. Toy Story: That Time Forgot
  6. The Polar Express
  7. Rise of the Guardians
  8. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  9. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
  10. Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Along with the most-watched holiday movies, Movies Anywhere also compiled a top 10 list of the most purchased flicks:

  1. Elf
  2. Home Alone
  3. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
  4. Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
  5. Die Hard
  6. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  7. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
  8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
  9. The Polar Express
  10. Rise of the Guardians

Between these two sets of data, it’s pretty clear Elf, Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Polar Express and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are popular picks for the holidays!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Movies Anywhere via Instagram 

 

 

RELATED STORIES

Send Holiday Cheer with a Grinch Rose Gift Box

All the New Movies and Shows Coming to Disney+ in December

Netflix Has Secret Codes to Shake Up Your Christmas Movie Playlist

Photo: Pixabay

For 30 days, I went without social media. And I survived. I hate to admit it, but I had become addicted to my phone. I would get anxious if I could not find it. I would get literal sweats thinking about messages I was missing, or comments that were left unaddressed. My phone had become my escape from toddler tantrums, spilled cheerios on the floor and cold coffee spilled on my white couch. I did not want to admit I had a problem, but when my 5-year old daughter drew a picture of my family and included my phone in my hand I knew I had to make some changes.

When my husband challenged me to the concept of a work and social media sabbatical for 30 days, I knew it was going to be hard. But I had no idea how hard. For the first 2 days I had literal shakes. I had removed my email, and all social media apps from my phone, but the habit of checking my social media app at any available moment had become so habitual, that I would tap the blank screen where they once were. When I would open my phone and realize there was nothing on it to do on my phone, I would sit there restless and unsettled. I had no idea how much I had relied on my social media apps to provide me affirmation, entertainment and a means of escape. Kicking the habit of constantly engaging my mind and my thumbs was a really hard shift.

But then towards the end of that first week I got used to my new normal. I left my phone in my purse, rather than having it on my body at all times. I read books with my kids without being distracted. I took walks without being distracted. I basically did normal things in life, that I used to do before I had a smartphone, without constantly being distracted.  Doing things without being distracted. What a novel concept. I am a high achiever. I have a ton of stamina and can get a lot of things done in a day. But interestingly, my biggest takeaway from my social media sabbatical was that by doing less, I actually achieved so much more. And the things I did give my attention to, got a lot more of me.

Here are my top observations from my walk in the social media desert, and why I think everyone should take a break from social media on the regular.

1. IT HELPS CLARIFY WHERE YOU SHOULD BE SPENDING YOUR TIME When my husband would nag me about how much time I spent on my phone, I would roll my eyes and in my head think, “Oh dear husband, how little you know about my career. I run a business! I’m an influencer! Don’t you understand I need to be connected at all times to respond to comments, answer queries, and remain relevant to my audience?”  Since I did not want to fall off the face of the internet universe completely, I did pre-program a few posts here and there, and told my followers of my absence. I put an auto-responder on my email. I even had my sister monitor my DM inboxes for me just in case something urgent came through. And what happened? Life went on. Everything continued to operate. I still got comments on things. I still got requests for info. And while I did not personally respond to everything, they all got handled.  The lack of noise and constantly responding to things really helped me see where my gifts could serve my customers best, and where my talents could make the most impact in both my family and my business.

2. I BECAME A BETTER FRIEND  This might sound a little grade six school yard like, but hear me out. I love social media- and I love some of the friendships I have made on my various platforms. But the absence of social media made me miss certain people. And so I picked up the phone and actually called them. And they called me. It was like returning to a time pre-smart phones and to what friendship was like back then: a time you actually connected with a person by hearing their voice and conversing back and forth. And it was awesome.  While social media is an amazing tool for connecting people, and I absolutely see its value, the absence of it made me a more intentional friend, and that was such an unexpected bonus.

3. I GOT MORE DONE BY DOING LESS This is revolutionary- be less busy and you get more done! I really had no idea the firm grasp social media had on my life. I kid you not, I was probably engaging in non-intentional (meaning just random scrolling, tweeting, liking, hearting) social media consumption for upwards of 6 hours a day. Yup, you read that right. This six hours was not all at once of course- in line at the grocery store, waiting for my order at a restaurant, while my kids played at the park, as soon as I got out of an appointment, the moment I opened my eyes in the morning, and the last thing I saw before going to sleep. You don’t think those little moments add up to much- what’s 15 minutes here and there, right? But string together those 15 minutes all day long and you get a massive chunk of time that you’ll never get back. Imagine what could be done with six hours a day? The absence of the constant distractions meant my mind was quiet. I was able to think about one thing at a time. And let me tell you, that bore a lot of fruit. I wrote. I schemed. I planned. I dreamed. I prayed. And some serious stuff came to the surface that I think I had suppressed in a sea of social media swimming.

4. I WAS NICER TO EVERYONE AROUND ME As a result of my phone addiction, I had become so incredibly distracted all the time. I was always finishing up just one last post, always responding to just one more comment. I was always doing something at the same time as something else. And my family suffered. I was short with the people I loved most, and not present to the people with whom I can do the most good.  Without constantly feeling pulled in other areas, I was more present and more grounded, and I think everyone benefited from it.

5. I DID NOT COMPARE MYSELF TO STRANGERS The first observation I found when I started engaging in social media again after my social media sabbatical, was that I went right back into comparing myself to total strangers, and feeling envious. No good comes from envy, and I was super surprised how quickly the feeling came over me within seconds of returning to social media. I write all of this because I never thought I could live without social media. And I survived. And I think that you could too.

If you’d like to reduce the amount of time you spend on your phone and examine your relationship with it as a result, here are a few strategies to set you up for success:

– Only use social media at designated times of the day, and stick to these periods like you would a gym class or any other appointment.

– Use a tool like HootSuite to pre-program social media posts so you can streamline your usage of these apps. – Use an app like Freedom or AppDetox to set time limits and block certain apps at certain times to improve productivity, mindfulness, and connection with others.  – Remove social media apps from your phone and only use them on your laptop or desktop computer.

 

Interior designer from HGTV’s “Buying and Selling with the Property Brothers,” lifest‌yle expert, author and mom of seven Lisa Canning almost lost her family by pursing career success. Now she coaches moms on how to live their best lives, eliminate stress, feel less guilt and get more done while chasing their dreams.

As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, I pride myself on staying up to date on the latest—and safest—sleep recommendations, so when I saw the online buzz about a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association about the harmful effects of white noise machines, I felt my heart sink to my stomach. I frequently recommend white noise machines to clients who have environmental noise waking up their little ones early in the morning or throughout the day, so yes, I was freaked out. After all, these were reputable news sources making these claims.

However, as is all too often the case, the headlines were inflammatory and drastically misleading. After reading the article and looking further into the studies it referenced, I discovered that in actuality the headlines were clickbait meant to scare parents into clicking on the link. While I do not have a degree in audiology, I do have a background in research methods and know a thing or two about debunking a news story. To me, this was a quintessential article fear-mongering article meant to terrify parents.

It began with a classic worry-inducing headline, went on to list a few points about the potential harm that [insert any topic here] could be doing to your child and ended with a one-liner in the last paragraph essentially stating that, “Most experts agree that if you have even the slightest modicum of common sense, this isn’t something you need to worry about.”

Let’s unpack the story that have so many parents tossing their noise machines in the trash, shall we?

What’s Wrong with Baby Sound Machines?

The article in USA TODAY starts with the headline, “Caution Urged for Infant Sleep Machines!” and by the second sentence, claims that a study shows that white noise machines, “could place infants at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.” The study they’re referring to tested 14 different machines along with the volume of noise emitted at different distances.

The results? All 14 machines tested exceeded 50 decibels at 100 centimeters from the sensor (with the threshold of 50 decibels being the recommended noise limit for hospital nurseries). So, if hospital nurseries set sound machines to 50 decibels and every one tested exceeded that, does that mean there is not a sound machine on the market that does not damage a baby’s hearing? Well, wait, how loud is 50 decibels?

To avoid going into all the painfully boring details of how decibels work, here’s some relative perspective:

  • A vacuum cleaner is 75 decibels
  • A shower is around 70 decibels
  • A normal conversation is about 60 decibels
  • And a quiet conversation at home is around 50 decibels

So, using a bit of logic, it would seem that the reason pediatric nurseries are suggested to keep the noise below 50 decibels has more to do with creating a sleep-friendly environment than preventing hearing loss. The lull of a quiet conversation is definitely not enough to do any type of hearing damage! I think we all can agree on that!

But My Sound Machine Goes Up To Over 85 Decibels!

It was found that three of the noise machines tested were capable of putting out more than 85 decibels of white noise. That’s closer to the level of a garbage disposal or blender and is the point where North American occupational health and safety associations recommends that people wear hearing protection if they’re exposed to it for a full work day.

So, it sounds like there is potential for hearing damage should you put one of these three sound machines on at full blast and place it right next to your baby’s crib. I’ll admit, that’s worth letting parents know about. But I have two thoughts here:

If you turn on a blender-level noise machine on maximum volume in your baby’s room and expect them to sleep, I think you need to try that little experiment on yourself first. Let’s be honest about how many of us can sleep well—if at all—next to a lawnmower or when your husband is making his morning smoothie. I would think that common sense would prevent parents from cranking these things to level 11 and leaving them next to baby’s head overnight.

Warning parents about the potential harm of white noise machines can be done in a calm, non-panic-inducing manner.

Keep Your Sound Machine!

I try not to let it get to me, but it really does drive me absolutely crazy when media outlets take a perfectly rational study like this one—whose only conclusion is to suggest that the machines should ship with some kind of instructions on how to use them safely—and try to cause a panic in order to draw “numbers” to their website. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear that this has caused at least a few parents, who are of course extremely concerned about protecting their babies, to throw away a great product that helps their little one get the sleep they need just because of some inflammatory headline with a bit of fine print.

The one thing that every parent, pediatrician, scientific researcher and academic can agree upon is that we all need sleep. It is a basic human requirement.  We suffer without it and we thrive when we prioritize it. If your little one sleeps better when you have a white noise machine between their crib and the door or window, please don’t buy into the idea that you might be damaging their ear drums.

As long as you’re keeping the volume at a reasonable level, all you’re doing is helping them get the sleep they need.

If you are concerned about the decibel level of your sound machine, I’d recommend downloading the Decibel X app on your smart phone to give you some peace of mind & give everyone a good night’s sleep!

Jamie is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and offers personalized sleep solutions to exhausted families nationwide. With a background in child development and infant mental health, she keeps up to date on the latest evolutions in the field which allows her to blend technical knowledge with empathy and compassion to tailor her support.

A recent study of adults ranging from 22 to 37 discusses the toys millennials grew up with, and we are totally taking a trip down memory lane. While times have changed over the last generation, it’s reassuring to see that most of the top toys from the ’80s and ’90s are still alive and kicking today.

Despite having more toys than any previous generation, about 35 percent of parents polled in the study believe their children spend less time playing with toys than they did at the same age––a shame!

Curious as to what the most popular toys for millennials are? Keep reading to find out!

Barbie

lil'_wiz via Flickr

Barbie made her debut in March of 1959 and has been a mainstay for toy dolls ever since. Mattel has sold over a billion dolls since her birth and continues to reinvent herself with inclusive sizes, ethnicities and more. You don't have to look far to find a Barbie, and we tend to love the styles from the '90s best because they speak to our inner millennial. The stylish doll with thousands of shoes, clothes and professions inspired a generation—and continues to do so today.

Fisher Price Phone

eBay

The Fisher Price Chatter Phone is a staple in toddler toys. Made for youngsters 12 to 36 months old, this toy first hit store shelves in 1962. The pull-along toy started out with a rotary dial but in 2000 it was changed to push buttons––because hello 21st century. Kids loved having their own phone and having long-distance phone convos on their own time and it paved the way for a generation of smart phone lovers.

Beanie Babies

Joel Telling via Flickr

Remember the Beanie Babies fad in the late '90s? It made such a fuss that it's still widely regarded as one of the world's first internet sensations! The plush collectibles were the only "toys" that kids were somehow okay not playing with. We learned the hard way that cutting off that heart-shaped tag had devastating consequences.

Sylvanian Families/Calico Critters

eBay

Whether you lived in North America, Australia or Europe growing up, you probably played with a Sylvanian Families doll. The flocked mini-woodland creatures hold jobs, have hobbies and come usually in sets of four family members. In the early 1990s, the toy's distribution company lost it's rights in Canada and the United States, so they were reintroduced as Calico Critters. Ever since, kids have been collecting the whimsical animals and trying not to knock over all those adorably tiny accessories while playing.

My Little Pony

Chinnian via Flickr

The My Little Pony brand originated in 1981––prime millennial age. We literally grew up with the brightly colored plastic ponies and even though they have gone through four reboots, it hasn't stopped generations of pony lovers, and even bronies from staying true. The newest update, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic has inspired an entire new generation with the Mane 6 and, dare we say it, might be the best incarnation of MLP yet.

Tamagotchi

Katy via Flickr

If you've never accidentally killed a Tamagotchi digital pet, are you even a millennial? But seriously, the handheld Japanese toy took the '90s and early 2000s by storm and required more attention than most toys of the day and age. It went through 44 different versions between 1996 and 2009, but you can actually still purchase the original on Amazon for a mere $20. Or, you could always just snag the Tamagotchi app, since you're more likely to carry around your phone than your pocket pet.

Care Bears

John Trainor via Flickr

In 1981 Care Bears hit the scene—but on American Greetings cards! In wasn't until 1983 they made their way into plush form—and then three made-for-TV movies—when our hearts fell in love. Now, there are more than 210 Care Bears and the lovable bears have gone through relaunches in 1991, 2002, 2007, 2012 and now 2018 where it was announced they would get their own show on the streaming service, Boomerang. You'll soon be able to visit Care-a-lot and the Kingdom of Caring with your own kiddos!

Nintendo Game Boy

El Barto Was Here via Flickr

If you had a Nintendo Game Boy, you had it MADE. The first 8-bit handheld video game debuted in 1989, and if you were super cool, you got the transparent version. The Game Boy was rugged and had tons of games that drew in boys, girls and even grownups alike. It was a pioneer to all the future handheld devices kids have at their disposal now and while you can't buy the original, you can definitely get your fix with the Nintendo DS or the Nintendo Switch.

POGS

eBay

I'll trade you my slammer for 10 of your pogs! Ahh, the ramblings of '90s millennials. The milk cap game that originated in Hawaii started a craze on the mainland and beyond. While there were just as many kids who simply collected the colorful and unique caps as those who actually played the POGS game, there was simply the fact that you could never have enough in your collection.

Hungry Hungry Hippos

David Goehring

The goal of Hungry Hungry Hippos it to be the player to collect the most marbles––or is it? While kids loved playing this fun and exhilarating game, there were equal amounts of parents who felt the object was to drive them crazy because this game is LOUD. But never fear, now our own kids can terrorize us because this game is still around today and you can find it on Amazon for under $20.

Spirograph

Ebay

Oh the never-ending drawings you could make with a Spirograph! Grab your colored pens and sit back for hours of fun. Nobody knew the frustration more of a Spirograph that jumped the track more than a nineties kid. The toy was relaunched back in 2012 so you can still give your kiddos the gift of spirals!

Jump Rope

Hans via Pixabay

As kids, millennials dreamed of being Double Dutch stars and we had the jump ropes to prove it! While most us ended up jumping solo, the jump rope was a constant friend, along with the tones of jumping songs to go with it.

––Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

15 Throwback Toys From Your ’80s Childhood

If You Grew Up in the ’70s You Probably Played with These Toys

Pillow Pets Are the Latest “Retro” Toy Making a Comeback