6 Non-Toxic Cleaning Products to Buy Now

by Kate CartiaAugust 29, 2023

Not all non-toxic cleaning products are created equal

Some of us clean like Marie Kondo (that’s still a thing, right?), while others of us shove toys in the closet and call it a day. Whatever your style, turn to these non-toxic cleaning products that help make all that tidying, wiping and washing just a tad bit more bearable. These cleaning brands are all sustainable, effective, and have packaging that you actually won’t want to hide under the sink. Oh, and they don’t require a hazmat suit to use or leave that funky bleach smell on your fingers.

Why go out of your way to stick with non-toxic cleaning products? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the chemicals found in some cleaning products can cause health problems, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches. Leaning on green(er) formulas can help prevent asthma, upper respiratory inflammation, fatigue, nasal congestion, nausea, and dizziness. Of course, we all want to avoid all that. Plus, many non-toxic cleaning products are safer to use around your little ones (always read package labels to make sure, though). Read on for our picks.

Grove Co's Traditions Aglow Collection

grove collective non-toxic cleaning products with sponges and cleaning bucket — Grove Collaborative

You'll actually want to do the dishes when you smell the Spiced Pumpkin or Harvest Apple scent of the Traditions Aglow collection from Grove Co ('tis the season!). Get the kids doing their own laundry with the dissolvable laundry sheets and show them how to be better Earth stewards with the cleaning concentrate and reusable spray bottle. Everything from Grove Co is sustainable, cruelty-free, and made with 100% natural fragrances so you can feel good having it in your home.

Grove Co Traditions Aglow Collection ($103.84)—Buy Here!

L’AVANT Collective

flat lay of grey, white, and black non-toxic cleaning products — L'AVANT Collective

With L’AVANT Collective, you can now have effective non-toxic cleaning products that you’ll actually be proud to display on the counter. Their line, with packaging design that's downright dreamy, is sustainable (they have refillable and glass options) and plant-based (they tell us that their dish soap is the first plant-based soap to beat the performance of a conventional soap in third party testing). Choose from dish soap, multi-purpose cleaner, hand soap, biodegradable wipes, and bundles. They also offer a subscription service so you can set it and forget it.

L'AVANT Collective—Shop Here!

HealthyBaby

If you consult EWG before making purchases, you’ll love HealthyBaby. Their cleaning and laundry systems are both EWG-verified. Their cleaning system is a concentrate and with each 34 oz. bottle you can make up to 16 bottles of hand soap, 16 bottles of baby dish soap, or 16 bottles of surface spray, which saves so many plastic bottles per year (it comes with a reusable stainless steel container). HealthyBaby's laundry system also comes in a 34 oz. bottle, which makes up to 170 loads of laundry (you simply pump once or twice directly into your washer). Both are free of toxins and harsh chemicals typically found in common household products and detergent. Bonus: HealthyBaby also offers diapers, wipes and a skincare line, all EWG-approved and healthy and effective for your littlest littles.

HealthyBaby Cleaning System ($60.00)—Buy Here!

MomRemedy

The name of this brand pretty much says it all. This mom-approved remedy was created by New Hampshire mama, Jen Cosco, who created her line of sustainable cleaning sprays and wipes after finding it challenging to find cleaning products she felt comfortable using around her own kids and pets. MomRemedy’s line includes zero waste reusable wipes in glass jars and cleaning spray and stain remover bottles. The brand also has reusable glass bottles to help reduce environmental impact even further. Expect to find effective, non-toxic and a biodegradable formula that is dye-, sulfate- and paraben-free.

MomRemedy—Shop Here!

TrulyFree Clean Start Cleaning Kit

TrulyFree offers non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaning products that come in minimally-packaged refills so your environmental impact is greatly reduced. Your first shipment comes with the bottles, jugs, and cleaning solution, so all you need are the refill concentrates in future orders. They offer products for all over your home, too. Laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and more.

TrulyFree Clean Start Cleaning Kit ($49.00)—Buy Here!

arbOUR

arbOUR’s formulas are the best of both worlds: stronger than standard eco-friendly cleaners and naturally safe for everyone and everything important to you—your kids, pets, plants, and the environment. They work to adapt the latest professional innovations for household use to create cleaning products that are eco-effective (not just eco-friendly) because cleaners that don’t work just make more work and more waste for everyone, right?

arbOUR Everyday Spray ($9.00)—Buy Here!

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers.

How to Clean Your Kid’s Backpack (because, Ew!)

by Amber GuetebierMay 13, 2022

We all know it goes: that shiny and new backpack becomes a little worse for wear after a few months of riding on the bus, being dragged along the halls and getting chucked on the playground. If it’s still in decent shape, but covered with mystery stains, we have good news. You can totally clean your kid’s backpack. And prevent it from getting too darn gross, too. Here’s how to clean, disinfect and refresh that backpack!

How to Machine Wash Your Backpack

Yes, most likely you can wash it in the washing machine (unless it’s leather or has leather or suede trim/bottom, in which case you'll want to use a hand-washing method). Use a gentle cycle and and use your regular laundry detergent, but don't use very much detergent. Here's the real trick, though: place the backpack inside a pillowcase or washable laundry bag. Make sure the pillowcase is tied at the top. Be sure and spot clean (see below) any tough mystery stains before machine-washing.

Let it air dry. Be sure and open all pockets and compartments to let it dry out thoroughly.

Don’t put it in the dryer. Strange things will happen.

Tip: Make sure you empty the backpack of all notes, chewed up pens, half-eaten apples, fidget spinners, tiny erasers shaped like food or any other items.

How to Hand-Wash Your Backpack

Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and use a mild soap or detergent directly in the water. Before you submerge your backpack, make sure you’ve cleaned it out entirely and spot treated any tough spots.

If you have a Jansport backpack with a suede bottom or leather bottom use this method minus the detergent.

Submerge the bag in the water and “agitate” slightly to get it clean. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.

Once you’ve washed it, drain the soapy water and refill with clean water to rinse.

Soak in clean water and then squeeze out as much water as you can.

Air dry.

Tip: Keep the backpack tidier by tossing in snacks that won’t spill out of their packaging and rub into the bottom or inner lining. It also helps to provide snacks you know they will actually devour like these Jif® Power Ups™ our editors (and their kids) love.

How to Spot Clean & Disinfect

little boy going to school with a backpack — iStock

Use a tiny bit of detergent in water and spot clean with a clean sponge.

Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.

For really tough spots, try a spot-cleaning stick or stain remover.

Don’t let the mixture of detergent or stain remover dry out before rinsing it off with clean water or washing the bag using one of the methods above.

Tip: If your kiddo’s pack has been exposed to something like Athlete’s foot or another fungus, or you can just tell it is extra funktastic (your PE shorts have been in there how long??) use a spot cleaning method as above but sub in a disinfectant like Pine-Sol (never use bleach).

Embrace the Dirt

By Kate Loweth

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 20, 2022

Kids are dirty little beings. It’s a fact. I’m pretty sure that my 5-year-old is some sort of magical dirt magnet—as soon as he is dressed in the morning, his shirt is instantly covered with some mysterious stain or goo. I worry that his teachers think that we do not wash his clothes since he often arrives at school with a uniform shirt smudged in slime. Apart from changing his clothes in the minivan upon arrival at school, I’m at a loss for how to avoid this situation.

So—I’ve decided to embrace it. My kids are dirty. Even my 8-year-old girl is dirty. With summer coming, the dirt factor is only going to increase.

Secretly, I love it.

It means that they are getting down, getting dirty and really PLAYING. Like kids should do! Like we used to do before WiFi and OnDemand.

We were recently at a family festival where there was a bin of dirt with worms in it for kids to dig in and explore. My three little dirt-mongers LOVED it. They could not get enough of it. They soon passed up the mini rakes and shovels to dig with their bare hand to find all the slimy friends buried below.

I was saddened to see so many parents trying to steer their kids away from the bin of worms. “Ewwww!” and “gross!” were often uttered. By the adults. Did they not know the magic that the worm contains? The joy that crosses a child’s face when their worm slithers and squirms across their hand? That’s really when kids learn. They learn how the worm moves by squeezing and contracting its muscles. These are things we can’t truly see by reading a book or watching a video on YouTube. You have to feel it with your hands.

I wanted to tell the parents to embrace the worms. To allow their little ones to get a little dirty and just see what happens. The opportunity to be eyeball level with an amazing creature like a worm is very limited. Our kids are learning from us so how about we put aside our notions of what is dirty and “gross” and just let our kids explore for themselves.

This is especially true for our girls. They are held to a higher, cleaner standard. But why? Why must they sit with their ankles crossed while the boys get to have all the fun exploring? Playing in the outdoors is great for both body and mind—it develops creativity and physical skills like balance and coordination, and gives us a glimpse of the world beyond just us. It shows us how small we are on this big planet. Aren’t these good lessons for our girls to learn too?

Take this summer to embrace the dirt, or better yet, revel in it! See what fun can come when you let the kids get a little dirty. Go on a hike. Spend the night camping in your backyard. Splash in a stream. See what bugs are buried under your garden stones.

You may be surprised by what fun you have!

Kate Loweth

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kate is a a Bay Area native with three kids. She loves the outdoors, Bloody Marys and reality TV. Her life goal is to see more of the world!

18 Stain Removal Hacks You Need to Know About

by Amber GuetebierJuly 20, 2021

Stains: they are the hallmark of true parenting (and a sure result of a girls-night-in). While you might be able to let a few slide, some of them just could cost you the deposit on your apartment or incite a desire to replace your shag with something more, well, wipeable. We polled our editorial staff—who know a thing or two about stain removal—and got together their best tips. Scroll down for 18 simple ways to keep it clean.

1. Use boiling water for red wine: You might have heard the tried and true soda water/cold water rinse for red wine, but here’s a method our editors swear by—pour boiling water over the red wine stain and blot it up with a cloth (Note: do not blot it before without water).

2. Use lemon for sweat rings: Use lemon juice and water on sweat stains. Make a little potion and soak the area. Baking soda and water paste can help remove underarm stains on white clothing.

3. Use salt for red wine and grease stain: Pour salt on the stain to soak up any extra wine, then soak in cold water for 30 min. For blood, one hour in cold saltwater. Salt also helps absorb grease stains!

4. Use Shock It Clean. No, we don’t mean singing perfectly on-pitch to "Side to Side" and shocking the crowd. One of our editors turned us on to this product, and we are telling you that it removes every carpet stain ever. Including that weird pee stain you only just now noticed and can’t tell if it’s human or pet.

5. Use white wine on red wine: Yes, you have to waste a little white wine, but that’s nothing compared to wasting a good Sangiovese (Yes, we realize this is the third wine stain hack. What?).

6. Use white vinegar to get out coffee stains: Try white vinegar on coffee stains (on clothing). Soak for at least 8 hrs.

7. Chalk works on oil: Liquid dish soap is the most effective treatment for oil stains, but a stick of chalk can help absorb it quickly. Use a paper towel to blot up as much oil as possible, then rub the chalk stick on it. Wash as soon as possible.

8. One word: Oxiclean (That's one word, right?). Grass stains have met their match.

9. Use nail polish remover on paint: If you’ve got paint on the jeans you just couldn’t bring yourself to take off before touching up the walls, try shaving it off with a razor. Super stubborn paint stains from the people who painted before you can be combatted with nail polish remover and elbow grease.

10. Aluminum foil works wonder on rust: You can remove rust by lightly scrubbing with aluminum foil. Add a little white vinegar to really scrape off stubborn stuff.

11. Lemons make your sink shine: Clean up the gunk and shine up the chrome of your faucets using lemons. You can use a half-lemon or a wedge to squeeze into narrow spots and it works great to get your stainless steel sink to gleam too.

12. Toothpaste will make your diamonds sparkle: Use toothpaste to polish your silver rings and get rid of those tarnished stains.

13. Take care with rubbing alcohol to get nail polish out of the carpet: If you spill nail polish on the carpet or floor, use a microfiber cloth to absorb as much as you can, then continue blotting with rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth (Nail polish remover can damage hardwoods and other flooring surfaces, but you can try soaking the microfiber cloth in a bit of remover before washing).

14. Baking soda and white vinegar works on pet messes: To clean up poop, dog or otherwise, from the carpet you'll need white vinegar and baking soda. And a lot of paper towels. And probably gloves. Just let the paste fizz and blot, fizz and blot. It's like a mini-volcano of gross.

15. Cornstarch on a decorated dog: Kids got markers and/or paints and painted your dog? (No, oh, just wait...) If your pooch is light-colored, cornstarch can help lighten the fur back up.

16. Shout also works on pet messes: You can try your average carpet cleaner or "pet stain remover" but we found nothing takes care of the remains of the day like a laundry stain remover, i.e. extra-strength Shout.

17. Soda on garage grease stains. Pour a can of Coke on a greasy stain in your garage. (Diet Coke won't cut it, but you can always try.)

18. If all else fails: Give up (wear dark colors, or beige if you’re preventing spit-up stains; make sure your carpets are artfully swirly; put smocks on your kids every day).

—Edit Team

5 Reasons Why You Should Go to a Childbirth Class

By Penny White

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 24, 2021

Photo: kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Many many years ago my husband and I signed up for a childbirth class for our first child. I knew nothing about having a baby (he did as he had two daughters from his first marriage) and I wanted to make sure I knew what to expect (insert laughing emoji as birth is totally, completely, and utterly different from what you expect!). I was intending to have a natural birth and have a boy.

That’s not what happened.

Before we finished the courses, I had had an emergency c-section and a girl—for more details you can read all about it here.

So were the classes worth it then? I have 5 good reasons that say yes.

Reason #1: The Friends You Will Make
Annabelle, Tanya, Lisa and I met 22 years ago at a childbirth class. So yes, the class is worth it because I got a group of friends that, 22 years later, I’m still in contact with. We have shared tears, laughter, weddings, divorces, moving houses, moving countries, loss and birth.

But what if you’re just going to take a one-on-one class? Is it still worth it then? I still say yes.

Reason #2: Childbirth Educators Know How Amazing You Are and Our Job Is to Make You See That Too.
The moment you say that you are pregnant people want to share information with you. It almost feels like a competition to share the worst story so that you are “prepared,” for the “horror,” to come. A childbirth educator has heard all of the stories and can help you see the process of birth in a different, more positive way.

You don’t often hear the amazing stories, the tales of birth being a beautiful golden, euphoric moment and it really can be—the whole thing can be just wonderful. It doesn’t always hurt and it can be the most loving, connecting, and life-affirming time of your life. You can be so empowered and so powerful that your ferocious beauty is mouth-droppingly awesome for all who are lucky enough to see it.

Reason #3: However You Have Your Baby, a Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
I offer classes either as part of a course or a standalone session that covers one aspect such as a c-section. If I had a penny for every time I’ve heard “I’m planning a natural birth—I won’t need the induction class,” I would have a lot of pennies! Very few of us want a c-section or induction but they happen and it is worth it to be prepared for that eventuality.

Why?

Well for example, with an induction you are often confined to the bed for monitoring—how else will you know how to alleviate the sensations that you may feel and to get the baby to come a bit quicker? It’s not lay on the bed and wait, that’s for sure! But in a class, we show you how you can help your body, how to breathe, and hopefully, give you some idea of what to expect and prepare your partner.

Reason #4: Your Support Person May Not Know What to Do!
So some of the questions that I have been asked by partners in childbirth classes: How long will it take? How involved am I? Where can I get a coffee at the hospital? Should I trust her to tell me when she’s ready to head to the hospital? If her waters break in the car will they stain the seats? When they say they can see the head—what does that mean? How will I know she’s in labor? What can I do once the baby is born? How can I keep her energy levels up? Does it matter if I’m not there all the time?

Partners have the same questions you do and a whole load that you don’t. While you are birthing your baby, they are watching and it can be pretty stressful for some people to look at someone they love going through the sensations of birth. Classes not only tell them what to expect but also give them tools to assist you as well as a better understanding of what exactly their role should be.

Reason #5: The Internet Can Be a Scary Place
The final reason to take a childbirth class is that there is a lot of information out there and not all of it is accurate or positive. It can be an overwhelming place so take your time and make sure that you are getting information that is relevant to you and your partner. Connecting with an individual trained in childbirth can really help you alleviate some of the stress that you may be feeling in the run-up to the big day. Diminishing that fear can help reduce your labor time.

You still may not get the birth that you planned for but hopefully, you will understand the process and with the aid of the education you receive in the class be able to make the best, most informed decision for you and your baby.

This post originally appeared on bahbabelle.net.

Penny White

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm certified as a doula, breastfeeding counselor and Lamaze childbirth educator. I'm British, living in Bahrain in the Middle East for the last 14 years. I have three daughters and I just want to show them that it doesn't matter your age, dreams can be followed.

This Baby Yoda-Inspired Pyrex Is Perfect for Your Out of This World Treats

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 11, 2021

Baby Yoda is showing up everywhere. It’s no surprise he’s in our kitchens too, from snacks to green Frappuccinos.

Now Pyrex has introduced a new Baby Yoda themed glass container to store all of your “out of this world” treats.

photo: Corelle

Thea decorative storage container is made of tempered glass and features a smiling Baby Yoda enjoying one of his favorite snacks with phrases like “Snack! Please” and “Protect Attack Snack!”

According to the Pyrex website, “Feed the Child as you prep, bake, and store your food throughout the galaxy.” The container is stain resistant and doesn’t absorb food odors or flavors. You can use it to prep, bake, and store your food. To make it even better, the container is dishwasher, freezer, and microwave-safe.

You can snag a two-pack of containers on the Corelle website for $20.

—Jennifer Swartvagher & Karly Wood

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7 Practical Tips to Deal with Baby Spit-Up

By Tia Bandopadhay

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 15, 2021

Photo: Lisa K Victor on Unsplash

With infants, comes the high possibility of spit ups. It is absolutely normal. If you are a new mom, by now you would have experienced it. As an infant, my son spat up almost all the breastmilk he consumed. It was so frustrating to go over the entire process of tidying him up, with a change of clothes, and feed him again; hoping he doesn’t spit up again.

Acid reflux is also responsible for baby spit ups. It manifests around 2-4 weeks and peaks around 4 months. It usually subsides a few months later once your baby starts solids and starts sitting. It does increase before getting better though and sometimes using reflux medications can seem to be the only option.

However, it is important to note that not all babies that spit up have infant acid reflux. One clear indication that your baby has acid reflux is when they spit up repeatedly and arc their back and cry a lot. This is because of the acid that comes up after every feed and it can be very painful for babies. If your baby just spits up and is happy, it is a sign that your child doesn’t have acid reflux.

Baby spit-ups, and the associated mess, while not being totally avoidable, can be managed with ease. Yes mommies!! It can be managed with ease. Here’s how:

1. Keep Your Baby Propped Up
Keeping the baby propped up for at least 20 minutes after each feed, drastically reduces the chances of a spit-up. I tried this with my son and believe me….it worked wonders!!

Laying them down just after you feed increases their chance of spitting up as propping them up can keep their food down due to gravity.

2. Burp Your Baby
Babies tend to ingest a lot of air while suckling or feeding. So, make sure to burp your baby after each feed to ease the gas out from their little tummies. The accumulated gas/air can get painful and can lead eventually to a spit-up. So, burp your cutie.

3. Keep Burp Cloths & Wipes Handy
I always kept burp cloths handy during the first year of my son. It helps to quickly react to and clean up spit ups, dribbles, and all the baby mess that is always on-the-way back up. Also, keep baby wipes handy and you are good to go. Keeping the baby clean and dry should is a priority!

4. No Tummy Time after a Feed
Tummy time is essential for babies. It helps them gain strength and also relieves the gas accumulated in their tummies. But it should not be done right after a feed. The baby is very likely to spit up if you do.

Allow for at least an hour, after a feed, to give your super-kid some “tummy time”. It is so cute to watch them during this exercise….and especially when they are not spitting up!

5. Feed Small Meals Frequently
This is one thing I wasn’t aware of when I had my son. I would overfeed him and felt overwhelmed when he would routinely spit up and cry after a feed, until a visit to my chiropractor remedied my folly.

We mommies tend to forget, that our babies have very small tummies. They cannot accommodate the overabundance of love-filled-feeding which we subject them to. Spit up is the natural aftermath of such misplaced love. Hence, the key to minimizing spit-ups due to overfeeding, is to give small feeds at reasonable intervals. It works beautifully.

6. Have the Baby Sleep on an Incline
Usually babies don’t need this but if your baby suffers from acid reflux, this is something I can’t recommend enough. My son had acid reflux and would cry a lot due to the extreme discomfort. This also kept him from sleeping for prolonged periods. But then we were advised to try this technique. Make the baby sleep on a slight incline; with the head on the elevated side. This method really helped for better sleep quality for the baby, in addition to reducing the discomfort caused by acid reflux.

7. Get Mess-Proof Baby Clothes
Babies make messes and will continue to do so till they grow up. They spit up, drool, and generally keep messing up. It is an exasperating non-stop process to keep them clean and dry. For stain-proof clothing, try Snug Bub stain-proof baby clothes. They can be wiped clean, have no chemicals on them, are breathable, child friendly, and are super soft. Just take a damp wipe and wipe off the mess….and Viola!! No need for a change of clothes!! An absolute “must-have” for your baby wardrobe.

This post originally appeared on Snug Bub USA.

Tia Bandopadhay

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Tia, a Sacramento based mommy who loves to write about her son and parenting experiences. Even though she loves being a mother she knows how hard parenting can be sometimes.

Harriet Tubman: A Tribute to a Legend Who Truly Fits the “Bill”

By Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 3, 2021

Photo: Ruthi Davis Photography

Dear Confessional,

I absolutely love writing poetry. I love it so much that in my own blank space of thoughts, I constantly make up poems about anything in my head. Something about the rhythm and melody of the words just moves me—it makes me feel so vulnerable and connected. I published my first poem when I was only 7.5 years old. From the moment that I was able to write, I was reveling in my own private world on paper.

One of the most personally impactful pieces that I have written and not yet published still resonates with me today, even more so now because of the relevance to current events. You see, I am the biggest proponent of strong people. Not physically strong, but emotionally unstoppable—people who are selfless and brave and wholehearted. Maybe a part of myself identifies with inspiring strength through weakness; finding the light through darkness; discovering motivation and empowerment through pain. I have always admired and worked to emulate the qualities in those who are passionate, giving, positive, and relentless in the pursuit for fairness and freedom.

As Harriet Tubman has been named to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, I find it only fitting to offer my personal tribute in her honor with a poem that I wrote back in 1996.

The Underground

Born in darkness, color of night

suppressed by living, suppressed by life

lingers a child denied from light

of a Maryland moon upon a bony face

battered, bruised with black-like stain.

Piercing cries replace

the resonance of a black whip beating night

upon a black exterior.

As gales wailing, waning groans grasp a might

expelled through song

of oppression and search for salvation.

Pieces of earth fall from a face from the grave after days so long;

and so she rises with the same shovel

to dig, to live. To hide among the color of night,

she fights for life through strife. Her tunnel

guides the weak, weaving finger upon finger

hand by hand creating an extraordinary force.

Fighting for freedom, her name lingers

through the air as trees whisper secrets,

humming a hymn in harmony with sound

of bare feet pit-pattering and placing permanent impressions upon solid ground.

As wisps of words whistle within strands of hair,

those who walked the path of Tubman found

themselves in Maryland, 1850, somewhere.

“Down in the waters,

down in the waters children” extend aged hands

to a black “Moses.” As now stands

death, stands life. Fate is immortality with a gun

who casts the coward within

those who turn and run.

Born in darkness, color of night

suppressed by living in terror and strife

lingers the woman who guides the light.

So much admiration and respect for this incredible individual.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman

with Love,

Ruthi

Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

All Aboard! These 12 Train Tables Are Perfect for Your Little Conductor

by Kate LowethNovember 4, 2020

There’s nothing quite like a train table that gets kids excited for some imaginative play! We’ve gathered up a dozen of our favorite train tables for kids that have cool features like built-in storage and legs that that adjust as kids grow. Some even come with accessories like tracks, train engines, bridges, trees and even mermaids to get the creative juices flowing. Which one tops your little conductor’s list?

Melissa & Doug Train Table

This train table has been popular with families for generations and there's no denying why. The sturdy design means that it will stand up to tons of kid play and its storage drawer makes things tidy.

Get yours here, $149.99.

Teamson Kids Wood Train and Table Set

Build your dream town with this train table that comes with 85 pieces including a fire station, two helicopters, wooden train, greenery and more. The sturdy wooden toy train track pieces can be arranged in three different ways to create a variety of track courses.

Buy yours here, $125.

Carolina Grow-with-you Activity Table

This train table is a favorite of ours as it literally will grow as your child grows. The lower height is perfect for toddlers playing on a rug and the taller height works with PBK children's chairs. Four different finishes are available so that you can match the table to your own decor.

Get one here, $199.

Bigjigs Toys Mermaid Train Table

Dive into hours of imaginative underwater play with this adorable playset. It includes a sturdy wooden play table, wooden track pieces, a colorful engine and two carriages that feature a removable treasure chest and clamshell. Plus, mermaids, an enchanting sea castle, submarine, underwater creatures, a diver and more.

Buy yours here, $232.

KidKraft Wooden Train Table

This wooden play table is just what little ones need to engage in fun, imaginative play. It features an expansive double-sided play board for arts and crafts or a fun landscape to build their favorite train track combination. The built-in storage compartment helps keep pieces contained.

Get yours here, $132.99.

EndeavourToys Wooden Train Table

This train table stands 20-1/4" high and comes with a two piece Baltic Birch plywood top that encourages open-ended play. Stain or paint it however you'd like, the table comes unassembled and you can request a different height if you prefer. Storage trundles sold separately.

Buy yours here, $158.99.

Step2 Deluxe Canyon Road Play Train Table

If you are looking for a ready-to-go option, this table from Step2 is a good choice. It has a train track and roadway built in so that kids can play with it right after it is set up. Stow your train gear under the included cover and then use it as a play table for drawing or craft projects.

Get yours here, $99.

KidKraft Railway Express Wooden Train Set & Table

This 79-piece set really has it all: 13+ feet of track, bridges, roadway and even a train to run around the tracks. It's made of wood so you'll know that it is built to last. When done for the day, kids can store it all away in the built-in storage bins.

Buy yours here, $149.99.

Real Wood Children's Activity or Train Table

This table is built to match your existing furniture and is made with care and craftsmanship that your child will enjoy for years to come. Choose the stain or paint of your liking, you can even get a special name engraved on the side for the little engineer!

Buy one here, $305.

BigJigs Toys Magical Train Set and Table

This fun train table includes high quality wooden train tracks, a pastel-colored engine and two carriages plus a boat, heliport, bridge, tunnel, trees, magical toadstools, fairy figures and a unicorn.

Get yours here, $232.

Ramona Kids 3-Piece Play Table and Chair Set from Mack & Milo

This train table offers the option of sitting or standing. The raised lip will keep train pieces in place while playing and the price couldn't be beat!

Get yours here, $67.99.

KidKraft Adventure Town Railway Train Set & Table

If you want to be able to stow your train table when not being used, check out this option from KidKraft. The sides fold in for easy stowage and it comes with two storage bins for cleanup time. The table also includes a 120-piece colorful accessory set featuring vehicles, characters, construction pieces, buildings and more.

Buy one here, $150.78.

—Kate Loweth

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The Bare Necessities of Potty Training during Quarantine

By Karlee Vincent

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 24, 2020

Photo: Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Last month, my younger daughter tried to start a nudist colony inside our four-bedroom, two-bath home. It wasn’t a cult. She’s two. We were potty training. As soon as I had her ditch her diapers, she refused to wear clothing. Her older sister also began streaking through the house. But that wasn’t all.

The morning it started, I removed my younger daughter’s diaper and told her we were out of them. At first, she was excited and that gave me hope. I didn’t know that meant she had a plan. My husband is an essential worker and I work from home. In the middle of wrangling statistics for a PowerPoint presentation, I heard my daughter call: “Mama, I’m done!” I hurried down the hallway to the bathroom where she stood proudly in front of the wall she had painted with poop. At least it was hers, and not the dog’s.

It’s possible that all of this gives me a certain edge of expertise I can now offer to other parents who decide to potty train during quarantine.

1. Toddlers in potty training will shred your precious supply of toilet paper—or toss entire rolls in the toilet, fish the roll out, and leave it sopping on the counter. Try locking away spares somewhere.

2. If you have a pet, you will soon realize the location of their poop is more predictable.

3. When your eldest daughter yells, “Something stinks!” Put your laptop aside and lock your eyes to your feet, watching where you step at all times.

4. Clean up pee stain might be on your top action item for the day.

5. Your child may fall forward while wiping themselves during your most important meeting of the day.

6. You cannot control your child’s bladder during your conference calls. Pee will come.

7. Hover over the mute button. A naked two-year-old might run into your home office yelling, “Where is my underwears?”

8. You may walk outside and discover your 5-year-old teaching her two-year-old sister how to pee like the family dog.

9. Listen for the distant splash of water after your child uses the toilet. They may be doing tricep dips into their pee water.

If you’re stuck trying to potty train your little ones during quarantine, don’t give in to a diaper or the nudist’s colony. Capture your kid’s poopy antics. You’ll laugh about it later. I promise.

Karlee Vincent

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Karlee Vincent is the mother of two beautiful, spirited little ladies and the wife of one awesome Canadian. During her journey back into the workforce, Karlee has had to traverse the international frontier while nursing, pumping and generally just trying to figure out what it means to be a parent.

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