Get ready for some major throwbacks

There’s something magical that happens when little fingers turn the pages of a good book—the words and illustrations within reveal a world of imagination that isn’t visible on a screen. We’ve gathered 24 classic children’s books that belong on the bookshelf of every young reader. From books where the weather is a little, well, unique, to page-turners about wizards and interplanetary travel, these stories transport readers into a world where animals talk and even the hardest life lessons are easy to understand. So unplug the tablet and introduce the kiddos to the classics that shaped our own childhoods.

Classic Children’s Books for Little Kids

1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
There’s a reason nearly every newborn baby is given a copy of Goodnight Moon as a gift. The engaging text (“goodnight room, goodnight moon”) and the soothing illustrations have kept this story a bedtime staple for generations. The simple nature of the story makes it a great first book when little ones start becoming readers too. Age range: 1 and up. Buy it here.

2. Love You Forever by Robert Musch
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include this simple story about the unconditional love that is always present between a mom and her little one. From baby to toddler, and from tween to teen, Love You Forever illustrates that a mother’s bond with her kiddo will never break. Age range: 1 and up. Buy it here.

3. Animalia by Graeme Base
The illustrations alone are worth adding this classic kids’ book to the shelf. Top it of with each picture being a letter of the alphabet and plenty of hidden games and riddles, and your kids will be enthralled for hours. Ages: 2-8. Buy it here.

4. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Behind this story about the little engine who was small but mighty is the lesson that anything can be accomplished if you believe in yourself and put your mind to the task. We think this is an important lesson for all kids to learn. What better way to teach it than through the words of the beloved blue train? Today’s self-help gurus have nothing on this famous tale of motivation and positive thinking. Age range: 3 and up. Buy it here.

5. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
What little kid hasn’t imagined being swept away into an imaginary world where all his problems disappear? This classic book may have been written in 1963, but its theme is still relatable to today’s young readers. Let your kiddo’s imagination soar as she follows the adventures of Max as his bedroom turns into a jungle full of wild things. Age range: 3-5 years. Buy it here.

Corduroy is a classic children's book

6. Corduroy by Don Freeman
Who can resist this sweet brown bear whose only desire is to be taken home by a friend? Locked in a department store overnight, this fun book follows the adventures of a teddy bear named Corduroy. Your kids will love this classic children’s book, and like many of our fellow childhood peers, might even name their teddy bear after Dan Freeman’s protagonist. Age range: 3-5 years. Buy it here.

7. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
All timid bull Ferdinand wants to do is sit under his cork tree in the shade and smell the flowers. But a case of mistaken ability leads Ferdinand to the bullfights in Madrid, where he comes face to face with the Banderilleros, Picadores, and the brave Matador who, try as they might, just can’t get him to fight. Ages 3-5. Buy it here.

8. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Explore a tranquil winter wonderland with Peter, an African-American boy who dons a rather iconic red suit. Keats’ illustrations have a humble and peaceful aura that makes us eager for winter. Ages 3-5. Buy it here. 

9. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Looks like Alexander’s got a case of the “Mondays.” He’s got gum stuck in his hair; he gets the hump seat on the ride to school; He’s served lima beans at lunch. What else could go wrong? Find out when you read this classic kids’ book. Ages 3-7. Buy it now.

10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Who can forget the legendary bedtime story (or was it?) about the tiny town of Chewandswallow? Yup, the place where the weather is a drizzle of orange juice, a drift of mashed potatoes, and drifts of hamburgers. It’s when the food gets larger and more intense that the story gets really interesting. This classic children’s book is just as good as when it was published in 1987. Ages: 3-7. Buy it here.

11. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
In this old house in Paris all covered in vines, lived the wonderful story of Madeline. Kids love the stories about this famous orphan and how her bravery helps her face fierce tigers, little mice, and even a burst appendix. Madeline’s individuality makes her a classic and modern-day heroine for younger readers. Age range: 3-8 years. Buy it here.

12. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold and his big imagination take a purple crayon out for a walk under the moon one night. As he draws his adventures, he comes across a pie-only picnic, a monster guarding an apple tree, and a friendly policeman who finally points him in the right direction—back home to the comfort of his bed. It’s a classic for a reason. Ages 4-7. Buy it here.

13. Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys, and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina
This humorous story of a peddler chasing after mischievous monkeys for his hats will have your teeny rascal holding their stomach in stitches. A twist on the saying, “Monkey see, monkey do,” Caps for Sale is a timeless read-aloud with repetitive sentences that invite listeners to join in. Ages 4-8. Buy it here. 

14. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Princess Elizabeth has a very nice life until a dragon burns it all (including her clothes) to the ground and takes off with her prince. Follow along as the spunky and brave protagonist dons a paper bag and rescues the prince (who turns out to be a dud) instead of waiting to be rescued herself. This classic children’s book has a strong feminist message and is a lot of fun. Ages 4-7. Buy it here.

15. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Let’s get one thing straight. Dragons love tacos. All kinds of tacos. And not just on Taco Tuesday. But, be forewarned, serving a dragon a spicy taco never ends well. This must-have classic children’s book has been delighting readers of all ages for well over a decade. Age 2-5. Buy it here.

15. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

The beloved tale of a little house that watches the seasons go by year after year, until the big city, (which she always wondered about) expands into her rolling hills and apple orchards. Built sturdy by her first owner, she watches as the buildings grow taller and taller until one day, she’s rescued and restored to the country. A beautiful story about appreciating what you have and the loyalty of family, this Caldecott Medal winner is a classic children’s book everyone will love. Age 2-7. Buy it here.

Classic Kids’ Books for Older Children

Charlotte's Web is a classic children's book

17. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
A box of tissues is recommended to accompany this classic story of Wilbur the pig, Charlotte the spider, Fern, and all their beloved barnyard friends. This story is, at its heart, about the power of friendship and words, and how those things can truly change someone’s life for the better. Age range: 6-11 years. Buy it here.

18. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
While we’re totally #teamgenewilder when it comes to film adaptations, there’s nothing quite like reading the original. You’ll get more of Charlie’s backstory, and the details of the chocolate factory are a treat for the imagination. Age range: 6-9. Buy it here.

19. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
When J.K. Rowling wrote the sentence, “Every child in our world will know his name,” in the first chapter of The Sorcerer’s Stone, no one had any idea those words would ring so true. While kids love Harry, Hermione, and Ron’s adventures at Hogwarts, we like that at the root of these books is the lesson that nothing is stronger than the bond of friendship. Age range: 7 and up. Buy it here.

20. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Kids will love this world filled with magic and imagination. Find out what happens when four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, step through the doorway from their wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia. While there are certainly more books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is probably the best-known in the series. Age range: 8 years and up. Buy it here.

21. Anne of Green Gables Series  by L.M. Montgomery
While the books were originally published in 1908, we bet your little ones will still delight in the young orphan, Anne Shirley’s adventures as she makes her way at Green Gables. Her feisty spirit, outspoken nature, and sense of humor make Anne a great role model for young girls and teach them that it’s okay to speak up and be yourself. Age range: 9 years and up. Buy it here.

the Secret Garden is a classic children's book

22. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
While this book is geared more toward the older reader, it still deserves to be on the list of classic kids’ books. Young readers will love following Mary Lennox and her adventures in a secret garden that soon changes not only her life but the lives of the new friends she makes. We love seeing Mary’s transformation from sad to happy and nature’s role in that change. Age range: 9 and up. Buy it here. 

23. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
Travel between universes and go on an adventure that digs into the meaning of family bonding and friendship in this classic children’s book. Note to sensitive bookworms: The plot can get dark and teems with unsavory characters. Ages 10 & up. Buy it here

24. The Giver by Lois Lowry
The first of a three-book series, this Newbery Award-winning novel is the tale of 12-year-old James, who lives in a utopian society. When he receives his life assignment (his job), he begins to see the darker underside of a seemingly perfect world. When he needs to save someone he loves, his own power will be put to the test. Ages 10 & up. Buy it here.

 

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All images courtesy of retailers and creators as noted.

If they can brush their teeth, they can also get out the door on time (We promise!)

School mornings can be a busy and sometimes stressful time when your kids are little. But as they get older, there’s a whole bunch of things they can be doing on their own to help out! Not only does it make your morning run a little smoother, but it also helps kids develop necessary life skills, gain confidence and become well-rounded, competent adults. Here’s our list that’ll help you set morning chores for kids—one they can definitely handle on their own each school day by the time they’re 10.

1. Get out of bed on their own. When they’re babies, going in to get your kids out of the crib and up for the day is a sweet moment. But if you’re still going in and waking up your kid long after the wee baby stage, you may want to pass that task over to them. They can—and should be able to—get themselves up for school independently. Every day. And if they’re late? It’s not your fault, mom.

2. Get dressed. This sounds pretty obvious, but getting dressed with zero micromanaging from you is key. It may be tempting to check and see if your kids remembered to put on underwear, or if their shirts and pants match, but this is another skill they can totally master on their own. Besides—letting them express themselves with their wardrobe is fun!

3. Make their breakfast. Again, it sounds like an easy morning chore. But encouraging your little scholars to make healthy choices and take control of their breakfast from a young age is the best way to help them eat well—plus it frees up your morning!

4. Make their own lunch—or at least help. Younger ones (like kindergarten-aged kids) may need some help with this. But for the most part, getting your kid involved in choosing and making their own lunch means they’ll likely eat the entire thing! It’s also a great opportunity to teach them about balanced diets.

5. Tidy up their own mess. So they’ve made breakfast and packed their lunch, and now there are dishes everywhere! Kids need to know they need to tidy up after themselves as well. This morning chore is great for helping them develop important life skills.

Related: 12 Ways to Help Your Kids Master the Morning Routine

little girl packing her backpack, an easy morning chore for kids
iStock

 

6. Pack their school bag. Kids will sometimes tell their teachers “Oh, my mom forgot to pack <insert various items here> in my backpack today.” And teachers generally respond with “Did your mom forget it? Or did you?” Gotcha, kid! If they need to remember something, they need to put it in their bag themselves.

7. Keep track of their library books/homework, etc. If it’s library day and suddenly your kid’s book is missing, it’s not your job to find it. They’re definitely old enough by now to keep track of all their own things—including where they left their homework.

8. Decide what outerwear they’ll need that day. Arguments over appropriate footwear and outerwear for all types of temperatures are never fun. Let your kids decide if they need that spare pair of mittens in the winter. One cold, wet, miserable day without them, and they’ll likely make good decisions!

9. Brush their teeth. Despite needing a billion and one reminders when they’re little, as they get older, kids should really be able to remember to brush their teeth—and do it properly—before each school day.

10. Get out the door on time. Getting out the door seems to be one of the toughest tasks when the kids are really young. But as they get older, this is another task they should be able to handle themselves. It’s really all about raising our kids to be competent adults one day—and that means that they’re going to have to arrive at places on time.

Related: 5 Simple Ways to Help Your Kid Establish a Morning Routine

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


If you’re tired of sporting your PJs the entire day, but aren’t quite ready to squeeze back into jeans for that afternoon conference call, it’s time to update your work-from-home wardrobe! From comfy dresses and dress pant yoga pants to linen looks, there are tons of outfit options that take you from the computer to the couch in style. We’ve rounded up the best loungewear brands that will make you feel like you’re ready to take on the day––in total comfort.

Senna Case

These cozy but stylish sweatshirts will look good on a Zoom call while still keeping you comfy during the day. We love the baggy arms of the Coutler oversized sweatshirt, and they even have a size for kids! 

Buy it here,

Cozy Earth

Cozy Earth

The loungewear collection from Cozy Earth is small but mighty. The line features joggers, shorts, tops and PJs, all in a luxurious bamboo fabric and stylish classic cuts. Pieces come in black, ivory, gray and navy, so they look chic and are easy to mix and match. There are also cozy tops and bottoms for men, because dads also deserve to lounge and WFH in style. If you need a dressier top for video calls, keep it casual on the bottom with the brands joggers, shorts and PJ bottoms.

Get This Look:

Women's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Pullover Crew

Women's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Pant

More WFH Looks:

Women's Stretch-Knit Bamboo Lounge Tee

Women's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Shorts

Bobeau

Bobeau

Women's contemporary clothing brand, Bobeau is perfect for work from home mamas. The uber comfy lineup of dresses, jumpsuits, sweaters, tops and bottoms come in regular and curvy sizes so everyone can enjoy stylish comfort. Most styles easily make the transition from stay at home style to out an about and come in at a great price point.

Domi

Domi

Domi delivers some of our favorite pajamas (sooooo soft!) and we love their work-from-home clothing options too. Simple styles with comfort in mind is the name of the game. 

Get this look:

Long-sleeved T-shirt

More WFH looks: 

V-neck T-shirt

Midi Slip (pair with leggings and a cardigan)

böhme

böhme

Böhme is here for your work-from-home wardrobe. Founded in 2006, the retailer offers a huge array of online styles, in addition to physical locations in Utah, Montana, Idaho, Iowa and South Dakota and employs over 250 women. Choose from boho-inspired pieces, comfy and structured bottoms and oversized tops that will keep you looking professional, without feeling restrictive.

Get This Look:

Cozy Joggers

Graphic Tee

Carly Jean Los Angeles

Carly Jean Los Angeles

Everything in the Carly Jean Los Angeles brand has to pass a "is this cozy enough to sleep in" test, so you know it's perf for a work-from-home wardrobe! Comfy T-shirts, flowy dresses and cozy pants not only make a great casual wardrobe, but one you can wear outside the house, too.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a Japanese lifestyle brand that covers the entire family. Based off of the concept that "lifewear is clothing designed to make everyone's life better," the affordable brand brings simple designs for everyday wear to market. You'll find everything you need on Uniqlo's site, including loungewear, everyday tees, undergarments and outwear for your fam.

Two Blind Brothers

Two Blind Brothers

When you shop Two Blind Brothers, you not only get clothing that is made from natural fibers and is ultra-soft, you are also supporting blindness research. Brothers Bradford and Bryan were diagnosed at a young age with a disease that causes blindness over time, and they have set out to fund blindness research with the company's proceeds. Two Blind Brothers offers men's, women's and kids styles that are comfy and totally WFM-worthy.

Shop This Look:

Team 2BB Graphic Baseball Tee

More WFH Looks:

French Terry Jogger

Long Sleeve Henley

Skyline Graphic Dolman

Zip-Up Hoodie

Betabrand

Beta Brand

Oh, hello dress pant yoga pants. No need to sacrifice putting on your dressy duds just because you're at home when you shop Betabrand. The comfiest dress pant in the world comes in tons of style, including classic, boot cut, straight leg and––drumroll, please––even pockets! You can also shop super cozy dresses, wraps and tops to keep you looking classy on those Zoom calls.

Shop This Look:

Skinny-Leg Cigarette Dress Pant

More WFH Looks:

Straight Leg Classic Dress Pant

Leonisa

Leonisa

Leggings that offer a comfortable fit and slimming qualities? Yes, please! Known for their slimming shapewear, these everyday leggings are designed with Leonisa's signature SkinFuse®, super comfy compression fabric. They also offer activewear in bright patterns and colors. 

Shop This Look:

Super Comfy Slimming Legging

A Pea in the Pod

A Pea in the Pod

Getting up and dressed for the day can be as simple as putting on a fresh pair of leggings and a fitted T-shirt (one that you didn't sleep in!). When it comes to stylish options, A Pea in the Pod is here for you and your bump. From butter-soft tops to supportive leggings, your maternity work-from-home wardrobe is here for the long haul.

Shop This Look:

Super Soft Maternity Tops

Maternity Leggings

More WFH Looks:

Maternity Shorts

Pocket T Maternity Shirt Dress

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Karolina Grabowska via Kaboompics

 

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My mother was so excited for her son and son-in-law that she continuously sent package after package of new clothes to our house. Week after week they came, each filled to the brim to show just how much she loved her new granddaughter.

Newborns do not stay small for long, and with piles of new clothes forming I found some time to go to the store and exchange some items for some bigger sizes. I packed the multiple bags of pink, purple, and pink/purple pants and shirts into my car, excited at the prospect of getting some greens, yellows, and grays into my new daughter’s wardrobe.

I walked into the store and quickly learned about the “boys” and “girls” sections: girls were meant to wear three colors: pink, purple, and pink/purple. Dresses and shirts were adorned with phrases such as “World’s Best Mom” or “Mom Knows Best.”

Across the aisle in the boys’ section, I saw gray pants, green sweatshirts, black vests, and superheroes. Lots of superheroes. Absent were any “World’s Best Dad” or “Dad Knows Best” shirts, let alone clothes with designs and slogans geared toward kids rather than parents.

After repeated trips to the store to make exchanges—my mom’s packages kept coming—I quickly developed a strategy to find the clothes I want: Ignore the sections; pick eye-catching colors; and get clothes that fit my daughter’s developing personality. As a parent of a child with two Dads the same sentences went through my head every time I went to that store: “Right. I’m different here too.”

Being a new parent is hard. You’re quickly confronted with lots of decisions and few people to help you navigate them. You are also confronted with all the stereotypes and prescribed narratives that come along with being a “mom” or a “dad.” As a gay man, I was used to creating my own narrative. I realized that now, as a gay adoptive parent with my husband, we would have to chart our own course.

And here’s what I realized: Past experiences figuring it out on my own set me up to feel totally comfortable crossing that aisle from the girls’ to boys’ section in the store: I’ve dressed in drag, I like the color pink, and why would I ever let a clothing store dictate to me what was in my closet, let alone my kid’s closet!?!

One thing that’s clear with kids is that they see the world differently than we do. They take things less seriously and like to play. So why not encourage that through their clothing? Why not make fashion an enabler of expressing who they are rather than telling them they have a limited sandbox in which to play?

We have been lucky to be in a generation where more and more we see boys running around in dresses and girls wearing all black. We love seeing kids play with gender, mixing and matching st‌yles that speak to them rather than the outside world. We love the freedom that comes from picking clothes the same way we pick our food at the supermarket: choose what nourishes you and your body. Food is meant to be enjoyed, mixed and matched, played with through new and old recipes. Clothes should be too.

Eventually my mother’s boxes of clothing stopped coming—our daughter passed age 8 and she was ready to choose her own clothes. She is still amazed when we shop for pants and remembers history books that talk about women being admonished for wearing pants. She asks: “Why would anyone care? Who made those rules?” Good questions!

Our kids are ready to have playful fashion that matches their ability to see each other as people, not strictly as boys or girls who fit into a box. Let’s take that box, shake it out on the floor, and mix and match until our kids pick what they want to wear. Everything ends up dirty in the laundry machine anyway!

—by Alex Davidson via StereoType

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This post originally appeared on StereoType.

Elizabeth Brunner is a San Francisco-based designer and the founder of StereoType, a gender-free, st‌yle-forward kids clothing brand that’s designed to celebrate individuality and freedom of self-expression by blending traditional ideas of boys’ and girls’ wear. StereoType combines st‌yle, design and comfort to inspire creativity, individuality and freedom of expression.

Back-to-school shopping is in full effect! Trying to figure out what’s cool for school this year? We’ve partnered with OshKosh B’Gosh, the iconic kid’s brand, to bring you the top three trends that are coming back in a big way. Now you don’t have to guess: “Will they like this? Will they wear this?” because we’ve got the trends they’ll love so you can keep calm and shop on!

P.S. If your tiny human rocks a uniform for school, OshKosh also has your family covered with comfortable classics! Shop here.

1. Tie-Dye

It’s not just for hippies—all the cool kids are wearing it (chances are you’ve picked up a few colorful tie-dyed pieces for yourself!). What’s not to love? Tie-dye sends instant cool vibes and is just plain fun. These psychedelic fashion statements are a simple way to add a pop of color to their wardrobe this fall and beyond. Clothes with benefits: Color is the ultimate pick-me-up any day of the week! We love OshKosh’s trendy tie-dye duds. Check them out and buy now, here. Peace and love (and so much fun)!

 

 

2. Denim

You may be thinking: “Yes, of course, denim!”. It may seem like a no-brainer because denim is classic, but the kind of denim is crucial to what’s cool this season, specifically overalls and jackets. Who knows kids denim better than OshKosh B’Gosh

They’ve been in the denim game since 1895, when they started making rugged hickory-striped denim overalls for Northwestern Line railroad workers on Commerce Street in OshKosh, WI. By the 1920s, they began making child-size overalls and jackets. These denim styles have historic cool vibes, and we are loving it—check the latest from OshKosh here.

 

 

3. Athleisure

Nothing says “cool without even trying,” like athleisure. It’s comfy, uncomplicated and comes in a range of styles and colors to fit any personality. Bonus: This easy-breezy fashion trend goes from gym class to math class effortlessly, so you get more bang for your fashion buck with these multitasking threads. OshKosh has you covered, with new laid-back styles you can find here.

 

The latest: OshKosh is bridging the gap by bringing history to the present, by celebrating the confidence and determination of icons before they were icons, to show the next generation it’s ok to dream boldly about who you’ll become someday! Check out “Today Is Someday” here—happy shopping!

 


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—Jamie Aderski

For the first time in 20 years, the Daisies, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts are getting new official apparel! The wardrobe will pay homage to ’90s style and feature eco-conscious touches—plus the Girl Scout uniforms will be upgraded with recycled materials.

If you’re shopping for your younger Scout, you’ll find a collection of fashionable oversized T-shirts, slim fit pants and fun accessories like scrunchies and headbands. All pair perfectly with the iconic sash or vest and allow girls to show off their style and personality. You can buy items starting in late August through the Girl Scout Shop.

The collection will range in price from $10-$39 and is designed with comfort and durability in mind. It’s color-coordinated by grade level and will offer both casual and formal options. Best of all, it offers inclusive sizing options ranging from XXS to PXXL..

Meanwhile, the updated Girl Scout uniforms will feature the same colors and designs, but be made of a fabric that includes 40% recycled material. The Girl Scouts will also begin an upcycling program to turn old uniforms into new materials, like aprons, pillows and totes. Starting in August you can purchase these items through the Girl Scout Shop and select council stores!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Sheila Herman/Flickr

 

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More than 90,000 babies competed for a spot as the 2021 Gerber Spokesbaby, but only one could prevail! And his parents have a fantastic backstory, too. Four-month-old Zane Kahin from Florida is this year’s winner after his mom beat cancer and the odds.

Erin Kahin and husband Mike hoped to have kids, but they weren’t sure if Erin could conceive naturally after she faced treatment for breast cancer, including a double mastectomy. But Baby Zane surprised the family and entered the world on February 3!

“Zane is a little comedian – he loves to crack himself up and even wakes up laughing. His cheerful attitude, captivating giggles, and playful smile can light up any room!” his parents noted.

As for the prize, the Kahins received $25,000 in cash, free Gerber products for up to one year and a wardrobe provided by Gerber Childrenswear. You can buy a bodysuit or t-shirt design inspired by Zane and the company will make a product donation of equal value to the charitable organization Delivering Good. Zane will also keep busy as the “Chief Taste Tester” for new baby food products and serve as Gerber’s “Chief Growing Officer.”

The Gerber Spokesbaby is an annual award inspired by a 1928 company contest to find a face to represent their baby food. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith’s charcoal sketch of a neighbor’s child perfectly captured the spirit and it’s been the face of all Gerber packaging since 1931.

—Sarah Shebek

Feature photo courtesy of Gerber

 

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Do you dream of a custom-fit wardrobe that you don’t have to ditch with each trimester of your pregnancy or whenever your body changes? Now this dream is a reality—courtesy of RedThread.

RedThread uses advanced 3D tech to create custom-fit women’s clothing. In three easy steps, you can get brand-new pants, tops, and more that fit your body to a tee. Not only will RedThread’s clothes fit your frame right now, these sweet selections come with a Lifetime Fit Guarantee.

Photo: RedThread

Whether your pregnant belly just popped or your body changed in any other way, all you need to do is send back the clothes, re-scan yourself, and get new pieces that fit perfectly. Simply choose your style, take RedThread’ fit quiz, and snap two pics of your body to auto-generate your fit measurements. If you prefer a non-photo option, just send RedThread your measurements instead.

After the customer designers at RedThread gets your pics or measurements, they’ll create your new wardrobe and ship it to your door in one to two weeks. It’s that easy!

—Erica Loop

 

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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, 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. 

It’s a New Year and we’re betting your closet needs a refresh. Maybe you’re working from home more and don’t use all those power suits, or maybe you just want to do some closet organization. No matter your reason, the solution is easy: create a capsule wardrobe of clothing that you can mix and match, wear any day, dress up or dress down and then ditch the rest! Here are the essentials any busy mom needs to start her own capsule wardrobe

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

A capsule wardrobe is the idea that one should be able to pair her closet down to a few select, high-quality items that go with everything and never go out of style. It follows along with the minimalist trend we've been seeing everywhere, from Marie Kondo's de-cluttering mantra to the concept of Swedish death cleaning. For anyone who has a ton of cheap/trendy impulse buys hanging around (all of us), pairing a wardrobe down to just a few things can be daunting.

What Items Should You Buy?

A (Really) Good Pair of Shoes

Rothy's

Whether you work in an office or at home, there’s nothing like a good pair of shoes to make you feel like you can conquer the world. For busy moms, Rothy’s is the perfect fit. Designed by women, for women, the unbelievable comfort and fit of each shoe is the driving force behind their cult-favorite status. Available in three styles with dozens of colors and prints, choose a pair that best suits your lifestyle and career, whether you’re an FTWM, SAHM, WFHM or PTWM.

A Really Good Pair of Jeans

Measure & Made

Make it an investment to purchase one pair of really good, quality jeans. You’ll be wearing them almost every day so the price tag will be worth it. For a purchase that is sure to fit every time, we love Measure & Made. They're a size-inclusive brand that uses FITLOGIC to ensure you get the best fit and style for your body. Take a quick (less than a minute) quiz that takes your body size and shape into account, and then helps guide you to the right size for your body. There are several styles, but we especially love the skinny ankle jean.

Find your size and buy a pair here, $79 and up

A Classic T-Shirt or Two

American Giant

There’s no better addition to your closet than a classic t-shirt. Whether you like crewneck, scoop or v-neck, a basic t-shirt, especially in white, will go with EVERYTHING you own. We especially love the options from American Giant, because not only each item is made in the USA, but everything fits really well. Is white not your jam (because, well, kids)? Just opt for a simple black t-shirt and consider it neutral. 

A Striped T-Shirt

Everlane

Nautical stripes are a classic item everyone should have in their wardrobe. While any shirt style will work, the boatneck is flattering on almost everyone and pairs with almost every style of bottom. We love this one from Everlane. It comes in grey and white or blue and red.

A Denim Jacket

Levi's

If you don’t already have this staple in your closet, it’s a must. It works with everything from other denim to black, skirts, pants and dresses. And as far as classic goes, there’s nothing better than Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket. Avoid trending pieces that have fringe or specific colors to keep your style timeless. 

A Little Black Dress

Thirteen J via Unsplash

If you don’t already own a LBD, may we suggest going to grab one now? There’s something available for every shape and size, and you can wear it just about anywhere. Wondering where to look? Nordstrom Rack has a wide selection and array of styles that'll fit just about anyone and we love this simple, swing sleeveless style from Evereve (it has pockets!). 

A Black Blazer

Macy's

Boring, you say? We say timeless. You can dress this down for coffee with your pals, sport it for almost any day at work, or even wear it for a date night with your partner. This INC version is a great price and is a classic fit.

A Bow-Tie Neck Blouse

Hawes & Curtis

Kamala Harris helped revive this trend, but it's a closet staple because it can be dressed down with jeans and flats or fancied up with a pencil skirt. Also known as the tie-neck or the pussy bow, we love the silky version from UK retailer Hawes & Curtis

 

— Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

 

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