Products That’ll Bring You Back to Life in the Dead of Winter

by Kate CartiaJanuary 16, 2024

These winter essentials are the feel-good products to keep you going when winter feels like it’s going to last f o r e v e r

We’re cold. You’re cold. The days are short, the weather is a gamble, and the argument with your kids about wearing their coat is neverending. It’s the middle of winter and if you’re feeling a little blue, or even if you’re dealing with full-on Seasonal Affective Disorder, it’s fully understandable. Of course, the season doesn’t mean life isn’t still great. It’s just a bit easier to find yourself pretty zapped, crabby, or dull. And we’re here to bring you back to feeling your best with these winter essentials.

Whether it’s your favorite time of year or not, we’ve got some serious tricks up our sleeves to keep you going no matter what the weather is doing. We’re even willing to bet that there are a lot of these feel-good products that you’ll find yourself reaching for all year. We’re talking winter essentials that will keep you going inside, outside, and every single day, and that’ll improve your mood, comfort, and overall sense of well-being. We mean it. Keep reading to get your glow back this winter.

Marshmallow Brown Warmies Boots

Warmies Boots are fully microwavable and scented with real French lavender, so you can warm your always-cold feet and get some zen out of the whole thing, too. Just pop them in the microwave (follow the instructions) and you'll have up to a full hour of cozy warmth. Available in 3 colors, too.

Marshmallow Brown Warmies Boots ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Costa Farms Live Money Tree Indoor Plant

When it's gloomy and grey outside, you need to bring a little spring to your space. Adding a live plant not only cleans the air and reduce your stress levels, but they brighten up your whole mood. The braided money tree from Costa Farms is a winner for sure, and she only needs to be watered once a week in most cases.

Costa Farms Live Money Tree Indoor Plant ($27.19)—Buy Here!

Tony's Chocolonely Super Duper Milk Bundle

We have good news. Snapping off a piece or two of your favorite chocolate candy can actually improve your mood and alter brain patterns. Thanks, science! Obviously, we can't inhale massive amounts of these incredible Tony Chocolonely bars (even if we think we want to. Even if this bundle does include Chocolate Raspberry...) without actually feeling not-so-great, but a little bit might just be your ticket out of the winter blues.

Tony's Chocolonely Super Duper Milk Bundle ($29,98)—Buy Here!

ThirdLove All Day Lace T-Shirt Bra

We're jumping right into comfort because when you're spending time inside, comfort is key. And when it comes to bras, that goes double (pardon the pun). When was the last time you invested in a really, really good bra? Be honest. ThirdLove has bra-sizing wizards (we're assuming) that help you figure out your bra size (the real one!) with just a few questions, and point you toward the best bra for you. Plus, you get a coupon for $15 off your purchase when you complete the bra quiz.

We're partial to the All Day Lace T-Shirt Bra—especially since the lace is actually soft! And we couldn't do without the ultra-comfy (and super pretty) coordinating All Day Lace Cheeky Panty. There's just something about matching underwear that makes us feel like we have it all together.

ThirdLove All Day Lace T-Shirt Bra ($78.00)—Buy Here!

AG1 Athletic Greens

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Yes, we suggested chocolate, and here’s how to offset that. Consider this: anything green is generally a good-for-you-mood-lifter, especially during the dark winter months. AG1 can help increase your energy levels, decrease bloating, reduce cravings, and add some more calm to your life. It can also replace your multi-product regimen: multivitamin, prebiotics, probiotics, and more. Plus, AG1 is loved by athletes and health gurus, especially since it’s so easy, super convenient, and tastes great (really!). Check out all the ways to drink your greens!

AG1 Athletic Greens ($79.00+)—Buy Here!

Homesick Beach Cottage Candle

All of Homesick's candles are so dreamy, and the Beach Cottage candle is no exception. If you can't be at a beach cottage, at least your house can smell like one, right? Bergamot, sea air, and plumeria blend together for a seaside experience (even if it's snowing outside).

Homesick Beach Cottage Candle ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Hexagonal Plant Stand

You're gonna need a place to display your money tree, or any other houseplants you may already have or decide to bring home. How cool is this hexagonal plant stand? You can even adjust the shapes for your own custom plant setup.

Hexagonal Plant Stand ($35.99)—Buy Here!

HappyLight by Verilux

The sun is setting early and the days aren't always sunny to begin with in the winter, so meet HappyLight. HappyLight delivers 10,000 Lux of UV-free, LED, full-spectrum light for natural light therapy that doesn't include glares, flickering, or hotspots. Bright light therapy can help improve sleep, boost mood, increase energy, and enhance focus (in any season, actually, but definitely in the cold winter months).

HappyLight by Verilux ($31.99)—Buy Here!

Good Night Bright Brightening Serum

Vitamin C is like sunshine in a bottle. Good Night Bright Brightening Serum works to encourage cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and boosts firmness and elasticity. With natural vitamin C from Kakadu plums, Good Night Bright is gentle on skin and won't cause irritation, redness, or flaking.

Good Night Bright Brightening Serum ($78.00)—Buy Here!

Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Ina Garten shares 85 comfort food recipes in this New York Times #1 Bestselling cookbook that's sure to warm you right up on even the most wintery of winter days. Green Spaghetti Carbonara, Crispy Chicken & Lemon Orzo, and even Pomegranate Gimlets to keep the whole family oh-so-cozy.

Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook ($19.99)—Buy Here!

High-Pressure Rain Showerhead

This deceptively simple showerhead is a cinch to install (no tools!) and feels ridiculously luxurious. It changed our whole shower game for less than $20.

High-Pressure Rain Showerhead ($19.99)—Buy Here!

The Self Love Journal

Feeling low? Winter have you seriously blah? Journal it out. Even if you're new to journaling, this guided 91 day journal helps you focus on your goals and intentions, practice gratitude and mindfulness, and start feeling a lot more positive. It might even make you a fan of journaling for life!

The Self Love Journal ($36.99)—Buy Here!

Big Blanket Co. Hideout Hoodie

The makers of The Big Blanket, which we're already huge fans of, launched their Hideout Hoodie not too long ago and we have yet to see anything cozier. Have you? It's big. It's so, so warm. There's a hood, kangaroo pocket, and a built-in sleep mask. Multiple colors and prints are available, but choose wisely; you'll be living in it all season. The Hideout Hoodie is one of those winter essentials we reach for constantly.

Big Blanket Co. Hideout Hoodie ($129.00)—Buy Here!

Cold Weather Comfort Tea Gift Set by Scout Urling

Local Washington State farmers, producers, and wild harvesters supply Scout Urling with ultra high-quality ingredients to create the most comforting tea collection that'll warm you from the inside out.

Cold Weather Comfort Tea Gift Set by Scout Urling ($42.00)—Buy Here!

Contigo West Loop Travel Mug

You're going to want to keep that tea (or coffee, or cocoa...) hot, of course. A whopping 121,000+ Amazon reviewers swear by this one. It comes in multiple colors and sizes, and will keep your comfort beverage hot for 5 hours (if it lasts that long, that is).

Contigo West Loop Travel Mug ($17.32+)—Buy Here!

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

They're calling them 'headphones', but you could also totally use them as a sleep mask, too. Block out noise, bliss out to your favorite music, and drift away. You can also definitely work out with them, work, study, meditate...definitely a must-have. Multiple colors available, too.

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Half-Zip Sweatshirt & Wide-Leg Lounge Set

We're sure you haven't missed the matching-2-piece-set trend—just open IG or TikTok and you'll see them all over. And it's really no surprise. Who doesn't want to be warm, comfortable, cute, and wearing something you can hang out in all day at home or easily run errands in? Plus, matching sets, well, match, so you don't even have to think about putting an outfit together. This versatile half-zip top and wide-leg bottom set comes in a bunch of different colors and can easily be layered over baselayers for super cold days.

Half-Zip Sweatshirt & Wide-Leg Lounge Set ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Mindful Messages Positive Affirmation Cards

If you find yourself feeling a little blue, or even when you're having a great day, positive affirmations have been scientifically proven to produce a positive mood boost, and give you the tools to sustain that good mood, too. Shuffle this encouraging and calming deck, select a card, and trust that you were meant to see that message. Take it with you through your day. Don't believe us? Really dedicate yourself to a week of focusing on your affirmations and watch the magic happen.

Mindful Messages Positive Affirmation Cards ($14.99)—Buy Here!

The Viral Amazon Orolay Coat

This is one coat that keeps going viral—just read any of the almost 28,000 Amazon reviews! Available at a steal, sizes XXS-5XL, and in multiple colors, you'll wear this year after year.

The Viral Amazon Orolay Coat ($151.99)—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.

I’m a 44-Year-Old Mom with a Christmas List and No Regrets

by Emily FarmerNovember 29, 2023

It used to be one of my favorite things about Christmas. Every year, I would sit down with a pencil and paper and make my list. When I was three years old, I asked my grandparents for “an alligator with leg irons.” No one knew what I meant (myself included), so they got me a toy alligator accordion. Close enough, I guess?

One year I asked for a Dream Dancer doll—a mechanical ballerina doll that twirled and spun on a platform that looked like a shimmering stage. (Shout-out to any other ’80s babies out there—if you know, you know.) When I got older, I asked for sketchbooks and colored pencils, books by my favorite authors, or the clothes I had been pining for at Nordstrom’s. It wasn’t hard to come up with things I wanted—and I had the great privilege of having two sets of grandparents who were happy to buy me things like art supplies, books, and new clothes.

Somewhere along the line, though, all that changed. Sure, I would sometimes drop a hint to my mom or my sister about something I could really use (thanks for the warm gloves and the Zappos gift card!). But once I became a mom, the locus of Christmas became solidly fixed on our only child, the youngest grandchild on both sides of the family.

The only list now was hers—what did she want for Christmas? It was almost as fun, really, to add items to this new list: toys she would like to play with, cute new PJs, a nice winter coat, or a sled. And it was easy, if someone asked, to say, “Oh, I don’t need anything this year” and look forward to unwrapping a new bathrobe or whatever, while the rest of the family enjoyed their gifts.

Putting my kid first was one of the ways I was initiated into being a mom. In much the same way that I often convinced myself that, no, I didn’t really need to pee while I was nursing my daughter or waiting for her to finally fall asleep, I had convinced myself that I really didn’t need… well, anything. That last piece of bread? Go ahead and have it. Are you cold? You can wear my coat; I’ll be fine. It became automatic, until after a while, it got hard to know where my needs ended and hers began—or if I even had any needs left.

But you know what? My daughter doesn’t need any new LEGOs; she wants them. And maybe, just maybe, there are things that I want, too. So this year, I’m breaking the tradition of being the mom who says that all she wants is “just a nice Christmas with my family.” I mean, yes, I absolutely do want that. But you know what else I want? A new pair of joggers. Nice ones. Ones I can actually wear in public and look kind of cute in, that aren’t stained or stretched out or secondhand.

And you know what else? I want a cute hanging planter for my sad houseplant that’s been living less than its best life in an old Mason jar behind the kitchen sink. I want to put my cute little houseplant in a cute little planter and I want to hang it in my home office so that everyone can see it in my Zoom background, because while my room will never rate anywhere close to a 10 out of 10, I am not above striving to do better.

And while we’re at it, I would absolutely love some AirPods. Why do I need AirPods when I have perfectly good corded headphones and literally never leave my desk? Guess what, I don’t need them. I just want them. Other people have them, and they come in a cute little case, and yes, I will almost certainly lose them and/or put them through the laundry, but you know what? I still want them.

It feels a bit daring, a bit risky, a bit selfish to even express these wants to myself—to just have desires that are only for me. It was even scarier to say them out loud to my family. But it also felt kind of amazing. And I’m not mad that my daughter will grow up knowing that moms have wants, and needs, and aren’t afraid to express them. Well, maybe a little bit afraid—but at least I’m trying.

18 Toddler Coats They’ll Actually Wear

by Kate CartiaNovember 2, 2022

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…luckily, these toddler coats make getting them ready a little less scary

First things first: the best toddler coat is the one they’ll put on and keep on. Toddlers are squirmy little creatures. They’re movers and shakers and they can’t stand being restricted. Winter gear typically makes having a full range of movement hard (think Randy in A Christmas Story), so we have to switch tactics and find toddler coats they won’t mind wearing, even if it means not being able to contort themselves into a pretzel as much as they’d like.

From rough-and-tumble to soft and sweet, these toddler coats are super cute and durable. We have layers for the dinosaur dedicated, we have outer space outerwear, and options for the chilly frilly lovers. And hey, there’s a good chance they’ll make getting your little ones ready to face the elements easier!

3-in-1 Jacket

Anything that multi-tasks is an immediate favorite of ours, and this 3-in-1 jacket fits the bill. The outer shell is specially coated for water-resistance, and the solid interior fleece liner zips out to become its own jacket! Available in four prints.

3-in-1 Jacket ($34.98) Here

Mon Coeur Puffer Jacket

Mon Coeur from Maisonette is a brand dedicated to putting the planet first. This jacket is made from up-cycled water bottles and recycled polyester. Plus, 1% of each item sold is donated to environmental restoration efforts!

Mon Coeur Puffer Jacket ($190) Here

Ruffle Puffer Jacket

Tiered ruffles and a water-resistant coating makes this an adorable holiday-ready option for little ones who love frills!

Ruffle Puffer Jacket ($59.96) Here

Rocket Rain Coat

If your season looks more wet than wintery, this warm rain coat from Cat & Jack is a blast! The webbed details will make your little astronaut feel on top of the world.

Rocket Rain Coat ($19) Here

Ombré Puffer Vest

If having their arms covered is just too much, this cheery puffer vest is the perfect answer!

Ombré Puffer Vest ($29.50) Here

The North Face Down Hooded Jacket

The North Face is known for handling the cold, so this recycled down-filled, fleece-lined, water-repellent jacket is an easy and cozy go-to all season!

The North Face Down Hooded Jacket ($119) Here

Buffalo Check Hooded Wool Jacket

Keep them warm and oh-so-sharp in this cozy wool hooded jacket! Also available in red!

Buffalo Check Hooded Wool Jacket ($49) Here

Two-Piece Snowsuit

If a coat just isn't going to cut it, this snowsuit set is sure to! Weather-resistant, water-resistant, and insulated, they'll stay cozy no matter what the weather has in store.

Two-Piece Snowsuit ($219) Here

Lightweight Goose Down Jacket

No kiddo wants to be weighed down, so this lightweight and packable goose down jacket is a terrific option! It also doesn't hurt that it's budget-friendly.

Lightweight Goose Down Jacket ($46.99) Here

Hook-and-Eye Coat

So you have yourself a little fashionista? This gender-neutral coat can be rocked from holiday parties to the playground.

Hook-and-Eye Coat ($28.99) Here

Bear Ears Puffer Jacket

We're suckers for anything with adorable details, so this puffer coat is high on our list! It's ideal for temps around 50ºF and comes in a ton of different colors.

Bear Ears Puffer Jacket ($23.99) Here

Dinosaur Hood Puffer Coat

Got a dino-driven kiddo? They'll love this rawr-some puffer, complete with spikes. It comes in five colors!

Dinosaur Hood Puffer Coat ($20.99) Here

Fur Hood Parka

Talk about cozy! This parka is fleece-lined with a removable hood for the days when they decide that a hood is the most annoying thing on earth after loving it the day before. You know how it goes.

Fur Hood Parka ($29.59) Here

Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Coat

This one is the #1 Best-Seller in Boys' Down Jacket & Coats on Amazon!

Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Coat ($40.20) Here

Double Flake Snow Set

We're loving this snow set for its warmth, but also because of Columbia's OUTGROWN™ System that allows you to extend the size up to 1.5"!

Double Flake Snow Set ($99) Here

Kitterwibbit II Jacket

Another dino-inspired layer (who can get enough dinosaur duds?), this one offers reflective detail and comes in four color combos!

Kitterwibbit II Jacket ($44.99) Here

Patagonia Synthetic Puffer Hoodie

Fair Trade Certified™ and high tear-strength, they'll wear this one all winter! Available in multiple colors.

Patagonia Synthetic Puffer Hoodie ($129) Here

Long Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Coat

For especially cold climates, this longer-length heavyweight coat will protect them right down to their little hands thanks to the thumb-holes!

Long Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Coat ($50.20) Here

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.

Call of the Wild: NYC Zoos, Aquariums, Farms & Other Spots to See Animals Up Close

by Wai Sze ZaraApril 14, 2022

Spring is here, and it’s a great time to head to a zoo, aquarium or even a farm outside the city. From an arty farm on the Upper East Side to stellar petting zoos great for little ones, aquariums and the world-class Bronx Zoo, we’ve rounded up the best places in the city to talk to (and often touch!) the animals. FYI: The cost of admission to many of these can add up, which is why a WCS membership is one of the best values in town. Also note that you’re going to need to reserve tickets in advance for most of these destinations.

photo: Wai Sze Zara

Petting Zoos Within Zoos

There is a children’s zoo at each of NYC’s four great zoos; a dedicated space carved out specifically for little ones, where they can explore at their own place. They can meet, touch and feed a variety of domestic animals.

The Central Park Zoo’s Tisch Children’s Zoo
Yes, there is a zoo right in the middle of New York City, and it’s great! Upon entering, kids are free to climb, crawl and roam free. Then they can get a hands-on experience with some familiar animals like pot-bellied pigs, goats, sheep and also some not so familiar like the zebu, the Patagonian cavy or the mini Nubian goat. No matter how many times you visit. Zoo admission includes a bonus 4-D theatre experience.

Tickets: adults/$20; 3-12/$15; 65 and up/$17; two and under/free.
Southeast corner of Central Park
830 5th Ave. (64th Street and 5th Avenue)
Online: centralparkzoo.com

The Queens Zoo’s Domestic Animals
This charming area is located just across from the main entrance of the zoo. Its farm-like environment features animals like the Jacobs Four-Horned sheep, the Belted Galloway cow as well the adorable Flemish Giant rabbit.

Tickets: adults/$10; kids 3-12/$7; seniors/$8; two and under/free
53-51 111th St.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Online: queenszoo.com

Prospect Park Zoo Barn & Garden
Be ready to fill up little hands with some grain so that they can feed the friendly barnyard animals like the alpacas, sheep, pigs and the zebu. Plan your visit here. Don’t miss the sea lion feeding which happens three times a day.

Insider Tip: The only (people) food available at the zoo comes from vending machines, so be sure to pack lunch.

Tickets: adults/$10; kids 3-12/$7; 65 and up/$8; two and under/free
450 Flatbush Ave.
Prospect Park
Online: prospectparkzoo.com

Staten Island Zoo
This is a cozy but very manageable little zoo filled with interesting animals to see including capybaras, leopards, Onyx the binturong, Gregory the fennec fox, Polly the pig and Benny the resident Sloth. In past years, the zoo has held a sheep-shearing event. This usually happens right in the beginning of Spring when sheep are ready to retire their Winter coat. Check the calendar to stay informed.

Reservations can be made in advance but are not necessary to enter. Please review current Covid guidelines before visiting.

Open daily 10a.m.-4:45p.m. (Weds. 2p.m.-4p.m./free for all)
Tickets: 15 and up/$10; 60 and up/$7; 3-14/$6 ; two and under/free
614 Broadway
Online: statenislandzoo.org

Bronx Zoo
A game plan is recommended in advance when visiting the largest zoo in the country. With that said, the Children’s Zoo is a must-visit and worth the extra $6 fee. Get up close to a giant anteater, two-toed sloth, South American squirrel monkeys and so many more gentle and ready-to-be-fed and touched animals.

You can also climb to new heights here. There are two options for climbing enthusiasts: the Treetop Adventure course and zipline experience as well as the Nature Trek more suitable for little ones. Be sure to schedule into your plan animal feeding times and energy for more activities including a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail, the Bug Carousel and more. A complete guide is here.

Tickets: 13 and up/$31; kids 3-12/$23; seniors/$29; two and under/free
2300 Southern Blvd.
Online: bronxzoo.com

photo: The Art Farm

The Art Farm NYC
Learn and play at this USDA-licensed indoor space located right on the Upper East Side. The Art Farm was recently renovated to include new play and party spaces, and children can feed and snuggle up with some lovable animals in The Art Farm NYC’s petting zoo. There are a variety of classes to engage children that includes art, music, creative play and even cooking. Join for open play or register for a program. This is also a great place to throw a birthday party. Good to know: You can join a free trial before you commit to a class.

419 E. 91st Street (between York & 1st Ave.)
Upper East Side
212-410-3117
Online: theartfarms.org

photo:Julie Larsen Maher

New York City Area Aquariums

New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is must-see destination on Coney Island’s celebrated boardwalk. All the more reason to go now: the aquarium just debuted its new interactive imaginaton space “Playquarium,” (shown here) where young children can explore a kelp forest, coral reef, and the sandy shore—and transform themselves into a shark, a sardine, or a whale. Other creatures to check out here: spineless animals featuring pacific octopus, moon jellies and zombie worms, “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” where you are inches away (but protected) from sharks, sea turtles, and more. Use your imagination and “snorkel” at Glover’s Reef where you’ll see colorful fish galore, then take in a sea lion show at the Aquatheater and say hello to the latest sea lion pups Ruby and Deno. Visit with penguins, sea otters and seals, all of which like to hang out at the Sea Cliffs. Read our full guide to the New York Aquarium here.

Tickets: 13 and up/$25; 3-12/$20; 65 and over/$22; two and under/free. Get “Value Admission” tickets, which can be used on Wednesdays.

Surf Ave. & W. 8th St.
Coney Island
718-265-3474
Online: nyaquarium.com

photo: Wai Sze Zara

Long Island Aquarium
One of our picks for a fun spring day trip from NYC, this aquarium features one of the largest all-living, closed-system Coral Reef displays in the Western hemisphere. There are 800 types of fish and other marine life to look at, and the aquarium makes use of both indoor and outdoor spaces. You’ll find a variety of animals including reptiles, otters, penguins and porcupines, as well as jellyfish, eels, butterflies, bugs, seahorses and birds. Want to interact with bugs? How about a treetop adventure or taking a selfie with a penguin or sea lion? All these experiences and more can be planned ahead of time here. (Some are seasonal and extra fees apply.) Remember to check out the events of the day so you don’t miss out on the sea lion, penguin or shark tank learn and feed sessions. Don’t leave without visiting the touch tank including the Ray Bay to see and touch stingrays up close. Hot tip: You can visit on your birthday for free(visit within 7 days of your actual birthdate).

Tickets: 13-61/$40; 3-12/$28; 62 and up/$30; two and under/free
431 E. Main St.
Riverhead
631-208-9200 x426
Online: longislandaquarium.com

photo: Gennessy Palma

Guided Birdwatching in NYC Parks

Despite being a major metropolis, NYC attracts plenty of feathered friends, especially to its parks, and the city offers lots of resources to get out and see the birds in their natural habitat. Check out our full guide to bird-watching with kids in NYC.

New York City parks offer a fantastic and free birding program. The guided tours are led by the Urban Park Rangers who are eager and excited to share their knowledge. These tours are offered seasonally and different birds can be spotted depending on the time of the tour. Tip: Urban Park Rangers also offer a variety of other free events. See the full calendar of programs and activities for more information.

NYC Audubon
NYC Audubon is a grassroots community with a mission to protect and conserve the birds in the NYC area. They offer guided bird tours in many of our parks including Central Park, Governors Island, Inwood Hill Park and even Oyster Bay in Long Island. Registration and fees information can be found here for current offerings.

Visit the Prospect Park Audubon Center which is the first urban area Audubon center in the nation. Led by a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club, free Introduction to birdwatching tours allow visitors of all ages to partake in their nature-centric activities. (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)

Prospect Park Audubon Center
95 Prospect Park West
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
718-965-8951
Online: prospectpark.org

Wave Hill
This Bronx institution hosts birding events throughout the year, which provide great opportunities to see migratory birds heading through, as well as ones that stay in town. Fees include admission to the grounds. Note: Birders of all levels are welcome but must be ages 10 and up and with an adult.

Wave Hill
1 W. 249th St. and Independence Avenue
718-549-3200
Bronx
Online: wavehill.org

Animal Farms Near NYC

Silverman’s Farm
Visit this farm to see small creatures like bunnies to the big fellows like buffaloes, emus and long-horn cattle. Bring some coins to purchase animal feed because feeding and petting is encouraged. (Read and adhere to the Family Farm rules before visiting.) Pick your own fruit is available later in the year. Stop by the country market for some farm favorites like fresh-pressed apple cider, local honey, 16 different kinds of pies and more.

451 Sport Hill Rd.
Easton, CT.
203-261-3306
Online: silvermansfarm.com

Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Experience what life is like on a small New England Farm. The Hecksher Farm features a variety of animals including cows, a chicken coop, a pigpen, llamas and more. Interested in getting a hands-on learning experience? Visit Hecksher’s Wild for a chance to touch a furry Chinchilla or meet the resident tortoise who is currently 48 years old. This exhibit is jammed packed with more exotic animals including tarantulas, lizards and snakes just to name a few. Remember to get a schedule of the day’s events to see if there are any demonstrations or feedings available. Besides animals, the nature center also features a fun playground, wheelchair-accessible walking trail, a museum and more. Please take a look at the Center’s safety guidelines before visiting.

Tickets: adults/$14; 4-17/$8; 65 and up/$12; three and under/free; students 18+ with ID/$10
Open daily (except major Winter holidays); Heckscher Wild! open Tues.-Sun. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
39 Scofieldtown Rd.
Stamford, CT (Main entrance)
203-977-6521
Online:Stamford Museum and Nature Center

photo: Wai Sze Zara

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Zoo
Visit the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island. They are committed to providing a natural playground for their animals using reclaimed materials from storm-damaged trees and bringing new life to used materials. Get up close and meet wild creatures like their newest marsupial, the wallabies. Meet with the zookeeper to learn about the zebra, (Zephry the Zebra may be expecting soon) camel, lemur and others. Spring is the best time to see the mommy goats with their newborns and guests are encouraged to feed a variety of animals including llamas, goats, deerpark and the miniature Sicilian donkey. Bobo the giraffe, a favorite, returns this spring and will be turning two this year.

Tickets: adults 13-61/$25; kids 3-12/$19; 62 and up/$22; two and under/free
Weekends, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
250 Old Country Rd.
631-351-9373
Manorville, NY
Online: longislandgamefarm.com

White Post Farms
There’s lots to experience at White Post Farm’s Animal Farm. Observe squirrel monkeys in the primate enrichment barn. Step into Ronnie’s bird landing or Poppie’s Lorikeet Landing where exotic birds are free to fly and feed off your hand with either a special birdseed stick or sweet nectar. Visit Grant’s Zebra and wave hello to Patches and Ollie at the giraffe observation deck (that latter is only open when temperatures are above 60 degrees). There are colorful Budgies, Cockatiels and Lovebirds to meet, pony rides, a Koi pond, a train to ride and even shows to watch. While you are allowed to bring in food (no hard coolers please) the farm market serves up a great selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. (We love the banana bread.) Covid protocol is here. Check out the Facebook page for seasonal events and up-to-date information.

Tickets: $21(packages available at an additional rate)
250 Old Court Rd.
Melville, NY
631-351-9373
Online: animalpettingzoo.com

Mark Your Calendars for these Fall Favorites

The Tompkins Square Dog Run Halloween Parade
Typically held in the week or two leading up to Halloween, The Tompkins Square Dog Run Halloween Parade is a spectacular event where hundreds of dogs get the opportunity to dress up in their wildest, fanciest or wackiest costume. It is so popular that it has garnered worldwide coverage and has been called “the largest dog costume parade in the world!” It’s a must-see experience!

East River Park Amphitheater
East River Park
Online: tompkinssquaredogrun.com

The Yearly Blessing of the Animals
The Yearly Blessing of the Animal is observed annually on October 4th. Several churches designate this day to celebrate and honor the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. The most renowned blessing is hosted by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights. Animals are brought forth to get their blessings and it’s a very special event. Check their calendar or follow them on facebook to stay tuned for event updates. (Also, check your local Catholic church to see if they are observing this celebration.)

Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave.
Morningside Heights
Online: stjohndivine.org

featured image: New York Aquarium

My Journey with Type 1 Diabetes & 5 Must-Knows

By Vanessa Messenger

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 19, 2021

As a Type 1 Diabetic, my pregnancy was considered high risk. Throughout each trimester, my blood sugars dramatically wavered due to fluctuating hormone levels. Although I had been administering daily insulin shots for the past 13 years, my body’s response to them had become unpredictable.

It’s not uncommon in your first few months of pregnancy to experience frequent low blood sugars. I was instructed to aim for blood sugar levels within a very narrow target range. Given the small margin for error, I constantly found myself afraid to eat because I couldn’t figure out how much insulin to give myself with every meal. Even without eating, my blood sugar would spike or drop depending on my level of physical activity, stress, and hormones.

During a particularly memorable hypoglycemic episode, I asked a clerk to hold my bags and gestured to my belly to indicate I was pregnant and needed to sit down. I was too out of it (and quite frankly, embarrassed) to even explain that I was a Type 1 Diabetic. I sat in between the set of automatic sliding doors on my winter coat and wiped the sweat off my forehead as I shakingly finished a bottle of Coke. Looking back, it was odd that nobody checked to make sure I was ok. But at that moment, I was relieved to be spared the uncomfortable interaction as I eventually made it back onto my feet.

Coping throughout the Pregnancy

As frustrating as the situation seemed, I was fortunate to be benefitting from some recent technological advances that empowered me to optimize my blood sugars. Having a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) allowed me to track my blood sugar readings on my phone 24/7 in real-time. This constant awareness of my sugars caused as much anxiety as it did assurance. When my glucose levels were outside of my target, my monitor would beep and buzz at all hours of the day and night. Under the direction of the high-risk obstetrics team, I also kept a manual journal of my sugars and insulin dosages which they reviewed weekly. During this time in my life, I checked my sugar level, took insulin, checked my sugar level, repeat.

On top of the bi-weekly clinic check-ins, I had monthly ultrasounds and eventually went in to have non-stress tests (NSTs) twice a week. The non-stress test was the opposite of how it sounds: very stressful. During the tests, a cluster of monitors was placed on my belly to assess the baby’s heart rate and responsiveness. On one of the last NSTs before delivery, the doctor came into the room to unhook me from the monitors. This usually meant the test was over and I could return home…but this time was different. I was instructed to leave the outpatient clinic and head directly to the main hospital.

The baby’s activity level was below normal, so further testing was required. Just before leaving, the doctor informed me there was a chance I’d be admitted for delivery. In a panic, I drove myself to the hospital and found the triage area on the labor and delivery floor. I was met by a team of nurses and doctors who were already briefed on the situation and ready to apply a new set of monitors. Although everyone reassured me that this trip to the hospital was precautionary, I became increasingly concerned as each hour passed by. I nervously took bites out of a protein bar to maintain my sugar levels while frantically texting my husband. Finally, after 3 hours of assessments, the baby’s activity level and heart rate normalized; there was no need for intervention, and I was able to go home.

That following Tuesday, I was back on the Labor and Delivery floor being induced. I was in labor for 3 days and had so many wires, tubes, and devices hanging off me, I felt like a marionette. Although my family wasn’t allowed to come to the hospital due to COVID protocols, I called them with Facetime endlessly over those few days which kept my spirits up. Memorably, one of my video chats with my niece and nephews resulted in me laughing so hard that my water spontaneously broke while we were waiting for the doctor to rupture it manually.

At lucky 11:11 am, my daughter Monroe was placed on my chest. It was all worth it, and it prepared me for the pregnancy of my son, Miles, a short 15 months later.

Having the Tough Conversation

One day, I know I will talk to my children about how they came into this world, and how hard I fought for them to be healthy while inside my womb. From a mom who knows firsthand how challenging it can be to explain Type 1 Diabetes, here are some tips for starting the conversation with your kids or loved ones:

1. Explain diabetes in simple, but uplifting terms. That it’s a manageable condition and those with diabetes can lead long, healthy and happy lives by making good choices.

2. Emphasize that when someone has type 1 diabetes, it’s not their fault and they didn’t cause it in any way. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from creating insulin. It isn’t caused by poor diet or lack of physical activity.

3. Openly educate and inspire ways to develop a healthy relationship with food and exercise. Make it a fun routine in which the whole family participates. After all, everyone needs to make healthy choices, not just diabetics.

4. Reassure them that finger pricks and injections might seem intimidating, but they come with many benefits and aren’t scary.

5. Instill confidence that the condition isn’t something that needs to be hidden. There is a large community of diabetics along with celebrities and influencers, like Nick Jonas, Robin Arzón, and Jay Cutler, who speak openly about Type 1 Diabetes.

—Vanessa Messenger

Vanessa Messenger is a mom, a Product Lead at Google, and considering she’s been a Type 1 Diabetic since 2010…she’s also a full-time pancreas! She is the author of the award-winning book, Teddy Talks: A Paws-itive Story About Type 1 Diabetes.

Vanessa Messenger

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

8 Car Seat Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

By Joshua Dilts

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 2, 2021

Photo: Chicco via Website

As parents, it’s our number one priority to keep our children safe and kids spend a lot of time in the car from daycare drop-off to weekly errands. In fact, new Chicco research* commissioned ahead of Baby Safety Month this September found that 42% of children spend four or more hours in their car seats in a typical week. It’s important that parents take the time to find a car seat that provides optimal comfort and safety for little ones. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here are 8 tips parents need to know when it comes to buying, installing and using a car seat properly:

1. Don’t purchase a car seat solely based on weight limits, it’s a balance of height, weight, and correct stage: When buying a car seat, it’s important to look at both the weight and height limits of the car seat. Usually, children outgrow height limits before weight, so it’s important to find a car seat that can grow taller with your child. Parents should primarily focus on ease of install, child fit, and comfort—all of these elements play a critical role in traveling safely every time.

2. Comfort plays a role in safety: Comfort is more important than some may think when it comes to car seat safety. A comfortable car seat means children are less likely to wiggle around and stay seated in the correct position in their car seat for the duration of each ride. In addition to contoured seat design, consider unique fabric innovations, such as the Adapt® line of car seats from Chicco that use fabrics with patented 37.5® Technology, which employs natural volcanic minerals to help keep children at the ideal relative humidity of 37.5%.

3. Perform this easy at-home test to make sure your car seat is installed securely: When it comes to car seat installation, 55% of parents do not know or are not sure what the ‘inch test’ is. It’s a simple at-home way to check if your child’s car seat is secure. After installing, grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If the car seat moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start the process over until a secure fit is achieved and your installation can pass the ‘inch test.’

4. Know when it is the right time to turn your child forward-facing: Parents often want to turn their child forward-facing when baby’s legs touch the back of the vehicle seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendation is to maximize each car seat mode of use and wait until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limits of the rear-facing car seat.

5. Winter coat protocol: With the weather turning cooler in the coming months, it’s a good idea to clear up confusion about winter coats and car seats. 40% of parents say it is recommended for a child to wear a winter coat in a car seat with a five-point harness or they are unsure. However, best practice is to remove baby’s bulky coat before car rides as it can give a false sense of harness tightness. In a crash, down or poly fill compresses, which means, underneath all that fluff, you have a child in a harness that is too loose.

6. Understand the harness position on car seats: With car seats, it’s important to adjust the harness as your child grows. In rear-facing installations, make sure the harness strap is at or below the child’s shoulders. For forward-facing, make sure the harness strap is at or above the child’s shoulders.

7. Use available resources when you have a question: When installing a car seat, it’s extremely important to seek and use resources rather than winging installation. Use the car seat manual, QR codes and online resources to make sure you are installing your car seat securely, correctly, and safely.

8. Avoid hand-me-down car seats when you can: According to Chicco’s research, a surprising third (34%) of parents use an older sibling’s car seat, hand-me-down from a friend or family member, or purchase a used seat via sites such as Facebook Marketplace. While it’s not necessarily unsafe to re-use a car seat from a family member or friend, it is extremely important that you know the car seat’s history and check both the expiration date and any outstanding recalls.

For parents looking for additional car seat safety information, ChiccoUSA offers a variety of resources from how to choose a car seat, car seat comparisons and step-by-step installation videos.

*Results based on Chicco survey of 1,004 parents in August 2021

Joshua Dilts

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Joshua Dilts is an advocate for child passenger safety, serving as a certified Child Safety Technician and lead car seat product manager at Chicco. A father of three, Josh’s real-life experience provides inspiration and motivation for creating solutions that make it easier for families to travel safely with car seats.

These Baby Products Are 100% Mom Invented & 100% Awesome

by Karly WoodApril 7, 2021

The baby industry is constantly evolving, and it’s because there are some amazing women at the helm. From vegan accessories and revolutionary feeding gear, to back-saving baby carriers, mom inventors are changing the face of what it means to manage the newborn and infant stage. Keep scrolling to see our favorite baby gear products that will have you saying, “oh baby!”

Skin-to-Skin Bonding: Bonsie

Mom of two and former clinical social worker, Anna Turcotte knows the benefits of skin-to-skin contact between babies and caregivers. With her experience, she set out to create babywear that encouraged skin-to-skin contact but also kept babies comfortable. Bonsie, a combination of "bonding" and "onesie" was born! Each onesie is made with double-layered flaps connected by an ultra-soft hook and loop fastener. Once the two flaps are open, baby's chest and belly are fully exposed for skin-to-skin connection. Parents can shop in sizes ranging from newborn to 9 months in comfy bamboo and cotton blends.

Online: bonsie.com

Safe Sleeping: Swaddle Sleeves by Two Baby Bears Co.

Umma Shekhani and her daughter loved swaddles, but when it came time to transition out of the original style, they weren't having much luck. All the options kept her too warm or offered just a little too much freedom. In a moment of desperation, Umma sketched and sewed the first version of Swaddle Sleeves, gently weighted sleeves that offer comfort. Since then, Swaddles Sleeves has expanded to even more products that include swaddle pods, sleep sacks, and footie pajamas. Products come with double zippers for quick changes and non-weighted "Mitten Sleeves" that can be worn when weighted sleeves aren't needed.

Online: swaddlesleeves.com

Healthynest: EWG-Verified Diapers, Cleaning, Skincare and More

Founded in the Fall of 2020 by Shazi Visram (she’s also the founder of Happy Family Organics and mom to a 10-year-old son and five-year-old daughter), Healthynest is the first brain-forward brand for expectant and new parents to navigate their baby’s developmental health. What does that mean exactly? To start, Healthynest pairs products with science-backed enrichment activities to help parents navigate raising kids starting from day one. So while you place an order for the first-ever EWG-Verified diaper, EWG-Verified cleaning system and EWG-Verified Skincare system, you can also learn how to introduce texture to babies or discover if your tap water is safe to drink thanks to Healthynest’s tutorials and videos.

Learn more about Healthynest here.

No-Snap Onesies: Peasy Co.

As a mom of two, Sara Parant was frustrated with all the buttons, zippers and snaps that came on infant clothes. Realizing tons of other parents felt the same way, she set out to design a no-snap onesie that would change the way we dress and change babies. Peasy Co. grew and developed a full line of sustainable, progressive infant basics. The company provides comfort for babes and super quick diaper changes, using hypoallergenic, quick-trying, anti-microbial and breathable fabric.

Online: peasyco.com

Buttery Soft Blankets: Coco Moon

Amber Thibaut grew up as the daughter of a Maui waterman, which connected her strongly to the island culture. Late one night while nursing her son, she realized the blanket she reached for held no special meaning or connection to Hawaii, which embodied arts, tradition and community. That night, Coco Moon was born. Now, Thibaut's brand specializes in buttery-soft baby goods that are all inspired by memories of a childhood in Hawaii. Parents can shop island-inspired quilts, security and throw blankets, swaddles and clothing with whimsical prints and the softest materials.

Online: cocomoonhawaii.com

No More Snaps: Zipease

Taeler Horak was a first time mom and she already despised trying to snap baby clothes in the middle of the night. Armed with her great grandmother's sewing machine, she set out to make the first ankle to ankle zippered baby romper. When local moms began asking for custom orders, Horak knew she was on to something. After creating her own website, rebranding and a soft launch on Facebook, Zipease, LLC was born. The female-owned and run business now employs four more women who make the company's entire inventory in house.

Online: zipeaserompers.com

Lactation Support: Milky Mama

After having her second child and returning to work, Krystal Nicole Duhaney struggled with her milk supply like many moms. As a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant she knew there were not enough resources for breastfeeding mothers and wanted to come up with a solution for low milk supply. Using her medical background, Duhaney came up with a milk-making cookie recipe and in November of 2015, Milky Mama was born! Today, Milky Mama's product line includes Lactation Cookies, Brownies, Emergency Brownies, Tropical Iced Tea, Lactation LeMOOnade, Lactation Smoothie Mix, and Herbal Supplements. In addition to offering products, the company also facilitates weekly Facebook chats and a lactation support group so women can come alongside each other in support.

Online: milky-mama.com

Easy Squeezy: UnbuckleMe

Towards the end of her maternity leave, Becca Davidson's mom offered to watch her daughter once a week. Her mom was really looking forward to spending some quality time with her new granddaughter, but soon realized that because of some arthritis in her thumb, she wasn't able to press the red button hard enough to release the buckle on the carseat. After realizing that a federal regulation required 9 pounds of pressure to release the button for safety reasons, Davidson and her mom set out find a solution. As an Occupational Therapist, Davidson's mother created a tool using splint material, which used leverage to reduce the force needed to unbuckle, and UnbuckleMe was born!. The duo refined the design, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, attended dozens of events, acquired patents and continues to spread awareness.

Online: unbuckleme.com

Sweet Dreams: Snuggy Buddy Sleep Sack

Susan Bortone's two kids were never good sleepers. They loved to snuggle and always wanted a soft toy to hold but Bortone never wanted to leave an unsafe toy in the crib, which meant they would wake often looking for their lovey. After trying every sleep trick in the book, she started sketching and making a protoype that combined the security of a sleep sack and a safe toy all in one. When her daughter tried it for the first time, shel slept through the night! Now, Snuggy Buddy is in production and taking pre-orders for the breathable sleep snack made from muslin with a weighted butterfly with soft plush wings stitched at chest level. In addition to providing a safe sleep experience, Snuggy Buddy is also partnering with a charity, donating fabric for them to make blankets for babies in need.

Online: snuggybuddy.com

No More Toddler Toss: Busy Baby Mat

Beth Fynbo was tired of the "toddler toss," when littles keep throwing things on the floor or putting their mouth on germy restaurant tables. In response, she created the Busy Baby Mat, a food-grade silicone placemat that firmly sticks on just about any surface including shopping cart handles, floors and tables. The innovative silicone tethers attach to toys to keep them in arms reach and the placemat is perfect for eating, and even drawing on!

Online:busybabymat.com/

Vegan Bibs & Changing Mats: Bek & Jet

Bekah Marsden didn't love when her baby’s bibs or changing mats got stained and gross. As a mom, she set out to create a product that would stand the test of time and look stylish while doing it. That's when she came up with vegan leather bibs and changing mats for her site, Bek & Jet. The amazingly soft products can be easily wiped down after each use––no more stains!

Online: bekandjet.com

Carseat Safe Jackets: Buckle Me Baby Coat

Mom of three Dahlia Rizk was sick and tired of wrestling her kids in and out of coats when it came time to getting into the car seat. She imagined a time when zippers weren't in the middle of coats and then instant excitement came! Rizk applied for a patent and some time later, the world’s first and only car seat-safe winter coat was born. Her genius design means that car seat straps and harnessed go under the coats and not on top, and are crash tested. They passed the first time around! Buckle Me Baby Coats are evaluated by CPSTs, first responders, and EMTs too but her "biggest experts are the kids who love not having coats forced off and on them all the time and parents who love having one less thing to worry about!"

Online: bucklemecoats.com

Plush Pacifiers: WubbaNub

While on a family vacation, Carla Schneider’s infant son could not be consoled. When his pacifer wouldn't stay in his mouth, the mom grabbed the hotel sewing kit and sewed her son’s favorite stuffed toy to a pacifier. Instantly he was comforted, and this was the start of WubbaNub. Twenty years later Schneider still owns and operates the brand while remaining true to her original mission: "Comforting and soothing one baby at a time while raising funds and awareness surrounding illnesses that afflict newborns."

Online: wubbanubonline.com

Carrying Alternative: TushBaby

Tammy Rant and Sara Azadi created TushBaby out of complete necessity. Back and hip pain led them to question: was there a better way to carry their kids? When traditional carriers didn't work, the idea to create a strapless baby carrier was born. After pitching their idea on Shark Tank, Tushbaby has taken off, finding a market in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The memory-lined seat comes with extra storage for essentials, and is perfect for any caregivers, from mom and dad to grandparents!

Online: tushbaby.com

Life Skills, One Spoon at a Time: Kizingo

Lisa Sutherland and Kiyah Duffy are moms with seven kids between them. Both women have Ph.D.’s in nutrition and a shared passion for food, creativity and an interest in helping little ones learn to feed themselves. They knew what parents could do to help kids succeed at mealtime and learn to love eating healthy foods but didn't see the right tools to help them do that. Kizingo spoons work with the way young children hold and use utensils, making it easier for them to bring the food from their plate to their mouth! Why is this important? Kids who can feed themselves are less likely to overeat and less likely to become picky eaters because they retain control over mealtime.

Online: kizingokids.com

The Convenient Baby Carrier: Tady

When Natalie Riley's daughter was young and riding in a stroller, inevitably, she would demand to be carried. Natalie always ended up carrying her daughter in one arm and pushing the empty set of wheels with the other. The same goes for hiking—Natalie found herself carrying her daughter in her arms with an empty baby transporter on her back. She needed a tiny baby carrier that she could carry in her pocket or use as a purse while her daughter is walking, and so Tady—a baby carrier that can support up to 60 lbs and easily converts into a diaper bag—was born.

Online: tady.com

Bespoke Sleepsacks: Bumbershoots by Nana

Give your babe a leg up in the sleep department with Bumbershoots by Nana. These oh-so-soft sleep sacks are designed and hand sewn by Judy Carr (aka Nana), a grandmother who works out of her Maryland studio using patterns she has made and refined over time. Bumbershoots by Nana was born when her grandson was transitioning out of a swaddle and into a sleep sack. Judy noticed that even more expensive sacks seemed cheaply made and didn't wear well. In part due to her grandmotherly love, and in part due to her entrepreneurial spirit, Judy decided to fix that problem—her high-quality, reverse-lined sleep sacks are functional (they hold up extremely well to machine washes and everyday use) and fun (check out their designs here). Fun fact: Bumbershoots by Nana stocks multiples in each size, but is also able to produce 30 or so a week without assistance.

Online: bumbershootsbynana.com.

A Mom-Invented Registry: Blueprint Registry

Lizzy Ellingson co-founded Blueprint Registry after experiencing her own frustrations with traditional wedding registries. She wanted a more fun, visual process—and it turns out she wasn't the only one. After having her first baby, she discovered that the baby registry world had the same problems and so she expanded Blueprint's platform into a baby registry with the goal of helping to educate new moms along the way. New parents can not only rest easy knowing Blueprint has the lowest credit card processing fee in the industry, but they can also shop from a visual blueprint of their nursery and add gifts from any retailer to their registry to fit their needs.

Check it out at blueprintregistry.com

Multi Use Baby Gear: Cheeky Chompers

Julie Wilson and Amy Livingston founded Cheeky Chompers while on maternity leave after their first babies were born. They noticed a gap in the market for a teether that attached to a baby and that’s when the innovative Neckerchew was born! What’s a Neckerchew? It’s a highly absorbent, reversible cotton dribble bib with a silicone teether integrated right into the design. After the success of the Neckerchew, they went on to invent the Comfortchew, Chewy the attachable sensory hippo teether, the Cheeky Blanket, the organic MultiMuslin (it’s a nursing cover, stroller cover, teether, burp cloth, swaddle and blanket all in one) and the Muslin Comforter. These two mamas and their innovative thinking are streamlining the world of baby gear.

Online: cheekychompersus.com

Not Your Mother’s Diaper Bag: TWELVElittle

When TWELVElittle baby bags came on the scene, new moms everywhere sighed with relief. Stylish, practical (read: wipeable) diaper bags and accessories that feel designer-worthy without the outrageous price tag. Mom and designer Julia Min founded TWELVElittle to simplify and elevate new mom style. And she's succeeded! In addition to diaper bags and backpacks that you'll be toting around long after they are potty-trained, they also make backpacks for kids, smaller bags for storage (we love this striped bag trio) and the popular 12 LITTLE WONDERS dangles, inspired by the Chinese zodiac and made to customize any bag.

Online: twelvelittle.com

Waste Not, Want Not: Milkies

For any mom who has ever pumped for their nursing babes, you know how precious every drop can be. When her son Henry was born in 2008, Helen Anderson was working as an ER nurse and still breastfeeding. So she came up with a business, Milkies, and a product to help save time and make sure not a drop of the liquid gold was lost: Milk-Saver. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that leaks in between nursing or pumping (you know what we mean).

Online: mymilkies.com

Kitchen Concept: Cheeky Baby

We’re pretty sure that Ayesha Curry doesn’t sleep. Not only is she a mother of two beautiful kiddos and wife of Golden State all-star Stephen Curry, but she also’s a cookbook author, hosts her own show on the Food Network, Ayesha’s Homemade, and is the co-founder of the recently launched Cheeky Baby. Partnered with Cheeky Kids, this line of reusable, high-quality plastic and silicone dinnerware products are designed just with little ones in mind. They help foster independence at meal-time with trainer and sippy cups, feeding spoons, traditional baby cutlery, and even a line of self-feeding cutlery; non-slip bowls and more, all with whimsical-but-chic patterns and animal characters. And if you need one more reason to love this woman, for every Cheeky Baby item purchased, a meal will be donated to a child in need through No Kid Hungry.

Online: cheekybaby.com

A New Tradition: The Finnbin

Catherine Merritt has been a long-time supporter of moms: she’s the genius behind MUMZY, the first and only crowdfunding platform for moms. Catherine sold MUMZY last year and is on to her newest venture, Finnbin. Co-founded with Shawn Bercuson (entrepreneur and superdad), Finnbin brings the Finnish tradition to the U.S. for the first time ever. What is a Finnbin? It’s a cardboard box full of newborn items, including bibs, bedding, clothing, a swaddle, bath essentials and more. The best part? The box can actually be used as baby’s first bed. Don’t believe us? The Finns have been doing this for more than 80 years! We love these self-contained boxes that pair down the clutter and focus on what you need for your new arrival, so you can focus on baby! “To play a role in providing the peace of mind to new parents is such an incredible feeling as an entrepreneur and a fellow mom,” says Catherine.

Online: finnbin.com

Taking a Bite: Grabease

Maya Shalev, founder of Grabease is a problem solver. As a busy lawyer, mediator and mother of three, she experienced all of the typical frustrations of parenting, including watching her little one repeatedly not be able to hold on to the spoon when trying to self-feed. So, she invented a better product: grabease utensils ($14.95), available on Amazon. These adorable fork and spoon sets are squat enough that tiny hands can grasp and control with ease, plus they are safer than regular "toddler" flatware: the handle is ergonomically designed and there's a choke barrier. It comes in several colors (including dark gray, teal, orange and white), and you can even grab a handy carrying pouch that tucks into your diaper bag or purse. The best part? It helps them develop motor skills right before your eyes. BPA free. Grabease also recently launched a 2 in 1 silicone spoon + teether, a double-sided toothbrush that helps helps with baby and toddler oral care and an all-over bib that helps to make the dinner mess less stressful.

Online: grabease.com

Library Lifestyle: Savor Keepsake Box

You love all the notes and stick-figure drawings, but it doesn’t take long for paper to take over your house. That’s why moms Karla “neatnick” the Losen and Jennifer organization queen” McAllister-Nevins got together and invented The Keepsake Box by Savor, designed to help you keep treasures and cull the chaos. There are two versions: The Library: Baby Keepsake Box and The Library: School Years Keepsake Box. Each box includes a handcrafted, book cloth case; pre-categorized labels; 9 drawers for tiny things and 8 vertical files (baby version) or 16 vertical files (school years); a birthday survey for yearly highlights and more. It’s like scrapbooking without the scrapbooking. Everything is contained, sleek and easy to browse through so you can walk down memory lane anytime. As an added bonus, they look cute on the shelf. Stop shoving those things in a bin and start organizing your treasures! Prices start at $69.95.

Online: savor.us

—Kate Loweth, Amber Guetebier, Erin Lem and Karly Wood

All photos provided by companies

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These Innovative Products Will Help Save Your Sanity This Winter

by Amber GuetebierFebruary 17, 2021

Whether you’re gearing up for a long, snowy winter or just riding the waves of cooler storms, there’s no question that winter comes with challenges. Keep your kids warm and dry with these new and cool items.

Bern Helmets

The problem? Newbies on the slope fall a lot!

The solution: For the littlest of littles shredding the gnar for the first time, you want them outfitted in the safest gear possible. We love Bern helmets for their safety and design (in fact, we use the adult version ourselves when skiing).

The Camino is the smallest helmet in their winter line and fits our almost three-year-old perfectly. It's easy to adjust to your child's head, they're lightweight and apparently very comfortable—we were quite surprised that our tot didn't complain once about wearing his helmet all morning (and we all know how toddlers love to complain). The designs are fun, too. Choose from snowflakes, airplanes, a shark and more.

And, what we really love is that this helmet also doubles—at least for our family—as a winter helmet for bike riding. It keeps our son's ears and head warm, while providing protection since he's just graduating from a balance bike to a pedal bike and prone to bumps and bruises.

$59.99

Shop at bernhelmets.com

Gordini Gloves

The problem? There's an artic freeze but your kids still want to play outside.

The solution? Gloves that will keep frostbite at bay!

When it comes to winter gloves, not all are created equal. When there are low temps and lots of snow, having a glove that stays in place while keeping those fingers nice and cozy is a must. We love Gordini gloves: they're high-quality, come in an array of stylish colors, have little hidden pockets for things like a key, and kept our Managing Editor's sons hands plenty warm during a Minnesota winter. Plus, you can find them in styles from baby/mitten to junior.

Shop them on Amazon or check out gordini.com.

Most kid styles are between $35-$50.

Cubcoats Panda Down Jacket

The problem? It's cold and you want your kids to stay cozy and not forget their coat!

The solution: Cubcoats convertible attire. Whether you're traveling or playing right at home, Cubcoats innovative design insures your kid will never forget their coat! The newest additions to the line of cozy stuffed animals that convert to jackets include super-warm down vests and coats. We're pretty much in love with the Papo the Panda but other designs are available including Kali the Kitty and Pimm the Puppy.

$65-$80

Shop at cubcoats. com

Reima Snow Suits

The problem? Layers upon layers of gear weigh kids down and, especially, slow kids down!

The solution: Reima Snowsuits

There's a Finnish saying that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing and Finnish brand Reima makes some of the best snow and cold-weather gear money can buy. In many cold climates, kids need to gear up to go out to play at recess, and for some kids it takes waaaay too long to get ready to go. We love one-piece snow suits for kids for just this reason, and thanks to Reima you can find them well beyond the baby years, with sizes up to age 10. They make lots of other gear too, including gloves, hats and rain gear. It's a little spendy but they last forever and can be passed on from sibling to sibling/younger friends.

Find them on Amazon or at us.reima.com

Tiger Paw Mittyz

The problem? Baby and toddler gloves are either impossible to get on or fall off too easily.

The solution? Veyo's Mittyz

These adorable animal-inspired mittens not only keep their hands warm in the winter, they are super easy to put on, ideal for wriggling babies and toddlers. They are waterproof, big enough to fit over any coat sleeves, and feature an elastic gauntlet to keep out snow and ice and keep them in place. Snag a matching tiger Noggins ($14.95) and you’ll be ready to roar.

$39.95

Shop at veyokids.com/mittyz

Buckle Me Coats

The problem? Getting a car seat on over a puffy winter coat.

The solution? Buckle Me Coats

Parents in cold winter climates know the struggle is real: you’ve got your car seat fitted nice and snug and then the winter coat throws everything off. Enter, Buckle Me Coats, a mom-invented car seat friendly coat that allows you to buckle your kids right into their seat without having to remove the coat or re-adjust the straps.

From $59.99

Learn more at bucklemecoats.com

Dry Out Gloves & Boots Faster with the Green Glove Dryer

The problem? Those boots and gloves get damp inside!

The solution? The Green Glove dryer, a mitten and boot dryer that an adapt to a heater vent!

Michigan-based mom Karen Smoots came up with a genius way to dry out her family’s wet gear during one of Michigan’s long, cold winters. The Green Glove Dryer doesn’t just work for gloves: you can use it for hats and boots too. It attaches to a heat register and the warm air circulates inside the gear through nozzles. You can use on a floor vent or wall vent, and both are super easy to install, lightweight and portable. Our editor tested both versions and fell in love.

$19.99, free shipping in the US and $5 flat rate to Canada.

Get yours at greenglovedryer.com

—Amber Guetebier

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How to Balance Work & Life in 2021

By Allison Kade

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 12, 2021

Photo: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

I write this in my basement, as my toddler and infant tromp around above me—all while trading childcare shifts with my husband because daycare’s out of session due to covid.

Clearly, the current era has been all about juggling. But at a time when it’s harder than ever to achieve balance in our work and home lives, striking some kind of peace treaty between work and home life is especially crucial.

As the Millennial Money Expert at Fabric, a startup that’s a one-stop-shop for families and their financial lives, I speak to all sorts of parents. Between these conversations and the tenuous line I’m also trying to walk, here’s how I’ve been thinking about work-life balance in 2021.

Leave work at work, even if you’re now working from home: In practical terms, the best way to do this is to set aside a designated place for WFH-ing. If I try to work on my laptop at the kitchen table, I can guarantee that I’m going to be interrupted with a request to bake cookies (where did she get the impression that was on today’s schedule?), build a puzzle or help with the niggly parts of dressing a baby doll. Finding a work-only space can be difficult if your home isn’t giant or you don’t have a separate office. Still, even if “home office” means throwing on a winter coat and working out of the basement (ahem), it’s vital to have a designated space where you can concentrate—and where your kids understand that you’re off-limits.
Set time limits on technology for your kids and yourself: When your top goal is to get your kids to be quiet long enough for you to get through a conference call, it can be tempting to plop ‘em in front of a screen. Likewise, when the weather’s cold and all the stores and restaurants are closed or potentially coronavirus-ridden, it often feels easier to tune out and tune into Netflix. I’m not here to take a stand on whether screen time is good or bad in general, but my own experience is that after a long day of screens, I often feel better if I can step away. Sometimes this takes the form of cooking and baking or listening to an audiobook. Lately, I’ve been rediscovering my crafty side by drawing kids’ books and puzzles for the children in my life. Whatever your release, try asking yourself: After the fact, which action will make me feel better about how I spent this hour?
Get your financial life in (better) order: With so much going on, dealing with finances and long-term planning can feel very stressful and overwhelming. But in a world of chaos, it can be reassuring to impose some order. Think about what tasks are on your financial and organizational to-do list. Which ones can you knock off between kids’ bedtime and your own? Start there. Whether you are a new parent or not, nows the time to think about the status of your life insurance, will, and college savings plans and update priority documents so you can relax a bit.
Iron out a schedule with the people in your life: If you’re a single parent, this time is incredibly challenging. I hope you have other support systems in your life, like family and/or “learning pods” with friends’ kids. Whether your pinch-hitters include spouses and partners or grandparents and friends, this pandemic has gone on long enough that it probably makes sense to formalize your arrangements, if you haven’t already. If your kids are typically in school or daycare, what’s the backup plan for if and when they close for the dreaded 14 days for COVID? If you have a nanny, what’ll you do if they end up getting sick? If grandparents or other family members can help out, can they come on regular days each week?

This hasn’t been easy for any of us. I can’t pretend that work-life balance is going to magically fall into place, especially when it was hard enough previously, without a pandemic! But I know I’ll be taking a deep breath and thinking more consciously about how I can create the boundaries I need to maximize my work and family successes.

Allison Kade

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Allison Kade is Fabric’s Millennial Money Expert. She has written about parenting, money, travel, careers, and time management, for publications like Bloomberg, Forbes, The Today Show, Business Insider, The Huffington Post, and more. She is also a Pushcart Prize-nominated fiction writer. Follow her on Twitter @amkade.

Fall Family Strategy: Get Outside (And Dress Accordingly)

by #MomLifeNovember 3, 2020

Andrea Hartman

Mom to 3, styling real life in Portland, Oregon

As the cold and rainy season moves in, figuring out how to survive a COVID/quarantine winter has been top of mind for me. Summer made living in a quarantine relatively easy because we could do so much outside. But now, the warm days are gone, replaced with clouds and cold temps. Normally, the Oregon winter drives me indoors, save a few dog walks, but this year I am vowing to do things differently.
COVID has changed how I view so much, and one thing is my perspective on the outdoors. For too long I have taken living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest for granted. However, right now, the outdoors is the #1 option our family has for doing anything fun outside the house. And this mom is determined to find a way to make it work.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, right? I think that’s how the expression goes. We just need the right layers.
This is what my family is wearing to stay warm in the outdoors this fall and winter.
Last weekend we headed to a local arboretum to see the fall colors and brave the brisk temps. Side note: face masks make great face warmers! We wore ours too but took them off for photos.
It’s truly amazing what being outdoors does for everyone’s spirits. Something about being under the open sky makes the kids feel freer and I feel more at ease.

We are currently brainstorming a list of local hikes to hit this fall and winter. I’d like to get to the coast and show the kids Ft. Stevens, I think they’d enjoy the history. I also came across this very comprehensive list of Oregon hikes, and can’t wait to tackle some of them!
One silver lining of this Covid era: we might just become more outdoorsy people, and I am excited about that.

1

Patagonia Cord Fjord Coat

A unicorn jacket because it's both warm (600 fill power!) and stylish (hello corduroy!)

$299

I often tend to shy away from the outdoors when it gets cold because most technical jackets just don't jive with my style. This Cord Fjord Coat is great because it's way more interesting than your typical puffer. It has a slight vintage vibe, but the fit is more relaxed, which makes it feel modern. The flannel and corduroy fabric feel so much more cozy than your typical nylon-y fabric.

BUY NOW

2

A18 Watch Hat

A pop of color makes cloudy days less dreary

$16.99

This hat has become a staple for our family members because it's soft, warm, and comes in so many colors. I also love that it's made in the USA!

BUY NOW

3

Nike Heritage Fanny Pack

Hands-free hiking is a must!

$25

The little pack is sleek and small, perfect for wearing around your waist, *under* your coat, or slung crossbody *over* your coat. Either way, it's a lot easier than carrying a traditional purse!

BUY NOW

4

Water-resistant chelsea boot

Another shining example of function AND style

$230

These boots are my go-to for the outdoors right now because they are warm, comfortable, and can stand up to wet weather. I really love that they look like normal, everyday boots and not 'technical' or rain boots.

BUY NOW

5

Washed Duck Jacket

Workwear for city life

$129.99

We are very much urban types, who are striving to be outdoors more, and this jacket is the best of both worlds. It's sturdy, industrious and warm, yet it has a sleek, polished look to it with flap pockets and snap closures.

BUY NOW

6

Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket (Women's)

Sleek and cozy, good for women and 'tweens

$149.99

My 11-year-old loves this jacket because the slim fit makes her feel grown up, and the long length keeps her warm. Bonus: there are thumb holes in the sleeves that she uses approximately 100% of the time.

BUY NOW

7

Girls’ Sherpa Fleece

So soft and warm, it's wearable 24/7

$39.99

This one is a bit like a blanket with a zipper. It's so snuggly I catch my daughter wearing it almost every day. It's a great base layer, and would work well under a parka on colder days.

BUY NOW

8

Carhartt Flannel Quilt Lined Jacket

Looks like a sweatshirt, acts like a jacket

$69.99

My little boy hates wearing coats and instead lives in hoodies. This jacket is a bit of a hero for us because it looks like a hoodie, but with the canvas outside and quilted inside, it's a sneaky winter coat!

BUY NOW

9

Kids' Acrylic Watch Hat

Beanies in u-pick colors!

$9.99 BUY NOW

My kids love to show their personalities with what they wear, including their favorite colors. I love these beanies because they are bright and colorful, but not over the top. Heck, they're even cool. My kids like them because they're soft.

These winter essentials are the feel-good products to keep you going when winter feels like it’s going to last f o r e v e r

Marshmallow Brown Warmies Boots

Costa Farms Live Money Tree Indoor Plant

Tony's Chocolonely Super Duper Milk Bundle

ThirdLove All Day Lace T-Shirt Bra

AG1 Athletic Greens

Homesick Beach Cottage Candle

Hexagonal Plant Stand

HappyLight by Verilux

Good Night Bright Brightening Serum

Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

High-Pressure Rain Showerhead

The Self Love Journal

Big Blanket Co. Hideout Hoodie

Cold Weather Comfort Tea Gift Set by Scout Urling

Contigo West Loop Travel Mug

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

Half-Zip Sweatshirt & Wide-Leg Lounge Set

Mindful Messages Positive Affirmation Cards

The Viral Amazon Orolay Coat

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful…luckily, these toddler coats make getting them ready a little less scary

3-in-1 Jacket

Mon Coeur Puffer Jacket

Ruffle Puffer Jacket

Rocket Rain Coat

Ombré Puffer Vest

The North Face Down Hooded Jacket

Buffalo Check Hooded Wool Jacket

Two-Piece Snowsuit

Lightweight Goose Down Jacket

Hook-and-Eye Coat

Bear Ears Puffer Jacket

Dinosaur Hood Puffer Coat

Fur Hood Parka

Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Coat

Double Flake Snow Set

Kitterwibbit II Jacket

Patagonia Synthetic Puffer Hoodie

Long Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Coat

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Skin-to-Skin Bonding: Bonsie

Safe Sleeping: Swaddle Sleeves by Two Baby Bears Co.

Healthynest: EWG-Verified Diapers, Cleaning, Skincare and More

No-Snap Onesies: Peasy Co.

Buttery Soft Blankets: Coco Moon

No More Snaps: Zipease

Lactation Support: Milky Mama

Easy Squeezy: UnbuckleMe

Sweet Dreams: Snuggy Buddy Sleep Sack

No More Toddler Toss: Busy Baby Mat

Vegan Bibs & Changing Mats: Bek & Jet

Carseat Safe Jackets: Buckle Me Baby Coat

Plush Pacifiers: WubbaNub

Carrying Alternative: TushBaby

Life Skills, One Spoon at a Time: Kizingo

The Convenient Baby Carrier: Tady

Bespoke Sleepsacks: Bumbershoots by Nana

A Mom-Invented Registry: Blueprint Registry

Multi Use Baby Gear: Cheeky Chompers

Not Your Mother’s Diaper Bag: TWELVElittle

Waste Not, Want Not: Milkies

Kitchen Concept: Cheeky Baby

A New Tradition: The Finnbin

Taking a Bite: Grabease

Library Lifestyle: Savor Keepsake Box

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