These goodies are sure to become instant favorites they’ll use well beyond their first birthday

A pull-along snail, their very own turntable, an activity table with hidden storage, the bounciest unicorn, a beautiful balance bike, and bath toys that keep the water in the bath? These are the holiday gifts for one-year-olds that are sure to delight. And if you’ve got other littles on your list, check out our gifts for 18 to 24 months and 6 to 12 months.

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table

The Fisher Price Mix and Learn DJ Table is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

If your babe’s been bopping their head to the beat since they first gained neck control, they’re going to love this music-themed, light-up activity table. As sitters, they can explore the piano, buttons, and toys, and brush up on their shapes and colors; once they can stand at the decks they’ll be dropping a beat while learning Spanish phrases and opposites.

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table ($31)—Buy Here!

Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail

Proud new walkers love having a little buddy to follow them around, and this snail is just too cute as it inches along. Kiddos learn about cause and effect while working on their balance and fine motor skills.

Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail ($30)—Buy Here!

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Tikes can cruise in style for a long time with this solid 4-in-1 tricycle. It starts as a fully harnessed push trike with a parent handle and canopy and eventually evolves into a tricycle that three-year-olds can ride independently.

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 ($130)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

Manhattan Toy Lili Llama is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

You’ll be amazed by how long toddlers entertain themselves with this musical llama friend. Lili’s got a xylophone, four spinners, a maraca, two gears, a washboard, 2 clacking saddles, and two mallets (conveniently stored in her head), so there’s never a dull moment.

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama ($61)—Buy Here!

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Toddlers can get their beans out on these fun foam climbing blocks, exploring tunnels, ramps, and stairs, and parents can rest assured that any spills or messes are easily wiped clean with mild soap and water.

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks ($236)—Buy Here!

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Giddy up! Let your little loose on one of these fun and bouncy inflatable animals, available in unicorn, grey bunny, fox, and green triceritops. Each animal comes with a hand pump and a unique birth certificate.

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along ($57)—Buy Here!

Haba Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

Haba musical fun with sounds wooden discovery blocks is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Not only can little hands stack these colorful beech wood blocks, but each one is also ripe for acoustic exploration—from rattling and clacking to squeaking and tinkering. Plus, you can toss a few in your bag for on-the-go entertainment.

Haba Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks ($49)—Buy Here!

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

For parents of dog-obsessed toddlers, a puppy stuffie is a no-brainer. They’ll instantly fall in love with this super-soft and extremely huggable Gund version.

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush ($27)—Buy Here!

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

There’s so much to learn from these adorable little avocados. Kids can color match the tops and bottoms, building fine motor skills while they do it, and get to know the different emotions on each fruit’s face.

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados ($12.50)—Buy Here!

Anthropologie Frenchie Push Cart Toy

The anthropologie frenchie push cart is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Leave it to Anthro to design the most beautiful push cart of our dreams. As baby toddles, three Frenchie dogs bob up and down and their tails wag around on springs.

Anthropologie Frenchie Push Cart Toy ($70)—Buy Here!

Dragon's First Taco Board Book

Dragon's First Taco board book is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Not only does this bring the hilarious Dragons Love Tacos series to the littlest of readers, but the book itself is also shaped like a taco, which makes it extra fun for little hands to explore. Inside, baby dragons learn how to make a taco. Yum!

Dragon's First Taco Board Book ($7)—Buy Here!

Wonder & Wise Baby Busy Box

Wonder and Wise by Asweets Baby Busy Box is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Aesthetically minded parents will appreciate how this neutral play box fits in with their modern decor; kids will love the gears, puzzle, shape sorter, abacus, and more. From seated tots to two-legged toddlers, there's plenty of room to grow with this one.

Wonder & Wise Baby Busy Box ($149)—Buy Here!

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Set

This fun and stylish bathtime set includes five tubes that are shaped differently to be used separately or combined to make a big chain. The best part? The water finally stays inside the tub.

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Set ($18)—Buy Here!

SEREED Baby Balance Bike

Sereed Baby Balance Bike is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Perfect for indoor or outdoor play, babies can begin learning how to balance and get the feeling of riding a bike before graduating to a two-wheeled balance bike or training wheels. And since it’s under 4 lbs, mom or dad won’t have to break their backs carrying it home when a ride takes a turn for the worse.

SEREED Baby Balance Bike ($50)—Buy Here!

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

These genius suction spinners are the gift that keeps on giving, from the car to the bath to the high chair. They’re also live-savers on airplane rides—just stick them to the windows and let baby have at them! One Amazon reviewer said she puts them on the fridge, oven door, and dishwasher when she’s working in the kitchen and needs to keep her tot occupied.

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys ($10)—Buy Here!

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

There’s so much to love about this chic activity table, from its beautiful birch frame and soft muted hues to the two worlds for baby to explore: land and sea. The storage bag that’s hidden under the winding abacus is particularly brilliant.

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table ($150)—Buy Here!

Tender Leaf Peacock Colors

This take-along wooden toy introduces tikes to the art of color mixing and gives them a chance to look through each brightly hued acrylic screen to see the world in different shades.

Tender Leaf Peacock Colors ($28)—Buy Here!

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair

This is a timeless staple as far as first-year gifts go—with good reason! The tot-sized chair is a cozy place to read a book or explore a new toy. Pro tip: if you have the space you can size up to the kid version—my six-year-old still sits in his to watch TV.

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair ($129-$169)—Buy Here!

Farm Animals Toy Set

Farm Animals Toy Set is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Toddlers love taking things out and putting them back in and they’re sure to get their fill with this toy, a set of ten brightly colored barns with farm animals inside. Kids learn to color-match the barns and rooves, identify the numbers on each barn, and practice vocabulary like “put in” and “take out.”

Farm Animals Toy Set ($30)—Buy Here!

Fisher-Price Mega Bloks

With 80 blocks that transform into endless creations, this toddler staple lets their imaginations run wild. The chunky blocks are easy for wee hands to put together and pull apart, so maybe they’ll even play on their own for a few minutes.

Fisher-Price Mega Bloks ($16)—Buy Here!

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Oh la la! This French toy is gorgeous to look at but, most importantly, kids will love watching the adorable little animal balls slide down the snow-capped mountain to ring a dangling bell at the end.

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy ($65)—Buy Here!

Djeco Finger Paint Tubes

Djeco finger paint tubes is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Yes, finger painting can get messy, but these brightly colored paints are totally washable and free from harmful chemicals. So throw down some newspaper, drop some colors on the plastic palette, and unleash your little artiste.

Djeco Finger Paint Tubes ($22)—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.

These are some of the must-have Pride Month 2023 goodies we’re loving this year

It’s (somehow) already June. Yeah, we have no idea how that happened so fast, either. But it did. And that means Pride Month 2023 is here. The time when the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies come together to honor the progress made in the fight for equality and to recognize the major work that still lies ahead. Of course, there are vibrant parades and festivities. But Pride Month is also an important platform to amplify the voices and stories of queer individuals, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance. It’s also the perfect time to talk to our kiddos about all the love and different identities that make the people we’re surrounded by so fantastically diverse.

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have stepped up to support the LGBTQIA+ community by launching a wide array of Pride products and we’re so here for them. These colorful and empowering items not only showcase solidarity but also provide a means for individuals to express their identities and spread awareness. From rainbow-inspired goodies to products created by members of the community itself, they all contribute to the ongoing quest for equality, acceptance, and, most importantly, inclusion. Tinybeans is here to support all families, and these are some of the Pride Month 2023 products that will help you and your family do the same, all year long.

The Pride Rainbow Bouq

Bouqs

The Bouqs limited-edition Rainbow Bouq celebrates love in all its forms and helps support the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides more LGBTQ+ community programs and services than any other organization in the world, including healthcare, housing, education, and more—which are available for free or at low-cost. In honor of Pride Month, 20% of Net Profits from the Rainbow Bouq will be donated to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The Pride Rainbow Bouq (Starting at $54.00)—Buy Here!

Qalo Rainbow Silicone Ring

Qalo

Whether you wear it in place of your wedding band for daily activities or you just slip it on for fun, this silicone ring from Qalo is it. With the help of your purchase, Qalo is making a contribution to the fight to end suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth. Qalo Rainbow Silicone Ring ($29.95)—Buy Here!

Disney PopCase Pride

Popsocket

A built-in phone grip makes this case a win for Pride Month and all year long. Disney PopCase Pride ($50.00)—Buy Here!

KISS Nails USA Pride Collection

KISS Nails USA

These aren't your mom's old school press-on nails. In fact, our Shopping Editor wears them constantly and swears she gets a full 2 weeks of wear out of them. KISS also offers haircare, lashes, and more in addition to their hero press-on nails. Their Pride Collection has a ton of fun designs, but if super colorful isn't your style, you can check out all their nail styles here and know that you're supporting a company that donated $50K to the Trevor Project. KISS Nails USA Pride Collection (Starting at $9.49)—Buy Here!

Cratejoy Momo's Book Box

Cratejoy

Diversify your kiddos' library. Every month you’ll receive 2 books from a collection of carefully curated book topics, including books featuring strong intelligent female characters, diverse families, different family structures, books that celebrate uniqueness, and books that delve into languages and cultures. Available for ages 0-3 and ages 4-8. Momo's Book Club from Cratejoy (Starting at $12.99)—Buy Here!

James Baldwin Graphic Crewneck T-Shirt by The Phluid Project

Macy's

"Not everything that is faced can changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."—James Baldwin 
This quote tee by LGBTQ-owned brand The Phluid Project is the perfect reminder that we can all affect change. James Baldwin Graphic Crewneck T-Shirt by The Phluid Project ($25.00)—Buy Here!

Bombas Pride Collection

Bombas

Bombas aren’t just regular socks. Not only do they feel like you're walking on clouds; they also donate one for one. One of the organizations they've supported for the last 5 years is the Ruth Ellis Center, which gives much-needed resources to LGBTQIA+ people in need of support. The Bombas Pride Collection includes socks, tees, undies, and even goodies for babies, toddlers, and older kiddos. Bombas Pride Collection (Starting at $15.00)—Buy Here!

Target Pride Collection

Target

Every year, we look forward to Target's Pride Collection launch, and they delivered. Dresses, books, home decor, and everything else you could possibly want to celebrate. Target Pride Collection—Shop Here!

Pantone Pride Mug

Pantone

The experts of all things color, it makes sense that Pantone would offer this mug that helps you percolate with Pride. Your purchase further supports the Copenhagen Pride occurring in Copenhagen, Denmark. Limited quantities. Pantone Pride Mug ($30.00)—Buy Here!

'They, He, She: Words for You and Me'—Gender Inclusive Pronoun Board Book for Babies & Toddlers

Amazon

Help your younger babes start learning about the different pronouns they'll encounter at school and during play, while also helping them understand what pronouns feel best for them, too. It's never too early to start learning how to make those around us feel included. They, He, She: Words for You and Me—Gender Inclusive Pronoun Board Book for Babies & Toddlers ($12.99)—Buy Here!

Rainbow 'Hate Has No Home Here' Outdoor Flag

Zulily

A double-sided yard flag that helps you to proudly display your Pride and support. Rainbow 'Hate Has No Home Here' Outdoor Flag ($9.99)—Buy Here!

The Children's Place Pride Collection

The Children's Place

If family matching makes Pride Month feel extra special to your crew, The Children's Place has something for everyone from baby to mom or dad. The Children's Place Pride Collection (Starting at $4.99)—Buy Here!

Iridiana Bracelet Set by Sterling Forever

Sterling Forever

This is such a fun set to dress up or down. It comes in either silver or gold and can be worn together or alone, but always to show off your Pride. Iridiana Bracelet Set by Sterling Forever ($85.00)—Buy Here!

Pottery Barn Pride Collection

Pottery Barn Kids

The Williams Sonoma/Pottery Barn family of brands is honoring Pride Month by donating to The Trevor Project with every purchase from their Pride Collection, including this adorable kids beach towel. Pottery Barn Pride Collection—Shop Here!

Old Navy Pride Family Matching Collection

Old Navy

The leader of all things family matching, Old Navy made sure to bring it this Pride Month with tees, shorts, and more, for the whole family. Old Navy Pride Family Matching Collection (Starting at $5.00)—Buy Here!

CamelBak Pride Collection

CamelBak

The CamelBak Pride Collection will support the local Petaluma organization (where CamelBak's HQ is), Amor Para Todos, to help unlock greater access to the outdoors for its members, friends and community-at-large. Amor Para Todos is a community-led organization whose mission is to join with schools and communities in an innovative, intersectional approach to cultivate more gender and LGBTQIA+-affirming environments for our youth. It also includes a $10,000 monetary donation from CamelBak. CamelBak Pride Collection (Starting at $16.00)—Buy Here!

Pretty Honest Candles

Pretty Honest Candles

The clean burning, biodegradable soy candle brand Pretty Honest Candles is donating 10% of all sales through the month of June to the Trevor Project. They smell fantastic and the company is Black- and woman-owned. Pretty Honest Candles (Starting at $28.00)—Buy Here!

Either/Or The Fisher Sandal

Either/Or

The ethically made modern footwear brand is donating 3% of profits of all sales during the month of June to GLSEN, an organization that works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. The Fisher Sandal is a summer staple with s super light sole, buttery soft Italian leather, and two versatile neutral colors. Either/Or The Fisher Sandal ($269.00)—Buy Here!

'Danny Loves Pasta'

Amazon

In Danny Loves Pasta, TikTok celeb @dannylovespasta teaches you how to make your own colorful and creative fresh pasta, unlike anything you can find at the store. With no special equipment needed, you can take simple ingredients like flour, eggs, beets, and spinach, and turn them into vibrant works of delicious pasta art in every color of the rainbow. Backed by Giada De Laurentiis and with celeb fans like SZA, former lawyer Danny lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with his husband and their daughter. Danny Loves Pasta ($26.99)—Buy Here!

Bath & Body Works Pride Collection

Bath & Body Works

Your favorite bath and body brand is celebrating with a bright, happy fragrance in candles, perfume, lotion, and more. They're also donating $100K to the It Gets Better Project. Bath & Body Works Pride Collection (Starting at $6.95)—Buy Now!

Keyzar Butterfly Pendant

Keyzar

Keyzar is donating 100% of profits of the Butterfly Pendant throughout the month of June to The Trevor Project, an organization that focuses on suicide prevention efforts among the LGBTQ+ community and offers a toll-free telephone number where confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors. Keyzar Butterfly Pendant ($750.00)—Buy Here!

Happy Planner Pride Collection

Happy Planner

Happy Planner teamed up with artist Peggy Dean of The Pigeon Letters, a proud LGBTQ+ and woman-owned small business, kicking off Pride Month to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. On behalf of Peggy Dean, Happy Planner will be making a donation to The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis counseling organization for LGBTQ young people. Happy Planner Pride Collection (Starting at $5.99)—Buy Here!

Williams Sonoma Pride Rainbow Wreath, 30"

Williams Sonoma

Naturally air-dried integrifolia leaves are layered in a gorgeous rainbow pattern in this indoor/outdoor wreath from Williams Sonoma. Williams Sonoma Pride Rainbow Wreath, 30" ($139.95)—Buy Here!

'The Good Hair Day'

Amazon

Noah dreams of long hair, even though most boys he knows don't have long hair, in this sweet story about self-expression and embracing our most authentic selves. The Good Hair Day ($18.99)—Buy Here!

I Love Tyler Madison Beyonce Striped Racerback Dress

I Love Tyler Madison

I Love Tyler Madison is a woman-owned brand (named after rescue dogs Tyler and Madison) is donating 10% of all sales through the month of June to the Trevor Project. Featuring banded edges and racerback straps for a sporty, chill vibe, this uber-comfy racerback dress flows with your body, made from a luxurious yet lightweight Ponte di Roma stretch. The relaxed silhouette flatters every shape and is versatile enough to go literally anywhere, too. I Love Tyler Madison Beyonce Striped Racerback Dress ($55.00)—Buy Here!

Hanna Andersson Pride Capsule

Hanna Andersson

For the month of June, the pajama pros at Hanna Andersson are donating 10% of all profits from their Pride Capsule to PFLAG International. Summer family matching jammies have never looked so good. Hanna Andersson Pride Capsule (Starting at $35.00)—Buy Here!

Flex Reusable Menstrual Disc

Flex

Flex makes alternatives to traditional menstrual products, like the Reusable Flex Disc. It provides all day comfort that's great for you and excellent for the planet. Flex is also proud to be a LGBTQ+ company, in both its founding and in its nontraditional ways of supporting menstrual health. Flex Reusable Menstrual Disc ($34.99)—Buy Here!

From Flex: "We’re calling out “Pridewashing” and centering our efforts on the individual stories and experiences of people in the LGBTQ+ community. Every menstruator should be proud of who they are."

The North Face Pride Collection

The North Face

The North Face is rocking Pride Month with its newest collection featuring tanks, shorts, caps, and more with bold splashes of color that we can't get enough of. The North Face Pride Collection (Starting at $30.00)—Buy Here!

Tipsy Elves Adult Rainbow Jumpsuit

Tipsy Elves/Amazon

Seriously comfortable and super duper festive, this jumpsuit will be your favorite thing to relax in. Tipsy Elves Adult Rainbow Jumpsuit ($59.95)—Buy Here!

Duct Pride Rainbow Tape

Duct Tape/Amazon

From practical fixes to art projects, Duct Tape's Pride Rainbow Tape is so much fun. Decorate laptops, water bottles, picture frames, and anything else you want to add some Pride to. Duct Pride Rainbow Tape ($9.99)—Buy Here!

Unisex UA HOVR Phantom 3 Slip Pride Shoes

Under Armour

This year's UA Pride collection supports Unmatched Athlete, WorldPride, and Rainbow Labs, each with the goal of providing safe places for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies to play and compete. Pair all that awesomeness with Under Armour's signature comfort and style and you have a serious pair of supportive sneakers. Unisex UA HOVR Phantom 3 Slip Pride Shoes ($140.00)—Buy Here!

Beach Outfitters Gender-Neutral Hoodie

Beach Outfitters/Amazon

This one is giving roll of Lifesavers and we think it's awesome. It's also perfect if you're looking for a year-round way to showcase your Pride and support. Beach Outfitters Gender-Neutral Hoodie ($46.95)—Buy Here!

Baby, Toddler, & Kids Knee-High Socks

Amazon

Keep them covered from sports to school and everything in between with these colorful knee socks. Baby, Toddler, & Kids Knee-High Socks ($12.00)—Buy Here!

Carter's Pride Collection

Carter's

Carter's is celebrating Pride, not only in who we are, but in our families—no matter what it looks like. Check out the PJs, onesies, and tees. Carter's Pride Collection (Starting at $6.00)—Buy Here!

UGG Pride Slides

UGG

These beauties are available in the style pictured or in black and rainbow. Either way, they're incredibly comfortable. You can also feel good about your purchase, since UGG is donating $125K to the Trevor Project. UGG Pride Slides ($90.99)—Buy Here!

Free Mom Hugs Tee

Etsy

All us moms are here to hug it out, no matter who you are. It's our superpower, and we've got absolutely everyone covered. No exceptions. Free Mom Hugs Tee ($11.39+)—Buy Here!

LGBTQIA+ Quotes Printables

Etsy

Whether you're decorating a classroom, play room, bedroom, or anywhere that needs a little pizazz, these printable quotes are a win. LGBTQIA+ Quotes Printables ($11.00)—Buy Here!

Harper WIlde Pride Bundle

Harper Wilde

Ultra-cozy undies brand Harper Wilde is launching a Pride collection, donating 100% of proceeds during the month of June to The Okra Project, a non-profit providing mutual aid support to Black Trans People. The limited edition Pride collection includes a Tote Bag ($20) and a special edition of the Lounge Scoop Bralette ($47), both designed in partnership by queer artist Caitlin Bunnie (@liberaljane). When bundling the products, you can score them for the discounted price, too. Harper WIlde Pride Bundle ($58.00)—Buy Here!

 

Goldenerre Rainbow Star Rhinestone Bracelet

Goldenerre

Goldenerre's best-selling rhinestone bracelet gets a rainbow glow up in silver, gold, or rose gold. Goldenerre Rainbow Star Rhinestone Bracelet ($60.00/each)—Buy Here!

Super Smalls Rainbow Edit

Super Smalls

Super Smalls—our favorite accessories brand for kids—is donating 10% of sales from their Rainbow Edit to Live Out Loud, an organization that inspires and supports LGBTQ+ youth by connecting them with supportive leaders and role models. Super Smalls Rainbow Edit (Starting at $15.00)—Buy Here!

Mickey Mouse Disney Loungefly Pride Mini Backpack

Fun.com

Get dressed for Pride and everyday events with this officially licensed mini rainbow backpack. Inspired by the Pride flag, 10% of the purchase price from each sale of the Loungefly Mickey Mouse Pride Backpack until December 31, 2023 will benefit GLSEN, whose mission is to create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 education. Mickey Mouse Disney Loungefly Pride Mini Backpack ($79.99)—Buy Here!

Pride Ring & Hoop Earring Set

Made by Mary

Live your life in color with the vibrant set that includes both the Pride ring and a pair of hoop earrings. For the month of June, Made by Mary is proud to be donating 10% of net proceeds from the Pride Collection to the Trevor Project. Made by Mary Pride Collection ($60.00—$108.00)—Buy Here!

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers.

Being a stay-at-home mom sounds a bit like a dream, right? After all the years of working, earning and saving, finally, the day comes when you’re off on maternity leave. Maybe a nice baby shower with lots of cake and cute clothes and teddy bears. Then, finally, you get to sit and put your feet up and wait for this little person to take over your life.

And then he or she arrives. No sleep, lots of crying, constant hunger… and that’s just you! Babies are so demanding at first, and our whole life is about trying to seek out a little bit of undisturbed sleep where we aren’t worrying about whether the baby has stopped breathing in bed or our boobs aren’t painful, swollen rocks leaking little puddles onto the sheets.

But one day, everything settles down into a bit of a routine. You find that you get back some sleep and you start to feel human again. Now’s the fun bit, right? You get to just hang out with this little person, go to the park, long walks in the pram, coffee with other moms and just kicking back while the rest of the world keeps working.

The baby doesn’t need you 24/7 anymore and, in fact, you can start leaving them with other people for short periods. Your brain is starting to work again, slowly. You can even start to hold a decent conversation without either yawning or crying.

Now, I don’t know about other moms out there, but this was about the time I started to get bored. And this was, as a result, where the guilt really started!

I struggled to get up in the morning and focus for the day. Some days, I really found it hard to get motivated to leave the house at all. I felt like I was really cheating the system and just sitting around contributing nothing. I knew all the rhetoric—stay-at-home moms work harder than anyone in the workplace, enjoy the time to yourself and with your baby, they are little for such a short time, blah blah blah.

But I just couldn’t get into it.

I would try and get into being a really present and tuned-in mom. I would sit down and do some kind of really fun and engaging game with him that I had seen on Play School –yeah, this is awesome… look how much fun he’s having… I’m such a good mom, I would think. Then I’d look at the clock. Ten minutes had passed!! I still had the whole rest of the day to fill.

I realized why so many moms join mother’s groups and coffee mornings. It’s just to fill in time and get out of the house so the day goes faster! I’m not really much of a “joiner,” though, so I struggled to turn up for those kinds of things, and as a result, I spent a lot of time on my own slowly going crazy.

The guilt was enormous.

Why wasn’t I enjoying this more? What’s wrong with me that I am not relishing not having to go to work and have boring conversations with people all day about stuff that doesn’t really matter? I mean, after all, isn’t this the most important work you can do?

Well, I didn’t feel important; in fact, I felt like a fraud. Everyone else was out there earning a living and contributing to society, and I was here at home with this beautiful little human I made, bored out of my mind reading board books and playing with teddies all day.

Then one day, someone emailed me asking me to do some part-time work from home.

I resisted at first, feeling a different type of guilt. It was the guilt of admitting to myself that I didn’t really like staying at home. This is much harder guilt to overcome when there is absolutely nothing in life stopping you from enjoying staying at home with your baby.

While you feel like people will judge you if you go back to work and leave bub with someone, you feel equally judged being at home and not really having your head fully into being a mom. I know everyone says that just being with you is all the baby needs, but I really felt like I was completely robbing this kid of having someone around who could actually do fun things that would help his development.

So I hired a nanny and took this job.

The first day I left him, there were tears all around. I was crying at leaving him, he was crying that mommy had ditched him with some complete stranger and the guilt was so intense I could almost taste it.

But then I got in the car, I turned up the music (and my resolve) and I headed into the city. I spent a few hours in meetings where I was briefed about my role, I got to meet a few people, I had a nice lunch and then I sat for a moment in a coffee shop. For the first time in months, I felt pretty happy.

I headed home and walked in to be greeted with the most amazing sight. My little boy was sitting with our nanny, on her lap, playing with a little toy, and she was singing and playing the xylophone. They were having a lovely time.

You could tell just taking one look at this woman that hanging out with kids is her favorite thing to do in life. They had obviously been having a ball. She’d done some foot painting with him, they’d been out for a walk and bought some books at the second-hand shop. She was just glowing with happiness and excitement at having spent a few hours with my son.

And I actually felt a great sense of relief and contentment. From that day on, I was a much happier person and, I think, a much better mom. On the days I wasn’t working, I really loved every second of being with my boy, and on the days I was working, I really loved every second of being on my own. It was as though it took being away from him to make me realize how special it was to actually be with him.

It took me this time to realize that I’m not the sort of person who can stay at home all day with a baby, and that is actually OK. The thing about parenting is that you have to do it the way that works for you.

There’s no right or wrong way to organize your family or to live your life. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that you just don’t like not staying at home full-time.

Everyone needs balance, and I actually think it’s really healthy to have your kids get used to being looked after by other people and to understand early on that they really can live without you. And if, at the end of the day, you are a happier, more peaceful person, then that can only make you a better mom as well.

So don’t allow yourself to feel guilt, regardless of what you end up doing. As long as you love your kids and you set up your life so that you are the best person you can be when you are with them, then you are being a good parent. Go out and live life the best way you can and always remember, you are a person in your own right, as well as a mom who loves your kids. There’s no room for any guilt in that sentence!

Originally published Sept. 2016.

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I'm a Dubai expat mum and I love to tell the funny side of life here and about travelling the world with a young family.Because let’s face it – no matter how well planned your travel journey, its those those funny, quirky moments that appear out of nowhere that create the real memories. 

Season two of the hit Australian series, Bluey is coming to Disney Junior. Now BBC Studios and Moose Toys have announced the eagerly-awaited Bluey toys set to launch this month. The new collection from Moose Toys includes a range of plush, figures, playsets and games designed to spark imagination-fueled fun and invite preschoolers to create their own Bluey-themed adventures at home.

Bluey

Bluey has been winning over audiences everywhere, and we’re so excited that kids and families in the U.S. will soon have the chance to ‘play along’ with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli beyond the screen,” said Suzy Raia, VP, Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios. “The new range from Moose Toys perfectly captures the imaginative play and family-centered essence of the show; elements that have helped make it a standout with kids and parents alike.”

Bluey

 “Bluey was a runaway hit in Australia, and as fellow Aussies, Moose Toys is in a unique position to bring the magic of the show directly to U.S. fans with this special collection,” said Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “Through the television series, the loveable pup has already captured the hearts of more than 15 million fans in the U.S. and our toys will help to kids bring Bluey’s adventures into their own homes.”

Bluey

 The new Bluey collection allows young fans to reenact popular Bluey episodes like “Magic Xylophone,” “Grannies,” “Shadowlands” and more.

Bluey

 The toys will be available at Target in late June and all major retailers on Aug.1.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Moose Toys

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Check your toy box. There’s been a recall of the Musical Lili Llama. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the screws used to attach the spinning flowers to the sides of the toy can become loose and fall off, posing a choking hazard for young children.

Musical Lili Llama
This recall involves Musical Lili Llama wooden activity toy.  The llama-shaped wood toy has a multi-colored metal xylophone on the top, two wood mallets, a detachable maraca tail on the back, four spinning squares on the front, two clacking panels on the sides and two spinning flowers on the sides.  Lot code 217120 IL is printed on the inside of the side panel below the company name and address.

llama2

Manhattan Toy has received seven reports of loose screws falling off the toy, including two reports of children putting the screws in their mouths.   

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Manhattan Toy for a free repair kit. Contact Manhattan Toy at 800-541-1345 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Mon. through Thurs.and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fri.; email mtreps@manhattantoy.com, or online at Manhattan Toy and click on ‘Recall Information’ for more information.

This toy was sold at toy stores nationwide and online at Manhattan Toy, Amazon  and other websites from October 2019 through February 2020 for about $50.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Are you in need of a last-minute gift or stocking stuffer for that special kid in your life? Don’t stress. Now you can snag a unique find under $25 during your next trip to Whole Foods Market or just a click away on Prime Now

Recycled Slipper Sock Set

Whole Foods

Keep those little tootsies warm with these eco-friendly socks.

Score a pair for $12.99.

Whole Foods Market Organic Lip Balm Trio

Whole Foods

This Whole Foods Market exclusive is sure to delight anyone on your list. This trio of seasonally scented lip balms, such as apple pie, candy cane, will keep the holiday spirit alive all year. 

Pick up this holiday trio for only $3.99.

 

Whole Foods Market Kid’s Unicorn Diffuser

Whole Foods

Create a spa-like experience in your little one’s bedroom with this magical diffuser. 

Snag one before they're gone for just $24.99.

Pacha Liquid Soap, Slime 3PK Set

Whole Foods

Let your kids play with slime and get clean in the process. 

Each pack of three is just $24.99.

Pacha Fragrance-Free Bath Crayons

Whole Foods

You can let your little Picasso draw on the bathroom wall with these fragrance-free bath crayons. 

Grab this set of three crayons for $9.99.

Aurora Llamacorn

Whole Foods

Part unicorn and part llama, this fluffy friend pairs cuteness and magic all in one adorable package. 

Grab this cuddly gift for $14.99.

PBS Kids Avocado Clappers

Whole Foods

These avocado castanets add a splash of color and fun to your little one’s rock band. Be careful, you might start craving some guacamole after playing with these. 

Grab these for $5.99.

PBS Kids Pineapple Xylophone

Whole Foods

Your little musician will love this colorful addition to musical collection. Featuring two mallets and rainbow colored wooden bars, this toy will help reinforce hand-eye coordination.

Pick one up for $16.99.

Aurora Meerkat

Whole Foods

Measuring 10" tall, this cuddly meerkat looks realistic enough to be featured in the zoo. 

Find these in store or online for $15.99.

PBS Kids Lemon Shaker

Whole Foods

There’s nothing sour about this lemon. This colorful maraca is the perfect gift for your little music lover. 

Snag one for $7.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Whole Foods

 

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If you’ve only used your high chair for meals, get ready to knock your parenting game up a notch. With these easy ideas for high chair activities, your baby will be safely contained and entertained, giving you a chance to whip up dinner, make a quick call, do some cleaning, or finish your own meal.

Stirring the Senses

Bradley Gordon via Flickr

Sometimes, around-the-house items like a wooden spoon or spatula can serve as the best toys or distractions for baby. Hand one over while you're cooking and let baby chew, touch and bang to their heart's content.

 

Magnetic Magic

torbakhopper via Flickr

Place a small metal pan and a handful of magnetic letters, shapes or animals on your child's high chair to keep baby busy with sliding and touching the different shapes. Choose large items with securely affixed magnets to avoid a choking hazard. If the pan goes crashing down from the high chair, the magnets should keep the items from going flying. 

Flour Power

Amberlei Hellewell via Flickr

In the middle of baking? Let baby get involved by sprinkling a bit of flour on the high-chair tray for them to push around...and probably get all over themselves.

Banish Boredom with Beads

This classic wooden-bead maze toy, the Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze ($13.99), comes with attached suction cups that make it perfect for high chairs. (Bonus: You can tote it to restaurants to keep babe entertained before the food comes.)

Musical Chair

Dano via Flickr

Turn off the tunes and let your little one make the music instead. Tiny maracas, cymbals or a xylophone are all great ways for baby to shake or bang out a catchy beat from the comfort of the high chair.

Golden Globe

Hello Bee

Who isn't mesmerized by a snow globe or its DIY equivalent? Fill a water bottle with water or oil, glitter and small items such as shells, buttons or beads to create your own baby-safe snow globe or sensory bottle.

It's in the Bag

Can Do Kiddo

Unleash your baby's inner Picasso with mess-free painting. Slip a piece of construction paper into a resealable bag, squeeze in a few drops of paint, and seal it up. Tape it to the high chair's tray and watch the masterpiece come to life.

Turn on the Water Works

The Imagination Tree

If baby's high chair has a tray with a tall lip, you have the perfect spot for baby to splish and splash. Take a cue from Chasing Cheerios and add a drop of food coloring to up the fun factor. Note: This will get messy. Put on the right bib (check out our favorite bibs for every occasion) and maybe save this idea for a warm day when you can park the high chair outside. Or a day when you'd planned to clean your floor.

Pipe Play

elizabeth weislak via Flickr

To keep baby's brain and hands active, reach for a handful of pipe cleaners and an empty water bottle (for older babies) or a wide-mouthed plastic jar (for younger ones). First, twist pipe cleaners in half to soften pointy ends. Then, show baby how to fit the cleaners into the bottle or jar and watch those motor skills grow.

Stick With It

Chasing Cheerios

For the DIY-inclined, this Velcro board is a great way to keep baby's hands busy. To make this board, the Chasing Cheerios blog advises that you sand a wooden board, then affix strips of sticky-backed Velcro to it. Cut smaller pieces of Velcro to affix to blocks or other small toys. Your little one can attach the different items to the board and explore that satisfying telltale Velcro sound when they pull them off. Velcro will also help keep the toys on the high chair tray.

Do you have any tips for keeping babies entertained in their high chair? Share them in the comment section below. 

— Suzanna Logan

All children benefit from the opportunity to play together in inclusive settings, and the Portland area is home to a number of playgrounds that were designed for the needs of kiddos with physical and developmental disabilities in mind. These all-inclusive spots allow all children to play alongside their peers and engage in outdoor, active fun. Read on to find out more about these unique parks and locate one near you.

photo: Harper’s Playground via Facebook 

Harper’s Playground
After realizing that their daughter, Harper, couldn’t access most playgrounds from her wheelchair, the Goldberg family created the nonprofit Harper’s Playground, which has one park open in Arbor Lodge, one opening in 2017 in Gateway Park, and a third playground currently being designed at Couch Park. Harper’s Playground parks feature at-grade play structures, safety swings, and sensory features like the water and sand station and beloved oversize xylophone found at the Arbor Lodge location.

Where: 2525 N Dekum St. (Arbor Lodge Park)
Hours: Gateway Discovery Park and Couch Playground are in the design and construction process. Check website for opening dates and donate to the cause!).
Online: harpersplayground.org

Dawson Park
The recently renovated playground at Dawson Park features universally accessible play equipment, such as a seated merry-go-round and safety swings, and flat surfacing that’s safe for wheelchairs, walkers, and those with other mobility issues (including wobbly tots!). Dawson Park also features barbecue grills and picnic tables, with mature old-growth trees, and a misting water jet play area—perfect for enjoying the park during the hot summer months to come!

Where: 101 N Morris St.
Hours: 5 a.m.-midnight daily
Online: portlandoregon.gov

photo: Brisbane City Council via flickr

Khunamokwst Park
It may be difficult to say, but it’s easy for everyone to play in! Khunamokwst Park takes it’s name from the Chinook word for “together”, which is fitting, as all abilities are able to enjoy the park together. This park in the heart of the Cully Neighborhood has ramps leading to the play structure, accessible swings, an interactive water feature and play area, rain gardens, and a small beginner-level skate dot, perfect for busting a wheelie. There is also an ADA “Portland Loo” restroom, which is always appreciated when nature calls while out enjoying nature!

Where: 5200 NE Alberta St.
Hours: 5 a.m.-midnight daily
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks/61985

photo: Lauren C. via yelp

Washington Park
At over 150 acres, Washington Park is one of Portland’s larger parks, so it’s easy to make a day of it! Bring a picnic lunch and sunscreen, and stop to smell the roses. The park features ADA parking spaces and restrooms, paved paths, and an inclusive playground accessed by a grade-level entrance. There’s also a free park shuttle that runs daily May – Sept. that is stroller and ADA friendly. The shuttle will take you from the Washington Park MAX station, to the Oregon Zoo, playground and International Rose Test Garden.

Where: 4033 SW Canyon Rd.
Hours: 5 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
Online: explorewashingtonpark.org

photo: Slow: Children at Nature Play via Facebook

Westmoreland Nature-Based Playground
For a unique playground experience, check out Westmoreland Park’s Nature-Based Playground, which is designed to connect children to nature in a creative-play based environment. The playground features a ramp-accessible slide, accessible pathways and an ADA restroom onsite. Imaginative children (young and old!) will also love the fort and the fairy house building area, while enjoying views of the casting pond in the background.

Where: SE McLoughlin Blvd and Bybee St.
Hours: 5 a.m.–midnight daily
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks/57822

What’s your favorite inclusive playground to visit? Tell us in the comments section below!

—April Hasson

 

Daily
Today Is International Strange Music Day
A cacophony awaits.
1

Since your mini-maestros are regulars to the world of strange sounds, help them make an instrument to support their practice.

2

Tune in with a playlist of songs that make best use of the word weird.

3
Today is the perfect excuse to eat a rainbow xylophone.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by The Hydraulophone }

Bye-bye, plastic playgrounds. We’ve found a slew of natural oases to cut loose in. Made from wood, stones and good old-fashioned dirt, they’re Earth’s way of saying “Have a blast!” Click through our album to discover eight playgrounds made from natural materials. Who needs bells and whistles when you have fun like this?

Garfield Park Conservatory’s Play & Grow Garden

Let’s face it: Toddlerhood is no cakewalk. There are play dates, tantrums, intense coloring sessions. Show your over-hyped youngster how to get in touch with nature at this oasis of chill. After wandering around the labyrinth, kids can unleash their musical side by playing the wooden xylophone, or deploy their inner daredevil by tightrope walking on a fallen log. From pebbles to mud pies, this natural haven offers a great hands-on experience for even the most 9-to-5 of preschoolers.

300 N. Central Park Ave.
Garfield Park
312-746-5100
Online: garfield-conservatory.org

Do you know a natural playground that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Kelly Haramis