Want to know what to buy before the baby is born? Here’s a checklist of the top baby things to buy before birth (includes pictures!). Every first-time mom has wondered what she really needs for the baby, the items we should buy now before the baby comes. You don't want to buy anything you'll barely use once the baby arrives... but you also want to avoid not having an item once you finally get home (solo store runs with a crying baby are no fun). Perhaps you've already crossed off most items on your registry list, but can't help but feel like you're forgetting something. Or maybe … [Read more...]
Top Black and White Toys Your Baby Will See Best
Did you know that newborn babies can see high-contrast colors like black and white best? Find the most-loved black and white baby toys for your baby here! I had heard that a baby's eyesight isn't fully developed once they're born. This makes sense, since seeing isn't exactly as important to a baby's survival as, say, sucking or crying. And what is important for babies to see—their mother's breast to feed, or her face to feel safe—are all within arm's length. Still, that only means that newborns especially can see high-contrast images best. And no two colors show a starker contrast than … [Read more...]
Want the Best Transition Sippy Cup? Start with These Options
Want to transition your baby from bottle to sippy cup, or your toddler from sippy to regular cup? Take a look at these options for the best transition sippy cup. From messes to your baby's outright rejection, it's not always easy to transition him into using a sippy cup. Maybe the one you tried keeps spilling, or your baby still prefers his bottle over the cup. Perhaps the one you have makes the liquid come out too fast, or he pushes the spout out of his mouth. It doesn't help when you're so over using bottles (and cleaning the zillion bottle parts). You might even be looking for the … [Read more...]
Best Building Toys to Nurture Creative Play
Looking for the best building toys to inspire and nurture creativity? Check out these toys and gift ideas that encourage out-of-the-box thinking for toddlers, preschoolers and older children! "Wow, I got a lot of building toys!" my son exclaimed after opening his Christmas gifts. I wasn't surprised. Since he was a toddler, he's been curious about how things work and loves to build intricate structures from toys and even household items. Over the years, he's played with some of the best building toys, from classic sets to construction to the new and innovative. I'm a huge fan of … [Read more...]
7 Baby Products I Wish I Had Known About
It's not too late for you! Discover the 7 baby products I wish I had known about that would've made caring for my baby much easier. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. As a child, my relatives and I would go on road trips where you'd find my cousins and me sitting in the trunk of a hatchback playing cards or hand games. Let's just say that many drastic changes have happened over the last few decades (ahem... car seats!). But even these short years since my twins were babies have seen many … [Read more...]
Play Ideas for Toddlers for the After Work Hours
Want after work play ideas for toddlers? These fun activities offer quality time with your child during after work hours. With a free printable! For many working moms, time after work is pretty limited. We may only have an hour or so to play before we need to cook dinner or pack for the next day. And while we may have a routine of go-to activities, sometimes it's nice to mix things up as well. I know when I'm not conscious of the activities my kids play, we can get stuck in a rut. I'll find my twins playing with the same set of cars and my eldest parked at his art table as usual. It's … [Read more...]
Top Toys for Preschoolers
Looking for gifts for two- to four-year-olds? Check out these top preschool toys for birthdays and holidays. Unique, enjoyable and fun! With two preschoolers at home, I'm always on the lookout for creative and unique toys for my twins. Maybe something unique few people will think to get them. Or perhaps the opposite—something timeless and classic you know will last a long time. I compiled this list of toys for anyone who'd like to give unique gifts to their little kiddos. Or maybe you're looking for gift ideas perfect for the two- to four-year-old age range. I hope you enjoy this … [Read more...]
10 Baby Items You Don’t Really Need
A list of baby items you don't need for your registry. Stick to the baby items needed for your baby and avoid these unnecessary purchases. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. You've seen them. Piles of unworn baby clothes. Baby items moms swore they needed but used once or twice. That near-mint glider taking up too much space in a nursery. And with so many must-have lists of baby items, it's easy to feel unsure what's a must, and what isn't. As a first-time mom, I felt the pressure to get … [Read more...]