Wondering what you'll really need for the baby? Check out this list of baby items you don't need for your registry—and what to get instead. You've seen them. Piles of unworn baby clothes. That near-mint but dusty glider taking up too much space in a nursery. Baby items moms swore they needed but used once or twice. And with many newborn shopping lists, 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 every item, all before my son even arrived. And certainly, many of these items were necessary. I needed the car seat to take him … [Read more...]
Best Building Toys to Nurture Creative Play
Looking for the best building toys to nurture creativity? Check out these toys and gift ideas that encourage out-of-the-box thinking! "Wow, I got a lot of building toys!" my son exclaimed after opening his 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 open-ended play, and building toys make for the perfect opportunity to … [Read more...]
Toddler Beach Essentials for Stress-Free Family Fun
Wondering what to bring to the beach? Take a look at these beach essentials for toddlers — a collection of must have beach items for your next vacation. Bringing toddlers to the beach isn't always an easy feat. The first time I brought my twins to the beach, one of them cried for 20 minutes straight while the other had to poop in the public restroom. Snacks fall straight into the wet sand, beach towels never seemed to stay clean, and naps were unpredictable. You might imagine your toddler darting off the one second you looked away, or dread coming home with sand in every crevice of his … [Read more...]
Looking for Games for 2 Year Olds? Here Are Our Top Picks
Top picks of games for 2 year olds you can play at home! Age-appropriate board games and educational learning activities for your toddler. As a first-time mom, I quickly learned that there's never one "right" way to play a game. Whereas other kids loved sitting in the playground swing, my then-toddler would complain any time I tried to sit him on one. It turns out, his perfect game was standing on the ground, pulling a swing, letting it go, and watching it sway back and forth. Kids can turn any existing game into one that suits them better. They may not be able to play the way a game … [Read more...]
Come Prepared with These Hospital Bag Essentials
Wondering what to bring with you to the hospital? Come prepared with these hospital bag essentials and have everything you need to give birth. In Los Angeles, heading to the hospital when you're in labor is not something you want to happen at 5pm on a weekday. With luck on my side, both trips to the hospital for my pregnancies happened in the middle of the night. It's almost like even my kids knew how bad rush hour traffic can get. Still, my husband and I came prepared. We had our hospital bag packed weeks in advance, especially with the twins' pregnancy. Having had done this twice … [Read more...]
Top Gifts for Expectant Dads That Are Cool
Looking for cool gifts for expectant dads? Take a look at these best new gift ideas for your dad to be, perfect for expectant fathers. Dads have raised the ante with the role of fatherhood. We see plenty of dads at park outings, and more of them taking an active role in the daily routine. My dad friends post on social media about helping kids with homework or taking them to doctor's appointments. A friend, who packs his daughters' lunches, does their laundry, and plays crazy games with them—proudly proclaimed, "I know how to do a French braid!" And in my own home, my husband isn't … [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. 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 changes as well. With my eldest, I had already learned new information, from sleeping on his back to wearing a wrap, things my … [Read more...]
Baby Things to Buy Before Birth (Make Sure You Have These!)
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 you're … [Read more...]