Wondering what to do with all of your used baby items (like all of those super-soft used baby blankets) when your baby is no longer a baby? I counted nearly 20 baby blankets in my son’s closet… he’s now 2 years old! I wanted to donate them to a special cause. Here’s my experience donating baby blankets to charity, a list of where to donate used baby blankets, and some fun ways to repurpose baby blankets and reuse them around the house!
Looking For A Bicycle Trailer For Your Child? We Bought A Weehoo Bike Trailer… And We Absolutely LOVE It!
A Weehoo bike trailer gives your child an open-air experience while cycling. Here’s my review of the Weehoo Turbo bike trailer, the features we like best, how to install it on your bike, and how to find the best deal on a used Weehoo trailer.
How To Choose A Bike (For Yourself) And A Child Bike Seat (For Your Toddler) So You Can Enjoy Cycling Together
I wanted to go cycling with my toddler. Working within a tight budget, here’s how I chose the best child bike seat for our needs and an affordable used bike for me. All of my best advice to start family cycling adventures together — including the bike accessories we use most and a comparison of the various ways you can bike with a toddler.
How To Choose A Bike (For Yourself) And A Child Bike Seat (For Your Toddler) So You Can Enjoy Cycling Together
I wanted to go cycling with my toddler. Working within a tight budget, here’s how I chose the best child bike seat for our needs and an affordable used bike for me. All of my best advice to start family cycling adventures together — including the bike accessories we use most and a comparison of the various ways you can bike with a toddler.
A Hip Seat Carrier Is A Simple Solution For Carrying A Toddler Who Likes To Walk But Sometimes Needs To Be Carried
At 2-1/2 years old and 35 pounds, my son is quite heavy for me to carry. Even though he can walk on his own, my husband or I usually need to scoop him up and carry him at some point whenever we’re out & about. I’m so glad I discovered this toddler hip seat carrier — it puts an end to muscle fatigue and backaches from carrying a heavy toddler!
Toddler Mom Reviews The VTech Go Go Smart Wheels Cars, Train, And Playsets
After months of playing with VTech playsets with my son, I thought other parents might benefit from my thoughts regarding the Go Go Smart Wheels collection. To this day, I still ask myself the question if VTech Go Go Smart Wheels cars and playsets are worth it…
Our Review Of The Big Toys Green Country Jeep Ride-On Toy (My 2-Year-Old Loves This Remote Control Ride-On Jeep!)
My 2-year-old wants to ride his Big Toys Green Country Jeep every time we’re playing in the yard! Here’s our honest review of this fancy, expensive, remote control ride-on Jeep — including the pros and cons.
Mom Of A 2-Year-Old Reviews The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike / Stroller
The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 trike is adjustable in so many ways… it grows with your toddler! My son is almost 2 years old and we’ve found that the Radio Flyer tricycle is a great alternative to a traditional stroller. Here’s my review of this toddler trike – including the pros and the cons.
Need Gift Ideas For A 2-Year-Old Boy? First-Time Mom Shares Her List Of The Best Gifts For Little Boys
If you’re the parent of a 2-year-old boy like I am, chances are your friends & family will ask what you recommend they buy for your son’s birthday, Christmas, or other special occasion. If you happen to be a grandparent or friend of the family, then you’re probably wondering which gifts for little boys are most needed at this stage. Here’s a first-time mom’s list of the best gifts for 2-year-old-boys.
Every Stay-At-Home Mom Needs A Mom Day Once In Awhile! Here Are Some Ways To Get Social For Stay-At-Home Moms & Toddlers
I am 20 months into being a full time, stay-at-home mom with no immediate family nearby. And I’ll be the first to say… I sometimes need a break! So I’ve made a point to find ways to give my toddler and myself a break from “just us” once in awhile. Here are 10 ways I’ve found to take a well-deserved mom day, meet other moms, and help your child make new friends. My best tips for socializing your stay-at-home toddler…
What’s The Best Baby Hiking Backpack? My Review Of The Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier vs. The Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 Hiking Baby Carrier
As a stay-at-home mom of a toddler, it’s easy for the walls of our home to close in on us if we don’t make the effort to get out. So we’ve taken up hiking. One thing that I’ve learned… hiking with a toddler requires a good hiking baby carrier!
Toddler Toy Management 101: Mom Hacks To Prevent Too Many Toys In The Home + How To Organize Toys To Avoid Toy Clutter
I try to keep a handle on the flow of the toys coming in and out of our home and ways to organize them in order to keep them interesting and useful for my son. See how we prevent too many toys from entering our home AND how to organize toys in such a way to avoid toy clutter.
Hiking With Baby: How To Find Hiking Trails That Are Baby-Friendly (And Dog-Friendly) + Tips For Exploring Nature With Your Toddler
I highly recommend starting the love of nature early with your baby! I usually hit the hiking trail with my son on my back and my 2 dogs by my side. Here’s a list of all the essentials you’ll need to hike with your baby without weighing yourself down. All of my best tips for hiking with baby…
Nilo Activity Table Review: See Why This Mom Chose The Nilo Table As The Best Kids Activity Table For Toddlers
An activity table is a great way to get up off the floor while playing. I wanted an activity table that would last a long time, grow with my son, have multi-functional use, and be durable (not made of pressboard, laminate, or plastic). I was really happy to discover the Nilo table! The Nilo activity table is a really thoughtful and well-made multi-activity play table. Here is my review…
One Mom’s DIY Little Tikes Outdoor Climber Makeover: See How To Paint Plastic Outdoor Play Sets To Make Them Look New Again
I found a Little Tikes outdoor climber for FREE on Facebook Marketplace — it just needed a little TLC. See what I did to give this old outdoor climber a new look. Here’s how to paint plastic outdoor play sets + My tips for making the job quicker & easier.
Baby Beach Gear: The Ultimate Packing List For Baby’s First Time At The Beach
Taking baby to beach soon? See what I packed for my son’s first trip to the beach. My list of must-have baby beach gear… the absolute necessities to pack!
Canadian Passport Application Requirements: Here’s How To Apply For A Canadian Passport For A Child While Living In The US + The Benefits Of Dual Citizenship
My son is a Canadian citizen by descent — because I was born in Canada. Applying for his U.S. passport was relatively easy. But when it came to his Canadian passport, my first attempt at his application was denied. See why. Plus, how to apply for a Canadian passport for a child while living in the U.S.
Mom & Toddler Review The Little Partners Learning Tower: See Our List Of Pros & Cons For This Solid Wood Learning Tower
My toddler likes to be nearby (and sometimes participate) when I’m working in the kitchen. But I didn’t feel comfortable using just a chair for him to stand on to reach the countertop. Then I discovered the Little Partners learning tower! It’s like a ladder for toddlers to get higher & closer to the action — while standing safely on a non-skid, solid wood, sturdy surface.
Breastfeeding Beyond 1 Year Seemed Weird To Me… Until I Became A Mom And Experienced The Benefits Of Extended Breastfeeding Firsthand
‘How much longer do you plan to breastfeed? This is a question I get quite often. (My baby is 17 months old.) While breastfeeding has always felt so natural to my baby and I, when it came to a mother’s choice of allowing her toddler (no longer a baby) to breastfeed, it just seemed weird… until I became a mother myself! Here’s my experience breastfeeding beyond 1 year, plus a list of the benefits of extended breastfeeding.
Mom & Toddler Show How To Brush Baby Teeth, How To Brush A Baby’s Gums, And When To Start Brushing Baby’s Teeth & Gums
I started my baby’s oral care regime as soon as he got his first tooth. But I should have started even before his baby teeth erupted through the gums. My toddler and I are going to show you how to brush a baby’s gums using a wet washcloth, gauze, or a finger toothbrush. Plus how to brush baby teeth by following a daily routine where you brush your teeth together. Also… what I’ve learned about when to start brushing baby’s teeth & gums, issues regarding fluoride toothpaste, and what to do when your baby doesn’t like teeth brushing.
VTech Sit To Stand Learning Walker Review: See Why My Toddler Loves This Baby Push Walker!
Our baby is learning to walk at 16 months. His Grammy thought he needed a baby push walker to help him learn to walk — so she bought him the VTech Sit To Stand Learning Walker. Now he repeatedly attempts to walk completely on his own. I definitely believe the VTech baby walker helped get him start walking!
After 16 Months Of Using Disposable Diapers, I Switched To Cloth Diapers… Here’s Why & What I’ve Learned About Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers
I’ve used Pampers Swaddlers since the day we brought our baby home — because they are soft and absorb well. Plus, Swaddlers have a moisture indicator strip, which helped with my observations of baby’s potty signals. However… after using disposable diapers for 16 months and trying cloth diapers for the first time, I’m honestly wishing I made the switch to cloth diapers sooner! I found a good deal on used cloth diapers that were in excellent condition. See why I’m now a huge fan of Alva cloth diapers with snaps that grow with your baby, how to clean cloth diapers, my tips for stripping cloth diapers of bacteria, and my thoughts on cloth diapers vs disposable diapers today.
A Mom’s Tips For Flying Solo With A Toddler On Your Lap Or In A Car Seat For The First Time
See the most important things I’ve learned after flying solo with an infant for the first time. Tips to help you with checking in, getting through security, passing time in airports during layovers, boarding the plane, flying with a toddler in a car seat (after scoring an extra seat), and flying with a toddler on your lap (if they’re under age 2 and the flight is full). Here are 16 things I would do differently if I could do it all over again…
Taking A Car Seat On A Plane: See How I Made A Car Seat Dolly From A Luggage Cart… It’s A Stroller And Car Seat In One!
I recently flew solo with my 14-month-old son on his first airplane ride. Most airlines let you gate-check strollers & car seats for FREE. Since I knew that I would need a car seat once I arrived at my destination (and I wouldn’t be comfortable renting one), I made a portable car seat dolly using a cheap luggage cart! After attaching the car seat to the luggage cart, I could use it like a stroller to get him from the car to the plane AND keep him confined while exploring the airports during layovers.
Toddler Ride On Toy Car Review: My 1-Year-Old Loves The Step 2 Whisper Ride On Push Car Stroller… And So Do I!
Here’s my review of the Step 2 Whisper ride on push car with pros & cons. I use it as a stroller a lot — because it keeps my toddler contained and entertained whenever we have to wait in line somewhere. I also use it in our yard a lot — it’s a great way to get him outside when I don’t want him getting down and dirty (like when I’m doing yard work).
Mom & Baby’s Keekaroo High Chair Review: See Why The Keekaroo Height Right High Chair With Tray Is The Best High Chair Ever!
We used a Bumbo multi seat as a high chair for about 8 months, but at 14 months of age, I think it’s time for a more sturdy high chair. I decided to try the Keekaroo Height Right high chair after doing a good deal of research on the Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair. The Keekaroo is a great substitute for the Stokke high chair because — much like the Stokke — your baby simply cannot outgrow a Keekaroo high chair… and it’s much more affordable! We especially like the look and the sturdiness of the Keekaroo. See all the other reasons we love our Keekaroo Height Right high chair…
Flying With A Baby? Here’s What I’ve Learned While Preparing For My Baby’s First Airplane Ride (…An International Flight To Canada!)
I’m in the process of preparing for my baby’s first plane ride. See everything that we’re packing, how I plan to handle the layovers and connecting flights with a baby, some handy gadgets and travel necessities that I’ve discovered and will be using on this trip, and tips for other moms who are planning their very first flight with a baby.
Mom & Baby Review The Fisher Price Crawl Around Car With 3 ‘Smart Stages’ Levels Of Play
My baby really likes his Fisher Price Crawl Around Car! It keeps him busy for 15-20 minute intervals at a time. As a full time work at home mom, having your baby distracted for even a few minutes of “baby free time” always feels like a win! This is a Smart Stages Crawl Around Car with 3 different levels of activity that will grow with your baby. See our video review — including our favorite features on the Fisher Price Laugh And Learn Crawl Around Car (and 1 negative).
Car Travel With Baby: One Mom’s Simple Tips For Traveling With A Toddler In The Car
My baby is 1 year old — which means he can finally ride in a forward facing car seat. We chose the Britax convertible car seat — because of its high safety rating. See what traveling with a toddler in the car is like for our family. My best baby travel tips for your next road trip with a toddler… from entertaining DVD movies in the car to the best snacks & sippy cups for toddler car trips.
Alternative Vaccine Schedules vs. The CDC’s Immunization Schedule: How To Find Vaccine-Friendly Pediatricians
As a first time mother, I question everything when it comes to the wellness and safety of my baby. Right away, we were faced with the dilemma of getting newborn vaccines while in the hospital after delivery – the Hepatitis B shot, and the Vitamin K shot. Then, the CDC’s immunization schedule for children says to give 6 vaccinations at 2 months of age. I’ve done my research and decided to follow an alternative vaccine schedule instead of the CDC’s baby vaccination chart. See why, and if this is the right decision for your family — or not.
Baby Led Weaning Foods To Start With + One Mom’s Helpful Tips Before Getting Started With BLW
I had planned to make my own baby food once I started introducing solid foods to my exclusively breastfed baby. But when my baby was 8 months old, I decided to try baby led weaning instead — and now I can’t imagine introducing solid foods any other way! Here are the benefits of BLW, the best baby led weaning foods to start with, and my tips for moms before starting baby led weaning.
Our Elimination Communication Potty Training Update: The Pros & Cons Of Practicing EC & How It’s Working For Us
I’ve been practicing Elimination Communication potty training (with a diaper backup) since my baby was 13 weeks of age. In 1 month he will be a year old, and we are still committed to becoming diaper free. I’ve learned a few things about EC since I first started it — so I thought I’d share the following with others who are considering it: How I’m encouraging my baby to go potty at specific times, What my baby’s potty signals are, What my baby’s diaper-free times are like, The benefits of EC and why I’m sticking with it, The challenges of EC and how I’m working through them.
Wondering How To Take A Shower With Your Baby To Save Time? Here’s How I Do It
Wondering if you can take a shower with your baby to save time? The answer is yes! Here’s how I shower with my baby, plus my best tips to make the process of bathing your baby even easier.
Mom And Baby Review The Trilingual Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table
My baby is now 10 months old and pulling himself to stand while holding onto furniture. The Baby Einstein Discovering Music activity table gives him a way to play while standing. See what makes this baby activity table unique and why he likes it so much. Plus, our video review of this Baby Einstein activity table.
How To Make A Baby Shower Diaper Wreath: A Step-By-Step Tutorial
The baby shower diaper wreath is a great baby gift for these reasons: 1) It provides fun decor for the party. 2) It includes the gift of diapers for the baby.
3) The wood letters can be repurposed and used in the baby’s nursery. 4) The metal wreath can be used as a base for another wreath later — when the new mom feels like being creative. Here’s how to make a baby shower wreath yourself.
One Mom’s Clever Tips & Tricks For Toddler Proofing Your House Once Baby Starts To Crawl
My baby has started crawling and pulling himself up to stand — which means it’s time for us to toddler proof the entire house! I have a few clever tricks for toddler proofing your home, plus a list of my favorite child proof products to protect your curious toddler — including child proof locks for drawers, cabinets, and other doors (like refrigerators, toilets, trash cans, etc).
Baby & Mom Review The Zany Zoo Activity Cube – A Large Wooden Activity Cube For Toddlers
My 8 month old isn’t interested in baby toys much anymore. So in an effort to keep him engaged and entertained, I decided to give the Zany Zoo Activity Cube a try. Here’s everything I love about this large wooden activity cube, and the 1 thing I don’t. See why I think it’s a great gift for a 1-year-old.
My Review Of The Moby Wrap Classic: First Impressions Of This Babywearing Wrap + Pros And Cons Of The Moby Baby Wrap
Babywearing wraps are the best! I would rather wear my baby than carry him. Here’s my review of the Moby Wrap Classic — what I love about it (…and a few things I don’t), plus how to wrap the Moby Classic for 4 different babywearing carry positions.
Best Baby Shower Gifts: A First Time Mom’s Favorite Baby Gifts Under $50
A friend asked me for a list of the best baby shower gifts under $50 for her expecting friend. Here are 20 or so baby gifts that I actually received as a new mom, and I use each one of them! I feel these are not only useful, but thoughtful — because every time I use the item, I think of the person who gifted it to us.
Baltic Amber Teething Necklace Review: My Baby’s Got 5 Teeth & Has Never Had A Fever Since Wearing A Baltic Teething Necklace
Many parents swear by the Baltic Amber teething necklace. As a first time mom, not knowing what to expect, it appears the Baltic Amber necklace is working because he teethes with very little fussing AND he has never once had a fever! Here’s how a Baltic teething necklace works, plus some things you should know before trying an Amber necklace with your baby.
Bumbo Baby Seat Review: See How The Bumbo Multi Seat Grows With Your Baby And Serves Many Purposes!
As a new mom, I look for baby items to serve multiple uses. That’s why I love the Bumbo Multi Seat. Not only can it be used as a floor seat and a high chair, but it can also be used on other flat surfaces — like the dining room table while I’m working there! The Bumbo baby seat easily converts from a floor seat to a booster seat — maximizing its use for as long as baby will fit in it! Here’s my detailed review, plus a video so you can ‘see’ what I’m talking about.
Ergobaby 360 Review: See Why My Baby And I Love The Ergobaby 4-Position 360 Carrier
Thanks to the Ergobaby 4 position 360 carrier that I received as a baby shower gift, I am able to be somewhat productive with a needy and heavy baby by my side. There are 4 different ways to carry baby, and the Ergo 360 carrier has lots of unique features!
What’s In Your Diaper Bag? Here’s What’s In My Diaper Tote For A 7-Month-Old Baby
What’s in your baby’s diaper tote? I believe these 20 or so items are a well rounded assortment of baby items that make the most sense to take with you wherever baby goes — while keeping it minimal. See what I keep inside my Skip Hop Grand Central Diaper Bag…
10 Unique Baby Things I’ve Used Almost Every Day During My Baby’s First 6 Months
A first time mom shares her top 10 must have baby items. Wondering which baby things you’ll really need? What should you put on the baby registry? I’ve used these unique items almost daily in the first 6 months my baby’s life!
DIY Baby Monitor Tutorial: See How To Use The Cloud Baby Monitor App To Make Your Own iPhone Baby Monitor For Less Than $4!
Looking for a DIY baby monitor or cheap iPhone baby monitor that isn’t too complex? Using the Cloud Baby Monitor app and 2 or more Apple devices is the easiest way to make a WiFi baby monitor yourself! See how to get the only baby monitor you’ll need for only $3.99 using Apple devices that you probably already have.
Quinny Baby Stroller Review: See What This Mom & Baby Think About The Quinny Buzz Xtra Stroller
See my list of really cool features that I love about the Quinny Buzz Xtra stroller (with pics & video), plus a few things I don’t love about this Quinny baby stroller. Pros & cons of the Quinny Buzz stroller from a new mom’s perspective.
Fisher Price Baby Swing Review: The Fisher Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle N Swing Is Great For Babies Who Won’t Nap
Got a baby who won’t nap? (Me too!) My baby doesn’t like to nap. He will show signs of tiredness but will fight sleep almost every time I put him down for a nap. Fisher Price baby swing to the rescue! See why I like the Snugabunny Cradle ‘N Swing the best.
Free Baby Books: How To Start Building Your Child’s Library From Birth For Free
It’s never too early to read to your baby. I started reading everything out loud when I was pregnant. I continued reading to my newborn while I was breastfeeding. By 3 months, my baby was fully engaged whenever I was reading a book to him. Here’s how I built my baby’s reading library
Baby Activity Center Review: Mom & Baby Review The Oball Bounce O Bunch Activity Center
Every mom would benefit from a baby exercise saucer / baby activity center of some kind. There are several to choose from… too many! Lucky for me, my guesswork was done for me when I received the Oball Bounce O Bunch Activity Center as one of my baby shower gifts. This baby exersaucer has become an item we simply wouldn’t want to be without — not to mention an absolute sanity savior! Here’s why…
Baby Potty Training: A First Time Mom’s Experience Going Diaper Free At 13 Weeks – How Elimination Communication Works
Exploring baby potty training? Have you heard about Elimination Communication? It’s a simpler way to do baby potty training) which focuses on being diaper free at a younger age. We started when our little boy was 13 weeks old. With EC, the diaper is used as a “back-up” instead of a permanent, wearable toilet.
