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.
The total cost of having a baby in the first 2 years falls somewhere between $12,462 and $26,612. You can break this down to something like $500 to $1000 a month. Here's a breakdown of the actual numbers... the cost to have a baby, plus the cost to raise a baby for the first 2 years.
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!
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.
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...
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...
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.
Which nursery items do you REALLY need? A mom of 3 tells you what to avoid when shopping for and designing your baby's nursery. See the bare minimum things you need, and a list of things you don't need for the baby's room.
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.
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.
