Potty training felt like a hostage situation — every pair of pants in the house had been through it, the couch had seen things, and I was buying pull-ups by the truckload. If you're the parent who's Googling ‘how many accidents is normal’ at 2am, this is every padded training underwear that actually held up when my kid didn't quite make it to the bathroom in time.
These are the items I brought with me to the hospital and ACTUALLY used. I def brought some unnecessary items, but these were not them. 😉 The hospital provides everything you need for postpartum care, so I didn’t bring anything and don’t regret it. I even took some of the hospital stuff home.
The BEST way to thank your Labor and Delivery/Mother and Baby nurses are to nominate them for Daisy awards and leave good reviews, but if you want to take it a step further I've compiled a list of gift basket ideas! I am a second time mom and work in OBGYN/along side Labor and Delivery so these are some things I know are needed and appreciated!
I have a 2.5 year old little boy and he has more energy than me on any given day - He likes to be kept busy - heres some of his favourite toys to play with!
Welcome to Toddler Tested & Loved: a collection of the products that have truly earned their place in our home. As a mom of four, I’ve purchased and tried countless toddler toys, feeding essentials, clothes, travel gear, beach must-haves, and everyday favorites. These are the items that have stood the test of time, encouraged learning and independence, survived busy toddler life, and have been worth every penny. If you’re looking for practical, high-quality recommendations from a real mom who’s done the trial and error for you, you’ll find them here!
Using a mix of interactive toys, songs, books, and apps made learning Spanish feel fun and natural for my kids instead of like a chore. The engaging songs and playlists helped them absorb vocabulary through repetition, while board books and flashcards reinforced everyday words with bright pictures they loved. Interactive toys and games — especially those that speak Spanish or turn learning into play — gave them confidence to repeat new words and phrases, and digital apps added an extra layer of excitement with colorful characters and simple lessons. Together, these tools created an immersive yet playful environment that kept them curious and excited about learning Spanish .
As a first-time mum, I quickly learned how important the right chair is when it comes to nursing. You spend so many hours feeding and soothing your baby, so finding a chair that’s comfortable and supportive is key. For me, armrests are a must—they give your arms a break during those long feeds. I also love the ability to rock or glide, which helps settle the baby (and me!) when we’re both trying to relax. While reclining is ideal for those late-night sessions, not all chairs have that feature, but a good footstool can do wonders in those cases. Here are my top picks for nursing chairs that tick all the boxes, ensuring both you and your little one are comfortable.
What actually goes in a stocking once they are past the baby stage. Cozy socks, a card game, fidgets, Christmas candy, nail polish, and one bigger thing so it feels like a present. Mostly under twenty dollars.
As a mom of 3 I can tell you what you'll use and what you won't. As first time mom I had no idea what to put in my registry and no one to help me, so I created this list of what I feel were my most used products to be able to help you in an area where I was once totally lost! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments or for help!
Teens are always not the easiest to shop for. So I’ve put together an easy find and inexpensive Easter basket for you to give to your teen or tween for this holiday! From fidgets to self care you’re guaranteed to find something for your daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc this year!
Babies are not one size fits all! here’s everything my child has used and loved whether he still uses it or not. As a first time mom. I have tried all the things and all the recommendations and now I can tell you what you need.
📌 Save this guide for your next birthday party invite and never stress about finding a meaningful gift again. 🎉 ✨ A carefully curated collection of fun, engaging, and age-appropriate gifts that spark creativity, build real-world skills, and encourage meaningful play, all without screens. No screens. All fun. Endless imagination! 🌟 This list is packed with: 🧩 Hands-on toys that spark creativity 🎨 Art & craft kits kids actually use 🧠 Brain-boosting puzzles & games 🏃♂️ Outdoor & active play favorites Organized by age for toddlers, kids, and tweens, this list is your go-to for birthdays, Christmas, parties, or just keeping little hands busy the fun way! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)
Not all snacks that help boost your milk supply are created equally! Here are some of my favorite milk boosting snacks to have on hand while nursing or pumping.
This carefully curated guide features the best selling fidget toys people truly love from calming stress relief favorites to trendy, fun designs everyone's talking about. Whether you're shopping for focus, anxiety relief, classroom approved options, or gift worthy finds, these picks are tried and true favorites for kids, teens, and adults.
Exclusively pumping has been a huge part of my postpartum journey, and these are the products I actually use every single day. Some made things easier, some saved my sanity, and some I honestly couldn’t go without. If you’re pumping or thinking about it, this is everything I wish I had from the start. If you are looking for ways to increase your breastmilk supply, take a look at the blog I just posted on everything that worked for me! european-mama.com/how-to-increase-milk-supply
I like to buys toys for my toddler that keep her engaged and encourage imaginative play. *These links are affiliate links in which I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.
The first trimester of pregnancy can be the hardest for most. Here are a list of things that helped with the various symptoms I was having, as well as some other things needed for optimal pregnancy health.
My daughter is Neurodivergent and through the years we have found some things that she uses daily. Here is a list of some of the thing she uses to calm her mind and spirit
Breastfeeding and pumping is hard! You always worry if you are making enough milk. If you are worried, here are some products that will help boost your supply so you can create some extra milk for baby to plump them up or to have extra on hand for date night or to go back to work. These are the products I used throughout the years as I breastfed and pumped for my 3 boys.
Yes, I love a good aesthetic… but every item here also passed the real-life test. These are the pieces that made daily life smoother with a baby and a toddler: easy transitions, less wrestling, more function, and still cute enough that I didn’t mind them living in my house or car. Practical, polished, and truly helpful.. nothing here is just for looks 🤍
As a mom and vacation rental host, I've tested hundreds of kids' products with my own little ones and the families who stay at our properties. These are the toys, games, and wellness essentials that get used over and over again — from creative arts supplies to outdoor adventure kits. Every pick on this list has been kid-approved and parent-loved!
School mornings hit different once everyone needs something at the same time. These back-to-school essentials keep the routine moving: leakproof lunch containers, a backpack that actually holds up, a launch pad by the door, and little grab-and-go helpers that save you from the 7am scramble. Parent-tested, no complicated system required.
I have a few kids, all spread apart from adults to a baby. I have learned over the years and researched as much as possible on items. I was trying to stay focused on buying what I need and not just a want because it can be wasted money. I hope this helps anyone with the search! I look for saftey, price, durability, something we would actually use and ratings as much as possible.
Who doesn’t love a good sensory bin? Kids need stimulation and screen free entertainment. Enrich your child’s imagination with these top choices for your next sensory bin
Every morning was the same — my kid's lunch bag looked identical to five others in the cubbies, and she'd come home with someone else's PB&J. After replacing three generic bags that fell apart by October, I finally found personalized ones that actually last through juice spills, mud, and the mysterious sticky stuff preschoolers generate. If you're tired of labeling bags with Sharpie that washes off by Wednesday, this lineup took me two school years to figure out.
Here are all the things you need to get started making your own sensory materials and bins! This is just a start you can really create just about anything and design your own themes. Use what you have around the house and see if you can repurpose anything that isn't getting much use.
Sensory play is an amazing way for kids to learn and play.
I rounded up the school supplies, backpacks, lunch gear, and little extras that make our mornings smoother and our days easier. These are the things I’m actually buying this year—tried, trusted, and picked with love to help my kids feel confident, organized, and ready to learn.
Hi there! Thanks for visiting :) This list is for parents, aunts, uncles, friends and grandparents who are looking for nontoxic baby and toddler items. This list ranges from baby pajamas to diapers to strollers and have been my ride or die items since becoming a mom.
Balancing Mom Life is such a challenge! These things help me get ahead where I can or just make life easier with cash back opportunities, good deals, tasks made easy etc. Any hacks I can find I will share
If it is your first time participating in a kids soccer league you may find yourself underprepared as the season goes along. Here’s everything you need for a safe and fun season with your kiddos
✨ My TTC Journey for Baby #2 ✨ Our journey to baby number two has been a mix of hope, patience, and quiet strength. Unlike the first time—when everything felt new and full of surprise—this chapter has come with its own lessons and emotions. I’ve carried the joy of wanting to grow our family, along with the uncertainty that comes when things don’t always happen right away. There have been months of tracking, planning, and wishing… moments of excitement, moments of disappointment, and moments of reminding myself to breathe and trust the timing. I’ve learned to celebrate small steps, to listen to my body, and to give myself grace through the ups and downs. Even on the harder months, the dream of holding another little one keeps my heart steady. This journey has taught me resilience, patience, and deep gratitude for the family I already have—and the one I’m hoping to grow. Baby #2, whenever you're ready, we can’t wait to meet you. ❤️
A list of my favorite dresser/changers! i put together a list of large and small dressers, so you'll be sure to find something that fits your room! I love dressers that can grow with your child into the toddler phase and even into their teen years because of classic design and sustainable materials
Whether you're a homeschooling parent, or just love to help your kids learn while they're at home, these items are for you! These are all items I have personally purchased, used, and highly recommend.
Mom of 2 here that loves to dress her girls alike for some occasions. I shop at a variety of stores for my girls and these are some of my favorite pieces 🩷
Rainy Saturday energy trapped inside four walls, three kids bouncing off furniture, and you're out of ideas by 10 AM — that was my every weekend until I started building backyard treasure hunts. If you're a parent who needs at least 45 minutes of kid-occupied silence without a screen, this is the exact setup I use. Took me a full year of trial and error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.
An adorable indie art owl in midnight blue, adds a little touch of whimsy to the woodland creatures themed birthday party you are hosting for your little one. Choose from a broad set of offerings: invitations, thank you notes, paper plates, napkins, cups and hats. Find clothing for the guest of honor and her mom and sisters, make one for brother and dad too. Fill some adorable owl gift bags to give to your guests. All FunParties designs feature original art created by WindyDesign, Creator of Zazzle.
As a 2nd time mum with an 18 month age gap, there have been many products that I have tried and tested. If youve seen it advertised, I would have 100% purchased it during the 3am feeds. This is a list of all my number 1 recommendations and things I wouldn't be able to live without!
The must-have baby gear that gets you through the first year+. I’m not into overbuying or being wasteful when it comes to babies—they don’t NEED much. But here are a few things that make life easier when you’re in the thick of it. ❤️
Feeding a baby without a solid bib is basically volunteering to do laundry three times a day. If you're scrubbing sweet potato off onesies and finding dried avocado in places it has no business being — I tested dozens of bibs across six months of messy mealtimes so you can skip straight to the ones that work.
This curated list is packed with creative, playful, and interactive gifts that are perfect for girls under 10. It balances hands-on crafts, imaginative play, and tech-inspired fun, making it ideal for birthdays or Christmas. This list contains affiliate links
#WalmartPartner. This list contains Walmart affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Christmas morning is over in about eleven minutes of torn wrapping paper. Christmas Eve is the part everybody actually remembers: the box on the bed, cocoa and a movie, cookies left out for Santa, and kids way too wound up to sleep. Here's everything you need to start those traditions (or finally keep up with them), all from Walmart: what goes in the Christmas Eve box, cocoa and family time, treats for Santa and his reindeer, and the little touches that prove he came. Matching pajamas have their own list, so go peek at that one too.
Having a safe place to put baby down for a few minutes while you use the shower, run to the bathroom or try to grab a quick snack is so worth it. I have included carriers because sometimes carrying baby is the best way to make it work.
Being a new mom is overwhelming, particularly when it comes to gear. Having been a mom since 2018, I’ve learned exactly what parents actually need. Here is a list of my tried-and-true essentials—some of which I’ve used for all three of my children. Feel free to ask me anything!
Packing school lunches every morning is part of our routine, and the right gear makes it so much easier. After plenty of leaky containers and lost bottles, I have found the lunch boxes, bento boxes, and water bottles that keep food fresh and come home in one piece. Tell me your best lunch packing tip in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
My family has been both tent camping and RV camping for years. We also have traveled up and down the East Coast with school aged, toddlers, and babies. This is what we recommend you actually bring camping 👇
Here's a list of products I use almost daily and keep in my sons nursery! These are the staples I recommend every mom have, covering a variety of different topics/needs.
Boo Basket Ideas! Each section is organized for all the different people you may be shopping for. I’m featuring girlfriend/wife, boyfriend/husband, kids, besties. There will also be a section featured for the basic things you need to make your perfect boo basket! These are great for Halloween, Fall & Spooky Season!
Here’s all my favorite gift ideas for baby & toddler girls Easter basket + some fun big gifts! From small teethers, to rain boots, to big gifts like swings & playgrounds. This is your one stop shopping list!
If you want your Easter baskets + gifts to be intentional like me, look no further. I see no point in buying junk they’ll never use. I’m all for things they will use over the summer and learning toys!
I bought tons of different summer things & accessories and filled up a water table with them!
Target, Amazon + hobby lobby were my go too’s!
As a kindergarten teacher, one of my favorite units is our pumpkin unit! We always do it the week of our field trip to the pumpkin patch! Here are all the things (read-alouds, free activities, pumpkin investigation things) we use to get the students pumped up for pumpkin week! 🎃
Teachers are some of the most selfless people on the planet. They deserve to be spoiled and shown appreciation for their patience, dedication and unwavering love to teach small minds. Here is a list of last-minute ideas to buy for your child's special teacher!
Must haves to pack for your hospital stay! These are the things I used during my stay. Hint— no need to take your own postpartum care supplies! Save those for home!
Stepping on another cheap plastic toy at 2am was my breaking point — the batteries, the noise, the landfill guilt. If you've got a toddler surrounded by blinking gadgets that break in a week and you want toys that actually last, look beautiful on a shelf, and won't make you cringe, this is the lineup I landed on after way too many late-night searches.
After living in the Twin Cities for over a decade—five of those as a parent and many before as a teacher—I’ve explored a lot of kid-friendly spots. From cozy coffee shops with play areas to massive playgrounds and hands-on museums, this area is packed with places where kids can burn off energy while parents actually enjoy themselves too. Some spots are perfect for a low-key morning with little ones, while others make for full-blown adventures that even older kids will love. I’ve been on both sides—coordinating field trips as a teacher and now chasing my own kids around—and I’m still finding new gems all the time!
What I love most is how many different kinds of outings are possible here. There are spots where kids can climb, run, and explore freely, places designed to spark creativity and curiosity, and even restaurants and breweries that actually welcome families instead of just tolerating them. Whether you’re looking for an easy weekday outing, an indoor option for winter, or a way to make errands more fun, this list is packed with places that make parenting a little easier—and a lot more fun!
Your toddler dumps out a bin of toys, plays for 90 seconds, then comes to tug on your leg while you're trying to make coffee. Sound familiar? This list is for parents of 1-4 year olds who are desperate for toys that actually buy you more than two minutes of peace. Took me a full year of buying, returning, and rotating toys to land on these 42. Grab what fits your kid before the holiday rush wipes shelves clean.
Baby registries can be so overwhelming. It doesn't have to be complicated. This list has things that I actually used with both of my babies. Divided into the main categories of: sleep, eat, poop, move. Simple short and sweet.