Feeding recommendations I have gathered over the years as a pediatric occupational therapist and parent. Recs available from breastfeeding through first foods and beyond!
If you live in an apartment, a small home, or just don't want a ton of stuff cluttering every corner of your space, here are my musts (I've had two kids!)
As an early years practitioner I am going to share some must haves which I believe you need to help educate and develop your child’s learning and skills.
Our most-used items from the first few months with our baby girl! We still use most of these even now that she's bigger (7 months) but some are meant for babies 3mo or younger.
This list has useful baby items, breastfeeding items, and formula feeding items. It's to help all moms, especially new ones, who may need ideas or inspiration on what to buy for their child/children for their upcoming arrival. All products listed have been used and tested extensively by me before recommending them. I would also never recommend a product that has the potential to cause you or your child harm.
Slip-on, splash-proof, and *super* comfy-parenting just got easier! Perfect for all seasons , school, and everything in between. #SimplifiedStyle #HappyKidsHappyLife"
With Christmas coming up I wanted to share some of the Bluey toys my little one adores and plays with daily. As well as some of the Bluey toys I’ve got him for Christmas
Christmas is so fun, but trying to think of gift ideas can be stressful. Especially for tiny humans who have the attention span of a squirrel! These are our favorite toys I would recommend over and over again and just in time for Christmas!
Having a baby in a small apartment, it is important to not overbuy and get every baby item out there. Here are the items I found to be actually necessary and made good use of our small space.
Get all the essentials for summer time fun! If you’re in Texas you will want all the water activities you can get in this heat 🔥 Being a boy mom means you’re always outside! Weather does not phase them for a second!
Toys that can be used in so many ways. They do not always have a set end product. These toys promote creativity and learning in whatever way the child needs.
My daughter has a few toys that seem to never go out of rotation! These are the toys we keep in the living room for easy access. When I rotate toys, these are the ones that usually stay out! Here are a few of her favorite things!
These items are for mamas going into or who are already in postpartum. A lot of these things help with healing and are super useful! Good luck mamas <3
Oh you have a young 67 saying man in your life 🖤🥰? Look no further for these thoughtful and curated gift ideas for him. Boys deserve to feel special on Valentine's Day too 🙂↕️!
As a second time mum, These are my must have - cannot live without products! Hope they help if your looking for what to buy as a first time mum or a mum to be!"
Thanks to East Bay Music Together for sponsoring this guide to resources for new parents and babies in the East Bay. East Bay Music Together has a new online class for parents and caretakers of young babies. Babies are positioned so they can watch and interact with their special grown-up, and the grown-up follows the teacher on the screen. 510families.com/birth-and-baby-guide-for-east-bay-expectant-parents
Helping my boys to understand the importance of good hygiene. I have exemplified their bathing experience to make sure they are the cleanest, best smelling kids out there. I'll keep adding to this list as I come across more products.
Don’t know what to get your children for back or school? This list tells you everything you need! Includes: backpacks, pouches, essentials, lunch boxes, and keychains!
My child is very smart which makes it hard to find gifts that they will enjoy but also age appropriate. I'd done a lot of searching to make sure the gifts wow and get played with.
As a mom in Madison, I’ve accumulated some great finds when on the never-ending quest to keep my daughter busy! Here are some of my tried and true family-friendly activities in the area, organized by season.
From fairy tale royalty to Gotham rogues, this costume collection covers all the Halloween moods—sweet, spooky, heroic, and dramatic. There's picks for kids and adults—movie-style capes, glittery gowns, and villainous flair that’s perfect for parties, or trick-or-treating. There's even DIY costume ideas, too. Whether you’re twirling, stomping, or cackling, there’s something here for every kind of character.
when I became a boy mom I wasn’t sure how I was going to dress my baby. not hate to dinosaur lovers out there, but that’s just not my vibe. here are some outfits that I love (dino-free!) and accessories too!
Navigating life as an exclusive pumping mom? This list features the exact items I used (and loved) to make pumping easier, more comfortable, and more efficient after having my baby. From the best breast pumps and hands-free bras to milk storage bags, bottle systems, cleaning tools, and time-saving accessories — every product here is tried, tested, and pumping-mom approved.
Whether you’re building your baby registry or starting your pumping journey, these essentials are perfect for staying organized, maintaining your milk supply, and making the most of every session.
Looking for fun, creative ways to keep little hands busy? This board is packed with craft kits for kids; perfect for rainy days, quiet afternoons, or screen-free playtime. From simple toddler-friendly activities to more advanced kits for older kids, there’s something here for every age and stage.
This list will cover toys and clothes for all aged kiddos. I personally do not believe in splitting toys by “boys and girls”, all toys are for everyone, and all colors are for everyone. So these lists will be full of fun options for everyone❤️
these are books and puzzles that my 2 year old is obsessed with and plays with the most! (not a beige household) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
It can be so hard finding toys and activities that are developmentally appropriate for your child. This list includes toys for 12-18 month olds as well as toys that are intended for older kids, but that can still be used with this age range. The toys on these list can be found at Target or on Target.com Category Kid/Baby
Sharing my favorite summer products for kids that help make pool days, outdoor adventures, and family memories even better! These are fun, practical finds that keep my boys entertained all summer long.
These lists include carefully chosen sensory tools and products that provide sensory input through play and support emotional regulation, comfort, and focus for neurodivergent kids (and adults).
As a work-from-home mom of three, I'm always looking for ways to keep my kids entertained while I work—without relying on screens all day. This board includes the toys, crafts, games, and activities we use (and want to try) to encourage independent play and make workdays a little easier.
I have recently started working from home, so I'm here to share all the things that keep our kids busy by play and learning. Also just fun things I've found that work really well with our littles 🖤
Creating a cozy sports-inspired nursery for my twin boys! This list is filled with the pieces that bring the theme together — from timeless decor and personalized touches to storage, furniture, and little details that make their room feel special. Perfect for a baby boy nursery with a classic, playful sports vibe that can grow with them.
Two kids later and I’m emotionally attached to very few baby items.
These? Certified ride-or-dies from squishy newborn to tiny dictator.
No fluff. No aesthetic nonsense. Just stuff that actually works.
For all of the clueless FTM.. I relate to you!! My goal was to find high quality items that we will use at a reasonable cost. I also didn’t want to have too many unnecessary gadgets. This list is full of our most used items!
Twin mom since Feb 2024. There's alot of products out there that are great for twins or singletons. Here's the things that have helped me survive, so far.
With five kids and one on the way we've owned a lot of Melissa and Doug toys. The quality is so good and they last a long time-we've had the shopping cart for 8+ years and it's still good as new! These are all our favorites we've kept around!
Flying with toddlers is challenging (but we do it for the mems), these things have made it easier for us! I like to keep these in an activity bag that we only use on long drives or plane rides that way they are “new” to my kids every time they get to play with them. Most everything is under $20.
I have been a girl mom for 4 years and now I'm a mom of two, a girl and boy. I have strong opinions on must haves for postpartum to make the transition smooth.
I’m determined to get a head start on Christmas this year; because we all know once the holiday chaos hits, moms don’t get a minute to think, let alone shop. So I’ve been gathering gifts for my 1 year old daughter, and this list is filled with things I know she’ll love (and that won’t drive me completely crazy). 🤪
As a low-tox minded mama, I am constantly finding ways to reduce the toxin load for my little ones. Here are some great quick & easy swaps for your family!
Arts, crafts, and creative fun for every age! Crafty Kids is all about hands-on activities, imagination-sparking projects, and playful toys that keep little makers busy. From simple starter kits to all-out DIY adventures, these picks inspire creativity, build skills, and bring out the joy of making something all their own. The perfect way to keep kids engaged, entertained, and excited to create.
Get ready for your little one’s arrival with this all-in-one birth preparation guide! From must-have baby essentials to mom’s comfort items, this checklist covers everything you’ll need for a smoother, stress-free experience. Whether you’re a first-time mom or looking for a refresher, these practical tips and recommendations will help you feel fully prepared for the big day
11 things I quietly point new moms toward when they ask, 'What else does the baby actually need besides the basics?'
picked by a midwife, not an algorithm.
These are the newborn essentials I’d buy again in a heartbeat — no clutter, no gimmicks, just the things that actually made life easier during those early weeks. From sleep saviors to diaper bag must-haves, this list is all about practical, comforting, and mama-approved picks. Whether you're prepping for your first baby or shopping for a thoughtful shower gift, everything here earned its spot.
As a new mom again - and one of young adults and in-betweens, here are some of my top "life-saving" and at least life-changing items for those with babies to toddlers on board. With even one..life can be a blur but with more it can become a daze. This list is for the moms who need convenience + health and safety OR those FTMs who want to know what's worth it and what's not.
Your first time breast-feeding feels like a blind walk in uncharted territory. As a seasoned breast-feeding mama, these were the things that I will absolutely use again for a second! 
Essentials that are helpful to my routine as a busy mom who also makes time for fitness & rest/relaxation... home organization / things that make on the go moments easy / just cute stuff too haha
No fluff, no aesthetic-only picks… just products we genuinely used, loved, and reached for daily. From meltdowns to bedtime to keeping tiny hands busy, these are my ride-or-dies.
I was shocked too when I found out Home Depot sells toys. I love that most of their toys are interactive, spark learning and help with fine motor skills.
These are the top toys trending at Target right now — from Beyblades and Bluey to makeup kits and MrBeast collectibles. I pulled together the top-reviewed, most popular finds for every age group so you can skip the scroll and get straight to the fun. Put this in your cart, watch for sales, and enjoy!
Raising a child with special needs is a journey full of love, learning, and unique challenges. Whether you're looking for sensory tools, communication aids, or everyday essentials to support your child's development, this list is made for you. Each item here is parent-approved, available on Amazon, and designed to make life easier and more joyful for children with special needs—right here in the U.S.
👶 A collection of the baby gear and mom-life essentials that actually made a difference during my first year of motherhood. From feeding to sleep and everything in between—these were true lifesavers.
As soon as you start having kids, so do all your friends and it can be hard coming up with a gift each time that is actually going to help! I like to buy for the mum - rather than for the baby. So here are my top recommendations that really helped me most when I became a new mum