15 Startup Businesses That Are Making Parenting Life Easier

by Candace NagyApril 21, 2022

Being a parent can be tough! That’s why we appreciate any company that creates a shortcut or finds a way to ease the daily grind of parenthood. Startup companies are everywhere, and not surprisingly, many of them are founded by parents in business who had a genius idea and ran with it. After all, who better to solve parenting problems than parents themselves? From kid’s meal delivery services to cribs that rock babies to sleep, we’ve rounded up 15 startups designed to make parenting life easier. Scroll down to learn more.

Zūm

All parents, at some point, have wished that they could be in more places at once. But, unless you’ve cloned yourself, the reality is that the only way to get it all done is to ask for help. And one place to start is finding transportation for your kids that will help them maintain their educational pursuits without the added stress of playing chauffeur. Sure, parents could use one of the many ride platforms, but precious cargo like kids requires a better solution.

Zūm, a transportation service for kids, offers optimized transportation solutions and fulfills daily transportation needs, “Whether it’s home-to-school transportation, off-campus events, or delivery of meals and educational materials.”

Wonderschool

Wonderschool is often described as an Airbnb for daycare services, and it also helps launch in-home preschools and daycares. The idea for the startup came from co-founders Chris Bennett and Arrel Gray who saw too many parents worried about finding child care. So they designed a company to increase access to high-quality early childhood care for families.

Wonderschool empowers experienced educators and childcare providers to run their own in-home businesses while providing service to other families in their communities. The programs are diverse and designed to educate in the warmth of an in-home child care program.

Otter

It’s not uncommon for stay-at-home parents in communities to babysit each other’s children on occasion. But sometimes making the connection between parents looking for care and parents looking to provide that service isn’t easy. If you’re new to your neighborhood or just don’t know where to look, this next startup is for you!

Helen Mayer, the founder of Otter, was in this same boat in 2020, turning down a dream job because she couldn’t find safe, reliable, and affordable care for her twins. Wondering if she was alone in this, she went to her community for feedback and received overwhelming feedback that cemented her desire to help parents in situations like hers. Shortly after, Otter was born, offering parents a tool that “matches parents who need childcare with stay-at-home parents who can care for their kids.”

My Fourth

Have you heard of the “fourth trimester?” If you haven’t, we're talking about the first three months after giving birth. It’s a time of adjustment for your baby and you that requires a lot of support! Enter the My Fourth app!

Major Care Doulas founder, Mandy Major, created the My Fourth app to help extend the care delivered to her clients into the fourth trimester, saying that their tagline is “put a doula in your pocket,” and adding that “[our mission is] to mainstream postpartum doula care and use digital tools to make it as affordable and accessible as possible. We track pregnancy so diligently in this country but totally fail families in the fourth trimester. We're left to figure it all out on our own. Parents need education, connection, support, and personalized advice! That's why we blend bite-sized content with regular text check-ins from our doulas. Continuous care is what it's all about!”

Pinwheel

It’s officially the future, and although many advances in technology have made parenting easier, there are some that have created challenges that parents might not be ready for. Like when your 10-year-old asks for their first cell phone. Gulp. Parents who feel completely unprepared for this big step are not alone. In fact, Pinwheel, “smartphones that enable responsible and healthy usage with modes managed by parents for everyday kids' life,” was founded on that very feeling.

Dane Witbeck founded Pinwheel when his eight-year-old son announced that his friend got an iPhone back in 2019. A user himself, he says “Pinwheel lets [me] see his grades in real-time and helps him focus on what matters most by excluding web browsers, app stores and social media. And of course, it supports all of the basic functions like calls, text, and GPS locations, so I can keep an eye on him if he forgets to tell me that he's going to a friend's house after school!”

Got a kid that’s ready for their very own cell phone? Try Pinwheel and use our exclusive promo code TINYBEANS for 10% off.

Cradlewise

Having a new baby is a beautiful experience that brings parents memories to cherish for a lifetime. But it’s also a time of complete exhaustion from all those sleepless nights soothing baby back to sleep every hour. If only there was a crib that would rock your baby back to sleep for you. Oh, wait, there is!

According to Cradlewise Co-founder and CEO, Radhika Patil, “Modern-day baby monitors notify you once the baby wakes up crying and that’s too late already. Cradlewise is the world’s first crib that senses the first signs of stirring and automatically rocks the baby to sleep. This proactive soothing helps safeguard sleep for babies.” The genius crib, made with natural materials, was designed to grow with your baby—adjusting from bassinet to crib—and has a built-in smart baby monitor and sound system for playing white noise and other curated playlists that can be connected to their corresponding app, allowing you to track your babies’ sleep journey, and get some shut-eye of your own.

Vivvi

A toddler stretches out on the floor to draw using school supplies — iStock

Sometimes one of the toughest parts about being a working parent is finding childcare for the kiddos. That’s where Vivvi comes in to make life easier. Think of Vivvi as the Four Seasons of Childcare, but for medium-sized employers. This startup provides employer-sponsored childcare for companies of all sizes. The care is provided either on-site or near the company and is geared toward kids ages newborn to five years old.

Vivvi’s co-founders Ben Newton and Charles Bonello designed Vivvi to make it possible for companies of all sizes to implement a childcare program and change their employees' lives.

Little Spoon

Spending hours grocery shopping, prepping and serving meals, and cleaning up, only to have your child pick at their plate? Yup, it's exhausting. The founders of Little Spoon felt the same way! That’s why they started a meal delivery service for babies to big kids to bring clean, non-GMO meals and snacks right to your door. Its mission is to make parents' lives easier while offering the healthiest, tastiest food options for children. From chicken potstickers to turkey meatballs and even fresh smoothies and vitamins, your time, and your child’s nutrition and tastebuds are covered.

Shoott.com

What parent hasn’t scrambled to find a last-minute photographer for birthday parties, holidays and family photo sessions? Shoott.com makes that problem obsolete. This startup provides on-demand professional photography at affordable rates. Shoott.com offers 30-minute photo sessions with an elite-level photographer at select iconic outdoor locations. Sessions are complementary to book, and you only pay for the photos you love at $30 or less. The company started in New York City and now offers services in 35 states.

“Our website makes it easy for anyone to book a professional photographer on demand for all of life's occasions, big or small—including holiday, engagement and family portraits as well as headshots or content for social media,” said Jennifer Tsay, CEO and co-founder of Shoott.com.

Lovevery

Play Kits by Lovevery are a subscription box service that delivers the right science-backed, non-toxic toys babies both want and need, at exactly the right stage of development, so that parents can rest assured they're giving their little ones the best possible start in life. Kits are delivered every other month and start at $36 per month. Lovevery was created to help parents give their little ones an easy alternative to screen time, as well as the ability to maintain a minimalist lifestyle, by cutting out the unnecessary excess and delivering all that baby needs for playtime.

"At Lovevery, we make the science of early childhood more approachable and help parents feel confident they're giving their children the best start,” said Jessica Rolph, Lovevery co-founder and CEO. “We work with child development experts to distill all the research into a system of essential products that are stage-based and crafted with care. You can see that care in our Play Kits and our Play Gym, and it's why parents love what we do."

Huckleberry

If you’re a parent, sleep struggles have likely been a reality with your little ones at one point or another. That’s why Huckleberry was founded, as a new way to improve the way kids sleep. This app uses artificial intelligence and pediatric sleep experts to create individualized sleep plans for every family. Through Huckleberry, parents take a diagnostic quiz, track sleeping hours, naps and bedtimes, and the app predicts when your kiddo will be sleeping next. The program has several other features that can be purchased beyond the free app as well.

Huckleberry was co-founded by Jessica Toh who states that as a new parent, she never expected her baby would wake up every few hours for nearly two years, in spite of all the books and methods she tried. “It turned out there were many others in the same position,” said Toh. “I felt in this day and age there must be a way to solve this for all the sleep-deprived people out there who just want the best for their children.”

Aiko and Egor Animation 4 Autism

Aiko and Egor Animation 4 Autism is an animated video series and interactive app designed to help kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The activities use evidence-based principles to create activities that focus on simple animation and language for kids with ASD. The app is produced by See Beneath, whose founders are Gerin Gaskin, Casey Hoffman and Jim Turner, all of whom have a background in autism intervention and research from the University of California San Diego. These individuals spent more than 7,500 hours sitting on the floor with kids under the age of three diagnosed with ASD to develop the app.

“Our vision is a world where all children with autism will develop to their full potential,” according to the See Beneath website. “Our mission is to engage and educate children with autism (ASD) by creating and providing innovative tools that foster positive change and help children reach developmental milestones.”

Peanut

Get ready to swipe right on the latest app to help moms make friends. Peanut is a Tinder-type app that matches moms so they can meet other like-minded moms. Once you create an account, Peanut shows you women in your neighborhood with similar-aged kids and creates matches based on shared interests. Then it’s up to you to create playdates and start conversations.

Michelle Kennedy came up with the idea for Peanut after having her first baby, Finlay, and was struggling to meet other moms. She decided to create a product that would make life as a new mom a little easier. “Peanut is more than an app to connect mothers,” according to Kennedy via Peanut’s website. “It’s about recognizing a pain point that millions of women encounter and finding a solution.”

Cognitive ToyBox

Cognitive ToyBox allows teachers to do what they do best: teach. This gamified early childhood assessment allows teachers to test a student’s learning and social-emotional readiness without spending countless hours administering tests. Here’s how it works: kids play five-minute assessment games and the results are then sent to the teacher automatically. The tool saves the teacher hours of work and provides objective data for teachers and parents.

Co-founders Tammy Kwan and Dr. Brenden Lake created Cognitive ToyBox because they wanted to develop an evidence-based technology solution to support early childhood educators, parents and children. The company currently provides preschool and kindergarten learning assessments.

Nanno

Every parent has been through it. You confirm plans and then you can’t find a babysitter. That’s where Nanno comes in. This app allows parents to secure a sitter within minutes. There is no minimum hour requirement and you can book as few as two hours in advance. Nanno runs a full criminal background check on all its sitters and requires a skill set for every person. They also offer on-demand matching and booking, quality control based on reviews, and free cancellation protection.

Liz Oertle, CEO and Co-founder of Nanno, is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems of everyday people, especially parents and families. A former startup lawyer turned startup founder, Oertle met Desi McAdam, a software engineer and director of a software consultancy. Together, they decided to build a product that would solve a real-world problem that desperately needed to be solved. That’s when the idea of Nanno took form.

—Candace Nagy with Leah Singer

Your Guide to Well-Baby Doctor Visits in Baby’s First Year

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseApril 15, 2022

Experts recommend 6-8 well-baby visits during the first year. If you’re thinking, what’s up, doc, you’re not alone. Read on to find out what to expect from each doctor’s appointment, what you should bring and how to get the most out of your visit.

What to Bring with You

Reference documents: driver’s license, insurance card, hospital documents from baby’s birth, information about family members’ health history and allergies

Baby necessities: burp cloths, extra diapers and wipes (the doctor will remove baby’s diaper), hand wipes, baby bottle, a blanket in case baby gets cold, a lovey or favorite stuffed animal, a pacifier if you use them

Mom necessities: an extra shirt in case of spit-up, water and a snack in case you have to wait for the doctor. Once your baby is eating solids, bring snacks for them too.

Questions: Keep a list on your phone or in a small notebook so you can jot down questions when you think of them. Bring a printed version of the questions to your appointment so you don’t forget anything and can write down your doctor’s answers.

What Happens at a Well-Baby Pediatrician Appointment

Each appointment will vary depending on baby’s age, but here's what you can expect:

○ Measurement of your baby’s height, weight and head circumference to monitor your child’s growth curve; plus a discussion of that curve

○ A head-to-toe physical exam, including eyes, ears (and hearing), mouth, neck, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, genitalia and legs

○ A discussion of your child’s physical and cognitive development

○ Vaccinations, at most visits, if you’ve chosen them

○ Time for you to ask questions and bring up concerns

Read on for specifics of each visit.

Day 3-5 Well-Baby Visit

In the first week of your child’s life, pediatricians will do a physical exam; measure baby’s height, weight and head circumference; and observe baby’s behavior, reactions and reflexes.

Don’t sweat it: It’s common for babies to lose some body weight after birth. They typically gain it back by the time they hit two weeks old. As your doctor tracks your child's physical growth and tells you which percentile they're in, remember that the actual numbers and percentages are usually less important than whether your child is growing steadily along their curve.

Topics to discuss:

○ SIDS and creating a safe sleep environment

○ How often and how much your child eats

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movement look like

○ Your child’s growth curve

1-Month Well-Baby Visit

At this visit, in addition to taking measurements, doing a physical exam and checking development, your doctor may give your child a second hepatitis B shot (they typically received the first right after birth).

Don’t sweat it: It’s normal for your child (and you!) to cry when they get shots. Shots are typically done at the end of the visit so you can comfort your child with cuddles and nursing or a bottle before you leave.

Topics to discuss:

○ What to do if your child is inconsolable in the evenings (aka the witching hours)

○ If your child is dealing with diaper rashes, baby acne or cradle cap, the doctor can give you advice on how to treat these conditions

○ How often you're doing tummy time

○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops

○ How your baby is sleeping

○ How often and how much your child feeds

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like. Hard, dry poop could indicate constipation, and mucousy, soft stools can signal a food intolerance.

2-Month Well-Baby Visit

Your child will likely receive immunizations at this visit, if you've chosen them. The doctor will also check your baby’s head control and posture.

Don’t sweat it: Some babies feel discomfort in the day or two after shots, so be prepared to notice a change in your child’s behavior and energy level. Offer extra cuddles and comfort, and clear your schedule if you can.

Topics to discuss:

○ If your child is dealing with colic, constipation, diaper rashes, baby acne, reflux, sleep or feeding issues, the doctor can give you advice

○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops

○ How your baby is sleeping

○ How often and how much your child feeds

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

○ Whether your baby smiles yet

○ How you characterize your baby’s temperament. If your child seems weepy, restless or uncomfortable, your doctor can explore possible causes

○ How you’re feeling. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, you should bring it up to your child’s doctor and your own.

4-Month Well-Baby Visit

Your child will receive more immunizations, if you've chosen them, and may receive a hemoglobin screening to test for anemia. The doctor will also begin looking for, and discussing with you, age-appropriate milestones for your child.

Don’t sweat it: Babies develop at their own pace, so don’t assume the worst if your child hasn’t reached a certain milestone. Tell your doctor if your child is losing skills they once had or if you’re concerned about any aspect of their development (like crawling, talking, hearing, eyesight).

Topics to discuss:

○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops

○ How your baby is sleeping

○ How often and how much your child feeds

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child can roll over, sit up with support, push up from their belly, grab items and kick with both legs.

○ Whether your baby communicates by babbling, squealing, laughing, copying caregivers’ facial expressions and sounds

6-Month Well-Baby Visit

More standard tests and (sorry) immunizations. Your doctor may also do a lead screening, as older homes can have lead paint, which, in high doses, can be harmful to babies. Your child may also receive a tuberculosis test and, if any teeth have popped through, your doctor will want to see them. Since babies are likely to crawl soon, it’s a good time to talk to your doctor about ways to childproof your home.

Don’t sweat it: Childproofing your home doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Here are 14 DIY babyproofing tricks to make your home safe as your baby gets more mobile.

Topics to discuss:

○ If it’s time to start your child on solid food. And, if so, which foods your doctor recommends

○ If your child has teeth, how you should care for them

○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is rolling over in both directions, sitting up without support, showing interest in their environment, babbling and imitating sounds and expressions

○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops

○ How your baby is sleeping

○ How often and how much your child feeds

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and how bowel movements change after introducing solid foods

9-Month Well-Baby Visit

In addition to the standard tests, a review of baby’s oral health and perhaps immunizations, your doctor will look more closely at your baby’s development. The doctor will likely ask you questions about how your child moves and interacts with you.

Don’t sweat it: If your child has any developmental delays, your pediatrician can give you valuable resources. Early intervention in the form of physical therapy or speech therapy can help your child develop new skills.

Topics to discuss:

○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as crawling, saying words, responding to their name, pointing, using the pincer grip, feeding themselves, playing games with you or others

○ If your child is experiencing separation anxiety or fear of strangers

○ How you should care for your child’s teeth

○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods

○ How your baby is sleeping

○ How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

12-Month Well-Baby Visit

You’re a pro at this point and know what to expect at these doctor visits. But as you've learned with babies, they're always learning new things and changing their routines, so you'll have lots to discuss at this and future appointments.

Don’t sweat it: You’ve almost made it through year one, with all the big changes and sleeplessness that goes along with it. You can handle whatever year two throws at you.

Topics to discuss:

○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is pulling themselves up, cruising along furniture, walking, pointing, saying words, responding to what you say, playing games with you or others

○ How you should care for your child’s teeth

○ Whether you should introduce cow's milk into baby's diet

○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods

○ How your baby is sleeping

○ How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)

○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

These Travel Cribs Will Make Family Vacations a Breeze

by Jamie Davis SmithMarch 1, 2022

Once you’re ready to hit the road for an overnight at Grandma’s house or somewhere more exotic, little ones will need a safe place to sleep. Be prepared with one of the best travel cribs available. Here are our top picks.

AeroMoov Instant Travel Crib

This cute travel cot weighs less than 11 pounds and can be set up and taken down in a snap. It folds flat (less than 5 inches thick!) so it won't take up much space when stored. There's a breathable, see-through mesh exterior and a two-inch foam mattress for sleeping and playing on. Position the mattress at mid-level for younger babes, and then switch to the lower level for older babies and toddlers.

Available at amazon.com, $195.

4moms Breeze Plus

The 4moms Breeze Plus ($245) is designed to do it all and last for years. The Breeze comes complete with a bassinet, making it suitable to use from birth. Once your little one outgrows the bassinet, simply remove it to give baby a larger place to sleep and play. The Breeze comes with a unique changer that can be flipped onto the crib when baby needs a new diaper. The Breeze Plus also lives up to the hype of a very easy set-up. It takes one push to open and one pull to close, which is great for anyone who anticipates setting up a travel crib or play yard frequently. The Breeze also comes with a travel bag for easy transport.

Nuna Sena Aire

The Nuna Sena Aire ($379) is a sleek travel crib that's very easy to fold and unfold, making a great choice for trips where you need to set up and clean up quickly. This travel crib can be used from birth with the included bassinet that folds along with the main frame. Another useful feature is the adjustable mattress. This is great when setting down a sleeping baby or reaching in to get a baby up since the mattress can be positioned about mid-way up.The Sena Aire also makes a fun play yard at home or on-the-go. It has mesh on all sides so you can see inside from any angle. The Sena Aire comes complete with an organic sheet and travel bag. Need something even smaller? The Sena Aire also comes in mini ($200).

Regalo

The Regalo My Portable Bassinet ($80) is a no-frills travel crib that is perfect for when space is at a premium. This travel crib is light and can fit into an average-size carry-on bag. Regalo achieves the impossible by giving baby a safe place to sleep while truly traveling light. Its small size also makes it a great choice for travel or small bedrooms.

DockATot

The DockATot Deluxe+ ($175) is a space-saving ultra-light solution to providing a safe place for your tot to lounge on-the-go. This is the absolute lightest option for a travel crib because it does not have a frame. Instead, the DocATot Deluxe+ is a heavily padded nest suitable for babies up to eight months. There are endless options for covers to match any decor from pristine white to exotic leaves and chevron patterns. Add-ons include a travel bag for easy transport and a toy bar that transforms the DockATot into a place to play and practice tummy time. If your little one still loves the DockATot when they get bigger, check out the DockATot Grand, which is big enough for toddlers up to 36 months.

Silver Cross Slumber

Silver Cross is known for being the brand of choice for the British Royals when it comes to strollers. Now, the Slumber travel crib ($300) meets the same high standards, making it fit for heirs to the throne and commoners alike. The Slumber is ready to use from birth through the toddler years right out of the box. The included bassinet can be used until baby starts to roll over or push up. Once that happens, extending the life of the Slumber is easy! Just unzip the bassinet and you have a ready-made full-size crib complete with a padded frame. Even better, the Slumber can be used as a play yard during the day. One of the sides is a clever zip-up door that is left closed when your little one is asleep but can be opened when you want to give your toddler the independence to get in and out during the day. The Slumber is incredibly easy to use since it can be unfolded with one hand. As a bonus, it comes with its own weatherproof travel bag great for putting in the trunk or checking on a plane.

—Jamie Davis Smith

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The Best 49 Strollers of the Year

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseOctober 6, 2021

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

These new strollers and updated favorites will rock your roll this year. Read on to find your favorite lightweight stroller, travel stroller, city stroller, double stroller and more, and check back for updates as new strollers are released. We’ve also included older favorites to give you even more choices. Find the best stroller below from brands including Bugaboo, Silver Cross, CYBEX, Century, Maxi-Cosi, Keenz and more.

Bugaboo Fox 3 Bassinet and Seat Stroller

$1300 BUY NOW

This all-terrain stroller is ready for adventures on city streets and nature trails. Ergonomic features like an aerated 3D mattress and good maneuverability on all types of terrain make this is comfortable ride for both you and your child. Water-repellent fabrics are both durable and soft, and the bassinet features a breezy panel to help regulate baby's temperature for improved airflow and cruising comfort. Comes with a sun cover and rain cover, as well as the bassinet so you can start using this stylish stroller with your newborn.

best strollers contours elite v2 double stroller

Contours Options Elite V2 Double Stroller

$500 BUY NOW

Great for twins or kids close in age! The Contours Options Elite V2 is packed with features you and your babes will love: reversible seats that have a one-handed recline in both positions, adjustable leg rests, zippered extensions on the UPF 50+ canopies, in-seat mesh pockets for snacks and toys, a roomy storage basket for both kids' stuff, a parent cupholder and a height-adjustable handle. In addition to facing in either direction with stadium seating, this double stroller is compatible with two infant car seats (seats and adapters sold separately) and accommodates a click-in bassinet (also sold separately). When both seats are facing forward, it collapses to a standing fold for easy storage.

Contours Itsy Lightweight Stroller

$170 BUY NOW

Great for travel and everyday outings, this lightweight (12.3 pounds) stroller has an ultra-compact, upright fold for easy storage in closets and car trunks. We love the easy carry handle, which makes navigating trains and stairs a snap. There's a peekaboo mesh panel on the UPF 50+ sun canopy and a roomy under-seat storage. The padded napper bar is removable for easy in-and-out. And there's no assembly required, so you can start strolling right away.

Contours Legacy Convertible Stroller

$500 BUY NOW

This convertible stroller grows with your family, thanks to 10 seating modes for single riders and 10 for double riders (with additional accessories). There are four seating options right out of the box with no additional purchases. Kids can sit facing you or facing out, and with two riders, stadium-style seats make it easy for both kids to see out and for you to see them. The UPF 50+ sun canopy has a pull-out visor for extra sun coverage, the footrest is adjustable, and the stroller has a space-saving upright fold. The stroller is Disney-size approved in any seating configuration with the parent handle in the uppermost position.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller

$300 BUY NOW

The Metro+ is made for urban living thanks to an easy, one-handed, ultra-compact fold, spring suspension and extra cushy padding for a comfortable ride all over the city. This stroller has all the ergonomic features you expect from Ergobaby, including a one-handed, ultra-compact fold and extendable-height handlebar for you, and a deep recline and adjustable leg rest for your little rider. Hidden, built-in nest flaps keep newborns cozy and secure. A seat-back pocket and under-seat storage basket hold all your stuff.

Silver Cross Comet Stroller

$800 BUY NOW

Babies can enjoy this sweet ride from birth up to 55 pounds without any required add-ons. In this one-seated premium stroller from Silver Cross, kids can sit four ways: reclined, rear-facing, forward-facing or in a car seat (with adapters). With your purchase, you also receive a bassinet-like babynest to cocoon newborns, along with a rain cover and two aprons (one lightweight, and the other a warmer apron for chilly days). We especially love the innovative features on this stroller: Elevate adapters raise the seat 3.5 inches, bringing baby closer to to the caretaker (great for taller adults or those with back issues) and giving you more room to access the under-seat basket. And a magnetic buckle makes it easier to get baby buckled in safely.

Century Stroll On

$110 BUY NOW

The Century brand originally launched in 1961 with a baby carrier, and now they're back with a relaunched brand and exciting new products for kids, including three budget-friendly strollers. The Stroll On 3-Wheel Lightweight Stroller weighs less than 15 pounds with fabrics made from recycled materials. It has a compact, self-standing fold, a large, adjustable canopy and peekaboo window. The seat reclines, and there's a parent tray, kids tray, large basket and locking wheels for safety.

best stroller maxi cosi tayla modular stroller

Maxi-Cosi Tayla Modular Lightweight Stroller

$530 BUY NOW

Customize your ride with the innovative Tayla modular stroller from Maxi-Cosi. The seat is reversible, so kids can face you or the direction you're heading. The seat cushion is also reversible for comfort in warm and cool weather, and the seat reclines in four different positions. There's a bumper bar that swings to the side to let kids on or off easily, and the handle adjusts to four positions for an adult's comfort. The 360-degree privacy shade can cover the entire seat and features a mesh peekaboo window, and there's an extra-large basket with 25-pound weight capacity, plus lockable swivel wheels.

CYBEX Eezy S+2 Stroller

$263 BUY NOW

This compact stroller is great both for city living and travel, with its easy-to-open bumper bar and all-terrain wheels with all-terrain suspension. There's a one-handed recline to a near-flat position, sun canopy with UPF50+ rating, and a one-handed fold to a self-standing position. It comes. with car seat adapters, a cup holder and a rain cover, and you can purchase a parasol, snack tray and travel bag. Use it from birth with a car seat up to 55 pounds.

best strollers colugo complete stroller silver sparkle

The Complete Stroller by Colugo

$465 BUY NOW

This sleek, easy-fold stroller features an outward- or inward-facing seat, large basket with three pockets, UPF+ canopy with shade extension and all-wheel suspension and shock absorption. There's a full recline for stroller snoozes, and an included cup holder and rain cover. In addition to black, blue and olive green, this stroller comes in a black floral print and the silver sparkle shown above.

best strollers Jeep Deluxe Patriot Open Trails Jogger by Delta Children

Jeep Deluxe Open Trails Jogger by Delta Children

$146 BUY NOW

Disney approved! This sleek jogging stroller meets Disney's park requirements. Plus, it folds easily and compactly, so you won't mind traveling with it to the park either. Whether you're headed to the mouse or just going about your daily adventures, there's lots to like about this stroller: It has an adjustable recline and extendable UPF 50+ sun visor, a padded seat and a snack tray that swings out to make it easier to get baby in or out. The rubber tires are air-filled to absorb bumps, even on rough terrain. The parent tray has two cup holders and a spot for storing your cell phone, along with a safety wrist strap for jogging or going down steep hills.

Nuna TRIV Stroller

$700 BUY NOW

The seat of this compact stroller can face out or toward you, and the stroller can be folded up with the seat positioned either way. Plus, it's a one-handed fold that leaves the stroller upright, for maximum convenience. The TRIV features an extendable UPF 50+ canopy with window and flip-out eyeshade, as well as an included rain cover. Other handy features of this lightweight (19.4 pounds) stroller include a three-position recline, storage pocket and large storage basket, rubber tires and a height-adjustable handle.

Bugaboo Lynx

$900 BUY NOW

This full-size stroller was designed to be lightweight (only 20.7 pounds) so it's ready for all your adventures, both large and small. You'll love the compact, streamlined design, extendable sun canopy and one-handed push when you travel or bring the stroller on daily errands, not to mention the large under-seat basket, which accommodates 22 pounds of baby gear or groceries. The seat faces either in or out, and the three-position recline works in both settings, so baby can snack or snooze however you like.

Bugaboo Ant Complete Stroller

$519 BUY NOW

True to its name, Bugaboo's Ant stroller is compact and efficient. The travel stroller is lightweight (15.8 pounds) and highly portable, with a compact fold that lets it fit easily in car trunks, on trains and on planes (it's approved for 52 airline overhead bins). In its folded state, you can even pull it behind you like a suitcase through crowded airports or streets. The stroller supports one-handed steering and offers your child a comfortable ergonomic seat that's both reclinable (three positions) and reversible (parent-facing and forward-facing). Add in the footmuff, rain cover and transport bag, and you're ready for every adventure.

Mockingbird Stroller

$395 BUY NOW

This sleek full-size stroller from new brand Mockingbird doesn't miss a trick. It has a one-handed fold and stands upright, so it stores easily in smaller spaces. While on a stroll, you'll appreciate the easy maneuverability, large basket, hidden pockets for valuables, and the peekaboo window that opens quietly so it won't wake a sleeping baby. Zip open the UPF 50+ canopy top to allow more airflow on warm days, and adjust the seat and footrest as needed. The footrest features an ingenius zipper that opens at the bottom so you can easily brush away crumbs and dirt. You can seat baby forward-facing or parent-facing, or attach a car seat or bassinet (sold separately). Pop on the sun cover, rain cover or mosquito net when necessary, and add the foot muff for baby and hand muff for you on chilly days (accessories sold separately). Mockingbird sells direct to consumers through its website, which means cost savings for you. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with free shipping both ways.

BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller Frame & Bassinet

$480 BUY NOW

You can use this lightweight, compact stroller from day one thanks to the bassinet or newborn pack (sold separately), both available in an array of gorgeous colors. This smart stroller is especially great for city dwellers and road-trippers, since it folds up small and the frame weighs less than 11 pounds. You can easily throw it over your shoulder or store it in a trunk or overhead compartment. The cocoon-like bassinet clips into the frame with a quick click and features a breathable double mattress.

CYBEX Libelle Stroller

$300 BUY NOW

This travel stroller is so small, it can be tucked into a suitcase for safe transport to your destination. When just traveling around town, you'll love that it has a one-handed fold and is self-standing when folded, as well as its light weight (13.7 pounds). Your rider will appreciate the comfortable ride, thanks to smooth front-wheel suspension, the sun canopy with a UPF 50+ rating, and the deep recline for stroller snoozes.

best strollers silver cross wave stroller

Silver Cross Wave 2021 Eclipse Stroller Complete

$1400 BUY NOW

The popular Wave single to double stroller from Silver Cross has been upgraded to be 4.4 pounds lighter and sleeker! This gorgeous travel system converts from a single stroller to a double stroller for a newborn and toddler with no additional purchases needed. There are 7 possible configurations right out of the box, and optional accessories like a tandem seat and ride-on board add 23 more modes, so you'll always find the right fit for your family. Both the main seat and tandem seat can hold up to 55 pounds, so your kids can ride for years to come.

CYBEX Gazelle S Stroller

$800 BUY NOW

If you have twins or plan to have a second baby soon, you'll be able to seat them comfortably in this amazingly modular stroller by adding a CYBEX cot, infant car seat or full seat. If you have just one child, attach the removable shopping basket to make errands and park trips a breeze. There's also a roomy basket beneath the seat for everything else you're toting, for a combined 50 lbs. of carrying capacity. There's an extendable canopy with a mesh window for air circulation and an adjustable handlebar for a more comfortable stroll for you.

Chicco Corso Stroller

$350 BUY NOW

A frame stroller and traditional stroller all in one! This stylish and practical stroller from Chicco accepts the brand's Keyfit and Fit2 infant car seats with the included car seat adapter, and allows the car seat to be positioned parent-facing or forward-facing. Older kids can also sit parent-facing and forward-facing in the stroller seat, under the zip-open canopy that extends to block out the sun and features a mesh panel for ventilation on warm days. A reclining seat and adjustable footrest means a comfortable ride for your child, as do the adjustable rear suspension and large treaded wheels. A roomy zippered pocket and mesh pouch on the back of the seat hold valuables and baby necessities, while the large storage basket under the seat features pockets for bottles. When it's time to store it, the stroller features a one-handed fold and stands upright. The seat fabrics are removable and machine-washable.

Joolz Aer Stroller

$450 BUY NOW

The ultra-light (13 pounds) Aer stroller from Netherlands-based Joolz has a one-handed quick-fold design, a carrying strap, an included travel pouch to protect it in car trunks and overhead bins, a rain cover, UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo window, and a roomy storage basket. To help kids ride in comfort, this modern stroller features a patent-pending, body-conforming seat, a tall seat back for growing kids and an adjustable recline.

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller

$450 BUY NOW

This single-to-double stroller offers maximum versatility with 17 seat arrangements for singles or multiple kids, including parent-facing and forward-facing modes. A one-handed, standing fold makes storage a snap, while the adjustable handlebar, one-step footbrake and front-locking wheels keep it easy to maneuver. The storage basket features a hidden pocket and a detachable cover you can remove for easier access or keep on for added security. Keep kids cool by opening the canopy's zipper to reveal mesh for more airflow, and peek in without disturbing through the peekaboo window. The seat recline and adjustable footrest accommodate growing kids, and the footrest zips open for easy (and ingenious!) crumb, sand and dirt removal. There's a hidden pocket by the handlebars for your phone or keys, and a full sun-coverage cover for shaded snoozes.

Contours Bitsy Elite Compact Stroller

$250 BUY NOW

The Contours Bitsy Elite is compatible with several car seats without the need for an adaptor and is a dream for travel, as it's lightweight (14 lbs.) and fits into most airplane overhead compartments. The mesh seat and canopy keep kids cool with better airflow, and the UPF 50+ canopy with zippered mesh extension protects from the sun's rays. The forward-facing seat reclines for stroller naps, and there's all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride and an expandable basket for all your gear. When not in use, there's a one-step, one-handed fold and it stores upright so it fits even in tight spaces. Available in blue and black.

Thule Spring Stroller

$400 BUY NOW

Perfect for city dwellers, the Spring stroller from Thule sports a lightweight frame and a one-handed, compact, standing fold, leaving a smaller folded footprint than many other three-wheeled strollers. There's a step-in footrest for older kids in "I can do it" mode, multi-position recline and an adjustable, extendable canopy with peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. You'll appreciate the adjustable handlebar, the swiveling, lockable front wheel with suspension, and large storage basket. Available in six sleek color combinations.

évolur Infinity Convertible Stroller

$110 BUY NOW

Great for growing families, this quick-fold stroller converts from a single stroller to a twin stroller using a connector. The strollers easily attach side by side through a push-clamp and detach from each other with a push of a button. Little riders will enjoy the recline options, including full recline for naps, as well as the padded seat and leg support. There's also a spacious storage basket and locking, swiveling front wheels and rear wheel breaks.

Chicco Piccolo Stroller

$230 BUY NOW

Great for travel and running errands, this lightweight stroller has a compact, tri-fold, self-standing design and both opens and maneuvers with one hand. It's packed with handy features for you and your child, including a multi-position reclining backrest, mesh air vents on the sides of the seat for cooling comfort, toe-tap brakes for safety, a detachable cup holder, storage basket and an expandable canopy with UPF 50+ and a flip-open peekaboo window. Pop it in your car's trunk or a storage closet easily, then take it out and enjoy all-wheel suspension and front-locking swivel wheels for a smooth ride.

BOB Gear Alterrain Pro

$600 BUY NOW

This popular jogging stroller has been updated to include the company's newest suspension system, air-filled tires, and a one-handed, self-standing quick fold, making it easy to to store in tight spaces. You can also remove the rear wheels for more compact storage. The stroller features an adjustable handlebar, a UPF 50+ canopy that's both waterproof and windproof, and a padded compression seat with multiple recline options to keep kids comfortable. There's an ergonomic handbrake and a wrist strap to control your speed when going downhill, the storage basket has a zippered lid for securing your belongings, and there are five additional storage pockets for all your necessities.

Graco Modes Travel Systems

$284 BUY NOW

Graco has launched updated versions of three of its popular Modes Travel Systems: Modes Nest DLX (pictured above), Modes Pramette DLX and Modes Element DLX. Each stroller has a reversible seat and comes with the SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX infant car seat. The Nest features a height-adjustable seat to bring baby closer to you, an expandable storage basket and has a self-standing fold. The Pramette has a one-handed fold, a large storage basket, a tray with cup holder for your child, and a cup holder and phone holder for you. The Element has a one-handed, self-standing fold, a parent tray and kids tray with cup holders, and a large storage basket.

Baby Jogger City Mini Strollers

$389 BUY NOW

Baby Jogger has released updated designs of the city mini 2 Double and city mini GT2 Double strollers. Both feature a one-step in-seat fold, adjustable calf support, near-flat recline for stroller snoozes, and UV 50 canopies with peekaboo windows. The 2 Double stroller has an extra-large basket with front or rear access and converts to a travel system with the City GO infant car seat or city mini 2 Double Pram. The GT2 Double stroller features rubber tires and all-wheel suspension for a comfortable ride even on rough terrain. There's also an adjustable handlebar and a hand-operated parking break. Add accessories like a glider board, parent console, child tray and more; all are sold separately.

Silver Cross Jet Super Compact Stroller Special Edition

$400 BUY NOW

This compact Jet stroller now features a comfy ergonomic seat and wider front wheels for improved suspension. It can be stowed in the overhead bins of most major airlines and works as an everyday stroller as well as it does for travel. Other perks include a one-handed fold, multi-positioning reclining seat, extendable UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo window, storage basket, rain cover and lockable swivel wheels. For increased convenience while traveling, there's a removable bumper bar that doubles as a luggage handle to let you wheel your stroller like a suitcase (travel cover is included). The stroller can be adapted to a travel system with select, popular infant car seats.

best strollers even flo gold verge 3 travel system

Evenflo Gold Verge3™ Smart Travel System & Shyft™ Smart Modular Travel System

$380 BUY NOW

Two great strollers have been added to Evenflo's direct-to-consumer line, Evenflo Gold. The Verge3 is a three-wheel stroller that provides a smooth ride and easy maneuverability on any terrain. The seat reclines nearly flat for on-the-go snoozes, and the seatback ventilation keeps kids comfortable. The Shyft is a four-wheel stroller offers lots of options for baby's comfort: Seat your child forward-facing or parent-facing, and use the three seat-reclining options and four footrest options for the ultimate cozy ride. Both strollers fold up with one hand, have removable and machine-washable seats and come with sensor technology to alert you through a phone app if baby becomes unharnessed or too warm.

Larktale Coast & Chit Chat Strollers

$200 BUY NOW

Popular in their native Australia, Larktale strollers are now available in, and based in, the US. The strollers are lightweight, compact, budget-friendly and made with recyclable materials. The Coast folds up super small and stands upright when folded. It's designed for convenience with an adjustable handlebar, footrest and recline; lockable front wheels; and included snack tray and multiple storage options. The Chit Chat weighs only 14.5 pounds, so it's perfect for travel and everyday outings. It boasts a one-step recline and comes with a detachable shoulder strap and built-in handle for easy carrying.

best strollers chicco bravo primo travel system

Chicco Bravo Primo Stroller

$600 BUY NOW

There are many reasons to say "bravo!" to the Bravo Primo stroller from Chicco: It features a one-handed fold and has wheels that rotate inward so it stands compact when folded. You can attach a car seat onto the stroller seat or remove the seat to create a lightweight frame for a car seat. You get a bonus seat cushion with reversible knit/mesh fabrics, a parent tray with two cup holders and a zippered storage pouch, a handle that adjusts to three positions, and a detachable child tray with two cup holders. Previously only available as part of a travel system, you can now buy the Bravo Primo as a standalone stroller.

best strollers delta children ultimate fold n go

Delta Children Clutch Stroller

$197 BUY NOW

Pop this lightweight stroller (11.7 pounds) into the included travel bag and you're ready for a flight, road trip or errands around town. The bag's reflective shoulder straps will help you to be seen at night, for added safety. The stroller has front swivel wheels with suspension for a smooth ride and easy maneuvering through city streets and airports or rough terrain.

Colugo Compact Stroller

$295 BUY NOW

This new compact stroller from a brand-new company folds up fast with one hand for easy transporting and storage. It comes with a rain cover, carry backpack and UPF50+ sun shade, and it features a removable, machine-washable outer layer so you can keep the stroller looking fresh or swap it out for another color and totally new look. Available in a variety of colors and prints, including floral, camo and a rainbow. Designed for kids age 6 months up to 55 pounds.

Maxi-Cosi Lara Ultra Compact Stroller

$200 BUY NOW

Two storage areas set the Lara compact stroller apart from its peers. You can stay organized and bring along everything you need for errands around town or travel adventures. This lightweight (14 pounds) stroller also features a one-handed fold, handy carrying strap, adjustable footrest and two riding positions: upright and recline, for comfortable stroller naps. It folds compactly and stores upright so you can stash it in small spaces.

Baby Trend Jetaway Plus Compact Stroller

$115 BUY NOW

Thanks to its telescoping handle, you can roll the folded stroller as easily as you would your luggage. Although lightweight and compact, this stroller doesn't skimp on features. It has a five-point safety harness, a seat that reclines to multiple positions and adjustable leg support to maximize your little one's comfort, plus a removable cup holder and large storage basket for you. The stroller also includes a tote bag to make it even easier for travel.

Joolz Hub

$650 BUY NOW

This chic urban stroller from the Netherlands is new to the US this July. It boasts an ergonomic seat with 6 different seating positions, along with a large UPF50+ canopy, large rear wheels, a compact fold and a carry strap so you can easily zip through city streets, airports, train stations and wherever else life takes you. Comes in grey, navy and black. Add a cozy bassinet with a breathable mattress ($230) or a newborn cocoon ($130) that baby can use from birth up to 18 months.

Thule Sleek City Stroller

$850 BUY NOW

You know Thule for their durable bike and roof racks, but did you know they also make strollers? The Sleek four-wheel city stroller certainly lives up to its name. Expect the same durability and high quality you’ve come to expect from Thule, with added features like a simple compact fold, adjustable handlebars, ventilated canopy and a reclining seat that adjusts to three positions, all ideal for everyday use. The versatile stroller can be used from birth (with the bassinet or infant car seat adapter) and features both forward- and rear parent-facing positions. With 14 different seating combos, the Thule Sleek will give you the flexibility to attach different seats to the same frame if you plan to expand your family in the future (or you have twins).

Stokke Xplory (Redesigned)

$1000 BUY NOW

Stokke—a brand known for stylish and well-designed high chairs, cribs and more—recently redesigned its popular Xplory stroller. The stroller sits baby higher than other brands, so you have a better view of each other. The seat height and seat angle are adjustable, and the stroller can be switched from parent-facing to forward-facing, for maximum comfort for you and baby. The new design boasts a one-step fold, a plush padded seat, and a cozy new carry cot with a breathable mattress. You can customize both the chassis and stroller fabric to your taste, thanks to a variety of color options.

Graco Uno2Duo

$180 BUY NOW

This stroller offers lots of family flexibility, as it can be extended with a second seat or car seat to accommodate two children, and has a standing platform toddlers can use to hop on and ride. For even more convenience, there are cup and phone holders, a removable tray and a large expandable basket for storage.

Nuna Demi Grow

$850 BUY NOW

Parents of singles, siblings and twins will love that this sleek number converts to accommodate car seats, bassinets and seats facing forward or backwards, with 23 configurations in all. The stroller comes in caviar (black), frost (light gray) and aspen (blue). Accessories include a bassinet, sibling seat and wheeled travel bag, all available separately.

Ergobaby 180 Reversible Stroller

$300 BUY NOW

Called the 180 because you can swing baby to face you or out with a quick click of the handlebar, this stroller offers lots of other conveniences, including a light weight (under 20 pounds!), deep seat recline, a zippered seat-back pocket, large storage basket and adjustable handlebar. Comes in black, black/teal, black/graphite and black/misty blue.

Mima Zigi

$600 BUY NOW

Calling all jet-setters! You’ll look the part with this slick travel stroller that folds so compactly it fits into the overhead bins on most airlines. It also stands upright when folded for convenience while traveling or to store in a small space at home. Three sun visors let you customize your baby’s sun protection and UV coverage. Comes in charcoal, midnight blue and olive green.

Baby Jogger City Tour LUX

$150 BUY NOW

Urban parents will love this compact stroller with maximum convenience. It can be used from birth and accommodates an infant car seat, foldable pram, ride-along board, and a seat that can be both forward- and rear-facing. The stroller includes a backpack-style carry bag for travel and comes in four colors (granite, slate, iris and rosewood).

Evenflo Sibby Travel System

$217 BUY NOW

Already a fan of the Sibby? The travel system has been updated with comfortable sport handles, a mesh storage bag in the seat back, and a peekaboo window in the large canopy. The stroller also includes a fold-away ride-along board that older siblings can use to cruise. Comes in three shades of gray.

Mima Xari Sport Stroller

$1600 BUY NOW

Larger, taller or older children and families on the go will especially like the Mima Xari Sport, which is lighter and has a larger seat and sportier lines than the classic Xari stroller. This sleek stroller comes with three seat recline angles, two seat height options, adjustable legrest, an extendable canopy with peekaboo window and mesh section for better airflow, a covered underseat basket with a drawstring bag for securing valuables, adjustable handlebars and a washable seat cover. Baby can sit facing you or facing out, and the stroller comes with a rain cover.

Keenz Air Plus Lightweight Travel Stroller

$150 BUY NOW

Keenz, who you may know from their stroller wagon, has introduced a lightweight travel stroller with an extra-large, zippered storage basket that's perfect for transporting pets or other essentials. The stroller has multiple recline options, including a full lie-flat recline, a canopy with extendable visor and UPF50 protection, and mesh windows to allow airflow and keep baby cool on warm days. There's a one-handed fold, adjustable footrest, backrest and headrest, as well as a cup holder, bumper bar, activity tray and three covers.

Bēbee Lightweight Stroller from Bombi

$200 BUY NOW

This lightweight, compact stroller from newly launched company Bombi promises a lightning-fast one-handed fold and features large tires with all-wheel suspension, multi-position recline, a snack pouch in the seat, a rear parent storage pocket with included cup holder, and an included storage bag. The company takes eco-consciousness seriously; the fabric in the strollers is made from at least 50% recycled plastic bottles.

— Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: Silver Cross

photos by retainers

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Pre-Baby Getaway! How to Plan the Perfect Babymoon

by Jamie Davis SmithSeptember 25, 2021

A babymoon is the perfect way to relax and reconnect with your partner before having to tackle sleepless nights, diaper changes and bottles. While there is no one right way to babymoon, there are some things every mom-to-be should consider when planning a pre-baby getaway. Read on for tips on how to choose when and where to go and what to pack. Can’t travel? We have you covered with great ideas for babymoon staycations.

1. Choose the Right Time
Timing is key when it comes to planning a fun and relaxing babymoon. Most obstetricians think the best time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is the ideal time to plan a babymoon because the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester will have passed but the discomfort many moms-to-be experience in the third trimester will not have set in yet. Added bonus: Planning a trip for the second trimester will also give you something to look forward to when you're struggling through the worst of those early pregnancy symptoms.

2. Find the Perfect Destination
With months of sleepless nights ahead, you'll want a destination that offers plenty of opportunities to relax. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has plenty of advice about how to stay safe on cruise ships, airplanes and during international travel, so nearly everything is on the table for expectant moms. If you have any concerns about your health and your baby's, select a destination that is not more than a few hours from your doctor or a large hospital capable of handling pregnancy complications. Consider your pregnancy symptoms as well. Even if you loved cruising before becoming pregnant, if you tend to get nauseated on the water, you may want to avoid any activity that could cause sea sickness.

3. Set Your Budget
Babies are expensive! Before getting carried away with your vacation, think about how much you can realistically spend. If the answer you come up with is "not a lot," don't worry. You can have an amazing babymoon on a budget. Consider a babymoon staycation! Look for mid-week hotel specials in your town or find a spa that gives prenatal massages and book a couple's day there. Or, look to nearby towns that are an easy drive from where you live to keep costs down. If you already have a lot of baby necessities from an older sibling or can snag hand-me-downs, consider asking family and friends for donations toward a babymoon rather than creating a baby registry. Instead of receiving baby gear you don't need, you can request gift certificates for dinner at a restaurant on the beach, a night at a hotel or a prenatal massage in the on-site spa.

4. Get Your Doctor's Okay
Before any babymoon plans are booked, check with your OB or midwife to make sure your trip is medically approved. Then schedule a pre-trip checkup to make sure you and the baby are in good health before jetting off. Since this appointment will be close to your departure date, most of your vacation plans will be set. That means it's a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about your destination, such as whether certain local foods are safe to eat or how to avoid Zika virus. Get the okay for any location-specific activities, like rock climbing or long hikes. This appointment is also a good time to ask travel-related questions, such as how often you should get up to walk during a flight or where to place your seatbelt for a long car ride. Pro tip: Some airlines and cruise ships have restrictions on when pregnant women can travel, so you can ask your doctor for a letter confirming your week of pregnancy at this appointment.

5. Pack Wisely
Stick to the essentials when packing so you won't have a mountain of laundry to do when you get home. You also want to be comfortable and cute! A babymoon is the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe and get some basics to take you through the rest of your pregnancy and postpartum. A cute pair of Allbirds slip-ons will help ensure you are able to walk around in comfort on your babymoon. As a bonus, you will have a great pair of shoes you can put on hands-free once your bebe arrives. You can also justify picking up some new clothes to fit your growing belly, like a lounge dress or stretchy leggings from KyteBaby.

6. Plan Some Quality Couples Time
A babymoon is a great chance to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Remember what brought you together and enjoy each other's company as a couple before life changes. Take some time to talk about what you are looking forward to and what you are worrying about. If you need some ideas, The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition is a fun scratch-off book full of ideas to make sure you don't always have the same old date night while on your babymoon.

7. Babymoon at Home
Whether you have to stay close to home because you are on bed rest or because every extra penny is going to the baby, you can still have a great at-home babymoon. Treat your babymoon at home the same as you would if you were going out of town. Set an out-of-office auto-response for email and turn your ringer off. Plan to spend a long weekend (or more) doing nothing but pampering yourself, hanging with your main squeeze, eating all your favorite foods and binge-watching whatever you like. A long bath with candles and a weekend of lounging around can do wonders to help you reset and get ready for the next phase of pregnancy—and your baby!

—Jamie Davis Smith

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Answering the 5 Most Common Questions about C-Sections

By Dr. Alan Lindemann

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 1, 2021

In the United States, approximately one-third of all babies are delivered by cesarean section. Many pregnant women have questions about C-section safety and frequency and wonder if they will need to undergo the procedure themselves. Here are some of the most common questions and concerns expectant mothers have about C-sections.

1. What is the rate of C-section births in the United States?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 31% of U.S. deliveries were by C-section in 2018. Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida have the highest C-section rates, while Idaho, Utah, and Nevada have the lowest. C-sections are the most common surgery in the United States.

Few people are aware of this—and many of these C-sections are unnecessary. In fact, the number can be safely reduced to less than 15%, and for those women with low-risk pregnancies, reduced to 11%. When I joined my first practice after residency, the C-section rate in that group was 15%, which I regarded as too high. My C-section rate in my residency had been 10.9%. Working with the clinic staff, we safely reduced the C-section rate to 10% by offering women vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC), delivering breech babies vaginally, and using appropriate labor management treatment for dysfunctional labor and fetal distress.

2. Why is the C-section rate so high in the United States?
The rate is high for many reasons, a number of them unfortunate. For example, the use of fetal monitoring during labor and delivery has increased the C-section rate. The intent of the monitoring is to increase the baby’s Apgar score during labor and delivery, but it doesn’t. It just increases the C-section rate. A baby’s heart rate may decelerate after a contraction, and this is considered a sign of distress. This triggers the notion that a C-section is needed because the baby is in distress. The problem is that there is no way to know why the baby is in distress, and hence whether the baby needs to be delivered immediately. Fetal scalp blood samples can be taken, but this delays the C-section if needed.

There is no doubt some C-sections are done to save time. If you know what you’re doing, C-sections take 20-to-30 minutes. Inductions can take hours, as can natural labor. Add to that the fact that insurance companies pay about twice as much for a C-section as for an induced or natural delivery, and it’s easy to see why the procedure is so popular.

3. What are the risks involved with having a C-section?
With a C-section, the two highest risks are infection of the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, and hemorrhage. Infection occurs in 6 – 11% of C-sections. Bladder or ureter injury is also a high risk with this procedure. These injuries can often be repaired by the surgeon doing the C-section, but the long-term effects of failure to recognize this condition are bothersome.

4. What questions should I ask the obstetrician or surgeon doing my C-section?
The time to ask questions is before the need to have a C-section, during a prenatal visit. Your physician should be able to tell you their C-section rate as well as whether or not they have performed any C-hysterectomies. It’s also important to ask what the hospital’s C-section rate is. Hospitals vary widely in the number of C-sections performed. If you really want to avoid the chance of a C-section for “failure to progress,” choose a physician who regularly delivers babies vaginally, choose to avoid inductions, and check your hospital’s C-section rate.

5. If I’ve had a C-section for a previous birth, will I still be able to have a vaginal birth with a later pregnancy?
In most cases, you may have a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) as long as your C-section incision is left to right rather than up and down. When I joined my first practice after residency, I began doing VBACs after one previous C-section. I then offered VBACs after two C-sections, even three C-sections. A nurse practitioner came to see me with four previous C-sections. She knew and understood her options, and wanted to try a VBAC. Her labor and delivery went fine. She delivered her fifth child vaginally with no problems. The patients simply need to be monitored carefully. Checking for uterine rupture is to be expected. In all the VBACs I have done, including with women who’d had multiple C-sections, I have never had a uterine rupture.

Be sure to take these questions and any others you may have to your own obstetric care provider before giving birth with them. It’s important to ensure that you and your doctor are aligned on your goals and wishes for delivery, and it is very wise to advocate for yourself and your baby before delivery.

Dr. Alan Lindemann

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

Fourth Trimester Necessities

by Jamie Davis SmithApril 11, 2021

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Your first few months with a newborn is a special but overwhelming time with you and your baby adjusting to your new lives. Even if you received everything from your baby registry, stocked up on health and safety items and know which resources to contact for support, these are the fourth-trimester necessities you’ll need to survive and thrive during those sleepless nights and amazing days.

fourth trimester necessities wooden keepsake box

Keepsake Boxes from Mad Tree Woodcrafts

$123+ BUY NOW

From baby's hospital bracelet to their first swaddling blanket, new parents will start amassing keepsakes as soon as baby is born. Make sure these precious memories don't wind up in a shoebox that will get crushed or lost. A keepsake box is the perfect solution. Have your baby's box engraved and get one large enough to keep adding to as your little one gets bigger and bigger.

fourth trimester new parent necessities YETI tumbler

YETI Rambler

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New moms need to stay hydrated, especially if you're nursing, so this is one of the fourth-trimester necessities you won't want to miss. But getting in all that water is tough when you have your hands full. Larger water bottles, like the 46-ounce YETI Rambler, can help, since you won't need to make as many repeat trips to the kitchen. It's well insulated and can keep your water cold from sunup to sundown. It also has a chug cap so you can down a lot of water quickly in those rare moments baby lets you have use of your hands.

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Open Road Portable Throw Set

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New parents are always told to sleep when the baby sleeps. Easier said than done. A good quality sleep mask blocks out light to get you much-needed naptime, and a cozy blanket is your new best friend. This Kailu mask is made out of light-blocking black mulberry silk that is soft and easy on sensitive skin. It comes with a portable silk throw perfect for catching naps on the sofa or snuggling with baby.

fourth trimester new parent necessities loop earplugs

Quiet Earplugs from Loop

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Noise-reducing earplugs, like this pair from Loop, blocks some noise to help you relax and sleep but still hear what's going on while someone else cares for baby. Paranoid parents will appreciate that these fourth-trimester necessity lets some sounds through.

refillable hand sanitizer fourth trimester new parent necessities

Refillable Pocket Hand Sanitizer Five-Pack from Noshinku

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Even though you lived through a pandemic, having a baby means using more hand sanitizer than ever before. Noshinku is a great choice for anyone with a newborn since it's made from gentle, organic ingredients and comes in a variety of pleasing scents like lavender and citrus.

Garmin smartwatch fourth trimester new parent necessities

Garmin vivomove Sport Hybrid Smartwatch

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Between lack of sleep and lack of time to cook healthful meals or exercise, parental health and well-being can go downhill quickly. A smart watch can give new parents the information they need to be the best they can be for their little one. The Garmin Vivosport has a traditional face that works with any outfit. Plus, it has the hidden capability to track how much shut-eye you get, your activity level, heart rate and even stress level.

single serve coffeemaker fourth trimester new parent necessities

Single-Serve Coffee Maker from Art and Cook

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New parents often find themselves in a conundrum: They are exhausted, so they want a caffeine boost. Yet they rarely have time to wait for an entire pot of coffee to brew. The solution is a single-serve coffee maker that brews a cup of Joe quickly so you can drink it before the baby needs you. It's small enough to fit on almost any countertop.

gooseneck electric kettle fourth trimester new parent necessities

Gooseneck Kettle from Ulalov

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If tea is more your speed, use an electric kettle to heat water quickly to the perfect temperature. This kettle has pre-set temperatures for different types of teas. Best of all, its keep-warm feature means that if the baby wakes up just as you were ready to enjoy your hot beverage, this kettle will keep your water warm until you're ready.

Anker magnetic battery fourth trimester new parent necessities

MagGo Magnetic Battery from Anker

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Keeping phones charged can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. Having a newborn only makes this harder. The solution is a portable battery that can be used around the house or thrown in a diaper bag. To make sure you always have enough juice when you need it, get a charger that is compact but powerful. This one is thin, light and comes with a kickstand to make viewing comfortable while charging.

Kindle Paperwhite

$140 BUY NOW

New parents may find themselves pinned under their adorable sleeping baby. The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect solution for any new parent who likes to read and needs to be able to hold a book with one hand with the lights off. This ultra-thin, super light device can download the latest bestseller or your favorite magazine with a couple of taps. It's small enough to stash in a diaper bag without adding additional weight so it's a great item to bring on-the-go for those times your baby falls asleep in the stroller or the car.

headphones fourth trimester new parent necessiites

UE Fits from Ultimate Ears

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File this under fourth-trimester necessities you'll love for years to come. Wireless earbuds are key since there are no cords for babies to pull on or get tangled. These have fast-charge capabilities, meaning users get an hour of use in just 10 minutes of charging. This is perfect for sleep-deprived parents who can't remember what day it is, let alone that they need to charge their earbuds. They also mold to your ears so they will be comfortable and less likely to fall out.

The Pandemic Forced Me to Breastfeed & It Was the Best Thing I Ever Did

by Danielle RizzoJanuary 1, 2021

Katelynn Ansari

I'm a creative hustler and model turned mama. I love sharing real-life moments, affordable fashion, and everyday beauty looks.

I’d like to start off by saying this isn’t a political post – despite your stance on COVID-19, I think we can all agree that it’s been rough on us all.

I had a baby during the peak of COVID-19 lockdowns and let me tell you; it was wild. I was having appointments in my car, we didn’t know if my husband would be able to attend the birth, and we watched supermarkets be drained of basic baby necessities like diapers, wipes, and formula. This was my second pregnancy, and I was terrified to give birth like many mothers are but then also faced with the uncertainty of the world and how I would provide for this new life.

With my first baby, Cash, I tried to breastfeed but didn’t last more than 3 months. My nipples hurt, I was exhausted, and I had no idea what I was doing. At that level of exhaustion, formula sounded like a much better option. Fast forward to the pandemic and seeing the pandemonium of baby formula being unavailable to new mamas – I knew from that moment on, I was going to breastfeed if it was the only thing I did. There was no guarantee that formula would be an option this time around.

When Oliver finally arrived, he was a bundle of pure happiness. We waited to know the gender till his due date and although I swore he was a girl, my husband and I were in complete shock to hear the nurse proclaim, “it’s a boy!” Oliver came into this world on April 26 via planned C-Section; thanks to placenta previa.

Soon after the serotonin high of meeting our little man wore off, on came the same breastfeeding woes from my first – the cracked nipples, pain, exhaustion, cluster feeding, and night feeds. However, this time was different; my mind was right. I’m a very head-strong woman and when I put my mind to something, I don’t waiver. My poor husband would confirm this. Although secretly I know he loves how determined and strong-willed I am (haha). I kept breastfeeding to be certain that Oliver would be fed no matter what and he wouldn’t get sick. I would be his safe place amidst the pandemic. Turns out, it was the best thing I ever did. Pushing through the tough 3-month mark was exactly what needed to happen. From past experience, I never thought I would like breastfeeding as much as I do now but let me tell you, it’s pure joy. The bond Ollie and I have is special. We get uninterrupted time together where we just cuddle, and *sometimes* sit in silence. I look down into his eyes and see such a pure soul. I’m watching him grow, knowing that I am responsible for that. I know that no matter what happens, he will be fed. Truthfully, I’m a bit sad knowing it’s going to end soon.

Breastfeeding is hard. They say it’s a natural thing and I understand that. However, I don’t know about you, but no one ever taught me how to breastfeed. It didn’t come natural to me and in my exhausted state of mind, I had no idea what advice to take.

1

Elvie Pump

Elvie Pump, The best hands-free pump I used to chase around my first child, work from home, and build up a freezer stash.

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Earth Mama Nipple Butter

The best nipple butter thats organic to help with cracked nipples and the pains of breastfeeding.

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Dr. Brown’s Bottles

Easily transitioned from breast to bottle with these Dr. Brown’s bottles

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Boppy Nursing Pillow

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7 LA Moms Who Are Making a Difference (Plus How You Can, Too!)

by Shannan RoussOctober 14, 2020

Looking for a little inspiration to get through your week? We talked to seven local moms who are giving back in a big way. From providing toys and games to hospitalized children to growing and distributing produce to those in need, these women and their stories are giving us all the feels—and putting everything in perspective. Read on to meet these down-to-earth super moms and discover how you can get involved in some amazing causes.

Natalie Flores

Founder of Nourish LA

As the founder of grassroots organization Nourish LA, Natalie Flores is helping to ensure people in her community have access to healthy food. Flores, a longtime urban farmer, began Nourish LA shortly after the pandemic began, when members of her Mar Vista community were losing their jobs and worrying about putting food on the table. Since April, Flores has rallied businesses (partnering with The Wood Cafe), farmers markets, and other local urban farmers to contribute to the cause. With a team of volunteers, she runs a food-giveaway drive-up on Sunday, and delivers free vegetables and seedlings (so others can start their own garden) to those in need, including at-risk individuals and single parent households.

When it comes to balancing motherhood and running Nourish LA, Flores says it can be crazy. Both she and her husband work full-time, but she fortunately has close friends and Grandma to help out watching her almost 3-year-old daughter. "My daughter knows throughout the week, Mama's gotta go to work," she says. "That could mean picking up food for our drive-up or having zoom meetings with various other organizations."

So how does she stay positive and energized when so many of us are feeling overwhelmed? "To see your tangible efforts create a positive affect in our neighborhoods and in the lives of others is a really incredible feeling," she says, adding that it helps her maintain perspective. "My complaints and hardships are nothing in comparison to my neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table for their families."

Get involved: Click here to learn about volunteering opportunities for both you and your kiddo with Nourish LA.

Talitha Phillips

Doula and CEO of Claris Health

While lots of parents have been working at home since mid-March, Talitha Phillips, a mother of two, hasn't had that option. She's a labor and postpartum doula and the CEO of Claris Health, a non-profit women's clinic focusing on sexual health and pregnancy. "My days are long—sometimes 18-20 hours," she says. "As an essential business and medical clinic, we’ve been open throughout the pandemic."

In addition to leading the team at Claris Health as they navigate their way through the changing regulations and needs of the communities they serve, she's continued to work directly with moms-to-be whose "labor, delivery, and other plans have been completely thwarted" because of Covid.

Phillips is the first to admit that balancing all the duties of work and motherhood hasn't been easy. She does her best to keep her kids active and she brings them to work when she needs to do so. But she admits, "The honest truth is that my kids are also staying up way too late, sleeping in, and watching more TV than I would have ever previously allowed!"

And that's okay. "I feel like a success at this point is learning when to catch or dodge the balls that are thrown at me all day, finding creative and productive solutions, and trying to stay sane and hopeful in the midst of it all," she says. Hear, hear!

Get involved: In-person volunteer opportunities with Claris Health are currently limited, but there's still a chance to help with the center's Baby Store, where families in need can “shop” for baby necessities (including diapers, wipes, clothing, food, and equipment), as well as with #ClarisOnWheels, a mobile clinic that distributes food and hygiene kits in LA county. Click here for all the details.

Christen Peterson

Teacher & Childhood Cancer Warrior

In 2018, Christen Peterson got the news no parents ever want to hear: Her 11-year-old son had cancer in his brain. "It’s always somebody else’s child until it’s yours," says Peterson, a 7th grade teacher in Corona, CA. Cole was diagnosed with WNT medulloblastoma. In a way, he was lucky—this particular kind of medullablastoma, the rarest of four subgroups, has the best prognosis.

Cole underwent surgery at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and then Peterson and her son left for Memphis so Cole could be part of a clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. "We had to pack up and leave California for six months," she says, while her husband stayed behind because of work. "The hardest part for Cole was being separated from his dog."

But Peterson's says that the team at St. Jude took care of them both. "They hold your hand through the whole process," she says. "I firmly believe St. Jude is the best place for kids to go for cancer treatment," she adds. (You can see a video of Cole's experience at St. Jude here. Note: Grab a tissue.)

After 30 rounds of low-dose radiation and four weeks of chemo, Peterson and Cole returned to California, but she was forever changed by her time at St. Jude. "When we came back, I had this drive; this need to fight," she says. "I was angry, angry at cancer, and I needed my voice to be heard."

She has given her voice to St. Jude, participating in campaigns and speaking engagement to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. "Childhood cancer only get 4 percent of all cancer funding—it's not enough," she says.

Today, Cole is in remission, though he still travels back to St. Jude every three months for scans, and Peterson continues to fight to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Recently, she and a group of fellow "cancer moms," as they refer to themselves, convinced the City of Corona, as well as her school district and fire department to "Go Gold" during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

"We realized the power of our voices," Peterson says. "And we decided to use that power to make a change."

Get involved: Check out Peterson's fundraising page and contribute to St. Jude and their efforts to cure childhood cancer.

Neferteri Plessy

Co-Founder of Single Mom Planet

Neferteri Plessy (third from left) knows firsthand the challenges of being a single mom. She had two young sons and her divorce rocked her world, as she struggled to balance the day-to-day obligations of motherhood with providing financially for her children following her divorce. Her own experience prompted her to research the effects of divorce and single motherhood. That's when she learned that the most disadvantaged group in the U.S. are single-mother families, 30 percent of which live below the poverty line.

To help other women like her, Plessy and Cole Patterson started Single Moms Planet. Their goal? To end the poverty cycle in single parent households and empower single moms and their children through financial literacy, family bonding activities, mentorship, family counseling and entrepreneurial training.

Plessy is quick to acknowledge that while she's the co-founder of Single Moms Planet, she shares the credit for the non-profit's work and success with other local mothers (pictured) who have given both time and money to the cause to make a difference.

Get involved: Find out how you can donate and fundraise for Single Moms Planet here.

Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak

Founder and Executive Director of The Oscar Litwak Foundation

To honor the memory of her son—4 year-old Oscar Litwak who died from cancer—Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak founded the The Oscar Litwak Foundation in 2003. The foundation's mission: to bring the joy of play to hospitalized children. Since then, the non-profit has provided more than 130 Mobile Playrooms (filled with toys, books, games, arts and crafts and more) to hospitals and pediatric facilities around the country.

The pandemic has only increased Rubinstein-Litwak's commitment to the cause. "Hospitalized children right now are more isolated than ever," she says. "They are only allowed one visitor and need to stay mainly in their rooms, so donations like ours help them pass their time." She adds that they had to "adapt and modify some of [their] donations to comply with new hospital rules and precautions." (Recently, they assembled more than 170 individual "distraction bags" to be delivered to hospitalized children.)

A mother of three girls (ages 17, 14 and 12), Rubinstein-Litwak has also broadened the work of the foundation in response to Covid. "We felt there were other things we could do, so we donated over 3000 meals to hospitals workers and nursing home staff, as well as 10 iPads to the Jewish Home for the Aging, so residents could communicate with their families."

With her daughters learning remotely now and everyone home together, she tells us that it's given her an opportunity get them more involved in her work. "They have stepped up to the plate and helped me organize and deliver meals and put together the distraction bags that we donate to the hospitals," she says.

Get involved: The Oscar Litwak Foundation relies on volunteers for everything from preparing Mobile Playrooms to assisting with social media. Click here to learn more.

Nicole Robertson

Co-Founder and CEO of Swap Society

Here's a number that might shock you: The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothes every year, much of which ends up in landfills. What's more, textile mills generate a fifth of the world's industrial water pollution and use 20,000 chemicals, many of them carcinogenic, to make clothes, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Those statistics motivated Nicole Robertson to start Swap Society, an online clothing swap for women and kids. The mother of two wanted to offer an alternative to "fast fashion," and create a way to swap that was fun, easy, affordable and sustainable.

Since Swap Society launched, members of the online marketplace have swapped over 20 thousand garments. Robertson also practices what she preaches. The self-proclaimed sustainable fashion advocate stopped buying “new” clothes 10 years ago.

To help on a broader level, Robertson tells us that Swap Society has "partnered with the nonprofits Remake and Fashion Revolution, working toward an ethical and sustainable fashion industry."

Get involved: Clean out your closet (and your kiddo's closet) to get started swapping with Swap Society. Learn more here.

Samantha Barnes

Founder of Raddish Kids

Based in Redondo Beach, Samantha Barnes is the founder of Raddish Kids, a culinary subscription kit that teaches kids to cook (while reinforcing math, science and reading skills too!).

When Covid forced schools to close in March, Barnes and her Raddish team immediately set to work to support parents with immersive, learning activities. Under Barnes's leadership, the company gave away 50,000 free Raddish kits (equivalent to $1.2 million in sales) to families nationwide, as well as created a free online resource for new homeschooling parents.

While running her business and homeschooling her own children, she also made it a priority to host multiple virtual cook-alongs weekly for two months—with her children—to educate and engage kids, and created a fundraiser with 100 percent of the proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WKC) to feed those in need, donating more than $10,000. "Through their relief efforts across the world, WCK has consistently demonstrated an ability to efficiently mobilize chefs, strengthen economies, and feed those in need at a local level, all while making global change," Barnes tells us.

Asked what motivates and inspires her work, Barnes tells us, "I'm motivated to provide a strong foundation for my own kids -- to model the ups and downs of running a business, to create a home filled with love and empathy, and to inspire them to be curious, independent thinkers and agents of change."

Get involved: Discover Raddish's Kitchen Classroom offerings, including easy recipes for kids, homeschool lesson plans and more. Click here for volunteering opportunities with World Central Kitchen.

–Shannan Rouss

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13 Brand Ambassador Programs with Secret Perks for Moms

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 9, 2020

Have you ever discovered a baby product you couldn’t live without? Are you a social media maven that loves to post online? If you feel compelled to share your thoughts about your favorite products, why not earn some great perks, or even money, for it? We’ve rounded up a few of the best companies with brand ambassador programs for moms. Check them out below.

Red Tricycle & Tinybeans

Guess who has a brand ambassador program of our own? That's right, you can be a member of The Hive, which will give you the opportunity to work with national brand partners like LEGO, Kraft, Amazon and more. Parents who have a blog with 25K unique monthly views or social media following over 5K are encouraged to submit their application through this page. Perks include being featured in Red Tricycle and in Tinybeans, links and promotion of your social channels and blog, invitations to exclusive events, free tickets to VIP parties, and paid opportunities to work with our brand partners on national campaigns. Submit your application here.

buybuy BABY

You already shop there constantly for all your baby needs, so why not earn a 5% commission on all sales that result from your posts? On top of the earnings, you’ll get sneak peeks and new arrivals, upcoming sales and exclusive brands. Buybuy BABY will create specials just for you, and the top-performing ambassadors will get more rewards and gift cards. Find out more here.

UPPAbaby

Join UPPA Baby’s Inner Circle program and you’ll gain access to perks like event invites, the opportunity to test new products (strollers, car seats and more) before they hit the market and be a part of special programs, and there’s even some swag involved! Apply to join the inner circle here.

Larktale

If you live in New York City, Austin TX, Dallas TX, Seattle WA, Boston MA, Charlotte NC, Washington DC, Miami FL, Orlando, FL or Atlanta GA, then Larktale, a brand of strollers and wagons wants you to be a part of its brand ambassador program (If you don’t live in one of these cities, apply anyway, and they’ll reach out if they ever expand into your home town. You’ll earn a commission on referral sales, access to Larktale events, little gifts and surprises, and you’ll be the first to have access to new products. Plus, you’ll be given free products for your own use. Apply to the program here.

Belly Bandit

Put that baby bump to work becoming a brand ambassador for Belly Bandit. Bloggers, influencers and mamas in the know are invited to apply for the program here. Ambassadors will be asked to share the products via social media and blog posts.

Ergobaby

If you're a babywearing mama that doesn't leave home without your Ergobaby, then you can become an Ergobaby Brand Ambassador. Both mom and dad ambassadors are invited to attend events across the country and help to show other parents the benefits of babywearing with an Ergobaby, demonstrating how to use their products and answering questions. Ambassadors are hourly-paid contractors hired on an as-needed basis. If you're interested in becoming an ambassador, but can't travel for events you can still apply for the chance to review new products and share reviews and photos via social media. To apply, complete the form here.

Tiny Tags

If you enjoy showing off your love of motherhood with Tiny Tags beautiful jewelry, then you can share that love on social media as part of the company's brand ambassador program. Ambassadors receive products each time there is a new collection, receive insider discounts, and are featured on the companies emails and social media accounts. You'll need an established following on Instagram, good engagement with your followers and regularly create high-quality content to qualify for the program. To apply, check out the Tiny Tags Ambassador Program here.

ShopLook

Do you love curating the perfect outfit? Put that trendsetting fashion sense to work on ShopLook. Mix and match clothes from hundreds of brands to create all kinds of inspiring looks and outfits. Share your picks and earn rewards every time someone buys one of your suggested looks. You'll earn points for each purchase. The more points you earn, the better your chances are of winning a monthly contest to earn gift cards. Get started designing your looks here.

Pure Vida

If you love to accessorize with Pure Vida's handcrafted, artisan bracelets and you're motivated to get active in your community, then you could be the perfect fit for the Pura Vida Rep Program. Reps can earn rewards, like free bracelets, for sharing social media posts. Those who are interested must be active on Facebook and Instagram and can fill out an application form here.

Baja Baby

Can't get enough of Baja Baby's spa-quality baby products? The company offers a three-tiered brand affiliate program that allows you to earn money for sharing your love of their organic skin care line. As a standard affiliate, you can earn 10 percent commission on any purchases made through your blog's affiliate links. If you're also active on social media, you can step it up to Brand Ambassador and receive a 15 percent commission and a free bottle of a Baja Baby product in exchange for one to two social media posts per month. If your Baja Baby obsession is over the top, you can earn your way up to the Unique Custom Ambassador level. For more info and to apply, check out the program here.

Majka

Breastfeeding moms can boost their supply and earn a little income by sharing Majka's lactation support products on social media and blogs. Brand ambassadors receive a commission through the company's affiliate network as well as receiving products, swag and samples in addition to other perks. Applicants to the program should have a highly engaged audience and be willing to share their postpartum journey. Check out the program details here.

Amazon Associates

Did you know you can earn money from your favorite place to shop online? Through the Amazon Associates program, you can earn up to 10% in advertising fees from qualifying purchases made through Amazon products advertised on your own website. Amazon provides all the tools you need to get started so you don't need to be particularly tech-savvy to get set up and start earning. Check out the details and sign up here.

Target Affiliate

Mom's other favorite place to shop also features an affiliate program. Much like Amazon, when you join the Target Affiliate Program, you can earn up to eight percent in commission when shoppers purchase qualifying items through advertising links on your blog or website. You can sign up and get started as an affiliate here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin with Gabby Cullen

Featured photo: iStock

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