14 Best Holiday Gifts for Babies 6-12 Months Old

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseOctober 22, 2023

These little guys want to move around and make noise, so give them all the tunnels, building blocks, and musical instruments

Get moving and grooving with these presents for one-year-olds (and under!) that they’ll enjoy long after celebrating their first birthdays. From a musical cube and bath boats to magnetic blocks and easy-to-grip teethers, these holiday gifts and toys for 6-month-olds to a year will make life more fun… and just a little bit louder.

Melissa & Doug Baby's First Sensory Toys Gift Bundle

There are so many things for baby to explore in this food-themed sensory set, from the six-piece PB&J take-along toy to a box full of gifts that baby can wrap, and the soft-stacking pineapple. Yum!

Melissa & Doug Baby's First Sensory Toys Gift Bundle ($54)—Buy Here!

Vtech 6-in-1 Tunnel of Fun

Find a nice spot in your home for this 6-in-1 toy because it's going to be around for a while as your little one transitions from tummy time to tunnel time. We love that you can pop off the zebra's keyboard for take-along tunes.

Vtech 6-in-1 Tunnel of Fun ($60)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Wobbly Bobbly Bear

Baby's will love so many things about this wobbly bear! They can bat it around to see where it lands, drop it and watch it bounce, or give it a big snuggle when they need to take five.

Manhattan Toy Wobbly Bobbly Bear ($18)—Buy Here!

Kiwi Co's Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy

We're smitten with that happy little crinkle stuffie bean! If you're tired of baby pulling out all your tissues, give them their own garden-themed tissue box to explore. Bonus: a book that teaches them how plants grow.

Kiwi Co's Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy ($40)—Buy Here!

Angel Dear Beige Bunny Blankie Set

You won't believe how soft and cozy these blankies are, and Angel Dear clearly knows parents by offering not two, but three bunnies in the set to account for any lost-lovey disasters that may come up in the future.

Angel Dear Beige Bunny Blankie Set ($42)—Buy Here!

Boon Fleet Stacking Boats

Bath time just got a whole lot more fun with these floating boats in bright, beautiful colors. Tots can stack them or watch water rain out of their drain holes. Now all you have to worry about is keeping the water inside the tub.

Boon Fleet Stacking Boats ($10)—Buy Here!

Baby's First Book of Banned Books

From The Diary of Anne Frank to To Kill a Mockingbird, there are plenty of amazing lessons to learn from books that have no place being banned—and you're never too young to start learning.

Baby's First Book of Banned Books ($10)—Buy Here!

AIXMEET Baby Teether

Designed to give teething littles the best possible grip, this teether fits right onto their chubby little hands so they can gnaw to their heart's content.

AIXMEET Baby Teether ($6)—Buy Here!

Aden + Anais Marine Gardens Blanket

The softest bamboo-infused viscose and the prettiest patterns make this a no-brainer for holiday gifting—and when the weather outside is less frightful, parents can plop their newly sitting kids down on the blanket just about anywhere.

Aden + Anais Marine Gardens Blanket ($65)—Buy Here!

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Toy

Whether you're looking to entertain baby while you get a few things done or lull them to sleep at bedtime, this ocean-themed crib toy is completely mesmerizing. The drift-off feature gradually tones down the entertainment and a handy remote lets you turn it on or off from up to 12 feet away.

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Toy ($38)—Buy Here!

Wee Gallery Crinkle Toy - Fish

Babes love anything that makes noise, so they won't be able to put down this crinkly black-and-white fish. And we just love its face!

Wee Gallery Crinkle Toy - Fish ($17)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage

Your little bunny will learn about object permanence and practice their fine motor skills when they put the little stuffed bunnies in and out of the cute cottage, which comes with a handle so they can tote their friends around once they're officially walkers.

Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage ($42)—Buy Here!

Tegu's First Building Blocks

The littlest hands can get up to some fun open-ended play with these clever magnetic blocks, complete with soft rounded corners and cheery colors.

Tegu's First Building Blocks ($20)—Buy Here!

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

Calling all budding composers! Each side of this cube features a different instrument to delight baby's senses—think harp, flute, French horn, piano, and violin—with lights flashing to the tempo. They can layer individual sounds or play the full symphony, Mozart style.

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube ($29)—Buy Here!

HABA Koala Water Play Mat

Tots love water; parents love when said water can't spill all over the house. Consider this a win-win. The cuddly koala's tummy has a water bottle that's fun to squish during tummy time. And when spit-up happens (it will), simply pull out the water bottle and throw the koala in the wash.

HABA Koala Water Play Mat ($40)—Buy Here!

Copper Pearl Bibs

With cotton knit on the front and absorbent polyester fleece on the back, these bandana bibs are as practical as they are chic. And boy are they chic.

Copper Pearl Bibs ($22)—Buy Here!

Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettleball

When the handle is on, little ones can practice lifting this rattly toy kettlebell just like their parents. Without the handle, they can remove and stack the colorful rings that make up the ball and feature a different Spanish number on each.

Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettleball ($15)—Buy Here!

Skip Hop Farmstand Push & Spin Toy

Sitters have a new take on the world, and that means new toys to explore. Push-and-spin toys are great for building core strength and balance, and your babe will love the cause and effect of pushing the sun down to see the corn spin and pop.

Skip Hop Farmstand Push & Spin Toy ($16)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.—

The ‘You Are Such a Good Dad’ Song Is Annoyingly Accurate

by Christina MarficeOctober 20, 2023

The “You Are Such a Good Dad” song that’s making the internet rounds will infuriate moms—but only because it’s so true

Most parents in a heterosexual relationship have been there: Moms do so much work to take care of the household and kids, only to see their male partners get heaped with praise for doing, like, one thing related to childcare. One mom even wrote a song about it—and now the “You Are Such a Good Dad” song is going viral on TikTok because it’s just that relatable.

“I did the cooking and the cleaning and the groceries and the laundry, fed the cat and the dog and someone stole my coffee, got a gift for your mother that she probably won’t like, paid a bill, wiped a butt, broke up a couple fights,” the song begins, over a video of a mom doing, well, all of that.

@ilovefarideh

Replying to @📚Lets.Play📚 he gets it #marriedlife #parenting #momlife

♬ You are such a Good Dad – Farideh

It continues, “Then I just about lost my mind ’cause we both took the kids to the park, and someone said to you, ‘You are such a good dad.'”

OOF. We feel that in our bones.

The second verse is just as familiar: “I woke at 5 a.m. to screaming in the hallway, there was barf in the bed so another load of laundry, a kid was crying so we talked about our feelings, you were sleeping, that’s cool, but then you got up and your mom came over and she said, ‘You are such a good dad.'”

In the video, Dad dances while he gets praised, and Mom does “bath time, storytime, pee time, snack time, bedtime.” And then she somehow finds time to write this song because listen, she’s gotta get this frustration out somehow.

Don’t mind us—we’ll just be humming this song while we handle a few dozen things…

20+ Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Totally Pull Off

by Oz SpiesOctober 15, 2023

Get your supply of white sheets ready, because you’re going to need them for a few of these last-minute Halloween costumes

Feeling frightened that it’s almost trick-or-treating time, and you don’t have your kid’s costume ready yet? Check out these easy last-minute Halloween costumes for kids. Many of them can be made with things you have stashed in your closets and dress-up bin, and take less time to make than it takes to eat a supersized candy apple.

Ghost Costume

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This has to be the easiest costume of all time. Buy a new white sheet, cut out the spots for the eyes and mouth, and you’re done!

Gold Medal Last-Minute Halloween Costume

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Your kiddo can be an Olympian in less time than it takes to sing the national anthem. Pull out a tracksuit, or a leotard if you’ve got a gymnast at home, then dig out a medal from a fun run or a 5k. Have her throw her arms in the air and give a cheer for this easy DIY Halloween costume!

DIY Strawberry

Strawberry last minute halloween costume — Pretty Life Girls

Five supplies are all you need to make this sweet strawberry from Pretty Life Girls. After a quick trip to the craft store, you can whip up this no-sew costume that is adorable, but more importantly is comfortable for kids and adults, too!

Jane Fonda

Legwarmers, a pair of leggings, and a onesie are all you need to get your heart rate pumping with this DIY aerobics instructor costume. Bigger kids can swap a swimsuit for a onesie. We love that the key ingredients for this costume can be worn again. If you're itching to do a little crafting, check out Primary's DIY felt boombox to take this costume from low-impact fun to step aerobics queen.

Baby Shark

Cardboard, gray and white paint, and sharp scissors are all you need to make this easy DIY Halloween costume. Bonus: a fierce shark costume comes with a soundtrack that all the trick-or-treaters will be singing, "do do do." Find out how you can make one of your own over at Hello Wonderful. Check out more of our favorite cardboard box costumes here.

Last-Minute Mummy Costume

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This version might look complicated, but the very easy DIY option requires a white sheet, coffee, white underthings, and not much else! Check out a stress-free tutorial here.

Ballet Dancer

Dig into your kiddo's dance bag, and you'll find the key ingredients for a ballerina costume. Add a fancy updo and voila: you have a future New York City Ballet dancer costume. If you don't have a tutu, check out this easy, no-sew DIY tutu tutorial.

Bubble Gum

Chew on this cute DIY costume! Gather up balloons, felt, and silver ribbon: that's about all you need to create your own bubblegum costume. While this version features a pink dress, we think a pink t-shirt would work just as well for a kids' Halloween costume. Find the step-by-step instructions at Studio DIY.

Basic Monster

Dig out an old pair of pants and your trusty black Sharpie for this easy DIY Halloween costume. With a snip of scissors and a light coat of green makeup, you'll soon have Frankenstein's monster lurching out your front door. Get the tutorial here.

Bath Time

Clear and white balloons pop all over a set of white PJs for this easy DIY Halloween costume—it's bubble bath time on the go! Primary has all the instructions so you can make your own, and then take that rubber ducky for a spin around the block.

Emoji

Pick your kiddo's favorite emoji and whip up this cute Halloween costume that's easy to customize. You'll be running after your smiley face trick-or-treating in no time. Hello, Wonderful shows you how you can make your own with not much more than cardboard and paint.

Trolls

Doranda Woestman via Watch Out for the Woestmans

Pull out a brightly colored skirt or a tutu and a light t-shirt or leotard, and your little ones will soon be trolls. The awesome hair-dos look impressive—but they're easy to pull off when you follow blogger Doranda's DIY tip. Troll or treat!

Paper Doll

With not much more than a big piece of poster board, you can create a perfect paper doll costume. We love that this easy DIY Halloween costume costs way less than a pumpkin spice latte while still being extra eye-catching. Follow the step-by-step directions at Slapdash Mom.

Stick Figure

This clever stick figure costume from All for the Boys is sure to get lots of laughs. We love that it's easy, affordable, and eye-catching.

Star

Make your star a constellation this Halloween. Brit + Co's adorable, sparkly costume relies on a gold ribbon and glittery duds that your kiddo probably already has in her closet. They recommend using craft foam for the head-topping star—but cardboard plus gold paint will also work in a pinch.

Baby Doll

This adorable wind-up doll is guaranteed to be one of the sweetest DIY costumes you'll find. Plus it's easy and cheap to make it yourself. Find how you can turn your toddler into a doll at Hart + Sew.

Cat

last minute cat halloween costume — Paging Supermom

In less time than it takes to do the Monster Mash, you can make an adorable black cat costume. Paging Supermom calls it her Super Easy Kitty Cat Costume—and we couldn't agree more. It's a sweet option for preschoolers who change their minds about their costumes at the last minute. See our other favorite cat costumes here.

Morton Salt Girl

We love this Morton Salt Girl costume because it's cute, clever, and takes almost no time to pull together. An extra bonus—since it relies on regular clothes, there's nothing that'll make sensitive kids uncomfortable while they're on the hunt for candy. But remember, as Brit + Co will tell you, the container of salt is a key accessory.

Jellyfish

This unusual animal costume is simple to make and packs a big punch. Dig out an umbrella and ribbon, then swim over to A Casarella to learn how to make your own easy jellyfish costume. We love her clever tip that'll give this daytime costume a spooky nighttime glow.

Cowboy (or Girl)

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Dust off that denim, wrangle up a pair of boots and top it all off with a plaid shirt and a ten-gallon hat. You’ll have everything you need to be a cowgirl or boy costume—minus the horse, of course. If you’ve got a pool noodle left over from summer fun, you can turn it into a horse ready to ride off into the sunset. Yee Haw!

Pirate

Shiver me timbers! It's easy to pull together a last-minute pirate costume. Grab a striped shirt and wrap a bandit around your kiddo's head. Pull out a pair of old pants and cut off the hem, using some shark teeth-style zigzags If you'd like a little extra flair, add eyeliner, a pile of necklaces, and make your tiny Blackbeard a cardboard cutlass. Don't forget to check our guide on how to talk like a sailor!

Athlete

Calling all sports fans! Dig out your kid's fave jersey—whether it's football, hockey, or basketball—and in no time you'll have a sporty Halloween costume. You can add an accessory like a helmet or a hockey puck, a swipe of festive face paint, and then get out the door. Candy's waiting!

The Best New Kids Books of 2023…So Far

by Amber GuetebierOctober 5, 2023

This year brings us adventures near and far and a celebration of history and culture like never before

This year has no shortage of outstanding children’s books, from new board books to picture books to chapter books they won’t be able to put down. We’ve started our list of the best children’s books of 2023 with a bang. This year we’re heading to Last Chance, Minnesota with Maizy Chen, taking a bath with chickens and hippos, and dancing in the rain under a bright yellow umbrella.

Board Books

Bee: A Peek-Through Board Book by Britta Teckentrup

Buzz through the seasons with the busy bee in this charmingly illustrated, interactive board book. The die-cut pages hold plenty of surprises for those little minds to discover. Plus, it teaches kids about the importance of bees.

Ages: 0 to 2
Buy it here, $10

Hello, World! Let’s Go Camping by Jill McDonald

Just in time for summer fun, tote this little board book along on your next camping trip and learn about the great outdoors and all the stars through shapes, sizes, simple facts, and colors.

Ages: 0 to 2

Buy it here, $9

Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton

the belly button book is one of the best childrens books 2023

With classics like Hippos Go Berserk (which recently celebrated its 45^th anniversary) and The Going to Bed Book, Sandra Boynton has entertained generations of tiny ones with her rhyming joyful books. Her latest board book is a die-cut interactive book in her style, a celebration of the humble belly button.

Ages: 0-2
Buy it here, $8

How Do You Take a Bath? by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

Kate McMullan, the author behind I Stink and I’m Dirty, which inspired The Stinky and Dirty Show, is back with a board book themed around a relatable topic to babies and toddlers: bath time. Featuring animals like elephants, pigs, monkeys, and hippos, their bath time rituals don’t always involve what we think of as clean (chickens bathe in the dirt??).

Ages: 0-2

Buy it here, $8

The Sleepy Bunny: A Springtime Story About Being Yourself from DK Books, illustrated by Clare Wilson

The Sleepy Bunny is one of the best new childrens books 2023

Read the story of one sleepy little bunny with nocturnal tendencies, the book promotes social and emotional learning (SEL) themes by teaching children compassion toward others while maintaining a positive sense of self.

Ages: 0-5

Buy it now, $7

Kind Crocodile by Leo Timmers

One incredibly kind crocodile leaves his pond and explores the world, spreading kindness and protection to other creatures. A darling board book from New York Times Illustrated Book Award-winning author Leo Timmers.

Ages: 0 to 4

Buy it now, $17

Best Children’s Books of 2023: Picture Books

There's a Yeti in My Tummy

This adorable picture book is about a boy named Matthew who has Yeti-sized silly feelings and sometimes has a hard time keeping them inside. With a fun rhyming cadence and wonderful illustrations, kids will enjoy reading this book that shows that feelings are a good thing and that there are lots of positive ways to channel them.

Ages: 4-6

Get it here, $20

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez, Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz

mother of sharks is a new childrens book 2023

World-renowned shark scientist Melissa Márquez teamed up with award-winning illustrator Devil Elle Kurtz to bring kids an epic picture book full of science and real-life adventure. Detailing the story of how Márquez grew from an ocean-loving kid in Puerto Rico to one of the most famous scientists today, the book is full of educational facts about sharks and seeks to dispel the misinformation about sharks. A gorgeous, intelligent book every kid should read!

Ages: 5 to 8

Get it here, $18

My Dad Is a Tree by John Agee

Pick this one up for the father figure in your child’s life. Read it and act it out along with your kids as you imagine your body is a trunk and your arms branches. Find a nest in your hair and a squirrel on your shoulder. A beautiful story that celebrates the awe children have for adults and how important it is to just be silly sometimes!

Ages: 4 to 8
Get it here, $16

Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? By Junauda Petrus, illustrated by Kristen Uroda

Based on the viral poem written by Coretta Scott King honoree Junauda Petrus after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO in 2014, the poem—and the book—ask the question: what if grandmothers were the ones in charge of public safety? It’s radical, it’s full of joy, so is it really that out of the question?

Ages: 4 to 8

Get it here, $13

The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge, illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez

Use the alphabet to learn about famous people, holidays, traditions, cuisine, and other facts from nineteen Asian American groups. A beautiful addition to any picture book collection, which will improve vocabulary while celebrating the diversity, resilience, and beauty of Asian American culture.

Ages: 5 to 8

Buy it here, $13

The Knowing by Ani DiFranco, illustrated by Julia Mathew

If you aren’t already a fan of feminist icon and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, you will be after you read this new book with your children. Using succinct prose and gorgeous illustrations, children are encouraged to celebrate all of their own unique identities along with those of others.

Ages: 3 to 5

Buy it now, $11

The Glow Show by Suzi Schafer

Squid shines and he knows it, and he loves to be the center of attention. So much so, that he ignores the helpful suggestions of his friends to learn new things. But when he ends up in a colorful place where he isn’t the brightest creature around, Squid learns how to share the spotlight.

Ages: 4 to 8

Buy it here, $10

Peaceful Me by Sandra V. Feder, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

Peaceful Me is one of the best childrens books 2023

The duo behind Angry Me is back with another book aimed at helping children deal with big emotions. In this book, the main character explains times when he feels the most peaceful, offering kids and parents a gateway to talk about times that make them feel good, calm, and centered. (Pub date: May 2).

Ages: 3 to 6

Buy it here, $17

The Umbrella by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld

The muted tones of a dreary, rain-soaked day are pierced with the bright yellow of a tattered umbrella. An uplifting story, something tattered can be renewed as the shreds of this umbrella turn into a garden of cheerful yellow umbrellas, ready to be harvested so children can continue to play, even in the rain. The umbrella itself is a nod to Lichetenheld’s long-time collaborator, children’s book illustrator Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and the umbrella she used in her Beckoning of Lovely project.

Ages: 4 to 8

Buy it here, $15

The Night Before Freedom by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Corey Barksdale

The Night Before Freedom, best childrens books 2023

A little eight-year-old boy gathers with his family in Galveston, Texas to celebrate Juneteenth, including his beloved grandma, and to hear his grandmother’s story of her own grandma’s experience of the first Juneteenth. The title and cadence are a nod to"The Night Before Christmas," leaving young readers with a moving, memorable story.

Ages: 4 to 8

Buy it here, $16

Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade

Reconnect with US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s renowned poem, “Remember” in this edition paired with illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade. The words, “Remember the sky you were born under,” will take on new meaning as you read it with your child.

Ages: 4 to 8

Buy it now, $16

Early Chapter Books

If your kids are fans of the Dory series, then you'll want to continue the fun with book six! In this installment, Dory loses her mother in the hardware store and then starts to worry that her mom might take off forever. The solution? To haunt her entire family so she'll never lose them again. In true Dory fashion, this book is filled with fun and adventures.

Ages: 6-8

Get it here, $15

The Creative Writing Playbook For Kids ONLY! by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Madeline Garcia

Whether on a road trip or a long plane ride, or looking to keep summer slide at bay, this wonderful interactive journal-creativity book marries ideas, inspiration, and illustrations to offer kids a way to spark creativity and enjoy the art of storytelling. Kids will learn to build character arcs, draw scenes, make their own graphic novels, and more!

Ages 7 to 10

Get it here, $8

Mission: Arctic by Katharina Weiss-Tuider, illustrated by Christian Schneider

Explore the Arctic with this richly detailed picture-book-style chapter book that's full of scientific information about the unique ecosystem of the Arctic and how it is changing before our eyes. Kids will go on a journey to discover the real-life 2019 expedition of the MOSAiC, the largest Arctic expedition to date. Includes photos from the expedition, illustrations, facts, discoveries, and harrowing tales!

Ages: 9 to 14

Get it here, $23

Weird But True Know-It-All: Middle Ages by Michael Burgan

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Middle Ages (and maybe a few things you didn’t!) is packed into this richly illustrated book. Just don’t be surprised when the kids bust out some facts about the plague or pits of fire.

Ages: 8 to 12

Buy it now, $11

She Persisted: Florence Nightingale by Shelli R. Johannes and Chelsea Clinton

Did you know that Florence Nightingale knew she wanted to be a nurse when she was a teenager? And though her parents tried to convince her it wasn’t suitable for a woman, she persisted and as a result, she saved countless lives. The world would not be the same if it weren’t for her, and this celebration of her resilience and rebel spirit is a joy to read. And yes, it’s that Chelsea Clinton.

Ages: 6 to 9

Buy it here, $6

Middle-Grade Books

Vampiric Vacation by Kiersten White

A gothic mystery for middle graders, for kids who like to keep things on the spooky side, the Sinister-Winterbottom twins will be their new heroines. The second book in the Sinister Summer series had siblings Theo and Alexander trying to solve the mystery of the Sanguine Spa. A clever, intelligent book that is equal parts intrigue and fun.

Ages: 8 to 12

Buy it now, $9

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Maizy Chen's Last Chance is one of the best new childrens books 2023

In this National Book Award finalist and Newbury Award-winning book, we meet Maizy Chen and her mom as they head to Last Chance, Minnesota (where she and her family are the only Asian Americans) to visit her sick grandfather. The plan is to stay for just a couple of weeks until he is better, but as the stay extends, Maizy learns more about her family and has plenty more questions for her mom. Though the hardcover came out late last year, April 4 marks the release date of the paperback.

Ages: 8 to 12

Get it here, $9

Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms by Jenna Yoon

If you love books like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, add the Lia Park books to your cart ASAP. The second book in the series finds 12-year-old Lia and her friend Joon on a mission to keep magical heirlooms safe while thwarting sabotage from an enemy. (Pub date: May 30).

Ages: 8 to 12

Get it here, $13

The Museum of Lost and Found by Leila Sales

An abandoned museum makes the perfect backdrop for a middle-grade novel that tackles the anxiety of being separated from a best friend and how we grow up in the process. Young Vanessa’s bestie Bailey has left, and when Vanessa stumbles on an empty museum, she begins to fill it with objects, mementos, and her own memories. (Pub date: May 16).

Ages: 8 to 12

Get it here, $18

This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us, Edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby

Now in paperback, the first LGBTQIA+ anthology for middle graders includes stories for each letter of the acronym, from fantasy to sci-fi to realistic fiction; authors include Eric Bell, Justina Ireland, Shing Yin Khor, Nicole Melleby, Marieke Nijkamp, and so many more.

Ages: 8 to 12

Get it here, $9

Best New Graphic Novels of 2023

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea is one of the best new childrens books of 2023

Dogman fans will be thrilled to know that book #11 in the popular series came out to rave reviews in late March. In the latest installment, Piggy is back and he has—surprise—a diabolical plan up his sleeve in this new Dogman for 2023.

Ages: 7 and up

Buy it here, $9.50

A Work In Progress by Jarrett Lerner

A work in progress is one of the best childrens books 2023

A young boy struggles with his body image in this book written in a long poem form that appears in Will’s journal. Along with illustrations, this book is the raw and painful truth of body dysmorphia, fatphobia, and bullying, but also with a message of hope and self-appreciation. It’s a startlingly honest read, told in a way that kids can relate to. Whether they experience these feelings on the daily or they need to develop empathy, this book is the perfect read before entering middle school!

Ages: 8 to 12

Get it here, $12.50

Barb and the Battle for Bailiwick (Barb the Last Berzerker 3) by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson

Barb the Berzerker is back in the third graphic novel in the series written by the dynamic Dan & Jason duo. This time we find Barb being held prisoner by Witch Head only to be rescued by Raven, Barb’s Berzerker mom. But Witch Head will stop at nothing to take down the mother-daughter duo. A hilarious read, get the other two books and read them before this one is released on August 22.

Ages: 8 to 12

Get it here, $14

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Prices and availability reflect the time of publication

Eczema Treatment for Kids: 2 Products We’re Using Right Now

by Kate CartiaSeptember 28, 2023

No thanks, itchy skin. These two are winners for eczema treatment for kids

If there’s anything we dread when it starts to cool off, it’s our kiddos not feeling well. Obviously, we’re keeping a close eye on cold, flu, and Covid, but if you’ve got little ones with eczema, you know that goes on the list, too. Dry air, cold, and harsh wind create eczema’s favorite time to rear its red, itchy head. And on sensitive little kid skin, that also means a miserable time for the whole family. Thankfully, we landed on Happy Little Bodies (from the people at Flexitol—you probably know their hand creams, lip balms, and sensitive skin body washes).

The number of products for eczema treatment for kids out there is just astronomical. If you have little ones with eczema, you know how it goes. Since Flexitol has been around for over 20 years, it makes sense that they’d nail kids’ skincare, too. Their two eczema products are designed to work together and used as part of their normal bath time routine, so you’re treating and preventing at the same time. No extra steps. (Who has the time, anyway?)

Happy Little Bodies Body Wash & Shampoo

This gentle, tear-free and soap-free 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo is a non-irritating alternative to harsh traditional soaps and shampoos, and it won’t strip sensitive skin of its essential oils. It's pH-balanced for kids and babies and formulated with colloidal oatmeal (the good stuff) to gently soothe dry, itchy skin. For eczema-prone skin, use along with the Happy Little Bodies Eczema Relief Cream to keep their skin healthy and manage flare-ups. Plus, it has none of the yucky stuff: petro-chemicals, parabens, phthalates, SLS, cortisone. or artificial fragrances.

Happy Little Bodies Body Wash & Shampoo ($12.99)—Buy Here!

Happy Little Bodies Eczema Relief Cream

Formulated with 5% colloidal oatmeal and clinically proven to be as effective as 1% hydrocortisone (seriously), Happy Little Bodies Eczema Relief Cream provides relief from skin irritation, itching, flaking and dryness, due to eczema flare-ups. It's especially designed for little ones and can be used on their faces and bodies. Use it after their baths and as needed!

Happy Little Bodies Eczema Relief Cream ($14.98)—Buy Here!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of Flexitol.

11 Autumn Sensory Play Activities You’ll Fall for

by Gabby CullenSeptember 15, 2023

These DIY sensory activities help babies and toddlers experience the magic of the fall season

Introduce the sounds, smells, and tastes of autumn with easy DIY fall sensory activities using items found around the house. From apple-scented cloud dough to a sweet fall sensory bin, you’ll find lots of ways to play that stimulate the senses and the imagination. Stay close by and supervise young children to avoid choking hazards.

Autumn-Spiced Play Dough with Whole Spices

fall sensory bin with play dough — Mama. Papa. Bubba.

This play dough is a treat for your child's sense of touch and smell, thanks to the addition of autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add some cinnamon sticks, anise stars, and other whole spices (but avoid those that may pose choking hazards until your child is older). The spices add texture to the activity and give your child something to push into the dough. This is a fall sensory bin older kids will love to participate in as well. Get the recipe at Mama. Papa. Bubba.

Apple Foam Sensory Bin

Apple foam fall sensory bin is a fun fall sensory activity — Toddler Approved

Squeeze bottles, sponges, tear-free bubble bath solution, and the season's delicious apples are all you need for this fun, foamy fall sensory activity from Toddler Approved. To keep things clean, lay down a towel or vinyl tablecloth first, or head outside if the weather is nice. Keep the apples you use for other autumn activities, or choose plastic apples or pumpkins if you'd rather use your apples for snacking on.

Boo Bath

Scare up some bath-time fun for your little boo! Shaving cream makes perfectly puffy ghosts that glide over dark-colored water in this fun activity. Don’t worry about the tub or your tot staying food-colored; it washes away when playtime is over. Get the DIY from Growing a Jeweled Rose.

Fall Sensory Soup

The rich colors of fall shine bright in this fall sensory bin. Choose orange or red food coloring for the water and add acrylic leaves and kitchen utensils for your child to play with. Baby will delight in scooping, pouring, and splashing. Find out how to make this from And Next Comes L.

Slimy Spaghetti

Fall sensory activity using spaghetti — Hands On As We Grow

Slippery spaghetti is fascinating for babies, and an inexpensive toy as well. Add autumn-themed food coloring, a cauldron (a bucket or large cup), and plastic spoons, and watch your little witch or wizard conjure up fun. Jamie at Hands On As We Grow suggests adding a dollop of oil to the noodles to up the slime factor.

Squishy Squashes

a little girl discovering pumpkins, which is a fun fall sensory activity — Shutterstock

Squash, pumpkins and gourds offer your baby a cornucopia of colors, textures and shapes to explore, way before you get to any pumpkin carving. Fill a small bowl with them and top with a towel to let your child discover these autumn treasures. Then cut one open and scoop out some gooey insides for your child to squish, removing any choking hazards like pumpkin seeds.

Apple-Scented Cloud Dough

apple cloud dough is a fun fall sensory activity — Growing a Jeweled Rose

As sweet as mom’s apple pie, this scented fall sensory bin will spice up playtime for babies. The cloud dough is made from a simple recipe of flour, vegetable oil, and apple pie spice, so it’s non-toxic if nibbled. Throw in some apple-shaped foam pieces, scoopers, and muffin tins for more small motor skills. If you don’t have any apple spice handy, Growing a Jeweled Rose recommends cinnamon.

Edible Eyeballs

Squishy, slimy eyeballs are fun to poke and smash on Halloween or any other autumn day. They’re made from gelatin, food coloring, raisins, and cooking oil, so they're edible if baby takes a bite, and they don’t pose a choking hazard. Head to Fun At Home With Kids for instructions on how to make them.

DIY Blackberry Play Dough

If you're looking for a break from apple and pumpkin-spiced everything, this blackberry playdough is completely non-toxic and has a luscious color and scent, thanks to the inclusion of real blackberries in the dough. Your baby can even help you squish the berries to make it. Rainy Day Mum shares the steps and all the tools you’ll need.

Leafy Adventures

looking at leaves is a fun fall sensory activity for toddlers — iStock

Nature creates its own sensory play activity for us with fallen leaves in stunning autumn colors. Take a walk outside with your child to look at the different colors and shapes, feel the brittle texture, and listen to the crunching under your feet. Bring a bucket to collect some leaves and make a pile for playing in.

Kids’ Bathroom Ideas the Whole Crew Will Love

by Kate CartiaSeptember 10, 2023

Kids bathroom ideas that are both fun and functional? Read on!

If your kids have their own bathroom, then you know it’s very different than a non-kiddo space. It’s not just a matter of finding a shower curtain, set of towels, and a rug that matches and calling it a day. When it comes to kids bathroom ideas, whatever we put in there has to not only be functional (of course), it also has to be cute, convenient, and ready for whatever our little ones throw at it. Durability is key, but so is fun visuals, color, and some of their favorite characters. Afterall, we want to keep them wanting to use their own bathroom and learn some independence along the way. These kids bathroom ideas cover all your bases, so keep reading for our favorites.

Kupla Bubble Bath Rug

The bubbly tufts of cotton that adorn the Kupla Bath Rug from Crate & Kids is fun on their little feet and also absorbent—a must for splashy kiddos. Comes in 4 colors.

Kupla Bubble Bath Rug ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Bear Woven Kids Hamper with Handles

The Three Bears are a lot more helpful than the fairytale mentioned. Each one has plenty of room for laundry, and the sturdy water hyacinth weave can even handle toy storage. Add your pick of 3 colors and carrying handles.

Bear Woven Kids Hamper with Handles ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Hollow Woodworks Personalized Puzzle Step Stools

Available in primary or pastel colors, not only do these step stools help your littles wash their hands and brush their teeth, they're also fun puzzles that help teach them how to spell their names! These are definitely keepsakes.

Hollow Woodworks Personalized Puzzle Step Stools ($125.00-$150.00)—Buy Here!

Tic Tac Toe Toilet Paper Holder

Believe it or not, storing toilet paper can be super adorable with this Tic Tac Toe holder! You can choose from multiple wood finishes and X colors to match your kid's bathroom decor, too.

Tic Tac Toe Toilet Paper Holder ($59.99)—Buy Here!

Wild Animal Shower Curtain

Kids love animals they can recognize, and moms love keeping bubble baths as contained as possible. Makes this shower curtain a winner across the board.

Wild Animal Shower Curtain ($20.99)—Buy Here!

Wall-Mounted Cloud Storage Box

A smiling cloud with water drop hooks is perfect for a little one's bathroom. It's an easy-to-clean plastic that comes in 4 colors, too.

Wall-Mounted Cloud Storage Box ($16.99)—Buy Here!

Dino Geometric Wooden Wall Art

This wooden dinosaur set is unique and super fun, thanks to the geometric shape details. Hang them in a line or place them around the bathroom.

Dino Geometric Wooden Wall Art ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Dots Anti-Slip Bathtub Mat

Avoid slippery wet surfaces and add some color even to the bathtub itself with this cute anti-slip tub mat.

Dots Anti-Slip Bathtub Mat ($13.95)—Buy Here!

Ice Cream Party Bathroom Sink Set

It's hard to find a sweeter set. With a cupcake soap dispenser, donut soap holder, cone cup, and toothbrush holder, there's also a coordinating shower curtain and wall prints available, all on Amazon.

Rainbow Nightlight (2pk)

Don't let dark bathrooms keep your little ones from going in the middle of the night. With 3 settings (multicolored, amber glow, and solid colors), you can customize it to whatever your kiddos love most.

Rainbow Nightlight (2pk) ($11.99)—Buy Here!

Metal Open Wastebasket

Give them every opportunity to hit the trash can opening with this open wastebasket. It's made from durable paper over a sturdy metal frame.

Metal Open Wastebasket ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Star Cotton Bath Towel

Sized just for kids, these star towels are woven in Portugal of plush, yarn-dyed cotton. Amazingly soft, absorbent, and quick drying, they’re the perfect bath-time companion for your little ones.

Star Cotton Bath Towel ($24.00/+$12.00 with Personalization)—Buy Here!

"Live Happy" Boho Shower Curtain

Cheerful and colorful, this is a shower curtain option that'll grow with them, too.

"Live Happy" Boho Shower Curtain ($49.00)—Buy Here!

Tea Time at Wonderland Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

It doesn't get much more whimsical than this peel-and-stick wallpaper from Spoonflower. It also doesn't get much easier than peel-and-stick either, does it?

Tea Time at Wonderland Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper ($39.00+)—Buy Here!

Organic Super Safari Bath Mat

Modern with a wild side, the Organic Super Safari Bath Mat adds the perfect amount of playfulness to your kiddos' bathroom. And honestly, just look at their little silly safari faces.

Organic Super Safari Bath Mat ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Trains and Trucks 3 Piece Bath Accessories Set

In case you missed it, Bed Bath & Beyond merged with Overstock, and they're not missing a beat with this Trains and Trucks set. The durable resin dump truck holds tooth brushes upright, the traffic light disguises the liquid soap, and the road closed sign keeps bar soap clean and ready.

Trains and Trucks 3 Piece Bath Accessories Set ($45.89)—Buy Here!

ABC's Shower Curtain

We're all for teaching them wherever we can, so start in the bathroom with this adorable and educational ABC's twill machine-washable shower curtain from Pillowfort at Target.

ABC's Shower Curtain ($18.00)—Buy Here!

Woven Paper Dot Rectangular Kids' Basket

Clearly, we're all about the dots, and having extra storage in the bathroom never hurt anyone (especially not moms!).

Woven Paper Dot Rectangular Kids' Basket ($20.00)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

I’m Unapologetically Saying Yes to the School Cafeteria Lunch

by Anna RollinsSeptember 8, 2023

It was the night before the first full day of kindergarten. Bags of school supplies were piled in front of my son’s new, oversized backpack. I’d laid out his clothes on top of his dresser, clipped his nails as if for inspection. At bath time, I scrubbed the magic marker off his palms with unusual vigor. And after I tucked him in for a premature bedtime, I headed to the kitchen. There, my least favorite task awaited me. It was time to pack his lunchbox.

I’d purchased a bento box, somehow imagining those cute little containers may turn my son into a person he was not yet: an adventurous eater.

There was once a time when my son was not picky at mealtime. It was around the time he began eating solid food. I loaded his highchair tray with carrots and berries, boiled eggs and chicken. One evening, he devoured our takeout tikka masala, and I, a smug new mom, bragged about his palate to his daycare teacher.

“He may get pickier when he’s older,” she warned. And sure enough, perhaps a year later, she was absolutely right.

He began demanding less color, reveling in a new obsession with tan. Chicken nuggets. Mac and cheese. I’d sneak single green beans and tiny broccoli florets onto his plate, only to be greeted with tantrums. He didn’t want to eat them! He didn’t even want to see them! Still, I continued to try—exposure, I read, was the most important thing. And as his taste grew narrower and narrower, I found myself thankful that at least he still ate chicken nuggets. Because, you know, protein.

By the time we reached kindergarten, we had made a bit of progress (specifically in the fruit department). Still, I dreaded packing his lunch. I dreaded it because I had two choices: I could pack foods he would actually eat, or I could pack foods that I believed would make me look like a good mom.

That night before kindergarten with the bento box, I tried to strike a balance between aspirational and realistic. I wasn’t crazy enough to sneak in anything too exciting, like edamame (this, when I looked at lunchbox inspiration on the internet, seemed like a crowning achievement: a kid who ate edamame).

I packed a mix of healthy and indulgent. A hard-boiled egg. Strawberries. A peanut butter sandwich on white bread. Apple sauce. Some chips.

When I picked him up from school that next day, he looked tired. Almost dizzy. When we returned home, I signed his planner and opened his lunch box. The chips were gone, and so was the applesauce—but otherwise, it was nearly still full.

“Why didn’t you eat your strawberries?” I asked him later that evening. “You love those!”

“They didn’t taste right,” he replied.

For a week, then two, I did this: packed a lunch, and then the next day after school, nearly threw it all away. He returned home from school ravenous.

“What do your friends eat?” I asked him, exasperated. “Is there anything they eat that sounds good to you?”

“They eat the school lunch,” he replied.

I looked online at the meal schedule. The following day, they would be serving a hamburger and fries.

“Go ahead and order that,” I told him.

And sure enough, the next day, he returned home bright and smiling. He reported eating his lunch, happily, with all his friends. And then, the next day, he ordered and ate the spaghetti. Then the chicken and noodles. I quietly rejoiced.

Energy! Protein! And my son was, in fact, trying new things.

I’d let myself believe that my son’s diet was a reflection of my motherhood. I’d internalized the stigma that a school cafeteria lunch was somehow inferior to a meal packed from home.

But you know what is truly unhealthy? A hungry child. By saying yes to the school lunch, my son was still discovering new foods. He was enjoying a meal with his peers, learning that eating is about nutrition, yes, but it is also about community.

I’d believed so many messages about food having moral value, and I was inadvertently placing that burden on my son. It wasn’t fair that I expected him to make me look better by consuming what others deemed good. I’m continuing to say yes to the school cafeteria lunch—something my son is very happy about—and I hope making mealtime less stressful for us both will contribute to a positive relationship with food for the rest of his life.

The Inner Monologue of a Toddler Is Exactly What You’d Expect

by Allison SutcliffeSeptember 5, 2023

If you’re a toddler parent, you know the only thing that compares to their larger-than-life personalities is their always-on-the-go schedule. From the first minutes of the day to the moment they finally fall asleep, these little humans keep us running. Although we’ll never really know what goes on in their sweet, little heads, we can certainly imagine all the big thoughts they have on a typical day.

6:12 a.m. I wake up in my crib. It’s really quiet, and no one’s around, but it’s light outside. Better let my parents know. I yell for them and wait. I’ll bet they didn’t hear me. Maybe I should yell again? Or sing really loud? Or cry? Better try them all.

6:18 a.m. There’s Mom!

6:20 a.m. Mom tries to get me to snuggle in bed with her, but I’m over it. Time to nope on out of there and head downstairs for breakfast instead.

6:30 a.m. Mom mutters something about a cup of coffee and a diaper change, but I’ve got other things on my mind—namely breakfast. Oh wait, is it time to play already? I love this game. I giggle and run while Mom tries to catch me. Look how fast I am!

6:38 a.m. After she catches me, it’s time to change my diaper. Mom pulls out a Big Bird diaper, but I want an Elmo one. I politely remind her I can do it myself by throwing the Elmo diaper in the diaper pail and pulling the rest of the diapers out of the caddy until I find just the right one. Here it is!

6:50 a.m. Finally, it’s time for breakfast. Hey, Dad’s up, too! I let them both know—as loudly and clearly as I can—that I would like chicken apple sausage, please. They’re all about good manners.

6:52 a.m. I quizzically look down at the scrambled eggs on my plate. Clearly, there’s been a mistake. I signal my parents with a frustrated scream and a simple fist clench, followed by my breakfast order. Again. I think they got it this time.

7:35 a.m. Dad takes me upstairs to get dressed. I love picking out outfits. Green stripes look amazing with yellow polka dots, and even though it’s cold outside, I can’t resist these shorts.

8:20 a.m. Dad heads off to work, and Mom and I head out to run errands. It takes me a while to pick out just the right car cart at the grocery store. They’ve got red, blue, or pink.

8:21 a.m. I decide I want a green one.

8:25 a.m. Mom finally convinces me to go with the red cart. It matches the lollipop she gave me to stop crying. Off to get the groceries!

8:45 a.m. In the snack aisle, I see a Paw Patrol box. What’s in there? Who cares! I MUST have it.

9:30 a.m. When we get home, I help Mom unload the groceries and then the dishwasher. She says I’m a big helper because she can always count on me to find the sharp knives and hand them right to her. Safety first!

10:10 a.m. All this hard work has made me hungry. Time to break out the new Paw Patrol box. Mom opens the package and hands it to me. Yuck! This doesn’t taste like Paw Patrol.

10:13 a.m. Mom reminds me that “you get what you get, and you don’t get upset.” I follow the lead of my favorite heroine, Pinkalicious, and get very upset. Mom counters with Daniel Tiger. Man, she’s good. Better take a deep breath and count to four.

10:30 a.m. After snack, Mom sets out Play-Doh and crayons at the craft table. Then she pulls out her computer. I have no idea what she does on that thing, but she gets really focused.

10:40 a.m. When I’m sure Mom’s not looking, I use my crayons to color the table and the chair and the wall behind me. What an improvement! I bet they’d look great on that cabinet, too. There’s only one way to find out…

11:15 a.m. Today I get to play at a friend’s house. Mom loads me in the stroller, and we walk over.

11:25 a.m. I don’t know why, but my friend’s toys are so much cooler than mine—even when they’re the same toys I have. I sit down to play with the trains. That’s when I notice the most amazing toy I have ever seen… in my friend’s hand. I MUST have it.

11:28 a.m. I’ve been waiting for hours when my friend lets me have a turn with the amazing toy. That’s when I notice the most spectacular toy I have ever seen… in my friend’s hand. I MUST have it.

11:31 a.m. It’s been a long wait, but my friend lets me have a turn with the spectacular toy. That’s when I notice the penultimate toy… in my friend’s hand. I MUST have it. What is this sorcery?

12:15 p.m. For lunch, we eat quesadillas, apple slices, and cucumbers.

12:45 p.m. Mom says we’re heading home for nap time, but I don’t want to stop playing. Commence operation boneless!

12:50 p.m. I sulk in my stroller momentarily before I notice the soothing sound of the pavement on the wheels. I can feel my eyelids getting heavy…

3:15 p.m. I wake up in my crib. How’d I get here? And who’s got a snack?

3:30 p.m. Mom pulls out her computer again, so I know it’s a good time to ask if I can watch my favorite show on the tablet. She hands it to me and I eagerly push the button that plays CoComelon. That J.J. He’s so my people.

5:00 p.m. I’m busy playing with my school bus when Dad gets home. Boy, have I missed him.

5:05 p.m. Mom and Dad are busy making dinner. I’m feeling hangry so I put on the pressure. I jump on the couch, even though my trampoline is closer. I bang on my piano. I scooter through the kitchen. I pull out all the stops. Mom hands me a snack as a peace offering.

5:30 p.m. We finally sit down for dinner, and I’m so hungry I could eat… well, it turns out I can only eat about three bites of this particular meal.

6:05 p.m. After dinner, it’s bath time. Baths are the worst.

6:07 p.m. Baths are the best! I’ve got bath paints and cups for pouring and letters that stick to the wall. I don’t ever want to leave this water paradise.

6:23 p.m. Dad looks at my pruny fingers and tells me it’s time to get out of the tub. That’s a hard pass. He insists. I masterfully negotiate two more minutes of play.

6:45 p.m. I pick out my favorite pair of PJs and decide I’m skipping the toothbrushing part tonight. Dad has other ideas, but he’s got to catch me first.

6:48 p.m. Toothbrushing it is.

7:00 p.m. Dad lets me pick out my bedtime stories. It’s so hard to choose just four, but I try to stick to the limit. I count them just to make sure. 1, 2, 5, 8, 7, 10, 4. Nailed it!

7:30 p.m. Dad tucks me in. The only thing is… I’m 100% not tired.

7:32 p.m. I’m feeling parched. Better yell for someone to me bring a glass of water.

7:35 p.m. It’s too dark in here. Better yell for someone to turn on a light.

7:38 p.m. My tummy sure is hungry. Better yell for a snack.

7:40 p.m. I’m still wide awake. Better yell for Mom to rub my back.

7:41 p.m. Nope. Back rub definitely not wor…k..i…

How to Get Your Toddler Ready for a New Sibling

by Allison SutcliffeJuly 27, 2023

When I was pregnant with my second, my OB accidentally spilled the baby beans to my almost-three-year-old. I was lying on the exam table, holding the measuring tape at the top of my oversized belly when it happened. My doctor casually leaned over and asked my son if he was excited about becoming a big brother.

My toddler cycled through all the feels—excitement, confusion, shock—before shooting me a look that let me know it was time to let him in on the secret. While we weren’t necessarily keeping the news from my firstborn, my husband and I weren’t exactly advertising it either. Turns out we had already done a few things that clinical psychologist Maureen Turner agreed were good first steps.

As she explains, “kids thrive on connection and consistency,” and any time a baby enters a family this gets uprooted in parents’ lives. By trying to keep things as consistent as possible and carving out special time for your sibling-to-be, you can help them through this major life change. Here are Maureen’s top tips to prepare your toddler for a new baby.

Don’t attempt any big transitions around the time of baby’s arrival

Maureen suggests not making any major transitions right before or after the baby’s arrival. So if your toddler is taking up prime crib real estate (as ours was), make sure to move them to a different bed well before the baby needs the crib (as we did). It’s also not a great time to start potty training, retire a comfort paci or transition from sippies to big kid cups. Try to maintain a consistent environment and routine as much as possible during this time.

Try to keep routines as consistent as possible

Part of that overall consistency is figuring out what part of your family’s daily routine you can maintain once the baby arrives. For me, it was naptime. Maybe the bath time/storytime/bedtime trifecta is a stalwart in your house. Or maybe it’s gathering for family dinner. Whatever it is, building in predictability is key to helping toddlers with this exciting change, according to Maureen.

Help foster a connection with the new baby

In addition to moving our son into his big kid bed, we also added one of my favorites—The Berenstain Bears: New Baby—to our nighttime reading in anticipation of the baby’s arrival.

Maureen says that fostering connections between soon-to-be sibs and a new baby should be a cornerstone of adding to your fam. Take, for example, reading the Berenstain Bears book. Talking with my son about how he would soon be a big brother and exploring his questions and thoughts was a great way for him to connect with his soon-to-arrive sister and me. Signing kids up for a siblings class, having them make something special for the baby, like a painting or a story, or even picking out a special gift to give the baby are all ways that parents can help their older kids connect with the latest addition.

Remember that your toddler may still act out

It’s hard to anticipate all the changes that come with welcoming a baby, but come they will. And when it comes to challenging toddler behavior, you count on that too. Maureen reminds parents to “interpret behavior changes as communication.” Young kids don’t have the emotional vocabulary to express complicated feelings or needs. It’s one of the reasons carving out special time to connect with them daily once the baby arrives is important.

In the end, that unexpected nudge from my OB forced my hand in a good way. While things weren’t warm-knife-through-butter smooth when the baby arrived (but then again what part of parenting is?), we made it to the other side as a family of four… and eventually five.

These little guys want to move around and make noise, so give them all the tunnels, building blocks, and musical instruments

Melissa & Doug Baby's First Sensory Toys Gift Bundle

Vtech 6-in-1 Tunnel of Fun

Manhattan Toy Wobbly Bobbly Bear

Kiwi Co's Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy

Angel Dear Beige Bunny Blankie Set

Boon Fleet Stacking Boats

Baby's First Book of Banned Books

AIXMEET Baby Teether

Aden + Anais Marine Gardens Blanket

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Toy

Wee Gallery Crinkle Toy - Fish

Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage

Tegu's First Building Blocks

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

HABA Koala Water Play Mat

Copper Pearl Bibs

Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettleball

Skip Hop Farmstand Push & Spin Toy

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The “You Are Such a Good Dad” song that’s making the internet rounds will infuriate moms—but only because it’s so true

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Get your supply of white sheets ready, because you’re going to need them for a few of these last-minute Halloween costumes

Ghost Costume

Gold Medal Last-Minute Halloween Costume

DIY Strawberry

Jane Fonda

Baby Shark

Last-Minute Mummy Costume

Ballet Dancer

Bubble Gum

Basic Monster

Bath Time

Emoji

Trolls

Paper Doll

Stick Figure

Star

Baby Doll

Cat

Morton Salt Girl

Jellyfish

Cowboy (or Girl)

Pirate

Athlete

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This year brings us adventures near and far and a celebration of history and culture like never before

Board Books

Bee: A Peek-Through Board Book by Britta Teckentrup

Hello, World! Let’s Go Camping by Jill McDonald

Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton

How Do You Take a Bath? by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

The Sleepy Bunny: A Springtime Story About Being Yourself from DK Books, illustrated by Clare Wilson

Kind Crocodile by Leo Timmers

Best Children’s Books of 2023: Picture Books

There's a Yeti in My Tummy

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez, Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz

My Dad Is a Tree by John Agee

Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? By Junauda Petrus, illustrated by Kristen Uroda

The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge, illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez

The Knowing by Ani DiFranco, illustrated by Julia Mathew

The Glow Show by Suzi Schafer

Peaceful Me by Sandra V. Feder, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

The Umbrella by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld

The Night Before Freedom by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Corey Barksdale

Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade

Early Chapter Books

The Creative Writing Playbook For Kids ONLY! by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Madeline Garcia

Mission: Arctic by Katharina Weiss-Tuider, illustrated by Christian Schneider

Weird But True Know-It-All: Middle Ages by Michael Burgan

She Persisted: Florence Nightingale by Shelli R. Johannes and Chelsea Clinton

Middle-Grade Books

Vampiric Vacation by Kiersten White

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms by Jenna Yoon

The Museum of Lost and Found by Leila Sales

This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us, Edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby

Best New Graphic Novels of 2023

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey

A Work In Progress by Jarrett Lerner