ML Interest Tag: daily-routine

The Best Baby Gates on Amazon

by Kate Cartia

If you’ve got a newly mobile baby, you’re going to need one of these best baby gates on Amazon

We love celebrating when our babies hit a new milestone! In fact, we seriously look forward to it. First laugh, first bath, first words. We love and document them all. Rolling over, crawling, and walking are huge milestones that are incredibly exciting, and being prepared for a baby on-the-move is an absolute must. So if you’ve got a scooting, creeping, crawling, toddling, walking wee one, you’re looking to make sure your home is as safe as possible for them. For most of us, that starts with the best baby gates you can find. If the best baby gates on Amazon make them ultra-easy to snag, all the better. Convenience is a mom’s best friend!

Baby gates keep little ones contained not only to where you can see them, but also within a safe space for them to explore. It’s likely you’ll want gates at the top and/or bottom of any stairs in your home. You may want one to keep your kiddos and pets separated, or to keep them away from the dog’s food and water bowls. Many parents use baby gates to prevent their babes from the bathroom or kitchen. And the good news is that baby gates don’t have to be tough to install or a major household obstacle. These are the best baby gates on Amazon that will make baby-proofing for your busy little one as easy as possible!

Regalo Easy Step Walk Through Gate

The Regalo all-steel construction baby gate is easy to install by either wall mount or pressure mounting. This one is #1 on Amazon and with almost 85K reviews, they're clearly doing something right!

Amazon Review: So easy and efficient!!! I love this gate so much I went ahead and purchased a second one!!! This is now my go to gate and I’m sure I will end up buying more! It is so easy to put together and put up, also to take down. Highly recommend! —Samantha Esper

Regalo Easy Step Walk Through Gate ($39.98)—Buy Now

Cumbor Auto-Close Baby Gate

This extra-wide gate is also extra durable, easy to install, and has an auto-close feature that's simple for adults to operate, but tricky for little hands. It's also a taller option, making it a great choice for kiddos and pets, too! Comes in 4 colors.

Amazon Review: I was looking for a gate that wouldn’t look like the gates we used for my childhood dog and something I could still maneuver without disrupting my daily routine. My pup is a 14 yr old toy rat terrier and the stairs have become a danger for her. I needed something that would block her from going up and down the stairs and hurting her fragile legs. I didn’t want to jump over or trip over a stair gate and this fit the need perfectly!! It’s easy to open the door (it took me 3 tries to PERFECT my technique) and has options for staying open. I also don’t need to close it fully which helps with my travels up and down the stairs. But it’s sturdy enough that she can’t open the gate if it’s touching and not sealed. —Tara M

Cumbor Auto-Close Baby Gate ($99.99)—Buy Now

Regalo 192 Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate & Play Yard

This gate means business. If you have a great room or an open-concept home, doorway-sized baby gates just won't cut it. Another from Regalo, this gate is 192 inches wide and can convert to an 8-panel play yard, too!

Amazon Review: We have had ours for 3 years now and I always tell people, "this is the best $100 buck Ive ever spent" I am able to work at my desk while watching my babies grow up. Also we can watch movies and keep them contained so we can all be in one spot and not have to chase after the crawlers. So, it's def been a great product in our home. —Gina

Regalo 192 Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate & Play Yard ($99.98)—Buy Now

EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate

A soft mesh barrier allows this gate to retract when not in use. Plus, it offers one-handed operation (which is helpful considering moms always have theirs full!). Available in 3 colors.

Amazon Review: Works great! Bought this to use in a wider space than other baby gates would reach. It installed easily and came with good instructions and templates for drilling holes for mounting screws. Big improvement over old school pet/baby gates. —Ted Hambach

EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate ($45.71)—Buy Now

Safety 1st Pressure Mount Easy Fit Security Gate

This gate is a bit more of a traditional design, but still sturdily built and features a one-handed lock, plus a memory feature so you don't have to refit it every time you move it.

Amazon Review: I like this gate. I have several different styles. This one is among the better made, easy to use gates. It is sturdy, not flimsy like some I have. The rubber tips on the side help the gate stay in place. It appears to have longevity. —Tspgmt

Safety 1st Pressure Mount Easy Fit Security Gate ($61.63)—Buy Now

BalanceForm Easy Walk Through Gate

The BalanceForm has a pressure-mounted design and a gentle auto-close so you don't have to worry about slamming!

Amazon Review: Really easy to install even with our stairs having baseboards that make it an uneven surface between the top and bottom. —Nate Jacobs

BalanceForm Easy Walk Through Gate ($44.97)—Buy Now

SPIRICH Wire Safety Gate

This farmhouse-inspired gate is ideal if you want to keep your home's aesthetic flowing while baby-proofing! It comes in both black and white and offers multiple configurations. 

Amazon Review: Great product and NO assembly required! I would buy this again for sure. This gate is a little more expensive than some I looked at but TOTALLY worth the money. Great quality and no assembly required. The only thing we needed to do was screw in the latches. LOVE LOVE the gate! —Manley

SPIRICH Wire Safety Gate ($112.95)—Buy Now

Summer West End Safety Baby Gate

Honey oak stained wood and a slate metal frame is designed for extra-wide spaces. Gate door features an auto-close that gently closes the gate door behind you and a hold-open feature that keeps the door open, integrated handle and built in door stoppers.

Amazon Review: Purchased as baby gate to block our 14mo. old toddler from a 40"+ opening to our kitchen. Arrived on time, included extensions for wider openings, options for screw or tension mounting, metal/ wood esthetic is perfect for our contemporary style town home. Installation is easy, metal is heavy and sturdy. wood swinging door is lightweight, plastic accessory & mechanism for closure is not as secure compared to the safety 1st gate we also use. Tension has to be adjusted perfectly to operate smoothly & many attempts were made until successful. it feels over time it the plastic closure may fail, so it's almost perfect. the gate is essential for us now and even with those concerns we're satisfied with the product and have no regrets. —Mars

Summer West End Safety Baby Gate ($75.99)—Buy Now

Toddleroo 6-Panel Baby Gate

Whether a free-standing play yard or an extra-long baby gate, this barrier gate is ultra-durable and can expand thanks to the separately sold extra panels.

Amazon Review: I’ve purchased 2 of these and they are amazing. I love how you can hook it to a wall. Perfect for my 1 year old to keep him out of certain rooms and he can’t get his fingers caught or smashed in the gate itself. —C

Toddleroo 6-Panel Baby Gate ($87.99)—Buy Now

The Stair Barrier Banister Safety Gate

This one is great for travel, even if it's just from staircase to staircase. The fabric fits banister-to-banister, so it can be adjusted. Plus, fabric is super tricky for little feet to climb!

Amazon Reviews: Read a few reviews about it sagging. But I went ahead and purchased because the solid gates were not going to work. The cost was $$$ more than I wanted to pay, but I don’t regret it. This barrier adds in flexibility and provides the block needed to stop my 14 month old from climbing the stairs. The three straps work great with my stairs layout. The inserts keep the barrier upright and work great. Add in the fact you can roll it up when not needed is great. Also my Boston Terrier can spring over it to get upstairs as needed. (Trying to stop the baby not the dog). It works great! —Gwendo

The Stair Barrier Banister Safety Gate ($179.99)—Buy Now

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 Amazon.

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21 Everyday Victories New Parents Should Celebrate

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

Celebrate these new parent milestones with a few laughs (and maybe a box of tissues on hand)

The big baby milestones—first word! first steps! first smile!—are amazing and worth the wait. But they’re just one-half of the milestones new parents can all relate to. In fact, there’s a lot more for new parents to celebrate. As far as we’re concerned, new parent firsts deserve some recognition too. Not only are they a good reminder that you’re not in this alone, they also help us see how far we’ve all come. Appreciating small parenting wins and everyday victories like these will give you a much-needed boost in energy and confidence.

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1. You left your home in clean clothes and even styled your hair. No spit-up, pajama pants, or messy mom bun about it. Nothing but the dark circles under your eyes to give away how you usually look post-baby.

2. “Thanks, but I’ll handle this my way.” You can practically hear the applause in your head when you shut down someone giving you unsolicited advice about your baby. Sorry, mother-in-law or nosy stranger on the street, but this mom knows what she's doing.

3. The first time you figure out how to fasten your baby carrier and place your child securely inside it, you feel like you can handle anything parenting throws at you.

4. You see a new mom struggling with getting her stroller through a door or with fresh spit-up on her shirt, and you step in and know exactly how to help. Her grateful “thank you” reminds you that you’re in an amazing community of new parents who are looking out for one another.

5. That first glass of wine. Or sushi. Or soft cheese. All those things you gave up when you were pregnant and couldn’t wait to welcome back into your life.

6. Your child slept through the night! Sure, you woke up repeatedly to make sure they were breathing and worried something was wrong (and if you’re breastfeeding, your boobs are rock-hard), but you slept! You look and feel like a million bucks thanks to that sweet, uninterrupted rest.

7. Your first mom friend is a game-changer. With babies the same age, you have a ton to talk about, and you’re so excited to have someone to text with at 5 a.m. when nobody else is up.

Related: Advice to New Moms from Moms Who Have Been There

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8. When your child makes a face or a noise and you’re on it. You know exactly whether your baby is tired, hungry, cold, or needs a diaper change. Any parent who has held up a crying baby and wailed “What do you want?” knows exactly how big this victory is.

9. That first baby giggle is the best sound in the world. After months of making silly faces and noises to a somber newborn audience, getting definitive proof that your baby thinks you’re funny is a total ego boost. You'll spend the next few days trying to get more laughs.

10. Having an uninterrupted talk, by phone, FaceTime, or in person, with a good friend. Consider it a bonus victory if you talked about something other than your baby.

11. You’ve found a daily routine that works for you and, more importantly, for your little one. After weeks of winging it with a newborn, a schedule means you can plan when you’ll be able to shower and drink a hot coffee each day, and that is gold.

12. You transferred your sleeping baby from the car seat to the crib without waking them up. And then you nearly woke them up by doing a victory dance next to their crib.

13. Your first date night. Even if that date is just picking up takeout and heading home, you and your partner have left the baby and your home and spent time together again. You’ve missed that time. So do yourselves a favor and talk about something other than the baby while you’re out. And no sharing baby pics either.

14. The first time you change a diaper or breastfeed away from home can be nerve-racking. You’ve dreaded it, you’ve avoided it, but when the time comes, you and your baby get through it like champs. Here’s to getting more comfortable going out with your baby!

15. You’re shopping at a place with designated new-parent parking spots, and there’s an open space. Step aside for this new parent VIP!

Related: 21 Things You'll Think as a New Mom

mom, dad, child and dog smiling with balloons first birthday party venue
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16. You wake up on your own. No baby alarm clock. No actual alarm clock either. Just you blissfully opening your eyes when you’re ready to wake up. And that’s what it feels like to be refreshed and ready to face the day. You'd forgotten that feeling, right?

17. You show up on time to an appointment, a playdate, a visit with your family. Not on “parent time,” but actually on time. It’s a miracle. Enjoy it because who knows when that will happen again.

18. Your first time going someplace without the baby. Why do you feel so much lighter? Oh right, because you’re just carrying your wallet, keys, and phone, not a million things your baby might need.

19. When another parent asks you for advice, it can make you feel like an MVP. Whether they’re wondering about your favorite stroller or how you settle your baby down for a nap so quickly, giving another parent advice is a total confidence booster.

20. That first monster blowout is a rite of passage for new parents. Everybody has a horror story, and they’re all equally gross and hilarious. We'll spare you any more details.

21. When you’re cuddling with your baby and hear a contented sigh. That’s your baby, and nobody else in the world can comfort them like you can. Yes, the days are long and the years are short, but these moments are magic.

Related: Hang in There: 25 Things New Moms Need to Hear

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Level Up: Baby Hacks to Simplify Life for New Parents

by Jamie Davis Smith

Tiny babies mean big changes to your life and daily routine. Even if you have all the apps, organizational tools and advice from other parents on getting through the day, it’s still a lot. While there is no magic fix for getting everything done every single day, these baby hacks work well to simplify your life. Read on to learn some new tricks of the parent trade and find a few that will work for you.

grandma, mom and daughter laughing in the kitchen with food - baby hacks
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1. Meal Plan & Prep
It's a reality of life that we all need to eat three times a day, everyday. Once a baby starts eating solids, there are even more mouths to feed! Taking some time every week to plan out meals means that during the week you don't need to give a second thought to what's for dinner. Even better, if you can find an hour or two over the weekend to prep, dice and slice, then cooking during the week will make weeknights run much more smoothly.

2. Outsource
Identifying where you can outsource (and what's in your budget) can change your life. Think about which household tasks you dislike the most or that you have the hardest time fitting in. For some families, sending their laundry out to be washed and folded is a lifesaver. Other parents rely on cleaning services or meal prep subscriptions to keep their household running smoothly and give them more time with family. Even smaller steps towards outsourcing, such as having groceries delivered, can make a big difference. 

3. Have a Shared Schedule
Once a baby enters the picture, it's vital for all caregivers to share their schedules. This is key to ensuring that schedule conflicts are kept to a minimum. Using a calendar that can be synched across computers and phones, such as Google Calendar, is a great option you can access from almost anywhere. Even better, color-code events so it's easy to tell at a glance what is a family obligation, what is a work event and so on.

4. Touch Things Once
It's tempting to take something that's in your way and simply move it to the closest open spot. However, you will save yourself a lot of time and hassle if you commit to touching things just once. In practice, this means that once you have your hands on something that needs to be put away, you take a few extra seconds to put it back where it belongs, instead of stacking it on the table or an existing pile. This not only saves time but greatly simplifies life because you will always know where to find what you need. 

child taking laundry from the dryer - baby hacks
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5. Double Duty
Look for places in your day where you can double up on duties, or delegate them to older kids. Some parents find that time spent watching TV after the kids go to sleep is a great time to fold laundry. Others use time spent on the phone to go for a walk to get some exercise or straighten up. Everyone needs some downtime, but looking for opportunities to multi-task can really make your day go more smoothly.

6. Daily Tasks
Some families swear that the key to making their household run smoothly is doing some tasks daily. You may find that running the dishwasher and putting on a load of laundry everyday helps you stay on top of chores and save time in the long run.

7. Make a Schedule
Having a set schedule to get things done can be a lifesaver. If bills piling up are stressful, set aside an hour one night a month to pay bills. If you constantly have a long list of phone calls to make, pick one day a week to go through your list. Just having time set aside to take care of all of the little things that add up can do wonders for reducing stress and simplifying life. 

8. Book Time for Yourself
If you find you are putting yourself last, as most new moms do, make sure you set aside some time for yourself to do something you enjoy. That could be reading a book, going to brunch with your bestie or going for a run every weekend. Put this on your calendar, tell your partner, and treat it a non-negotiable obligation. Some time away from the daily grind, even if it's just an hour at a time, can help you face everything else you need to do with more patience and grace. 

9. Simplify Shopping
Shopping for items in bulk is one of the best baby hacks. As long as you have some storage space, stocking up on items like paper towels, diapers and canned beans that can last for years can save hours every year. It can also ensure you're not unexpectedly caught without something essential. Once you're stocked up, limit grocery shopping to once a week for fresh items only. This not only cuts back on number of times you need to shop, but it makes those trips much shorter.  

hands holding red old-fashioned alarm clock with blue background - baby hacks
Malvestida via Unsplash

10. Set a Timer
There is no magic number of books or toys your child needs. However, there probably is a limit to the number of minutes you are willing to spend cleaning up every day. Whether you can devote 10 minutes or 30 to tidying up daily, leave out only the items that can be put away within your limits. Put everything else in storage to rotate in when your little one needs something new to hold their attention. Another awesome timer trick is to set aside time every day to do a few chores and straighten up. For example, taking 15 minutes before sitting down for dinner to put things away can really make a difference in your day.

11. Mark It Up
New parents spend a lot of time getting up at all hours of the night. While you're trapped under a fussy or nursing baby, your mind may drift to thinking thinking about what belongs on your to-do list. Keep a dry erase marker by your bathroom sink. Whenever you remember something important that needs to get done, write it on your mirror so you don't forget. After you add these items to your calendar, just wipe the mirror clean and you are ready for a fresh start.

12. Ditch the Decor
It may be tempting to keep pretty decor on display. However, after having kids there are some new considerations beyond aesthetics. Anything fragile within grabbing reach of little ones need to go for safety peace of mind. Even those out of the danger zone present an extra challenge: They take up space and collect dust. Before deciding what to keep and what to ditch, ask yourself if it's worth dusting or giving up storage space to. If the answer is no, donate it. 

13. Use a Command Center
Whether it's virtual or tangible, having a command center where you can leave notes for your partner, a babysitter and even yourself is an essential part of simplifying family life. There are some fantastic hi-tech and low-tech options for keeping essential information accessible. 

RELATED STORIES:
19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have
14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf
Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love

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There’s a New Wordle Game Just for Food Words and Yes, Please

by Julie Scagell

If you love the online quiz game Wordle and fancy yourself a home chef (or you just plain love food), there’s a new game in town that’s a must-add to your daily routine. “Phoodle,” a word game with the same rules as the OG but using only food-related words, just launched, and it already has a fan in Martha Stewart.

Stewart posted an Instagram (breaking the cardinal rule of sharing the actual answer, but we forgive her), showing fans the new game and asking them to give it try themselves. “If you want a new word game to play, and who does not!, try https://www.phoodle.net,” she wrote. “Live today. lots of fun especially if you love food!!!!!!”

Cookbook author and art dealer Julie Loria came up with the latest Wordle spin-off, which launched this week, and offers daily games with six guesses each. It seems like a fairly easy guessing game narrowed down by a specific category, but after trying it, let’s just say it’s more challenging than you’d think.

“I am delighted to launch PHOODLE, a new online daily word game for food lovers,” Loria said on Instagram. “Test your culinary expertise by guessing a food-related term, from ingredients to appliances to famous chefs and more!”

There have been other successful Wordle-inspired games that have popped up since Josh Wardle’s Wordle made its debut last October, including Quordle, Lewdle, Dordle, Worldle, Heardle, and Moviedle. It seems like overkill, but when you think about how insanely popular the original became in such a short period of time, it makes sense. Having a game that everyone plays “together” with the same new word every day unites us in a fun, light-hearted way (that not much else has in recent memory).

In February, The New York Times bought the original, free game, which left fans worried it would soon be, well, not so free anymore. So far, they’ve kept it that way, and we’re all better for it.

As for Phoodle, those users who happen to guess the correct five-letter word related to food, cooking, or chefs will also walk away with a fun fact or recipe. Sounds like a good time to us. Check it out at Phoodle.net.

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5 Tips for Raising Independent Kids

by Amber Guetebier
Partner Content

When they’re babies you do everything for them, but that stage doesn’t last forever. Before you know it, your toddler is shouting, “I do it self!” Raising independent kids who can accept personal responsibility means future adults that do the same. But how do we manage our expectations of our kids in an age-appropriate way and balance that with our instincts to make sure everything is okay? Here are five parent-friendly tips for helping teach kids independence.  

1. Make Expectations Clear (and Visual!)

Whether your child is four or fourteen, a visual reminder of daily routines and schedules will work as a prompt. With younger kids, rewards are frequently part of establishing a routine but even as kids get older, a to-do list will give them a sense of control. Whether it’s a simple whiteboard with weekly tasks or a rainbow sticker covered chore chart, find something that fits your family and your child’s personality. 

2. Keep Supplies Handy

Help kids help themselves by making sure the things they need to achieve their tasks are within easy reach. Put healthy snacks in a bin in the pantry they can reach themselves when they are hungry. Make sure things like toothpaste, face wash, washcloths, contact lens solution and hairbrushes are all somewhere easy to grab (and replenish) when they need it. 

3. Make It Achievable & Age-Appropriate

Giving a toddler a basket of laundry to fold is not going to help anyone (although it does keep them occupied for a while!). So, make sure your child’s daily to-dos are age-appropriate. By asking them to do things that are manageable, they will quickly gain a sense of accomplishment and independence. 

For example, children who are 5 or 6 can do things like get the mail, feed the pets and set the table. Most kids after age 3 or 4 can perform basic hygiene rituals, like brushing their teeth and washing their face, without the aid of a grown-up. 

If your child starts to wear contact lenses they can learn to both insert and remove the lenses themselves. This may seem tricky at first because they are literally putting something in their eye, but with practice, they’ll have the hang of it in no time, and they’ll be proud of themselves to boot! In fact, 9 of 10 children as young as 8 years old are able to insert and remove their lenses on their own.¹  If your age-appropriate child wears contact lenses, make it easier on your kids by giving them daily-wear lenses, like MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses, that can be used just once and then disposed of, saving them the additional steps of cleaning and soaking the lenses. 

4. Be Patient

We’ve all been in that situation where you’re running late and it takes about ten million minutes for your kid to tie their shoe. While your instinct is to just do it for them and get going, try to build your daily schedule with time to allow them to do these things themself. If you know they take extra time to tie their shoes, wake them up 10 minutes early, or better yet tell them it’s 10 minutes later than it really is. Whether it's contact lenses, remembering their lunch or clearing their plate, gentle reminders are different than taking over. Parents and caregivers are human, and we’re not going to be patient all the time, but the more you allow your child to take care of things themself, the more independent and confident they will become.

5. Let the Small Stuff Go 

From mismatched outfits to messy hair to the crooked little way they made their bed, try to think of the bigger picture before you take over. If every time your kid makes their bed you send the signal that they didn’t do a good enough job, they will feel like they can’t do it. If instead, every time they make their bed, no matter how wrinkly or crooked, you can look at it with gratitude that you didn’t have to do it for them, they will feel like they are doing it right. 

As parents, the more we can embrace the imperfections and not let the many, many, messy moments bother us, the more our children will gain independence. And if you need it to be neater, do it when they aren’t looking. 

—Amber Guetebier

 

RELATED STORIES 

Our Guide to the Best Chores for Every Age & Stage 

14 Routine & Chore Charts for Kids 

The Secret to Getting Your Kids to Do Their Chores—Without Asking

 

Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.

¹ By 1 month. As reported by parents. REF: CVI data on file 2018. MiSight 1 day 3-year study report.

 

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Genius At-Home Workouts & Fitness Tips for Busy Parents

by Melissa Heckscher

Getting to a gym isn’t exactly easy for busy parents, but the good news is that it’s easy to break a sweat at home. Whether you want to lunge your way through laundry duty or do Zumba between Zoom calls, there’s always a time and place for exercise (Hello, life hacks!). We’ve got all the best at-home workouts and fitness tips below.

Take Advantage of Free At-Home Workouts

mom doing at-home workouts
Peloton

You don't need a gym to get a great, instructor-led workout. Big-name companies like Planet Fitness and Nike and smaller gyms (try your local faves) offer free at-home workouts online. Here are a few good ones to try:

Peloton Family Fitness Classes: 10 episodes of free family-friendly programming—from meditation to cardio. Classes are appropriate for ages 5-15, and you don't have to have a Peloton bike or treadmill to participate in. Read more about it here. Peloton is also offering a free 90-day trial of its complete workout app (which is normally $13 a month), which has classes such as yoga, strength, meditation, cardio and Bootcamp, as well as the traditional indoor cycling classes.  

Planet Fitness Live Stream Fitness "Work-Ins": Live streamed workout classes taught by Planet Fitness and celebrity guest trainers. Streams run every day at 7 p.m. ET. Find out more at Planetfitness.com.

Nike Training Club: Free 15, 30 and 45-minute workouts designed by Nike trainers. The training session uses simple GIFs to demonstrate each exercise, and the app has everything from bodyweight-only sessions and yoga to targeted training programs. Find out more at Nike.com

305 Fitness: If you're looking for a good dance or Zumba workout, this dance cardio studio is offering free 10- to 45-minute classes on its YouTube page.  

Use Your Alexa for At-Home Workouts

Amazon Echo with Alexa
Amazon

What, you didn't know that besides playing music and offering endless entertainment for your kids, Alexa can also make a pretty good partner during at-home workouts? Try one of these Alexa-enabled skills to break a sweat at home: 

Seven-Minute Workout - Just say, "Alexa, play the 7-Minute Workout" and you'll get a full-body workout in less than the time it takes for your kids to get dressed in the morning. 

Five-Minute Workout - Seven minutes too much for you? How about five? This quickie makes for a good "get moving" push when you or your kids have been sitting for too long.  Say, "Alexa: Enable Five Minute Workout." 

Five-Minute Plank Workout - Even with varied types of planks offered in this Alexa skill, five minutes will feel like a long time. But it's worth it! Just say, "Alexa: Enable Plank Workout." 

Fitness 30 - You pick what time of workout you want (chest, cardio, abs or yoga) and then Alexa will call out a workout move for you to do while she counts down 25 seconds. Then you get a five-second rest before starting with a different move. Your workouts can be as long or short as you want them (with a 30-second minimum, of course). Just say "Alexa: Enable Fitness 30." 

Easy Yoga - You don't have to be a practiced yogi to master some of the moves Alexa will throw at you in this 15-20 minute routine. Just choose between a morning, evening or energizing routine and Alexa will guide you through it. Just say: "Alexa: Enable Easy Yoga." 

Six-Minute Full Body Stretch - Keep your joints limber with this quick and easy stretching tutorial. Alexa will guide you through stretching out six body groups and help you hold the stretch for the required amount of time. Say, "Alexa: Enable Six-Minute Full Body Stretch."

Squeeze Exercises Into Daily Chores

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Don't have time to plank, squat and jump your way through a 45-minute at-home workout video? No problem! You can get that same 45 minutes of exercise throughout the day by planking, squatting and jumping at unexpected times. For instance:

  • Do planks while cleaning the house. If you do them on the floor, it may just motivate you to sweep, vacuum or mop more often!
  • Get in a few leg lifts and or calf raises throughout your day when you’re standing at your desk, brushing your teeth or making the kids' lunch. We know you’re no stranger to multi-tasking.
  • Do lunges or wall sits while you brush your teeth
  • Every time you go to the bathroom or wash your hands, use the sink to do 10 pushups
  • While watching TV, do backward push ups against the couch. 
  • Make your Netflix binge a game. Every time your favorite character's name is said aloud, do 10 jumping jacks or sit-ups. 
  • Do leg kicks or crunches during commercial breaks when you watch TV.
  • Move your computer to a standing desk (or counter) and do leg lifts while you work, scroll or send e-mails. 

Make Dance Parties Part of Your At-Home Workouts

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What kid doesn't like to dance? Grab your tiny dance partner and get your groove on. Studies show dancing melts away stress—and it's a great at-home workout. Win-win!

Play!

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There's a reason kids don't get tired of playing—because it's fun! So make like a kid and play! And, if you want to know the nitty-gritty rewards of a good play session, here's how many calories the average person can burn just having fun with the littles:

  • Marco Polo in the pool - 200 calories
  • Playground Games - 186 calories (hopscotch, 4-square, t-ball, etc.)
  • Casual Soccer Game - 204 calories
  • Jumping Rope - 238 calories
  • Roller Blading - 374 calories
  • Touch Football - 298 calories
  • Badminton - 167 calories
  • Frisbee - 112 calories
  • Sledding - 260 calories
  • Basketball - 298 calories
  • Hula Hooping - 165 calories

*Sources: InterMountain Health, Harvard Medical Center, Livestrong.com

Put Weight On During Your At-Home Workouts

iStock

Wear wrist or ankle weights as you go about your daily routine and cleaning (you can get them on Amazon for less than $20). Don't want to buy weights? Studies show just carrying your baby—in a sling or carrier—while you're walking helps you burn about double the calories as from walking alone. 

Get Gardening

NeONBRAND on Unsplash

If you’ve got weeds to pull—instead of bending over, use this as an opportunity to do squats. You can do the same when picking up toys. Feel the burn. According to Harvard University researchers, gardening and weeding burn up to 400 calories per hour! But that's not all: Digging, planting, mowing the lawn and raking are all workouts, too, burning at least 120 calories for a 30-minute session. 

Clean the House

Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

OK, so this one's no fun, but did you know deep-cleaning has some serious calorie-burning benefits? According to this chart published by Harvard Medical Center, heavy cleaning—including washing your car—burns up to 400 calories per hour. Think about that the next time you're peeved to pick up the toys for the fifteenth time in a day. 

Organize a "Get Moving" Afternoon

Allen Taylor via Unsplash

Write out different physical challenges on flashcards (think: crab walk, jumping jacks, downward dog) and have the whole family participate. Need some get-moving ideas the kids will love? Here are a few suggestions. 

Use Your Baby's Weight—Literally!

Thiago Cerqueira on Unsplash

Need an excellent upper body workout? If you've got a kid under the age of two, just lift her high up into the air 10 times, and you're sure to feel the burn. Better yet, throw her into the air and catch her (carefully, please!). With guaranteed orders of "more! more!" toddlers actually make pretty good trainers. 

Got a super-little one? Besides the simple act of carrying your bundle of joy around all day long, baby mamas can also get a whole-body workout with these fun mom & baby workout routines. 

—Taylor Clifton & Melissa Heckscher

 

 

RELATED STORIES:

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10 Workouts New Moms Can Do at Home

24 of the Best At-Home Workout Programs

12 Free Online Workouts for New Moms 

 

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15 Vocabulary-Building Board Books

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

When my daughter was a baby, I’d watch her gnaw on books while we read them and wondered if she was getting anything out of our story time. But then she became a toddler, and it all clicked.

She started bringing me books to read. She’d make connections (“A as in alligator!”), talk about the characters like they were her friends and bust out words I was shocked she knew. And she’d say the word that brings both joy and terror to a parent during reading time: “Again!”

It’s never too late to make reading to your child part of your daily routine, and it’s always worth your time. Kids love quiet time cuddled up with you, and books introduce them to new words and worlds they might not be exposed to otherwise.

If your toddler doesn’t want to sit still, read as part of the bedtime routine. Let them turn the pages to keep them engaged in the story. Or read aloud as your child plays or runs around near you. They’re listening, and you may find them walking over to check out the action as you read. Ask questions: “What do you see? What do you think he does next?” That’s all it takes to make the magic happen.

These are my favorite board books for building a child’s imagination, language skills and listening ability.

Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli

$14 BUY NOW

This book teaches the alphabet in a fun way, with thick-cut pages of each letter followed by a drawing of something that starts with that letter. When your child looks at each letter, like K, they'll see a hint of the picture on the next page (in this case, a kite's tail) to help them guess the letter and the picture.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

$5 BUY NOW

The letters of the alphabet go on quite the adventure in this book that brings the ABCs to life. Rhyming text and a steady rhythm keep kids engaged with the story and help them remember the letters.

Alphabet Street by Jonathan Emmett

$18 BUY NOW

Explore the alphabet with rhyming text, sweet illustrations of animals and flaps to lift. Then fold out the book to reveal a street with lots of shops to explore for imaginative play. This book will keep your child occupied for hours.

A to Z by Sandra Boynton

$6 BUY NOW

Cute animal illustrations, alliterative text and silly situations ("Dinosaur dancing," "gophers grinning") help your child learn their letters (and lots of verbs!) in this board book. The simple text and illustrations make the alphabet memorable.

F Is for Fairytale by Greg Paprocki (Artist)

$10 BUY NOW

You can't go wrong with any of the Babylit alphabet primers, but we especially love this one, which references familiar fairy tales that older kids will love to guess. Greg Paprocki's retro drawings are a hit with adults and kids alike, and the books come in various themes, from favorite activities (Z Is for Zoo, C Is for Camping) to holidays (E Is for Easter, D Is for Dreidel, R Is for Ramadan).

How Are You Feeling? by Mudpuppy

$12 BUY NOW

Build emotional literacy with this lift-the-flap board book and turn a screeching threenager into one who can clearly explain why they're upset. It also builds empathy and understanding with open-ended questions like, "How can you help someone who feels worried?"

The Happy Little Yellow Box: A Pop-Up Book of Opposites by David A. Carter

$13 BUY NOW

A little yellow box with a big smile shows the difference between open and closed, near and far and other opposites in this pop-up book. A helicopter jumps off the page to convey high and low, and there are tabs to pull and surprises hidden inside the box.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle

$5 BUY NOW

Repetitive text and simple illustrations teach colors and animal names in this classic story. Once your child is familiar with it, ask them to identify what they see on each page before you read it out loud.

That's Not My Monster by Fiona Watt

$13 BUY NOW

The series of "That's Not My" books uses touch-and-feel textures and colorful drawings to teach language awareness, particularly of adjectives. "That's not my monster. Its horns are too rough." Bonus: There's a mouse on each page for your child to find, keeping them engaged with the action.

Where Is Baby's Belly Button? by Karen Katz

$5 BUY NOW

Kids identify body parts and common household objects with this lift-the-flap book illustrated with children of various races. It's an interactive game of peekaboo as your child lifts flaps to find baby's mouth, eyes and hands.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

$13 BUY NOW

Put your child in the driver's seat in this tale of a persistent pigeon begging to drive a bus. Your child will love telling Pigeon "No!" while learning lots of words in the process. This one is funny enough you won't mind being asked to read it again and again.

Heads by Matthew Van Fleet

$17 BUY NOW

This one is for the animal lovers (that's basically all toddlers, right?). In this interactive tale, kids learn about animals' traits as they pull tabs to wiggle an elephant's ears and see inside a platypus egg. There are textures to feel and funny rhyming text to help your child identify beaks, bills and pointy horns.

Press Here by Herve Tullet

$8 BUY NOW

Kids learn best when they're engaged. In this book, they become part of the story. Your child is asked to touch and shake the book, making amazing things happen: The dots on the page multiply, grow bigger and change colors.

Best bedtime books goodnight moon

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

$5 BUY NOW

There's some kind of magic in the simple scenes and descriptive, repetitive text of Goodnight Moon. It not only lulls kids to sleep, it teaches them common words, colors and animal names. Bonus activity: At bedtime, ask your child to say goodnight to items in the nursery, teaching them familiar words in their world.

toddler books the pout pout fish

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

$5 BUY NOW

If your child is ready for more sophisticated words, it's time to meet the Pout-Pout Fish. In this funny story, a sad little fish gets a lesson on perspective and learns to turn his frown upside-down thanks to some smart friends.

RELATED STORIES: 

Baby & Toddler Books That Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

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All the Baby & Toddler Books You Need in Your Library

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The Ultimate Jet Lag Survival Guide for Parents

by Felissa Allard

Traveling is hard. Traveling with young children is even harder. Now add changing timezones into the mix, and jet lag has the potential to completely ruin a vacation. Before hitting cancel on those travel plans, there are certain assurances you can put in place to make traveling with kids a smoother ride. Keep reading to discover a few tips and cures for jet lag.

Tina Franklin via Flickr

What Exactly Is Jet Lag?

So you're changing timezones. Why can't your brain just get the rest of your body on the right schedule? It's not that simple. "Jetlag throws us off both physically and emotionally," shares sleep expert and author of The Compassionate Sleep Solution, Eileen Henry, "Children are like tuning forks to the emotional state of the grownups in charge. When we are in this compromised state, it is difficult to be a strong emotional anchor for our little ones."

Jet lag can leave adults feeling anxious, stressed and cranky. Not the best state of mind for parenting. Additionally, getting sleep as a parent is tough enough. Add in jet lag, and parents are likely to be nearing exhaustion and their breaking point. For some already anxious parents, worrying about the unknown and everything that can or may go wrong, can spike their anxiety.

Pixaby

How to Combat Jet Lag

All it takes is a little planning—both before and during a trip—and surviving jet lag is possible.

Make a Plan

A mom using airplane hacks while traveling with a toddler
Paul Hanaoka via Unsplash

Before setting out, put a plan in place. "On a long flight, go in with a plan—and do your best to stick to it," says Molly Fergus, Vice President and General Manager of TripSavvy.

"To start, consider booking your travel during the daytime if you can, planning to land in the afternoon or evening time if you’re flying," says Erin Leichman, Ph.D., NCSP, "All babies and young children are different, but this might help your little one to adjust to something like a new time zone." Make sure to arrive early for your train, plane or whatever your mode of travel. Getting there on time, prepared, and ready to go, is the first start to a calmer trip. Think the opposite of Home Alone's running through the airport to catch a last-minute flight.

And while you might handle jet lag just fine, children usually have a harder time adjusting. Make a list of your child's daily routine, and consider how it might be interrupted. Start getting your child prepared for the changes by making some small changes at home.

"Avoid jet lag in the first place by shifting your children's schedule in the new place to line up with home," shares Devon Clement is a postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and baby sleep coach, "For example, a 7 p.m. bedtime in California is 10 p.m. in NYC—just keep them up late, and let them sleep in! Even if you split the difference, you'll have an easier time getting home than if you tried to do 7 p.m. in your new time zone."

Finally, the night before, make sure everyone in the family is packed and gets a good night's sleep. This will help ensure a smoother morning/day of travel. 

On the Journey

Kate Loweth

Besides arriving early, here's one for the parents: As tempting as it might be, do not over caffeinate! "Just be tired and try to go to sleep at a normal time," says Devon Clement, "Caffeine can make sleep elusive even if you're completely exhausted, and it becomes a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation."

Make sure to have protein-packed snacks on hand for both you and your child. Staying well-fed and hydrated is important for keeping blood sugar level and energy up. Be prepared for possible temper tantrums and have distractions on hand just in case. Here are our top things every parent should have in a carry-on bag and the best hacks for flying with kids.

Once You Arrive

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Scope out the sleeping situation. Try and keep your child's sleeping area as similar to the home as possible. "Once you arrive, keep as many routines and schedules, such as sleep times and mealtimes, as consistent as you can," says Dr. Leichman, "This can help your child (and you!) get the best sleep possible. Do the same bedtime routine steps and consider bringing your child’s favorite toy, blanket or bedtime book." Sometimes it helps to bring along a white noise machine in case the hotel or sleeping accommodations are louder than at home. There's a good chance sleep will be a little off, but keeping everything as comfortable as possible will help your child acclimate more easily.

The above also applies to the return home. "The good news is that young children love routine," says Dr. Leichman, "Do your best to get right back into your normal schedules as soon as you can. Think about your child’s bedtime routine and be sure to read your little one her favorite story, or sing a soothing song that is normally in her routine."

 

 

 

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Show Support for these DC Black-Owned Businesses for Kids & Families

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

It’s Black History Month, and while it’s a great reminder to celebrate Black lives and their historical contributions during the month of Feb., here at Tinybeans we aim to acknowledge and celebrate Black contributions daily. One of the ways to do that directly is by supporting Black-owned businesses. Here are just a few of the many wonderful Black-owned businesses in the DMV you can support now (and always) by shopping their family-friendly products and services.

In the City

Mahogany Books

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Mahogany Books started in 2007 as an online bookstore specializing in books written for, by, or about people of the African diaspora. In 2017,  it opened its first physical location in Washington, DC. in Anacostia. Created by husband and wife team, Derrick and Ramunda Young, they started it as a result for their love for culture, community and literature and their desire to see it empower others as it has empowered them. 

1231 Good Hope Rd. SE
Anacostia
202-844-2062
Online: https://www.mahoganybooks.com/

Lee's Flower Shop

Zoe Schaeffer via Unsplash

DC's oldest Black-owned flower shop has been arranging flowers since 1945 in the U St. Corridor. These florists specialize in modern and edgy arrangements, but the can make any floral vision come to life. In addition to flowers, they also sell chocolate and fruit gift baskets, plants and more. Insider tip: If you're looking to pick up your poesies in person, be sure to check out some must-see landmarks on U St. during Black History Month and every month. 1026 U St NW U St. Corridor Online: leesflowerandcard.com

The Sweet Lobby

Sweet Lobby

The Sweet Lobby, based on Capitol Hill's Barracks Row, is known for both its classic as well as its globally inspired flavor incarnations and specializes in French macarons, madeleines, éclairs, shortbread, canelés and more. Owner Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose brings her Cupcake Wars prowess and her love of science, travel and baking to create these delectable desserts.

404 8th Street SE
Capitol Hill
202-544-2404
Online: sweetlobby.com

 

Epic Everyday

African-American Girl on Colorful Bed
Epic Everyday

When a couple of DC Moms got tired of seeing only fair-skinned princesses and could not find many images portraying Black and Brown boys in positive ways they decided to do something about it.  The result is Epic Everyday, a collection of backpacks, t-shirts, towels and more featuring kids in a range of mocha-hued skin tones and hair types. The “epic” in Epic Everyday stands for Empowered, Positive, Innovative, and Creative. When it comes time for the kids to buy new a new backpack, lunch box, towels or sheets look local first!

Online:shopepiceveryday.com/

Ben's Chili Bowl

Wikipedia

Support this legendary landmark and you'll be treating yourself to a piece of history on a bun! Sink your teeth into the half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl and you will be savoring perhaps the only food native to DC. It’s half pork-half beef and topped with a heaping of chili sauce. A longtime local favorite, the U Street location has been around since the 1950s, and even counts celebrities as fans, including and Barack Obama. 

1213 U St NW
U St./Cardoza
202-667-0909
Online: benschilibowl.com

NuVegan Cafe

NuVegan Cafe via Yelp

Founded by Vernon Woodland, plant-based NuVegan offers soul-inspired comfort foods and has become a favorite staple with District vegans. Their juice bar churns out delicious smoothies, and who doesn’t love fried “chicken” and collard greens? Favorites like the Garvey burger, “chicken” drummies with homemade honey mustard, and vegan lasagna get cheers all round. These laid back locations have speedy service; the Columbia Heights location is spacious enough to accommodate families.

Insider tip: Check the website for additional locations in VA and MD. A new location in Baltimore just opened. 

2928 Georgia Ave.
Columbia Heights
202-232-1700

Black Burn Center
2397 6th St. NW
Howard University Campus

Online: ilovenuvegan.com

Virginia

Roaming Rooster

Justin B. via Yelp

Roaming Rooster provides quality comfort food that customers feel good about eating. Their biggest motivator is making people happy. Whether it's during lunch hour on one of their food trucks or at a private event, excellent customer service is a huge part of their daily routine. Roaming Rooster's recipes are sure to spark an appetite in every lover of fried chicken, just follow the white truck with a red rooster, or visit their food truck schedules to see exactly where you can taste what everyone's talking about.

3176 Bladensburg Rd NE
Woodridge
(202) 507-8734
Online: roamingroosterdc.com

 

Ididos Coffee and Social House

Ididos Coffee and Social House Website

Looking for a way to start your morning in Arlington?  Check out Ididos Coffee and Social House . The cafe offers a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as breakfast pastries, sandwiches, and salads. According to its website, its namesake comes from “the Gedeo area of Yirgacheffee, Ethiopia, a region that is known for producing clean bright washed coffees dominated by citrus flavor.”

1107 S. Walter Reed Dr.
Arlington, VA
703-253-1576
Online: ididossocialhouse.com

 

Puppet Heaven

Teaching Diversity Through Puppetry via Yelp

Puppet Heaven is a unique store that appeals to children and the young at heart. Owner Alban Odoulamy has been selling puppets and his artwork in Crystal City for decades. Alban hails from Benin, where he was formally trained in marionette puppetry and created set designs for children's television programs. The store is dedicated to keeping the art of puppeteering alive. You will find a variety of hand, finger, marionette, and shadow puppets from all over the world. 

1750 Crystal Dr.
Arlington, VA
703-414-7885
Online: facebook.com/Puppet-Heaven

Maryland

Strength To Love II

IStock

Strength 2 Love Farm II: This West Baltimore farm works to combat food deserts while also creating job opportunities. The vacant plot-turned-working farm primarily grows leafy greens, as well as okra, peppers, cucumbers, squash, radishes, beets, and flowers. They offer fresh, nutritious, great tasting produce at competitive prices to diverse retail, restaurant, institutional, and individual customers. For a list of regional Farmers Markets where you can pick up their produce, go here. 

2701 Saint Lo Dr.
Baltimore, MD
Online: farmalliancebaltimore.org

Ivy's Tea Co.

Ivy's Tea Co. Website

Not a coffee drinker, but still need a caffeinated kick in the morning? Ivy's Tea Co. is a MD based pop culture and Hip-Hop inspired holistic tea company. Owned and operated by first-generation herbalist  Shanae Jones, she aims to introduce African holistic health remedies into the holistic health industry. Her goal is to make the industry as inclusive and reflective and accepting of all cultures as Hip-Hop. 

Online: ivystea.com/collections/tea

Wilma's Batter

Wilma's Batter Website

Wilma’s Pancake and Waffle Batter was introduced to owner, Tamara Cole, by her grandmother, Wilma M. Hodge.  Wilma's passion was creating exquisite southern cuisine.  It was a true expression of her genuine love for her family and friends.  Throughout Tamara’s life, she spent many hours learning her grandmother’s cooking techniques and recipes.  While Wilma passed away in 2002, Tamara continues to practice and master several recipes (for family and friends) as a way of paying homage to her grandmother. Today, Tamara spreads her grandmother's joy of cooking at Bowie based, Wilma's Batter where she makes pancake batters in different flavors with all natural ingredients!

8309 Old Branch Ave.
Clinton, MD
240-528-0155
Online: wilmasbatter.com

 

Everlasting Life Restaurant

Robbin D. via Yelp

For almost 20 years, Baruch Ben-Yehudah has been serving up eclectic vegan soul food at Everlasting Life (ELife). It addition to dishing out healthy meals (Ben-Yehudah affectionally calls his establishment a hospirant (a hospital/restaurant) in honor of the restaurant's devotion to the communities nutritional needs), he also regularly donates massive amounts of free food to those in need.

Crowd favorites include two types of mac and cheese (cashew and soy), curried maple drumsticks, jerk “chicken,” and more. On weekends, brunch items tofu scramble, organic corn grits and whole wheat pancakes. If you or your tot is undecided, feel free to ask the friendly staff for samples. 

Insider tip: Check ELife's Facebook page for upcoming events. The restaurant hosts comedy nights, sip & paint parties and more. 

9185 Central Ave., Ste A
Capitol Heights, MD
301-324-6900
Online: facebook.com/ELifeRestaurant

—Meghan Yudes Meyers, Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Guiomar Ochoa

RELATED STORIES:

22 Black Heroes Our Kids Should Know By Name

21 Places to Visit to Understand Race in America

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